Domain 4 Quiz: Psychotherapies and related theories Flashcards
A PMHNP is working with a 50-year-old female patient who is experiencing existential concerns related to her life’s purpose and meaning. She frequently reflects on her mortality and has feelings of anxiety and despair. The patient expresses a desire to explore these existential issues in therapy. Which aspect of Existential Therapy is most aligned with addressing this patient’s existential concerns?
A. Exploring the Patient’s Unconscious Conflicts
B. Focusing on Behavioral Modification
C. Examining the Patient’s Freedom and Responsibility
D. Using Medication Management for Anxiety
C. Examining the Patient’s Freedom and Responsibility
Correct answer. C. Examining the Patient’s Freedom and Responsibility: Examining the patient’s freedom and responsibility is a central aspect of Existential Therapy. Existential therapists help individuals explore their existential concerns, including the meaning of life and their sense of freedom and responsibility. This approach is most aligned with addressing the patient’s existential concerns related to purpose and meaning, making it the correct choice.
A PMHNP is providing therapy to a 30-year-old female patient who has been experiencing significant distress related to interpersonal conflicts and strained relationships with her family members. The patient reports feelings of isolation and sadness due to these conflicts. In the context of Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), what is the primary goal of therapy for this patient?
A. Eliminating All Symptoms of Depression
B. Improving Interpersonal Functioning and Relationships
C. Providing Insight into Early Childhood Trauma
D. Identifying and Modifying Maladaptive Thought Patterns
B. Improving Interpersonal Functioning and Relationships
Correct answer. B. Improving Interpersonal Functioning and Relationships: The primary goal of Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) is to improve interpersonal functioning and relationships. IPT is a time-limited, evidence-based therapy that helps individuals identify and address interpersonal issues, such as conflicts, role transitions, and grief, which may contribute to their emotional distress. In this scenario, the patient’s reported feelings of isolation and sadness due to interpersonal conflicts align with the primary goal of IPT. Therefore, this option is correct.
A PMHNP is assessing a 38-year-old male patient who presents with symptoms of depression, including persistent low mood, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, sleep disturbances, and decreased energy. The patient reports that these symptoms have been present for several months and have significantly impacted his social life and relationships. He describes ongoing conflicts with his family members and feels socially isolated. What therapy approach is likely to be the BEST choice for this patient?
A. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
B. Psychodynamic Therapy
C. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
D. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
D. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
Correct answer. D. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): IPT is a time-limited therapy approach specifically designed to address interpersonal issues, conflicts, and social isolation in individuals with depression. Given the patient’s reported symptoms of depression, ongoing conflicts with family members, and social isolation, IPT is the BEST choice as it directly targets the issues most relevant to this patient’s presentation. Therefore, this option is correct.
A) Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a widely used therapy approach for depression and focuses on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors. While СВТ can be effective for depression, this patient’s primary concern appears to be related to interpersonal conflicts and social isolation, which may not be the central focus of CBT. Therefore,
this option is not the best choice.
*A PMHNP is assessing a 42-year-old female patient who reports a history of traumatic experiences, including childhood abuse and a recent car accident. The patient presents with symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), including intrusive thoughts, nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional distress. The patient expresses a strong desire to address her traumatic memories and alleviate her distress. Which therapeutic approach is MOST appropriate for this patient’s treatment?
A. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CT)
B. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
C. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
D. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
C. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
A PMHNP is working with a 28-year-old male patient who presents with symptoms of anxiety, low self-esteem, and difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships.
The patient reports experiencing constant worry and feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands. He describes a persistent fear of rejection and criticism from others. The PMHNP believes that psychodynamic therapy may be beneficial for this patient.
Which aspect of psychodynamic therapy is MOST aligned with addressing the patient’s needs?
