BAPSY Therapeutic Techniques & Counseling 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A therapist helps a client identify that their belief 'I must be perfect' leads to anxiety. This intervention targets which level of cognition in CBT?
- Automatic thoughts
- Cognitive distortions
- Core beliefs (Correct answer)
- Meta-cognitions
Correct answer: Core beliefs
Core beliefs (schemas) are the deepest level of cognition in CBT; 'I must be perfect' reflects an unconditional rule about the self.
Question 2: Which therapeutic technique involves the therapist tracking eye movements while the client processes a traumatic memory?
- Prolonged exposure
- EMDR (Correct answer)
- Somatic experiencing
- Trauma-focused CBT
Correct answer: EMDR
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) uses bilateral stimulation, typically eye movements, while the client recalls trauma.
Question 3: In person-centered therapy, which therapist quality involves experiencing the client's world as if it were the therapist's own, without losing the 'as if' quality?
- Unconditional positive regard
- Congruence
- Empathy (Correct answer)
- Positive self-disclosure
Correct answer: Empathy
Carl Rogers defined empathy as sensing the client's private world as if it were your own, while remaining grounded in your own perspective.
Question 4: A client avoids elevators due to claustrophobia. A behavioral therapist creates a hierarchy from least to most frightening and works through each step. This is called:
- Flooding
- Systematic desensitization (Correct answer)
- Response prevention
- Aversion therapy
Correct answer: Systematic desensitization
Systematic desensitization pairs progressive relaxation with gradual exposure to feared stimuli through a fear hierarchy.
Question 5: Which of the following is an example of a 'scaling question' as used in solution-focused brief therapy?
- What would your life look like if the problem were solved?
- On a scale of 1-10, how motivated are you to change? (Correct answer)
- How has this problem affected your relationships?
- When did you first notice this problem?
Correct answer: On a scale of 1-10, how motivated are you to change?
Scaling questions in SFBT quantify subjective experiences and help clients identify progress and next steps.
Question 6: In group therapy, 'universality' as a therapeutic factor refers to:
- Applying universal ethical standards to all group members
- Clients discovering that others share similar problems (Correct answer)
- The therapist treating all group members equally
- Learning skills that apply in all life situations
Correct answer: Clients discovering that others share similar problems
Yalom identified universality as the relief clients feel when they discover their struggles are not unique to them.
Question 7: What distinguishes 'process notes' from 'progress notes' in clinical counseling documentation?
- Process notes are required by insurers; progress notes are optional
- Process notes capture the therapist's subjective reactions and clinical thinking; progress notes document observable client changes (Correct answer)
- Process notes are written during the session; progress notes are written after
- Progress notes address diagnosis while process notes address treatment goals
Correct answer: Process notes capture the therapist's subjective reactions and clinical thinking; progress notes document observable client changes
Process notes (psychotherapy notes) reflect the therapist's personal impressions and are protected under HIPAA; progress notes are part of the official medical record.
BAPSY Therapeutic Techniques & Counseling 3
A therapist helps a client identify that their belief 'I must be perfect' leads to anxiety.
This intervention targets which level of cognition in CBT?