Crisis and Trauma Counseling Flashcards
6 cards from real LMHC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Crisis and Trauma Counseling flashcards as text
The PTSD diagnostic criterion requiring 'alterations in cognition and mood' (Criterion D in DSM-5) includes which of the following symptoms?
Answer: Persistent negative beliefs about oneself or the world
Criterion D includes persistent negative beliefs, distorted blame, negative emotional states, diminished interest in activities, and feelings of detachment.
In EMDR therapy, bilateral stimulation is used primarily during which phase?
Answer: Desensitization
Bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds) is applied during the desensitization phase while the client focuses on traumatic memories and negative cognitions.
A counselor working with a veteran experiencing PTSD notices that the client becomes emotionally dysregulated when discussing combat experiences. The MOST trauma-informed response is to:
Answer: Slow down, use grounding techniques, and re-establish a sense of safety before continuing
Trauma-informed practice requires monitoring the client's window of tolerance and using grounding and stabilization when they become dysregulated.
Which of the following is NOT a core component of Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy for PTSD?
Answer: EMDR bilateral stimulation
Prolonged Exposure uses in vivo exposure, imaginal exposure, and psychoeducation — but does NOT include EMDR bilateral stimulation, which is a separate treatment.
A school counselor discovers a student has been making statements suggesting suicidal ideation. After assessing risk, the counselor determines the student is at moderate risk. What is the MOST appropriate next step?
Answer: Contact parents/guardians immediately, collaborate on a safety plan, and consider a higher level of care
Moderate suicide risk requires immediate contact with parents/guardians, collaborative safety planning, and consideration of whether a higher level of care is needed.
Complex trauma (c-PTSD) differs from single-incident PTSD primarily in that it:
Answer: Results from prolonged, repeated interpersonal trauma and includes affect dysregulation, identity disturbance, and relational difficulties
Complex PTSD arises from chronic, repeated interpersonal trauma and is characterized by additional features beyond standard PTSD, including affect dysregulation and disturbances in self-concept.