Deck 6: Brief Psychodynamic Therapy

Question 1

In brief psychodynamic theory (BPT), emotional difficulties are thought to result from

A)the inability to deal with unacceptable feelings and impulses.
B)impeded psychosocial development.
C)feelings of inferiority.
D)a dysfunctional life script.

Answer 1

the inability to deal with unacceptable feelings and impulses.

Question 2

The clinician's role in BPT is to

A)be an impartial observer.
B)be active and collaborative.
C)implement the broad range of distinctive techniques characteristic of BPT.
D)encourage regression.

Answer 2

be active and collaborative.

Question 3

Which of the following is not true of BPT?

A)Internalization of the client's relationship with the clinician is important.
B)Emphasis is placed on the here-and-now interaction of client and clinician.
C)Identification of an appropriate focal conflict is essential.
D)Analysis of transference is generally not part of treatment.

Answer 3

Analysis of transference is generally not part of treatment.

Question 4

Which statement best describes the role of transference in brief psychodynamic therapy?

A)BPT considers transference to be the client's perception of the therapist's behavior and intent.
B)Transference in BPT is a direct result of early childhood attachments.
C)Transference in BPT is considered a distortion of the client-clinician relationship.
D)BPT views transference as a form of interpersonal empathy.

Question 5

Which of the following is not a demonstrated advantage of BPT?

A)It is compatible with the current emphasis on brief treatment.
B)It effects improvement in both symptoms and underlying patterns.
C)It enhances parenting skills.
D)It is suitable for people with mood and anxiety disorders.

Question 6

The focal issue for treatment in BPT is usually

A)dysfunctional interpersonal interactions and patterns.
B)resolution of developmental stages.
C)achieving balance among ego states.
D)derived from the content of dream analysis.

Question 7

Madeleine requested counseling because she was having difficulty getting along with her teenage son. She described herself as somewhat depressed and anxious, but eager to understand and improve her relationship with her son. Would Madeleine probably be a good candidate for BPT?

A)No, because BPT is not an effective treatment for depression and anxiety.
B)Yes, because she meets many of the criteria for a suitable BPT client.
C)Yes, but only if her son is also willing to participate in therapy.
D)Not enough information is given to answer the question.

Question 8

According to Klerman's model of BPT, the likelihood of developing depression

A)is biologically predetermined.
B)is not dependent on early childhood experiences.
C)can be reduced through short-term dynamic psychotherapy.
D)can be reduced by the development of a loving parent-child relationship.

Question 9

BPT is rarely if ever recommended for treatment of:

A)depression.
B)personality disorders.
C)psychotic disorders.
D)trauma-related disorders.

Question 10

Gianni was having difficulty in his relationship with his wife Anna. To identify Gianni's focal concern, a brief psychodynamic therapist would be most likely to ask

A)What do you want from Anna?
B)What does Anna want from you?
C)What goals do you and Anna have for your lives together?
D)When do you and Anna get along best?

Question 11

How does brief psychodynamic therapy differ from traditional psychoanalysis?

Question 12

Describe the client characteristics and diagnostic groups for which BPT is most effective. How does BPT seem to compare to traditional Freudian analysis is its appeal to culturally diverse groups?

Question 13

Define the following and explain their importance in BPT:
●triad of insights
●triangle of conflict
●core conflictual relationship theme

Question 14

Describe the goals and activities associated with each of the following five phases of BPT treatment: (1) client-therapist encounter, (2) early treatment, (3) height of treatment, (4) evidence of change, and (5) termination.

Question 15

What are the differences and similarities among focal concerns, presenting problems, and goals?