Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Human Behavior Practice Test

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Prepare for the SWES Human Behavior Exam. Use diverse study tools like flashcards and multiple choice questions, all with detailed explanations. Gear up for success!

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How should a therapist respond to a client with narcissistic personality disorder who feels undervalued by their child's fiancé?

  1. Encourage the client to dismiss the fiancé's opinions

  2. Achieve a balance between empathic mirroring and understanding the fiancé's perspective

  3. Defend the client's viewpoint aggressively

  4. Work solely on the client's self-esteem

The correct answer is: Achieve a balance between empathic mirroring and understanding the fiancé's perspective

Responding to a client with narcissistic personality disorder requires a nuanced approach to effectively address their feelings while fostering healthier interpersonal dynamics. Achieving a balance between empathic mirroring and understanding the fiancé's perspective is key because it validates the client's feelings of being undervalued while also promoting the development of empathy and perspective-taking. By reflecting the client’s emotions, the therapist helps the individual recognize their own experiences and emotions, which can often feel invalidated due to their narcissistic tendencies. This process can also encourage the client to explore their feelings more deeply without becoming defensive. Furthermore, integrating an understanding of the fiancé's perspective teaches the client to consider others' viewpoints, which is an essential skill in fostering healthier and more reciprocal relationships. The selected response aligns with therapeutic goals by cultivating emotional intelligence and promoting resilience in the client, rather than reinforcing their narcissistic tendencies through dismissal, aggression, or sole focus on self-esteem. This balanced approach helps the client learn more constructive ways to navigate conflicts and relationships moving forward.