LMSW Practice Test

When treating clients with a borderline condition, it is generally recommended that the social worker

1. allow the client to feel in control of the session

2. confront the client on his or her use of diminishing defenses

3. focus on the issue of dependency and the client's inability to choose life goals

4. urge the client to accept group treatment, preferably the Gestalt approach

The correct answer is: allow the client to feel in control of the session

Allowing clients with a borderline condition to feel in control of the session is beneficial because it can help to establish a sense of safety and trust in the therapeutic relationship. Clients with borderline personality disorder often struggle with feelings of abandonment and instability, and they might have intense reactions to perceived threats to their autonomy. By giving them a sense of control, the social worker can better engage the client and foster a collaborative approach to treatment. This empowerment can help mitigate some of the fears and anxieties that clients may experience, making them more open to exploring their issues in therapy. Creating this supportive environment allows the therapist to work more effectively with the client, facilitating deeper exploration of emotions and behaviors without activating their defenses. A focus on control can also help the therapist manage the volatility that sometimes characterizes treatment with individuals who have a borderline condition.