Psychotherapy With Multiple Modalities Practice Exam
Sample Questions and Answers
Which of the following is a primary characteristic of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)?
A) Focus on past trauma
B) Challenging and changing negative thought patterns
C) Interpretation of unconscious conflicts
D) Emphasis on medication management
Answer: B) Challenging and changing negative thought patterns
Explanation: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors, helping clients develop healthier thinking and coping strategies.
Which of the following therapy modalities is most appropriate for a client with severe dissociative identity disorder?
A) Cognitive-behavioral therapy
B) Dialectical behavior therapy
C) Psychodynamic therapy
D) Integrative psychotherapy
Answer: C) Psychodynamic therapy
Explanation: Psychodynamic therapy, focusing on unconscious processes and past trauma, is often used to address disorders like dissociative identity disorder, where multiple identities may be present.
What is the primary goal of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)?
A) To reframe negative thinking
B) To increase emotional regulation and mindfulness
C) To interpret unconscious conflicts
D) To explore past trauma
Answer: B) To increase emotional regulation and mindfulness
Explanation: DBT focuses on enhancing emotional regulation, mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance, particularly in individuals with borderline personality disorder.
In family therapy, which of the following strategies would be most helpful when addressing communication issues between family members?
A) Exploration of individual family members’ past trauma
B) Reframing dysfunctional communication patterns
C) Focusing exclusively on individual therapy for each family member
D) Teaching relaxation techniques to the family
Answer: B) Reframing dysfunctional communication patterns
Explanation: Reframing helps family members recognize and change dysfunctional communication patterns, facilitating healthier interactions.
A psychiatric nurse practitioner is using a therapeutic technique that helps patients to identify and challenge their cognitive distortions. This technique is most commonly used in which type of therapy?
A) Person-centered therapy
B) Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
C) Solution-focused therapy
D) Psychodynamic therapy
Answer: B) Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Explanation: CBT is designed to help clients identify and challenge cognitive distortions, leading to healthier thought patterns and behaviors.
Which of the following therapy modalities emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship as a tool for change?
A) Cognitive-behavioral therapy
B) Person-centered therapy
C) Dialectical behavior therapy
D) Gestalt therapy
Answer: B) Person-centered therapy
Explanation: Person-centered therapy, developed by Carl Rogers, places significant emphasis on the therapeutic relationship, believing it is central to the client’s ability to grow and change.
Which of the following is a key feature of solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT)?
A) Exploration of past trauma
B) Focus on strengths and resources
C) Interpretation of unconscious conflicts
D) Reframing dysfunctional thinking patterns
Answer: B) Focus on strengths and resources
Explanation: Solution-focused brief therapy emphasizes the client’s strengths, resources, and solutions rather than focusing on past problems or weaknesses.
Which of the following would be a primary goal of psychodynamic psychotherapy?
A) To increase insight into unconscious conflicts
B) To challenge negative thought patterns
C) To explore the client’s strengths and resources
D) To teach relaxation techniques
Answer: A) To increase insight into unconscious conflicts
Explanation: Psychodynamic psychotherapy aims to increase the client’s awareness of unconscious processes and past experiences that shape their current behavior and thoughts.
Which therapeutic approach is most likely to be used in treating a client with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
A) Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
B) Person-centered therapy
C) Gestalt therapy
D) Existential therapy
Answer: A) Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Explanation: CBT, particularly trauma-focused CBT, is often the preferred approach for treating PTSD, as it helps clients process traumatic memories and modify maladaptive thought patterns.
Which of the following is the focus of Gestalt therapy?
A) Challenging irrational beliefs
B) Exploring the here and now and increasing self-awareness
C) Processing past trauma and unconscious conflicts
D) Setting and achieving specific goals
Answer: B) Exploring the here and now and increasing self-awareness
Explanation: Gestalt therapy focuses on increasing the client’s awareness of their present experience and how it impacts their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
When using motivational interviewing, the therapist’s role is to:
A) Persuade the client to change
B) Direct the conversation toward solutions
C) Assist the client in identifying ambivalence toward change
D) Interpret unconscious conflicts
Answer: C) Assist the client in identifying ambivalence toward change
Explanation: Motivational interviewing focuses on helping clients resolve ambivalence about change and increase motivation for behavior change.
In a group therapy setting, the therapist’s primary role is to:
A) Provide solutions to each member’s problems
B) Facilitate group discussion and dynamics
C) Mediate interpersonal conflicts outside of therapy
D) Focus on individual therapy goals
Answer: B) Facilitate group discussion and dynamics
Explanation: In group therapy, the therapist facilitates discussions and supports group dynamics, helping individuals share and learn from each other.
