Counseling Theories and Skills Flashcards

A family systems counselor working with a client in recovery would be MOST interested in:

Answer: Patterns of interaction and roles within the family unit

Family systems theory focuses on circular patterns of interaction, roles, and homeostasis within the family as the unit of treatment.

Which of the following is the BEST example of a 'closed question' that a counselor should minimize using in early sessions?

Answer: 'Have you ever tried to quit before?'

Closed questions elicit yes/no answers and limit exploration; they should be minimized in favor of open-ended questions in early counseling.

Motivational Interviewing's 'DARN-CAT' acronym refers to:

Answer: Categories of change talk to recognize and reinforce

DARN-CAT stands for Desire, Ability, Reasons, Need (preparatory change talk) and Commitment, Activation, Taking Steps (mobilizing change talk).

A counselor practicing Gestalt therapy would MOST likely use which of the following techniques?

Answer: The empty chair dialogue

The empty chair technique is a hallmark Gestalt method used to facilitate dialogue with absent people or disowned parts of the self.

When a client in recovery says 'I know I should stop, but I just can't,' this statement BEST reflects:

Answer: Ambivalence

Ambivalence involves simultaneously holding conflicting motivations — wanting to change while also wanting to continue — which is normal in the change process.

Which counseling skill involves the counselor repeating back the core emotional content and meaning of what the client expressed, going beyond the words?

Answer: Empathic reflection

Empathic reflection (or reflection of feeling) captures the underlying emotions and personal meaning, not just the surface content of the client's statement.

A counselor using solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) would be MOST likely to ask:

Answer: 'What would your life look like if the problem was solved tomorrow?' (miracle question)

The miracle question is a signature SFBT technique that helps clients envision a preferred future and identify existing strengths and exceptions.