Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Therapist Development Center Practice Exam

How should a therapist respond to a client demonstrating disruptive behavior in sessions?

1. Allow the behavior to continue as it may resolve itself

2. Address the behavior while simultaneously exploring emotions

3. Confront the client about their unprofessional conduct

4. Redirect with alternative, more appropriate topics

The correct answer is: Address the behavior while simultaneously exploring emotions

In situations where a client exhibits disruptive behavior during therapy, addressing the behavior while simultaneously exploring the underlying emotions is a crucial approach. This method allows the therapist to acknowledge the behavior as it occurs, which is essential for maintaining a therapeutic environment that feels safe and contained. By addressing the disruptive behavior directly, the therapist validates the client's experience and signals that such behaviors are important to discuss. This can provide insight into what is happening for the client internally at that moment, which may be linked to emotions such as anxiety, frustration, or fear. By creating a space to explore these feelings alongside the behavior itself, the therapist helps to foster self-awareness and emotional processing, which are key components of effective therapy. Furthermore, this approach maintains the therapeutic alliance, demonstrating that the therapist is engaged and attentive to the client's needs while also setting boundaries around acceptable behavior. It encourages an open dialogue about feelings and behaviors, allowing for a richer understanding of the client’s experience and providing a pathway for growth and change moving forward. This is more effective than simply allowing disruptive behavior to continue, confronting the client in a negative way, or redirecting without addressing the emotions at play.