NCE Practice Exam Flashcards
One family structure that is on the rise in the United States is the:
a. blended family.
b. multigenerational family.
c. single-parent family.
d. homosexual family.
b. multigenerational family.
One of the fastest-growing trends in family structures is the multigenerational family, in which the grandparents are raising
their grandchildren. They, instead of the children’s biological parents, are parenting the grandchildren. Blended families have
been around for decades, as have single-parent families. The homosexual family is an acknowledged family structure but is
not one of the fastest-growing trends in family structures
A counselor may decide to administer a number of psychological tests in order to:
a. better understand the client.
b. predict future performance.
c. evaluate the outcomes of counseling.
d. all of the above.
d. all of the above.
If a counselor decides to administer a psychological test, most likely the counselor wants to understand the client more fully.
The counselor may want to predict the future performance of a client. Or the counselor may want to evaluate the outcomes of
treatment. A psychological test provides a means to look at these issues objectively and concretely.
When working with prospective employers about hiring those with mental disabilities, an employer asks the counselor if
it is legal to ask potential employees if they are disabled during the initial interview. Which of the following is the best
response?
a. “Yes, you can ask if the person has a disability that may affect the job.”
b. “You can ask if the person has any disability.”
c. “You may ask only if the person can perform job functions.”
d. “You may ask only if there are job-related functions the person cannot do.”
c. “You may ask only if the person can perform job functions.”
If, when working with prospective employers about hiring those with mental disabilities, an employer asks the counselor if it is
legal to ask potential employees if they are disabled during the initial interview, the best response is: “You may ask only if the
person can perform job functions.” If the individual is able to carry out the job functions, the individual is under no obligation
to provide information about a disability. However, the individual may choose to divulge a disability and ask for workplace
accommodations.
Josie likes to play peek-a-boo with her little brother, Jack. According to Piaget, Jack finds this game fun because he has
not yet acquired ____________, which is one of the primary tasks of the sensorimotor stage of cognitive development.
a. conservation
b. dual representation
c. object permanence
d. reversibility
c. object permanence
Piaget proposed that there are four stages of cognitive development. The first stage is the sensorimotor stage, whereby the
infant or toddler recognizes that even though something is out of sight, it still exists (object permanence). Without object
permanence, games such as peek-a-boo are fun to the child who believes the individual has temporarily disappeared, then
reappears. Piaget’s second stage of cognitive development is the preoperational stage (early childhood years) in which
children begin to recognize that something can be an object as well as a symbol (dual representation). The third stage of
cognitive development according to Piaget is called the concrete operational stage, during which children 6 to 11 years old
develop the capacity of both conservation (object permanence, or the understanding that physical characteristics of objects
remain the same even if the appearance is different) and reversibility (the ability to think through a series of steps and then to
reverse the process mentally).
The Rorschach, TAT, and Rotters Incomplete Sentences are all:
a. projective tests.
b. observational tests.
c. rating scales.
d. standardized personality tests.
a. projective tests.
The Rorschach is an inkblot test. The TAT (Thematic Apperception Test) is a storytelling test. The Rotters Incomplete
Sentences test is a finish-the-sentence test. All of these tests are projective tests because they ask test takers to project their
own thoughts and ideas into the stimuli to complete the answers. The test takers come up with their own answers freely
without any suggestions or information being provided by the examiner except the stimuli. Rating scales are typically used to
describe various dimensions of behavior across a number of different situations or environments. Standardized personality
tests include the MMPI-II and CPI, among others. Observational tests would typically involve the examiner observing the test
takers’ behavior across environments or situations.
Styles of group leadership have been described as all EXCEPT:
a. autocratic.
b. effective.
c. democratic.
d. laissez faire
b. effective.
Effective is NOT a term used to describe a group leader style. (It is, however, a term used in Virginia Satir’s A-B-C-D-E family
therapy model to describe a healthy way of interacting.) Group leadership styles are described as autocratic or authoritarian,
democratic, or laissez faire. The autocratic style may not be liked by group members, but is best for making quick decisions.
The democratic style may be liked better by group, but is not always the most productive. With a cohesive, committed group,
the laissez faire style often gets superior results.
The withdrawal of reinforcement until the conditioned response no longer occurs is known as:
a. extinction.
b. elimination.
c. discrimination.
d. punishment
a. extinction.
When Person A wants to eliminate a previously conditioned response in Person B, Person A withholds any reinforcement
when the response occurs so that Person B no longer elicits the behavior. This is known as extinction. Discrimination occurs
in classical and operant conditioning when a person learns to respond to only specific stimuli, while not responding to other
similar stimuli. The person learns to distinguish between similar stimuli. “Punishment” is also a term associated with operant
conditioning. It is a behavior modification technique that is used to decrease the probability that a particular behavior will
occur again. Punishment can be either the presentation of an aversive stimulus or the taking away of a positive stimulus.
Elimination is not a technique utilized in classical and operant conditioning.
During the working stage of the group, the leader’s role is to:
a. establish a trusting climate.
b. provide a role model.
c. deal with feelings.
d. support risks.
d. support risks.
The leader serves as a role model during the transition stage of the group, as well as establishing a trusting climate for the
group, providing support, and addressing resistances and anxiety. During the termination stage, the leader’s role is to deal
with feelings, reinforce changes, and help members make plans. During the orientation stage, the leader’s role is to help
identify goals and structures and begin the modeling process. The leader in the working stage provides reinforcement, links
themes, supports risks, and encourages translating insight into action.
