Fundamentals of Counseling Flashcards

In Gestalt therapy, the concept of 'unfinished business' refers to:

Answer: Unexpressed emotions from past experiences that interfere with present functioning

Gestalt therapy addresses 'unfinished business'—lingering unexpressed feelings from past events that continue to intrude on the client's present awareness.

Which of the following is an example of a 'process' observation in a counseling session?

Answer: Observing that the client smiles when discussing a painful topic

Process observations focus on how communication occurs (tone, affect, body language, inconsistencies) rather than the content of what is said.

The HIPAA Privacy Rule primarily governs:

Answer: The protection and permissible disclosure of protected health information (PHI)

HIPAA's Privacy Rule establishes national standards for protecting individually identifiable health information (PHI) and regulating when it may be disclosed.

Adler's concept of 'social interest' (Gemeinschaftsgefühl) suggests that mental health is linked to:

Answer: A sense of belonging and contribution to the community

Adler believed that psychological well-being requires a genuine concern for others and a felt sense of connection and contribution to society.

When a counselor uses 'minimal encouragers' during a session, they are most likely trying to:

Answer: Encourage the client to continue talking without directing the conversation

Minimal encouragers (e.g., 'mm-hmm,' 'go on,' nodding) communicate attentiveness and prompt the client to elaborate without interrupting the flow.

A counselor who consistently modifies their style, pace, and interventions based on the individual client's needs is demonstrating:

Answer: Technical flexibility and responsiveness

Technical flexibility—adapting strategies to each client's unique needs, preferences, and cultural background—is a hallmark of effective, client-centered practice.

The concept of 'attachment theory,' as developed by John Bowlby, has implications for counseling because it suggests that:

Answer: Early bonding patterns with caregivers shape adult relational patterns and therapeutic relationships

Bowlby's attachment theory shows that early caregiver relationships form internal working models that influence how individuals relate to others—including their counselor—throughout life.