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 client using cocaine also drinks alcohol heavily on weekends but denies being an alcoholic because they 'only drink on weekends.' How should the counselor respond?
Answer: Explore the pattern, amount, and consequences of weekend drinking without labeling
Exploring patterns and consequences without labeling reduces defensiveness and allows for a thorough assessment of all substance use.
Which therapeutic skill involves the counselor accurately capturing both the content and feeling of what a client has expressed?
Answer: Empathic reflection
Empathic reflection captures both the cognitive content and emotional tone of a client's message, demonstrating deep understanding.
A client's treatment plan has not been updated in six months despite significant progress. What is the counselor's most appropriate action?
Answer: Schedule a treatment plan review to update goals and interventions to reflect current progress
Treatment plans must be regularly reviewed and updated to remain clinically relevant and reflect the client's evolving needs and progress.
A CDCA is asked by a client's employer to confirm whether the client is enrolled in treatment. What is the correct course of action?
Answer: Obtain a signed Release of Information before disclosing any information
A signed Release of Information (ROI) is legally required under 42 CFR Part 2 and HIPAA before any disclosure of treatment information.
A client in group therapy begins crying unexpectedly. Another group member says, 'Just toughen up, everyone has problems.' The counselor should:
Answer: Intervene to redirect the comment and establish group norms of support and respect
The counselor must intervene to protect group cohesion, model empathy, and reinforce norms of mutual respect and emotional safety.
Which of the following is an example of a secondary prevention strategy in substance use counseling?
Answer: Early identification and intervention with individuals showing early signs of substance misuse
Secondary prevention targets individuals in early stages of substance misuse to reduce harm and prevent progression to dependence.
A client reports using relaxation techniques between sessions but finds them difficult to implement during high-stress moments. The counselor's best response is to:
Answer: Practice the techniques in session and troubleshoot specific barriers with the client
In-session practice and barrier troubleshooting increases skill generalization and helps clients apply coping tools in real-world situations.