Intervention Techniques Flashcards

A bariatric client says, "I know I should stop late-night snacking, but it's the only time I relax." Which motivational interviewing technique best responds to this ambivalence?

Answer: Developing discrepancy between current behavior and personal goals

Developing discrepancy helps the client see the gap between their behavior and their weight-loss goals without confrontation.

In cognitive behavioral therapy for post-surgical bariatric patients, which tool is most commonly used to identify triggers for emotional eating?

Answer: A self-monitoring food and mood diary

Self-monitoring diaries link eating episodes to emotions and situations, revealing behavioral triggers.

A counselor asks a pre-surgical client, "On a scale of 0 to 10, how confident are you that you can follow the post-op diet?" This is an example of which technique?

Answer: Using a confidence ruler to assess self-efficacy

Scaling questions, or confidence rulers, gauge self-efficacy and open discussion about strengthening confidence.

Which intervention is most appropriate when a client repeatedly engages in "grazing" behavior six months after gastric sleeve surgery?

Answer: Structured meal planning with scheduled eating times and stimulus control

Grazing responds best to structured, scheduled eating combined with stimulus-control strategies that limit food cues.

During a session, a client becomes defensive when the counselor suggests reducing sugary drinks. According to motivational interviewing, the counselor should first do what?

Answer: Roll with resistance by reflecting the client's concerns

Rolling with resistance through reflective listening defuses defensiveness and preserves the therapeutic alliance.

Which behavioral technique involves removing tempting foods from the home and avoiding eating while watching television?

Answer: Stimulus control

Stimulus control modifies the environment to reduce cues that trigger unwanted eating behaviors.

A client states, "I ate one cookie, so my whole diet is ruined." Which cognitive distortion should the counselor target?

Answer: All-or-nothing thinking

Viewing one lapse as total failure is classic all-or-nothing (dichotomous) thinking addressed in CBT.

According to the Transtheoretical Model, a client who says "I'm planning to start tracking my meals next month" is in which stage of change?

Answer: Preparation

Intending to take action within the next month defines the preparation stage.

Which intervention is most effective for a bariatric client in the precontemplation stage?

Answer: Raising awareness with nonjudgmental information and exploring the client's perspective

Precontemplators are not ready for action, so awareness-raising and empathic exploration fit the stage.

A counselor helps a post-op client rehearse ordering a bariatric-friendly meal before attending a wedding. This technique is best described as what?

Answer: Behavioral rehearsal (role-playing)

Practicing a challenging situation in session is behavioral rehearsal, which builds skills and confidence.

Which statement by a counselor best demonstrates a complex reflection during motivational interviewing?

Answer: "You're frustrated because the scale isn't moving, and you're wondering if all this effort is worth it."

A complex reflection adds inferred meaning or emotion beyond the client's literal words.

When teaching relapse prevention, the counselor explains the "abstinence violation effect." What does this concept describe?

Answer: A lapse spiraling into full relapse because the client interprets it as personal failure

The abstinence violation effect occurs when guilt and self-blame after a lapse trigger complete abandonment of the behavior change.

A counselor uses SMART goals with a bariatric client. Which goal best meets SMART criteria?

Answer: "Walk 20 minutes after dinner, five days a week, for the next month"

The walking goal is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

Which technique involves the counselor intentionally summarizing both sides of a client's ambivalence about surgery?

Answer: A double-sided reflection

Double-sided reflections capture both the client's reasons for and against change in one statement.

A post-op client reports drinking alcohol to cope with stress now that food is restricted. What phenomenon should the counselor assess for?

Answer: Addiction transfer (cross-addiction)

Replacing food with alcohol or another substance after bariatric surgery suggests addiction transfer, which requires targeted intervention.

Which group intervention format is most supported for improving long-term adherence after bariatric surgery?

Answer: Ongoing structured support groups with psychoeducation and peer accountability

Regular structured support groups combining education and peer support are linked to better adherence and weight outcomes.

A client eats rapidly and stops only when experiencing pain and vomiting. Which mindful-eating intervention directly targets this pattern?

Answer: Teaching the client to slow down, chew thoroughly, and notice satiety cues before discomfort

Mindful eating trains the client to recognize early satiety signals, preventing overfilling of the surgical pouch.

When a client expresses shame about weight regain, which counselor response best reflects self-compassion-based intervention?

Answer: "Regain is a common part of this journey; let's look at it with curiosity rather than judgment."

Self-compassion approaches normalize setbacks and replace judgment with curiosity, reducing shame-driven eating.

A counselor and client sign a written agreement stating the client will earn a non-food reward after completing 12 food logs. This illustrates which technique?

Answer: Contingency contracting

Contingency contracting formalizes behavior-reward agreements to reinforce adherence.

Which is the most appropriate first-line counseling intervention for a client with mild pre-surgical binge eating symptoms?

Answer: Cognitive behavioral therapy focused on regular eating patterns and trigger management

CBT is the evidence-based first-line treatment for binge eating and can be delivered before surgery.