Question

A social worker has been treating a Native American woman for 3 months. The social worker has noticed that the woman often tells stories in response to questions asked by the social worker. The social worker should respond to this dynamic by:

A. Refer to a therapist from the client's cultural group.
B. Accept the client's form of communication.
C. Confront the client about her avoidance.
D. Remind the client about her reasons for seeking treatment.

Answer 1

The social worker should accept the Native American woman's storytelling as her form of communication, respecting her cultural expression and effectively incorporating it into their therapeutic sessions to build trust and promote healing.

Step-by-step explanation:

The social worker should respond to the storytelling communication style of the Native American woman by accepting the client's form of communication. Understanding and respecting cultural differences in communication is vital. Storytelling may be an integral part of the patient's cultural expression and a way to share insights and experiences. It is essential for the social worker to listen attentively and find ways to incorporate this narrative style into the therapeutic process. By doing so, the social worker demonstrates cultural competence, builds trust, and engages the patient in her healing journey. Furthermore, incorporating the preferences and cultural practices of the patient aligns with the approaches discussed by applied anthropologists like Beatrice Medicine and promotes a more collaborative and client-centered therapeutic relationship.