Before beginning treatment with a new client, what should the social worker do first regarding the client's previous therapy?

The best course of action before initiating treatment with a new client is to explore the client's past therapeutic work. Understanding a client's previous therapy experiences is essential for several reasons. It provides critical insights into the client's history, their coping mechanisms, and the strategies that have or have not worked for them in the past. Additionally, this exploration allows the social worker to comprehend the client's progress and any challenges they may have encountered, which can inform and tailor the current treatment approach. Recognizing and integrating this information ensures that the therapy is relevant and responsive to the individual needs of the client, fostering a more effective therapeutic relationship.

Other options, while they might seem relevant, do not fully prioritize the immediate understanding of the client's therapeutic history. For example, obtaining a release for contact with previous therapists is a necessary step if communication is needed, but it comes after establishing an initial understanding of the client's experiences. Discussing the importance of talking to the other therapist is also a consideration, but it is more about logistics rather than diving into the client's past work itself. Identifying alternative treatment goals is crucial but should stem from understanding the client's history and current needs first. Hence, exploring the client's past therapeutic work lays the foundation for effective and informed treatment.