Deck 6: Skills for Directing Clients Toward Action

Question 1

Autumn asks her client: "What, exactly, would be different if you came in next week and told me that you're handling your anger at a 5?" Which type(s) of solution-focused question is she using?

A) Scaling questions
B) Projective questions
C) Presuppositional questions
D) All of the above
E) Only A and B

Answer 1

A

Question 2

Which of the following statements is true about client readiness to change?

A) Directives are probably more effective with clients who are in the action or maintenance stages
B) Directives are probably more effective with clients who are in the precontemplation or contemplation stages
C) If clients come to therapy, they are, by definition, ready for change
D) All clients begin therapy in the precontemplation stage
E) The readiness to change concept is part of motivational interviewing theory and has substantial empirical support

Answer 2

A

Question 3

The purpose of Adler's "The Question" is:

A) To help clients envision themselves and their lives without their primary problem. B. To identify what forces make it easier for clients to give up their maladaptive behavior patterns.
C) To learn what specific motive or purpose was sustaining specific unhealthy behaviors
D) A and C.
E) All of the above

Answer 3

D

Question 4

If a solution-focused therapist uses some kind of metaphor or symbol when referring to a client's depression, for example, a "black cloud," which type of question is the therapist most likely using?

A) Externalizing question
B) Exception question
C) Metaphorical question
D) Unique outcome question
E) Presuppositional question

Question 5

From a cognitive therapy perspective, which of the following questions provide an intervention for the black-white thinking often associated with depressive symptoms?

A) Scaling questions
B) Percentage questions
C) Presuppositional questions
D) All of the above
E) Only A and B

Question 6

Francie asks her client: "Suppose you were to go home tonight, and while you were asleep, something strange happened and this problem was solved. How will you know your problem was solved? What will be different?

A) An externalizing question
B) A presuppositional question
C) The miracle question
D) None of the above
E) Both A and C

Question 7

Which of these is an example of a unique outcomes or re-description question?

A) How did you beat the fear and go out shopping?
B) How did you manage to stay calm?
C) What exactly were you thinking?
D) All of the above
E) Only A and B

Question 8

Why is it that using solution-focused and narrative techniques isn't always straightforward and requires practice, supervision, and feedback?

A) There's no problem, nearly everyone responds well to solution-focused and narrative techniques
B) Many clients identify with their negative symptoms and prefer talking about them
C) Solution-focused techniques are simple and don't require much practice or supervision
D) All of the above
E) Only A and B

Question 9

When working with Japanese clients, Wubbolding discovered that clinicians should use which of the following questions for the "E" in "WDEP?"

A) What do you want?
B) Why do you act the way you do?
C) Is it working?
D) Should you make a new plan?
E) None of the above

Question 10

Which of the following stages are included in Prochaska's readiness to change model?

A) Precontemplation
B) Contemplation
C) Preparation
D) Action
E) All of the above

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT one of the four essential questions associated with choice theory and reality therapy?

A) What do you want?
B) What are you doing?
C) Why do you act the way you do?
D) Is it working?
E) Should you make a new plan?

Question 12

What stage is associated with thinking about (but not yet acting on) positive change?

A) Precontemplation
B) Contemplation
C) Preparation
D) Action
E) All of the above

Question 13

Alfred is working with Raissa and he asks: "What would be different if you were well?" Which technique is he using?

A) The first of the four big questions of choice theory
B) The pre-treatment change question
C) Adler's "The question"
D) The solution-focused exception question
E) The solution-focused miracle question

Question 14

Marlon is in the ________________ stage. He will likely react negatively to directive techniques like advice-giving and psychoeducation.

A) Precontemplation
B) Contemplation
C) Preparation
D) Action
E) All of the above

Question 15

Latisha is working with a new client who reports positive change ("I got together with an old friend") in response to the pre-treatment change question. Which question(s) are good examples of follow-up questions that stimulate "solution" talk?

