MFT Therapy Exam Prep 2026 Exam Questions & Answers (11–20)

Question 1

All the following tasks should be performed during the joining phase of structural family therapy EXCEPT:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Intervention stage. Answer: Intervention stage. The intervention stage is not part of the joining phase in structural family therapy. Mimicry, tracking, and maintenance are all recognized tasks within the joining phase of structural family therapy.

Question 2

Mark and Lisa normally decide which activities their family will participate in during weekends. Sometimes, however, they ask their children for suggestions. Every few weeks, they let the kids choose a family outing. This dynamic BEST represents:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Permeable boundaries. Answer: Permeable boundaries Permeable boundaries are relatively flexible, meaning they can change when needed (as is the case here). A diffuse boundary often refers to a lack of boundaries or no boundaries, which isn't the case. Rigid boundaries rarely, if ever, make room for exceptions (so that would be Mark and Lisa always deciding what their family should do during weekends).

Question 3

All the following are key components of solution-focused brief therapy EXCEPT:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Emphasis on exploring past traumas.. Answer: Emphasis on exploring past traumas. Solution-focused brief therapy is centered on present solutions and future goals, rather than delving into past traumas. Techniques like the miracle question and the emphasis on client strengths and resources are fundamental to this approach.

Question 4

According to Murray Bowen's Family Systems Theory, all the following represent major concepts in the theory EXCEPT:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Behavioral Conditioning. Answer: Behavioral Conditioning Behavioral conditioning is not one of the major concepts in Bowen's Family Systems Theory. The other three (Differentiation of Self, Triangles, and Emotional Cutoff) are key components of the theory.

Question 5

In the context of systemic family therapy, the term 'strength-based approach' is BEST described as:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Focusing on the family members' resources and strengths to empower them in overcoming challenges. Answer: Focusing on the family members' resources and strengths to empower them in overcoming challenges Focusing on the family members' resources and strengths to empower them in overcoming challenges is the best answer for describing a strength-based approach. A strength-based approach does NOT mean ignoring past conflicts or assuming all members have equal strengths. It also does not mean allowing family members to dictate the course of therapy entirely.

Question 6

What concept BEST defines 'family norms' within systemic therapy?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Shared expectations and behaviors among family members. Answer: Shared expectations and behaviors among family members. This is the appropriate term for family norms. Invisible rules refer to covert rules. Emotional connections denote the family bond. Communication under stress refers to family interaction.

Question 7

All the following are common approaches in couples therapy, EXCEPT:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Couples therapists strive to remain emotionally detached and uninvolved.. Answer: Couples therapists strive to remain emotionally detached and uninvolved. While remaining neutral and not taking sides is important, it is not practical or effective for couples therapists to remain emotionally detached and uninvolved. Couples therapy emphasizes active engagement and empathy to help partners navigate their relationship issues. The remaining items are accurate representations of common approaches in couples therapy, such as understanding dynamics, facilitating communication, and identifying harmful patterns.

Question 8

You are conducting family therapy with the Smith family: parents Jane and Michael, and their teenage son, Ryan. During family discussions about Ryan's academic performance, Michael often dismisses Jane's concerns by saying, "You're overreacting," and occasionally leaves the room in frustration. According to the Gottman Method, Michael is MOST LIKELY displaying which interactional pattern?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Stonewalling. Answer: Stonewalling Michael is engaging in stonewalling, as he emotionally and physically withdraws from challenging conversations. Contempt would be occurring if Michael were making comments that demeaned or attacked Jane's character. Criticism would be making a cruel comment about Jane’s behavior. Defensiveness would involve Michael failing to hear Jane or making the arguments entirely about himself and his needs.

Question 9

You are a Bowen family systems therapist working primarily with couples. You likely operate under each of the following assumptions EXCEPT:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Family members' issues are best addressed by changing their personal beliefs.. Answer: Family members' issues are best addressed by changing their personal beliefs. Changing personal beliefs is a core concept more aligned with rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) rather than Bowen family systems therapy. The remaining answers are key assumptions in Bowen family systems theory.

Question 10

Which of the following is ethically TRUE about dual relationships in therapy, EXCEPT:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Dual relationships should always be avoided under any circumstances.. Answer: Dual relationships should always be avoided under any circumstances. While dual relationships can be problematic, they are not inherently unethical. Therapists must carefully consider each situation, maintain clear boundaries, and ensure no harm to the client.

MFT Therapy Exam Prep 2026 Exam Questions & Answers (11–20)

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