LMSW Practice Test

How should a social worker handle Bill's statement in a HMO support group about his aggressive behavior and its impact on his family relationships?

1. Ask Bill to keep the discussion within the group's purposes.

2. Ask group members if they have similar problems.

3. Encourage the group to respond to Bill's concerns.

4. Redirect the conversation to health issues.

The correct answer is: Ask Bill to keep the discussion within the group's purposes.

The focus of addressing Bill's statement is to ensure that his concerns about aggressive behavior and its impact on his family relationships are acknowledged and processed appropriately within the group context. Encouraging the group to respond to Bill's concerns is a constructive way to foster open communication and support, allowing other members to share their insights or experiences, which can help Bill feel understood and less isolated in his struggles. In a support group, individuals often benefit from collective input, and it's essential that Bill's issues are not dismissed or sidelined. Engaging the group in this manner not only validates Bill’s feelings but also creates an opportunity for others to provide support or share similar experiences, fostering a sense of community and understanding. Redirecting the conversation to health issues would ignore the importance of addressing Bill's expressed feelings, while merely asking if other members share similar problems may not adequately address the depth of Bill's concerns. Similarly, asking him to keep discussions within the group's purpose may limit the opportunity for valuable dialogue regarding his behavior's impact on relationships. Fostering an atmosphere where members can discuss their challenges fosters healing and relationship-building, which is essential in a support group setting.