Building Rapport
What is one nonverbal way to build rapport with a client?
Open body language, eye contact, nodding, leaning slightly forward.
Your client says, “I’m overwhelmed.” What is one rapport-building response?
“It sounds like you’re overwhelmed — that’s completely understandable.”
What is the definition of cultural competence?
The ability to work effectively with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds.
What does each part of the “bio-psycho-social” model assess?
Biological = health/medical;
Psychological = thoughts/emotions;
Social = relationships/supports.
What is confidentiality?
Keeping client information private unless legally/ethically required to share.
Why is active listening essential during the first session?
Active listening shows you understand and helps build initial trust.
In the case of an overwhelmed client, name one helpful assessment question.
“What’s contributing most to your stress right now?”
Name one strategy to avoid stereotyping during an assessment.
Use open-ended questions and avoid assumptions or stereotypes.
Why is it important to explore a client’s social supports?
Social supports impact coping, stability, and recovery.
What is one situation where confidentiality must be broken?
When there is danger to self or others; child/elder abuse
Name one phrase you can use to normalize a client’s feelings.
“Many people feel this way when they’re stressed — you’re not alone.”
A client expresses suicidal ideation. What is your first step?
Assess suicide risk and explain limits of confidentiality.
How does cultural humility differ from cultural knowledge?
Cultural humility = ongoing self-reflection;
Cultural knowledge = information about other cultures.
Name one biological factor that should be included in this assessment.
Examples: medical history, medications, chronic illness, genetics.
What is mandated reporting?
Legal requirement to report suspected abuse or neglect.
What does maintaining a “safe space” mean in social work practice?
Being nonjudgmental, calm, maintaining privacy, and creating emotional safety.
You suspect cultural stigma is affecting a client’s willingness to talk. What’s one appropriate action?
Ask about the role of culture and how it shapes their experience.
Give an example of a culturally sensitive question you might ask a client.
“Can you share how your cultural background shapes how you view support/help?”
How can psychological factors influence social functioning?
Psychological issues (e.g., anxiety) may interfere with social functioning (e.g., avoiding others).
How do you explain confidentiality limits to a new client?
“I keep information confidential unless someone is unsafe.”
A client shuts down after sharing something personal. What is one person-centered response you could use?
“Thank you for sharing that. Take your time — I’m here with you.”
A client shows signs of co-occurring disorders
Use integrated treatment such as CBT + substance-use counseling, or Motivational Interviewing.
A client’s cultural background discourages seeking therapy. How do you explore this respectfully?
Ask gently about cultural beliefs, validate their feelings, explore values respectfully.
Give an example of how all three components (bio/psycho/social) interact in a client’s life.
Chronic pain (bio) → depression (psych) → withdrawal from family (social).
A teen client reports self-harm but fears their parent’s reaction. What is your legal/ethical priority?
Safety outweighs autonomy — initiate a safety assessment and follow reporting laws.