Counseling Skills and Interventions Practice Questions

Which of the following is true regarding clarifying? a. It is appropriate to interrupt a client to clarify. b. Clarification does not apply to the meaning of "He" or "They" when a client is talking. c. A counselor should use medical terminology at times to help orient the client to what she'll hear a lot since she's entered the field of mental health. d. Clarifying is the same as exploring.

a - A counselor should not hesitate to interrupt a client respectfully when he or she is unclear. Saying, "Before you go on, let me be sure I'm clear about what you're saying..." is appropriate. Counselors should avoid medical jargon and exploring goes deeper while clarifying corrects or affirms perceptions already shared.

According to Hersey and Blanchard, a leader with high task and high relationship behaviors is a ____________________leader. a. Selling b. Telling c. Participating d. Delegating

a - A high task, high relationship leader is using a selling style. A low task, low relationship leader is using a delegating style. A low task, high relationship leader is using a participating style. A high task, low relationship leader is using a telling style.

A stress management group would best be classified as a _________type of group. a. preventative b. remedial c. support d. developmental

a - A stress management group serves as a preventative group. Its purpose is to assist its member in preparing for and preventing stressful issues or events. It is not a remedial group because it is not seeking to fix something. Stress management is not a developmental issue.

Mike has been seeing his counselor, Lawrence, the past six weeks. Lawrence has been able to work with Mike on setting some personal goals to work on achieving. What have Mike and Lawrence formed? a. Working alliance b. Enmeshment c. Symbiotic relationship d. Dependency

a - A working alliance is the participatory agreement and involvement between a counselor and client that directs the counseling relationship toward meeting therapeutic goals, objectives and outcomes.

Sigmund Freud, the "father of psychoanalysis", believed that personality and behavior derived from: a. The Pre-conscious, Conscious and Unconscious Mind b. The Id, Ego, and Superego c. Eros and Thanatos d. Catharsis and Aggressio

a - According to Sigmund Freud, behavior and personality are derived from psychological forces in the mind that he separated into three categories, the preconscious, conscious and unconscious. All three areas of the mind represent three different levels of awareness. The preconscious is the part of the mind where our thoughts, memories and emotions that we are not aware of reside but can easily be brought into consciousness. The conscious part of the mind is the current state awareness where thoughts, memories, sensations and emotions are experienced at any given time. The unconscious part of the mind holds the thoughts emotions, memories and urges that the conscious mind is not aware of.

Your 33-year-old client has suffered with infertility for years. She and her husband have just adopted a newborn from China. She is worried that she will not understand what the baby needs since he is from another culture. The proper response would be that: a. She needn't worry; all babies, regardless of culture, make similar vocalizations and non-verbal gestures. b. She should consult with a professional to learn how to best communicate with her Asian newborn. c. That newborns from another culture do have inherently different vocalizations than Americans and that you will help her find some literature on it d. That she should take a parenting class about how to communicate well with a baby from another culture.

a - All babies, regardless of culture, have similar vocalizations and gestures. Research studies suggest that adults also have universal expressions for emotions.

A student doing her group practicum makes an observation that Donna has shifted from the group observer role to the gatekeeper role in your psych-ed group. The proper response is that: a. She's right, the sign of a healthy group is when clients can change roles b. She's incorrect, members can shift roles, but only from task to maintenance roles c. She's incorrect, members do not ever shift roles d. There are no roles in a psycho-educational group

a - All groups, regardless of type, produce roles. In a healthy group, group members are flexible and shift roles in an ongoing manner, both ways from task to maintenance and vice versa.

. In 1954, Brown vs Board of Education was a historic Supreme Court ruling that found all laws pertaining to the segregation of schools "unconstitutional." The Supreme Court ruling was motivated by an _________belief that white children and children of color should be socialized to attend school together. a. alloplastic b. autoplastic c. direct d. collectivistic

a - Alloplasty is the process of the environment changing to promote adjusting to those who are culturally different.

Which of the following roles does the information giver carry out? a. A task role b. A maintenance role c. A blocker role d. A peripheral role

a - An information giver completes a task (offering information).

Andre learns that his new doctor is a woman. He tells his sister that a female doctor will not be as effective as a male doctor because females are too emotional. He goes on further to say that he doesn't want to talk about his feelings; he just wants his back pain to go away. Andre's way of thinking about this situation can best be described as: a. prejudiced b. ethno racial c. an example of poor cognition d. discriminatory

a - Andre is demonstrating prejudice. Prejudice is defined as drawing negative conclusions about a person, group of people, or situation prior to evaluating the evidence.

Which is the most therapeutic response when a patient says, "I can't stand it anymore. My life is in shambles!"? a. "You are feeling hopeless." b. "But you have so much in your life. Let's look at the bright side." c. "I am sure it'll be OK." d. "Oh, I'm so sorry! You are just a ball of stress, you poor thing!"

a - Answer a acknowledges the client's feelings about the situation and validates her experience. Answers b and c are invalidating and offer false reassurance. Answer d is expressing sympathy which is not useful to clients as it places them in a victim role.

According to existential theorists, __________________ is/are the motivational force that helps clients reach their potential: a. Anxiety b. Relationships c. Career d. Love

a - Anxiety is seen as a paralyzing force, but also a motivating force. With awareness of this anxiety, clients can move forward to reach their potential.

Betsy describes herself as a religious person and often states a religious reason for her convictions. One of the members of the woman's group discloses that she is in love with another woman. Betsy, in response to the disclosure, calls the member a "Dyke and states that she is going to hell." What role has Betsy taken on in the group? a. Self-righteous Moralist b. Rescuer c. Informer d. Authoritarian

a - Betsy has taken on the role of Self-righteous Moralist. The Moralist has the need to always be right and believes that everyone else is wrong. She is the "authority on all moral issues." She may be brash and may not care if anyone in the group likes her. The Moralist will hardly ever admit that she is wrong. The Moralist wants to be respected for her moral integrity and imposes her moral values on other members of the group. The Moralist's sense of moral superiority tends to alienate other group members. Her self-righteous behavior is a defense mechanism for the anger, guilt and shame that she really feels on the inside. Her self-righteous behavior is also camouflage for her lack of insight or awareness into her own problems and issues.

You are seeing a couple who needs intensive counseling assistance. You ask them to buy John Gottman's book for use in and between sessions. This therapy technique is called: a. Bibliotherapy b. Validation c. A thought recording d. Self-soothing techniques

a - Bibliotherapy is therapy using books as a tool for insight and change. Validation is a communication technique. Thought recordings are for use with cognitive behavioral therapy and self-soothing techniques are techniques used in DBT that involve the use of the senses to calm oneself down when feeling emotionally dysregulated.

Which of the following is not a technique associated with Freud and psychodynamic therapy? a. Cognitive restructuring b. Free association c. Dream analysis d. All of the above are derived from Freud

a - Cognitive restructuring is a cognitive behavioral therapy technique, developed by Beck. In addition to the analysis of transference and resistance, b and c are Freudian techniques.

You are working with a client who suffered a severe dog bite when she was 10 years old. Now that she is an adult, she is afraid of all dogs. In classical conditioning, this is known as: a. Stimulus generalization b. Stimulus discrimination c. Extinction d. Stimulus functioning

a - Generalizing a specific experience to a more broad category of stimuli is stimuli generalization. If she were only afraid of that particular dog, she would be experiencing stimulus discrimination. If she was no longer afraid of dogs, she would be experiencing extinction.

One of the first formal therapeutic groups was held by: a. Joseph Pratt b. Carl Rogers c. Irv Yalom d. Wilfred Bion

a - In 1905, Joseph Pratt, a medical doctor from Boston, gathered a group of patients with tuberculosis in order to educate them. The rest are all group theorists of later years.

This week the group leader begins group with an idea that the group should role play. The suggested scenario is that group members will act as a dysfunctional family. Members are to "act out" a better way to communicate with coaching from the group members. This type of creativity in group work on behalf of the group counselor is called: a. Inventiveness b. Crystallization c. Empathy work d. Triangulation

a - Inventiveness is the ability to be spontaneous and creative as a group counselor. Effective group counselors approach every group with innovative and fresh ideas. When facilitating groups, the group counselor or leader should be aware of the repetitive patterns or rut that the group can easily fall into. It's important for the group counselor to be aware of this and be thinking of new and innovative ways to incorporate new group experiments and activities that keep the group from becoming dull and mundane.

A support group for people experiencing divorce is ready to move to the topic of discussing forgiveness. Maria is the only member of the group who is resistant to this idea. Maria's negative behavior in the group distracts the group from moving forward. What role has Maria taken on in the group? a. Blocker b. Monopolist c. Recognition Seeker d. Dominator

a - Maria has taken on the role of Blocker. The Blocker may be stubborn or resistant to the idea of the group moving forward especially if the group is moving towards something that is scary or unpredictable. The Blocker is resistant to the wishes of the group and her behavior can impede group progress.

A group member is engaging in a side conversation in a psycho-educational group. The group leader stops and says, "Mary, I'm sure that what you are talking about is very important to you. But you're missing out on some good content here, and it's difficult for me to teach because I'm distracted. Would you please put that on hold for now and resume it at the break?" Mary could also experience another curative factor. Which is It? a. Development of social skills b. Catharsis c. Altruism d. Corrective recapitulation of the primary family group

a - Mary, by being redirected, is learning how to listen, take turns and be empathetic.

Which of the following is not a specific Adlerian technique used to encourage change? a. Psychodrama b. Acting "as if" c. Asking "the question" d. Catching oneself

a - Psychodrama is a gestalt technique. "Acting as if" asks the client to pretend like they were well and behave as they would like to be. "Asking the question" refers to asking the client how their life would be different if they were well. "Catching oneself" draws out faulty "fictions" and helps the client bring destructive behavior into awareness so they can stop.

If someone is assuming the role of a protagonist in a group, the group is likely using: a. Psychodrama b. Gestalt techniques c. Bibliotherapy d. Scaffolding

a - Psychodrama is a technique and approach in counseling that allows group members to act out their concerns through the use of the group to set the stage for personal experiences. It includes a director, protagonist and the remaining members of the group.

Janice, a 54-year-old woman, has been taking about divorcing her husband, but has decided against if for financial reasons. Upon further exploring her financial situation, you learn that she has never successfully provided for herself and has always relied on her husband, with whom she's been separated for five years, to pay even her most basic bills, like rent. As a Rational Emotive Therapist, you: a. Help her explore her dependency beliefs b. Ask her to exaggerate her fidgeting while in the chair so you can explore her emotions and sensations c. Suggest you do a free association exercise d. Make an accepting statement, then sit back and let her talk freely

a - RET therapists have clients explore their faulty beliefs which lead to faulty cognitions and difficult emotions. Answer b is aligned with Gestalt; answer c with Freudian/psychoanalytic and d with humanistic or Rogerian theory

SOLER is an acronym for: a. Square, Open, Lean, Eye, Relaxed b. Secure, Objective, Listening, Evidence, Relationships c. Silence, Observe, Listen, Evaluate, Relate d. Select, Open, List, Explain, Revise

a - SOLER is an acronym to remind counselors of the proper attending behavior when working with clients. The S stands for sit squarely; the O stands for adopt an open posture; the L stands for Lean in towards the client; the E stands for make and maintain eye contact; and the R stands for Relax. It is important for counselors to be able to demonstrate attending skills. Attending skills are the foundation of establishing good rapport with the client and creating a safe environment for trust to emerge between the client and counselor. Attending means that you are physically, mentally, and emotionally present with your client, paying close attention and listening to what the client expresses verbally and non-verbally.

