Walden University NRNP 6640 Final Exam (pdf) | 2026/2027 | PMHNP
Psychotherapy Q&A | Psychotherapy
**1. A client says, "No one likes me. Everyone thinks I'm a failure." Which
cognitive distortion is most likely present?**
A) Catastrophizing
B) Personalization
C) Overgeneralization
D) Thought blocking
**Correct Answer: C**
**Rationale:** Overgeneralization involves making broad conclusions based
on a single event or small sample. The client's statement reflects a
generalized belief based on likely limited experiences. This is a hallmark
cognitive distortion targeted in cognitive-behavioral therapy.
---
**2. In supportive psychotherapy, which of the following is the primary
therapeutic goal?**
A) Uncovering unconscious conflicts
B) Promoting insight into childhood trauma
C) Enhancing ego functions and adaptive skills
D) Confronting maladaptive behaviors directly
**Correct Answer: C**
,**Rationale:** Supportive psychotherapy aims to strengthen adaptive skills
and provide reassurance, rather than deep exploration or confrontation. It
focuses on enhancing the patient's existing coping mechanisms and ego
functions.
---
**3. Which therapy model emphasizes present experiences and personal
responsibility?**
A) Psychoanalytic therapy
B) Gestalt therapy
C) Behavioral therapy
D) Cognitive therapy
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** Gestalt therapy focuses on the "here and now" and
encourages awareness, responsibility, and self-acceptance. It emphasizes
present experiences and personal responsibility for one's choices and
actions.
---
**4. The technique of Socratic questioning is most commonly associated with
which therapeutic approach?**
A) Humanistic therapy
B) Existential therapy
,C) Cognitive behavioral therapy
D) Solution-focused therapy
**Correct Answer: C**
**Rationale:** CBT uses Socratic questioning to challenge irrational beliefs
and restructure thought patterns. This technique helps clients examine the
evidence for their thoughts and develop more balanced perspectives.
---
**5. What is the main focus of interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT)?**
A) Early childhood development
B) Identifying irrational thoughts
C) Resolving interpersonal problems
D) Exploring unconscious desires
**Correct Answer: C**
**Rationale:** IPT focuses on improving current interpersonal relationships
and social functioning. It addresses four key problem areas: grief, role
disputes, role transitions, and interpersonal deficits.
---
**6. Which therapeutic approach is best suited for clients with Borderline
Personality Disorder (BPD)?**
, A) Supportive psychotherapy
B) Dialectical behavior therapy
C) Existential therapy
D) Narrative therapy
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** DBT is evidence-based and was developed specifically for
individuals with BPD to manage emotional regulation and interpersonal skills.
It combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness and
acceptance strategies.
---
**7. A PMHNP using motivational interviewing should prioritize which of the
following?**
A) Exploring resistance
B) Giving direct advice
C) Expressing empathy
D) Setting rigid goals
**Correct Answer: C**
**Rationale:** Expressing empathy is foundational in motivational
interviewing to build rapport and trust. Empathy helps create a safe
environment where the client can explore ambivalence without feeling
judged.
Psychotherapy Q&A | Psychotherapy
**1. A client says, "No one likes me. Everyone thinks I'm a failure." Which
cognitive distortion is most likely present?**
A) Catastrophizing
B) Personalization
C) Overgeneralization
D) Thought blocking
**Correct Answer: C**
**Rationale:** Overgeneralization involves making broad conclusions based
on a single event or small sample. The client's statement reflects a
generalized belief based on likely limited experiences. This is a hallmark
cognitive distortion targeted in cognitive-behavioral therapy.
---
**2. In supportive psychotherapy, which of the following is the primary
therapeutic goal?**
A) Uncovering unconscious conflicts
B) Promoting insight into childhood trauma
C) Enhancing ego functions and adaptive skills
D) Confronting maladaptive behaviors directly
**Correct Answer: C**
,**Rationale:** Supportive psychotherapy aims to strengthen adaptive skills
and provide reassurance, rather than deep exploration or confrontation. It
focuses on enhancing the patient's existing coping mechanisms and ego
functions.
---
**3. Which therapy model emphasizes present experiences and personal
responsibility?**
A) Psychoanalytic therapy
B) Gestalt therapy
C) Behavioral therapy
D) Cognitive therapy
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** Gestalt therapy focuses on the "here and now" and
encourages awareness, responsibility, and self-acceptance. It emphasizes
present experiences and personal responsibility for one's choices and
actions.
---
**4. The technique of Socratic questioning is most commonly associated with
which therapeutic approach?**
A) Humanistic therapy
B) Existential therapy
,C) Cognitive behavioral therapy
D) Solution-focused therapy
**Correct Answer: C**
**Rationale:** CBT uses Socratic questioning to challenge irrational beliefs
and restructure thought patterns. This technique helps clients examine the
evidence for their thoughts and develop more balanced perspectives.
---
**5. What is the main focus of interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT)?**
A) Early childhood development
B) Identifying irrational thoughts
C) Resolving interpersonal problems
D) Exploring unconscious desires
**Correct Answer: C**
**Rationale:** IPT focuses on improving current interpersonal relationships
and social functioning. It addresses four key problem areas: grief, role
disputes, role transitions, and interpersonal deficits.
---
**6. Which therapeutic approach is best suited for clients with Borderline
Personality Disorder (BPD)?**
, A) Supportive psychotherapy
B) Dialectical behavior therapy
C) Existential therapy
D) Narrative therapy
**Correct Answer: B**
**Rationale:** DBT is evidence-based and was developed specifically for
individuals with BPD to manage emotional regulation and interpersonal skills.
It combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness and
acceptance strategies.
---
**7. A PMHNP using motivational interviewing should prioritize which of the
following?**
A) Exploring resistance
B) Giving direct advice
C) Expressing empathy
D) Setting rigid goals
**Correct Answer: C**
**Rationale:** Expressing empathy is foundational in motivational
interviewing to build rapport and trust. Empathy helps create a safe
environment where the client can explore ambivalence without feeling
judged.
