I. Getting Started
,CONTENT
Chapter 1 – The Nurse Psychotherapist and a Framework for Practice
Chapter 2 – The Neurophysiology of Trauma and Psychotherapy
Chapter 3 – Assessment and Diagnosis
Chapter 4 – The Initial Contact and Maintaining the Frame
Chapter 5 – Supportive and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Chapter 6 – Humanistic–Existential and Solution-Focused Approaches to Psychotherapy
Chapter 7 – Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy
Chapter 8 – Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Chapter 9 – Motivational Interviewing
Chapter 10 – Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Chapter 11 – Trauma Resiliency Model® Therapy
Chapter 12 – Group Therapy
Chapter 13 – Family Therapy
Chapter 14 – Psychotherapeutics: Reuniting Psychotherapy and Pharmacotherapy
Chapter 15 – Trauma-Informed Medication Management
Chapter 16 – Integrative Medicine and Psychotherapy
Chapter 17 – Stabilization for Trauma and Dissociation
Chapter 18 – Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Complex Trauma
Chapter 19 – Psychotherapeutic Approaches for Addictions and Related Disorders
Chapter 20 – Psychotherapy with Children
Chapter 21 – Psychotherapeutic Approaches with Children and Adolescents
Chapter 22 – Psychotherapy with Older Adults
Chapter 23 – Reimbursement and Documentation
Chapter 24 – Termination and Outcome Evaluation
,Chapter 1: The Nurse Psychotherapist and a Framework for Practice
Q1.
What is the primary goal of the nurse psychotherapist when engaging in clinical practice?
A. To provide symptom relief only
B. To promote holistic healing and psychological growth
C. To focus exclusively on medication adherence
D. To maintain a passive therapeutic stance
✅ Correct Answer: B. To promote holistic healing and psychological growth
Rationale: The nurse psychotherapist’s role extends beyond symptom control. The framework
emphasizes holistic, evidence-based interventions that address biological, psychological, social,
and spiritual dimensions of health.
Keywords: holistic care, therapeutic goal, advanced practice
Q2.
Which professional competency is considered foundational to advanced practice psychiatric
nursing psychotherapy?
A. Technical skill in laboratory diagnostics
B. Empathic presence and therapeutic communication
C. Focus on cost-effective prescribing
D. Limiting care to structured interventions
✅ Correct Answer: B. Empathic presence and therapeutic communication
Rationale: Effective psychotherapy requires strong therapeutic presence, active listening, and
empathic communication. These competencies are central to establishing trust and facilitating
change.
Keywords: empathy, communication, therapeutic relationship
Q3.
What distinguishes the nurse psychotherapist’s framework from other mental health
professionals’ models?
A. Exclusive reliance on psychodynamic therapy
B. Integration of nursing’s holistic perspective with psychotherapy theories
C. Limited use of evidence-based practice
D. Restriction to short-term counseling only
,✅ Correct Answer: B. Integration of nursing’s holistic perspective with psychotherapy
theories
Rationale: Psychiatric nurse practitioners integrate nursing’s holistic, person-centered
philosophy with established psychotherapeutic modalities, creating a unique practice framework.
Keywords: holistic, integration, nursing perspective
Q4.
According to Wheeler’s framework, which factor best explains why evidence-based practice is
essential in psychotherapy?
A. It reduces the need for documentation
B. It standardizes treatment and eliminates clinical judgment
C. It ensures interventions are supported by scientific research and clinical outcomes
D. It allows providers to avoid continuing education
✅ Correct Answer: C. It ensures interventions are supported by scientific research and
clinical outcomes
Rationale: Evidence-based practice ensures that treatment decisions are grounded in research
evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences, enhancing effectiveness and safety.
Keywords: evidence-based practice, research, clinical outcomes
Q5.
Which ethical principle most directly supports the nurse psychotherapist’s responsibility to use
evidence-based interventions?
A. Autonomy
B. Beneficence
C. Fidelity
D. Justice
✅ Correct Answer: B. Beneficence
Rationale: Beneficence requires providers to act in ways that promote the patient’s best interest,
which includes choosing interventions with proven efficacy.
Keywords: ethics, beneficence, best practice
Q6.
Which element is central to the framework for practice outlined in Chapter 1?
A. Focus solely on psychiatric diagnosis
B. Integration of theory, evidence, and therapeutic relationship
,C. Delegation of psychotherapy tasks to paraprofessionals
D. Avoidance of interdisciplinary collaboration
✅ Correct Answer: B. Integration of theory, evidence, and therapeutic relationship
Rationale: The framework emphasizes a balanced integration of theoretical knowledge,
empirical evidence, and relational competence as pillars of advanced practice psychotherapy.
Keywords: framework, theory, evidence, relationship
Q7.
In Wheeler’s framework, how is the nurse psychotherapist’s scope of practice best described?