You are an REBT therapist and your client arrives late for a session. He apologies and explains that he has to catch a taxi now because he is without a car. You tell him that the bus stops right at your office door and he tells you he could never take the bus because people might see him. After discussing the validity of his thoughts, you ask if he is willing to try an exercise. He agrees, and you ask him to ride the bus home and introduce himself to 5 people on the bus. This is an example of what technique? a. Shame-Attacking Exercise b. Role playing c. Desensitization d. Cognitive Homework

a - Shame-attacking exercises aim to help reduce the shame associated with certain behaviors and increase a person's self-acceptance. This is not role playing as he is outside of the safety of the therapeutic relationship, and it is not desensitization, as this is more of an immersion technique.

Your nine-year-old client tells you that he stays quiet because he does not want to get screamed at like his 14-year-old brother does. This is an example of: a. Social modeling b. Operant conditioning c. Shaping d. Restructuring

a - Social modeling occurs where new behavior is learned from watching other people and events without experiencing the consequences from the behavior or engaging in the behavior.

The goal of behavioral intervention is to: a. Help the client understand and modify their behavior patterns b. Have the client behave in a manner the counselor desires c. Adjust the environment to the client's behavior d. Teach client about negative reinforcement and punishment

a - The goal of behavioral intervention is to help the client understand the complexity of their behaviors and develop the ability to change or modify negative or unhelpful behaviors by using operant conditioning models such as positive and negative reinforcements in order to achieve the desired behavior.

A group member is engaging in a side conversation in a psycho-educational group. The group leader stops and says, "Mary, I'm sure that what you are talking about is very important to you. But you're missing out on some good content here, and it's difficult for me to teach because I'm distracted. Would you please put that on hold for now and resume it at the break?" In terms of assertiveness skills, the group members will experience what curative factor? a. Imitative behavior b. Group cohesion c. Corrective recapitulation of the primary family group d. Instillation of hope

a - The group leader is role-modeling effective communication skills for the group members to witness and learn from.

Bob shares that depression is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. after another group member shares her struggle with it. He is playing the group role of: a. The information giver b. The opinion giver c. The procedural technician d. The encourager

a - The information giver relates pertinent facts or generalization to the group discussion

The Interaction techniques of Motivational Interviewing can be written as: a. OARS b. ROWS c. PADDLES d. CALM

a - The interaction techniques of Motivational Interviewing can be summed as Open-Ended questions, Affirmations, Reflections and Summaries (OARS).

. All of the following are true about the superego EXCEPT: a. it inhibits id impulses b. it governs, controls and regulates the personality c. it is the judicial branch of personality d. it represents the ideal

a - The superego does not inhibit id impulses; this is the responsibility of the ego. The superego does b, c, and d.

Today is the first day of the 8 week ADHD group where members are meeting together for the first time. According to Bruce Tuckerman's Five Stages of Group Development, what stage is this group in? a. Forming b. Norming c. Storming d. Performing

a - This group is in the forming stage. According to Bruce Tuckerman's Five Stages of Group Development, the forming stage is the period when the group first comes together and gets to know one another as they form the group

Penny tells the group that she doesn't know why her boyfriend puts up with her. She pulls up her sleeve to reveal a bandaged arm and tells the group she had to go to the ER to get stitches after she cut herself. She is playing the _________________ role, which is a ___________________ role. a. Help-seeking, blocking b. Initiator, task c. Opinion giver, maintenance d. Standard setter, maintenance

a - Those in a help-seeking role call forth a sympathy response from the group and/or its members, through insecurity, self-deprecation, or confusion. This blocks the group from moving forward.

Once a group is performing, it can regress to the storming phase. a. True b. False

a - True - Groups in the performing stage may not successfully navigate ambivalence, leading to reemergence of subgroups.

The scapegoat is the repository for group members' denied and repressed emotions and longings. a. True b. False

a - True - Members may displace their feelings of aggression onto the scapegoat. What the members dislike in the scapegoat, they dislike in themselves.

An aspect of an open group is that group members can join and leave at any time during the group series, as they see fit. a. True b. False

a - True - The benefits of an open group are that the group size is more consistent, and it offers opportunities for members to effectively cope with change and loss while in a therapeutic setting.

Interrogation is a TA counseling technique. a. True b. False

a - True - Transaction analysis is a social psychology developed by Eric Berne in the 1950s. TA improves communication. Interrogation involves forcing the client to answer from the adult ego state through a succession of confrontive questions.

Voicing doubt is a therapeutic communication skill. a. True b. False

a - True - Voicing doubt assists clients to reconsider their perception and it helps them understand that their perception is not shared by all. For clients with misperceptions, it can be useful to reconsider their point of view, although they may not immediately alter it.

Most behaviors are learned and displayed in a cultural context. a. True b. False

a - True - While some behaviors are innate, like the "rooting" of an infant to bring his mouth close to whatever it's near in hopes of eating, or an infant's startle reflex, when his arms outstretch with loud noises, most behaviors are learned within a cultural context. For instance, the handshake is generally a gesture from the Western culture. A man should never extend his hand to a woman of another culture unless she extends a hand first. Another example is that "back-slapping" someone from Asia is considered aggressive. Signaling someone from an Asian culture to follow you or directing them with your index finger, a common gesture in America, is considered rude in these cultures. Same behavior, different cultures, which means they are learned.

Mike, a group member in his 20s, tells a group member about a support group and a coping strategy he finds beneficial. This is an example of which curative factor? a. Imparting of information b. Catharsis c. Imitative behavior d. Group cohesiveness

a - When group members and leaders offer useful information for group participants about mental health, they are imparting information.

In which of the following situations is the person MOST likely to be helped? a. A woman with a cane trips and falls while crossing a street with a couple of people nearby. b. A large group of angry neighbors watches while an elderly woman is attacked by a dog. c. A young woman is robbed of her purse while people watch from their apartment windows. d. A woman collapses on the sidewalk of a crowded street corner.

a - When there are fewer people around, people are more likely to help. This is in part due to diffused responsibility in crowds (the more people who are present in a situation, the less each person feels responsible for the negative consequences of not providing assistance).

A group of individuals who have at least one common characteristic are a ______ group. a. Homogenous b. Heterogeneous c. Identical d. Therapy

a - a group of individuals with at least one common characteristic are a homogenous group. Many therapy groups are homogenous- substance use, eating disorders, grief/loss. Groups that are heterogeneous are often educational in nature and don't have a shared focus.

According to Hersey and Blanchard, a leader with high task and low relationship behaviors is a ____________________leader. a. Selling b. Telling c. Participating d. Delegating

b - A high task, low relationship leader is using a telling style. A low task, low relationship leader is using a delegating style. A low task, high relationship leader is using a participating style. A high task, high relationship leader is using a selling style.

The concept of the group as an entity dates back to: a. 1992 b. 1895 c. 1905 d. 1940

b - According to J. Scott Rutan, PhD and Walter N. Stone, MD, the scientific study of the effects of grouping began as early as 1895, when Gustav LeBon, a French social psychologist, referred to the phenomenon of 'the group mind.' About the same time, an Englishman, William MacDougall, also observed that groups have the potential to enhance individual behavior.

Miguel is 64 years old, in good health and works full-time. Miguel has worked on his job for over 40 years. Miguel is eligible for retirement but he is afraid that if he stops working he will, "go downhill fast" and end up dying before his time like his father. Which theory would you promote? a. Integrity vs Despair b. Activity Theory c. Self-Actualization d. Social Learning Theory

b - Activity Theory is the best theory to promote because it highlights the positive correlation between Miguel, an older adult, and his ability to remain active and age gracefully. The idea of continuing to work past the age of 65 conflicts with the American tradition of the social withdrawal known as retirement. Activity theory also states that individuals who led active lives as young adults are more likely to have active lives as older adults and that people who were less active as young adults may withdraw and become more disengaged as they age.

Adler believed that the___ _____________________ was the mainstay of personality development. a. Preconscious b. Unconscious c. Conscious d. Super-conscious

b - Adlerian theory emphasizes personal responsibility for how people choose to interpret and respond to life events. Adler's theories branched from Freud and psychodynamic theories that focus on the unconscious. While Adler viewed the unconscious as less mystifying than Freud and Jung, he noted that we are all overcoming an inferiority complex. For instance, sometimes we feel unattractive, or that we do not belong somewhere, or we feel not strong or smart enough. So, as a human condition (which is largely unconscious until awareness is raised), everyone is trying to overcome something that is hampering them from becoming what they want to become

Maria, a 43-year-old woman going through a career change, disagrees with what someone in group said. She recognizes that, although many heads are nodding at the other group member's idea, she simply has a different opinion. She most likely feels free to speak up because: a. The group is storming and she should find a sub group to which to belong. b. The group is in the performing stage. c. The group is just forming and she needs to let her opinion be known now. d. The group is adjourning and she should say it quickly and leave so she can't be judged.

b - Although it is possible that Maria is to speak and leave so she cannot be judged, it is likely she recognizes and respects each member's opinion and contribution, including her own. This is indicative of a group at the performing stage, where differentiation develops and gains respect and open feedback is expressed and shared.

A new member was ambivalent about participating in a grief group for the first time. Mary opens up and shares her grief regarding the loss of her daughter and encourages the new member to give the group a try. This is an example of: a. Autoplasty b. Altruism c. Confrontation d. Counter-transference

b - Altruism is the empathetic act of giving in order to be helpful without expecting anything in return. In a group, through this type of giving, members benefit by gaining self-awareness and confidence and psychological growth.

An example of a close-ended question is: a. "Tell me about yourself." b. "Do you have trouble sleeping?" c. "What did you dream about?" d. "How are you?"

b - An example of a close-ended question is "Do you have trouble sleeping?" Close-ended questions are those which can be answered by a simple yes or no and seek to obtain specific information about a certain subject. Open-ended questions are those which require more than just a yes or no answer.

Andy always arrives to group early. He takes the initiative to help set up the chairs, make coffee and set out any refreshments. After the group session has ended Andy always stays after to put away the chairs and clean up. Andy volunteers to do this on his accord. What role has Andy taken on in the group? a. Recorder b. Procedural Technician c. Janitor d. Volunteer

b - Andy has taken on the role of Procedural Technician. He has taken on the task of making sure the group has every physical or technical thing they may need to function or be comfortable. The Procedural Technician offers to carry out or assumes the technical tasks or needs of the group.

