MFT National Exam Study Guide
Questions and Answers Rated A+
What is the role of transference in therapy?
✔✔Transference occurs when clients project feelings and experiences from past relationships
onto the therapist.
How does Bowen family systems theory conceptualize anxiety?
✔✔Bowen family systems theory sees anxiety as a product of emotional interdependence and
family dynamics.
What is the purpose of using "I" statements in communication?
✔✔"I" statements help individuals express feelings and needs without blaming others, promoting
constructive dialogue.
What technique is used to identify and change negative thought patterns?
✔✔Cognitive restructuring is used to identify and change negative thought patterns.
How does solution-focused therapy approach client issues?
1
,✔✔Solution-focused therapy emphasizes exploring solutions rather than focusing on problems.
What is the significance of a therapist's cultural competence?
✔✔Cultural competence ensures that the therapist can effectively work with clients from diverse
backgrounds.
What is a common goal in couple therapy?
✔✔A common goal in couple therapy is to improve communication and enhance emotional
connection.
What does "contextual therapy" focus on?
✔✔Contextual therapy focuses on the balance of give and take in relationships and the
importance of fairness.
How do therapists use the concept of "differentiation of self"?
✔✔Differentiation of self refers to the ability to maintain one's identity while being emotionally
connected to others.
What is the significance of reflecting feelings in therapy?
2
,✔✔Reflecting feelings validates the client's emotions and encourages deeper exploration of their
experiences.
What does the term "family sculpting" refer to in therapy?
✔✔Family sculpting is a technique where family members physically arrange themselves to
represent relationships and dynamics.
How is resilience defined in the context of family therapy?
✔✔Resilience is the ability of families to adapt and thrive despite challenges and stressors.
What is the impact of communication patterns on family dynamics?
✔✔Communication patterns can significantly influence family relationships, conflict resolution,
and emotional well-being.
How do therapists evaluate progress in therapy?
✔✔Progress is often evaluated through client self-report, observed changes in behavior, and the
achievement of therapy goals.
What is the importance of setting goals in therapy?
3
, ✔✔Setting goals provides direction for therapy and helps measure progress over time.
What role does empathy play in the therapeutic relationship?
✔✔Empathy fosters trust and understanding, allowing clients to feel heard and validated.
What is the focus of psychodynamic therapy?
✔✔Psychodynamic therapy focuses on unconscious processes and how they influence current
behavior and relationships.
What is the primary focus of family therapy?
✔✔The primary focus of family therapy is to improve communication and resolve conflicts
within the family unit.
What role does the therapist play in a family system?
✔✔The therapist acts as a facilitator to help family members express their thoughts and feelings.
What is the purpose of conducting a genogram in therapy?
✔✔A genogram is used to visually map family relationships and patterns over generations.
4
Questions and Answers Rated A+
What is the role of transference in therapy?
✔✔Transference occurs when clients project feelings and experiences from past relationships
onto the therapist.
How does Bowen family systems theory conceptualize anxiety?
✔✔Bowen family systems theory sees anxiety as a product of emotional interdependence and
family dynamics.
What is the purpose of using "I" statements in communication?
✔✔"I" statements help individuals express feelings and needs without blaming others, promoting
constructive dialogue.
What technique is used to identify and change negative thought patterns?
✔✔Cognitive restructuring is used to identify and change negative thought patterns.
How does solution-focused therapy approach client issues?
1
,✔✔Solution-focused therapy emphasizes exploring solutions rather than focusing on problems.
What is the significance of a therapist's cultural competence?
✔✔Cultural competence ensures that the therapist can effectively work with clients from diverse
backgrounds.
What is a common goal in couple therapy?
✔✔A common goal in couple therapy is to improve communication and enhance emotional
connection.
What does "contextual therapy" focus on?
✔✔Contextual therapy focuses on the balance of give and take in relationships and the
importance of fairness.
How do therapists use the concept of "differentiation of self"?
✔✔Differentiation of self refers to the ability to maintain one's identity while being emotionally
connected to others.
What is the significance of reflecting feelings in therapy?
2
,✔✔Reflecting feelings validates the client's emotions and encourages deeper exploration of their
experiences.
What does the term "family sculpting" refer to in therapy?
✔✔Family sculpting is a technique where family members physically arrange themselves to
represent relationships and dynamics.
How is resilience defined in the context of family therapy?
✔✔Resilience is the ability of families to adapt and thrive despite challenges and stressors.
What is the impact of communication patterns on family dynamics?
✔✔Communication patterns can significantly influence family relationships, conflict resolution,
and emotional well-being.
How do therapists evaluate progress in therapy?
✔✔Progress is often evaluated through client self-report, observed changes in behavior, and the
achievement of therapy goals.
What is the importance of setting goals in therapy?
3
, ✔✔Setting goals provides direction for therapy and helps measure progress over time.
What role does empathy play in the therapeutic relationship?
✔✔Empathy fosters trust and understanding, allowing clients to feel heard and validated.
What is the focus of psychodynamic therapy?
✔✔Psychodynamic therapy focuses on unconscious processes and how they influence current
behavior and relationships.
What is the primary focus of family therapy?
✔✔The primary focus of family therapy is to improve communication and resolve conflicts
within the family unit.
What role does the therapist play in a family system?
✔✔The therapist acts as a facilitator to help family members express their thoughts and feelings.
What is the purpose of conducting a genogram in therapy?
✔✔A genogram is used to visually map family relationships and patterns over generations.
4