A therapist using a behavioral approach to therapy would most likely employ which of the following techniques?
A) Interpretation of dreams
B) Exploration of early childhood experiences
C) Positive reinforcement for desired behaviors
D) Uncovering unconscious conflicts
Answer: C) Positive reinforcement for desired behaviors
Explanation: Behavioral therapy focuses on modifying behaviors through reinforcement techniques such as positive reinforcement, punishment, and modeling.
What does cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) emphasize in terms of client involvement?
A) Exploring repressed memories
B) Active participation in identifying and changing thoughts and behaviors
C) Building a strong therapeutic relationship
D) Resolving interpersonal conflicts through communication
Answer: B) Active participation in identifying and changing thoughts and behaviors
Explanation: CBT emphasizes active client involvement in identifying negative thought patterns and behaviors and using strategies to change them.
In family therapy, which type of therapist would focus on the relationships and roles of each family member rather than individual symptoms?
A) Cognitive-behavioral therapist
B) Structural family therapist
C) Psychodynamic therapist
D) Solution-focused therapist
Answer: B) Structural family therapist
Explanation: Structural family therapy focuses on the family system as a whole and how the relationships and roles within the family contribute to problems or dysfunction.
In psychodynamic therapy, which is considered a key mechanism of change?
A) Interpretation of dreams
B) Identification of unconscious conflicts
C) Setting and achieving specific goals
D) Strengthening coping mechanisms
Answer: B) Identification of unconscious conflicts
Explanation: Psychodynamic therapy focuses on bringing unconscious conflicts to the surface so clients can understand their influence on behavior and emotions.
Which of the following therapy approaches focuses primarily on acceptance and mindfulness to manage emotions and behaviors?
A) Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
B) Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
C) Psychodynamic therapy
D) Narrative therapy
Answer: B) Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Explanation: DBT incorporates mindfulness and acceptance strategies to help individuals manage emotions and improve interpersonal relationships, particularly for those with emotional dysregulation.
In a crisis intervention model, the therapist’s goal is to:
A) Explore long-standing emotional issues
B) Resolve immediate problems and reduce distress
C) Interpret unconscious desires and drives
D) Set long-term goals for behavior change
Answer: B) Resolve immediate problems and reduce distress
Explanation: Crisis intervention aims to provide immediate support to clients in distress, helping them cope with the crisis and begin to regain stability.
In narrative therapy, the therapist’s role is to:
A) Reframe the client’s life story and interpret their experiences
B) Directly challenge maladaptive thought patterns
C) Encourage clients to re-author their personal stories and identities
D) Explore unconscious drives
Answer: C) Encourage clients to re-author their personal stories and identities
Explanation: Narrative therapy helps clients reconstruct their life stories by recognizing and reshaping the meanings they attribute to their experiences.
Which therapy modality is most focused on helping clients increase awareness of their self-defeating patterns and improve emotional processing in the present moment?
A) Cognitive-behavioral therapy
B) Person-centered therapy
C) Gestalt therapy
D) Family systems therapy
Answer: C) Gestalt therapy
Explanation: Gestalt therapy emphasizes awareness of the present moment and self-defeating patterns to help clients process emotions more effectively.
Which of the following is a common technique used in psychodynamic therapy to help the client explore unconscious processes?
A) Dream analysis
B) Mindfulness practices
C) Behavioral reinforcement
D) Solution-focused questioning
Answer: A) Dream analysis
Explanation: Dream analysis is a common psychodynamic technique used to uncover unconscious material by interpreting symbols and themes within the client’s dreams.
In behavioral therapy, which of the following is an example of a reinforcement technique?
A) Giving a reward after a desired behavior is exhibited
B) Identifying irrational beliefs
C) Uncovering childhood trauma
D) Exploring family dynamics
Answer: A) Giving a reward after a desired behavior is exhibited
Explanation: Reinforcement in behavioral therapy involves providing a reward or positive outcome to increase the likelihood of a desired behavior being repeated.
Which of the following techniques is most commonly used in motivational interviewing?
A) Uncovering repressed memories
B) Reflection and open-ended questions
C) Cognitive restructuring
D) Family role-playing
Answer: B) Reflection and open-ended questions
Explanation: Motivational interviewing focuses on using reflective listening and open-ended questions to help clients explore their ambivalence about change and increase motivation.