A. Focusing on Behavioral Techniques and Coping Strategies
B. Exploring Unconscious Conflicts and Early Life Experiences
C. Teaching Mindfulness and Stress Reduction
D. Identifying Cognitive Distortions and Maladaptive Beliefs
B. Exploring Unconscious Conflicts and Early Life Experiences
Correct answer. B. Exploring Unconscious Conflicts and Early Life Experiences: This option is most aligned with psychodynamic therapy. Psychodynamic therapy emphasizes the exploration of unconscious conflicts, emotions, and early life experiences to gain insight into current
psychological struggles. Given the patient’s symptoms of anxiety, low self-esteem, and fear of rejection, this approach is well-suited to address the underlying psychological issues.
A PMHNP is working with a family who has sought therapy due to ongoing conflicts and communication breakdowns. During the assessment, the term “family homeostasis” is brought up by one of the family members. In the context of family therapy, what does the term “family homeostasis” refer to?
A. Family Homeostasis is the state of equilibrium and stability within a family system, where members communicate openly and resolve conflicts effectively.
B. Family Homeostasis is the tendency of family members to resist change and maintain familiar roles and dynamics, even when they are dysfunctional.
C. Family Homeostasis is a therapeutic technique used to promote assertiveness and boundary-setting within the family.
D. Family Homeostasis is a term used to describe the emotional closeness and bonding that exist within a healthy family unit.
B. Family homeostasis is the tendency of family members to resist change and maintain familiar roles and dynamics, even when they are dysfunctional.
Correct answer. B. Family Homeostasis is the tendency of family members to resist change and maintain familiar roles and dynamics, even when they are dysfunctional: This statement accurately describes the meaning of “family homeostasis” in the context of family therapy. Family homeostasis refers to the natural tendency of a family system to resist change and maintain its existing structure, roles, and dynamics, even if these are dysfunctional or problematic.
with a couple who are seeking help with their ongoing relationship issues. During a session, the concept of “family morphogenesis” is mentioned by one of the family members. In the context of family therapy, what does the term “family morphogenesis” refer to?
A. Family Morphogenesis is the process of maintaining stable and unchanging family roles and dynamics to promote family cohesion.
B. Family Morphogenesis is the process of adapting and changing family roles and dynamics over time in response to individual and environmental factors.
C. Family Morphogenesis is a therapeutic technique used to encourage family members to adhere to traditional and rigid family roles.
D. Family Morphogenesis is a term used to describe the inherent family hierarchy and power structure within a family unit.
B. Family Morphogenesis is the process of adapting and changing family roles and dynamics over time in response to individual and environmental factors
A PMHNP is working with a family that presents with complex relational issues, including communication breakdowns, role confusion, and conflicts among family members. The PMHNP decides to utilize Systemic Family Therapy to address the family’s concerns. Which aspect of Systemic Family Therapy is BEST suited to explore and address the family’s relational dynamics?
A. Focusing on individual family members’ intrapsychic conflicts and past experiences.
B. Assessing and understanding the family’s patterns of communication, roles, and interactions.
C. Encouraging individual family members to express their emotions and grievances openly.
D. Implementing cognitive-behavioral techniques to modify maladaptive behaviors
B. Assessing and understanding the family’s patterns of communication, roles, and interactions.
Correct answer. B. Assessing and understanding the family’s patterns of communication, roles, and interactions: This statement accurately describes the key focus of Systemic Family Therapy.
Systemic Family Therapy emphasizes the importance of assessing and understanding the family’s communication patterns, roles, and interactions to identify and address relational issues. This approach recognizes that family dynamics are shaped by the interactions among its members.
Therefore, this option is correct.
You are working as a PMHNP in a community mental health clinic. A 16-year-old female, Emily, presents with symptoms of depression and anxiety. During the assessment, you discover that Emily’s parents have recently divorced, and she is having difficulties coping with the changes in her family dynamic. Emily is resistant to individual therapy and expresses that she wants her family to be “normal” again. As a PMHNP well-versed in systemic family therapy, what is your most appropriate course of action?
A. Refer Emily to individual therapy to address her depression and anxiety.
B. Begin systemic family therapy sessions involving Emily and her parents.
C. Suggest medication management for Emily’s depression and anxiety.
D. Encourage Emily to join a support group for teenagers dealing with family changes.
B. Begin systemic family therapy sessions involving Emily and her parents.
Correct answer. B. Begin systemic family therapy sessions involving Emily and her parents.