Susie is a 23-year old female with dependent personality traits. She has been experiencing depression and anxiety and continues to struggle with whether or not she should end an unhealthy relationship Susie asks you what you think. Your best response would be: a. "Susie, you are heading for trouble with this one." b. "Say more about the direction in which you're leaning." c. "Yes, you need to end it, Susie. I'm afraid it's unhealthy." d. "That's completely up to you."

b - Answer b is an open-ended question. It elicits more information about the patient's position and will reveal her thinking patterns. This will allow you to explore what's holding her back from making a decision either way. Answer a is not quite advice-giving, but is close and immediately halts any potential exploration. Answer c is advice-giving and should be avoided. Answer d is too loose and offers no help.

Conformity reflects influence from __________________ while obedience reflects influence from ___________________. a. authority; peers/colleagues b. peers/colleagues; authority c. compliance; fear d. fear; compliance

b - Asch and Zimbardo demonstrated in their research that peers have a significant influence on conformity, while Milgram's research demonstrated the influence of a perceived authority figure on the subject's performance on a task.

A freshman who is attending college away for the first time is expected to make an __________ transition in order to fit in and have a successful first year college experience. a. alloplastic b. autoplastic c. individual d. egocentric

b - Autoplasty is the concept that the individual should change themselves in order to promote adjusting or "fitting in" with the host environment.

Gestalt therapists see awareness: a. As an absolute b. On a continuum c. As unnecessary; it's all about resolving what's in the unconscious d. As secondary; resolving past traumas takes priority

b - Awareness, according to Gestalt therapists, is on a continuum with those more aware being the healthiest.

Kathy has been quiet for the past few groups. As a member begins speaking about her daughter, Kathy chimes in and begins to cry. She tells the group she's been estranged from her daughter for years. Kathy is experiencing which curative factor? a. Altruism b. Catharsis c. Existential factors d. The development of social skills

b - Catharsis occurs when group members learn to express their feelings and they gain relief when they do so. In Kathy's case, both crying and talking are cathartic.

A client shares in group that she is maintaining her sobriety and announces that she has one year clean from all substances. You notice that several members of the group then have a sidebar. After group, one of the women in the sidebar approaches you and tells you that she's seen pictures of the sober client on the internet as recently as last week with a beer in her hand drinking. She tells you that the pictures are on Facebook and suggests that you friend her so that you can see them yourself (you have a policy against personal social media use with clients). What do you do? a. You remind the client of your social media policy and suggest that if she is truly concerned about this person's recovery, then she should bring up her concerns in the group at the next session. b. You acknowledge the client's concern for her fellow group member and suggest that a peer intervention in private might have more value for the client's recovery than coming from you. You remind her of the social media policy. c. You thank the client and friend her from your cell phone since this is for someone's recovery. The sober client is on probation and you want to make sure you are getting the whole story and that she completes the program legitimately. d. You remind the client of the social media policy and the confidentiality policy for all group members and encourage her to unfriend the other client so she doesn't put herself in a situation where she knows more than she wants to.

b - Choice B acknowledges her concern and also establishes the boundary for social media that was previously established. It also supports group ownership. Choice "a" would be the next best option; choice "c" violates the counselor's own policies for a non-life-threatening issue and choice "d" doesn't really address the issue.

The question, "Are you using this word to mean..." is an example of: a. Exploring b. Clarifying c. Using a general lead d. Reflecting

b - Clarifying is used to clarify what a client is saying so as not to hinder communication moving forward.

Dawn is facilitating a substance use disorders group and several of the group members are new. As one group member talks about how he is fighting for custody of his daughter, Dawn turns to another group member and points out the similarities in his experience. Dawn's connection of the two members can be referred to as: a. Chaining b. Linking c. Connecting d. Sharing

b - Connecting one group member's experiences to another is a form of linking. The purpose is to highlight the 'sameness' and mutual experiences of the two to create cohesion in the group.

When a client is in crisis with suicidal ideation, self-harm behaviors or an eating disorder, it is helpful for them to have a/an ____________ already established. a. safe haven b. safety plan c. living will d. affidavit of guardianship

b - Counselors can help clients develop safety plans so in times of crisis, the client can easily find the information they need all in one place. Good safety plans include people willing to help, phone numbers of mental health providers, a list of current medications and dosages, treatments and coping strategies that worked in the past, a preferred treatment facility, and a copy of their advanced psychiatric directive. C is incorrect because a living will provides direction for a person's end of life medical care which, hopefully, a safety plan can help prevent. D is incorrect because an affidavit of guardianship is a legal way of temporarily awarding guardianship. In a client's case, the advanced psychiatric directive would give legal authority to someone else to make decisions for the client, if they were unable to do so for themselves.

Maylin and her family recently emigrated from China. Maylin is 8 years old and is having difficulty adjusting to school and life in America. Maylin's teacher reports that Maylin does not socialize with the other students and "acts as if she is afraid of the other students." Maylin may be experiencing: a. Assimilation b. Cultural Anxiety c. Historical Hostility d. Discrimination

b - Cultural Anxiety is a naturally occurring anxiety that a person from a minority or different culture may experience while attempting to assimilate or exist in the host or dominate culture.

You started a group a month ago. You notice this week that people have settled into a consistent seating arrangement and are having side conversations with those next to them before and after group. Three participants in particular have pulled you aside and told you that one of the other group members is annoying them by monopolizing the group time. This is characteristic of: a. The forming stage b. The storming stage c. The adjourning phase d. The performing stage

b - During the storming phase, sub groups form as members try to establish a status hierarchy.

There is never a time or place for a close-ended question in counseling. a. True b. False

b - False - Close-ended questions elicit specific information. They are important during the assessment phase and also when crisis resolves. For instance, "Are you thinking about ending your life?"

Groups in higher stages of development do not exhibit regression. a. True b. False

b - False - Even highly evolved groups may exhibit regression and reversibility at times, especially with a crisis, such as a long-term member leaving abruptly.

According to Frankl, an existential theorist, suffering has no purpose: a. True b. False

b - False - Frankl, an existentialist, believes that life's meaning can be discovered in three ways: doing a deed, experiencing a value or suffering.

Giving information has no place in counseling; it defeats exploration and interrupts the process. a. True b. False

b - False - Giving information, for instance about an illness or a resource, can be extremely beneficial to foster a therapeutic relationship, and at times is necessary (for instance when someone is in crisis). If the counselor does not know, the most effective response is to say so and assist the client to find someone who can help.

All groups share the same group stages; no group stage is ever truncated or absent. a. True b. False

b - False - Open groups, due to their fluctuation in members' presence and duration, may have severely shortened phases, and sometimes may never reach certain stages.

Premature departures from group have no benefits because they disrupt the development of group cohesion and trust. a. True b. False

b - False - Premature terminations present useful opportunities to help participants deal with change.

A Rogerian counselor would tend to use a lot of structured exercises in therapy sessions. a. True b. False

b - False - Rogerian counseling is person-centered, and genuineness, warmth, empathy and acceptance are cornerstones. To gain insight, most Rogerian counselors improve coping and gain functioning through the use of unconditional positive regard and open-ended questions.

A group member or leader terminating attendance at a group is a one-time event on their last day of attendance. a. True b. False

b - False - Termination is a process, not a one-day event. It has is its own unique stage and can be a learning and growing experience for all. Termination in group often brings up issues around grief for participants, and this should be considered and processed over time accordingly.

A closed group is always preferential to an open group. a. True b. False

b - False - While closed groups grow to be most cohesive, they can dwindle in size if group members are not committed, leaving the group sub-therapeutic. Open groups add the opportunity for participants to learn to cope with change and grief, as participants come and go.

Every group must have a clearly-defined group goal. a. True b. False

b - False - While many groups have a clear goal, such as to learn coping strategies, enhance communication skills, or learn about substance abuse, psychodynamic groups have less of a common group goal, other than to "overcome difficulties." In this case, the goals are much more individualized.

You assist your 12-year-old client and his mother to develop a behavior plan. This plan includes three specific behaviors that are being monitored. Your client gets a star for each one successfully completed. After getting 16 stars/week, he gets to choose a reinforcer from a list. This schedule of reinforcement is: a. Fixed interval b. Fixed ratio c. Variable interval d. Variable ratio

b - Fixed ratio means that a reinforcer is given after a certain number of successes. Fixed interval means that a reinforcer is given after a set time lapses. Variable ratio means a reinforcer is delivered after a variable number of responses. Variable interval means that a reinforcer is given a variable time interval.

According to Freud: a. The client is the expert b. Transference is the primary role of the counselor c. The counselor does no interpretation d. Both a and b

b - Freud believes that eliciting transference is the main job of the counselor. The client is left to explore unresolved issues and gain insight by ways of the therapist's interpretation. The therapist is the expert.

Chad begins talking about his anxiety. He says, "You know, it's like you have this big ball of something stuck in your throat. It makes me gag." As a Gestalt therapist, you would say: a. "Tell me what you think triggered that." b. "OK, say that again, only using the word 'I'" c. "What thought was going through your mind at the time?" d. "What do you fear is going to happen?"

b - Gestalt therapists stay in the here and now (answers a, c and d are past or future oriented). Gestalt therapist emphasize the need for clients to stay in the here and now by using "I" language, rather than distancing themselves using "You" or "It"

"The more we attempt to be who we are not, the more we remain the same," is an example of: a. Figure-Formation Process b. Paradoxical Theory of Change c. Self-Regulation d. The authentic encounter

b - Gestalt therapy subscribes to the view that the more we try to be what we are not the more we will stay the same. The more that we are able to accept who we are the more we will be able to change. This view was first articulated by Arnold Beissner in the early 1970's and is known as the Paradoxical Theory of Change; it has become integral to Gestalt therapy theory since this time.

Jacob, a 32-year-old man with severe anxiety, has been in the group for nine months and has decided it's time for him to move on. During his last group, he discusses how the group is one of the only places he ever felt as if he belonged. He is expressing which curative factor? a. Imparting information b. Group cohesiveness c. Existential factors d. Altruism

b - Group cohesion allows members to feel a sense of group identity and belonging.

Group cohesion has a ______ correlation with absenteeism. a. positive b. negative c. neutral d. no

b - Group cohesion has a negative correlation with absenteeism. As group cohesion increases, absenteeism decreases.

Which of the following Is an optimal group size? a. 3-4 b. 6-8 c. 10-12 d. 14

b - Groups with too few members have limitations in terms of processing group roles, group dynamics and the amount of feedback offered to others, not to mention their further reduced effectiveness with reduced attendance. Groups of 10 or more prove to be difficult to manage, and time may not allow adequate processing or attention to each member's needs.

John is the CEO of a major corporation and studied psychology in college. In order to avoid _____________ when making major decisions in the boardroom, he has asked his Chief of Operations to be a 'devil's advocate' on any point that he presents. a. group polarization b. groupthink c. fundamental attribution error d. inoculation effect

b - Groupthink occurs when no one expresses an opinion or dissent and there is an emphasis on group unanimity at the expense of critical thinking. Group polarization occurs when group discussion strengthens a dominate position in the group. Inoculation effect is an approach to convincing people to change their mind.

