AMFTRB EXAM PREP QUESTIONS AND
DETAILED CORRECT ANSWERS; A+
GRADE STUDY RESOURCE 2026-2027
()Milan Systemic Family Therapy) Neutrality - correct
answer- The stance of the therapist during
treatment is neutral, non-reactive, and curious. The
therapist explores different hypotheses and remains open
to all perspectives.
(CBT) Systematic Desensitization: - correct
answer- Combines the teaching of relaxation
techniques with
gradual exposure to anxiety-provoking situations.
(Intergenerational Theory) Triangle - correct
answer- A three-person system that is considered to
be the smallest stable emotional system.
(Intergenerational Theory) Triangulation - correct
answer- Occurs when two people under stress bring
,in a third person or thing (e.g., alcohol, church) in an
attempt to minimize anxiety.
(Object Relations Theory) Sublimation - correct
answer- ● A person using sublimation will displace
unacceptable instincts for constructive and socially
acceptable behaviors.
● A person with major depression may use professional
dance to help sublimate suicidal thoughts.
● A person with aggressive impulses may use sublimation
by becoming a kickboxing instructor.
(Structural Family Therapy) Boundaries
○ Clear - correct answer- Balance between
separateness (I) and belonging (we) in the family system.
(Structural Family Therapy) Boundaries
○ Diffuse - correct answer- Boundaries are
blurred and there is little sense of separateness within the
family system. Enmeshment is caused by diffused
boundaries.
,(Structural Family Therapy) Boundaries
○ Rigid/Inflexible - correct answer- Boundaries
are clearly defined and not open to change.
Disengagement is caused by rigid/inflexible boundaries.
● Coach
● Maintains differentiated and non-anxious stance
● Non-reactive observer provides statements of opinion
while avoiding interpretations
● Takes an "I" position - correct answer-
Intergenerational Theory (Bowen) Role of Therapist
Activating Constructive Anxiety (Object Relations Theory)
- correct answer- An intervention used to
reframe the symptoms in a positive light, as an effort
toward growth, though ineffective.
Alignment (Structural Family Therapy) - correct
answer- This refers to how family members group
together or relate to one another.
, They may include affiliations or splits from individuals or
subsystems; they could be short-term or ongoing;
however, they all develop for the purpose of maintaining
homeostasis.
Alliance (Internal Family Systems ) - correct
answer- Two parts working together to achieve a
common goal.
Alliances (Structural Family Therapy) - correct
answer- Subgroups based on gender, generation,
and developmental tasks.
Alternate Stories (Narrative Therapy) - correct
answer- The new and preferred or healthier stories
an individual develops.
Anxiety is lowered within the current family system and
between the current family and families-of-origin as a
result of understanding multigenerational or current
family dynamics and increasing differentiation of self. -
DETAILED CORRECT ANSWERS; A+
GRADE STUDY RESOURCE 2026-2027
()Milan Systemic Family Therapy) Neutrality - correct
answer- The stance of the therapist during
treatment is neutral, non-reactive, and curious. The
therapist explores different hypotheses and remains open
to all perspectives.
(CBT) Systematic Desensitization: - correct
answer- Combines the teaching of relaxation
techniques with
gradual exposure to anxiety-provoking situations.
(Intergenerational Theory) Triangle - correct
answer- A three-person system that is considered to
be the smallest stable emotional system.
(Intergenerational Theory) Triangulation - correct
answer- Occurs when two people under stress bring
,in a third person or thing (e.g., alcohol, church) in an
attempt to minimize anxiety.
(Object Relations Theory) Sublimation - correct
answer- ● A person using sublimation will displace
unacceptable instincts for constructive and socially
acceptable behaviors.
● A person with major depression may use professional
dance to help sublimate suicidal thoughts.
● A person with aggressive impulses may use sublimation
by becoming a kickboxing instructor.
(Structural Family Therapy) Boundaries
○ Clear - correct answer- Balance between
separateness (I) and belonging (we) in the family system.
(Structural Family Therapy) Boundaries
○ Diffuse - correct answer- Boundaries are
blurred and there is little sense of separateness within the
family system. Enmeshment is caused by diffused
boundaries.
,(Structural Family Therapy) Boundaries
○ Rigid/Inflexible - correct answer- Boundaries
are clearly defined and not open to change.
Disengagement is caused by rigid/inflexible boundaries.
● Coach
● Maintains differentiated and non-anxious stance
● Non-reactive observer provides statements of opinion
while avoiding interpretations
● Takes an "I" position - correct answer-
Intergenerational Theory (Bowen) Role of Therapist
Activating Constructive Anxiety (Object Relations Theory)
- correct answer- An intervention used to
reframe the symptoms in a positive light, as an effort
toward growth, though ineffective.
Alignment (Structural Family Therapy) - correct
answer- This refers to how family members group
together or relate to one another.
, They may include affiliations or splits from individuals or
subsystems; they could be short-term or ongoing;
however, they all develop for the purpose of maintaining
homeostasis.
Alliance (Internal Family Systems ) - correct
answer- Two parts working together to achieve a
common goal.
Alliances (Structural Family Therapy) - correct
answer- Subgroups based on gender, generation,
and developmental tasks.
Alternate Stories (Narrative Therapy) - correct
answer- The new and preferred or healthier stories
an individual develops.
Anxiety is lowered within the current family system and
between the current family and families-of-origin as a
result of understanding multigenerational or current
family dynamics and increasing differentiation of self. -
