Deck 3: A Model of the Intentional Relationship

Question 1

Which of the following central concepts can be understood across two dimensions: situational and enduring?

A) Client's interpersonal characteristics
B) Inevitable interpersonal events
C) Therapist's use of self
D) Occupational engagement
E) All of the above

Answer 1

Client's interpersonal characteristics

Question 2

During a first-time meeting with Mr. Smith, Tanya noticed several nonverbal cues that signified to her that Mr. Smith was disengaged from the therapeutic process and was growing frustrated with her approach. She also noticed that Mr. Smith did not readily communicate his needs and answered questions in a limited and often ambiguous manner. When Tanya asked Mr. Smith, "What's wrong?" Mr. Smith responded, "Nothing. I'm ready to be out of here. Let's just get this over with." Given Mr. Smith's interpersonal characteristics and the event described, which would be the most fitting mode?

A) Instructing by being explicit with clients about the plan, sequence, and events of therapy
B) Empathizing by striving to understand the client's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors while suspending any judgment
C) Advocating by ensuring that Mr. Smith's rights are enforced, and resources are secured
D) Problem-solving by posing strategic questions and providing opportunities for comparative or analytical thinking

Answer 2

Empathizing by striving to understand the client's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors while suspending any judgment

Question 3

When the Intentional Relationship Model (IRM) refers to the importance of responsibility-taking, it means all of the following except:

A) The therapist assumes complete responsibility for the caring role in the relationship.
B) The therapist automatically assumes an expert stance in the relationship so as to capitalize on the power differential that already exists.
C) The therapist allows for an emotionally safe space where clients can express themselves in a wide range of ways without feeling as if the relationship is in jeopardy or that the therapist will retaliate.
D) If the client perceives an empathic break or rupture, the therapist will attempt to repair it before assuming a defensive or aggressive position.

Answer 3

The therapist automatically assumes an expert stance in the relationship so as to capitalize on the power differential that already exists.

Question 4

One of the underlying principles of the Intentional Relationship Model (IRM) is that the client is responsible for determining how a successful therapeutic relationship looks.

Question 5

Research has shown that therapists are usually accurate in their estimation of their own capacity to be empathic with clients.

Question 6

Psychologists believe that interpersonal relating is the mechanism of change in a client's treatment outcome. In occupational therapy, occupation is the central mechanism of change, but interpersonal relating is important for occupational engagement.

Question 7

The Intentional Relationship Model (IRM) was designed as a response to the lack of concrete skills for practice regarding use of self in occupational therapy.

Question 8

Even if a client misperceives a therapist's good intentions, attempts to break professional boundaries, or becomes upset with the therapist for no apparent reason, it is the therapist's responsibility to respond to the client in a way that is ethical and therapeutic given the client's interpersonal characteristics and the circumstances of therapy.

Question 9

When interpersonal events of therapy occur, their interpretation is a product of the therapist's unique set of interpersonal skills and reactions in the moment.

Question 10

The interpersonal reasoning process can be utilized to guide the therapist in deciding when a mode shift might be required in order to push the client toward meeting his or her therapeutic goals.