Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Practice Exam

What is the most appropriate action for a social worker when a client in recovery states she can drink responsibly but has not attended support meetings?

1. Encourage the client to celebrate her progress

2. Confront the client's denial

3. Suggest alternative treatment options

4. Schedule more frequent sessions

The correct answer is: Confront the client's denial

The most appropriate action in this scenario involves addressing the client's assertion about her ability to drink responsibly while neglecting support meetings. This situation indicates a potential for denial regarding the risks associated with her previous addiction and the crucial role of ongoing support in recovery. Confronting the client's denial is vital because recovery from substance use disorders often requires honest self-reflection about one’s relationship with alcohol and the behaviors that accompany it. If a client believes she can manage her drinking without support, this belief can undermine her recovery efforts. Engaging her in a discussion about the reasons she feels capable of drinking responsibly while also recognizing the value of attending support meetings can foster greater insight. This interaction may encourage her to reconsider her stance and motivate her to re-engage with supportive resources that are essential in maintaining her sobriety. Offering to celebrate her progress, suggesting alternative treatment options, or scheduling more frequent sessions may not directly address the underlying issue of denial regarding her ability to drink responsibly. While these actions could be beneficial in other contexts, they do not confront the critical concern of the client's possibly unexamined beliefs about her drinking habits, which is central to her recovery journey.