Clinical Practice SWES Practice Exam

When working with Susie, a 15-year-old who is resistant to treatment, what is the most appropriate recommendation a social worker could make?

1. Long-term treatment

2. Group therapy

3. Short-term trial treatment

4. Psychoanalysis

The correct answer is: Short-term trial treatment

Recommending a short-term trial treatment for Susie, a 15-year-old resistant to treatment, is particularly appropriate as it addresses her potential apprehensions about engaging in a more extended treatment plan. Adolescents often exhibit ambivalence towards change and may feel overwhelmed by the idea of long-term commitments. A short-term trial allows for an exploratory approach, giving Susie the opportunity to test the waters of therapy without feeling locked in. This recommendation encourages her participation by reducing pressure and enabling her to gauge her comfort with treatment. It fosters a sense of agency, allowing her to be more willing to engage with the therapeutic process. By seeing initial benefits or experiencing the therapy in a more manageable timeframe, she may become more open to continuing with the process or exploring other therapeutic options. In contrast, other options such as long-term treatment may seem daunting to her and could heighten resistance, while group therapy might not address her individual concerns, and psychoanalysis could feel too intensive or abstract for her current state. The focus on a short-term trial recognizes her developmental stage and the dynamics often present in adolescent mental health scenarios, making it a sound choice.