Jeremy is a counselor. He believes in mirroring back his client’s verbalizations, and not passing judgment on what they
say. Jeremy considers himself a facilitator in assisting his client in reaching resolution of the presenting problems. What
type of therapeutic theory is Jeremy working from?
a. Freudian psychoanalysis
b. Behavioral theory
c. Rogerian, client-centered therapy
d. Jung’s client-guiding theory
c. Rogerian, client-centered therapy
Carl Roger’s client-centered approach to therapy mirrors back what the patient is saying, guiding him/her to clearer selfunderstanding. Rogers believed in freeing clients from obstacles to growth, and aiding them in becoming independent, selfdirected individuals. This type of therapy involves a therapist who is more facilitator than director, and only guides clients in
making their own decisions. The Rogerian approach involves a positive outlook and high degrees of respect for the client.
This type of therapy works well with many types of cases, but is often not the best choice for more severe disorders, such as
schizophrenia or other organic disorders.
Which of the following screening tools for alcohol abuse include questions about socioeconomic status and
psychological needs as well as the use of addictive substances?
a. CAGE (alcohol abuse tool)
b. Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (Modified) (AUDIT-C)
c. Addiction Severity Index (ASI)
d. Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)
c. Addiction Severity Index (ASI)
The Addiction Severity Index (ASI) includes questions about socioeconomic status and psychological needs as well as the
use of addictive substances. The CAGE tool is a 4-questions self-assessment of alcohol use. The CAGE-AID tool is similar but
includes the use of drugs. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) includes 10 questions about drinking habits
and how it affects the client’s life. AUDIT-C is a 3-question modification of the AUDIT.
The Minnesota Importance Questionnaire is used:
a. for those reading at an eighth grade level or higher.
b. in the context of vocational counseling.
c. with groups only.
d. with individuals only
b. in the context of vocational counseling.
The Minnesota Importance Questionnaire (MIQ) is a useful tool in vocational counseling. The MIQ measures twenty
psychological needs and six underlying values as related to work satisfaction, and it includes 185 occupations. The six values
from which the needs are derived are achievement, comfort, status, autonomy, safety, and altruism. The test is a paper-andpencil inventory, gender neutral, and appropriate for those who are reading at a fifth-grade level or higher. It can be
administered to groups or individuals. A Spanish language edition of the MIQ is also available
Which of the following is a good example of a standardized test?
a. A checklist
b. A rating scale
c. A structured, scored test
d. An open-ended interview
c. A structured, scored test
A test with a structured procedure for administration and a specified scoring system is a better example of a standardized
test. A checklist, a rating scale, or an open-ended interview are all good examples of non-standardized tests as they have no
formalized or routinized directions for administering or scoring them.
A client with catatonic schizophrenia has sat in the same chair with the right arm extended for an hour after the phlebotomist extended the arm for a blood draw. This is an example of which of the following?
a. Posturing
b. Waxy flexibility
c. Anergia
d. Mimicry
b. Waxy flexibility
If a client has sat in the same chair with the right arm extended for an hour after the phlebotomist extended the arm for a
blood draw, this is an example of waxy flexibility, a psychomotor behavior associated with schizophrenia with catatonia. With
waxy flexibility, the client maintains a position initiated by someone else (such as the phlebotomist). This differs from posturing
in that, with posturing, the client voluntarily assumes abnormal or bizarre postures.
If a mental health client is making statements that seem to be based on delusional thinking, such as “My doctor is
constantly flirting with me,” the best way to express doubt is by which of the following statements?
a. “I don’t believe that.”
b. “You must be kidding!”
c. “Are you telling me the truth?”
d. “That’s hard to believe.”
d. “That’s hard to believe.”
If a mental health client is making statements that seem to be based on delusional thinking, the best way to express doubt is, “That’s hard to believe.” This statement is not overtly challenging but does avoid reinforcing false beliefs and may help to
undermine the client’s faulty belief system. The counselor should avoid arguing with the client or directly confronting the client’s false statements, as this is rarely effective, but should remain calm and try to reset reality.
When counseling a client who is self-identified as a lesbian and whom the counselor believes is marginalized, which of
the following should be the first step?
a. Outline the ways in which the client may be marginalized
b. Determine if the client feels marginalized
c. Guide the client to becoming more aware of being marginalized
d. Explore how marginalization has affected the client’s life
b. Determine if the client feels marginalized
When counseling a client who is self-identified as a lesbian and whom the counselor believes is marginalized, the first step
should be to determine if the client feels marginalized. It’s important to avoid making assumptions about others. If the client
does not feel marginalized, then focusing on marginalization may avoid the real issues that are concerning the client and may,
in fact, increase the client’s level of stress by introducing new areas of conflict that the client had not previously experienced.
When counseling a client with PTSD, what advice should the counselor advise the client to follow?
a. Try to avoid thinking about the traumatic experience
b. Avoid all stressful social situations
c. Talk about problems with support people
d. Stay alert at all times
c. Talk about problems with support people
When counseling a client with PTSD, the counselor should advise the client to talk about problems with support people, such
as close friends, family, or members of a support group. Avoidance strategies usually work for only limited periods of time and
are not helpful in recovery because the client is not dealing effectively with the issue. Clients with PTSD can practice
relaxation techniques as well, but they may need to do so in small increments of time initially
The counselor is assisting with a research study in which half of the subjects are given medication and the other half
given sugar pills. Neither group knows which pills contain medication, yet many who receive the sugar pills repeatedly
report positive effects from taking them. What would account for this?
a. Transference
b. The placebo effect
c. The Hawthorne effect
d. Research bias
b. The placebo effect
A placebo is a substance that is generally used in one of two ways. It can be used as a control in an experiment to determine
the true effectiveness of a medication. A placebo can also be used as a substitute for a medication, and is meant to work based on the expectation of the subject using the placebo. Many studies have shown that giving a placebo is preferable to
providing no treatment at all, and that many patients favorably respond to placebos. Some professionals believe that the use of placebos is unprofessional, and its use in psychotherapy is controversial. However, even though not completely
understood, it has been shown to be beneficial in some cases.
