Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Individual Practice Test

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the Social Work Exam with our comprehensive test. Study using flashcards, detailed explanations, and full answer reviews. Ensure your success on the 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.


What is a recommended approach for a social worker dealing with a resistant adolescent in therapy?

  1. Implement strict behavioral rules

  2. Explore the reasons for the resistance without judgment

  3. Encourage the adolescent to conform to expectations

  4. Focus solely on academic performance

The correct answer is: Explore the reasons for the resistance without judgment

Exploring the reasons for the resistance without judgment is key when working with a resistant adolescent in therapy. This approach fosters a safe and supportive environment that encourages open communication. Adolescents often experience a wide range of emotions and pressures, and their resistance may stem from various issues such as fear, lack of trust, or past experiences of feeling misunderstood or marginalized. By taking the time to understand the underlying reasons for their resistance, the social worker can build rapport and trust, create a therapeutic alliance, and better tailor interventions to meet the unique needs of the adolescent. Additionally, this non-judgmental exploration respects the adolescent's autonomy, allowing them to feel heard and validated in their experiences. Such an approach can lead to deeper insights and more meaningful engagement in the therapeutic process, ultimately facilitating progress and positive change.