From a biopsychosocial perspective, what is the most appropriate action for a social worker during therapy?

Taking a complete history, including health and family information, aligns perfectly with the biopsychosocial perspective, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding an individual’s experiences and challenges. This approach recognizes that mental health issues cannot be viewed in isolation; instead, they are influenced by a myriad of factors that include one's physical health, family dynamics, social environment, and personal history.

By gathering a comprehensive history, social workers can identify underlying issues that may contribute to the client's presenting problems, allowing for a more holistic understanding. This information is crucial for creating effective intervention strategies, as it helps to tailor the therapeutic approach to fit the unique context of the client’s life circumstances.

On the contrary, focusing solely on the presenting problem neglects the broader implications of a client's situation and limits the therapy's effectiveness. Not taking a history at all would lead to an incomplete understanding of the client, while focusing only on the individual and letting them lead may overlook critical contextual factors that need addressing for meaningful progress in therapy. Thus, taking a complete history is essential in facilitating an effective and meaningful therapeutic process within the biopsychosocial framework.