CART Conflict De-Escalation Techniques 2

Question 1

During a heated argument, a client suddenly raises their voice and begins pacing. Which de-escalation action should a therapist prioritize first?

Accepted Answer

Calmly lower your own voice to model regulation

Answer

Lowering your own voice models emotional regulation and often prompts the other person to mirror calmer behavior.

Question 2

Which statement best describes the concept of 'emotional flooding' in conflict situations?

Accepted Answer

A state where physiological arousal overwhelms one's ability to process information

Answer

Emotional flooding (Gottman's term) occurs when arousal is so high that rational processing shuts down, making de-escalation essential.

Question 3

A de-escalation technique known as 'SLANT' includes which of the following components?

Accepted Answer

Sit or stand calmly, Lower your voice, Acknowledge feelings, Name the issue, Time-out if needed

Answer

SLANT (Sit/stand calmly, Lower voice, Acknowledge, Name the issue, Time-out) is a structured de-escalation mnemonic used in conflict intervention.

Question 4

When a client threatens to leave a therapy session mid-conflict discussion, the most therapeutic de-escalating response is:

Accepted Answer

Validate their need for space and offer to pause and reconnect

Answer

Validating the client's need for space respects their autonomy and prevents power struggles that deepen escalation.

Question 5

The 'broken record' technique in de-escalation involves:

Accepted Answer

Calmly restating a key boundary or message without engaging in debate

Answer

The broken record technique involves calmly repeating a clear message to maintain a boundary without escalating into argument.

(CART) Certified Anger Resolution Therapist Practice Test