Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Practice Exam

In a family therapy session, which aspect should a social worker address when conflicts arise due to communication issues?

1. Identifying family roles

2. Understanding verbal and non-verbal cues

3. Facilitating open expression of feelings

4. Exploring individual past experiences

The correct answer is: Facilitating open expression of feelings

In a family therapy session, addressing the facilitation of open expression of feelings is essential when conflicts arise due to communication issues. Effective communication is foundational in therapy, and when family members are encouraged to express their emotions openly, it can lead to greater understanding and resolution of conflicts. By creating a safe environment where each person feels comfortable sharing their feelings, the social worker can help uncover underlying issues that may contribute to the conflict. Facilitating this open expression helps families articulate their thoughts and emotions, promoting empathy and connection among members. It allows for the airing of grievances, validation of feelings, and clarification of misunderstandings, which are crucial for resolving conflicts. This approach directly addresses the communication barriers that may be causing the conflicts, enabling families to move toward healing and more effective interactions. While other options, such as identifying family roles, understanding verbal and non-verbal cues, and exploring individual past experiences, are important elements in therapy, they do not specifically target the immediate need to improve communication by encouraging emotional expression. The primary goal in this context is to enhance dialogue and emotional connectivity among family members, making open expression of feelings a focal point when addressing communication conflicts.