Individual Practice SWES Practice Test

Which type of treatment may not be beneficial for a client with severe anxiety?

1. Behavioral therapy

2. Medication

3. Non-directive therapy

4. Exposure therapy

The correct answer is: Non-directive therapy

Non-directive therapy may not be beneficial for a client with severe anxiety because this approach often emphasizes creating a safe emotional space and facilitating self-discovery rather than actively addressing anxiety symptoms. Clients experiencing severe anxiety may require more structured and directive interventions that focus on specific coping strategies and symptom management. Non-directive therapy could lead to extended exploration of feelings without providing the immediate tools or techniques to help manage acute anxiety symptoms, which could leave the client feeling overwhelmed. In contrast, behavioral therapy, medication, and exposure therapy are often designed to directly address anxiety symptoms. Behavioral therapy focuses on modifying unhelpful behaviors associated with anxiety, medication can help to alleviate symptoms, and exposure therapy gradually and systematically exposes clients to anxiety-provoking stimuli to reduce their fear response. These approaches are typically more effective for clients struggling with severe anxiety, as they provide concrete strategies for managing and reducing anxiety symptoms.