Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Individual Practice Test

What is the primary focus of a social worker when dealing with a client who has had a negative experience with confidentiality?

1. To foster trust and understanding

2. To shift the focus to other concerns

3. To assure the client of privacy and safety from future breaches

4. To evaluate the client's emotional state

The correct answer is: To foster trust and understanding

The primary focus of a social worker when dealing with a client who has had a negative experience with confidentiality is to foster trust and understanding. Establishing a strong therapeutic alliance is essential, especially when a client has faced breaches of trust in the past. By focusing on rebuilding trust, the social worker can create a safe environment where the client feels valued and understood, allowing them to share their concerns openly. This foundational trust is crucial for effective engagement and helps clients feel secure in discussing sensitive issues without fear of further breaches of confidentiality. While assuring the client of privacy and safety from future breaches is important, fostering trust goes beyond just making promises; it involves actively demonstrating reliability, listening empathically, and validating the client's feelings about their previous experiences. Thus, while some other options may contribute to the overall process, the central aim is to rebuild the relationship on a foundation of trust and understanding.