NCE Counseling Theories and Techniques 2

Question 1

The concept of 'transference' in psychoanalytic theory refers to:

Accepted Answer

The client's displacement of feelings from past significant relationships onto the therapist

Answer

Transference occurs when a client unconsciously redirects feelings, desires, and expectations from past significant relationships (typically parental) onto the therapist. Analyzing transference is a central tool in psychodynamic therapy.

Question 2

In Gestalt therapy, the concept of 'contact' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The client's full, present-moment awareness and engagement with the environment and others

Answer

Contact in Gestalt therapy is the process of fully meeting and engaging with one's environment, including other people, in a present-moment, aware way. Good contact requires both full engagement and the ability to withdraw and maintain boundaries.

Question 3

A counselor working from an Existential framework would MOST likely help a client explore which of the following concerns?

Accepted Answer

Meaning, freedom, responsibility, and confronting existential anxiety

Answer

Existential therapy focuses on the 'ultimate concerns' of human existence: death, freedom/responsibility, isolation, and meaninglessness (Yalom's four givens). The goal is authentic living and meaning-making.

Question 4

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) was developed primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg

Answer

Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg developed Solution-Focused Brief Therapy at the Brief Family Therapy Center in Milwaukee in the 1970s-80s. SFBT focuses on solutions rather than problems and client strengths.

Question 5

In Bowenian Family Systems therapy, 'differentiation of self' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The capacity to maintain a clear sense of identity while staying emotionally connected to others

Answer

Differentiation of self is the cornerstone of Bowen's theory -- it is the ability to balance intellectual and emotional functioning and to remain individuated while staying in meaningful emotional contact with one's family system.

NCE Exam Practice Test

NCE Exam Practice Test

NCE Counseling Theories and Techniques 2