A parent stops the counselor and asks, “Could you tell me what is wrong with the client across the hall from my son?
He seems so agitated.” Which of the following responses complies with the Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act (HIPAA)?
a. “The law doesn’t allow me to give out any information about clients in order to protect their privacy and
safety.”
b. “His mother is in the lounge. You can go ask her.”
c. “Why are you asking?”
d. “He has bipolar disease, like your son.”
a. “The law doesn’t allow me to give out any information about clients in order to protect their privacy and
safety.”
“The law doesn’t allow me to give out any information about clients in order to protect their privacy and safety” is accurate and appropriate. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) addresses the privacy of health information.
It is essential to never release any information or documentation about a client’s condition or treatment without consent. Personal information about the client is considered protected health information (PHI), and it includes any identifying or personal information about the client, such as health history, condition, or treatments in any form, and any documentation.
Failure to comply with HIPAA regulations can make one liable for legal action.
What does multicultural/diversity counseling refer to?
a. Counseling that recognizes diversity and approaches beneficial to specific groups
b. Counseling that attempts to minimize the cultural aspects of particular groups
c. An approach that all counselors should ethically be aware of
d. Both A and C
d. Both A and C
It is expected that all counselors respect diversity in their clients and educate themselves as to the individualistic needs of the
clients as affected by such concepts as social identity, history, and economic and political issues, as relevant to particular
cultures. Respect for individual cultures and knowledge of their unique and special features are necessary for a counselor to
responsibly and ethically provide competent service to their clients.
In a support group, one client monopolizes the conversation, talking about the same problems over and over and preventing others from participating. The counselor has spoken with the client privately about the importance of allowing others to speak and not interrupting others, but the behavior persists. Which of the following is the most
effective response?
a. “Remember what we discussed about your interrupting other group members.”
b. “Please stop interrupting other members when they are trying to speak.”
c. “When you interrupt others, I’m concerned that some group members are unable to participate.”
d. “You’ve already expressed your feelings about this topic many times.”
c. “When you interrupt others, I’m concerned that some group members are unable to participate.”
If one client monopolizes the conversation in a support group, talking about the same problems over and over and preventing
others from participating, and speaking privately about the matter to the client did not change the client’s behavior, the most
effective response focuses on the results of the action rather than blame: “When you interrupt others, I’m concerned that
some group members are unable to participate.” Many groups include members who tend to monopolize the communication
until other members become angry and/or exasperated.
Ann Roe believed that all EXCEPT which of these elements influence occupational selection?
a. Genetic factors
b. Environmental influences
c. Parent-child relationships
d. Cognitive development
d. Cognitive development
Cognitive development was NOT identified as a major determinant in Ann Roe’s theory, which is a needs-based approach. She believed that occupational selection is a function of the needs developed by a child, whose structure were influenced by
a combination of genetics, environmental experiences, and interactions between the parents and the child. Career development as a part of cognitive development is more closely identified with Tiedeman, O’Hara, and Miller-Tiedeman’s
decision-making model of career development.
Interpersonal therapy is generally most effective for which of the following?
a. Depressive episodes associated with specific situations
b. Major depressive episodes
c. Depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder
d. Depressive episodes associated with PTSD
a. Depressive episodes associated with specific situations
Interpersonal therapy is generally most effective for depressive episodes associated with specific situations (such as grief)
and is usually of short duration (six 20-minute sessions). During therapy, the focus is on one issue, such as conflicts, changing roles, or grief. The client is helped to develop specific goals, and the therapist confronts the client when the client’s behavior
does not facilitate reaching these goals. Clients are encouraged to remain focused on the problem and to associate concrete feelings rather than abstract feelings.
What are some common criticisms of Rogerian therapy?
a. It doesn’t take developmental stages into account
b. It assumes that people are basically good and healthy
c. It may be inappropriate for some type of mental illness
d. All of the above
d. All of the above
There are several criticisms of Rogerian therapy. One common criticism is that while Carl Rogers does take the unconscious
into account in his writings, he doesn’t give it enough emphasis. Likewise, Rogers doesn’t incorporate information relative to
developmental stages into his therapy. Rogers is also sometimes criticized because his therapeutic method is not appropriate
for use with some types of mental illness. For example, some individuals may not have the ability for self-expression, or feel
anxiety for their actions. Rogers’ theory also assumes that people are basically good and healthy, so application with clients
who are particularly violent or lacking in personal or social conscience may be difficult.
__________________ is a disorder of thought, unlike _________________, which is a disorder of mood.
a. Borderline; conduct disorder
b. Conduct disorder; depression
c. Bipolar disorder; schizophrenia
d. Schizophrenia; bipolar disorder
d. Schizophrenia; bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is primarily a mood disorder, while schizophrenia is characterized more by disordered thought patterns.