Imanji is quiet and says or contributes very little to the group. She is agreeable and easily goes along with whatever the group wants or decides to do. When invited to participate she tends to decline and prefers to just fade into the background and observe the group. What role has Imanji taken on in the group? a. Referee b. Follower c. Compromiser d. Standard Setter

b - Imanji has taken on the role of Follower. She is agreeable and finds it easier to go along with whatever the group wants or decides. She does not use her voice in group nor in real life. She prefers to shrink into the background. A follower may be too insecure or lacking in confidence to express her feelings or initiate any ideas or discussion. She does not bring much energy or vitality to the group

Which of the following is NOT a disadvantage of heterogeneous groups? a. There is a slower recovery of patients b. Increased transference occurs c. Group identification is slower so insight is slower d. Attendance is more sporadic

b - Increased transference is not a disadvantage, but an advantage of heterogeneous groups, as it allows the group members to work through their issues in the group setting.

According to Gladding and Corey, group member anxiety may increase during this stage. a. Initial b. Transition c. Working d. Completing

b - It is in the transition stage that Gladding and Corey found an increase in anxiety as the group members settled into their roles and became more comfortable with the group. This would result in the group leader being challenged.

Your client tells you that she has been adding a bedtime story to her child's nighttime routine if he gets ready for bed without fussing. This is a type of: a. Respondent conditioning b. Operant conditioning c. Social modeling d. Praise

b - Operant conditioning involves rewarding the desired or punishing the undesired behavior until the learner discriminates the desired behavior that elicits the reward. Operant conditioning requires the active participation of the learner. Respondent conditioning (a) does not require the active participation of the learner to be involved and it is considered "stimulus-response learning" resulting in the conditioning of involuntary responses.

Which of the following is true about counseling within a cultural context? a. Behaviors cannot be measured as accurately. b. Personal identity becomes more clearly defined. c. The consequences of problems are more ambiguous. d. Counseling interviews hold less meaning.

b - Personal identity becomes more clearly defined within a cultural context. Furthermore, behaviors are measured more accurately, consequences of problems are more obvious and counseling interviews are more meaningful when held within a cultural context.

The most immediate and potentially powerful tense for a reflection of feeling is: a. Past Tense b. Present Tense c. Future Tense d. All tenses are equally powerful

b - Present tense is the most powerful tense, as it reflects the feelings and emotions that a person is currently and actively feeling.

Which of the following is TRUE, according to motivational interviewing? a. "Readiness to change" is considered a fixed trait. b. "Readiness to change" is considered a flexible trait. c. "Readiness to change" is considered a functional trait. d. "Readiness to change" is not present in motivational interviewing.

b - Readiness to change is a hallmark tenet of Motivational Interviewing, and it is a variable, flexible trait. It is the trait that is measured in determining a person's place in the Stages of Change.

A group is a microcosm of the real world. By acting in the group in a changed manner, change will generalize." This idea can be attributed to _______ approach to group therapy. a. Behavioral Therapy b. Reality Therapy c. Psychodynamics d. Gestalt Therapy

b - Reality therapists believe that you own your behavior, and therefore, you can behave as you choose in a group setting. By choosing to behave in a certain way in group, where the client is safe from real world responses, the client can try out the behavior and then take it with him to the outside world

Rebecca makes an insensitive comment to another group member with racist overtones. Another female group member confronts her on her racial overtones and Rebecca cries out, "I don't understand why you all are attacking me?" She looks over at Bill as she starts sobbing. Bill reaches to across the group to hand her a tissue and suggests that the group change the subject. What role has Rebecca taken on? a. Hostile Member b. Seducer c. Rescuer d. Self-Righteous

b - Rebecca has taken on the role of Seducer. A Seducer uses subtle attempts to manipulate and control other members of the group. She may play victim or may act or pretend to be fragile in attempt to get others to either sympathize with her, reach out to her or even rescue her.

Which of the following is NOT a type of Gestalt resistance? a. Retroflection b. Displacement c. Confluence d. Introjection

b - Retroflection, Confluence, and Introjection are all Gestalt resistances. Displacement is a Freudian defense mechanism.

Adeline works for a pet grooming service that has windows to allow the customers to see their pets being groomed. The owner of the company has a degree in psychology and stated to reporters that she had the windows installed because she knows that people who are watched often perform better than those who do not. This is an example of: a. social influence b. social facilitation c. social conformity d. social disruption

b - Social Facilitation is the enhancement or improvement of performance by the presence of others. If the groomers' performance had declined with others present, the correct answer would be social disruption.

Socratic questioning is a technique primarily associated with which theory? a. REBT b. Cognitive Therapy c. Reality Therapy d. None of the above

b - Socratic questioning is a cognitive process and way of asking open ended questions which try to tease out what the client has learned from their experiences.

Which of the following BEST describes the theoretical orientation of the Stages of Change Model? a. behavioral model b. transtheoretical model c. moral model d. person-centered therapy model

b - The Stages of Change model is a transtheoretical model. It holds roots in both person-centered and behavioral models. It is an empathic, supportive, yet directive counseling style providing conditions under which change can occur.

.Lyndsay has been mulling over a decision to leave or stay with her husband. She has brought you a list of pros and cons. According to Freud, writing them was a function of: a. The superego b. The ego c. The id d. Her pleasure principal

b - The ego serves as a moderator between the id and the superego, balancing desires and wishes with reality

The group believes that the scapegoat is only a problem because of ____________. a. group forces b. individual differences c. changes in roles d. an Ineffective leader

b - The group believes that if the scapegoat would change, the group would resume normal functioning, and they see the scapegoat's problems as a result of the scapegoat's personality characteristics, and as independent from the group dynamic.

A counselor notices that, as her group develops, it is becoming a little chaotic as members attempt to jockey for positions in the group. According to Bruce Tuckerman's Five Stages of Group Development, what stage of development is this group in? a. Forming b. Storming c. Norming d. Performing

b - The group is in the storming stage. According to Bruce Tuckerman's Five Stages of Group Development, the group is in the "storming" stage where members are becoming restless with one another and there is a chaotic competition for leadership among the group members. This the trial of the group process, where all the personalities and personal agenda emerge and begin to clash against each other. A good counselor will be able to suppress the conflict and keep the group focused and on track but the under-tone of conflict will continue to linger on.

A group member tells another that he did not appreciate a comment he made during the last group, and he did not think he should let it go. During a silent pause, John cracks a joke. John is playing the role of: a. Compromiser b. Harmonizer c. Energizer d. Playboy/playgirl

b - The harmonizer of a group reconciles differences between others by relieving tension. The compromiser yields her own status by admitting wrong or moving in to a middle ground. The energizer prods the group to action or decision. The playboy/girl makes a display of his or her lack of involvement in the group through nonchalance, horseplay or otherwise.

Roberto is 14 and has been referred to counseling. He has been doing poorly in school and has a history of running away from home. The counselor decides to take a family therapy approach. In using this approach, where does the counselor believe the locus of the problem lies? a. Within the school system b. Within the family unit c. With Roberto only d. Within Roberto's circle of friends

b - The problem is within the family unit. The counselor chooses family counseling to treat the client in the context of family therapy because family counseling views the locus of pathology not within the individual but within the social context of the individual which in this case would

Which of the following phrases best reflects the concept of out-group homogeneity? a. "Why can't I be like everybody else?" b. "Those people are all the same." c. "Nobody else is like me." d. "I'm so glad we all agree"

b - This answer best fits the concept of out-group homogeneity, which refers to the tendency to view all individuals outside of one's in-group as being very similar. Choice C reflects the adolescent personal fable, and choice D reflects conformity.

You are watching your college football team win a game they were not expected to win. The crowd goes wild, and the students storm the field from the stands. Suddenly, you see students climbing the goal posts and attempting to take them down. This is an example of a. inoculation effect b. deindividuation c. mass hysteria d. group polarization

b - This is an example of people engaging in uncharacteristic behavior when usual identities were reduced. This is not mass hysteria because there is no fear or sense of anxiety.

Putting your seat belt on when you get in the car to stop the dinging noise is an example of: a. positive reinforcement b. negative reinforcement c. negative punishment d. positive punishment

b - This is negative reinforcement. The goal of the dinging is to get you to do something- put on your seatbelt. Therefore, it is reinforcing the desired behavior by removing an unpleasant stimulus. Punishment serves to reduce the likelihood of a response.

Amber's mom says to 12 year old Amber, "I'm not talking to your dad. Tell him here are the keys and that I would appreciate it if he would fill the car up before he returns it." This is an example of: a. Paraphrasing b. Triangulation c. Unfinished Business d. Boundaries

b - Triangulation is a dysfunctional way of communication often seen in families where one person is placed in the middle and becomes manipulated to carry communication messages between two other members. The person in middle often feels like they are being pulled in two different directions by the other two members of the triangle.

According to Hersey and Blanchard, a leader with low task and high relationship behaviors is a ____________________leader. a. Selling b. Telling c. Participating d. Delegating

c - A low task, high relationship leader is using a participating style. A low task, low relationship leader is using a delegating style. A high task, low relationship leader is using a telling style. A high task, high relationship leader is using a selling style.

Alysia helps you pass out hand-outs and then gather them at group's end. Her role is: a. As group observer b. As recognition seeker c. As procedural technician d. As help-seeker

c - A procedural technician expedites group movement by doing things for the group that moves it along.

In Jungian psychology, the victim, persecutor and rescuer would be considered: a. Either an anima or animus b. A qualifier on the Myer's Brigg Inventory c. An archetype d. An id element

c - According to Jung, archetypes are patterns of energy that form into roles we take on in life. They result from stereotypes and archetypes which have both illuminating and shadow sides.

Desiree has been working at a local community mental health center for several months and she has been asked to assist with their quarterly new patient group. When Desiree arrives, she is shocked to find over 50 people at the center. This group is likely a: a. T-group b. Therapy group c. Encounter group d. Marathon group

c - An encounter group can be from 8-200 members with a specified or open-ended format. A Tgroup is 12-15 members and has a focus on a specialized training. A therapy group typically has 6- 8 people and is a formal and structured process.

Which of the following would be your best response to the scenario above? a. "John, you can't say that. It breaks the group rules. Now please apologize." b. "OK group, let's move on to another topic." c. "John, it seems you have a very strong opinion about Mary's behavior, and you do have a right to your opinion. But the way that you said that sounded disrespectful to me. Can you please rephrase it?" d. "Mary, do you have something you want to say to John?"

c - Answer a remains quite authoritarian and does not have a place in a psychodynamic group, short of outright verbally aggressive outbursts. Answer b avoids the topic and is counterproductive. Answer d, although encouraging Mary to speak for herself, may also encourage a like response which will incite John (and possibly the group) more.

