Counseling Skills and Interventions Flashcards

A counselor uses the technique of 'tracking' in a session. What does this involve?

Answer: Following the client's narrative and reflecting themes back

Tracking involves the counselor closely following the client's narrative, noticing recurring themes, and reflecting those patterns back to increase awareness.

Which of the following best describes the use of confrontation in counseling?

Answer: Pointing out discrepancies between the client's stated values and behaviors

Therapeutic confrontation involves pointing out discrepancies between what a client says, feels, and does — not attacking or pressuring the client.

A counselor working with a depressed client consistently validates the client's emotions before offering coping strategies. This approach is most consistent with which framework?

Answer: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT emphasizes the dialectic of validation and change — therapists validate the client's emotions while simultaneously working toward behavioral change.

What is the primary purpose of using scaling questions in solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT)?

Answer: To help clients track and measure their own progress toward goals

Scaling questions (e.g., 'On a scale of 1-10, where are you today?') help clients assess progress, identify small gains, and build motivation.

A counselor asks a client, 'If you woke up tomorrow and the problem was solved, what would be different about your day?' This is an example of which SFBT technique?

Answer: The miracle question

The miracle question invites the client to imagine life without the problem, helping identify goals and preferred futures.

Which counseling technique involves the counselor intentionally remaining silent to allow the client time and space to reflect?

Answer: Therapeutic use of silence

Therapeutic use of silence is an active counseling technique that communicates patience and gives the client space to process thoughts and emotions.