CRS Communication Skills 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes 'motivational interviewing spirit' as applied in recovery communication?
- Confronting resistance directly to promote change
- Collaboration, evocation, autonomy, and compassion (Correct answer)
- Providing expert advice to guide client decisions
- Setting strict goals and holding clients accountable
Correct answer: Collaboration, evocation, autonomy, and compassion
The spirit of motivational interviewing is built on four core elements: partnership, evocation, autonomy, and compassion.
Question 2: When a client says 'I know I should stop using, but it's the only thing that helps my anxiety,' this is an example of:
- Denial
- Ambivalence (Correct answer)
- Resistance
- Manipulation
Correct answer: Ambivalence
Ambivalence is the coexistence of conflicting motivations—wanting to change while also wanting to continue the behavior.
Question 3: During a recovery planning meeting, a CRS notices a client nodding but then answering questions incorrectly. This most likely indicates:
- The client is being evasive
- There may be a literacy or comprehension barrier (Correct answer)
- The client disagrees with the plan
- The client is experiencing dissociation
Correct answer: There may be a literacy or comprehension barrier
Nodding without comprehension often signals a literacy, language, or cognitive barrier that requires simplified communication.
Question 4: What is the role of silence in active listening during a recovery support session?
- It signals the end of a topic and allows transition
- It creates discomfort that motivates client disclosure
- It gives the client space to process and continue speaking (Correct answer)
- It is generally a communication error to be avoided
Correct answer: It gives the client space to process and continue speaking
Intentional silence communicates patience and creates space for the client to reflect and share more deeply.
Question 5: A CRS needs to explain a complex treatment plan to a client with low health literacy. The BEST approach is to:
- Provide a detailed written document for the client to review at home
- Use plain language, visual aids, and the teach-back method (Correct answer)
- Refer to a nurse or doctor to explain medical aspects
- Summarize the plan verbally in one conversation
Correct answer: Use plain language, visual aids, and the teach-back method
Plain language, visuals, and teach-back are evidence-based strategies for communicating with individuals with low health literacy.
Question 6: Which nonverbal cue from a CRS would most likely UNDERMINE therapeutic rapport?
- Leaning slightly forward
- Maintaining appropriate eye contact
- Crossing arms and avoiding eye contact (Correct answer)
- Nodding when the client speaks
Correct answer: Crossing arms and avoiding eye contact
Crossed arms and avoided eye contact signal defensiveness or disengagement, which can damage the therapeutic relationship.
Question 7: In group facilitation, a recovery specialist notices one member dominating the conversation. The BEST technique to rebalance participation is to:
- Interrupt and redirect attention to quieter members
- End the session early to reset group dynamics
- Ask the dominant member to co-facilitate
- Thank the speaker and invite others to share their perspectives (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Thank the speaker and invite others to share their perspectives
Affirming the speaker while inviting others preserves dignity and naturally redistributes conversational space.
CRS Communication Skills 3
Which of the following best describes 'motivational interviewing spirit' as applied in recovery communication?