Nancy sits across from you. It's her second session. She is fidgeting in her chair. The statement that best reflects the use of sharing observations is: a. "You're nervous." b. "You're restless." c. "You're shifting in your chair." d. "Something's upsetting you."

c - Answers a, b and c interpret the behavior. Generally, perceptions are correct, while interpretations may not be. Answer c simply shares an observation and allows for discussion around its meaning, rather than assuming you know the cause. If interpreting an observation, it is important to state it tentatively so as to allow for correction from the client.

You are treating an Asian client. He often looks down or out the window when he speaks. The most likely explanation is that: a. He has poor self-esteem. b. He must be anxious. c. His behavior is normal and expected. d. He is being disrespectful.

c - Asians often avoid eye contact as a sign of respect

A counselor has a client who is an African American 25-year -old male. He has been relatively non-verbal even after meeting with him for six sessions. The counselor does not understand his client's behavior and believes that buy-in from a client is important to a good outcome. The counselor likens it to behaviors he has seen before in counseling when clients have been quite willful. The counselor meets with his treatment team and labels him as 'resistant.' The labeling is likely a result of: a. Fact; resistance is resistance b. Counter-transference c. Cognitive dissonance d. Burn out

c - Cognitive dissonance occurs when two cognitions conflict. We try to reduce the unpleasant anxiety that arises with cognitive dissonance by modifying the situation into something we have already conceptualized. Here, the counselor lumped his client in with his past experiences of resistant clients, rather than attributing it to another cause, in this case, culture.

The following is a technique often used in Gestalt Therapy. Counselor: "Last week you stated that you could never forgive your husband. Today you say you have forgiven him but you had a frown on your face when you said it. That says to me you still don't really forgive him." Name the technique. a. Paraphrasing b. Empathy c. Confrontation d. Disputing

c - Confrontation in Gestalt therapy is when the counselor calls to attention any incongruencies between what the client says and any observed emotions or behaviors.

Adler saw the counselor's role as: a. Passive b. The expert c. Teacher d. Analyzer

c - Counselors using Adlerian theory see themselves as collaborative partners, teachers and models.

Mary Jo volunteers first to review her homework. She talks directly to the group leader versus the group members and takes the first 15 minutes of group. When the leader moves on to another group member, she interrupts several times within the first minute of him talking. Mary Jo is playing the ______________________ role, which is a ________________ role. a. Playgirl, blocking b. Reality tester, maintenance c. Dominator, blocking d. Gate keeper, task

c - Dominators assert their authority by manipulating the group or some of its members. This can take the form of giving authoritative directions, interrupting others, or asserting a superior status, all which block the group dynamic.

EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) has been marketed widely as a breakthrough treatment for _____. a. bipolar disorder b. addictions c. PTSD d. schizophrenia

c - EMDR is a comprehensive and integrative psychotherapy approach. It has shown promise with trauma disorders and is widely used with PTSD.

You walk into your first group session. Who would you expect to divulge the least to you, a Caucasian counselor? a. A 52-year-old Caucasian female b. A 36-year-old Caucasian male c. A 24-year-old African American male d. A 49-year-old Hispanic female

c - From a gender perspective, males tend to divulge less. As a race, African Americans tend to divulge little as well, making answer c the least likely to reveal much to a Caucasian counselor.

Gestalt therapist believe that people overuse the following to their detriment: a. Senses b. Feelings and emotions c. Intellect d. The here and now

c - Gestalt therapist focus on feelings and senses to help them focus on the here and now.

The 'we-ness' of group, the desirable bonding that occurs, is called: a. Linking b. Union c. Cohesiveness d. Attachment

c - Group cohesion is desirable and allows the group to trust and move forward in its task.

Which is NOT a disadvantage of group work? a. Need for organization b. Diversity of group work types c. Group cohesiveness d. Complexity of performing group work

c - Group cohesiveness is not a disadvantage of group work. When it comes to organizing or establishing groups there may be challenges in finding resources, designing the group, lack of skills in group leadership, scheduling, as well as recruiting screening, and assigning members to groups. Other disadvantages involve the group method or therapeutic approach which may not be appropriate for all group members. Another disadvantage is when leadership is not aware of the complexity of performing group work. Group work is challenging and requires training in the area of group work knowledge and skill as well as having supervised experience. Group leaders must have timing and know how to apply the appropriate knowledge and skill in the current or right moment. The larger the group, the more difficult the issues are that need to be addressed.

What term is used to refer to when a group experiences a sense of "we-ness"? a. Enmeshment b. Dysfunction c. Group Cohesiveness d. Group Development

c - Group cohesiveness is the bond or close relationship that emerges from the group process that reflects an attraction for the group and a feeling of connectivity among its members. Group cohesion is a necessary element of effective group therapy.

The same student notes that Mark seems to be assuming the harmonizer role, in addition to his information giving and initiator roles. The proper response is that: a. She's incorrect, no one takes on more than one role at a time in group b. She's incorrect, a group member cannot take on more than two roles at a time in group c. She's right, members can shift and take on a limitless number of roles in group d. She's right, harmonizing always comes from taking initiative

c - Group members can take on multiple roles at one time, and in a healthy group, they can shift between roles.

. What is the correct order of the Stages of Change Model? a. Preparation, Precontemplation, Contemplation, Action, Maintenance, Recurrence b. Precontemplation, Contemplation, Action, Preparation, Maintenance, Recurrence c. Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance, Recurrence d. Preparation, Contemplation, Action, Recurrence, Precontemplation, Maintenance

c - In Precontemplation, a person is not interested in changing. In Contemplation, s/he considers changing, but makes no commitment. In Preparation, a person is committed to change, but isn't actively changing. In action, the person is changing the behavior. In maintenance, the person has changed the behavior successfully, and in recurrence, the person has experience a reoccurrence, or relapse of old behavior that must be extinguished.

Of the following, which is NOT a curative factor of group, as outlined by Yalom? a. Universality b. Instillation of hope c. Intrapersonal learning d. Group cohesiveness

c - Interpersonal learning, not intrapersonal learning, is a curative factor. Interpersonal learning occurs when a person tries out new behaviors in group. Group is seen as a microcosm of the real world.

Jose always keeps a pen and pad handy and keeps notes of any pertinent information, decisions, ideas or plans that the group makes during the session. What role has Jerry taken on in the group? a. Personal Assistant b. Progress Note Writer c. Recorder d. Group Historian

c - Jose has taken on the role of Recorder. He takes notes and writes down and remembers any of the group's decisions, plans, ideas or suggestions.

Which of the following is not one of Bion's assumptions in group dynamics? a. Dependency b. Fight-flight c. Optimism d. Pairing

c - Optimism was not one of Bion's assumptions, although he did believe it was important in the successful functioning of a group. Dependency, fight-flight and pairing were all specific components of his group work.

This researcher's work is known as the Stanford Prison experiment. a. Asch b. Milgram c. Zimbardo d. Zajonc

c - Phil Zimbardo's famous study of randomly assigning a group of students to be prisoners and another group to be guards didn't last as long as it was originally supposed to due to the undue distress by the students involved. Asch studied conformity; Milgram studied obedience to authority and Zajonc's research focused on cockroaches and the phenomenon of social facilitation.

Allie is an 83-year-old woman with dementia. She keeps calling you "Genevieve, my sweet darling." Your best response to her would be: a. "Allie, I've told you before I'm not your daughter. Look at me. You'll see." b. "Yes, my darling, I'm here." c. "Allie, I am your counselor, Sarah, not your daughter Genevieve." d. Ignoring Allie with a good-hearted chuckle

c - Presenting reality in a gentle way helps orient clients who are confused or delusional. Going along with them is counterproductive (b). Answer a is abrupt and invalidating and answer d is also invalidating.

. In a simple comparison, psychodynamic therapists focus on the ________ and Humanistic therapists focus on the __________. a. present; present b. present; past c. past; present d. past; past

c - Psychodynamic therapists, with a predominate focus on childhood experiences, are focused on the client's past, while humanistic therapists focus on the here and now, or the present.

A reality therapist would most likely respond to a client's complaint of melancholy and sad mood by saying: a. "Sounds like you're depressed." b. "Sounds like you have depression." c. "Sounds like you're depressing." d. "Sounds like you're depressive."

c - Reality therapists focus on having the client own their behavior and stresses the importance of responsibility and doing what is in your control. By owning their feelings as "depressing," the therapist stresses that this is something the client is doing and therefore has the power to stop doing

A client in an inpatient hospital unit says, "I am scared and don't want to take my meds." You say, "No meds?" This is an example of: a. Probing b. A general lead c. Reflecting d. Voicing doubt

c - Reflecting involves the counselor using the client's own language in order to encourage the client to continue to speak. Overuse of reflecting is called "parroting" and can be annoying to a client and ineffective.

Donovan enters his therapist's office for the first time. Rosa, the therapist, welcomes Donovan warmly and then patiently waits for Donovan to begin discussing why he is there. They discuss the general boundaries of the counseling relationship and Rosa informs Donovan that he is responsible for solving his own problems. Rosa is most likely practicing: a. Gestalt therapy b. Jung's analytic therapy c. Rogers's person-centered therapy d. Beck's cognitive therapy

c - Rosa is practicing Roger's person-centered therapy. In this approach, therapists do not tell clients how to solve their problems, and the client leads the way in the therapeutic relationship. Rosa's warm greeting and establishing rapport with Donovan is a hallmark of Rogerian therapy.

Sally always sits next to one of the counselors and takes on the role "as if" she is an assistant counselor. Sally takes a lead role in helping the group establish their ground rules and works very hard at making sure the group stays on task. Sally attempts to get every group member to participate and tends to dictate the length of time they have to contribute. Sally has a tendency to get on group members nerves because she can be "anal and controlling." What role has Sally taken on in the group? a. Encourager b. Assistant group leader c. Expediter d. Group monitor

c - Sally has taken on the role of Expediter. Sally considers herself to be the "overseer" of the group and takes on the responsibility of establishing herself in a leadership position making sure the group stays on task and makes progress. Every now and then the expediter may act as a referee between group member conflicts. Group members can find this type of personality to be annoying especially if they are bossy or controlling or take their responsibility within the group too seriously.

You are running group, and you notice a small side conversation happening between the person sitting next to you and the girl seated on the other side of her. It is disrupting the group, so you look at the young girl who looks away. The group member next to you continues on, and you place a hand on her shoulder. This is an example of: a. Social modeling b. Operant conditioning c. Shaping d. Restructuring

c - Shaping is learning behavior in small steps that are successive approximations toward the final desired behavior.

A television show starts by dividing its contestants into two teams and having them compete against each other. Later in the show, the two teams are combined into one team. In order to reduce the competitiveness of the individual teams and blend them into one team, they are given a common goal to work toward. The show's producers are confident the blended team will be successful based on this researcher's work: a. Asch b. Zajonc c. Sherif d. Cialdini

c - Sherif's Robbers Cave study (1961) took a group of 22 5th graders and divided them into two teams, the Eagles and the Rattlers. Once the teams created their own identities and engaged in competitions, Sherif brought the groups back together and required them to engage in cooperative work toward a shared goal, thus reducing the established prejudices between the groups.

