Deck 16: Mindfulness Approaches

Question 1

Evaluate the utility of mindfulness approaches (both ACT and DBT) utility for clients who are of diverse backgrounds. What are its strengths and drawbacks?

Answer 1

Mindfulness approaches, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), have shown utility for clients of diverse backgrounds. These approaches emphasize the importance of being present in the moment, accepting one's thoughts and feelings without judgment, and developing skills to cope with difficult emotions and situations.

One strength of mindfulness approaches for diverse clients is their focus on individual experiences and emotions, rather than making assumptions based on cultural or societal norms. This can be particularly beneficial for clients from marginalized or underrepresented backgrounds, as it allows them to explore and address their unique challenges in a non-judgmental and empowering way.

Additionally, mindfulness approaches can help clients develop a greater sense of self-awareness and emotional regulation, which can be particularly important for individuals who have experienced trauma or discrimination. By learning how to observe and accept their thoughts and feelings, clients can develop healthier coping mechanisms and improve their overall well-being.

However, there are also drawbacks to consider when using mindfulness approaches with diverse clients. One potential drawback is the cultural relevance of some mindfulness practices, as they may not align with the beliefs and values of all clients. It is important for therapists to be mindful of the cultural backgrounds of their clients and adapt mindfulness practices accordingly.

Furthermore, access to mindfulness resources and support can also be a barrier for diverse clients, especially those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. It is important for therapists to consider the accessibility of mindfulness practices and provide alternative resources if necessary.

In conclusion, mindfulness approaches such as ACT and DBT can be highly beneficial for clients of diverse backgrounds, as they provide a framework for self-awareness, emotional regulation, and empowerment. However, it is important for therapists to be mindful of the cultural relevance and accessibility of these approaches in order to effectively support all clients.

Question 2

Discuss the role of the client, the role of the counselor, and the relationship between the two when using ACT therapy.

Answer 2

ACT therapy, or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, is a type of therapeutic approach that focuses on acceptance, mindfulness, and commitment to behavior change. In this type of therapy, the role of the client is to actively engage in the therapeutic process by being open and willing to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The client is encouraged to practice mindfulness and acceptance of their experiences, while also committing to taking steps towards behavior change and living a more fulfilling life.

The role of the counselor in ACT therapy is to guide the client through the process of self-discovery and behavior change. The counselor provides a safe and non-judgmental space for the client to explore their thoughts and feelings, and helps the client to develop mindfulness and acceptance skills. The counselor also helps the client to identify their values and goals, and supports them in making committed actions towards living a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

The relationship between the client and the counselor in ACT therapy is collaborative and supportive. The counselor works with the client as a partner in the therapeutic process, rather than as an authority figure. The relationship is based on trust, empathy, and understanding, and the counselor aims to empower the client to take control of their own life and make positive changes. The client and counselor work together to develop mindfulness and acceptance skills, identify values and goals, and create a plan for behavior change. Overall, the relationship between the client and the counselor in ACT therapy is one of mutual respect and cooperation, with the ultimate goal of helping the client to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

Question 3

Pick two therapeutic techniques used in ACT. Define each one and then use it with a
client example.

Answer 3

Two therapeutic techniques used in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) are mindfulness and cognitive defusion.

Mindfulness involves the client learning to observe their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations without judgment or attachment. This technique helps the client become more aware of their internal experience and be present in the moment.

Cognitive defusion involves helping the client to create distance from their thoughts and see them as simply words or images rather than as literal truths. This technique helps the client to reduce the impact of negative or unhelpful thoughts on their behavior and emotions.

For example, let's say a client named Sarah is struggling with anxiety. Using mindfulness, the therapist guides Sarah through a body scan meditation, helping her to observe her physical sensations and notice any tension or discomfort without trying to change it. This helps Sarah to become more aware of her bodily experience and learn to tolerate discomfort without reacting.

Then, using cognitive defusion, the therapist helps Sarah to recognize that her anxious thoughts are just words and images in her mind, rather than absolute truths. The therapist may ask Sarah to imagine her anxious thoughts on leaves floating down a stream, helping her to see them as separate from herself and not necessarily reflective of reality.

By using these two techniques, the therapist helps Sarah to be more present and less reactive to her anxious thoughts, ultimately reducing the impact of her anxiety on her daily life.

Question 4

How do the assessment, counselor/client roles, and goals differ in ACT and DBT?

Question 5

Describe the process of DBT therapy and two of the techniques that are used.

Question 6

Discuss evaluation of mindfulness approaches (both ACT and DBT) in terms of outcome and theory testing.

