psychotherapy final exam

What are the main objectives of the initial psychotherapy session?

Build rapport, gather background information, understand presenting problems, and assess readiness for therapy.

Why is informed consent important in psychotherapy?

It ensures clients understand the therapy process, risks, benefits, confidentiality, and their rights.

What is rapport and why is it crucial in therapy?

Rapport is the trusting, collaborative relationship between therapist and client that enhances engagement and effectiveness.

Name two types of psychological assessments used in psychotherapy.

Structured interviews (e.g., SCID) and self-report inventories (e.g., BDI, GAD-7).

What is the role of the DSM-5 in psychotherapy?

It provides a standardized system for diagnosing mental disorders using a categorical model.

What happens during the evaluation phase of psychotherapy?

Therapists collect detailed information through interviews and assessments to form a case conceptualization.

What factors are assessed to determine a client’s readiness for therapy?

Motivation, insight, stability, external supports, and risk factors.

How long does the evaluation phase typically last?

About 1–3 sessions.

How can therapists motivate hesitant clients to begin therapy?

Using motivational interviewing, validating concerns, setting collaborative goals.

What factors influence the choice of treatment approach in psychotherapy?

Diagnosis, evidence base, client preference, therapist competence, and cultural factors.

How is progress monitored in therapy?

Through session rating scales, client feedback, symptom checklists, and clinical judgment.

Name two common reasons for terminating therapy.

Client achieves goals or therapy is no longer effective/appropriate.

Why is it important to discuss termination in advance?

To prepare the client emotionally, reflect on progress, and ensure a healthy transition.

What does "scope of competence" mean for therapists?

Therapists must only use techniques they are trained and qualified to provide.

When must a therapist ethically terminate therapy?

If the client’s needs exceed the therapist’s competence or if continuing would cause harm.

What does HiTOP stand for?

Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology.

How does HiTOP differ from the DSM-5?

HiTOP uses a dimensional, hierarchical model instead of categorical diagnosis.

What is the top level of the HiTOP hierarchy?

Broad spectra (e.g., internalizing, externalizing).

What is a benefit of the HiTOP model?

It reduces issues with comorbidity and provides more nuanced diagnostic information.

What is dimensional assessment in HiTOP?

Symptoms are measured along a continuum rather than as present/absent.

What is the purpose of using Cochrane Reviews in psychotherapy?

To find evidence-based, peer-reviewed treatment recommendations.

How can you evaluate if a source is credible and relevant?

Check for peer-review, sample size, methodology, recency, and author qualifications.

What are the key goals of the evaluation phase?

Understand the client’s presenting problem, build rapport, assess risks, identify strengths, and evaluate readiness for therapy.

What methods are commonly used in the evaluation stage?

Clinical interviews, self-report questionnaires, behavioral observations, and psychological testing.

What information is gathered during the evaluation stage?

Presenting concerns, symptom history, family and medical history, trauma, substance use, risk factors, coping strategies, and personal goals.

What does it mean for a therapist to develop a comprehensive understanding of a client?

Gaining a deep, holistic view of the client’s psychological, emotional, social, and biological functioning.

What is case conceptualization?

A framework therapists use to organize and interpret client information to guide treatment planning.

Why is cultural context important in understanding a client?

It influences how symptoms are expressed, understood, and treated; it helps ensure culturally responsive care.

What is the most specific level in the HiTOP hierarchy?

Signs and symptoms — e.g., insomnia, hallucinations.

What comes after symptoms in the HiTOP model?

Symptom components and maladaptive traits — patterns like impulsivity or social withdrawal.

What are syndromes in the HiTOP model?

Clusters of symptoms that form recognizable clinical conditions, like major depressive disorder or panic disorder.

What are subfactors in the HiTOP hierarchy?

Groups of related syndromes with shared features — e.g., the fear subfactor includes phobias and panic disorder.

What is the broadest level in the HiTOP structure?

Spectra — overarching patterns that include multiple subfactors and syndromes.

How does HiTOP use dimensional assessment?

It measures traits and symptoms across spectrums (e.g., anxiety, impulsivity), allowing for more nuanced diagnoses.

How does dimensional assessment differ from the DSM-5’s approach?

DSM-5 uses a categorical model (you either meet criteria or don’t), while HiTOP views symptoms as varying by degree.

Why is dimensional assessment considered more accurate for many mental health conditions?

Because symptoms often exist on a spectrum and overlap across traditional diagnostic boundaries.

Give an example of a dimensional trait assessed in HiTOP.

Negative emotionality (which can range from mild worry to severe anxiety or depression).

What is one benefit of dimensional assessment in treatment planning?

It helps tailor interventions to the severity and specific pattern of symptoms rather than just a label.

What kind of tools might be used in dimensional assessment?

Rating scales, questionnaires, and inventories that measure symptom intensity (e.g., Likert scales).

What is a key strength of dimensional assessment in research?

It improves reliability and allows for better identification of underlying psychological processes.

taxonomy

the classification of living things according to their evolutionary relationships

nosology

the classification of diseases, including mental disorders, according to their symptoms and causes

Unified Protocol

a transdiagnostic therapy targeting common emotional regulation difficulties.

targets emotional regulation across multiple internalizing disorders