ASWB Clinical Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Study Resource

The ethical concern in this situation primarily revolves around the concept of appropriate boundaries and the role of the social worker in the therapeutic relationship. Continuing sessions pro bono, despite having achieved all treatment goals, raises important issues about the purpose and effectiveness of therapy.

When treatment goals have been met, the therapeutic relationship should ideally come to a conclusion, as it is designed to facilitate the client's growth and autonomy. The absence of new treatment goals suggests that the client may be relying on the social worker for support that goes beyond the intended aim of therapy. This can lead to dependency, which the social worker has a responsibility to avoid, as it may hinder the client's ability to function independently.

By agreeing to continue sessions without a clear, therapeutic purpose, the social worker may unintentionally reinforce the client's dependency on the therapeutic process and on the worker themselves. This could undermine the client's progress and self-efficacy, which are crucial elements in successful treatment.

Therefore, the ethical concern hinges on the principle that social workers should promote client self-determination and independence, and that continuing without new goals can conflict with these ethical obligations. The focus should be on empowering clients to navigate their issues without ongoing therapeutic assistance when they have already reached their designated outcomes.