Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Practice Exam

The social worker's most likely intention when summarizing discussions in a family session is to help family members gain a new understanding of their actions. Summarization serves several important purposes in social work practice, especially in a family setting. By encapsulating the key points of the discussion, the social worker can highlight patterns, behaviors, and emotions expressed by family members. This can facilitate insight and reflection, allowing them to see their interactions and dynamics from a different perspective.

Additionally, this technique can encourage open communication and foster an environment where family members feel understood and validated. By clarifying and affirming the information shared during the session, the social worker helps families to connect the dots regarding their relationships, behaviors, and choices. This ultimately encourages personal growth and a shift in understanding, which is central to effective therapeutic practice.

In contrast, other options do not align as closely with the primary goal of summarization in therapy. For instance, asserting objectivity does not focus on the immediate need of the family, while labeling family members as overreacting may deteriorate trust and openness. Similarly, while praising participation can be beneficial, it does not necessarily encapsulate the purpose of summarizing discussions.