National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) Practice Exam

Which therapy allows the therapist to gauge client resistance and willingness to participate in treatment?

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

2. Motivational Interviewing

3. Psychodynamic Therapy

4. Humanistic Therapy

The correct answer is: Motivational Interviewing

Motivational Interviewing is specifically designed to engage clients in a collaborative conversation about change, focusing on enhancing their motivation to decide and commit to the treatment process. This approach is characterized by its emphasis on understanding the client's perspective and addressing any ambivalence they may have towards change. Through the techniques used in Motivational Interviewing, such as open-ended questions, reflective listening, and affirming the client's feelings, therapists are better able to gauge the level of resistance and willingness of clients to participate actively in their treatment. In contrast, other therapeutic approaches have different focuses. For instance, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy primarily centers on changing maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors rather than explicitly addressing client resistance. Psychodynamic Therapy tends to explore unconscious processes and past experiences, which may not always clarify a client's immediate willingness to engage in treatment. Humanistic Therapy focuses on personal growth and self-acceptance, and while it may foster a supportive environment, it does not specifically aim to measure resistance or readiness for change in the same structured way as Motivational Interviewing does.