LPC Couples and Family Counseling

Question 1

Murray Bowen's concept of the 'triangle' in family systems theory refers to:

Accepted Answer

The stabilizing mechanism of introducing a third person into a two-person relationship under stress

Answer

Bowen's triangle is the basic unit of the emotional system — when two-person anxiety escalates, a third person is drawn in to stabilize the system by spreading tension.

Question 2

John Gottman's research on couples identified four communication patterns predictive of divorce, known as:

Accepted Answer

Criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling

Answer

Gottman's 'Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse' — Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness, and Stonewalling — are highly predictive of relationship dissolution.

Question 3

Structural family therapy, developed by Minuchin, focuses on changing which aspect of the family system?

Accepted Answer

Family structure — boundaries, subsystems, and hierarchies — to improve functioning

Answer

Structural family therapy focuses on reorganizing the family's structure — the patterns of interaction, boundaries, and hierarchies — to create clearer, more functional organization.

Question 4

In Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples, the primary therapeutic focus is on:

Accepted Answer

Accessing and restructuring the underlying emotional experiences and attachment needs that drive negative interaction cycles

Answer

EFT (Sue Johnson) focuses on accessing and restructuring the emotional and attachment experiences underlying negative cycles, helping partners move from defensive reactivity to safe bonding.

Question 5

The technique of 'reframing' in family therapy involves:

Accepted Answer

Offering an alternative interpretation of a behavior or situation to change its meaning

Answer

Reframing offers a new interpretive frame for behavior — for example, reframing a teenager's defiance as a bid for autonomy — to shift the emotional context and open new possibilities.

LPC - Licensed Professional Counselor Practice Test

LPC - Licensed Professional Counselor Practice Test

LPC Couples and Family Counseling