AMFTRB Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)

According to structural family therapy, what is the primary goal of treatment?

• ATo increase individual insight into unconscious conflicts
• BTo restructure the family organization to allow for more flexible interactions
• CTo process past trauma and emotional wounds
• DTo develop better communication skills through active listening

In Bowen family systems theory, what does the concept of "differentiation of self" refer to?

• AThe ability to separate from one's family of origin completely
• BThe capacity to maintain emotional autonomy while remaining emotionally connected to othe…
• CThe process of establishing clear boundaries between family subsystems
• DThe ability to express emotions freely without cognitive interference

A strategic family therapist asks a couple who argues frequently to deliberately schedule their arguments for specific times. This intervention is an example of:

• AReframing
• BParadoxical prescription
• CCircular questioning
• DPositive connotation

According to the family life cycle perspective, what is the primary developmental task for families with adolescents?

• AEstablishing financial stability and career development
• BIncreasing family boundaries to include children's independence
• CNegotiating a balance between autonomy and connection
• DPreparing for the empty nest transition

In experiential family therapy, the primary goal is to help family members:

• ADevelop more functional communication patterns
• BAccess and express their authentic emotions in the present moment
• CUnderstand the systemic function of symptoms
• DRestructure the family hierarchy

A narrative therapist asks a client: "When depression tries to tell you that you're worthless, what small acts of resistance have you found?" This question exemplifies which narrative therapy technique?

• AExternalization
• BDeconstruction
• CUnique outcomes
• DRe-authoring

In emotionally focused therapy (EFT) for couples, what is the primary focus of treatment?

• AResolving power imbalances in the relationship
• BIdentifying and changing negative interaction cycles and underlying attachment needs
• CDeveloping cognitive-behavioral skills for conflict resolution
• DProcessing childhood attachment wounds from the family of origin

According to cognitive-behavioral family therapy, the "cognitive triangle" refers to the interconnection between:

• AThoughts, feelings, and behaviors
• BParent, child, and therapist
• CPast, present, and future
• DIndividual, family, and community

In the context of couples therapy, "sensate focus" is a technique primarily used to address:

• ACommunication difficulties
• BSexual dysfunction and intimacy issues
• CFinancial conflicts
• DParenting disagreements

A structural family therapist observes that a mother and her 10-year-old son have a very close relationship, while the father is distant and uninvolved. The therapist would most likely describe this pattern as:

• AA dysfunctional hierarchy
• BA cross-generational coalition
• CA disengaged subsystem
• DDiffuse boundaries between the mother and child

According to solution-focused brief therapy, asking the "miracle question" is designed to:

• AIdentify the root causes of the presenting problem
• BHelp clients envision a future without the problem and identify exceptions
• CAssess family of origin dynamics
• DChallenge irrational beliefs

In Bowen family systems theory, the "nuclear family emotional system" concept suggests that:

• AMarital conflict, dysfunction in a spouse, or projection to a child are common patterns f…
• BNuclear families are healthier than extended family systems
• CEmotional problems are primarily caused by nuclear family dynamics
• DFamily members should form nuclear bonds to create stability

During an initial assessment, a therapist learns that a client has been experiencing depressed mood, loss of interest in activities, sleep disturbance, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating for the past three weeks. According to the DSM-5-TR, which diagnosis should the therapist consider?

• AMajor Depressive Disorder
• BPersistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
• CAdjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood
• DNo diagnosis, as symptoms have not lasted long enough

A 16-year-old client reports recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by self-induced vomiting, occurring approximately twice weekly for the past four months. The client's weight is within the normal range. The most appropriate diagnosis is:

• AAnorexia Nervosa, Binge/Purging type
• BBulimia Nervosa
• CBinge-Eating Disorder
• DAvoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

In a biopsychosocial assessment, which factor would be considered a "social" determinant of health?

• AFamily history of depression
• BChronic pain condition
• CLimited access to healthcare and social isolation
• DNeurotransmitter imbalance

A therapist is conducting a suicide risk assessment with a client who has expressed hopelessness. Which factor is considered the strongest predictor of suicide risk?

• APrevious suicide attempt
• BFeelings of hopelessness
• CSubstance use
• DLack of social support

The "relational diagnosis" approach in family therapy emphasizes:

• AAssigning individual DSM diagnoses to all family members
• BUnderstanding problems as existing between people rather than within individuals
• CDiagnosing the healthiest family member first
• DUsing standardized tests to assess family functioning