A. Limited to supportive counseling only
B. Broad, including assessment, diagnosis, psychotherapy, and sometimes medication
management
C. Focused exclusively on medication titration
D. Primarily administrative rather than clinical
✅ Correct Answer: B. Broad, including assessment, diagnosis, psychotherapy, and
sometimes medication management
Rationale: Advanced practice psychiatric nurses function with a broad scope, integrating
psychotherapy with comprehensive psychiatric assessment and in some jurisdictions,
pharmacotherapy.
Keywords: scope of practice, assessment, psychotherapy
Q8.
Which therapeutic stance is emphasized in nurse psychotherapy practice?
A. Directive and authoritarian
B. Collaborative and client-centered
C. Detached and neutral
D. Standardized and rigid
✅ Correct Answer: B. Collaborative and client-centered
Rationale: A collaborative therapeutic alliance fosters trust, empowers clients, and aligns with
nursing’s holistic and person-centered philosophy.
Keywords: collaboration, alliance, client-centered
Q9.
Why is self-reflection considered critical for nurse psychotherapists?
, A. To maintain focus on provider needs
B. To identify unconscious biases and countertransference
C. To avoid professional growth and change
D. To reduce time spent with clients
✅ Correct Answer: B. To identify unconscious biases and countertransference
Rationale: Self-awareness and reflection help clinicians recognize and manage personal
reactions that could interfere with therapeutic effectiveness.
Keywords: self-reflection, countertransference, awareness
Q10.
Which of the following best characterizes the role of theory in Wheeler’s psychotherapy
framework?
A. Theories provide rigid protocols for treatment
B. Theories guide understanding and interventions while allowing flexibility
C. Theories should be avoided to prevent over-complication
D. Theories replace evidence in guiding care
✅ Correct Answer: B. Theories guide understanding and interventions while allowing
flexibility
Rationale: Theory provides a conceptual lens to understand patient problems and select
interventions, but the framework allows for clinical flexibility and integration.
Keywords: theory, framework, guidance
Q11.
When establishing the therapeutic alliance, what is the first priority for the nurse
psychotherapist?
A. Setting rigid treatment goals
B. Demonstrating genuine empathy and establishing trust
C. Minimizing client input
D. Focusing on administrative tasks
✅ Correct Answer: B. Demonstrating genuine empathy and establishing trust
Rationale: A strong alliance, built on empathy and trust, is foundational for any psychotherapy
process to succeed.
Keywords: alliance, empathy, trust
,CONTENT
Chapter 1 – The Nurse Psychotherapist and a Framework for Practice
Chapter 2 – The Neurophysiology of Trauma and Psychotherapy
Chapter 3 – Assessment and Diagnosis
Chapter 4 – The Initial Contact and Maintaining the Frame
Chapter 5 – Supportive and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Chapter 6 – Humanistic–Existential and Solution-Focused Approaches to Psychotherapy
Chapter 7 – Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy
Chapter 8 – Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Chapter 9 – Motivational Interviewing
Chapter 10 – Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Chapter 11 – Trauma Resiliency Model® Therapy
Chapter 12 – Group Therapy
Chapter 13 – Family Therapy
Chapter 14 – Psychotherapeutics: Reuniting Psychotherapy and Pharmacotherapy
Chapter 15 – Trauma-Informed Medication Management
Chapter 16 – Integrative Medicine and Psychotherapy
Chapter 17 – Stabilization for Trauma and Dissociation
Chapter 18 – Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Complex Trauma
Chapter 19 – Psychotherapeutic Approaches for Addictions and Related Disorders
Chapter 20 – Psychotherapy with Children
Chapter 21 – Psychotherapeutic Approaches with Children and Adolescents
Chapter 22 – Psychotherapy with Older Adults
Chapter 23 – Reimbursement and Documentation
Chapter 24 – Termination and Outcome Evaluation
,Chapter 1: The Nurse Psychotherapist and a Framework for Practice
Q1.
What is the primary goal of the nurse psychotherapist when engaging in clinical practice?
A. To provide symptom relief only
B. To promote holistic healing and psychological growth
C. To focus exclusively on medication adherence
D. To maintain a passive therapeutic stance
✅ Correct Answer: B. To promote holistic healing and psychological growth
Rationale: The nurse psychotherapist’s role extends beyond symptom control. The framework
emphasizes holistic, evidence-based interventions that address biological, psychological, social,
and spiritual dimensions of health.
Keywords: holistic care, therapeutic goal, advanced practice
Q2.
Which professional competency is considered foundational to advanced practice psychiatric
nursing psychotherapy?
A. Technical skill in laboratory diagnostics
B. Empathic presence and therapeutic communication
C. Focus on cost-effective prescribing
D. Limiting care to structured interventions
✅ Correct Answer: B. Empathic presence and therapeutic communication
Rationale: Effective psychotherapy requires strong therapeutic presence, active listening, and
empathic communication. These competencies are central to establishing trust and facilitating
change.
