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

What should a therapist do if a client has been exhibiting paranoid behavior?

1. Confront the client about their paranoia

2. Reassess treatment goals for paranoia

3. Monitor and record all paranoid episodes

4. Help the client develop coping strategies

The correct answer is: Help the client develop coping strategies

Helping the client develop coping strategies is a key approach when addressing paranoid behavior. This strategy is effective because it empowers the client, enabling them to manage their feelings of paranoia in a constructive manner. By teaching coping mechanisms, the therapist can assist the client in navigating their experiences, which may reduce anxiety and improve their overall functioning. This supportive approach fosters a therapeutic alliance, where the client feels understood and validated, rather than criticized or confronted over their paranoid thoughts. The other options may not be as effective in addressing the immediate needs of the client with paranoid behavior. Confronting a client about their paranoia might lead to increased defensiveness and distrust, potentially damaging the therapeutic relationship. Reassessing treatment goals could be important, but it would best follow after building a foundation of trust and developing coping strategies first. Monitoring and recording episodes of paranoia is more of an observational task and does not actively engage the client in improving their coping skills or emotional regulation. Therefore, focusing on coping strategies aligns better with therapeutic principles aimed at fostering client resilience.