A survey researcher has asked Larry and Carol about their attitudes toward obeying laws. They are asked what they would do in certain hypothetical situations. For example, if the only way to help someone and/or to avoid harming someone would involve breaking the law. “Law, schmaw, what’s important is doing the right thing,” said Carol. “True,
we should do what’s right, but we’ve also made an agreement with society to follow its rules. We should try to do that too, but I agree that a lot of it depends on the situation,” said Larry. How did Larry and Carol fit in Kohlberg’s stages of moral development?
a. Larry is in Stage 1 and Carol is in Stage 2
b. Larry is in Stage 4 and Carol is in Stage 3
c. Larry is in Stage 5 and Carol is in Stage 6
d. Larry is in Stage 4 and Carol is in Stage 5
c. Larry is in Stage 5 and Carol is in Stage 6
Larry is in Stage 5 (the first of Kohlberg’s two postconventional stages) where social contracts exist and most rules are relative; Carol is in stage 6, the second of the postconventional level: universal ethical principles apply in a self-chosen orientation, and the individual may or may not obey a law depending on whether they believe it is the right or moral thing to do. Kohlberg’s first preconventional level consists of stage 1 which has a punishment and obedience orientation (i.e., we must
obey the law or be punished); and stage 2, which has a hedonistic and instrumental orientation (i.e., we must obey the law to get rewarded). Kohlberg’s second conventional level consists of stage 3, where an interpersonal acceptance orientation is predominant (i.e., we must follow the rules to get approval); and stage 4, where a law and order orientation prevails (e.g., we
must obey the laws to conform to authority). The postconventional and highest level with Stages 5 and 6 is the level and stages of Larry’s and Carol’s respective moral development
Which of these books was authored by Eric Berne?
a. I’m OK – You’re OK
b. In And Out of the Garbage Can
c. Games People Play
d. On Becoming a Person
c. Games People Play
Berne, who created transactional analysis (a cognitive model of therapy), believed that the personality has three ego states – parent, adult, and child. He felt that people will play various games, which he named in his book Games People Play, to avoid intimacy. The book I’m OK – You’re OK was written by Thomas Harris. Harris extended Berne’s transactional analysis by
positing four basic life positions: “I’m OK – You’re OK;” “I’m OK – You’re Not OK;” “I’m Not OK – You’re Not OK;” and “I’m Not OK – You’re OK.” The book In and Out of the Garbage Can was authored by Fritz Perls, the founder of Gestalt therapy. The
book On Becoming a Person was written by Carl Rogers, whose therapy focused on the “process of becoming,” which moves
clients toward self-actualization
A client who worries about how she looks and checks her appearance in the mirror repeatedly for 4 to 5 hours every day and has had repeated plastic surgical procedures is diagnosed with body dysmorphic disorder. The client has been prescribed an SSRI by a psychiatrist. Which approach to therapy is most indicated?
a. Habit reversal training
b. Psychoanalysis
c. Cognitive restructuring
d. Motivational interviewing
c. Cognitive restructuring
If a client worries about how she looks, checks her appearance in the mirror repeatedly for 4 to 5 hours every day, has had repeated plastic surgical procedures, and is diagnosed with body dysmorphic disorder and prescribed an SSRI by a psychiatrist, the approach to therapy that is most indicated is cognitive restructuring. Cognitive restructuring focuses on
feelings that result in stress and asks the client to determine what is true about the feelings and what is false and then to develop alternative thoughts.
Robert Carkhuff categorized counselors’ responses as all EXCEPT which of the following?
a. Additive
b. Interchangeable
c. Subtractive
d. Multiplicative
d. Multiplicative
There is no “multiplicative” characterization of counselor responses in Carkhuff’s theory. Additive refers to a response that
adds noticeably (Level 4) or significantly (Level 5) to the client’s affect. Subtractive refers to a response that does not attend to
or detract significantly (Level 1) from the client’s affect, or one that subtracts noticeably (Level 2) from the client’s affect. Interchangeable refers to a response that is interchangeable (Level 3) with the client’s affect.
A counselor who has a current caseload of 124 clients decides to close his practice and move to Florida. Unethical handling of this change includes:
a. notifying all his clients in writing of his plans.
b. making referrals to other professionals for all of his clients.
c. safeguarding all client records.
d. posting a public announcement of the close of the practice to ensure that all current and potential clients are notified.
d. posting a public announcement of the close of the practice to ensure that all current and potential clients are notified.
If a counselor plans to close his practice, he must inform all of his clients of that fact, provide the clients with referrals to other
professionals, and notify all clients of the safeguards for the clinical records. If these procedures are not followed, the counselor could be violating ethical standards by abandoning his clients. Simply posting an announcement on closure of a
practice does not guarantee that current clients will receive a timely notification to qualify for an appropriate and ethical end
of the therapeutic relationship.
True variance or the coefficient of determination is obtained by:
a. subtracting the correlation coefficient from 1.00.
b. adding the correlation coefficient to 1.00.
c. squaring the correlation coefficient.
d. none of the above
c. squaring the correlation coefficient.
The coefficient of determination is true variance. It is obtained by squaring the correlation coefficient. In order to find the coefficient of non-determination, subtract the coefficient of determination from 1.00.
A client states, “I know I have a problem, but I don’t know if I’m ready to make a change.” According to James Prochaska and Carlo DiClemente’s transtheoretical model (TTM) of the stages of change, the client is operating from
which stage?
a. Precontemplation
b. Contemplation
c. Preparation
d. Maintenance
b. Contemplation
Individuals in the contemplation stage are beginning to consider making a change. In this stage, clients are aware that they have a problem but are unsure if they want to change, or if they are even capable of making a change. Prochaska and DiClemente’s (1992) transtheoretical stages of change model consists of the following linear stages: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. Individuals in the precontemplation stage lack awareness of behaviors
that may require change, and during the contemplation stage they begin to gain awareness of the behaviors without any plan to act on changing them. In the preparation (i.e., determination) stage, clients acknowledge the detrimental consequences of their behavior and get ready to make a change. Actual changes are made in the action stage. In the last stage, maintenance,
individuals take the action steps required to sustain change.
