A college student considering a leave of absence meets with a social worker in the college counseling office for help in deciding what to do. The student presents her ambivalence about school, her other options and her parents' disapproval of her not graduating 'on time'. The social worker's professional behavior toward the client should incorporate?

A college student considering a leave of absence meets with a social worker in the college counseling office for help in deciding what to do. The student presents her ambivalence about school, her other options and her parents' disapproval of her not graduating 'on time'. The social worker's professional behavior toward the client should incorporate?

• A. Avoid fixed positions and preestablished attitudes
• B. Fixed positions and preestablished attitudes
• C. Firm stance against leaving school
• D. Fully flexible without boundaries

Answer: (A)

When a client is ambivalent about a major life decision, the most helpful approach is to stay open and nonjudgmental, avoiding imposing personal views or a fixed stance. By suspending fixed positions, the social worker creates a safe space for the student to explore all angles—staying in school, taking a leave, and the implications of each option, including parental disapproval. This stance supports self-determination and collaborative decision making: the client articulates values, risks, and desired outcomes, while the worker reflects, clarifies, and helps weigh pros and cons without steering toward a particular choice. While guidance and boundaries are still part of care, they should not translate into a rigid opinion or a lack of structure; they ensure the process remains professional and focused on the client’s goals. Fixed positions would push the client in a direction she may not want; a firm stance against leaving would override her autonomy; and being fully without boundaries would undermine ethical practice and safety. So, avoiding fixed positions and preestablished attitudes best supports the client in resolving ambivalence through thoughtful, client-centered exploration.

When a client is ambivalent about a major life decision, the most helpful approach is to stay open and nonjudgmental, avoiding imposing personal views or a fixed stance. By suspending fixed positions, the social worker creates a safe space for the student to explore all angles—staying in school, taking a leave, and the implications of each option, including parental disapproval. This stance supports self-determination and collaborative decision making: the client articulates values, risks, and desired outcomes, while the worker reflects, clarifies, and helps weigh pros and cons without steering toward a particular choice.

While guidance and boundaries are still part of care, they should not translate into a rigid opinion or a lack of structure; they ensure the process remains professional and focused on the client’s goals. Fixed positions would push the client in a direction she may not want; a firm stance against leaving would override her autonomy; and being fully without boundaries would undermine ethical practice and safety. So, avoiding fixed positions and preestablished attitudes best supports the client in resolving ambivalence through thoughtful, client-centered exploration.