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

In addressing a couple's difficulties with intimacy, what primary concern should the social worker focus on?

1. Exploring past relationships

2. Understanding the reasons for decreased interest

3. Discussing sexual fantasies

4. Examining the impact of external stressors

The correct answer is: Understanding the reasons for decreased interest

Focusing on the reasons for decreased interest in intimacy is essential because it gets to the root of the couple’s struggles. Understanding why one or both partners might be experiencing a lack of interest can reveal feelings, fears, or issues that need to be addressed to create a deeper emotional connection. This exploration can include various factors such as emotional disconnection, unresolved conflicts, personal insecurities, or changes in physical or mental health. Identifying these underlying issues allows the social worker to facilitate open communication between the partners, promote vulnerability, and work towards rebuilding intimacy in their relationship. While examining past relationships could provide context for current behaviors, it doesn’t necessarily address the present dynamics that are impacting intimacy. Discussing sexual fantasies has its place in therapy but may be premature if the fundamental issue is a lack of interest. Similarly, external stressors certainly play a role in relationships, but the primary concern here revolves around understanding and addressing the decreased interest in intimacy to create a path toward improvement.