Psychiatric Technician Practice Exam

What therapeutic technique aims to help clients regain control over their thoughts and behaviors?

1. Cognitive-behavioral therapy

2. Supportive therapy

3. Psychoanalysis

4. Group therapy

The correct answer is: Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a therapeutic technique designed to help clients identify and challenge distorted thinking patterns and beliefs that lead to maladaptive behaviors. The primary focus of CBT is on the interconnection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, allowing individuals to develop strategies for managing their symptoms effectively. By examining and restructuring negative thought patterns, clients can regain control over their thoughts and behaviors, fostering healthier coping mechanisms. This approach empowers individuals to take an active role in their recovery, equipping them with tools to address challenges they may face in daily life. The structured nature of CBT often includes setting specific goals and engaging in practical exercises, further enhancing the client's ability to influence their mental health positively. Supportive therapy, psychoanalysis, and group therapy may provide various benefits, but they do not specifically target the cognitive processes involved in controlling thoughts and behaviors to the same extent as CBT does. Supportive therapy focuses on providing emotional support, psychoanalysis delves into unconscious processes and past experiences, while group therapy emphasizes interpersonal dynamics within a group setting. Each of these approaches has its value, yet they do not primarily intend to empower clients in the way CBT does.