LMHC Group Counseling Theories 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In Yalom's therapeutic factors, 'universality' refers to which group phenomenon?
- Members learning they are not alone in their struggles (Correct answer)
- The group applying universal moral principles
- The therapist treating all members equally
- Using universal language accessible to all members
Correct answer: Members learning they are not alone in their struggles
Universality is the recognition by group members that others share similar problems, reducing isolation and shame.
Question 2: A group leader using Gestalt theory would most likely encourage a member to:
- Analyze childhood attachments systematically
- Stay in the present moment and experience feelings fully (Correct answer)
- Challenge irrational beliefs through Socratic dialogue
- Practice new behaviors through role rehearsal
Correct answer: Stay in the present moment and experience feelings fully
Gestalt therapy emphasizes present-moment awareness and full experiencing of emotions rather than intellectual analysis.
Question 3: Which stage of Tuckman's group development model is characterized by conflict and power struggles among members?
- Forming
- Storming (Correct answer)
- Norming
- Performing
Correct answer: Storming
The storming stage involves interpersonal conflict, resistance to the leader, and competition as members vie for position.
Question 4: A psychodrama group leader who plays a supporting role in a member's enacted scene is functioning as the:
- Protagonist
- Auxiliary ego (Correct answer)
- Director
- Sociometrist
Correct answer: Auxiliary ego
The auxiliary ego in psychodrama plays significant others or aspects of the protagonist's inner world to support the therapeutic enactment.
Question 5: In Adlerian group therapy, the concept of 'social interest' (Gemeinschaftsgefühl) emphasizes:
- Conforming to social norms to avoid rejection
- A sense of belonging and contribution to the community (Correct answer)
- Social learning through observation of others
- Competitive striving for social superiority
Correct answer: A sense of belonging and contribution to the community
Adler viewed social interest—feeling connected to and caring about the broader community—as a key indicator of psychological health.
Question 6: Which theoretical approach would a group leader use if they focus on members' 'automatic thoughts' that emerge during group interactions?
- Existential group therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral group therapy (Correct answer)
- Psychoanalytic group therapy
- Gestalt group therapy
Correct answer: Cognitive-behavioral group therapy
CBT group therapy specifically targets automatic thoughts—spontaneous cognitions that influence emotions and behavior—making them a central intervention point.
Question 7: A group leader notices members consistently avoid confronting one another and instead agree superficially. This pattern most likely reflects which group concept?
- Cohesion
- Altruism
- Groupthink (Correct answer)
- Scapegoating
Correct answer: Groupthink
Groupthink occurs when the desire for harmony overrides realistic appraisal, leading members to suppress dissent and conform to perceived consensus.
