Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Individual Practice Test

When a client explicitly ignores her own needs while expressing happiness for her therapist's vacation, what type of intervention is being demonstrated?

1. Empathic understanding

2. Interpretation of the transference

3. Reframing the situation

4. Supportive confrontation

The correct answer is: Interpretation of the transference

The situation described reveals a dynamic often seen in therapeutic settings known as transference, where clients may project their feelings and attitudes onto the therapist based on their past experiences and relationships. In this scenario, the client is neglecting her own needs while expressing happiness for the therapist's vacation, which might indicate her ambivalence about her own emotional needs and possibly a tendency to prioritize others over herself. The interpretation of transference involves recognizing and discussing the feelings a client has towards the therapist that stem from previous relationships. By understanding and interpreting this behavior, the therapist can help the client gain insight into her patterns of self-neglect and dependency, facilitating a deeper understanding of her emotional experiences and relationship dynamics. This intervention is pivotal because it allows the client to reflect on how her behavior towards the therapist may mirror her interactions in other relationships, leading to personal growth and a more nuanced understanding of her needs and desires. By addressing this transference, the therapist can foster a more authentic and productive therapeutic relationship, encouraging the client to explore her feelings and identify strategies to meet her own needs.