NRNP 6645 PSYCHOTHERAPY FINAL
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which phase of Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) involves identifying the focal problem
area and establishing a treatment contract?
A. The Middle Phase
B. The Termination Phase
C. The Initial Phase
D. The Maintenance Phase
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: In IPT, the initial phase (sessions 1-4) is focused on diagnosing
the depression, conducting an interpersonal inventory, identifying the problem area (grief,
role dispute, role transition, or interpersonal deficits), and setting the contract.
2. In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), what term is used to describe the most deeply held
beliefs that influence how an individual perceives themselves and the world?
A. Automatic thoughts
B. Core beliefs
,C. Intermediate beliefs
D. Cognitive distortions
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Core beliefs are the fundamental, underlying assumptions that
individuals hold about themselves and the world, which drive automatic thoughts and
behaviors.
3. A therapist notices they are feeling unusually protective and parental toward a client who
reminds them of their own younger sibling. This is an example of:
A. Transference
B. Countertransference
C. Projection
D. Reaction formation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Countertransference refers to the therapist’s emotional reaction
to the client, often based on the therapist’s own past relationships or unresolved issues.
4. According to Irvin Yalom, which therapeutic factor involves the realization that one is not
alone in their suffering?
A. Universality
B. Altruism
, C. Catharsis
D. Imitative behavior
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Universality is the recognition that other members of a group
share similar feelings, thoughts, and problems, reducing the sense of isolation.
5. In Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which skill module is primarily focused on accepting
reality without trying to change it immediately?
A. Distress Tolerance
B. Interpersonal Effectiveness
C. Emotional Regulation
D. Mindfulness
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Distress tolerance skills in DBT are intended to help clients
survive immediate crises and accept reality as it is when it cannot be immediately changed.
6. Which technique in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) helps clients visualize a future
where their problems no longer exist?
A. Scaling questions
B. Reframing
C. Exception-finding questions
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which phase of Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) involves identifying the focal problem
area and establishing a treatment contract?
A. The Middle Phase
B. The Termination Phase
C. The Initial Phase
D. The Maintenance Phase
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: In IPT, the initial phase (sessions 1-4) is focused on diagnosing
the depression, conducting an interpersonal inventory, identifying the problem area (grief,
role dispute, role transition, or interpersonal deficits), and setting the contract.
2. In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), what term is used to describe the most deeply held
beliefs that influence how an individual perceives themselves and the world?
A. Automatic thoughts
B. Core beliefs
,C. Intermediate beliefs
D. Cognitive distortions
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Core beliefs are the fundamental, underlying assumptions that
individuals hold about themselves and the world, which drive automatic thoughts and
behaviors.
3. A therapist notices they are feeling unusually protective and parental toward a client who
reminds them of their own younger sibling. This is an example of:
A. Transference
B. Countertransference
C. Projection
D. Reaction formation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Countertransference refers to the therapist’s emotional reaction
to the client, often based on the therapist’s own past relationships or unresolved issues.
4. According to Irvin Yalom, which therapeutic factor involves the realization that one is not
alone in their suffering?
A. Universality
B. Altruism
, C. Catharsis
D. Imitative behavior
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Universality is the recognition that other members of a group
share similar feelings, thoughts, and problems, reducing the sense of isolation.
5. In Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which skill module is primarily focused on accepting
reality without trying to change it immediately?
A. Distress Tolerance
B. Interpersonal Effectiveness
C. Emotional Regulation
D. Mindfulness
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Distress tolerance skills in DBT are intended to help clients
survive immediate crises and accept reality as it is when it cannot be immediately changed.
6. Which technique in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) helps clients visualize a future
where their problems no longer exist?
A. Scaling questions
B. Reframing
C. Exception-finding questions