Would Freud’s psychodynamic approach and Albert Ellis’ REBT favor the emic or the etic approach?
a. They would both favor the etic approach
b. They would both favor the emic approach
c. Freud would favor the etic approach and Ellis the emic
d. Freud would favor the emic approach and Ellis the etic
a. They would both favor the etic approach
Both Freud’s and Ellis’ counseling styles would favor an etic approach as both types of counseling use the same techniques for everybody regardless of the individual client’s personality or problems. An emic approach, which emphasizes individual differences rather than similarities. Thus, it would be favored by practitioners of Carl Rogers’ person-centered counseling or
Adler’s individual psychology.
Which one of the following does NOT belong with the other three?
a. Horney
b. Glasser
c. Adler
d. Jung
b. Glasser
Glasser is associated with reality therapy, while the other three are Neo-Freudians. Karen Horney is associated with neurotic
personalities, Jung with the collective unconscious and archetypes, and Adler with birth order and family constellations.
A client with court-ordered therapy for antisocial personality disorder is very manipulative and exhibits unacceptable behavior. Part of his therapy includes limit setting. If the client asks the counselor a personal question, such as “Do you live with your boyfriend?” which of the following is the most appropriate response?
a. “That is none of your business.”
b. “It is not appropriate to ask me personal questions.”
c. “Why are you asking me that?”
d. “What is the rule about these types of questions?”
b. “It is not appropriate to ask me personal questions.”
If a client with antisocial personality disorder asks the counselor a personal question, such as “Do you live with your boyfriend?” the most appropriate response is “It is not appropriate to ask me personal questions.” Consequences for
inappropriate behavior should be clearly outlined, so the counselor may follow this statement with another: “If you continue to ask inappropriate questions, I will stop our discussion because that is the consequence for this behavior.” The counselor
should use care not to try to coax or threaten the client into behaving more appropriately.
Children who are diagnosed with conduct disorder at a young age (preteen) are most at risk for which of the following personality disorders as adults?
a. Borderline personality disorder
b. Histrionic personality disorder
c. Antisocial personality disorder
d. Narcissistic personality disorder
c. Antisocial personality disorder
Children who are diagnosed with conduct disorder at a young age (preteen) are most at risk of developing antisocial personality disorder as adults. Those who develop conduct disorder during adolescence are more amenable to treatment. Adults with antisocial personality disorder have a persistent lack of regard for others and violate the rights of others beginning during childhood or early adolescence although the diagnosis is only made after the person turns 18 and has
exhibited symptoms since age 15.
Which of the following statements is true when considering cultural and familial influences on self-esteem?
a. Chinese and Japanese children have higher self-esteem than North American children, mainly because their cultures
have higher academic standards for achievement
b. Boys tend to have lower self-esteem than girls
c. African American children tend to have lower self-esteem than Caucasian children
d. An authoritative parenting style usually allows children to have especially high self-esteem
d. An authoritative parenting style usually allows children to have especially high self-esteem
Asian children usually have lower self-esteem than their North American counterparts, while African American children have higher self-esteem than their Caucasian counterparts. Generally, boys have higher self-esteem than girls. An authoritative
parenting style is generally more accepting and less critical of children’s negative behavior: Parents tend to build their children’s self-esteem because the focus is on building a sense of worth and independence.
Working with individuals from different cultures requires that the counselor do all the following EXCEPT:
a. have sensitivity to the needs of the individuals.
b. make a referral to another counselor.
c. have knowledge about the different cultures.
d. consider utilizing an interpreter if language differences are also present
b. make a referral to another counselor.
It is not necessary that a counselor refer a client from another culture to another counselor. What is important is that the counselor demonstrates sensitivity to the needs of that client and has some knowledge about other cultures. If the cultural
differences are accompanied by language differences, respectful care would include an interpreter to ensure that the patient’s needs are being clearly explained and the counselor’s recommendations are provided to the patient with equal
clarity.
If a client states, “I don’t understand! My daughter said that she had to leave town,” which of the following is an appropriate clarifying response?
a. “Your daughter said she had to leave town?”
b. “Are you confused because you don’t know why she had to leave town?”
c. “Did she say anything else about it?”
d. “Why don’t you call her and ask for more information?”
b. “Are you confused because you don’t know why she had to leave town?”
If a client states, “I don’t understand. My daughter said that she had to leave town,” an appropriate clarifying question would
be “Are you confused because you don’t know why she had to leave town?” Clarifying questions are utilized to ensure that
the listener has understood the meaning (as opposed to just the words) of the client’s statement. Clarifying questions often
contain some paraphrase of what the client has stated and may include such phrases as “Did I understand you to say…?” or
“Did you say…?”
If a 27-year-old client with narcissistic personality disorder is pregnant and has made plans to have an abortion.
Abortion is legal in the client’s state, but the counselor is opposed to abortion for religious reasons. The counselor should do which of the following?
a. Discuss alternatives with the client
b. Provide literature about adoption
c. Advise the client her decision is morally wrong
d. Support the client’s decision
d. Support the client’s decision
If a 27-year-old client with narcissistic personality disorder is pregnant and has made plans to have an abortion but the counselor is opposed to abortion for religious reasons, the counselor should support the client’s decision. The client has the
legal right to make this decision, and the counselor must use care not to impose personal religious beliefs onto the client or try to pressure the client into making a different decision.
