Child and Adolescent Therapy Flashcards
7 cards from real MFT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Child and Adolescent Therapy flashcards as text
A child's parents are divorcing and both want to attend separate therapy sessions for updates on the child's progress. What is the most ethical approach?
Answer: Establish a clear confidentiality agreement upfront that defines what information is shared with each parent
A clear written informed consent agreement specifying confidentiality parameters protects the child and manages both parents' involvement ethically.
In Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), the Child-Directed Interaction (CDI) phase teaches parents to use which set of skills?
Answer: Praise, reflection, imitation, description, and enjoyment (PRIDE)
The PRIDE skills (Praise, Reflection, Imitation, Description, Enjoyment) form the basis of CDI and strengthen the parent-child relationship.
Which of the following is the most evidence-based treatment for separation anxiety disorder in children?
Answer: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy with gradual exposure
CBT with gradual exposure (desensitization) has the strongest empirical support for childhood anxiety disorders, including separation anxiety.
A 13-year-old client discloses that they identify as transgender and asks the therapist to keep this from their parents. The therapist's best approach is to:
Answer: Explore the client's concerns about parental reaction while assessing safety
Exploring the adolescent's concerns and assessing safety allows the therapist to support the client while working toward appropriate parental involvement.
Which developmental milestone is most associated with the concept of 'theory of mind' typically emerging around age 4?
Answer: Understanding that others can hold beliefs different from one's own
Theory of mind, the ability to understand that others have thoughts and beliefs different from one's own, typically emerges around ages 3–5.
A child is referred for therapy after witnessing domestic violence. According to the MFT's ethical duty, the first priority is to:
Answer: Establish safety for the child and non-offending caregiver
Safety planning is the foundational first step when a child has been exposed to domestic violence, before trauma-focused treatment begins.
In Functional Family Therapy (FFT) with a delinquent adolescent, the therapist in the engagement phase primarily aims to:
Answer: Reduce blaming, increase motivation, and build a therapeutic alliance with all family members
FFT's engagement phase focuses on reframing, reducing negativity and blaming, and building motivation to change before any skill building occurs.