MFT Exam with Verified Solutions
Setting the Frame: Correct Ans-This is a term from the Object Relations model. Setting the
frame sets the tone of the therapy,offering the promise to a client that the therapy will be
conducted in a secure and consistent environment inwhich highly sensitive private feelings and
fantasies can be expressed and explored without threat of actualizing the feared consequences.
This could further be understood as reaching a level of engagement that allows the client to
trust the therapist at a high level.
Cross-Sectional Studies: Correct Ans-A research design which examines subjects at a single
point in time (see Longitudinal Studies).
Avoider: Correct Ans-From Satir's Experiential Family Therapy model, one of five
communication styles. The avoider tends to distract others from potential conflict by acting
helpless, weak, and lacking an understanding.
Computer: Correct Ans-From Satir's experiential family therapy, one of the five
communication styles. The computer is rational, but often attempts to sway others by referring
to outside "authorities."
Complainant: Correct Ans-From solution-focused therapy, one of three ways to characterize
the level of participation and commitment to change. This client brings a specific problem, but is
currently unwilling to focus on a solution (see Visitor and Customer).
Customer: Correct Ans-From Solution-Focused therapy one of three ways to characterize the
level of participation and commitment to change. This client brings a problem and a willingness
to work toward its resolution (see Complainant and Visitor).
Change: Correct Ans-1) From structural family therapy, perspective change is the process by
which elements of a system are transformed to new states or levels of organization.
, 2) developmental system change refers to the family life cycle and the transition of the family
from one stage of development to another. Strategic models see change as occurring suddenly
and resulting from shifts in beliefs (discontinuous change); whereas the structural and
transgenerational models see change as occurring though a gradual learning process
(continuous change).
Coalitions: Correct Ans-A concept described by Minuchin (structural model) in which two
family members form a covert alliance, either temporary or durable, against a third. Coalitions
usually form across generational boundaries, for example, between one parent and a child
against the other parent or another child. Coalitions create power blocks in families, which
serve either to balance another coalition or establish control.
Cross Generational Coalition: Correct Ans-From Structural therapy, a stable coalition
between a parent and child against the other patent.
Co-therapy: Correct Ans-A technique, introduced by Whitaker, in which two therapists work
together as a team. In Whitaker's model, the role of the co-therapist was to provide holding
tank for the other therapist, so the therapist could go with his/her own symbolic
representations. It allowed Whitaker to access his "craziness".
Cotherapy: Correct Ans-A technique, introduced by Whitaker, in which two therapists work
together as a team.
Craziness: Correct Ans-From Whitaker's symbolic-experiential family therapy, a concept in
which healthy functioning for both therapists and families includes a high proportion of non-
rational, creative, right-brain activity. Therapists need to be able to be irreverent, to use fantasy
freely, to function at a regressed level when it serves the therapy, and to be mature enough to
be immature (see Inconsistency).
Conductor: Correct Ans-A therapist whose stance is to be aggressive, confrontational, and
charming (see Reactors).
Setting the Frame: Correct Ans-This is a term from the Object Relations model. Setting the
frame sets the tone of the therapy,offering the promise to a client that the therapy will be
conducted in a secure and consistent environment inwhich highly sensitive private feelings and
fantasies can be expressed and explored without threat of actualizing the feared consequences.
This could further be understood as reaching a level of engagement that allows the client to
trust the therapist at a high level.
Cross-Sectional Studies: Correct Ans-A research design which examines subjects at a single
point in time (see Longitudinal Studies).
Avoider: Correct Ans-From Satir's Experiential Family Therapy model, one of five
communication styles. The avoider tends to distract others from potential conflict by acting
helpless, weak, and lacking an understanding.
Computer: Correct Ans-From Satir's experiential family therapy, one of the five
communication styles. The computer is rational, but often attempts to sway others by referring
to outside "authorities."
Complainant: Correct Ans-From solution-focused therapy, one of three ways to characterize
the level of participation and commitment to change. This client brings a specific problem, but is
currently unwilling to focus on a solution (see Visitor and Customer).
Customer: Correct Ans-From Solution-Focused therapy one of three ways to characterize the
level of participation and commitment to change. This client brings a problem and a willingness
to work toward its resolution (see Complainant and Visitor).
Change: Correct Ans-1) From structural family therapy, perspective change is the process by
which elements of a system are transformed to new states or levels of organization.
, 2) developmental system change refers to the family life cycle and the transition of the family
from one stage of development to another. Strategic models see change as occurring suddenly
and resulting from shifts in beliefs (discontinuous change); whereas the structural and
transgenerational models see change as occurring though a gradual learning process
(continuous change).
Coalitions: Correct Ans-A concept described by Minuchin (structural model) in which two
family members form a covert alliance, either temporary or durable, against a third. Coalitions
usually form across generational boundaries, for example, between one parent and a child
against the other parent or another child. Coalitions create power blocks in families, which
serve either to balance another coalition or establish control.
Cross Generational Coalition: Correct Ans-From Structural therapy, a stable coalition
between a parent and child against the other patent.
Co-therapy: Correct Ans-A technique, introduced by Whitaker, in which two therapists work
together as a team. In Whitaker's model, the role of the co-therapist was to provide holding
tank for the other therapist, so the therapist could go with his/her own symbolic
representations. It allowed Whitaker to access his "craziness".
Cotherapy: Correct Ans-A technique, introduced by Whitaker, in which two therapists work
together as a team.
Craziness: Correct Ans-From Whitaker's symbolic-experiential family therapy, a concept in
which healthy functioning for both therapists and families includes a high proportion of non-
rational, creative, right-brain activity. Therapists need to be able to be irreverent, to use fantasy
freely, to function at a regressed level when it serves the therapy, and to be mature enough to
be immature (see Inconsistency).
Conductor: Correct Ans-A therapist whose stance is to be aggressive, confrontational, and
charming (see Reactors).
