NRNP 6645 ADVANCED
PSYCHOTHERAPY PRACTICE FINAL
EXAM PREP QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. In Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which of the following is the primary goal of Stage 1
treatment?
A. Achieving a normal level of happiness and fulfillment.
B. Addressing problems in living and increasing self-respect.
C. Resolving post-traumatic stress and reducing emotional distress.
D. Attaining behavioral control and stability by eliminating life-threatening behaviors.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Stage 1 of DBT focuses on stabilization and safety, specifically
targeting life-threatening behaviors, therapy-interfering behaviors, and quality-of-life
interfering behaviors.
,2. According to Irvin Yalom, which therapeutic factor involves the realization that one is not
alone in their suffering or problems?
A. Universality
B. Altruism
C. Catharsis
D. Cohesiveness
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Universality is the recognition that other group members share
similar feelings, thoughts, and problems, which reduces the patient’s sense of isolation.
3. A patient describes a pattern of attributing their own unacceptable feelings or impulses to
another person. This defense mechanism is known as:
A. Projection
B. Displacement
C. Reaction Formation
D. Sublimation
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Projection is a defense mechanism where individuals deal with
emotional conflict or stressors by falsely attributing their own unacknowledged feelings,
impulses, or thoughts to others.
, 4. In Bowenian Family Systems Theory, ‘differentiation of self’ refers to an individual’s ability
to:
A. Use ‘I’ statements to blame others for their current emotional state.
B. Cut off ties with family members who cause emotional distress.
C. Separate their own emotional and intellectual functioning from the family’s emotional
process.
D. Develop a distinct physical appearance from their siblings.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Differentiation of self involves the capacity to maintain one’s
own identity and thoughts while remaining emotionally connected to the family system.
5. Which cognitive distortion is characterized by a person believing that everything others do
or say is some kind of direct, personal reaction to them?
A. Overgeneralization
B. Emotional Reasoning
C. Personalization
D. Catastrophizing
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Personalization occurs when an individual takes responsibility
for events outside their control or interprets neutral events as being directed toward them.
PSYCHOTHERAPY PRACTICE FINAL
EXAM PREP QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. In Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which of the following is the primary goal of Stage 1
treatment?
A. Achieving a normal level of happiness and fulfillment.
B. Addressing problems in living and increasing self-respect.
C. Resolving post-traumatic stress and reducing emotional distress.
D. Attaining behavioral control and stability by eliminating life-threatening behaviors.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Stage 1 of DBT focuses on stabilization and safety, specifically
targeting life-threatening behaviors, therapy-interfering behaviors, and quality-of-life
interfering behaviors.
,2. According to Irvin Yalom, which therapeutic factor involves the realization that one is not
alone in their suffering or problems?
A. Universality
B. Altruism
C. Catharsis
D. Cohesiveness
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Universality is the recognition that other group members share
similar feelings, thoughts, and problems, which reduces the patient’s sense of isolation.
3. A patient describes a pattern of attributing their own unacceptable feelings or impulses to
another person. This defense mechanism is known as:
A. Projection
B. Displacement
C. Reaction Formation
D. Sublimation
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Projection is a defense mechanism where individuals deal with
emotional conflict or stressors by falsely attributing their own unacknowledged feelings,
impulses, or thoughts to others.
, 4. In Bowenian Family Systems Theory, ‘differentiation of self’ refers to an individual’s ability
to:
A. Use ‘I’ statements to blame others for their current emotional state.
B. Cut off ties with family members who cause emotional distress.
C. Separate their own emotional and intellectual functioning from the family’s emotional
process.
D. Develop a distinct physical appearance from their siblings.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Differentiation of self involves the capacity to maintain one’s
own identity and thoughts while remaining emotionally connected to the family system.
5. Which cognitive distortion is characterized by a person believing that everything others do
or say is some kind of direct, personal reaction to them?
A. Overgeneralization
B. Emotional Reasoning
C. Personalization
D. Catastrophizing
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Personalization occurs when an individual takes responsibility
for events outside their control or interprets neutral events as being directed toward them.
