CBHT - Certified Behavioral Health Technician Therapeutic Communication Skills Questions and Answers

Question 1

A client states, "I'm just so overwhelmed.
My new job is stressful, and I feel like I'm failing at it." Which of the following responses by the CBHT best demonstrates the therapeutic technique of reflection?

Accepted Answer

"It sounds like you're feeling a lot of pressure and are worried about your performance at work."

Answer

"You should try making a to-do list to manage your tasks better."

Answer

"Don't worry, everyone feels that way when they start a new job. You'll be fine."

Answer

"Why do you think you are failing?"

Question 2

Which of the following is the primary reason for using open-ended questions in a therapeutic setting?

Accepted Answer

To encourage the client to provide detailed, narrative responses and explore their thoughts and feelings. [7, 14, 19]

Answer

To gather specific, factual information quickly.

Answer

To guide the client toward a specific conclusion.

Answer

To limit the conversation to simple 'yes' or 'no' answers.

Question 3

A CBHT is speaking with a client who is expressing anxiety about an upcoming family visit. Which statement by the CBHT would be considered a barrier to therapeutic communication?

Accepted Answer

"There's no reason to be anxious. I'm sure it will be wonderful."

Answer

"That sounds stressful. What are your specific concerns about the visit?"

Answer

"It's understandable to feel anxious when seeing family after a while."

Answer

"I'm here to listen if you'd like to talk more about how you're feeling."

Question 4

A client tells a CBHT, "I'm just not myself lately." Which of the following responses best uses the therapeutic technique of clarification?

Accepted Answer

"Could you tell me more about what 'not being yourself' feels like for you?"

Answer

"I'm sorry to hear that. I hope you feel better soon."

Answer

"Let's focus on the positive things from your week instead."

Answer

"I understand what you mean, I've felt that way too."

Question 5

A client has just finished sharing a very painful memory and has become quiet and tearful. What is the most therapeutically appropriate initial action for the CBHT?

Accepted Answer

Allow for a period of silence to give the client space to process.

Answer

Immediately ask a question to keep the conversation going.

Answer

Share a personal story to try and relate to the client's pain.

Answer

Suggest a more cheerful activity to change the client's mood.

Question 6

Which statement best describes the difference between an empathetic and a sympathetic response?

Accepted Answer

Empathy involves understanding and sharing another's feelings ('feeling with' them), while sympathy is a feeling of pity or sorrow for them ('feeling for' them).

Answer

Empathy is feeling sorry for the client, while sympathy is understanding their feelings.

Answer

Empathy and sympathy are identical and can be used interchangeably.

Answer

Empathy requires sharing a similar personal experience, while sympathy does not.