Sample Questions Flashcards

A counselor who repeatedly arrives late to sessions, forgets client names, and misses documentation deadlines may be experiencing:

Answer: Burnout or compassion fatigue

Burnout and compassion fatigue are characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced professional efficacy, often manifesting as chronic errors and disengagement.

Which statement about Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is accurate in the context of professional counseling?

Answer: AA is a mutual-aid support group that can complement professional treatment

AA is a peer-led mutual support program that works best as a complement to — not a replacement for — professional clinical treatment.

Which of the following describes 'harm reduction' as a treatment philosophy?

Answer: Focusing on minimizing negative consequences of substance use without requiring abstinence

Harm reduction aims to reduce the health, social, and economic harms of substance use without necessarily requiring abstinence, meeting clients 'where they are.'

A client reports using benzodiazepines prescribed by their physician alongside alcohol. The counselor's primary concern should be:

Answer: The potential for dangerous CNS depression due to cross-tolerance and synergistic effects

Both benzodiazepines and alcohol are CNS depressants; their combined use creates synergistic effects that can cause respiratory depression and death.

In the counseling relationship, 'transference' occurs when:

Answer: The client transfers feelings from past significant relationships onto the counselor

Transference is the redirection of a client's feelings and expectations from past relationships (especially authority figures) onto the counselor.

Which of the following treatment settings provides 24-hour supervision and is most appropriate for a client with severe withdrawal risk?

Answer: Medically managed intensive inpatient treatment (ASAM Level 4)

ASAM Level 4 (Medically Managed Intensive Inpatient Treatment) provides 24-hour nursing care and physician availability, appropriate for clients with severe or life-threatening withdrawal.

A newly licensed counselor is unsure how to handle a complex case involving suicidal ideation and substance use. The most ethical action is to:

Answer: Consult with a clinical supervisor or more experienced colleague

Seeking clinical supervision is the ethical obligation of counselors working within their competence boundaries, especially with complex or high-risk cases.