ASWB Bachelor Practice Exam 2026 - Free ASWB Practice Questions and Study Guide

In this scenario, the phenomenon of transference is particularly relevant. Transference occurs when a client projects feelings, attitudes, or perceptions from past relationships onto a current relationship, often unconsciously. If a minority client is hesitant and mistrustful of a white social worker, it may stem from their previous experiences in interactions with individuals from different racial or cultural backgrounds, including past instances of discrimination or bias.

This client's feelings may not be directly related to the social worker's behavior or characteristics but instead reflect unresolved feelings or experiences related to race, class, or cultural identity. Understanding that this mistrust could be rooted in historical or systemic issues provides the social worker an opportunity to address these feelings sensitively and build trust over time.

By recognizing transference, the social worker can engage in strategies that foster a more supportive environment, allowing the client to feel seen and heard, thereby facilitating a more productive therapeutic relationship.