Intervention Techniques & Counseling Strategies Flashcards

A client in early recovery minimizes the harm caused by their past drug use. Which counseling technique is most appropriate to address this defense mechanism?

Answer: Use motivational interviewing to explore discrepancies between their values and behavior

Motivational interviewing uses reflective listening and exploring discrepancies to gently challenge minimization without triggering reactance.

Which of the following best describes the 'brief intervention' model used in alcohol/drug education settings?

Answer: A short, structured counseling conversation designed to motivate behavior change in at-risk individuals

Brief interventions are structured, time-limited counseling conversations aimed at reducing substance use in at-risk or early-problem individuals.

When conducting a family intervention for a client with substance use disorder, the counselor's primary role is to:

Answer: Facilitate communication and guide the process while maintaining neutrality

The counselor facilitates the family intervention process, keeping communication productive and maintaining a neutral, supportive stance.

The ARISE model of intervention differs from the Johnson Intervention model primarily in that ARISE:

Answer: Involves the client in the intervention planning from the very beginning

Unlike the surprise-confrontation approach of the Johnson model, ARISE includes the person with the substance use disorder as an invited participant from the start.

A counselor notices that a client becomes defensive whenever the topic of their alcohol use is raised. The most therapeutic response is to:

Answer: Roll with the resistance by shifting focus and using reflection

Rolling with resistance, a core MI principle, avoids power struggles and keeps the therapeutic alliance intact while allowing the client to process at their own pace.

Which stage of the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) describes a client who acknowledges they have a problem and intends to change within the next six months?

Answer: Contemplation

In the Contemplation stage, the individual is aware of the problem and thinking about changing but has not yet made a commitment to act within 30 days.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for substance use disorders primarily focuses on:

Answer: Identifying and modifying maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors related to substance use

CBT targets the cognitive distortions and behavioral patterns that maintain substance use, teaching coping skills and relapse prevention strategies.