You have been working with Elsie, a 14 year old who is struggling in school. In your last session, you ask Elsie's mother if you can spend the evening with the family in their home to do some family work. You explain that you will arrive and have dinner with the family and then observe how the family interacts with each other. Your technique is an aspect of what family therapy model? a. Stratified family therapy b. Logical family intervention c. Structural family therapy d. Strategic family intervention

c - Structural family therapy involves the involvement of the therapist into the family structure in order to accurately assess and treat the family. Strategic family intervention does not go as far as to place the therapist in the family environment.

. Your 11-year-old client has a phobia of germs. She picks up her phone with a tissue. She got sick last year in her bedroom and has not slept in her bed in over a year. Your goal is to help reintegrate your client into her bedroom so she can be well rested and attend school regularly (she was on homebound instruction for five weeks). You ask her to bring in a pillow that is on her bed, which causes her anxiety when she thinks about holding it. You work with her to hold the pillow for longer intervals during each session while she allows her anxiety to first rise (when she holds the pillow) and then fall (as she continues to hold the pillow). This is an example of: a. Environmental planning b. Overcorrection c. Systematic desensitization d. Maintenance

c - Systematic desensitization is a method to reduce anxiety through successive approximations to reduce anxiety toward an anxiety provoking event or situation. The steps needed to accomplish the behavior are listed and prioritized from no anxiety to most anxiety. The hierarchy is reviewed with the counselor helping the client to learn relaxation techniques to reduce or overcome anxiety

You are in a lecture hall watching a presentation about therapeutic techniques. The presenter asks you to be a client and you agree, sharing a story about how your grandfather passed away while you were in college and you were unable to say good-bye. The presenter gestures to the chair across from you and says, "What would you say to your grandfather if he were sitting here right now?" Which of the following BEST describes the technique and the theory? a. Role Play; Cognitive therapy b. Rehearsal; Gestalt c. Empty chair; Gestalt d. Shame Attacking; Cognitive therapy

c - The best answer to this question is empty chair as a gestalt technique. You are participating in a role play, but the use of the chair is a specific technique to Gestalt therapy.

You refer Holly to a grief support group. She has also been attending your coping skills training group. She asks if she can stop coming to the coping skills training group you have been running, because it seems redundant with the grief support group. Your best answer to Holly would be: a. "Holly, you're right. Let's put the coping skills group on hold for now." b. "Not exactly Holly, the grief support group is a psycho-educational group and the coping skills training group is a support group." c. "Not exactly Holly, the grief support is a support group and the coping skills training group is a psycho-educational group." d. "Not exactly Holly, the grief support group is a psychodynamic group and the coping skills training group is a psycho-educational group."

c - The grief support group is a self-help, support group. Any group with education as a goal is psycho-educational in nature, and it is not a support or self-help group since it is run by a counselor who is the leader.

Nancy states that she is afraid to fill out an online job application. Bob, quickly volunteers to help her. The group counselor says to Bob, "Thank you Bob for offering but I'm not sure that is good idea. Remember Nancy's goal is to become more independent. Nancy, I believe that you are quite capable of doing this on your own. You have what it takes!" What is the group counselor demonstrating in this statement? a. Empathy b. Confrontation c. Support d. Blocking

c - The group counselor is demonstrating support. The skill of a group counselor to demonstrate support to every group members requires knowing when "supportive behavior" is helpful and therapeutic and when it is enabling and counter-productive. The trick is knowing when to interject support and when to allow a client to work through conflict or painful feelings in order reach their goal or to experience psychological growth.

A group is approaching its last week and some members are sad about the group coming to an end. According to Bruce Tuckerman's Five Stages of Group Development, what stage is the group in? a. Performing b. Norming c. Adjourning d. Storming

c - The group is in the adjourning stage. According to Bruce Tuckerman's Five Stages of Group Development, the group is in the "adjourning" stage where the group members are bringing their work to a close and the group is preparing to terminate. The role of the group counselor is to attend to the feeling of the members of a group regarding the group's coming to an end. Some members may have difficulty and experience anxiety because the ending of the group triggers feelings of abandonment from their past.

It is Jack's first group. He was quite ambivalent about coming. Several of the members discuss where they have been compared to their more peaceful state in the moment, and they talk about how the group has helped them. From noting their progress, Jack will likely experience: a. Catharsis b. Existential factors c. The instillation of hope d. Universality

c - The instillation of hope occurs when group members gain confidence in the group process to help them recover.

To increase compliance in the residential program for adolescents, the counselors have decided to track attendance in the group room on a chart. Each time a client shows up on time and returns from break on time, they get a check on the chart. When the entire group consistently earns a week of checks, they earn 30 minutes of free time. This is an example of a ___________. a. systematic desensitization b. fixed economy c. token economy d. fixed ratio reward

c - The premise of a token economy is the use of symbols that represent positive and desired behavior. The use of the check marks on the chart, which are then 'traded' for the reward of free time, create an economy of exchanging good behavior for sought-after rewards.

Matthew is a new member in a substance abuse recovery group and appears quiet and shy. Stanley, who is a veteran to the group, begins to bombard Matthew with a lot of over-whelming questions. Matthew is obviously uncomfortable by Stanley's interrogation. What should the group counselor do in this situation? a. Stay silent b. Silence the group to give Matthew a chance to answer c. Block Stanley from interrogating Matthew d. Change the subject

c - The role of the counselor is to be sensitive to what each group member is feeling in the moment. This is an example where the counselor's responsibility is to keep group members safe by creating and maintaining a safe environment for group process to emerge. The counselor's role is to "block" any behavior that may be harmful to a group member such as gossiping, questioning, invading of another person's privacy or breaking confidentiality. The counselor's responsibility is to confront the parties and address the conflict immediately. The counselor responsibility is to "block" or extinguish any counter-productive behavior within the group and at the same time do this without attacking but teaching the perpetrators and other group members.

________________ results when ideal standards are violated. According to Freud, this is a function of the __________________. a. Guilt, ego b. Anger, ego c. Guilt, superego d. Shame, id

c - The superego sets ideal standards and guilt results when we violate them.

In Karpman's triangle, which role vies for unconditional love, "Love me no matter what"? a. The persecutor b. The rescuer c. The victim d. They all share this motto

c - The victim's motto is "Love me no matter what." The persecutor's is, "I'm right." The rescuer's is, "I'm good."

Twenty-year-old Joan grew up with a hypercritical mother. Joan has taken a liking to Eileen, a 52- year-old kind and empathetic caretaker. Joan has a good chance of experiencing which of the following curative factors in group with Eileen? a. Altruism b. Group cohesiveness c. Corrective recapitulation of the primary family group d. Imitative behavior

c - This curative factor involves the group member feeling heard, understood and accepted. This helps her reverse some of the "damage" of being raised with a hypercritical parent.

In transactional analysis, when two people are communicating from different ego states, resulting in an unexpected, hurtful response, they are said to be engaging in a(n): a. Ulterior transaction b. Complementary transaction c. Crossed transaction d. Game transaction

c - Ulterior transactions (a) occur when people are coming from different ego states but their response is coming from the same ego state. Complementary transactions (b) occur when people are coming from the same ego state. Although there are games and games analysis, there is no such term as 'game transaction' in TA. According to theorist Eric Berne, relationships are predictable patterns in which people take on roles as either parents, children or adults. A crossed transaction occurs when partners address ego states other than the ego state that their partner is in, resulting in communication failures.

Bloch and Crouch identified all of the following except ____ as the areas that make up a therapy group. a. a therapeutic factor b. a condition for change c. vicarious learning d. a technique

c - Vicarious learning is one of Yalom's 11 universal factors and is not associated with Bloch and Crouch.

When working with a client who just completed treatment for a substance abuse disorder, you suggest joining a Narcotics Anonymous group. Having a strong social support network can help recovering addicts overcome some of their biggest challenges because: a. there are no triggers to substance abuse in the group setting. b. the group will control freedom of choice c. the group can encourage healthy choices and behaviors d. the group will stop relapses from occurring

c - When a person is recovering from addiction, having a positive support network can help them stay in recovery instead of relapsing. Answer A is incorrect because triggers to abuse can arise in the group setting. D is incorrect because while the group setting may help avoid relapse, it is not always the case. Exposure to people who remind them of substance abuse can trigger a relapse. Other triggers for relapse can include exposure to places, things, or emotions that remind them of substance abuse.

What curative factor might Mike and the group members be experiencing when discussing how the group helped them? a. Interpersonal learning b. Existential factors c. Altruism d. Imitative behavior

c - When group members give to others through altruistic acts, it helps them gain self-esteem.

You are a leader in a psychodynamic group. The group formed about five weeks ago. Tonight, one of the group members made a disrespectful comment to another member. What should you do? a. Say nothing, they are in the storming phase and need to work through it. b. Say nothing, your role as a leader is to guide, not direct; the patient will benefit from learning how to stand up for herself. c. Speak up and reiterate group roles and re-direct the client who made the disrespectful comment. d. Take over and speak for the client who was disrespected. She can't tolerate the turmoil.

c - While psychotherapy group leaders do take a more peripheral role than those running more structured groups, it is the leader's job to keep members of the group safe, physically and emotionally,

A ______________________ is a diagram similar to a family tree that uses shapes and symbols to map family patterns and relationships, as well as identify the history of emotional and behavioral patterns of past generations. a. Strong's Self-directed Search b. Goal map c. Beck's Depression Inventory d. Genogram

d - A genogram is a diagram similar to a family tree. It uses shapes and symbols to map family patterns and relationships, as well as identify the history of emotional and behavioral patterns and medical history of past generations. A genogram is used to help understand the lives of people and families and how they exist and functions in systems.

According to Hersey and Blanchard, a leader with low task and low relationship behaviors is a ____________________leader. a. Selling b. Telling c. Participating d. Delegating

d - A low task, low relationship leader is using a delegating style. A low task, high relationship leader is using a participating style. A high task, low relationship leader is using a telling style. A high task, high relationship leader is using a selling style.

Inferiority and superiority complexes are terms associated with: a. Freud b. Rogers c. Perls d. Adler

d - Adler believed that people strove to grow and overcome inferiority and stove for perfection. When they did not succeed, they developed an inferiority complex. When they overcompensated, they developed a superiority complex.

Priti, Max and Annabel are assigned a presentation at their office. Priti and Max spend the majority of their time on the project while Annabel takes long lunches and leaves the office early. Priti and Max are irritated that Annabel is barely participating, but they want to make sure the presentation goes well. Annabel is engaging in: a. groupthink b. group polarization c. diffusion of responsibility d. social loafing

d - Annabel is experiencing the phenomenon known as social loafing, where people are less productive in groups. Social loafing is the best answer, as diffusion of responsibility refers to helping someone in times of need, not group behavior.