Systemic family therapy focuses on understanding and addressing the interactions and dynamics within a family system. Given Emily’s family situation, involving her parents in therapy can help address the root causes of her emotional distress and work towards improving family relationships.
*A PMHNP is working with a family that is seeking therapy due to ongoing conflicts and communication issues. The PMHNP observes that one family member, Sarah, frequently takes on the role of a peacemaker and tries to resolve conflicts between other family members. However, Sarah tends to suppress her own feelings and needs to maintain harmony in the family. This behavior is often accompanied by anxiety and a fear of rejection. From a systemic family therapy perspective, which concept is most relevant to Sarah’s situation?
A. Enmeshment
B. Self-differentiation
C. Triangulation
D. Scapegoating
B. Self-differentiation
Correct answer. B) Self-differentiation Self-differentiation in systemic family therapy refers to an individual’s ability to maintain a sense of self while remaining emotionally connected to others. It involves the capacity to express one’s feelings, thoughts, and needs while also respecting the autonomy of others. Sarah’s tendency to suppress her own needs and feelings to keep peace suggests a lack of self-differentiation.
A PHNP is working with a family in therapy, and the family is experiencing high levels of conflict, particularly between the parents. The PMHNP observes that one parent often avoids addressing issues and becomes emotionally distant during conflicts, while the other parent tends to become emotionally reactive and critical.The PMHNP recognizes the importance of self-differentiation in systemic family therapy. Which of the following statements best reflects the concept of self-differentiation in this context?
A. Self-differentiation involves encouraging the emotionally distant parent to become more emotionally expressive and reactive during conflicts.
B. Self-differentiation entails helping both parents become more emotionally reactive toaddress issues effectively.
C. Self-differentiation requires each parent to maintain their emotional balance and autonomy while engaging in open and non-reactive communication during ***
C. Self-differentiation requires each parent to maintain their emotional balance and autonomy while engaging in open and non-reactive communication during conflicts.
A 35-year-old patient is attending family therapy sessions with their spouse and two teenage children. The family presents with communication difficulties and ongoing conflicts between the parents and children. During the therapy sessions, the PMHNP observes that one of the teenagers consistently tries to align with one parent against the other. This behavior often leads to intensified conflicts within the family. In the context of systemic family therapy, which of the following best describes the concept of triangulation?
A. A technique used to create harmony within the family by promoting agreement among all family members.
B. The process of involving a third party, such as a therapist, to mediate conflicts between family members.
C. The formation of a problematic alliance or coalition between two family members against a third family member.
D. The use of triangles as a visual representation of family relatiionship
C. The formation of a problematic alliance or coalition between two family members against a third family member.
Correct answer. C. The formation of a problematic alliance or coalition between two family members against a third family member: This option accurately describes triangulation.
Triangulation involves the formation of alliances or coalitions within the family, often leading to increased conflicts and difficulties in resolving issues.
*A PMHNP is working with a family consisting of a mother, father, and their two school-aged children. The parents frequently argue about household responsibilities and how to discipline their children. The mother tends to take on most of the household chores and feels overwhelmed, while the father believes in a strict, authoritarian parenting style. The children often react to their parents’ disagreements by acting out or withdrawing. In the context of structural family therapy, which therapeutic intervention is most appropriate to address the family’s issues?
A. Encouraging the mother to set clearer boundaries with her husband
B. Promoting individual counseling for the children to address their behavioral problems
C. Restructuring the family roles and boundaries
D. Suggesting couples therapy for the parents
C. Restructuring the family roles and boundaries
Correct answer. C. Restructuring the family roles and boundaries: Structural family therapy involves identifying and reorganizing family roles, boundaries, and hierarchies to improve family functioning. In this scenario, restructuring the family roles and boundaries would address the parents’ conflicting parenting styles and the children’s reactions to the parental discord. It helps create a healthier family structure.
