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

What should a therapist focus on when developing a safety plan for a client in an abusive relationship?

1. Educating on the cycle of violence

2. Collaborative safety planning based on current circumstances

3. Encouraging independence from the partner

4. Immediate separation from the abusive spouse

The correct answer is: Collaborative safety planning based on current circumstances

When developing a safety plan for a client in an abusive relationship, focusing on collaborative safety planning based on the client's current circumstances is crucial. This approach recognizes the unique dynamics and complexities of each situation, ensuring that the safety plan is tailored to the individual's specific needs, risks, and resources. Collaborative safety planning involves actively engaging the client in the process, which helps empower them and promotes a sense of agency. By discussing the current circumstances, the therapist can better identify potential threats and establish practical steps the client can take to enhance their safety, whether that involves identifying safe spaces, establishing emergency contacts, or planning for quick exits if necessary. This method also allows the patient to voice their concerns and preferences, which is essential for creating an effective and realistic safety plan. On the other hand, broader approaches like educating on the cycle of violence, encouraging independence, or advocating for immediate separation, while important in their own right, may not directly address the immediate concerns and fears that a client faces in their current situation. Therefore, the collaborative focus ensures that the safety plan aligns with the client’s immediate reality and emotional state.