Question 7

Case conceptualization (Hayes et al., 2010) in ACT includes all of the following EXCEPT:

A) assessing client motivation
B) analyzing the presenting problem
C) self-diagnosis using standard measures
D) looking at variables affecting psychological flexibility

Question 8

Mindfulness approaches have origins in

A) cognitive-behavioral therapy
B) Freudian theory
C) Jungian theory
D) narrative therapy

Question 9

Approaches that represent the "third wave" of behavioral and cognitive therapies
Include _____.

A) Gestalt therapy
B) reality therapy
C) mindfulness approaches
D) solution-focused therapy

Question 10

The construct of ______ in ACT is based on the idea that to function most optimally, we need to be in contact with what is going on around us now, not caught in the past, future, or our own convoluted thoughts.

A) cognitive defusion
B) being present
C) acceptance
D) self as perspective

Question 11

______ refers to learning to perceive thoughts as only thoughts in ACT.

A) self as perspective
B) values
C) cognitive defusion
D) acceptance

Question 12

John has a tendency to blindly take events and experiences as basic truths about
Himself. He has difficulty with ______, according to ACT?

A) acceptance
B) cognitive defusion
C) commitment
D) self as perspective

Question 13

The philosophy behind ACT is known as _______.

A) functional contextualism
B) functional operationalism
C) dialectics
D) cognitive fusion

Question 14

Functional contextualism is distinguished from other approaches by which of the
Following values?

A) it is holistic
B) the role of context is central in understanding events
C) the criterion for truth is pragmatic
D) all of the above

Question 15

ACT is based on the theoretical foundation of ___________.

A) dialectical reasoning
B) Gestalt theory
C) relational frame theory
D) empirical inquiry

Question 16

The goal of healthy living is not so much to feel good, but rather to feel good. This is
A basic tenet of ________.

A) Dialectical behavioral therapy
B) Acceptance and commitment therapy
C) Solution-focused therapy
D) Narrative therapy

Question 17

Mariah came to therapy because she feels she is stuck on one version of herself and
Is having difficulty growing and experiencing herself in other life contexts. ACT
Would say she is experiencing difficulty with ___________.

A) conceptualized self
B) ego functioning
C) reality transformation
D) spontaneous living

Question 18

The acronym FEAR in ACT stands for __________.

A) facing fears, earnestness in recovery, action, recovery
B) fusion, evaluation, avoidance, reason giving
C) functional acceptance, entry to therapy process, attachment, resolution
D) fear, entry anxiety, anger management, reformulating

Question 19

Ryan has recently begun to experience difficulties in his marriage. He began
Acceptance and commitment therapy to address the problem. The therapist might
Use _______ to help him with his relationship issues.

A) The willingness dial
B) The empty chair technique
C) Dialectical reasoning
D) Transference analysis

Question 20

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) was conceived by _______.

A) Steven Hayes
B) William Wundt
C) Marsha Linehan
D) Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg

Question 21

Which of the following is true regarding the philosophy of DBT?

A) holistic perspective in which context is critical
B) view that reality is fluid
C) view that reality is composed of opposing forces or polarities
D) All of the above

Question 22

Dialectical behavior therapists believe which of the following regarding health and
Dysfunction?

A) healthy people live a preferred narrative
B) dysfunction is based on cognitive fusion
C) dysfunction is related to emotional dysregulation
D) no attention to health versus dysfunction

Question 23

Dialectical behavior therapy focuses particularly on _______________.

A) anxiety disorder
B) borderline personality disorder
C) neurosis
D) post-traumatic stress disorder

Question 24

Melissa tends to isolate and is working in DBT therapy on making a greater
Connection with the world. She is probably in what stage of therapy?

A) Stage I
B) Stage II
C) Stage III
D) Stage IV

Question 25

Telephone consultations with clients serve what purpose in DBT?

A) help teach appropriate ways to ask for help
B) help clear up misunderstandings that occurred in therapy session
C) help clients learn to generalize skills to all situations
D) all of the above

Question 26

Drew is working with one of his impulsive clients to use distraction and thinking of
Pros and cons before he lashes out at others. He is also teaching him some
Self-soothing skills. These _________ techniques are very important in DBT.

A) core mindfulness skills
B) case management strategies
C) entering the paradox
D) distress tolerance skills

Question 27

One of the core strategies of dialectical behavior therapy is validation. The other core
Strategy is _____________.

A) acceptance
B) commitment
C) problem solving
D) relational frame work

Question 28

Which of the following is true regarding the research on mindfulness approaches?

A) Both ACT and DBT have solid theoretical systems and good research support.
B) Neither ACT nor DBT have a solid theoretical system or good research support.
C) ACT has a solid theoretical system but weak research support.
D) DBT has little research support but a solid theoretical system.