2026/2027 – coMPlete exaM-style QUestioNs With detailed RatioNales |
Pass GUaRaNteed – a+ GRaded
1. Which of the following best describes the primary goal of psychodynamic
psychotherapy?
A. To eliminate maladaptive behaviors through conditioning
B. To bring unconscious conflicts and repressed material into conscious
awareness
C. To challenge irrational beliefs and restructure cognitive distortions
D. To provide unconditional positive regard and facilitate self-actualization
Answer: B
Rationale: Psychodynamic psychotherapy focuses on uncovering unconscious
conflicts, repressed memories, and defense mechanisms that influence current
behavior. Bringing these into conscious awareness allows the client to work
through them and achieve insight.
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2. A client consistently arrives late to sessions and tells the therapist, "You don't
really care about me anyway." The therapist recognizes this as:
A. Resistance
B. Transference
C. Countertransference
D. Projection
,Answer: A
Rationale: Resistance refers to client behaviors that impede progress in
therapy, such as lateness, silence, or avoiding sensitive topics. Transference
(B) involves projecting feelings about significant others onto the therapist.
Countertransference (C) is the therapist's emotional reaction to the client.
Projection (D) is attributing one's own feelings to another.
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3. A client tells the therapist, "You remind me of my mother who always
criticized me." The therapist identifies this as:
A. Resistance
B. Transference
C. Countertransference
D. Splitting
Answer: B
Rationale: Transference occurs when the client unconsciously projects feelings,
attitudes, or expectations from past significant relationships onto the therapist.
In this case, the client is transferring feelings about their mother onto the
therapist.
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4. During a session, the therapist finds themselves feeling angry and frustrated
with a client who is passive-aggressive. The therapist recognizes this as:
A. Transference
, B. Resistance
C. Countertransference
D. Enactment
Answer: C
Rationale: Countertransference refers to the therapist's emotional reactions to
the client based on the therapist's own unconscious conflicts or past
experiences. Recognizing countertransference is important for maintaining
therapeutic boundaries and effectiveness.
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5. Which theoretical orientation emphasizes the therapeutic alliance as the
primary vehicle for change?
A. Psychoanalysis
B. Cognitive-behavioral therapy
C. Person-centered therapy
D. Behavioral therapy
Answer: C
Rationale: Person-centered therapy (Carl Rogers) emphasizes the therapeutic
alliance characterized by unconditional positive regard, empathy, and
genuineness as the primary mechanism for change. The therapist provides a
supportive environment for the client's self-actualization.
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