A) What was good about seeing your friend?
B) How did you manage to get the excellent idea of getting together with your friend?
C) What other excellent ideas have you had since you went out with your friend?
D) All of the above
E) Only A and C

Question 16

The "P" in Wubbolding's acronym "WDEP" stands for:

A) Procedure
B) Plan
C) Paraphrase
D) Productivity
E) None of the above

Question 17

Which statement best describes the constructive view on traditional diagnostic interviewing?

A) It is a useful method for diagnosing symptoms which is key to developing solutions.
B) It fails to take into consideration the health care system.
C) It wrongly places the cause of psychiatric symptoms outside of the self.
D) It wrongly internalizes symptoms as medical disorders.
E) None of the above

Question 18

Which of the following statements is true about solution-focused and narrative therapists?

A) They rarely use questions
B) They often use questions
C) They like to find out about the origins of the client's problems before discussing solutions
D) They often use direct confrontations and challenge clients in order to find solutions
E) They only use open ended questions

Question 19

Presuppositional questions are virtually the same as:

A) Externalizing questions
B) Projective questions
C) Exception questions
D) All of the above
E) Only A and C

Question 20

When clients are in the action or maintenance stages of change which directive techniques are appropriate to use?

A) Paraphrasing
B) Psychoeducation
C) Advice
D) B and C
E) No directive techniques should be used during these stages.

Question 21

Psychoeducation can be used to educate clients about which of the following?

A) Diagnosis
B) Treatment process
C) Prognosis
D) Intervention strategies
E) All of the above

Question 22

What do the authors recommend with regard to using the technique of suggestion in clinical interviewing?

A) Use it only with the miracle question.
B) Offer only suggestions that you are certain the client will like.
C) Use it with caution because it can backfire.
D) Offer only suggestions that you would agree with if they were offered to you.
E) The technique of suggestion is generally helpful so therapists should use it freely.

Question 23

Which of the following is a problem associated with advice?

A) It can shut down clients from further exploring problems and solutions
B) Many clients want and need advice to improve their functioning
C) Advice is best given in the action and maintenance stages
D) Clients are usually aware of when they need advice
E) None of the above is a problem

Question 24

How does the American Psychological Association address psychologist values?

A) Directly by saying that counselors avoid imposing their own values, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors
B) Indirectly by focusing on eliminating bias, emphasizing respect, and clinician awareness
C) Indirectly by emphasizing precaution against bias and unjust practice
D) All of the above
E) Only B and C

Question 25

Which of these is the best definition of suggestion?

A) It's the same as advice-giving only gentler
B) It's a clinician statement that directly or indirectly suggests, implies, or predicts something will occur
C) It's a clinician technique that requires a formal hypnotic induction
D) It's a series of statements that can be used with or without hypnosis, but, like confrontation, must include the resolution of a discrepancy.
E) None of the above is true

Question 26

Wendy is having trouble sleeping and cannot think of any solutions she has used in the past to cope with her insomnia. What type of question might the therapist use to help Wendy recall those times where she was able to sleep without any problems?

A) Scaling question
B) Presuppositional question
C) Exception question
D) Externalizing question
E) None of the above

Question 27

Psychoeducation is similar to:

A) Role induction
B) Interpretation
C) Suggestion
D) The counseling process
E) None of the above

Question 28

What is the primary purpose of directive action responses in clinical interviewing?

A) To build rapport
B) To encourage clients to change the way they think, feel, and act
C) To encourage clients to open up more in therapy
D) To control client verbal output
E) Both A and D

Question 29

Openly disapproving of clients' behavior on the basis of your personal values is:

A) Required by state law
B) Standard ethical practice
C) Unethical
D) Ethical if you're not competent to treat someone
E) None of the above

Question 30

When should a therapist give advice to a client?

A) In the initial stages of therapy when clients are anxious.
B) If it is consistent the therapist's theoretical orientation, any time is fine.
C) After finding out what solutions the client has already tried.
D) When the therapist has experienced a similar situation.
E) All of the above are true.

Question 31

Approval refers to:

A) Clinician sanction of client thoughts, feelings, or behavior
B) Clinician status with regard to their state licensing board
C) Standard ethical practice
D) Both B and C
E) None of the above

Question 32

The textbook recommends which of the following regarding self-disclosure?

