Therapist Development Center Practice Exam 1

A client diagnosed with anxiety discusses problematic coping strategies. What should the social worker assess FIRST?

1. Family history related to anxiety.

2. The effectiveness of past treatments received by the client.

3. The client’s level of social support.

4. The specific behaviors the client engages in for coping.

The correct answer is: The specific behaviors the client engages in for coping.

Assessing the specific behaviors the client engages in for coping is essential because it provides immediate insight into how the client currently manages their anxiety. Understanding these behaviors allows the social worker to identify which coping strategies may be maladaptive or harmful and how they impact the client’s overall functioning and well-being. This initial assessment establishes a foundation for further exploration of the client's history, social support system, and effectiveness of past treatments. By focusing on the client's coping behaviors first, the social worker can tailor interventions to address these strategies, assisting the client in developing healthier coping mechanisms. This approach is crucial because modifying dysfunctional coping strategies can lead to immediate improvements in the client's anxiety symptoms and overall mental health. Once these behaviors are understood, the social worker can then explore family history, past treatments, and social support in the context of formulating a comprehensive treatment plan.