Jim decides to go for counseling and makes an appointment. When he gets there, the counselor gives him a
statement of disclosure. Which is true regarding this document?
a. A statement of disclosure is required by law in every state in the United States
b. A statement of disclosure is never required by law, but is highly recommended
c. A statement of disclosure may be required by law in some states and not others
d. A statement of disclosure should be given to a client after a course of therapy
c. A statement of disclosure may be required by law in some states and not others
A statement of disclosure is not required by law in every state of the U.S., but may be required in some states. Since it is required by law in some states, answer B is incorrect. A statement of disclosure is given to a potential or new client before
counseling begins, so answer D is incorrect.
Altruism may be explained by:
a. the leadership contingency model.
b. the social exchange theory.
c. catharsis.
d. matching hypothesis.
b. the social exchange theory.
The Social Exchange Theory reduces altruism to the simple factors of cost and gain. The theory says that people do things for those people from whom they can expect something in return. Of course, this theory does not explain all instances of altruistic
behavior, but it does point to the reason for some altruistic acts. In fact, some professionals theorize that there is no such thing as a purely altruistic act
The role of the therapist in strategic family therapy is all of the following EXCEPT:
a. find the myth that keeps a behavior going.
b. understand levels of communication.
c. focus on levels of organization.
d. overcome feelings of inferiority.
d. overcome feelings of inferiority.
Haley’s strategic family therapy describes the role of the therapist as finding the myths that keep behavior going, understanding levels of communication, and focusing on levels of organization in families. Overcoming feelings of inferiority is
part of the Adlerian family therapy.
In psychoanalytic theory, a dream’s “manifest content” is:
a. its conscious material.
b. its unconscious material.
c. its interpretation.
d. its real-life application
a. its conscious material.
In Freudian psychoanalysis, dream analysis is a psychotherapeutic technique used to interpret the client’s dreams. Freud
believed that dreams contain information about unconscious thoughts and conflicts that can be useful in treating the client.
“Manifest content” is the term given for the conscious (or remembered) parts of the dream. “Latent content” is unconscious (not remembered) material from the dream. Psychoanalysts analyze the manifest content (in an attempt to get at the latent content) as a way to better understand the inner workings of the client’s mind, especially material that might be sexual or aggressive in nature.
In standardized testing, a question that requires the test taker to select the only correct answer from among multiple supplied options is testing which of the following abilities?
a. Organization
b. Planning
c. Recognition
d. Recall
c. Recognition
Multiple-choice questions of any sort tap into a person’s recognition memory. The person is given information from which to
choose the correct answer. Recall is tapped using short-answer essays or a fill-in-the-blank format. Test takers are provided with very little information and must rely on their own recall memory to retrieve the answers. Organization and planning have no relevance here.
Premature termination of participation in a group usually occurs when an individual is:
a. not very motivated.
b. highly intelligent.
c. open to experiences.
d. empathetic
a. not very motivated.
Research shows that individuals who prematurely leave a group are less intelligent, poorly motivated, and high in denial. They have difficulties trusting others. Individuals who continue through the course of group counseling are open to new experiences, trusting, willing to listen to others, and empathetic. Trust is the most important characteristic for individuals who participate in group counseling. If a person is trusting, he will be more willing to open up to others, share experiences, benefit
from feedback, and empathize with others. People with more limited intelligence may not be able to maneuver social situations at an appropriate level of sophistication that is necessary for group success.
A client whose son has been arrested twice for drug use states that her son was forced to use drugs by other people and has no drug problem is probably utilizing which of the following ego defense mechanisms?
a. Displacement
b. Intellectualism
c. Denial
d. Rationalization
c. Denial
Denial: Completely refusing to acknowledge a situation that is stressful, such as ignoring a son’s probable drug problem.
Intellectualism: Using rational intellectual processes to deal with stress and loss, such as by discussing positive aspects of
being single. Displacement: Transferring feelings from one person or thing to another, such as being angry with a boss and
taking the anger out on a spouse. Rationalization: Attempting to find excuses for unacceptable behavior or feelings, such as
drinking to relieve the stress of work.
Which two psychologists most emphasize freedom of choice and responsibility in their theories?
a. B.F. Skinner and Arnold Lazarus
b. William Glasser and Rollo May
c. Carl Rogers and Heinz Kohut
d. Albert Ellis and Eric Berne
b. William Glasser and Rollo May
William Glasser’s reality therapy emphasizes that we determine our fate and are in charge of our lives. Rollo May’s existential therapy says we have freedom of choice and are responsible for our fate. B. F. Skinner became the primary proponent of behaviorism, which is deterministic and mechanistic in nature. Arnold Lazarus created multimodal therapy, which is holistic and eclectic in its approach but also has strong behavioral influences. These both emphasize learning rather than freedom and responsibility. Carl Rogers had a humanistic and holistic approach. While he believed the individual is self-directed, he emphasized warmth, empathy, self-acceptance and self-exploration more than personal responsibility. Heinz Kohut was a proponent of neo-Freudian psychoanalysis wherein the counselor is directive and in charge. He followed Freud’s belief in unconscious motivations and biological determinism, not freedom of choice. Albert Ellis focused more on rational self-analysis than on issues of freedom or responsibility, and Eric Berne viewed the counselor as a teacher who contracts with the client for positive change. He focused on analysis of transactions and on transformations.