A PMHNP is working with a family consisting of a mother, a father, and their teenage son who is involved in delinquent behaviors, including substance abuse, truancy, and conflicts with the law. The family reports feeling overwhelmed and unable to manage the son’s behavior effectively. They are seeking help to address these issues. The PMHNP decides to apply a therapeutic approach that targets the various systems impacting the son’s behavior. What is the most suitable therapeutic intervention for this family?
A. Individual therapy sessions for the son to address his substance abuse and delinquent behaviors.
B. Group therapy for the parents to enhance their parenting skills and communication
C. Family therapy to address conflicts and improve communication within the immediate family.
D. Multisystemic Family Therapy (MST) to target the multiple systems influencing the son’s behavior.
D. Multisystemic Family Therapy (MST) to target the multiple systems influencing the son’s behavior.
Correct Answer: D) Multisystemic Family Therapy (MST) In cases where a youth is involved in delinquent behaviors, such as substance abuse and conflicts with the law, multisystemic family therapy (MST) is often considered the most appropriate intervention. MST targets the various systems that influence the youth’s behavior, including family dynamics, peer relationships, school, and the community. It is a comprehensive approach that addresses the complex factors contributing to delinquent behavior and provides strategies for change.
a history of aggressive behavior, substance use, and involvement with delinquent peers. His behavior has led to multiple suspensions from school and legal troubles. The parents are concerned about his future and want to address his behavioral issues comprehensively. They report strained family relationships and a lack of support from the community. Which of the following best describes the primary focus and approach of Multisystemic Family Therapy (MST) for this family?
A. MST primarily involves individual counseling for the adolescent son to address his behavioral issues.
B. MST focuses on improving communication within the family unit through joint therapy sessions.
C. MST addresses the son’s behavioral issues within the context of multiple systems, including family, school, community, and peer groups.
D. MST **
C. MST addresses the son’s behavioral issues within the context of multiple systems, including family, school, community, and peer groups.
A 15-year-old adolescent has been involved in repeated conflicts with family members, aggressive behavior at school, and substance abuse. The PMHNP has initiated Multisystemic Family Therapy (MST) to address these complex issues. What is the primary goal of MST in this case?
A. To explore the adolescent’s past experiences and traumas to uncover the root causes oftheir behavior.
B. To improve the family’s communication skills and relationships within the family unit.
C. To address the adolescent’s behavioral problems within the context of multiple systems, including family, school, community, and peers.
D. To provide medication management to address the adolescent’s aggression andsubstance abuse.
C. To address the adolescent’s behavioral problems within the context of multiple systems, including family, school, community, and peers.
A PMHNP is conducting Solution-Focused Family Therapy with a family consisting of a mother, a father, and their adolescent son. The family seeks help due to ongoing conflicts and communication breakdown. During a therapy session, the PMHNP asks a question that is central to Solution-Focused Therapy. The question is often referred to as the “miracle question.” What is the purpose of the miracle question in this therapeutic context?
A. To encourage the family members to share their past successes and achievements
B. To explore the family’s history and identify unresolved traumas and conflicts
C. To help the family envision a future where their problems have improved or resolved
D. To analyze the family’s current communication patterns and conflicts in detail
C. To help the family envision a future where their problems have improved or resolved
A PMHNP is working with a family that includes a mother, a father, and their adolescent daughter. The parents express concerns about their daughter’s withdrawn behavior, declining academic performance, and lack of motivation. The family seeks therapy to address these issues. The PMHNP decides to use Solution-Focused Family Therapy principles and techniques. Which of the following represents a key technique often used in Solution-Focused Therapy to help the family envision positive change?
A. Asking the daughter to reflect on her past experiences and traumas
B. Having the family members analyze the reasons behind their current problems
C. Using a miracle question to explore a future where the daughter’s issues are resolved.
D. Encouraging the family to discuss their past successes and achievements
C. Using a miracle question to explore a future where the daughter’s issues are resolved.
A PMHNP is working with a family that includes a mother, a father, and their teenage daughter. The family is seeking therapy due to ongoing conflicts and communication breakdowns. The PMHNP decides to incorporate Solution-Focused Family Therapy techniques into the sessions. Which of the following best exemplifies a “miracle question” that the PMHNP might use in this therapy session?
