Prepare for the LMSW Exam with confidence. Engage in comprehensive quizzes and multiple-choice questions designed specifically for social work licensure. Enhance your knowledge and skills with explanations and study tips. Get ready to ace your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


The best response for a social worker when a lawyer client believes he was denied promotion because two senior associates dislike him is

  1. "How could you believe something for which you have no evidence?"

  2. "That is the way law firms are."

  3. "Yes, you are probably too aggressive for them."

  4. "You may be right, but they offered to reconsider you."

The correct answer is: "Yes, you are probably too aggressive for them."

The most appropriate response for the social worker in this scenario reflects an understanding of the client's emotions and perspective. Acknowledging that the client may be perceived as "too aggressive" recognizes the complexities of workplace dynamics, especially in high-pressure environments like law firms. It validates the client's feelings and experiences without dismissing them outright. By responding in this way, the social worker helps the client feel heard and understood, which is crucial in building trust and rapport. Such validation can encourage the client to explore their feelings further and consider constructive ways to address their situation. This response opens up a dialogue about interpersonal relations in the workplace, allowing for a discussion about the client's behavior and how it might affect their relationships with colleagues, rather than simply focusing on the perceived unfairness of the situation. Other options do not effectively support the client’s emotional state or promote constructive dialogue. For example, questioning the client's belief without acknowledging their perspective can come off as dismissive, while a statement that implies acceptance of the status quo does not encourage growth or resolution. Additionally, suggesting that the client's behavior is entirely to blame could discourage the client and does not foster a positive conversational environment. The chosen response allows for a more balanced exploration of the situation while taking the client's feelings into account.