MFT Couples Therapy 3

Question 1

According to Gottman's Sound Relationship House theory, 'turning toward' bids for connection is most closely associated with which floor of the house?

Accepted Answer

Responding to bids for emotional connection

Answer

Turning toward bids is the third floor of the Sound Relationship House, representing the habitual daily moments of emotional connection that build relationship trust.

Question 2

A couple reports low sexual frequency. One partner was raised in a religious household with shame around sexuality. The most clinically appropriate first step is:

Accepted Answer

Conduct a thorough sexual history and explore each partner's sexual scripts

Answer

Before any intervention, the therapist must understand each partner's sexual history, values, and scripts — particularly shame-based beliefs — to tailor treatment appropriately.

Question 3

In Structural Family Therapy applied to couples, the concept of 'enmeshment' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Diffuse boundaries where partners have lost individual autonomy and identity

Answer

Enmeshment in Minuchin's structural model describes overly diffuse boundaries where individual identities merge, limiting healthy differentiation.

Question 4

A therapist notices that whenever one partner raises a complaint, the other immediately launches a counter-complaint. This pattern is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Cross-complaining or counter-attacking

Answer

Cross-complaining is a counter-productive conflict pattern where one partner deflects a legitimate complaint by immediately raising their own grievance, preventing resolution.

Question 5

Which approach to couples therapy uses 'enactments' as a primary in-session technique?

Accepted Answer

Structural Family Therapy

Answer

Minuchin's Structural Family Therapy uses enactments — having the couple enact their typical interaction in session — so the therapist can observe and restructure the pattern directly.

MFT Exam Practice Test

MFT Exam Practice Test

MFT Couples Therapy 3