Question 1

Welcoming a client can have a large impact on the relationship. How could your welcome determine how therapy would proceed?

Accepted Answer

There is a lot of truth to the fact that you don't get a second chance to make a first impression. Any of the above could be interpreted from your welcome, whether or not you intended it. So often as well, clients come in with preconceived notions of what is going on, so they will see or feel things that may not be present.

Question 2

How do you know when you are working with someone who is truly wealthy?

Accepted Answer

Truthfully, you may never know when you are working with someone who is truly wealthy. Just as context makes a large difference in planning treatment, it also applies to how much clients are willing to disclose about themselves. Similarly, those who drive nicer cars or wear nicer clothes may have different priorities that may not be reflected in their presentation.

Question 3

When dealing with clients of wealth, what are some of the major presenting issues that a therapist may see?

Accepted Answer

Easier access to money and a more difficult time adjusting socially to what some parents or peers may expect of them lead teens of wealth or privilege to act out in ways that are sometimes unexpected, but all too often confronted in therapy.

Question 4

The therapist may face challenges dealing with clients who are on different educational levels. How can a client build a connection with someone who may not have completed as much education or who may not have had access?

Accepted Answer

Making an effort to connect with the client in familiar terms respects the context in which they find themselves, without their feeling inadequate or feeling the need that they need to do more in order to feel on an equal playing field. While you can connect clients with educational programs, it should never be in their way of accessing therapy.

Question 5

As practitioners, we are required to inform clients about potential risks associated with therapy. Philosophically, the risks involved:

Accepted Answer

Risks of emotionally draining work for those who are not prepared for what may come up are a lot more common than risks outnumbering benefits. In order to prepare clients for some of the work that you will do, you will want to keep them informed whenever you feel them reaching into areas that have not been previously explored. While they will go when they are ready, you are remaining present by sharing what you feel and see.

Question 6

When making a decision about language to use, it is important to use language that is overall:

Accepted Answer

True, this is therapy, but the language that you use can be helpful in encouraging the client and while it does not necessarily need to be upbeat and cheerful all the time, it does go a long way to engage the client around issues of humor, capabilities, and experiences that show the client's capability of proper engagement.

Question 7

When a 35-year-old client wants help with relationship issues, you collect an extensive assessment that includes information on parents, previous relationships, and close friendships. You are hoping to establish:

Accepted Answer

While establishing a pattern of relational discomfort might be telling for you as a therapist, getting information about when building relationships has been successful (exceptions to the rule) may be more helpful when searching for solutions. Clients are also more likely to respond if therapy begins by building on current capabilities.

Question 8

If a client who is musically inclined comes in and mentions that he can no longer play the piano without fear of falling into a depressive episode, you might suggest:

Accepted Answer

While new hobbies can be nice, the client's issue will likely not go away until he addresses how he believes the piano is tied to any depression that he is feeling, but also that it can bring on episodes. Reviewing catastrophic thinking allows the client to understand that the piano is not the end cause of his depressive issues and that they could be traced to other sources that are much more likely.

Question 9

You are working with a client who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, but who has been able to keep his symptoms under control for the past year. His new presenting issue is whether or not he can find a job. Which of the following professional systems could be most helpful in assisting your client in securing employment?

Accepted Answer

While additional counseling services may be helpful, especially with regard to career, directing your client to social services might be a better route, only because they may have services that link the individual to companies or groups that specialize in working with chronically mentally ill clients.

Question 10

You assess a client for treatment and she falls into a mood disorder. However, as treatment progresses, she does seem to show outward signs of depression. Instead, she appears upbeat and cheerful, despite the stories she's told you. How does your hypothesis change now that you've been in therapy for a few weeks?

Accepted Answer

While she may feel the need to put on a face of strength and power in the community, she certainly doesn't feel that way with her therapist, who can see a clear and present mood disorder. Assuming that the diagnosis is correct, there is no need to rule out if you are on track with appropriate treatment, including assessment for context. Contextually, it could be that she does not feel comfortable discussing her mood in proximity to the community, so she brings her issues to your office, where things are progressing, even if slowly.

Quiz 4: Practice