AMFTRB MFT National Exam flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Circular causality

A systemic view in which family members' behaviors continuously influence one another in reciprocal loops, so symptoms are maintained by interaction patterns rather than caused by one person.

Differentiation of self

Bowen's concept describing the ability to balance emotional connection with family while maintaining independent thinking and self-directed functioning under stress.

Triangulation

Bowen's term for reducing dyadic tension by drawing a third person into the conflict, stabilizing the system while displacing anxiety onto the third party.

Identified patient

The family member carrying the presenting symptom; systemic therapists view the symptom as serving a function within the larger family system.

Enmeshment

Minuchin's term for diffuse boundaries in which members are overly involved and autonomous functioning is limited, reducing individual differentiation and privacy.

Miracle question

A solution-focused technique asking clients to describe how life would differ if the problem vanished overnight, eliciting concrete goals and preferred outcomes.

Externalizing the problem

A narrative therapy technique that separates the person from the problem, allowing family members to unite against the problem rather than blame one another.

Enactment

A structural technique in which the therapist asks family members to interact in session directly, allowing observation and restructuring of problematic transactions.

Genogram

A multigenerational diagram mapping family structure, relationships, and medical or mental health history across at least three generations to reveal patterns.

Differential diagnosis

The process of distinguishing a disorder from other conditions with overlapping symptoms, including medical illness and substance effects, before assigning a diagnosis.

Cultural formulation interview

A DSM-5-TR tool exploring cultural identity, explanations of distress, stressors, and the clinician-client relationship to improve culturally valid assessment.

CAGE screening

A four-item screen for alcohol problems: Cut down, Annoyed by criticism, Guilty about drinking, and Eye-opener morning drinking.

WHODAS 2.0

The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule used in DSM-5-TR to rate functioning across domains, replacing the former Global Assessment of Functioning.

Z codes

DSM-5-TR codes for psychosocial and relational problems that are not mental disorders but may be a focus of clinical attention.

Suicide risk assessment

A structured inquiry documenting ideation, plan, intent, means access, protective factors, and a safety plan; no single instrument reliably predicts suicide.

Behavioral treatment goals

Goals written in observable, measurable terms specifying target behaviors, conditions, and criteria so progress can be evaluated objectively during treatment.

Emotionally focused therapy

An attachment-based couple model that de-escalates negative interaction cycles and restructures bonding through accessing underlying emotions and needs.

OARS

Motivational interviewing microskills: open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries, used to evoke and reinforce client change talk.

Relapse prevention plan

A collaboratively written plan identifying high-risk situations, early warning signs, coping strategies, and supports to maintain treatment gains after discharge.

Triadic alliance

In couple therapy, the therapist manages the working alliance with both partners simultaneously, avoiding coalitions and addressing split alliances openly.

Reframing

A technique that relabels a behavior or situation in a new, equally valid frame that shifts meaning and opens alternative responses.

Duty to protect

A legal obligation, rooted in Tarasoff, to take reasonable steps such as warning or hospitalization when a client threatens identifiable third parties.

Informed consent

The documented process of disclosing treatment nature, risks, benefits, fees, and confidentiality limits before services begin, with client agreement to proceed.

Multiple relationship

A situation in which a therapist holds another significant role with a client or related person, creating risk of impaired objectivity or exploitation.

Mandated reporting

A legal requirement to report suspected child or elder abuse or neglect to designated authorities, overriding confidentiality and protecting good-faith reporters.

HIPAA Privacy Rule

Federal regulation governing protected health information, setting standards for use, disclosure, client access, and required safeguards in treatment records.

Boundary crossing

A departure from standard professional practice that may be clinically justified; it requires documented rationale and monitoring for harm or exploitation.

Supervisory working alliance

The relational agreement between supervisor and supervisee on goals, tasks, and emotional bond, which predicts supervision satisfaction and supervisee development.

Gatekeeping function

The supervisor's responsibility to evaluate supervisee competence and fitness, protecting clients and the profession by documenting concerns and remediation needs.

Parallel process

A phenomenon in which supervisee dynamics in supervision mirror client dynamics in therapy, offering diagnostic information about the clinical relationship.

Consultation versus supervision

Consultation offers expert advice without evaluative authority or legal responsibility for cases, whereas supervision carries evaluation, oversight, and liability.

Continuing education requirements

State-mandated hours of approved training required for license renewal, often including specified hours in ethics, law, or cultural competence.