Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Practice Exam

In a therapeutic session, if a female client is fearful of asserting herself due to cultural norms, what should the social worker address first?

1. The client's emotional well-being

2. The impact of her culture on her assertiveness

3. Strategies for building assertiveness

4. Support from peer groups

The correct answer is: The impact of her culture on her assertiveness

Addressing the impact of culture on the client's assertiveness is critical because cultural norms significantly shape an individual's behavior, beliefs, and interactions. By exploring this aspect first, the social worker can help the client understand how these cultural influences may be informing her fears and hesitations about asserting herself. This understanding is essential for the client to process her feelings and develop a clearer perspective on her personal challenges. Focusing on the cultural context allows the social worker to validate the client's experiences and connect her individual situation with broader cultural narratives. This not only enhances the therapeutic alliance but also sets the groundwork for exploring assertiveness in a way that is sensitive to the client's background. Understanding cultural influences can also facilitate discussions about emotional well-being, strategies for assertiveness, and potential support systems from peer groups. By foregrounding the cultural impacts, the social worker can effectively tailor interventions that resonate with the client’s identity and lived experiences.