LPC Couples and Family Counseling

Question 1

Murray Bowen's concept of the 'triangle' in family systems theory refers to:

Accepted Answer

The stabilizing mechanism of introducing a third person into a two-person relationship under stress

Answer

A three-generation genogram depicting family patterns

Answer

Three-way communication patterns common in blended families

Answer

Three distinct roles: hero, scapegoat, and lost child

Question 2

John Gottman's research on couples identified four communication patterns predictive of divorce, known as:

Accepted Answer

Criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling

Answer

Enmeshment, disengagement, triangulation, and escalation

Answer

Avoidance, aggression, passivity, and withdrawal

Answer

Negative sentiment override, flooding, harsh start-up, and emotional dysregulation

Question 3

Structural family therapy, developed by Minuchin, focuses on changing which aspect of the family system?

Accepted Answer

Family structure — boundaries, subsystems, and hierarchies — to improve functioning

Answer

The cognitive belief systems of each family member

Answer

The narrative stories family members tell about the presenting problem

Answer

The intergenerational transmission of attachment patterns

Question 4

In Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples, the primary therapeutic focus is on:

Accepted Answer

Accessing and restructuring the underlying emotional experiences and attachment needs that drive negative interaction cycles

Answer

Teaching communication and problem-solving skills

Answer

Challenging cognitive distortions about the partner

Answer

Behavioral contracts and reciprocal exchange agreements

Question 5

The technique of 'reframing' in family therapy involves:

Accepted Answer

Offering an alternative interpretation of a behavior or situation to change its meaning

Answer

Asking family members to literally rearrange their seating to change perspective

Answer

Confronting a family member's distorted beliefs about other family members

Answer

Reviewing and rewriting the family's documented history of conflicts

Question 6

The concept of 'identified patient' (IP) in family therapy refers to:

Accepted Answer

The family member whose symptoms are understood as carrying or expressing the family system's dysfunction

Answer

The family member who first initiates contact with the counselor

Answer

The family member most willing to engage in therapy

Answer

The family member with the most severe psychiatric diagnosis