LICENSED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
THERAPIST (LMFT) EXAM QUESTION
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. A core assumption of systems theory is that
A. Individual pathology exists independent of relationships
B. Behavior is random and unpredictable
C. Linear causality explains family problems
D. Behavior is best understood within relational contexts
Rationale: Systems theory emphasizes that individual behavior is shaped
by and maintained within relational systems.
2. Circular causality refers to
A. One person causing another’s behavior
B. Symptoms disappearing over time
C. Mutual influence between interacting members
D. Therapist-directed change
Rationale: Circular causality highlights reciprocal interactions rather than
one-way cause and effect.
3. Bowenian therapy primarily focuses on
A. Communication skills
B. Power dynamics
C. Differentiation of self
D. Narrative reconstruction
, Rationale: Bowen emphasized differentiation as the ability to balance
emotional and intellectual functioning.
4. A genogram is best described as
A. A treatment contract
B. A multigenerational family map
C. A diagnostic test
D. A behavior chart
Rationale: Genograms visually depict family structure, patterns, and
relationships across generations.
5. Triangulation occurs when
A. A family avoids conflict
B. A therapist joins two members
C. Two people involve a third to manage anxiety
D. Roles are clearly defined
Rationale: Triangles reduce anxiety by shifting tension to a third party.
6. Structural family therapy was developed by
A. Murray Bowen
B. Virginia Satir
C. Salvador Minuchin
D. Jay Haley
Rationale: Minuchin pioneered structural family therapy.
7. In structural therapy, boundaries that are too rigid are described as
A. Clear
B. Diffuse
C. Disengaged
D. Enmeshed
Rationale: Rigid boundaries limit interaction and emotional connection.
8. Enmeshment refers to
A. Emotional cutoff
B. Overly diffuse boundaries
, C. Healthy closeness
D. Balanced autonomy
Rationale: Enmeshment involves excessive emotional involvement and
lack of autonomy.
9. Joining in structural therapy means
A. Agreeing with the family
B. Aligning with the family system to facilitate change
C. Remaining neutral
D. Diagnosing pathology
Rationale: Joining builds rapport and allows the therapist to influence the
system.
10.Strategic family therapy emphasizes
A. Insight
B. Family history
C. Problem-focused interventions
D. Emotional expression
Rationale: Strategic therapy uses planned interventions to interrupt
problem patterns.
11.Jay Haley is associated with
A. Experiential therapy
B. Bowenian therapy
C. Strategic family therapy
D. Narrative therapy
Rationale: Haley was a key figure in strategic approaches.
12.Experiential family therapy focuses on
A. Rules and roles
B. Emotional experience and authenticity
C. Homework tasks
D. Cognitive restructuring
THERAPIST (LMFT) EXAM QUESTION
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. A core assumption of systems theory is that
A. Individual pathology exists independent of relationships
B. Behavior is random and unpredictable
C. Linear causality explains family problems
D. Behavior is best understood within relational contexts
Rationale: Systems theory emphasizes that individual behavior is shaped
by and maintained within relational systems.
2. Circular causality refers to
A. One person causing another’s behavior
B. Symptoms disappearing over time
C. Mutual influence between interacting members
D. Therapist-directed change
Rationale: Circular causality highlights reciprocal interactions rather than
one-way cause and effect.
3. Bowenian therapy primarily focuses on
A. Communication skills
B. Power dynamics
C. Differentiation of self
D. Narrative reconstruction
, Rationale: Bowen emphasized differentiation as the ability to balance
emotional and intellectual functioning.
4. A genogram is best described as
A. A treatment contract
B. A multigenerational family map
C. A diagnostic test
D. A behavior chart
Rationale: Genograms visually depict family structure, patterns, and
relationships across generations.
5. Triangulation occurs when
A. A family avoids conflict
B. A therapist joins two members
C. Two people involve a third to manage anxiety
D. Roles are clearly defined
Rationale: Triangles reduce anxiety by shifting tension to a third party.
6. Structural family therapy was developed by
A. Murray Bowen
B. Virginia Satir
C. Salvador Minuchin
D. Jay Haley
Rationale: Minuchin pioneered structural family therapy.
7. In structural therapy, boundaries that are too rigid are described as
A. Clear
B. Diffuse
C. Disengaged
D. Enmeshed
Rationale: Rigid boundaries limit interaction and emotional connection.
8. Enmeshment refers to
A. Emotional cutoff
B. Overly diffuse boundaries
, C. Healthy closeness
D. Balanced autonomy
Rationale: Enmeshment involves excessive emotional involvement and
lack of autonomy.
9. Joining in structural therapy means
A. Agreeing with the family
B. Aligning with the family system to facilitate change
C. Remaining neutral
D. Diagnosing pathology
Rationale: Joining builds rapport and allows the therapist to influence the
system.
10.Strategic family therapy emphasizes
A. Insight
B. Family history
C. Problem-focused interventions
D. Emotional expression
Rationale: Strategic therapy uses planned interventions to interrupt
problem patterns.
11.Jay Haley is associated with
A. Experiential therapy
B. Bowenian therapy
C. Strategic family therapy
D. Narrative therapy
Rationale: Haley was a key figure in strategic approaches.
12.Experiential family therapy focuses on
A. Rules and roles
B. Emotional experience and authenticity
C. Homework tasks
D. Cognitive restructuring