Keywords: empathy, communication, therapeutic relationship
Q3.
What distinguishes the nurse psychotherapist’s framework from other mental health
professionals’ models?
A. Exclusive reliance on psychodynamic therapy
B. Integration of nursing’s holistic perspective with psychotherapy theories
C. Limited use of evidence-based practice
D. Restriction to short-term counseling only
,✅ Correct Answer: B. Integration of nursing’s holistic perspective with psychotherapy
theories
Rationale: Psychiatric nurse practitioners integrate nursing’s holistic, person-centered
philosophy with established psychotherapeutic modalities, creating a unique practice framework.
Keywords: holistic, integration, nursing perspective
Q4.
According to Wheeler’s framework, which factor best explains why evidence-based practice is
essential in psychotherapy?
A. It reduces the need for documentation
B. It standardizes treatment and eliminates clinical judgment
C. It ensures interventions are supported by scientific research and clinical outcomes
D. It allows providers to avoid continuing education
✅ Correct Answer: C. It ensures interventions are supported by scientific research and
clinical outcomes
Rationale: Evidence-based practice ensures that treatment decisions are grounded in research
evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences, enhancing effectiveness and safety.
Keywords: evidence-based practice, research, clinical outcomes
Q5.
Which ethical principle most directly supports the nurse psychotherapist’s responsibility to use
evidence-based interventions?
A. Autonomy
B. Beneficence
C. Fidelity
D. Justice
✅ Correct Answer: B. Beneficence
Rationale: Beneficence requires providers to act in ways that promote the patient’s best interest,
which includes choosing interventions with proven efficacy.
Keywords: ethics, beneficence, best practice
Q6.
Which element is central to the framework for practice outlined in Chapter 1?
A. Focus solely on psychiatric diagnosis
B. Integration of theory, evidence, and therapeutic relationship
,C. Delegation of psychotherapy tasks to paraprofessionals
D. Avoidance of interdisciplinary collaboration
✅ Correct Answer: B. Integration of theory, evidence, and therapeutic relationship
Rationale: The framework emphasizes a balanced integration of theoretical knowledge,
empirical evidence, and relational competence as pillars of advanced practice psychotherapy.
Keywords: framework, theory, evidence, relationship
Q7.
In Wheeler’s framework, how is the nurse psychotherapist’s scope of practice best described?
A. Limited to supportive counseling only
B. Broad, including assessment, diagnosis, psychotherapy, and sometimes medication
management
C. Focused exclusively on medication titration
D. Primarily administrative rather than clinical
✅ Correct Answer: B. Broad, including assessment, diagnosis, psychotherapy, and
sometimes medication management
Rationale: Advanced practice psychiatric nurses function with a broad scope, integrating
psychotherapy with comprehensive psychiatric assessment and in some jurisdictions,
pharmacotherapy.
Keywords: scope of practice, assessment, psychotherapy
Q8.
Which therapeutic stance is emphasized in nurse psychotherapy practice?
A. Directive and authoritarian
B. Collaborative and client-centered
C. Detached and neutral
D. Standardized and rigid
✅ Correct Answer: B. Collaborative and client-centered
Rationale: A collaborative therapeutic alliance fosters trust, empowers clients, and aligns with
nursing’s holistic and person-centered philosophy.
Keywords: collaboration, alliance, client-centered
Q9.
Why is self-reflection considered critical for nurse psychotherapists?
, A. To maintain focus on provider needs
B. To identify unconscious biases and countertransference
C. To avoid professional growth and change
D. To reduce time spent with clients
✅ Correct Answer: B. To identify unconscious biases and countertransference
Rationale: Self-awareness and reflection help clinicians recognize and manage personal
reactions that could interfere with therapeutic effectiveness.
Keywords: self-reflection, countertransference, awareness
Q10.
Which of the following best characterizes the role of theory in Wheeler’s psychotherapy
framework?
A. Theories provide rigid protocols for treatment
B. Theories guide understanding and interventions while allowing flexibility
C. Theories should be avoided to prevent over-complication
D. Theories replace evidence in guiding care
✅ Correct Answer: B. Theories guide understanding and interventions while allowing
flexibility
Rationale: Theory provides a conceptual lens to understand patient problems and select
interventions, but the framework allows for clinical flexibility and integration.
Keywords: theory, framework, guidance
Q11.
When establishing the therapeutic alliance, what is the first priority for the nurse
psychotherapist?
A. Setting rigid treatment goals
B. Demonstrating genuine empathy and establishing trust
C. Minimizing client input
D. Focusing on administrative tasks
✅ Correct Answer: B. Demonstrating genuine empathy and establishing trust
Rationale: A strong alliance, built on empathy and trust, is foundational for any psychotherapy
process to succeed.
Keywords: alliance, empathy, trust