Your client has asked you to see her three-year old because the child has become increasingly unreasonable. She tells you the child wants to wear her flip flops in the snow because her school shoes get wet and dirty when she wears them in the snow. If she wears her flip-flops, she can just wash them and dry her feet off when she gets wherever she's going. In terms of psychosocial development, your best response is to tell the client to: a. Pick her battles and let the child exercise her choice and wear flip flops. b. Force the child to wear her school shoes. The parent has to keep the upper hand to prevent things from getting out of control as she grows older. c. Have her buy a pair of closed-in summer shoes that will protect her feet better and let her wear them in the snow. d. Have the child pick a pair of winter boots to buy and/or wear, and let her wear flip flops around the house during the winter

d - At three years of age this child is in the "autonomy vs. shame and doubt" stage. Allowing for independence and choice while also protecting the child from failure (in this case, getting cold, wet feet anyway, or possibly humiliation from peers) remains crucial to developing a sense of competence. Answers a and c set her up for failure. Answer b invalidates her need for autonomy.

The civil rights movement was birthed out of an ideology of _________ which united and mobilized African-Americans to stand together and fight for freedom. a. democracy b. assimilation c. socialism d. collectivism

d - Collectivism is a social system in which individuals submit to the interest or subscribes to the values of groups such as peers, family, community, co-workers, leaders, government or any affiliation that may provide a sense of belonging for the individual.

During which stage of group formation is dependence on the leader the highest? a. Norming b. Performing c. Storming d. Forming

d - During the forming stage, group members are highly anxious and ambivalent. They look to the leader for reassurance and guidance.

At which stages does leadership become shared by group participants? a. At the forming stage b. At the performing stage c. At the storming stage d. At the norming stage

d - During the norming stage, as conflict dies, group members step up and share the function of leadership. The leader can assume more of a peripheral and less active role.

One advantage of group work is: a. Elitism b. Cultural Collectivity c. Equal Access d. Economy of Approach

d - Economy of approach is one of the advantages of group work. Individual therapy can be costly but group work is more cost effective because several people can receive treatment at one time by one or two group leaders with the added benefit of community and a connection to others.

Ego defense mechanisms in and of themselves are: a. Normal b. Pathological c. Operate on the unconscious level d. Both a and c

d - Ego defense mechanisms work to control anxiety and work on the unconscious level.

Susie is a 23-year old female with dependent personality traits. She has been experiencing depression and anxiety and continues to struggle with whether or not she should end an unhealthy relationship. If, in response to Susie, you respond, "Say more about the direction in which you're leaning", this is an example of: a. Information giving b. Presenting reality c. Validating d. Exploring

d - Exploring involves encouraging a deeper look at a client's emotions, thoughts or reasoning. This should be distinguished from probing which is continuing to press for information when the client wishes not to.

Your client tells you that her six-year-old daughter's behavior seems to worsen just before bedtime. Her child comes out of the room, asking for a story or something to drink. You tell her to say nothing, offer no drink or story, but guide her daughter back into her room quietly and swiftly. This behavioral strategy is called: a. Bartering b. Reinforcing c. Generalization d. Extinction

d - Extinction is the elimination of a behavior through withholding a reinforcer. In this case, the reinforcer is your client's attention

Benefits to having a group co-leader include which of the following? a. Managing issues of counter-transference from either leader b. Group continuity when one leader is absent c. Different points of view and observations d. All of the above

d - Group co-leadership assists the leaders to notice and work through their countertransference in a therapeutic way, while relying on the other group leader to take over when needed. Differing perspectives enrich the group process and the continuity of any group remains crucial to its success.

Which of the following can be a benefit to group members when participating in therapeutic groups? a. Corrective recapitulation of the primary family group. b. Development of socialization techniques c. The learning and adaption of new behavior d. All of the above

d - Group members can reap all of the listed benefits by participating in therapeutic groups. For example, group members can benefit from "corrective recapitulation of the primary family group" which means by creating a positive environment within the group, members who have had negative family experiences can correct and work through issues and learn new ways of functioning. In therapeutic groups, social learning takes place when group members can learn new social skills through interpersonal communication and interaction within the group. Group members also learn by observing the group counselors or leaders, whose goal is to model appropriate behavior for members in hopes that they imitate or practice such behavior outside of the group setting

Which is the correct sequence of group formation, as per Tucker? a. Form, norm, storm, perform, adjourn b. Form, storm, perform, norm, adjourn c. Form, perform, norm, storm, adjourn d. Form, storm, norm, perform, adjourn

d - Groups form and vie for power and control, develop group norms, move into the working stage and terminate.

Which of the following is NOT an accepted personal characteristic of a group counselor? a. Presence b. Courage c. Humor d. Hubris

d - Hubris or conceit is not a good characteristic of a group counselor. Group counseling is never about the "counselor" but it is about having an attitude of good will and caring towards each member of the group. A counselor who is present, allows him or herself to be touched by other people's pain, struggle or joys. Another characteristic of an effective group counselor is courage. A counselor must have the ability to be vulnerable and at times admit their short-comings and mistakes and be able to take the same emotional/behavioral risk that they expect their group members to in group sessions. An effective group counselor has to have a good and appropriate sense of humor and know when not to take themselves so seriously.

Which of the following statements is FALSE? a. Scapegoating is a common occurrence in group. b. The scapegoat is a non-conformist who plays a necessary role for the group. c. As long as the scapegoat can be blamed, the system goes unexamined and unchanged. d. The emergence of a scapegoat is not potentially destructive.

d - If not handled properly by the leader, the system goes unexamined and unchanged and the scapegoat has a counter-therapeutic experience.

One reasonable criticism of Freud's psychodynamic theory is that many of his concepts are difficult to measure and verify. The unconscious is not tangible. From a critical thinking concept, this presents the challenge of: a. Occam's Razor b. replicability c. correlation versus causation d. falsifiability

d - If the concept cannot be falsified, there is no way to demonstrate that Freud was incorrect. Occam's Razor implies that a simple explanation is usually the accurate one, which does not apply in this case. Replicability and correlation versus causation are not applicable to the question.

The United States embraces the concept of ___________________ as the First Amendment encourages citizens of the United States the freedom to compete and pursue their own interest. a. egocentrism b. collectivism c. patriotism d. individualism

d - Individualism is the ideology that the needs, desires, and aspirations of the individual take precedence over the needs, desires, and aspirations of the group. For example, an individual may focus on self-promotion which may not include any group that he may be a member of, such as family, peers, community, business or country.

You are working with a client in anger management after he had an altercation on the highway. He stated that the person came up suddenly behind him, driving recklessly and nearly drove him off the road. Your client became very angry and decided he was going to teach the driver a lesson about manners and followed the driver to his destination, the hospital, where his wife was in emergency surgery. Your client was nearly arrested after confronting the driver. Your client committed a ________________ attribution. a. biased b. situational c. personal d. dispositional

d - Instead of looking at the situation, which impacted how the driver was driving, your client is blaming the enduring personality traits, attitudes and intelligence of the driver for the driver's bad driving habits. Had he attributed the driver's behavior to his wife's emergency, he would have engaged in situational attribution.

A group member shared an accomplishment of quitting smoking for the past 30 days. James comments and seems to go on and on about how he was raised on a tobacco farm in Mississippi and about the hard work and challenges he experienced growing up poor in the south. What role has James taken on? a. Do-Gooder b. Informer c. Recognition Seeker d. Monopolist

d - James has taken on the role of Monopolist. He talks incessantly about anything that is only slightly related to the topics that other members bring up. A Monopolist's contribution is usually self-centered and is a distraction to the group process. A Monopolist's story-telling may be a welcomed relief when the group begins to go too deep but the group counselor or leader must deal with this behavior in order to get down to the Monopolist's underlying anxiety.

Jan is a technology savvy professional counselor seeking to expand her private practice to include practicing distance counseling by offering counseling services via email, online, skype, videoconferencing and avatar counseling. Her goal is to be able to reach clients any and everywhere. What would be a challenge to accomplishing this? a. Clients may not be able to afford this service. b. The cost of technology overhead can be over-whelming. c. Psychological impact is limited because contact is not face to face. d. Counselors need to be licensed in the state where the client resides.

d - Jan may face some professional as well as ethical challenges in attempting to practice distance counseling via email, online, skype, videoconferencing or avatar counseling. Tele-counseling or ecounseling may be an attractive option for some clients but if Jan attracts clients from other states that she is not licensed to practice in she may be breaking the law. Many states do not permit outstate-counselors to provide tele-counseling services to their state residents. In order for Jan to provide this service in other states she would have to be licensed in that state or multiple states. The other option is to make it clear to clients that the services are for in-state clients only or clearly inform clients of the states that she is licensed to practice in. A good rule of thumb is to check with the state licensing board for their policies on tele-counseling and electronic communication. Also, it is a good idea to check with the malpractice insurance company for their policies on the subject as well. It's important to also remember that the same code of ethics that apply to private practices also apply to virtual private practices.

Jerry hears a fellow group member say, "I am really struggling with this divorce. I can't see my way to the other side sometimes. It seems like I'll never feel better." Jerry just experienced a relationship break-up himself, which spun him into a depression. Though the group member's situation is unfortunate, Jerry feels a little better hearing about it. Jerry is experiencing which curative factor of group therapy? a. Imitative behavior b. Imparting information c. Instillation of hope d. Universality

d - Jerry is experiencing universality, when a member feels relief that they are not alone and that others share similar problems.

Joe is an elderly gentlemen who attends a support group for people who have lost their spouse. This support group has been a real source of support for Joe and he really enjoys attending. Each week Joe brings something to group whether it's an article or idea. He is always contributing new insights and ideas to the groups. What role has Joe taken on in the group? a. Compromiser b. Harmonizer c. Coordinator d. Initiator

d - Joe has taken on the role of Initiator. Joes brings a lot of energy and vitality to the group. He enjoys the group and participates fully and contributes regularly by bringing ideas and "gifts' he believes the group will enjoy or benefit from. An Initiator may attempt to stimulate the group to "think outside the box" or to move forward. The group's reaction to an Initiator can be positive if they are all in agreement with moving forward with his idea or their response can be negative if the group members' reaction is unresponsive or they just choose not to act on any of the initiator's ideas or suggestions.

According to Jungian psychology, dreams serve to: a. Prepare us for future events b. Bring a balance of opposites c. Express things we can't say out loud d. Both a and b

d - Jung believed that dreams were compensatory and prospective, serving to prepare people for the events and experiences they anticipated in the future as well as work to bring a balance of opposites.

A group member discloses that they are struggling with forgiving their absentee father. The group leader discloses how difficult it was for him and how he was able to eventually forgive the father that was not in his life for 30 years. This group counselor is demonstrating what technique? a. Diagnosing b. Evaluating c. Counter-transference d. Modeling

d - Modeling in one of the best ways a group counselor can teach desired behavior by demonstrating, disclosing or giving examples to the members of what the appropriate behavior looks like. In order for group members to grow and resolve issues or experience change in their real world they will have to practice taking risk, being open and honest with themselves and others. Group members may have to practice the skill of being non-defensive, or being confident and assertive, or giving feedback, or being sensitive, respectful or enthusiastic. In order for a group member to learn and adapt such behaviors, the group counselor or leader may have to be willing to demonstrate such behaviors and attitudes in order for the group members to be able to recognize what this behavior looks like. The group counselor also has to work to create an atmosphere where it is safe and encouraging for the group members to emulate or practice the new behaviors among one another.

