What is the appropriate response to a client expressing stress and lack of time during an initial assessment?

Establishing eye contact, nodding, and briefly reiterating the client's concerns is a key element of effective communication in social work practice. This approach demonstrates active listening, empathy, and validation of the client's feelings, which are vital components of building a trusting relationship. By acknowledging the client's experience of stress and lack of time, the social worker shows that they are fully engaged and invested in understanding the client's situation.

This response helps the client feel heard, which can reduce their stress and encourage them to be more open during the assessment. Moreover, reiterating their concerns can clarify any misunderstandings and ensures that the worker correctly grasps the challenges the client is facing. This practice sets a positive tone for the session and fosters a collaborative environment, essential for developing effective interventions.

In contrast, ignoring the statement and changing the subject fails to acknowledge the client's emotional state, which can lead to feelings of frustration and alienation. Providing a lengthy personal story about stress distracts from the client's needs and shifts the focus away from them, undermining the purpose of the initial assessment. Suggesting immediate solutions risks oversimplifying the client's situation without fully understanding it, which can come across as dismissive and unhelpful. Thus, the chosen response is the most appropriate and