Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Human Behavior Practice Test

A client complains that if the social worker really cared about him like his mother does, then the social worker would not charge him for treatment. This situation exemplifies which concept?

1. Transference reaction

2. Countertransference

3. Empathy response

4. Therapeutic alliance

The correct answer is: Transference reaction

The concept illustrated by the client's statement is transference reaction. This occurs when a client projects feelings, desires, or expectations from one relationship onto the social worker. In this case, the client is expressing a feeling that the social worker should care for him in the same way his mother does, suggesting that he is unconsciously transferring feelings he has about his mother onto the social worker. This can happen when clients look for nurturing, support, or understanding in the therapy relationship that they have experienced with significant figures in their past, such as parents. Understanding transference is important in social work because it can help professionals recognize the dynamics at play in their relationships with clients. It allows the social worker to navigate their feelings and responses appropriately while fostering a supportive environment for the client to work through their feelings.