In the context of family therapy, what is the primary focus of structural family therapy?
A) Examining individual trauma histories
B) Changing family roles and improving communication patterns
C) Exploring unconscious family dynamics
D) Setting goals for individual family members
Answer: B) Changing family roles and improving communication patterns
Explanation: Structural family therapy addresses the organization of the family system, including its roles, boundaries, and communication patterns, to help reduce dysfunction.
Which therapeutic modality is primarily based on the client’s belief in their ability to grow and self-actualize within a nonjudgmental environment?
A) Cognitive-behavioral therapy
B) Person-centered therapy
C) Gestalt therapy
D) Family systems therapy
Answer: B) Person-centered therapy
Explanation: Person-centered therapy, developed by Carl Rogers, focuses on providing an empathetic, nonjudgmental environment in which clients can explore their feelings and self-actualize.
Which of the following would be a central goal of solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT)?
A) Exploration of past traumatic experiences
B) Building on existing strengths and solutions
C) Understanding unconscious conflicts
D) Promoting deep emotional expression
Answer: B) Building on existing strengths and solutions
Explanation: SFBT focuses on identifying and leveraging the client’s existing strengths and resources to find solutions to current problems, rather than dwelling on past issues.
Which of the following is a primary technique used in narrative therapy?
A) Cognitive reframing
B) Re-authoring personal stories
C) Analyzing unconscious desires
D) Behavioral reinforcement
Answer: B) Re-authoring personal stories
Explanation: Narrative therapy involves helping clients reframe their life stories by shifting how they perceive their experiences, thus empowering them to change the way they understand themselves.
Which therapeutic approach is most likely to focus on the importance of self-awareness and personal responsibility in the here-and-now of therapy?
A) Cognitive-behavioral therapy
B) Gestalt therapy
C) Psychodynamic therapy
D) Dialectical behavior therapy
Answer: B) Gestalt therapy
Explanation: Gestalt therapy emphasizes awareness of the present moment and encourages clients to take responsibility for their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
A client in therapy is struggling with chronic feelings of emptiness and difficulty regulating intense emotions. Which therapy would likely be most effective for this client?
A) Cognitive-behavioral therapy
B) Dialectical behavior therapy
C) Psychodynamic therapy
D) Family systems therapy
Answer: B) Dialectical behavior therapy
Explanation: Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is highly effective for individuals struggling with emotion regulation, especially those with borderline personality disorder or chronic emotional dysregulation.
Which of the following best describes the role of the therapist in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)?
A) To help the client uncover unconscious conflicts
B) To actively collaborate with the client in identifying and changing distorted thinking patterns
C) To create a strong therapeutic alliance for emotional expression
D) To guide the client through understanding the effects of childhood trauma
Answer: B) To actively collaborate with the client in identifying and changing distorted thinking patterns
Explanation: CBT therapists work collaboratively with clients to identify and challenge negative thought patterns and develop healthier ways of thinking and behaving.
Sample Short Questions and Answers
- What is the primary goal of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
Answer: The primary goal of CBT is to help clients identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to emotional distress, improving overall emotional well-being. - What technique does Gestalt therapy commonly use to encourage clients to express emotions they may be avoiding?
Answer: Gestalt therapy often uses the “empty chair” technique, where clients role-play conversations with others or parts of themselves to process unresolved feelings. - What is “transference” in psychoanalytic therapy?
Answer: Transference is the phenomenon where a client projects feelings or attitudes from past relationships onto the therapist, allowing for exploration of unconscious conflicts. - How does Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) differ from traditional talk therapies?
Answer: SFBT focuses on finding solutions and setting goals rather than exploring the root causes of problems, often using techniques like the “miracle question” to inspire change. - What is the purpose of “distress tolerance” skills in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
Answer: Distress tolerance skills in DBT help clients tolerate and manage emotional pain without resorting to harmful behaviors, fostering emotional resilience. - What does “externalizing the problem” mean in Narrative Therapy?
Answer: Externalizing the problem in Narrative Therapy involves viewing the issue as separate from the person, which allows clients to see themselves as capable of overcoming the problem. - How does Motivational Interviewing (MI) help clients with ambivalence toward change?
Answer: MI helps clients explore and resolve ambivalence by reflecting their feelings, reinforcing their autonomy, and highlighting their reasons for change, increasing motivation. - What does “mindfulness” in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) aim to improve?