Which of the following are appropriate rituals for termination? a. Gift giving b. Physical expression of positive regard (i.e. a handshake or hug, etc) c. Sharing of food d. All of the above e. Both a and b only

d - Promoting a therapeutic good-bye can correct past negative termination experiences and set the stage for positive ones in the future

Leaders in psychodynamic groups: a. Are very active b. Are relatively passive c. Guide rather than lead d. Both b and c

d - Psychodynamic groups are meant to allow anxiety to rise in the group as the group leader takes a more passive role. This anxiety allows for the emergence of unconscious material for processing

Punishment ________ a behavior, and negative reinforcement _______ a behavior. a. strengthens, strengthens b. weakens, weakens c. strengthens, weakens d. weakens, strengthens

d - Punishment is designed to extinguish or stop an undesirable behavior. Negative reinforcement encourages a desired behavior by removing an unpleasant stimuli.

The "A-B-C" principle in RET therapy refers to: a. The fact that intellectual mastery precedes emotional mastery; you must have a strong IQ to function well in life b. The focus on reducing physical vulnerabilities ("Airway", "Breathing", "Circulation") to reduce emotional vulnerabilities c. Affect, Behavior, Conversation d. Activating event, belief, consequences

d - RET therapists work to help clients identify what triggers beliefs, raise awareness of faulty beliefs, and discuss the emotional consequences of such beliefs. Answer a is false. Answer b refers to CPR and, in some ways, addresses a DBT principle. Answer c is a guideline used for documenting care.

Your 12 year old client comes in with her father. He is fed up with her "defiant" behavior, stating he needs you to "make her understand that she needs to pick up after herself and make better choices." Your response to him should draw from a body of research suggesting: a. The areas in teens' brains that guide planning and reasoning do not fully develop until age 16 b. The areas in teens' brains that guide planning and reasoning do not fully develop until age 21 c. The areas in teens' brains that guide planning and reasoning do not fully develop until age 14 d. The areas in teens' brains that guide planning and reasoning do not fully develop until age 25

d - Research supports the finding that the cortex of the brain grows from front to back, with the frontal lobe, the area that guides reasoning and planning, developing last at age 25.

Samuel is very encouraging with other members of the group. He is warm and friendly and agreeable. He is always praising other members of the group and wants to always have a good and positive experience in group. What group vitalizing or maintenance role has Samuel taken on in the group? a. Harmonizer b. Compromiser c. Brown-noser d. Encourager

d - Samuel is playing the role of the encourager. He is agreeable and accepting of others. He offers other group members lots of praise and affirmation. The encourager may want to be liked and accepted and needs this affirmation in order to feel secure. The encourager is uncomfortable with conflict and uses encouragement to control the atmosphere. An encourager may overly use this trait in order to deflect attention from himself onto others.

A trans-gender youth tells a counselor about his recent experience of being bullied at school. The counselor replies, "I know what that feels like. I was bullied a lot when I was in school." This statement is an example of: a. Counter-transference b. Racial Micro-aggression c. Reflecting d. Self-disclosure

d - Self-disclosure is the intentional decision on behalf of the counselor to reveal information of a personal nature about him or herself to the client. Self-disclosure can be a way of communicating empathy to the client only if the content of what is being disclosed is brief and to the benefit of the client. Self-disclosure should be used to inspire hope, used to provide feedback, used to confront the client or used to provide an alternative view for the client.

Which statement is true regarding silence? a. Silence is a therapeutic tool and is encouraged. b. Silence should be avoided if at all possible. c. Silence allows the counselor to regain his/her thoughts. d. Both a and c

d - Silence is often beneficial and can serve many purposes such as allowing the therapist to assemble thoughts, allowing the therapist to observe a client's non-verbal cues and it slows the pace of the interaction, allowing for more exploration.

Which of the following is NOT a type of group role? a. Blocking b. Task c. Maintenance d. None of the above; all are group roles

d - Task roles help the group accomplish its task. Maintenance roles help keep the group running. Blocking roles call attention to ignored or suppressed individual needs in the group.

In terms of the body's energy and its patterns, Gestalt therapists: a. Disregard them b. Explore them only as a peripheral element of therapy c. Focus exclusively on them and nothing else d. Find them useful and integrate and explore them regularly in therapy

d - The Gestalt therapist focuses on energy blocks and how to use the energy constructively

The Miracle Question is a technique used to promote problem solving with clients in: a. REBT b. Gestalt Therapy c. Person-Centered Therapy d. Solution-Focused Therapy

d - The Miracle Question is a goal setting question that is useful when the client is "stuck" and does not have clear understanding or idea of how they would like to see their problem solved or what they would like their future to look like. The Miracle Question was born out of Solution-focused Therapy developed by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg. The premise of this theory is to keep the client moving forward towards goals and solutions instead of spending time focusing on the problem. A counselor could phrase the Miracle Question in the following way, "Suppose you went to sleep tonight and while you were sleeping an angel came and granted you a miracle...When you woke up the next morning you knew right away that a miracle had taken place...What things would have changed? How would you know that your life had taken a turn for the better? What would improve?"

. During which stage of counseling should the counselor work to gain the client's trust? a. Intervention Stage b. Assessment and definition of the problem c. Termination and Follow up d. All of the above

d - The counselor should always work to gain and maintain the client's trust throughout the five phases of counseling.

Several people are talking at once, and Jamie speaks up and says, "Why don't we each take a turn so we can listen to each other. I'm sure we all have good things to say." She is playing what group role? a. The elaborator b. The recorder c. The opinion seeker d. The gatekeeper

d - The gatekeeper proposes the flow of communication or encourages communication from more passive members.

After much discussion, an ADHD group, that has just formed, has established and agreed upon the "ground rules" for participating in the group and some of the goals that they would like to achieve. What stage of development is group in? a. Adjourning b. Performing c. Storming d. Norming

d - The group is in the norming stage. According to Bruce Tuckerman's Five Stages of Group Development, the group has entered the "norming" stage where they are able to agree upon the "rules of engagement" for the group as well as the goals. In this stage member may argue but they are also learning about each other by listening to each other and are beginning to understand and accept each other. In this stage the group is beginning to become more cohesive.

After forming, a group has found a nice rhythm and starts to work through and reach their goals. According to Bruce Tuckerman's Five Stages of Group Development, what stage is the group in? a. Forming b. Norming c. Storming d. Performing

d - The group is in the performing stage. According to Bruce Tuckerman's Five Stages of Group Development, the group is in the "performing" stage where the members are participating and doing work. A group in this stage is meeting objectives and reaching its goals. The members know and accept each other and are able to work together and trust each other. The group is flexible and able to manage roles and responsibilities and adapt to changes whenever necessary. The morale and energy of the group is high as people are eager to do work. Not all groups are able to reach this stage, an effective counselor will work hard to get the group as close to this stage as possible.

The hot seat technique in group counseling is attributed to which theoretical approach? a. Behavioral Therapy b. Reality therapy c. Psychodynamics d. Gestalt Therapy

d - The hot seat technique is a Gestalt approach aimed at improving the self-esteem of the group member by having the person sit in front of the group and handle confrontations by the Gestalt therapist.

Which statement is most true of person-centered therapy? a. Therapists should be judgmental at all times. b. Therapists should direct the session when clients are silent. c. The skill a therapist possesses is more important than the attitude toward the client. d. The attitude a therapist possesses is more important than the skill a therapist has.

d - The relationship between the therapist and the client is tantamount in the person-centered approach and carries more weight than the skills of the therapist. The client owns the therapeutic environment at all times.

Which of the following is considered the most powerful and dangerous archetype? a. The all-powerful warrior b. The persona c. The anima d. The shadow

d - The shadow may appear in dreams and visions in various forms, often as a feared or despised person or being, and may act either as an adversary or as a servant. It typically has the same apparent gender as one's persona. It is the side of our personality which we do not consciously display in public.

You are working with a client who has Obsessive Compulsive disorder. Everything he does has to be done in groups of threes before he can move through his day. This demonstrates a __________ pattern of reinforcement. a. variable interval b. variable ratio c. fixed interval d. fixed ratio

d - There is an established number of responses required for your client to move forward, so this is a fixed ratio reinforcement. Ratio corresponds to a number of responses; interval corresponds to a period of time.

In group work, there is an awareness that one is not alone. That sense is called: a. Enmeshment b. Cohesion c. Altruism d. Universality

d - Universality is the awareness or the feeling of "not being alone" that a person experiences in within a group. Universality is the "common denominator" that members of the group share. That common denominator could be a cause, emotion, behavior or a difficult circumstance that group members share in common. The beauty of group work is knowing that an individual is not the only one with a problem and that there are other members going through similar problems who are in different stages of their awareness and healing and therefore can be an example or a support for that individual member.

Which of the following is an example of the therapeutic use of voicing doubt? a. "That's unusual." b. "Really?" c. "That's hard to believe." d. All of the above

d - Voicing doubt is appropriate when someone has many misperceptions due to illogical thinking, and at times with those who suffer from delusions or paranoia, although becoming argumentative is ineffective and counter-therapeutic.

A counselor uses the technique of role reversal during a session with a husband and wife. The purpose of this technique is to help the clients experience a _______ and ______ shift. a. purposeful; direct b. severe; stereotype c. permanent; dynamic d. cognitive; emotional

d - When counselors use the structured activity of role reversal, they are hoping their client(s) will have a cognitive and emotional shift. By having their client take another person's perspective and approach a situation causing conflict, the purpose is to facilitate a change in how a client thinks and feels about a situation.

Which of the following should be part of termination from a group? a. A review and reinforcement of changes and growth that occurred while in the group b. A ritual c. Appropriate referral d. All of the above e. Both a and c only

d - Whether a group itself ends, the leader leaves, or members leave, all of these factors should occur for proper termination. A ritual helps bring closure

In Karpman's triangle, which role is the least productive? a. The persecutor b. The rescuer c. The victim d. They are all equally destructive

d -In this "game" it is the drama itself that keeps the focus away from the true problems at hand that require problem-solving and resolving.

Termination in time-limited groups should include a discussion of which of the following? a. The group as an entity and group cohesion b. Individual relationships that formed between members c. Individual's and the group's interactions with the leader d. How the members benefitted from the group e. All of the above f. All but b

e - The group process should be discussed from all angles, including what clients learned, how they will apply it in the future, what relationships were enriching and which were challenging and appraisal of the leader. This appraisal can help members shift their view of authority to serve them better in the future.

Which of the following are not valid types of treatment groups? a. Activity groups b. Self-help groups c. Support groups d. Psycho-educational groups e. None; all are valid

e - With wide range of leader participation and structure, all types listed are beneficial types of groups.