PSYCHOTHERAPY FOR THE ADVANCED
PRACTICE PSYCHIATRIC NURSE KATHLEEN
WHEELER COMPLETE COURSE REVIEW GUIDE
◉ What is meant by 'therapeutic use of self'?
Answer: It refers to the PMHNP being self-aware and using their
own self as an instrument in therapy.
◉ What constitutes the 'frame' in psychotherapy?
Answer: The consistent time, place, length, fee, and cancellation
policy of therapy sessions.
◉ What is the difference between a boundary crossing and a
boundary violation?
Answer: A boundary crossing is a minor, often harmless deviation
that may be therapeutic, while a boundary violation exploits the
patient and is harmful.
◉ What must be included in informed consent for psychotherapy?
Answer: The approach, expected length, alternatives, risks, and
limits of confidentiality.
◉ What are the limits of confidentiality in psychotherapy?
,Answer: Limits include danger to self, danger to others,
abuse/neglect of a child or vulnerable adult, and court orders.
◉ What is the strongest predictor of therapeutic outcome in
psychotherapy?
Answer: The therapeutic alliance between the therapist and the
client.
◉ What is the purpose of a psychotherapeutic assessment?
Answer: To gather material to formulate a diagnosis, not just to code
it.
◉ What should be assessed regarding the presenting problem?
Answer: The patient's own words about why they are seeking help
now.
◉ What does the mental status exam assess?
Answer: Appearance, behavior, speech, mood, affect, thought
process, thought content, perception, cognition, insight, and
judgment.
◉ What is the significance of trauma history in assessment?
Answer: It is routinely asked to predict how the patient will relate to
the therapist.
, ◉ What are protective factors in suicide assessment?
Answer: Reasons for living, dependent children, pets, faith
commitments, future plans, and engagement in treatment.
◉ What is the difference between static and dynamic risk factors?
Answer: Static risk factors cannot be changed (e.g., past attempts),
while dynamic factors are modifiable (e.g., current substance use).
◉ What is a common misconception about asking about suicidal
thoughts?
Answer: That asking about suicide increases the risk; it does not.
◉ What is the role of clinical judgment in safety assessment?
Answer: Clinical judgment is essential and cannot be delegated to
screening tools.
◉ What is a collaborative safety plan?
Answer: A plan that includes the patient's warning signs, coping
strategies, and resources for help.
◉ What is the significance of hopelessness in suicide risk?
PRACTICE PSYCHIATRIC NURSE KATHLEEN
WHEELER COMPLETE COURSE REVIEW GUIDE
◉ What is meant by 'therapeutic use of self'?
Answer: It refers to the PMHNP being self-aware and using their
own self as an instrument in therapy.
◉ What constitutes the 'frame' in psychotherapy?
Answer: The consistent time, place, length, fee, and cancellation
policy of therapy sessions.
◉ What is the difference between a boundary crossing and a
boundary violation?
Answer: A boundary crossing is a minor, often harmless deviation
that may be therapeutic, while a boundary violation exploits the
patient and is harmful.
◉ What must be included in informed consent for psychotherapy?
Answer: The approach, expected length, alternatives, risks, and
limits of confidentiality.
◉ What are the limits of confidentiality in psychotherapy?
,Answer: Limits include danger to self, danger to others,
abuse/neglect of a child or vulnerable adult, and court orders.
◉ What is the strongest predictor of therapeutic outcome in
psychotherapy?
Answer: The therapeutic alliance between the therapist and the
client.
◉ What is the purpose of a psychotherapeutic assessment?
Answer: To gather material to formulate a diagnosis, not just to code
it.
◉ What should be assessed regarding the presenting problem?
Answer: The patient's own words about why they are seeking help
now.
◉ What does the mental status exam assess?
Answer: Appearance, behavior, speech, mood, affect, thought
process, thought content, perception, cognition, insight, and
judgment.
◉ What is the significance of trauma history in assessment?
Answer: It is routinely asked to predict how the patient will relate to
the therapist.
, ◉ What are protective factors in suicide assessment?
Answer: Reasons for living, dependent children, pets, faith
commitments, future plans, and engagement in treatment.
◉ What is the difference between static and dynamic risk factors?
Answer: Static risk factors cannot be changed (e.g., past attempts),
while dynamic factors are modifiable (e.g., current substance use).
◉ What is a common misconception about asking about suicidal
thoughts?
Answer: That asking about suicide increases the risk; it does not.
◉ What is the role of clinical judgment in safety assessment?
Answer: Clinical judgment is essential and cannot be delegated to
screening tools.
◉ What is a collaborative safety plan?
Answer: A plan that includes the patient's warning signs, coping
strategies, and resources for help.
◉ What is the significance of hopelessness in suicide risk?
