MFT Marital and Family Therapy 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In Bowen Family Systems Theory, 'differentiation of self' refers to a person's ability to:
- Separate emotionally from their family of origin permanently
- Maintain a clear sense of self while remaining emotionally connected to others (Correct answer)
- Avoid all conflict within family relationships
- Identify the family member with the most influence
Correct answer: Maintain a clear sense of self while remaining emotionally connected to others
Differentiation of self means balancing emotional connection with others while maintaining one's own identity and values.
Question 2: A couple in therapy repeatedly argues about the same issue without resolution. From an Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) perspective, this cycle is best understood as:
- A power struggle that requires behavioral contracts
- An underlying attachment need driving pursue-withdraw patterns (Correct answer)
- Cognitive distortions that need reframing
- A boundary violation requiring structural intervention
Correct answer: An underlying attachment need driving pursue-withdraw patterns
EFT views repetitive conflict cycles as expressions of unmet attachment needs, typically manifesting as pursue-withdraw patterns.
Question 3: Which ethical principle requires an MFT to disclose the limits of confidentiality at the outset of therapy?
- Beneficence
- Non-maleficence
- Informed consent (Correct answer)
- Justice
Correct answer: Informed consent
Informed consent requires therapists to explain confidentiality limits (e.g., duty to warn, mandated reporting) before treatment begins.
Question 4: In Structural Family Therapy, an 'enmeshed' subsystem is characterized by:
- Rigid boundaries that limit communication between members
- Diffuse boundaries that result in loss of individual autonomy (Correct answer)
- Clear boundaries that allow flexible interaction
- Absent boundaries leading to family dissolution
Correct answer: Diffuse boundaries that result in loss of individual autonomy
Enmeshment involves diffuse boundaries where members are overly intertwined, reducing individual autonomy and independence.
Question 5: A therapist notices that their own unresolved marital issues are affecting their neutrality with a couple. This is best described as:
- Countertransference (Correct answer)
- Parallel process
- Vicarious trauma
- Role reversal
Correct answer: Countertransference
Countertransference occurs when the therapist's personal experiences or emotions interfere with their objectivity in the therapeutic relationship.
Question 6: The MFT technique of 'enactment' is primarily used to:
- Have family members role-play historical conflicts
- Observe family interaction patterns in the therapy room in real time (Correct answer)
- Teach communication skills through structured exercises
- Reframe negative behaviors as positive intentions
Correct answer: Observe family interaction patterns in the therapy room in real time
Enactment involves having family members interact with each other in session so the therapist can observe and intervene in live patterns.
Question 7: According to the AAMFT Code of Ethics, an MFT who suspects child abuse is required to:
- Consult a supervisor before taking any action
- Report only if the client provides written consent
- Report to appropriate authorities as a mandated reporter (Correct answer)
- Maintain confidentiality unless the child is in immediate danger
Correct answer: Report to appropriate authorities as a mandated reporter
MFTs are mandated reporters and must report suspected child abuse to appropriate authorities regardless of client consent.
MFT Marital and Family Therapy 2
In Bowen Family Systems Theory, 'differentiation of self' refers to a person's ability to: