Clinical Practice SWES Practice Exam

What should a social worker be cautious about acting upon during client interactions?

1. A transference reaction

2. Client's desire to change goals

3. A worker-client relationship

4. A countertransference reaction

The correct answer is: A countertransference reaction

A countertransference reaction refers to a social worker's emotional responses to a client that stem from the social worker's own personal history and unresolved issues. It can manifest as inappropriate feelings towards a client, whether that includes over-identification, anger, or even romantic feelings. This reaction can cloud judgment and affect the objectivity of the social worker, potentially leading to boundary violations or compromised professional ethics. Being aware of countertransference is essential, as it can hinder the effectiveness of the therapeutic process and impact the client's well-being. It can interfere with the social worker's ability to provide unbiased support, thus having a potentially detrimental effect on the professional relationship. In contrast, transference reactions (the client's projection of feelings onto the worker), a client’s desire to change goals, and the dynamics of the worker-client relationship are all important factors in clinical practice that can be worked through with appropriate supervision, guidance, and self-awareness. However, when the social worker is not cautious about their own countertransference, the risks associated are greater, as they directly affect the integrity of the therapeutic process.