Clinical Practice SWES Practice Exam

A client who is very self-critical will benefit most from which type of statement from a social worker?

1. "Have you noticed how upset you get whenever anyone criticizes you?"

2. "You hold high standards for yourself, don’t you?"

3. "It seems your self-criticism is based on things you have done in the past."

4. "I think you are harder on yourself than anyone else would be."

The correct answer is: "You hold high standards for yourself, don’t you?"

The statement that acknowledges the client's high standards serves to validate their feelings and experiences. By recognizing that the client holds high expectations for themselves, the social worker affirms the client’s perspective and fosters a sense of understanding and connection. This can help the client feel seen and heard, promoting openness in therapy. Additionally, this approach encourages the client to reflect on their self-criticism within the context of their standards rather than simply labeling their feelings negatively. It can lead to insights about how their high expectations contribute to their self-critical thoughts, paving the way for more compassionate self-reflection. In contrast, the other statements either place emphasis on the impact of criticism, delve into the client’s past behaviors, or express a judgment about the way the client treats themselves. While these may also have therapeutic merit, they may not be as immediately supportive or validating in the context of self-criticism. They could potentially lead to defensiveness rather than fostering a productive exploration of self-concept.