(NCE) Practice Exam 1 Questions and
Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 |
Correct & Verified
A client reports feeling hopeless and unable to function for the past two weeks. What is the most
appropriate initial action?
✔✔Screen for depression and assess risk of self-harm.
What counseling technique is best for helping a client identify irrational beliefs?
✔✔Cognitive restructuring.
When a client is resistant to therapy, what is the counselor’s best approach?
✔✔Use motivational interviewing to explore ambivalence and enhance engagement.
A counselor notices strong emotional reactions to a client’s story. What is this an example of?
✔✔Countertransference.
What is the primary goal of active listening in counseling?
✔✔To fully understand and reflect the client’s thoughts and feelings.
1
,When working with a multicultural client, what is an essential counselor skill?
✔✔Cultural competence and sensitivity.
A client reports past trauma but avoids discussing it. What is the counselor’s first step?
✔✔Establish safety and trust before exploring the traumatic material.
What is the best intervention for a client with panic attacks?
✔✔Teaching relaxation and breathing techniques, combined with cognitive restructuring.
A client frequently cancels sessions. What is the most ethical counselor response?
✔✔Explore reasons for cancellations and discuss commitment to therapy.
What should a counselor do if a client threatens to harm someone else?
✔✔Follow duty to warn and take protective measures for the intended victim.
How should a counselor respond to a client expressing suicidal thoughts without a plan?
✔✔Conduct a risk assessment and develop a safety plan while maintaining support.
2
,What counseling approach emphasizes understanding past experiences to explain current
behavior?
✔✔Psychodynamic therapy.
Which therapeutic approach focuses on replacing maladaptive thoughts with positive ones?
✔✔Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
A client demonstrates avoidance behaviors that interfere with life. What is the first counseling
goal?
✔✔Identify avoidance patterns and introduce gradual exposure.
What is the counselor’s primary responsibility when maintaining client records?
✔✔Ensure accuracy, confidentiality, and adherence to ethical and legal standards.
When a client shares anger toward family members, what is the best counselor approach?
✔✔Validate the feelings while exploring constructive coping strategies.
3
, What counseling intervention is appropriate for helping a client set personal goals?
✔✔Use SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goal setting.
A client is struggling with low self-esteem. Which approach is most effective?
✔✔Cognitive restructuring combined with self-affirmation exercises.
When a client exhibits avoidance of social interactions, what is an evidence-based intervention?
✔✔Behavioral activation and social skills training.
A client expresses feelings of being stuck in life. What initial technique should the counselor
use?
✔✔Explore values, priorities, and life goals to clarify direction.
When should a counselor consult with colleagues or supervisors?
✔✔Whenever there are ethical dilemmas, risk concerns, or uncertainty about interventions.
A client reports difficulty coping after a recent loss. What is the first counseling step?
✔✔Provide grief counseling, normalization, and emotional support.
4
Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 |
Correct & Verified
A client reports feeling hopeless and unable to function for the past two weeks. What is the most
appropriate initial action?
✔✔Screen for depression and assess risk of self-harm.
What counseling technique is best for helping a client identify irrational beliefs?
✔✔Cognitive restructuring.
When a client is resistant to therapy, what is the counselor’s best approach?
✔✔Use motivational interviewing to explore ambivalence and enhance engagement.
A counselor notices strong emotional reactions to a client’s story. What is this an example of?
✔✔Countertransference.
What is the primary goal of active listening in counseling?
✔✔To fully understand and reflect the client’s thoughts and feelings.
1
,When working with a multicultural client, what is an essential counselor skill?
✔✔Cultural competence and sensitivity.
A client reports past trauma but avoids discussing it. What is the counselor’s first step?
✔✔Establish safety and trust before exploring the traumatic material.
What is the best intervention for a client with panic attacks?
✔✔Teaching relaxation and breathing techniques, combined with cognitive restructuring.
A client frequently cancels sessions. What is the most ethical counselor response?
✔✔Explore reasons for cancellations and discuss commitment to therapy.
What should a counselor do if a client threatens to harm someone else?
✔✔Follow duty to warn and take protective measures for the intended victim.
How should a counselor respond to a client expressing suicidal thoughts without a plan?
✔✔Conduct a risk assessment and develop a safety plan while maintaining support.
2
,What counseling approach emphasizes understanding past experiences to explain current
behavior?
✔✔Psychodynamic therapy.
Which therapeutic approach focuses on replacing maladaptive thoughts with positive ones?
✔✔Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
A client demonstrates avoidance behaviors that interfere with life. What is the first counseling
goal?
✔✔Identify avoidance patterns and introduce gradual exposure.
What is the counselor’s primary responsibility when maintaining client records?
✔✔Ensure accuracy, confidentiality, and adherence to ethical and legal standards.
When a client shares anger toward family members, what is the best counselor approach?
✔✔Validate the feelings while exploring constructive coping strategies.
3
, What counseling intervention is appropriate for helping a client set personal goals?
✔✔Use SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goal setting.
A client is struggling with low self-esteem. Which approach is most effective?
✔✔Cognitive restructuring combined with self-affirmation exercises.
When a client exhibits avoidance of social interactions, what is an evidence-based intervention?
✔✔Behavioral activation and social skills training.
A client expresses feelings of being stuck in life. What initial technique should the counselor
use?
✔✔Explore values, priorities, and life goals to clarify direction.
When should a counselor consult with colleagues or supervisors?
✔✔Whenever there are ethical dilemmas, risk concerns, or uncertainty about interventions.
A client reports difficulty coping after a recent loss. What is the first counseling step?
✔✔Provide grief counseling, normalization, and emotional support.
4
