CBHT Therapeutic Communication Skills 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Non-verbal communication in therapy includes all of the following EXCEPT:
- Eye contact
- Word choice (Correct answer)
- Facial expressions
- Posture
Correct answer: Word choice
Word choice is a verbal element; eye contact, facial expressions, and posture are non-verbal channels of communication.
Question 2: A client from a culture where direct eye contact is considered disrespectful begins looking away during sessions. The BHT should:
- Interpret this as avoidance and document it as resistance
- Insist on eye contact to maintain professional standards
- Respect the behavior as a cultural norm and adapt accordingly (Correct answer)
- Refer the client to a therapist of the same culture
Correct answer: Respect the behavior as a cultural norm and adapt accordingly
Cultural competence requires BHTs to recognize that non-verbal norms vary across cultures and to adapt their approach accordingly.
Question 3: Which type of question is MOST effective for gathering detailed information from a client?
- Closed-ended
- Leading
- Open-ended (Correct answer)
- Rhetorical
Correct answer: Open-ended
Open-ended questions invite clients to respond with more than yes or no, eliciting richer information about their experiences.
Question 4: A BHT notices their own frustration rising while a client repeats the same complaint. The MOST appropriate action is to:
- Tell the client they are being repetitive
- Practice self-regulation and continue listening attentively (Correct answer)
- End the session early to prevent conflict
- Agree with the client to reduce tension
Correct answer: Practice self-regulation and continue listening attentively
Self-awareness and self-regulation are critical; a BHT must manage personal emotions to stay therapeutically present.
Question 5: The primary purpose of summarizing at the end of a therapy session is to:
- Fill time remaining in the session
- Demonstrate the BHT was not paying attention
- Consolidate key themes and confirm mutual understanding (Correct answer)
- Give the client homework assignments
Correct answer: Consolidate key themes and confirm mutual understanding
Summarizing closes the session by highlighting main points and ensures both parties share the same understanding of what was discussed.
Question 6: Congruence in therapeutic communication means:
- Agreeing with everything the client says
- The BHT's words, tone, and body language all match (Correct answer)
- Adapting communication style to each client
- Using clinical jargon consistently
Correct answer: The BHT's words, tone, and body language all match
Congruence refers to alignment between verbal and non-verbal messages, which builds trust and authenticity in the therapeutic relationship.
Question 7: When a BHT says, 'It sounds like you felt powerless in that situation,' this is an example of:
- Interpretation
- Advice-giving
- Reflection of feeling (Correct answer)
- Confrontation
Correct answer: Reflection of feeling
Reflection of feeling names the emotion implied by the client's words, demonstrating empathetic understanding.
CBHT Therapeutic Communication Skills 3
Non-verbal communication in therapy includes all of the following EXCEPT: