MFT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield MFT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which of the following statements regarding the MFT's obligation to report is TRUE? → The therapist must report all suspected and proven cases of elder and child abuse
2. A therapist uses 'here-and-now' focus in a therapy group primarily to: → Use the live interactions between members as therapeutic material
3. Which family therapy model specifically addresses trauma by focusing on disrupted attachment bonds? → Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
4. In family psychoeducation (FPE) for schizophrenia, the primary evidence-based goal is to: → Reduce relapse rates by decreasing expressed emotion and improving family coping
5. In MFT practice, when should a patient's condition be reassessed? → At regular intervals and when status changes
6. When screening potential members for a therapy group, an MFT should PRIMARILY consider: → Whether the client's goals and functioning level are appropriate for the group
7. Which developmental task is most associated with Erikson's stage of 'Generativity vs. Stagnation'? → Contributing to the next generation through parenting or mentoring
8. What is the role of informed consent in child and adolescent therapy? → It ensures the patient understands and agrees to the plan
9. In MFT practice, what is the best approach to quality improvement in crisis intervention? → Use data-driven methods with measurable outcomes
10. What is the value of continuing education in crisis intervention for MFT professionals? → It keeps professionals current with evolving standards and practices
11. In Herman's phase-based model of trauma treatment, which phase involves directly processing traumatic memories? → Remembrance and mourning
12. What is the most important factor in effective communication with patients regarding family therapy models? → Using clear, understandable language and confirming understanding
13. Which ethical issue is of GREATEST concern unique to group therapy compared to individual therapy? → Confidentiality limits due to multiple members
14. What is the primary purpose of assessment in the MFT context? → To gather information for informed decision-making
15. Which of the following procedures takes the impact of the church and the school on adolescents and their families? → Family mapping
16. Which of the following is a contraindication for including a client in an outpatient therapy group? → Active psychosis with poor reality testing
17. The concept of 'individuation' in adolescence, as described by Margaret Mahler and later applied to family therapy, means: → Developing a distinct identity while maintaining family connection
18. In a psychoeducational group for couples, the primary goal is to: → Teach specific skills and information to improve relationship functioning
19. In the MFT field, what does the duty of competence require? → Maintaining current knowledge and skills within one's scope
20. 'Vertical stressors' in the Carter and McGoldrick family life cycle model refer to: → Patterns, myths, and legacies transmitted across generations
21. A family in which the adult children have left home and the couple must renegotiate their relationship is in which family life cycle stage? → Launching children and moving on
22. According to Erikson's psychosocial stages, the primary conflict of early adulthood (ages 20–40) is: → Intimacy vs. Isolation
23. Which of the following is an evidence-based treatment specifically developed for processing trauma? → Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
24. In group therapy, 'cohesiveness' is considered analogous to which concept in individual therapy? → The therapeutic alliance
25. What obligation does confidentiality impose on MFT professionals? → Protect sensitive information and share only as authorized
26. What is the most important professional competency for MFT certification in research methods? → Deep knowledge combined with practical application skills
27. According to the family life cycle model, the stage 'Families with Young Children' requires which primary adjustment? → Accepting new members into the family system
28. In MFT practice, reliability in assessment refers to: → The consistency and reproducibility of results
29. In family therapy, 'horizontal stressors' refer to: → Developmental and unexpected events that unfold over time
30. In MFT practice, what is the best approach to quality improvement in research methods? → Use data-driven methods with measurable outcomes