Ch 8: Empathy

Question 1

What are the five core microskills in the Basic Listening Sequence (BLS)?

Answer 1

Questioning

Encouraging

Paraphrasing

Reflecting Feelings

Summarizing

Question 2

What is the purpose of paraphrasing in BLS?

Answer 2

To capture the cognitive essence of the client’s story and support executive functioning.

Question 3

What does reflecting feelings accomplish in a session?

Answer 3

It helps clients regulate emotions and explore emotional complexity.

Question 4

How does summarizing help both counselor and client?

Answer 4

It organizes the session, enhances executive functioning and emotional regulation, and supports the counselor’s ability to “mentalize.”

Question 5

What enhances the effectiveness of the BLS?

Answer 5

Skilled attending and observation, which help interpret both verbal and nonverbal behavior.

Question 6

True or false: attending behavior “lights up the brain”

Answer 6

True

Question 7

What is the benefit of adding a “checkout” to BLS?

Answer 7

It allows the counselor to check for accuracy in understanding the client’s message.

Question 8

What are the five stages of a well-formed counseling session?

Answer 8

Empathic Relationship

Story and Strengths

Goals

Restory

Action

Question 9

What is the goal of Stage 1 – Empathic Relationship?

Answer 9

To build trust, safety, and rapport with the client.

Question 10

What happens in Stage 2 – Story and Strengths?

Answer 10

The client shares their narrative, and the counselor identifies both concerns and personal strengths.

Question 11

What is the focus of Stage 3 – Goals?

Answer 11

Setting clear, collaborative goals that reflect what the client wants to achieve.

Question 12

What does Stage 4 – Restory involve?

Answer 12

Exploring alternative perspectives, confronting incongruities, and reshaping the client’s narrative.

Question 13

What happens during Stage 5 – Action?

Answer 13

The client takes steps toward change by applying new ideas and strategies in real life.

Question 14

How does the Five-Stage Model align with Carl Rogers’ person-centered therapy?

Answer 14

It emphasizes empathy, collaboration, and treating the client as an equal in the process.

Question 15

How does the Five-Stage Model align with Carl Rogers’ person-centered therapy?

Answer 15

It emphasizes empathy, collaboration, and treating the client as an equal in the process.

Question 16

What are the steps of the systematic decision-making model? (3)

Answer 16

Identify the problem

Generate alternatives

Decide on action

Question 17

What critical step does Benjamin Franklin’s model miss that the five-stage model includes?

Answer 17

The importance of the empathic relationship and goal setting, along with follow-up action

Question 18

What is the role of neuroscience in decision-making during therapy?

Answer 18

Decisions are influenced by emotional and cognitive networks, often made before conscious awareness.

Question 19

Decision-making involves both cognitive and emotional neural networks. How are decisions made based on this?

For example, you’re deciding whether to eat something like ice cream (knowing it’s not good for you) vs a healthier option.

Answer 19

Two neural networks are at play: one linked to the joy and pleasure of eating (emotional), and the other focused on emotional regulation and long-term health (cognitive).

The emotional network urges “yes,” while the cognitive one says “no.” However, the body often reacts before the conscious mind has a chance to decide.

Question 20

True or false: Emotional regulation and executive functioning (such as planning and problem-solving) are critical in guiding decisions

Answer 20

True

Question 21

What is the goal of the Empathic Relationship stage in decision counseling?

Answer 21

To establish or reaffirm trust, empathy, and rapport with the client. This sets the tone for a safe, collaborative space.

Question 22

How does focusing on client strengths help in decision counseling?

Answer 22

It enhances self-esteem and confidence, helping the client recognize internal resources they can use to tackle challenges.

Question 23

What should a counselor do if new information comes up during the goal-setting stage?

Answer 23

Be flexible and return to earlier stages if needed to reassess the client’s needs and adjust the goals accordingly.

Question 24

How does the counselor support decision-making in Stage 4 (Restory)?

Answer 24

By helping clients explore new neural pathways through alternative behaviors and perspectives.

Question 25

How can a counselor help a client move beyond reactive solutions?

Answer 25

By encouraging critical thinking, exploring multiple options, and challenging quick or impulsive decisions in a supportive way.

Question 26

What is emphasized in Stage 5 (Action) for real-world application?

Answer 26

Clients are encouraged to apply insights gained in session, like continuing therapy or joining an anger management class if needed.

Question 27

How can a counselor support the client’s follow-through in this stage?

Answer 27

By creating a concrete action plan, suggesting tools like journaling or role-playing, and scheduling future check-ins or supports if needed.

Question 28

What is the key takeaway from the integration of decision counseling and person-centered therapy?

Answer 28

Empathic listening and non-directive support empower clients to make their own decisions and pursue meaningful change.

Question 29

How do the Five Stages support effective decision-making in counseling?

Answer 29

They offer a structured yet flexible framework to guide clients from problem exploration to taking meaningful, self-directed action.

Question 30

What impact does chronic stress have on child development?

Answer 30

It raises cortisol, which damages brain development, affecting language, memory, and emotional regulation.

Question 31

How does chronic stress affect the brain physically? (3)

Answer 31

Amygdala enlarges (increased emotional reactivity) Hippocampus weakens (impaired memory) Executive function declines

Question 32

What differentiates moderate stress from toxic stress?

Answer 32

Moderate stress can be growth-enhancing and motivating Toxic stress from trauma/poverty causes long-term cognitive and emotional harm

Question 33

How do social systems like racism and poverty relate to stress in clients?

Answer 33

They are chronic external stressors that impair development and well-being; counselors must help clients see these as systemic, not personal failures.

Question 34

Why is multicultural competence essential in counseling?

Answer 34

Helps us to understand how environmental, cultural, and systemic factors shape a client’s struggles and coping strategies.

Question 35

What is the counselor’s role in promoting social justice?

Answer 35

Educate clients about systemic oppression, help them advocate for themselves, and support community-level change.

Question 36

What are some ways the basic microskills can help?

Answer 36

Microskills (listening, empathy, open-ended questions) are fundamental for: - Addressing stress. - Helping clients recognize how external factors (e.g., poverty, discrimination) affect them and their circumstances

Question 37

Why is note-taking important in counseling?

Answer 37

For accuracy, progress tracking, legal documentation, and meeting agency standards.

Question 38

What are best practices for taking notes during sessions? (4)

Answer 38

Ask client permission early Be clear about the purpose Take concise, focused notes Follow confidentiality laws (e.g., HIPAA)

Question 39

What is a key guideline when offering new ideas in session?

Answer 39

Avoid giving advice directly. Instead, say, “What do you think of this idea?” to encourage the client’s autonomy and reflection.