A) Self-disclosure is recommended as standard practice
B) Self-disclosure is an advanced and complex technique worthy of personal reflection
C) It's a good idea to talk about self-disclosure in class and with supervisors
D) Both A and B
E) Both B and C

Question 33

Which of the following statements is NOT true regarding the use of agreement in clinical interviewing?

A) Agreement enhances rapport.
B) Agreement puts the therapist in the expert role.
C) Agreement enhances client self-exploration.
D) Agreement is a common directive action skill.
E) All of the above ARE true.

Question 34

Generally, therapists should not use disagreement as a technique because:

A) It can result in a personal argument between interviewer and client.
B) It can be used in ways that are unethical.
C) It can be an abuse of therapist power.
D) All of the above
E) Only B and C

Question 35

When used appropriately, approval might also be viewed as:

A) Encouragement
B) Manipulation
C) Risky
D) A paradoxical technique
E) All of the above

Question 36

Which of the following is true about using disapproval in an interview?

A) Disapproval has to be verbal for it to count
B) Nonverbal behavior has been cited as communicating disapproval in legal proceedings
C) Disapproval is part of congruence and should be expressed
D) Disapproval is powerful and can be used as a paradoxical change technique
E) All of the above

Question 37

Luis's client is asking for advice about a behavioral problem. Which of the following is a prudent first response?

A) Luis should immediately give the client the advice
B) Luis should ask, "Why do you want this advice?"
C) Luis should ask, "What options or ideas have you thought of already?"
D) Luis should say, "I hear you saying you want advice, but I don't really believe you."
E) Luis should remain silent and listen for what the client says next

Question 38

Based on her initial assessment, Amber decides her client needs to learn something about study skills and methods for coping with text anxiety. Which technique(s) is she likely to use?

A) Visual imagery
B) Interpretation
C) Psychoeducation
D) Suggestion
E) None of the above

Question 39

________________is an uncommon interview technique used primarily in crisis situations.

A) Persuading
B) Urging
C) Advice giving
D) Approval
E) None of the above

Question 40

What is a potential disadvantage of using only solution-focused questions designed to help the client focus on the positive perspective?

A) The questions do not provide any clear guidelines regarding what to say.
B) Solution-focused questions place the therapist in the expert role.
C) Clients may feel that their negative experiences are being dismissed as unimportant.
D) Both A and B
E) Both B and C

Question 41

Barbara is a conservative Christian and doesn't endorse LGBTQ behaviors. When she's faced with a situation where her new client is bisexual, her best first step is:

A) Tell the client bisexuality is immoral and make a referral
B) Make a referral, but say nothing about why
C) Tell the client about what the Bible says about bisexuality
D) Try her best to "bracket" her values and remain nonjudgmental
E) None of the above is acceptable

Question 42

How does the American Counseling Association address professional counselor values?

A) Directly through the beneficence principle
B) Indirectly by focusing on eliminating bias, emphasizing respect, and clinician awareness
C) Indirectly by emphasizing precaution against bias and unjust practice
D) None of the above
E) Only B and C

Question 43

When offering advice across a cultural divide, which of the following is recommended?

A) Seek consultation
B) Offer advice using the best practice guidelines for offering advice across cultures
C) Offer advice and emphasize to clients that your advice is based on empirical research
D) Offer no advice because doing so is always unethical
E) None of the above

Question 44

How does the text recommend that students and clinicians avoid situations where clinician values may harm clients?

A) Directly and immediately inform your clients if you have a values conflict
B) Systematically refer all clients based on class
C) Recognize that making referrals based on lack of competency is always unethical
D) All of the above
E) None of the above

Question 45

When offering self-disclosure across a cultural divide, which of the following is recommended?

A) Self-disclose freely
B) Do not self-disclose
C) Call time out and consult before self-disclosing
D) Self-disclose in a way that offers a chance at joining or connecting with clients
E) Self-disclose in a way that offers specific advice to clients