ASWB LCSW Social Work Clinical Practice Exam 2025 - Free Clinical Practice Questions and Study Guide

A client’s resistance in therapy can often arise from external pressures unrelated to therapy, which can significantly influence a client’s ability to engage fully in the therapeutic process. These pressures might include stressors such as work demands, family issues, financial problems, or other life circumstances that distract the client from focusing on therapeutic goals. When clients feel overwhelmed by these external factors, they may exhibit resistance, as their emotional energy and attention are diverted away from the work being done in therapy.

In this context, it's crucial to recognize that external pressures can create feelings of anxiety or a sense of being overwhelmed, leading clients to withdraw or push back against the therapeutic process. Addressing these external pressures often becomes a necessary part of therapy, as helping clients navigate these challenges can foster a more conducive environment for change and personal growth.

On the other hand, the other options presented do not typically lead to resistance in the same way. For example, too much understanding from the therapist is usually beneficial, fostering a sense of safety and support, which can enhance the therapeutic alliance. High levels of trust in the therapeutic process can also encourage openness and collaboration, making resistance less likely. Lastly, being overly comfortable during sessions might result in a relaxed environment, but it does not inherently cause resistance;