As a client presents material, a social worker should?

• A. Interrupt to summarize
• B. Wait with a patient and encouraging attitude
• C. Challenge the client's narrative
• D. Minimize the material

Answer: (B)

When a client presents material, the social worker should remain patient, stay with the client, and offer encouragement so the client can tell their story in their own words. This patient, supportive stance helps build trust and safety, invites fuller disclosure, and allows the worker to understand the client’s perspective before moving toward interpretation or planning. Using reflective listening, acknowledging what the client shares, and allowing pauses communicates that you’re listening and validates the client’s experience, which supports engagement and accurate understanding. Interrupting to summarize can disrupt the client’s flow and undermine trust, while challenging or minimizing the material can provoke defensiveness and harm the therapeutic relationship.