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

What is the best approach for a therapist when a 42-year-old man presents symptoms of anxiety and difficulty making decisions?

1. Refer the client for psychiatric evaluation immediately

2. Help the client prioritize treatment objectives

3. Validate the client's feelings regarding anxiety

4. Encourage the client to list all their concerns

The correct answer is: Help the client prioritize treatment objectives

Helping the client prioritize treatment objectives is an effective approach when working with individuals experiencing anxiety and difficulty making decisions. This method allows the therapist to provide structure and direction in the therapeutic process, facilitating a clearer understanding of the issues at hand. By collaboratively identifying and prioritizing the client’s treatment goals, the therapist empowers the client to tackle their anxiety in manageable steps, which can significantly reduce feelings of overwhelm. Furthermore, prioritizing objectives helps the client focus on the most pressing concerns first, enabling them to develop confidence as they address each issue sequentially. This approach not only cultivates a sense of agency but also enhances the therapeutic relationship through collaboration and support, leading to better outcomes. While validating the client's feelings regarding anxiety is important for establishing rapport and ensuring the client feels understood, it does not provide concrete direction for addressing the anxiety. Encouraging the client to list all their concerns can be helpful, but without the structure of prioritization, it may result in a long, unmanageable list that could contribute to the client’s feelings of being overwhelmed. Referring for immediate psychiatric evaluation, while necessary in some cases, may not be warranted at the initial stages of therapy when the primary focus is on counseling techniques and helping the client navigate their anxiety through skill development and goal