Question 1

Which of the following is considered a family for the purposes of family therapy?

Accepted Answer

Family therapy can involve any type of family structure including those with children and their kinship system, gay and lesbian couples with children, biologically-related families of procreation, and children in co-parenting situations. All of the options provided are considered families and can benefit from family therapy.

Question 2

The opening of a couple's interview should include:

Accepted Answer

The opening of a couple's interview should include both instructions on what to expect from the interview and a question or prompt to get the couple talking about why they've come to counseling and their counseling goals. This helps the couple feel comfortable and understand the purpose of the interview, while also allowing the therapist to gain important information about the couple's needs and expectations. A complete account of the couple's history and a discussion of the positive and negative qualities of each member may be explored later in the session or in subsequent sessions.

Question 3

Scott asks his couple to tell each other ways in which they'd like to see each other change. Which statement is true about this strategy?

Accepted Answer

This interaction is generally considered mutually punishing because it focuses on negative aspects and criticisms within the relationship, which can lead to resentment and conflict rather than constructive change.

Question 4

What exactly should you be balancing during the opening and throughout a couple interview?

Accepted Answer

During a couple interview, it is important to balance your attention and eye contact between both partners. This shows that you are interested in both of them and not favoring one over the other. Balancing other aspects such as romantic history or flirtation responses may not be appropriate in a professional setting. Modeling effective criticism can be helpful if the couple is experiencing communication issues, but it should be done in a respectful and helpful manner.

Question 5

Amrita is interviewing a couple, Gina and Leslie. Gina tells Amrita in private that she is planning to leave Leslie but she does not want Leslie to know about this. Now Amrita doesn't know whether she can tell Leslie or not. What procedure should Amrita have used to handle this situation effectively?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent is an important procedure for counselors to follow as it clarifies the expectations and limitations of the therapeutic relationship. It is important for Amrita to have such an agreement in place that explains the limits of confidentiality in cases involving romantic partners so that clients are aware that certain information may be shared. This helps to ensure that everyone is on the same page and promotes ethical practice.

Question 6

Initial telephone contact with couples is:

Accepted Answer

During initial telephone contact with couples, one partner may try to gain your favor and it can also be an excellent source of information about motivation. Therefore, both options B and C are true. Option A is not entirely true as the conversation may not always be simple and straightforward. Option E is not true as there are some aspects of the initial telephone contact that can be useful.

Question 7

Why do the authors choose to use the word couple when referring to relationship and marriage counseling?

Accepted Answer

The term "couple" is more accurate and inclusive as it encompasses a variety of relationship types beyond traditional marriage, making it suitable for diverse romantic partnerships.

Question 8

All of the following statements regarding meeting and greeting couples are true EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Potential coalition-building may actually make meeting and greeting couples a challenging task, as the therapist may need to navigate power dynamics and alliances within the couple.

Question 9

Which of the following is/are an irony of working with couples and families?

Accepted Answer

Option A is an irony because working with couples and families means you have more clients to serve, and you must work with multiple individuals at once, which requires more time. Option B is an irony because there is no universal definition of couples and families, and these terms mean different things to different people. Option C is incorrect because gay and lesbian couples are referred to as couples.

Question 10

Lark is trying to convince her co-therapist that they should actively limit the impulsive and destructive styles of the couple with whom they're working. Which of the following statements does NOT support her argument?

Accepted Answer

This statement supports Lark's argument, as Susan Johnson's agreement with Lark's position provides additional credibility and support for the idea of limiting destructive behaviors in session. Therefore, this statement does not undermine Lark's argument.

Question 11

Which of the following is an activity usually associated with the opening stage of interviewing a couple or family?

Accepted Answer

The opening stage of interviewing a couple or family involves establishing rapport and building a therapeutic alliance. This is done through the opening question or statement, which sets the tone for the session, and by establishing some basic limit-setting with couples/families. Preparation and planning are important but usually occur before the opening stage. Therefore, only options B and C are associated with the opening stage.

Question 12

Coalition-building is:

Accepted Answer

Coalition-building is a common strategy for gaining power, but it is not always optimal. It can be difficult to deal with, and it can require direct education to prevent and resolve.

Question 13

Which of the following is an activity associated with the introduction stage of interviewing a couple or family?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is an activity...

Question 14

A mother and daughter receiving therapy together to improve their relationship would be most aptly referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Family therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves working with families or couples in intimate relationships to nurture change and development. Therefore, if a mother and daughter are receiving therapy together to improve their relationship, it falls under the category of family therapy. The other options are not applicable as they are specific to other forms of therapy.

Question 15

On average, couples and families stay in counseling:

Accepted Answer

Research indicates that couples and families tend to stay in counseling for less time than individuals, often due to the complexity and dynamics involved in family and couple therapy.

Question 16

Which of the following will determine whether family or individual therapy is the treatment of choice?

Accepted Answer

The choice between family or individual therapy should be determined by both the therapist's theoretical orientation and research evidence. The therapist's theoretical orientation can affect their preference for individual or family therapy, but research evidence should be considered to determine the most effective treatment for the client's specific needs. Following the client's lead alone may not necessarily lead to the most effective treatment approach.

Question 17

From an attachment perspective, alliance-building is viewed as:

Accepted Answer

Alliance-building from an attachment perspective is viewed as the therapist being a secure base toward which both partners feel trust and connection, allowing them to explore and deepen their relationship. This concept is rooted in attachment theory, which emphasizes the importance of secure attachment bonds between individuals. The therapist serves as a secure base for both partners, allowing them to feel safe and supported as they navigate their relationship challenges.

Question 18

The main goal in a family opening is to get everyone in the family to:

Accepted Answer

The main goal in a family opening is to establish rapport and trust with the family, and to gather basic information about their functioning, expectations, and hopes. Completing a genogram, making direct eye-contact, smiling or laughing, and providing constructive criticism may be part of the process, but they are not the main goal.

Question 19

Which of the following is true of coalition building?

Accepted Answer

Coalition building can create alliances within the family that can potentially undermine the therapy process. This is because it can cause power imbalances and ignite conflicts between various family members. Therefore, option A is correct. Option B is incorrect because coalition building does not necessarily exclude the therapist. Option C is also incorrect because coalition building is not always a sign of significant psychopathology.

Question 20

Angelo is a beginning therapist. He is heterosexual and comes from a strong Italian-Catholic family. Based on the text, Angelo should reflect on how his family background might:

Accepted Answer

Angelo's family background may shape what he considers normal and abnormal and cause him to have blind spots or issues that he's not comfortable asking about. However, his family background would not necessarily give him greater upward mobility in the professional world.

Quiz 14: Interviewing Couples and Families