Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Practice Exam

In group therapy settings, what is the role of a social worker when families express mixed feelings about a loved one’s recovery?

1. Minimize their concerns to keep the session moving

2. Facilitate discussions to explore their feelings and experiences

3. Encourage only positive feedback within the group

4. Shift focus solely to the recovering member

The correct answer is: Facilitate discussions to explore their feelings and experiences

In group therapy settings, the role of a social worker is to facilitate discussions that help families explore their feelings and experiences related to a loved one’s recovery. This approach acknowledges that recovery is often a complex process that can elicit a wide range of emotions, including confusion, anger, or fear, alongside hope and support. By creating a safe space for these mixed feelings, the social worker helps family members process their emotions, improving their understanding and building empathy for one another. Facilitating these discussions allows families to express concerns, ask questions, and share personal narratives, which can foster healing and connection. It also encourages healthy communication patterns among family members, which is crucial for supporting the recovering individual. Importantly, this role helps to validate their experiences rather than invalidate or dismiss them, contributing to a more cohesive group dynamic. Promoting only positive feedback, minimizing concerns, or shifting the focus exclusively to the recovering member could undermine the family members' needs and the therapeutic process, leading to unresolved tensions or misunderstandings that could impact the recovery journey.