Counseling Theories and Skills Flashcards

A client with alcohol use disorder insists their drinking is 'not that bad compared to others.' Which defense mechanism is this?

Answer: Rationalization

Rationalization involves using seemingly logical reasons to justify unacceptable behaviors or minimize their severity.

According to Motivational Interviewing, which counselor behavior is most likely to increase client resistance?

Answer: Confronting the client directly about denial

Direct confrontation in MI is considered a counselor behavior that increases resistance (discord) rather than promoting change talk.

A counselor using the Transtheoretical Model identifies that a client acknowledges a problem but is not yet planning to change. The client is in which stage?

Answer: Contemplation

Contemplation is characterized by awareness of the problem without commitment to taking action in the near future.

In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for substance use, 'thought records' are used primarily to:

Answer: Identify and challenge automatic negative thoughts

Thought records help clients identify automatic thoughts, examine the evidence, and develop more balanced cognitions.

Which theoretical orientation views addiction primarily as a result of unresolved unconscious conflicts and early childhood experiences?

Answer: Psychodynamic theory

Psychodynamic theory emphasizes unconscious processes and early developmental experiences as root causes of addictive behavior.

A counselor notices a client frequently changes the subject when discussing family relationships. The best initial response is to:

Answer: Gently reflect the pattern and invite exploration

A gentle reflection of the observed pattern invites the client to explore the avoidance without triggering defensiveness.

Reality Therapy, developed by William Glasser, focuses primarily on helping clients:

Answer: Take responsibility for current choices and behaviors

Reality Therapy emphasizes personal responsibility, present behavior, and meeting basic psychological needs through effective choices.