Which of the following is true regarding validity and reliability of tests?
a. Validity is how consistent the test is
b. A test may be reliable, but not valid
c. A test may be valid, but not reliable
d. Reliability is specific to the situation
b. A test may be reliable, but not valid
A test may be reliable, meaning it is consistent and its results can be replicated, without being valid, meaning it does not test
what it claims to test. Answer A is the definition of reliability, not validity. Answer C is not true because valid tests will normally be reliable (unless the variable being measured changes). Answer D is not true of reliability but is true of validity, which is situation-specific (i.e., a test can be valid for some purposes but not for others).
A 32-year-old woman with borderline personality disorder and history of attempted suicide has been married for 8 years, but her husband is filing for divorce. She was found wandering in a state of confused panic about her neighborhood and brought to the ER. She feels extremely anxious and abandoned. Which initial intervention is
appropriate for this emotional crisis?
a. Stay with the client and reassure her
b. Administer anti-anxiety medication
c. Provide positive reinforcement
d. Draw up a no-suicide contract
a. Stay with the client and reassure her
The initial intervention for an emotional crisis reflecting psychopathology is to stay with the client and reassure her until her
panic subsides. People with BPD often feel insecure and inherently worthless. They are often erratic and have difficulty establishing long-term relationships although symptoms tend to lessen with age. The main feature of borderline personality
disorder (BPD) is a persistent pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotion. Two-thirds of those
diagnosed are female. Characteristics include attempts to avoid real or imagined abandonment and impulsivity in at least 2
areas.
Career choices as expressions of one’s personality are to ______________ as career choices as influenced by genetic endowment, environmental factors, and previous learning experiences are to _________________.
a. Krumboltz; Holland
b. Holland; Krumboltz
c. Roe; Krumboltz
d. Krumboltz; Roe
b. Holland; Krumboltz
Krumboltz is a behaviorist and, therefore, is interested not only in genetic endowment but in environmental factors and
learning experiences. Holland developed the SDS, which involves looking at an individual’s personality characteristics and matching them to clusters of job skills or interests. Therefore, Holland believes that career choices are expressions of one’s personality. Roe’s theory is developmental and includes not only aspects of one’s personality, but genetics, parent–child
relationships, and one’s early experiences.
The evidence-based Suicide Assessment Five-step Evaluation and Triage (SAFE-T) tool indicates that a client has modifiable risk factors for suicide and strong protective factors, resulting in an overall low risk factor although the client admits to thoughts of death but denies a plan or intent. Which of the following is the intervention that is most
indicated?
a. Outpatient treatment and crisis numbers
b. Crisis plan and crisis numbers
c. Admission to inpatient facility and crisis plan
d. Admission to inpatient facility with suicide precautions
a. Outpatient treatment and crisis numbers
Since the evidence-based SAFE-T tool indicates that the client is at low risk for suicide because risks (such as access to guns and health concerns) are modifiable and protective factors (such as religious beliefs and social supports) are strong, the
intervention that is most indicated is outpatient treatment with crisis numbers to call if the client needs support. The SAFE-T
tool has 5 steps: (1) assessment of risk factors, (2) assessment of protective factors, (3) suicide inquiry (specific questions
about plans, intent, ideation), (4) assignment of risk level (low, moderate, high) and appropriate intervention, and (5)
documentation and plans.
Which of these is correct about insurance laws related to counseling?
a. In some states, insurance laws now require licensed counselors to be reimbursed for treating certain mental illnesses
b. Insurance laws in all states now require that licensed counselors be reimbursed for treating certain mental illnesses
c. There is no law in any state of the U.S. requiring insurance companies to reimburse licensed counselors
d. Insurance laws in all states now require insurance companies to reimburse licensed counselors for all mental illnesses
a. In some states, insurance laws now require licensed counselors to be reimbursed for treating certain mental illnesses
Laws have changed in only some states to require insurance companies to reimburse licensed counselors, but often for only
certain mental illnesses. Newer laws do NOT exist in all states of the U.S. In the states where they do exist, they do NOT cover all mental illnesses
Which of the following are examples of negative symptoms associated with schizophrenia?
a. Hallucinations and delusions
b. Inappropriate clothing, aggressive behavior, stereotyped behavior
c. Abnormal thought processes and speech patterns
d. Blunt or flat affect, avolition, and reduced speech
d. Blunt or flat affect, avolition, and reduced speech
Negative symptoms associated with schizophrenia include blunt or flat affect, lack of energy and passivity (anergia), lack of motivation and inability to initiate tasks (avolition), poverty of speech content and speech production, and sudden interruption
in speech and thought patterns so that the client may stop speaking in the middle of an idea when the client loses track of what he or she was saying (thought stopping). Negative symptoms impair social functioning and the ability to hold a job
because of the client’s difficulty with decision-making and communication.
