RP Patient Communication Skills 2

Question 1

A client with a trauma history becomes visibly distressed when the therapist asks about childhood. The BEST immediate response is to:

Accepted Answer

Slow down, acknowledge the distress, and ask if the client wants to pause

Answer

Acknowledging distress and offering a choice to pause respects the client's autonomy and maintains therapeutic safety.

Question 2

Which communication technique involves repeating the last few words a client said to encourage elaboration?

Accepted Answer

Trailing or mirroring

Answer

Trailing (mirroring) repeats the client's last words verbatim to signal attention and invite continuation.

Question 3

A therapist notices a client consistently minimizes their accomplishments. The most appropriate therapeutic communication response is:

Accepted Answer

Gently point out the pattern and explore its origins collaboratively

Answer

Gently naming patterns and collaboratively exploring them fosters insight without shaming the client.

Question 4

When using psychoeducation in session, the therapist should PRIMARILY:

Accepted Answer

Tailor the information to the client's literacy level and check for understanding

Answer

Effective psychoeducation is adapted to the client's level and confirmed through teach-back or dialogue.

Question 5

A client states, 'I know you can't tell me what to do, but what would you do in my situation?' The therapist's BEST response is:

Accepted Answer

Decline and redirect by exploring the client's own values and options

Answer

Redirecting to the client's own values preserves autonomy and keeps the therapeutic focus on self-discovery.

(RP) Registered Psychotherapist Certification Practice Test