After completing an assessment, a client states that she would like to work on being more assertive at work. In order to best assist the client, the social worker should first _________.

The client and social worker are in the planning stage of the problem-solving process. Planning comes after engagement and assessment. The first two response choices are interventions. However, in order to determine their appropriateness, the social worker must clarify with the client the desired outcomes and what she means by “being more assertive.” Clearly defining the problem and how it relates to positive and negative aspects of the client’s life will assist in the formation of an appropriate intervention, treatment, or service plan.