Clinical Practice SWES Practice Exam

When engaging with clients exhibiting paranoia, which strategy is most constructive?

1. Confrontational questioning

2. Offering interpretations

3. Creating a corrective relationship

4. Venting their feelings

The correct answer is: Creating a corrective relationship

Creating a corrective relationship is a highly constructive strategy when engaged with clients who exhibit paranoia. This approach emphasizes building trust, safety, and rapport, which are essential when working with individuals who may feel threatened or anxious due to their paranoid thoughts. Establishing a corrective relationship involves consistent support, active listening, and validation of the client's feelings, which can help them feel valued and understood. This environment encourages clients to open up about their experiences and thoughts without fear of judgment, which is crucial for therapeutic progress. In contrast, confrontational questioning could exacerbate feelings of paranoia by making the client feel attacked or misunderstood. Offering interpretations may also not be helpful initially, as it often imposes the clinician's perspective on the client's experiences, which can be met with resistance or further distrust. Venting feelings is beneficial for emotional expression, but it does not necessarily address the underlying issues related to paranoia and might not lead to the constructive engagement needed for deeper therapeutic work. By focusing on creating a corrective relationship, therapists can gradually guide clients toward exploring and examining their thoughts in a safe and supportive context, ultimately facilitating healing and growth.