Mental Health and Psychology Psychotherapy Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is primarily used to treat which condition?
- Schizophrenia
- ADHD
- PTSD and trauma (Correct answer)
- Bipolar Disorder
Correct answer: PTSD and trauma
EMDR is an evidence-based treatment for PTSD that uses bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements) while the patient processes traumatic memories.
Question 2: What does 'unconditional positive regard' mean in Carl Rogers' person-centered therapy?
- Agreeing with everything the client says
- Accepting and valuing the client without judgment regardless of behavior (Correct answer)
- Giving the client unlimited therapy time
- Focusing only on positive emotions
Correct answer: Accepting and valuing the client without judgment regardless of behavior
Unconditional positive regard means the therapist accepts and supports the client as a person without placing conditions on that acceptance, regardless of what the client says or does.
Question 3: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) differs from traditional CBT in that it:
- Challenges cognitive distortions directly
- Focuses on accepting difficult thoughts rather than changing their content (Correct answer)
- Uses more behavioral techniques
- Requires longer-term treatment
Correct answer: Focuses on accepting difficult thoughts rather than changing their content
ACT teaches psychological flexibility by encouraging acceptance of difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to value-consistent action, rather than disputing thought content.
Question 4: Which therapy modality focuses specifically on improving interpersonal relationships and communication patterns to alleviate depression?
- Cognitive Processing Therapy
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) (Correct answer)
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
- Narrative Therapy
Correct answer: Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
Interpersonal Therapy targets one of four interpersonal problem areas — grief, role disputes, role transitions, or interpersonal deficits — linked to the onset of depression.
Question 5: What is 'behavioral activation' as used in depression treatment?
- Using medication to increase energy levels
- Increasing engagement in rewarding and meaningful activities to break the withdrawal-depression cycle (Correct answer)
- Training clients in assertive communication
- Teaching clients to challenge negative thoughts
Correct answer: Increasing engagement in rewarding and meaningful activities to break the withdrawal-depression cycle
Behavioral activation directly targets the withdrawal and inactivity of depression by scheduling pleasurable and purposeful activities to restore positive reinforcement.
Question 6: In solution-focused brief therapy, the 'miracle question' is used to:
- Assess the severity of psychosis
- Help clients envision and articulate their goals as if problems were already solved (Correct answer)
- Explore childhood trauma
- Challenge cognitive distortions
Correct answer: Help clients envision and articulate their goals as if problems were already solved
The miracle question asks clients to imagine waking up to find their problem solved, which helps them articulate a concrete vision of their goals and desired future.
Mental Health and Psychology Psychotherapy Techniques 2
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is primarily used to treat which condition?