Question 1

What is the constructive perspective on resistance?

Accepted Answer

The constructive perspective views resistance not as a real, tangible thing, but rather as a concept constructed to describe situations where clients are actually guiding therapists towards the most effective way of helping them. This perspective does not see resistance as something to be broken through by the therapist, but as valuable information from the client.

Question 2

The solution-focused answer to the question "Where shall we lead our clients?" is:

Accepted Answer

Solution-focused therapy emphasizes guiding clients toward solutions, recognizing exceptions to their problems, fostering optimism and self-efficacy, and helping them reframe their narratives in healthier ways. All these aspects are integral to the approach.

Question 3

Which is/are the way(s) that constructive therapists generally view client "psychopathology"?

Accepted Answer

Constructive therapists view psychopathology as stemming from clients becoming stuck in ineffective solutions (A) and constructing unhealthy narratives about themselves (C), rather than focusing on intergenerational family conflicts (B) as a primary cause.

Question 4

How could the attitude of constructive theory toward diagnosis best be described?

Accepted Answer

Constructivist theory focuses on the individual's strengths and unique perspective, rather than labeling or diagnosing with mental disorders. This approach is more about understanding the person's worldview and helping them construct meaning, rather than fitting them into predefined diagnostic categories.

Question 5

What do constructive therapists use as their primary assessment tool?

Accepted Answer

Constructive therapists primarily use questions as their assessment tool, engaging clients in conversations that help uncover their personal constructs and how these influence their perceptions and behaviors.

Question 6

At the beginning of therapy, solution-focused brief therapists often start by:

Accepted Answer

Solution-focused brief therapists often start by shifting immediately from problem-focused talk to a strength-based narration. This helps to create a positive and hopeful atmosphere for therapy, and it can help clients to focus on their strengths and resources rather than their problems.

Question 7

A question that gives clients a range of numbers (for example 1 to 10) and then asks them to state a number that corresponds with their current level of discomfort is an example of:

Accepted Answer

This is an example of a scaling question, where clients are asked to rate their experience or feelings on a scale, in this case, their level of discomfort on a scale from 1 to 10.

Question 8

These clients are frequently unmotivated to change and typically come to therapy only when mandated:

Accepted Answer

The answer of These clients are frequently unmotivated to change...

Question 9

What is a sparkling moment?

Accepted Answer

A sparkling moment in a narrative refers to a part that is very positive and hopeful, often standing out in contrast to the overall story or situation.

Question 10

Which of the following is/are example(s) of a unique description or sparkling moment question?

Accepted Answer

Unique description or sparkling moment questions focus on specific instances where the person was able to overcome a challenge or achieve something significant. Both options A ("How did you beat the fear and go out shopping?") and C ("You just stopped drinking last week cold turkey! How did you accomplish that?") are examples of such questions, as they inquire about specific achievements or overcoming specific challenges.

Question 11

In response to a client complaint about feeling overwhelmed at work, a constructive therapist might:

Accepted Answer

The answer of In response to a client complaint about...

Question 12

A client who has been struggling with binge drinking casually mentions that he went the entire past weekend without touching a drop of alcohol. A constructive therapist would likely see this as a great opportunity for:

Accepted Answer

A constructive therapist would likely use a "how did you manage that?" question to explore and reinforce the client's success, encouraging them to reflect on their strategies and strengths.

Question 13

Narrative therapists use _______________ to help clients avoid self-blaming and see problems from a new perspective.

Accepted Answer

Externalizing conversations are a technique used in narrative therapy to help clients view their problems as separate from themselves, reducing self-blame and opening up new perspectives on their issues.

Question 14

Why do constructive therapists use presupposition questions?

Accepted Answer

Presupposition questions are used by constructive therapists to help clients envision themselves functioning at a higher level in the future, encouraging positive change and growth.

Question 15

Which of the following is/are the miracle question?

Accepted Answer

The miracle question is a technique used in solution-focused brief therapy, designed to help clients envision how the future will be different when their problem is solved. Choice A directly reflects this approach by asking the client to imagine a scenario where their problem is miraculously solved overnight, and to describe how they would recognize that the problem has been resolved. Choices B and C do not encapsulate the "miracle" aspect of the question, focusing instead on coping mechanisms and hypothetical future without the specific miraculous overnight change.

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of a presuppositional question?

Accepted Answer

Presuppositional questions assume something to be true within the question itself. Both A and B assume truths within the questions: A assumes the person has found courage to keep going to work, and B assumes the person fights against depression and uses tools to help.

Question 17

You are a client seeing de Shazer for a common anxiety issue. What might he ask to get you to focus on a positive future and determine what is causing the anxiety?

Accepted Answer

De Shazer's approach focuses on solutions rather than problems. Asking what would be different if the problem went away encourages clients to envision a positive future and identify steps towards it, aligning with solution-focused brief therapy principles.

Question 18

Why must therapists be careful when instructing clients to try the "do something different" intervention?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why must therapists be careful when instructing...

Question 19

Which of the following are designed to build hope by pointing out times in which the client's problem is occurring less frequently or not at all?

Accepted Answer

Exception questions are specifically designed to help clients identify times when the problem they are facing does not occur or happens less frequently, thereby building hope and highlighting potential pathways for change.

Question 20

In regard to cultural sensitivity, constructive therapies:

Accepted Answer

Constructive therapies vary in their approach to cultural sensitivity. Some are highly sensitive to diversity, adapting to the unique cultural backgrounds of individuals, while others may follow a more standardized approach that might not account for cultural nuances as effectively. This variability acknowledges the importance of cultural sensitivity in therapeutic practices.

Quiz 11: Constructive Theory and Therapy