ASWB Clinical Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Study Resource

The ethical implication of a social worker requesting clients to write testimonials for her practice primarily revolves around the vulnerability of clients. In a therapeutic relationship, clients may experience various forms of emotional and psychological vulnerability, and they often place a significant degree of trust in their social worker. Requesting testimonials can create a power imbalance, as clients may feel pressured to provide positive feedback, fearing it could impact their therapeutic relationship or the quality of care they receive.

Additionally, clients may worry about confidentiality and how their testimonials could be used or perceived. This situation can lead to ethical dilemmas concerning client autonomy and informed consent, especially if the request feels coercive, even unintentionally. The existence of such vulnerability highlights the need for social workers to navigate their professional responsibilities carefully, ensuring that the clients’ best interests are prioritized without exploitative practices.

While there may be circumstances where the request does not breach ethical guidelines—such as if clients are fully informed and genuinely willing—the underlying concerns about client vulnerability significantly raise ethical questions about such practices in general.