Answer: Mindfulness in DBT helps clients stay present in the moment, increasing awareness of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to promote emotional regulation and reduce impulsivity. - What is the role of “unconditional positive regard” in Client-Centered Therapy?
Answer: Unconditional positive regard is the therapist’s nonjudgmental acceptance and support of the client, fostering a safe environment for self-exploration and personal growth. - What is “cognitive restructuring” in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
Answer: Cognitive restructuring involves identifying and challenging negative or distorted thought patterns and replacing them with more balanced and realistic thoughts. - In family therapy, what is a “genogram” used for?
Answer: A genogram is a visual tool used to map out family relationships, patterns, and health history across generations, helping identify dynamics and potential areas of concern. - How does Behavioral Therapy use reinforcement to change behavior?
Answer: Behavioral Therapy uses reinforcement (positive or negative) to increase the likelihood of desired behaviors by rewarding them, which strengthens the behavior over time. - What is the “scaling question” used for in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)?
Answer: The scaling question helps clients assess their current level of distress or progress by rating their experience on a scale (e.g., 1 to 10), facilitating goal-setting and change. - What is the focus of Psychoanalysis in treating mental health issues?
Answer: Psychoanalysis focuses on uncovering unconscious conflicts, desires, and past experiences to understand their influence on current behavior and emotions. - In DBT, what does “radical acceptance” refer to?
Answer: Radical acceptance involves fully accepting the current reality, even if it is painful or distressing, to reduce suffering and enhance emotional regulation.
- What is the main focus of Narrative Therapy?
Answer: The main focus of Narrative Therapy is to help clients reframe and reconstruct their personal life stories, emphasizing their strengths and resilience while reducing the power of negative narratives. - In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), what role do “automatic thoughts” play in emotional distress?
Answer: Automatic thoughts are quick, often negative thoughts that contribute to emotional distress. CBT helps clients identify and challenge these thoughts to reduce their impact on emotions and behavior. - What is “free association” in Psychoanalytic Therapy?
Answer: Free association is a technique where the client speaks freely without censorship to uncover unconscious thoughts and desires, allowing the therapist to identify deeper issues. - What is the goal of “behavioral activation” in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
Answer: The goal of behavioral activation is to encourage clients to engage in activities that are enjoyable or meaningful to counteract depression and improve mood. - How does Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) approach the therapeutic process?
Answer: SFBT is focused on solutions and strengths rather than problems. It emphasizes identifying past successes, setting concrete goals, and creating action plans to achieve those goals. - In Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), what does the “validation” technique aim to achieve?
Answer: Validation in DBT involves acknowledging the client’s feelings and experiences as real and understandable, which builds trust and encourages emotional acceptance. - What is “psychodynamic transference” used to explore in therapy?
Answer: Psychodynamic transference explores the client’s projections of past emotions or attitudes onto the therapist, which can help uncover unresolved conflicts and influence therapeutic progress. - What is a key principle of Family Systems Therapy?
Answer: A key principle of Family Systems Therapy is that individuals cannot be fully understood in isolation but must be seen in the context of their family relationships and dynamics. - What role does the therapist play in Client-Centered Therapy?
Answer: The therapist in Client-Centered Therapy provides a non-directive, empathetic, and nonjudgmental environment that allows clients to explore their feelings and make decisions autonomously. - What does “cognitive defusion” in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) involve?
Answer: Cognitive defusion involves distancing oneself from negative or distressing thoughts, allowing individuals to see thoughts as temporary and not define their behavior or identity. - In DBT, what are “skills training groups” used for?
Answer: Skills training groups in DBT are used to teach clients practical skills for managing emotions, tolerating distress, improving interpersonal effectiveness, and practicing mindfulness. - In family therapy, what is “enmeshment”?
Answer: Enmeshment occurs when family boundaries are too blurred, leading to an over-involvement of family members in each other’s lives, which can hinder individual autonomy and healthy relationships. - What is the primary aim of Psychodynamic Therapy?
Answer: The primary aim of Psychodynamic Therapy is to explore unconscious conflicts, desires, and past experiences to better understand their influence on current behavior and emotional functioning. - What does “systematic desensitization” involve in behavioral therapy?
Answer: Systematic desensitization involves gradually exposing the client to anxiety-provoking stimuli while teaching relaxation techniques to reduce fear and anxiety responses. - How does Motivational Interviewing (MI) encourage client change?
Answer: Motivational Interviewing encourages change by helping clients resolve ambivalence, exploring the pros and cons of change, and enhancing motivation through empathetic dialogue and reflective listening.