Jason is a computer programmer. He is an excellent engineer but is not good at technical support, because he doesn’t know how to converse easily with people. His wife, Sallie, is a teacher and she is great at explaining things. Children
and others love her. However, she can never get her computer to work. John Holland would identify Jason and Sallie respectively as which of his six personality types or styles?
a. Jason is mainly a realistic type and Sallie is mainly an artistic type
b. Jason is mainly an investigative type and Sallie is mainly a social type
c. Jason is mainly a conventional type and Sallie is mainly an enterprising type
d. Jason is mainly an enterprising type and Sallie is mainly a conventional type
b. Jason is mainly an investigative type and Sallie is mainly a social type
An investigative type prefers systematic, intellectual activities and has poor social skills. Examples include a computer
programmer or a chemist. This is Jason’s predominant type. A social type dislikes activities with tools or machines and prefers
activities that inform or develop other people. This is Sallie’s predominant type. A realistic type is aggressive, prefers explicit activities involving physical work, and has poor social skills (examples could include a mechanic or a technician). An artistic type is imaginative, prefers self-expression, and dislikes systematic and ordered activities (examples could include an artist or
an editor). A conventional type is practical, prefers structured activities, and dislikes ambiguous or unsystematic work (examples could include a file clerk or an accountant). An enterprising type is an extrovert who likes leadership roles and
persuasive endeavors and dislikes abstract tasks or activities requiring caution. Enterprising types might be salespersons, entrepreneurs, or those in management roles.
The counselor is concerned about how her group therapy sessions are progressing. What can she do?
a. Have an outside observer assess the group
b. She can evaluate the group dynamics herself
c. Ask her group members to each evaluate the group sessions
d. Choose a single group member to evaluate the group dynamics
a. Have an outside observer assess the group
An effective method to evaluate the progress of a group therapy session is to have an outside observer sit in on a session or
two, and evaluate the group dynamics. Using the group facilitator or counselor to evaluate the group may not always be the
most effective method, as the counselor would be evaluating his/her own performance. Likewise, group members are
ineffective at evaluating the group because of their personal involvement and possible lack of objectivity. An outside observer
brings an objective view to the situation and can more easily point out possible difficulties between group members, and
between the group and the facilitator.
A client who recently learned he had kidney cancer has been researching everything he can about the disease,
treatment, and outlook. Which defense mechanism is the client utilizing?
a. Rationalization
b. Repression
c. Intellectualism
d. Compensation
c. Intellectualism
If a client who recently learned he had kidney cancer has been researching everything he can about the disease, treatment,
and outlook, the defense mechanism the client is utilizing is intellectualism, examining all the facts in a straightforward
manner in order to avoid an emotional reaction. Rationalization is explaining unacceptable thoughts or behavior in a positive
light. Repression is a mental process that removes thoughts and emotions from consciousness. Compensation is the act of
overachieving in one way in order to make up for lack of achievement in another.
If a client is taking Thorazine, he’s taking an:
a. Antidepressant
b. Antipsychotic
c. Antiemetic
d. Antispasmodic
b. Antipsychotic
Antipsychotic (or neuroleptic) medications have been in use since the 1950s and are quite effective overall for schizophrenia.
These medications work by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain. They are not, however, a cure-all. The need for
medication is highly individualized and may or may not work depending upon the situation. Some patients are helped a great
deal, but for others the medications aren’t effective. Antipsychotic drugs are often particularly helpful with delusions and
hallucinations. Reported side effects include weight gain, drowsiness, muscle spasms, fidgeting, shaking, or stiffness, and
sometimes heart problems. Commonly prescribed antipsychotic medications are quetiapine, chlorpromazine, and
aripiprazole.
A therapy group for women who have suffered intimate partner violence has agreed to avoid making negative
comments about each other, but during one discussion, one member tells another, “You are a complete idiot if you
believe your husband is going to change his behavior!” Which of the following is the most appropriate response?
a. “I can see you are concerned, but we have agreed to avoid negative comments about each other.”
b. “You are violating the rules of conduct by calling her an idiot.”
c. “You need to stop making negative comments!”
d. “What did we agree on about the rules of conduct?”
a. “I can see you are concerned, but we have agreed to avoid negative comments about each other.”
If a therapy group for women who have suffered intimate partner violence has agreed to avoid making negative comments
about each other, but during one discussion, one member tells another, “You are a complete idiot if you believe your husband
is going to change his behavior!” the most appropriate response is, “I can see you are concerned, but we have agreed to
avoid negative comments about each other.” Instead of blaming or pointing the finger, this acknowledges the client’s feelings
while still pointing out the violation.
The first professional counseling association (and its founding year) was:
a. the National Vocational Guidance Association in 1913.
b. the Vocation Bureau in Boston in 1908.
c. the American Personnel and Guidance Association in 1952.
d. the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation in 1954.
a. the National Vocational Guidance Association in 1913.
The National Vocational Guidance Association founded in 1913 is known as the first professional counseling association.
Though the Vocation Bureau in Boston, directed by Frank Parsons, began earlier in 1908, it is not known as the first
professional counseling association. The APGA founded in 1952 and the OVR founded in 1954 were both founded later than
the NVGA.
In existential therapy, what do umwelt, mitwelt, and eigenwelt mean respectively?
a. Identity of self, physical system, relationships
b. Physical system, relationships, identity of self
c. Relationships, identity of self, physical system
d. Identity of self, relationships, physical system
b. Physical system, relationships, identity of self
Umwelt means the world of the physical or biological system. Mitwelt refers to the world of relationships. Eigenwelt is the
world of self-identity. (Welt means world in German. Um means around and umwelt means environment. Mit means with, so
Mitwelt refers to one’s relationships with others. Eigen means one’s own, so Eigenwelt is one’s own world or the self.)
The role of the professional career counselor involves which of the following:
a. facilitating self-awareness.
b. teaching decision-making skills.
c. teaching employability skills.
d. the counselor’s role involves all of the above
d. the counselor’s role involves all of the above
Career counselors are involved in all of these activities. They help clients become better aware of themselves, teach decision making skills, and teach employability skills