A. “What are the specific issues you want to address in this therapy?”
B. “If all your problems were to magically disappear overnight, what would your family life look like?”
C. “Tell me about the times when you had the most difficulty communicating with each other.”
D. “Let’s discuss the challenges you’ve been facing recently and how they affect your family.”
B. “If all your problems were to magically disappear overnight, what would your family life look like?”
A PMHNP is conducting Solution-Focused Family Therapy with a family facing various challenges, including communication issues and conflict. The therapist decides to use scaling questions during the session. What is the primary purpose of using scaling questions in this therapeutic approach?
A. To assess the severity of the family’s conflicts and determine their underlying causes
B. To assign a numerical score to the family’s level of dysfunction and dysfunction in orderto track progress
C. To help the family members evaluate their current situation on a scale and explore what would make it one point better
D. To identify specific solutions and interventions for the family’s problems based on a numerical rating
C. To help the family members evaluate their current situation on a scale and explore what would make it one point better
Correct Answer: C) To help the family members evaluate their current situation on a scale and explore what would make it one point better. The primary purpose of using scaling questions in Solution-Focused Family Therapy is to help the family members evaluate their current situation on a scale (e.g., from 1 to 10) and explore what would make it one point better. This approach encourages clients to focus on small steps of improvement and sets a positive and solution-oriented tone, allowing them to identify realistic goals and solutions for their challenges.
*A PHNP is working with a family consisting of a mother, a father, and their teenage son. The son has been engaging in problematic behaviors, such as skipping school and staying out late at night. The parents are seeking therapy to address these issues.The PMHNP decides to apply Strategic Family Therapy. What technique can the PMHNP use to disrupt the family’s dysfunctional patterns and create change?
A. Encouraging the parents to set strict rules and consequences for the son’s behavior
B. Analyzing the family’s communication patterns to identify the root causes of the son’sactions
C. Utilizing a paradoxical directive to prescribe the son’s problematic behavior as a solution
D. Assigning individual therapy sessions for each family member to address their personal
issues
C. Utilizing a paradoxical directive to prescribe the son’s problematic behavior as a solution
Correct Answer: C) Utilizing a paradoxical directive to prescribe the son’s problematic behavior as a solution. In Strategic Family Therapy, paradoxical directives are a key technique. They involve prescribing the symptom or problematic behavior as a solution to disrupt dysfunctional patterns. By doing so, the therapist can highlight the unworkability of the behavior or provoke resistance from the family, ultimately leading to a shift in the family dynamics and the creation of change. This technique is consistent with the strategic and brief nature of this therapy approach.
A PMHNP is working with a family consisting of a mother, a father, and their adolescent daughter. The family is facing issues related to frequent arguments and power struggles between the parents and their daughter. The parents have sought therapy to address the conflicts and improve family dynamics. The PMHNP decides to apply Strategic Family Therapy to address the issue. What technique can the PMHNP use to provide clear instructions for changing the family’s interactions and addressing the conflicts?
A. Encouraging the family members to openly express their feelings and frustrations during therapy sessions.
B. Conducting individual therapy sessions with each family member to explore their personal experiences and perspectives.
C. Implementing paradoxical directives to disrupt the family’s existing dynamics and create change through paradoxical interventions.
Using a straightforward directive to provide clear instructions for changing specific behaviors and interactions within the family
D. Using a straightforward directive to provide clear instructions for changing specific behaviors and interactions within the family
Correct Answer: D) Using a straightforward directive to provide clear instructions for changing specific behaviors and interactions within the family. In Strategic Family Therapy, straightforward directives are often employed to provide clear and specific instructions to family members about changing their behaviors and interactions. These directives are designed to create immediate change and address the identified issues directly. They are particularly useful when the goal is to interrupt existing patterns and provide a clear path for behavior change within the family.
