Behavioral Counseling Techniques Flashcards
7 cards from real CBC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Behavioral Counseling Techniques flashcards as text
A post-bariatric patient reports grazing on small snacks all day instead of eating planned meals. Which behavioral intervention should the counselor introduce first?
Answer: Structured meal planning with scheduled eating times
Establishing a structured eating schedule is the first-line behavioral strategy to replace unplanned grazing patterns.
Which technique involves the counselor summarizing both sides of a patient's ambivalence, such as "You enjoy family dinners out, and you also want to control portions"?
Answer: Double-sided reflection
A double-sided reflection acknowledges both the sustain talk and the change talk, helping the patient examine their ambivalence.
A counselor and patient sign a written agreement stating the patient will log meals daily and earn a non-food reward after two consistent weeks. This is an example of:
Answer: Contingency contracting
Contingency contracting formalizes target behaviors and rewards in a written agreement to reinforce adherence.
A patient says, "Everyone at the party will judge me if I don't eat the cake." Which CBT technique directly challenges this belief?
Answer: Cognitive restructuring by examining evidence for and against the thought
Cognitive restructuring tests the accuracy of automatic thoughts by weighing supporting and contradicting evidence.
Why is identifying high-risk situations a core component of relapse prevention for bariatric patients?
Answer: It allows patients to plan coping strategies before encountering triggers
Anticipating high-risk situations lets patients rehearse coping responses in advance, reducing the likelihood of lapses.
A patient avoids weighing themselves for weeks after a small gain, then feels worse. The counselor uses behavioral activation principles by encouraging the patient to:
Answer: Resume regular self-monitoring despite discomfort
Behavioral activation counters avoidance by re-engaging in valued, goal-supporting behaviors even when they feel uncomfortable.
Which counselor behavior is most consistent with the motivational interviewing spirit of autonomy support?
Answer: "It's your decision how to proceed; what option feels right to you?"
Autonomy support affirms the patient's right and ability to make their own choices about change.