Counseling Theories and Techniques Flashcards

Which theoretical orientation holds that psychological distress arises primarily from unconscious conflicts and unresolved developmental issues?

Answer: Psychodynamic Theory

Psychodynamic theory, rooted in Freudian psychoanalysis, posits that unconscious conflicts and early developmental experiences drive current psychological symptoms.

In Person-Centered Therapy, which of the following is considered a core condition necessary for therapeutic change?

Answer: Unconditional positive regard

Carl Rogers identified unconditional positive regard—accepting the client without judgment—as one of the three core conditions (along with empathy and congruence) required for therapeutic growth.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is based primarily on the principle that:

Answer: Thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected and influence one another

CBT rests on the cognitive model, which holds that maladaptive thoughts contribute to distressing emotions and problematic behaviors, and that changing thoughts can change feelings and actions.

Which technique is central to Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) developed by Albert Ellis?

Answer: Disputing irrational beliefs

REBT centers on the ABC model, where the therapist actively disputes (D) irrational beliefs (B) that result from activating events (A) and produce emotional consequences (C).

A counselor using Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) would most likely ask which type of question?

Answer: 'What would be different in your life if this problem disappeared overnight?'

The 'miracle question' is a hallmark SFBT technique that invites clients to envision a preferred future without the problem, helping identify concrete goals and exceptions.

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

Answer: Unexpressed feelings from past experiences that affect present functioning

Gestalt therapy holds that unresolved emotional experiences ('unfinished business') from the past intrude into present awareness and behavior, blocking full contact and growth.

Adlerian therapy places central importance on which concept when understanding client behavior?

Answer: Social interest and striving for superiority

Alfred Adler emphasized that human behavior is goal-directed, with people striving for superiority and significance, ideally channeled through social interest (Gemeinschaftsgefühl) for healthy functioning.