CASAC Motivational Interviewing and Counseling Skills

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the 'spirit' of Motivational Interviewing (MI)?

Accepted Answer

A collaborative, person-centered approach that evokes intrinsic motivation for change

Answer

Confronting the client about their denial and resistance

Answer

Providing direct advice and education about the harms of substance use

Answer

Using structured behavioral techniques to modify maladaptive patterns

Question 2

What does the acronym OARS stand for in Motivational Interviewing?

Accepted Answer

Open questions, Affirmations, Reflective listening, Summaries

Answer

Observe, Assess, Reflect, Summarize

Answer

Open questions, Analyze, Reinforce, Support

Answer

Outline, Assess, Reinforce, Summarize

Question 3

In Motivational Interviewing, 'change talk' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Client statements that favor movement toward change

Answer

The counselor explaining reasons why the client should change

Answer

Discussing how other clients have successfully changed

Answer

Setting specific behavioral goals with the client

Question 4

A client says, 'I know I drink too much, but I'm not sure I want to quit.' This statement best reflects which stage of the Transtheoretical Model?

Accepted Answer

Contemplation

Answer

Precontemplation

Answer

Preparation

Answer

Maintenance

Question 5

Which MI technique involves the counselor intentionally highlighting discrepancies between a client's stated values and their current behavior?

Accepted Answer

Developing discrepancy

Answer

Rolling with resistance

Answer

Affirmation

Answer

Simple reflection

Question 6

When a counselor 'rolls with resistance' in MI, they are:

Accepted Answer

Avoiding argument and reframing the client's statements to reduce discord

Answer

Agreeing with the client that change is unnecessary

Answer

Confronting the client's minimization directly

Answer

Using silence to allow the client to experience discomfort

Question 7

The concept of 'ambivalence' in addiction counseling refers to:

Accepted Answer

Simultaneous conflicting feelings about changing substance use behavior

Answer

A client's complete denial of their substance use problem

Answer

The counselor's uncertainty about treatment goals

Answer

A client's refusal to participate in group therapy