CBC Intervention Techniques 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: 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?
- Precontemplation
- Action
- Preparation (Correct answer)
- Maintenance
Correct answer: Preparation
Intending to take action within the next month defines the preparation stage.
Question 2: Which intervention is most effective for a bariatric client in the precontemplation stage?
- Raising awareness with nonjudgmental information and exploring the client's perspective (Correct answer)
- Creating a relapse prevention plan
- Setting detailed weekly weight-loss goals
- Assigning daily calorie-counting homework
Correct 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.
Question 3: A counselor helps a post-op client rehearse ordering a bariatric-friendly meal before attending a wedding. This technique is best described as what?
- Paradoxical intention
- Dream analysis
- Behavioral rehearsal (role-playing) (Correct answer)
- Free association
Correct answer: Behavioral rehearsal (role-playing)
Practicing a challenging situation in session is behavioral rehearsal, which builds skills and confidence.
Question 4: Which statement by a counselor best demonstrates a complex reflection during motivational interviewing?
- "Why didn't you follow the meal plan?"
- "So you didn't exercise this week."
- "You need to try harder next week."
- "You're frustrated because the scale isn't moving, and you're wondering if all this effort is worth it." (Correct answer)
Correct 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.
Question 5: When teaching relapse prevention, the counselor explains the "abstinence violation effect." What does this concept describe?
- Weight regain caused by pouch stretching
- Withdrawal symptoms from sugar cessation
- The body's metabolic slowdown after dieting
- A lapse spiraling into full relapse because the client interprets it as personal failure (Correct answer)
Correct 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.
Question 6: A counselor uses SMART goals with a bariatric client. Which goal best meets SMART criteria?
- "Lose as much weight as I can"
- "Get healthier soon"
- "Walk 20 minutes after dinner, five days a week, for the next month" (Correct answer)
- "Exercise more whenever possible"
Correct 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.
Question 7: Which technique involves the counselor intentionally summarizing both sides of a client's ambivalence about surgery?
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Contingency contracting
- Thought stopping
- A double-sided reflection (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A double-sided reflection
Double-sided reflections capture both the client's reasons for and against change in one statement.
CBC Intervention Techniques 3
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?