Ultimate Marital and Family 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 Ultimate Marital and Family Therapy flashcards as text
In Gottman Method Couples Therapy, which of the following is NOT one of the 'Four Horsemen' predictors of relationship failure?
Answer: Avoidance
The Four Horsemen are criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling; avoidance is not part of this framework.
A therapist working with a same-sex couple who want to adopt should be aware that affirmative practice requires:
Answer: Actively affirming the couple's identity and validating their family structure
Affirmative practice requires MFTs to actively validate LGBTQ+ identities and family structures, moving beyond mere tolerance to active affirmation.
A strategic therapist assigns a couple the task of scheduling their argument for a specific time each evening. This intervention is an example of:
Answer: Paradoxical directive
Prescribing the symptom (scheduling the argument) is a paradoxical directive that disrupts the spontaneous pattern and gives the couple control over it.
According to Virginia Satir's experiential model, dysfunctional communication patterns (placating, blaming, computing, distracting) arise primarily from:
Answer: Low self-esteem and fear of rejection
Satir believed that problematic communication stances are defensive strategies rooted in low self-worth and fear that authentic expression will lead to rejection.
When an MFT works with a family from a collectivist culture, which adaptation is most appropriate?
Answer: Explore and respect interdependence and family hierarchy as cultural strengths
Cultural competence requires MFTs to recognize interdependence and hierarchical family structures as strengths in collectivist cultures rather than pathologizing them.
A family therapist is subpoenaed to testify in a custody case involving a client family. The therapist's best initial course of action is to:
Answer: Immediately notify and consult with a licensed attorney
When subpoenaed, the therapist's first step is to consult with an attorney to understand legal obligations and how to protect client confidentiality within the law.
In Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, the goal of accessing the 'Self' is to enable the therapist and client to:
Answer: Lead healing from a place of calm, curiosity, and compassion
In IFS, the Self is the core of a person characterized by the 8 Cs (calm, curiosity, compassion, etc.) and serves as the internal leader that heals wounded parts.