DescriptionThis is a case study about the importance of critical thinking and ethical reasoning in clinical work with stigmatized persons. Our professional ethics tell us that as social workers we have an obligation to social justice. By extension that implies justice itself. By studying a complicated forensic case - that of a young sex offender who also has a substantial history of sexual victimization in childhood and adolescence - I hope to demonstrate that examining our confirmation bias in work with stigmatized clients has more utility than the simple awareness of counter-transference. Given that stigma is ubiquitous, my thesis is that critical thinking and ethical reasoning are essential in work with stigmatized clients. As social workers we cannot eliminate stigma. But we can assist stigmatized clients in coping well and developing resilience that will support them in preventing relapse of the behaviors that led to their stigmatized status. When treatment is approached in that manner, the needs of both society and the client are best served.