Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Practice Exam

When dealing with a teenager who has a history of sexual abuse but denies memory of it, what should the social worker do first?

1. Encourage exploration of her feelings about the past

2. Normalize the teenager's reactions

3. Suggest family therapy to discuss the issue

4. Refer her to a specialist for trauma

The correct answer is: Normalize the teenager's reactions

The correct choice involves normalizing the teenager's reactions. This approach is essential when working with individuals who have experienced trauma, particularly in cases of sexual abuse. Trauma can lead to various emotional responses, including confusion, denial, or repressed memories. By normalizing these reactions, the social worker creates a safe and supportive environment, helping the teenager feel understood and less isolated in her experiences. It signals to her that her feelings and responses are valid, even if she does not fully recall or process the trauma at this time. In trauma-informed practice, it's crucial to validate the individual's experiences and emotional state before moving into deeper discussions or interventions. This can eventually facilitate a willingness to explore her feelings and experiences more thoroughly without feeling overwhelmed. Normalizing the teenager's denial and reactions lays a foundation of trust, which is vital for the therapeutic alliance and future therapeutic work. The other options, while potentially beneficial at different times, may not be the most appropriate first step. Encouraging exploration of feelings might increase anxiety or defensiveness if the adolescent isn’t ready. Suggesting family therapy could also be premature, especially if the teenager is not ready to address the subject or may feel pressured. Referring to a specialist is a valid consideration, but it might be better to