During a group session, a client states that he is tired of being here and does not know if he wants to continue. In this situation, it is BEST for the social worker to:

• A. Assess whether the group is meeting his and other group members' needs
• B. Ask the client to speak to the social worker after the group session to discuss his concerns further
• C. Tell the client that these feelings often occur at some point during the course of group participation
• D. Encourage the client to discuss his feelings further with the other members of the group

Answer: (D)

When a client expresses fatigue and uncertainty about continuing in a group, the best move is to invite him to share those feelings with the other members. This leverages the group’s support and feedback in real time, helping him feel heard and normalizing ambivalence. It also provides concrete information about whether the group is meeting his needs (and, by extension, whether others are benefiting as well) through the voices of peers, which can guide his next step. Handling the concern within the group supports openness, cohesion, and accountability, and gives the social worker a live way to assess fit and dynamics. Waiting to discuss privately would delay this processing, and dismissing his feelings or telling him such reactions are common without inviting group dialogue misses the opportunity to address the issue directly in the group context.