Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Individual Practice Test

In response to a client who believes his promotion was denied due to personal conflict, how should the social worker best respond?

1. Encourage him to confront his colleagues

2. Validate his feelings without confirming his concerns

3. Advise him to change law firms

4. Ignore his concerns about workplace dynamics

The correct answer is: Validate his feelings without confirming his concerns

Validating a client's feelings is a crucial skill in social work, as it helps establish trust and rapport. When a client expresses concern about their workplace experiences, validating their feelings acknowledges their emotional state without necessarily providing an affirmation of their assumptions or conclusions about the situation. This approach shows empathy and support, allowing the client to feel heard and understood. By not confirming the client's concerns, the social worker avoids escalating the situation or fostering further negativity about the workplace dynamics. Instead, this response invites the client to explore their feelings and the situation more deeply, which can facilitate further discussion about coping strategies and potential next steps. In contrast, encouraging confrontation could lead to increased stress or conflict in the workplace and may not be appropriate for all situations. Advising a change in law firms might be extreme without exploring the current issues in detail. Ignoring the client's concerns dismisses their feelings and may hinder the therapeutic relationship. Thus, validating the client's experiences while remaining neutral and supportive is the optimal response in this scenario.