Counseling Procedures & Strategies Flashcards
7 cards from real CDCA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Counseling Procedures & Strategies flashcards as text
A CDCA is conducting an intake assessment and a client refuses to answer questions about their drug use history. What is the best initial response?
Answer: Explain the purpose of the questions and how the information will be used
Explaining the purpose and use of assessment information helps build trust and reduces client defensiveness during intake.
Which intervention is most consistent with a harm reduction philosophy when working with a client not yet ready for abstinence?
Answer: Help the client reduce the risks associated with ongoing substance use
Harm reduction meets clients where they are, focusing on reducing negative consequences even when abstinence is not the immediate goal.
A client presents with co-occurring depression and alcohol use disorder. What is the recommended counseling approach?
Answer: Use an integrated dual diagnosis approach that treats both conditions simultaneously
Integrated dual diagnosis treatment is the evidence-based standard for co-occurring disorders, addressing both simultaneously for best outcomes.
Which of the following best describes the purpose of a functional analysis in addiction counseling?
Answer: Identifying the antecedents, behaviors, and consequences associated with substance use
A functional analysis (ABC model) examines the triggers, substance-use behaviors, and resulting consequences to guide targeted interventions.
A counselor is helping a client develop urge surfing skills. What is the primary goal of this technique?
Answer: Helping the client observe and tolerate cravings without acting on them
Urge surfing teaches clients to ride out cravings mindfully, recognizing they are temporary and will pass without substance use.
During individual counseling, a client suddenly becomes very quiet and stares at the floor after discussing childhood trauma. The counselor should FIRST:
Answer: Pause, sit with the silence, and gently check in with the client
Sitting with silence and gently checking in respects the client's emotional process and communicates safety without forcing disclosure.
Which goal-setting approach is most consistent with best practices in addiction counseling?
Answer: Goals are collaboratively developed, specific, measurable, and client-centered
Collaborative, SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound) goal setting increases client ownership and motivation.