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

What approach should a therapist take when a couple's session reveals one partner's fear of being alone with the other?

1. Discuss confidentiality concerns related to the session

2. Validate the partner's feelings while discussing the "No Secrets Policy"

3. Encourage one-on-one therapy for each partner

4. Suggest a break from therapy until trust is established

The correct answer is: Validate the partner's feelings while discussing the "No Secrets Policy"

Validating the partner's feelings while discussing the "No Secrets Policy" is essential in this scenario because it addresses both the emotional experience of the partner expressing fear and the therapeutic framework guiding the session. By validating feelings, the therapist fosters a sense of safety and understanding, which is crucial for effective communication and support within the couple's dynamic. The "No Secrets Policy" serves as a guideline that promotes openness and transparency in therapy, ensuring that both partners feel equally secure and valued in the therapeutic space. When one partner fears being alone with the other, it can create power imbalances and distrust; discussing this policy helps to clarify that the therapist's role is to support both partners and that anything shared cannot be kept secret from the other, which encourages accountability and honesty. This approach not only helps in validating concerns but also aims to facilitate a collaborative therapeutic environment in which both partners can express their needs and fears without jeopardizing their relationship or the therapeutic process.