A PMHNP is working with an adult client who has been experiencing severe anxiety and self-esteem issues. The client often feels overwhelmed by negative self-perceptions and believes that they are inherently unworthy. The PMHNP decides to apply Strategic Therapy to help the client address these beliefs. What technique can the PMHNP use to challenge and change the client’s negative self-perceptions and belief system?
A. Conducting an exploration of the client’s past experiences to identify the origins of their negative beliefs.
B. Implementing a straightforward directive to prescribe specific behaviors for the client to improve self-esteem.
C. Utilizing reframing techniques to challenge and change the client’s negative belief system and self-perceptions.
D. Analyzing the client’s current communication patterns and conflicts to identify the source of their anxiety.
C. Utilizing reframing techniques to challenge and change the client’s negative belief system and self-perceptions.
Correct Answer: C) Utilizing reframing techniques to challenge and change the client’s negative belief system and self-perceptions. In Strategic Therapy, reframing techniques are used to challenge and change a client’s negative belief system and self-perceptions. This involves offering alternative perspectives and interpretations that can help the client view themselves and their situation in a more positive and constructive light. Reframing is a key technique for addressing and changing deeply held negative beliefs and self-perceptions.
A 28-year-old patient presents to a mental health clinic with symptoms of excessive worry, fear, and physical tension. The patient reports feeling constantly on the edge and anxious about various aspects of life, including work and relationships. During the assessment, the PMHNP observes that the patient often rationalizes their anxiety by explaining that they are just being cautious and responsible. Which defense mechanism is the patient primarily using to cope with their anxiety?
A. Projection
B. Rationalization
C. Repression
D. Displacement
B. Rationalization
A 30-year-old patient with a history of childhood trauma and abusive relationships presents with symptoms of avoidance, emotional numbness, and difficulty forming close relationships. The patient’s behavior includes avoiding any discussion of their past experiences and often minimizing the impact of traumatic events. Which defense mechanism is most likely at play in this patient’s behavior?
A. Reaction Formation
B. Rationalization
C. Denial
D. Displacement
C. Denial
A 45-year-old patient with a history of substance abuse presents for an assessment.
The patient has recently quit using drugs and is committed to maintaining sobriety.
During the interview, the patient displays excessive moralistic and self-righteous attitudes, often criticizing others who use substances. The patient states, “I can’t believe how weak people are for using drugs; they have no self-control.” The PMHNP suspects that the patient may be employing a defense mechanism to cope with their own past substance use. Which defense mechanism is the patient most likely using in this scenario?
A. Repression
B. Displacement
C. Rationalization
D. Reaction Formation
D. Reaction Formation
Correct Answer: D) Reaction Formation In this scenario, the patient’s excessive moralistic and self-righteous attitudes, along with strong criticism of others who use substances, suggest the use of the defense mechanism of reaction formation. The patient is openly expressing attitudes that are the opposite of their past behavior (substance use) as a way to cope with their own history of substance abuse. Reaction formation helps the individual suppress or disguise their true feelings or impulses by presenting the opposite attitude or behavior.
A 28-year-old patient is admitted to the psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. The patient consistently expresses strong, exaggerated feelings of happiness, contentment, and enthusiasm, often laughing loudly and engaging in boisterous activities. The patient’s behavior seems excessively cheerful and appears inconsistent with the underlying depressive symptoms. What defense mechanism is the patient most likely employing in this scenario?
A. Displacement
B. Sublimation
C. Reaction formation
D. Regression
C. Reaction formation
Correct Answer: C) Reaction formation. In the described scenario, the patient’s exaggerated feelings of happiness, contentment, and enthusiasm, which appear inconsistent with their underlying depressive symptoms, indicate the use of the defense mechanism of reaction formation. Reaction formation involves expressing feelings or behaviors that are opposite to one’s true feelings as a way to cope with inner conflicts or discomfort. In this case, the patient is attempting to deny or mask their depressive feelings by displaying excessive cheerfulness and enthusiasm.
