Complete set Flashcards
You are doing a WISC with an 8-year old and the child gets half way through it in 90 minutes and is becoming increasingly fidgety and restless. What is the next step?
a) Stop the assessment and pro-rater the remaining results.
b) Give a 10 minute break and resume administration.
c) Abandon the assessment.
d) Stop after finishing the current sub-test and complete at another time within the week.
e) Reschedule whole assessment for another time.
d) Stop after finishing the current sub-test and complete at another time within the week.
You are presenting anxiety to a community group. Group does not know anything about anxiety and are eager to learn about tmt options, what’s the most important thing to do?
a.) Present DSM 5 criteria for anxiety disorders and then talk about tmt
b.) Present up to date research on tmt of anxiety
c.) Present meta-analysis for the efficacy of interventions for anxiety
d.) lnstruct them on how to find online resources for anxiety tmt.
a.) Present DSM 5 criteria for anxiety disorders and then talk about tmt
They want honesty but is this the first thing they want? (This answer is being debated, and no clear answer)
You have just finished psyc degree, and recently received rego. You are referred a client and he asks about qualifications and experience. What is the first thing you should say?
A. Please be assured that I have suffic.ient knowledge
B. I have recently graduated and got my rego
C. I am not answering
D. It seems as though my qualifications are important to you
E. Don’t answer and refer on
B. I have recently graduated and got my rego
They want honesty but is this the first thing they want? (This answer is being debated, and no clear answer)
Father of client asks you what your sexual orientation is, how should you respond?
A. Please be assured that I have sufficient knowledge
B. Why is this important for you to know?
C. I am not answering
D. It seems as though my sexual orientation is important to you
E. Don’t nswer and refer on
D. It seems as though my sexual orientation is important to you
A psychologist has written an assessment report for a student, who has requested extra time in exams. The student calls the psychologist angry about the findings as he thinks this will impact future employment prospects. Which measures can the psyc take to ensure feedback session is productive?
A. Anticipate questions that may be asked
B. Re-write report in more simple language
C. Offer assistance to prep for future exams
D. Refer to colleague for feedback session
E. Keep session short and simple
A. Anticipate questions that may be asked
6yo attends first consult, with parents. When you great him, boy leans against father and does not make eye contact. Inside room, boy asks to be picked up by dad and mum chastises him for being a baby. What is the first step to engage the family?
A. Seek to engage child independently of parents
B. Ask the mother why she thinks he is a baby
C. Ask parents of kids strengths
D. Reassure parents the session is relaxed
E. Leave child with receptionist and engage parents
C. Ask parents of kids strengths
This would engage parents, and build the child’s confidence. You don’t want to parents to be negative in front of the kid, this is very destructive.
A psyc working in a high school is referred a 13yo with decline in functioning, reduced school performance despite previously good reports. The school teach wants a report to understand how to help her. Difficulty making friends, and concerned with appearance. What is the most important thing to include in the report, to improve performance?
A. Strategies that focus on strengths and weaknesses
B. Strategies that help to improve social interactions
C. Strategies that explain why client is having difficulties
D. Strategies to improve academic performance
E. Strategies that focus on peers increasing support
D. Strategies to improve academic performance
Answer the referral question, the teacher wants to know how to help her improve her performance.
A psyc in private prac is cleaning out office, she is trying to decide what records she can shred. What rule must she follow in determining what records to shred?
A. All records permanently remained as they belong to the clients
B. Keep for 10 years
C. Records of children under 18 must be kept for at least 7 years
D. Records maintained until children under 18 are 25
E. Contact clients and ask permission to destroy
D. Records maintained until children under 18 are 25
A psyc is asked by a school to complete an assessment to access further external funding.
Assess and diagnoses with condition that doesn’t give funding. The principle asks psyc to reconsider in line with funding eligibility. Most appropriate response?
A. The psychologist recommends principle gets second opinion
B. Offer reassessment in 12 months
C. Explain impact of misdiagnosis
D. Amend diagnosis
E. Arrange for peer review of assessment and diagnosis
C. Explain impact of misdiagnosis
A psyc is writing a report on a client they have assess over several weeks. In peer review it’s discussed how background info can be helpful. What is the most important consideration when including background information in a report?
A. Only include info the client has given permission to release
B. Detailed report of upbringing
C. Summarise the relevant and factual info about client
D. Integrate critical info throughout report
E. Only include info that is corroborated by several sources
C. Summarise the relevant and factual info about client
A male psyc is asked to review a 30 yo married female client from Afghanistan for dep and marital difficulties. Good grasp of English and has completed first session without interpreter, and sets goals. Next session, husband asks to be present and wife nods in agreement. What is the first initial step?
A. Proceed with treatment session with husband and wife
B. Meet with each separately to discuss concerns
C. Decline husbands request and continue with wife
D. Discuss with wife alone what she wants
E. Reschedule when interpreter can be present
D. Discuss with wife alone what she wants
You don’t know what she wants you to disclose in front of her husband. You need to get verbal consent and discuss limits.
A psychologist is seeing a 20yo male client for stress, as part of treatment the psyc suggests relaxation. The client comments that he has tried relaxation tapes, and found them to be ineffective. What would be the best response to clients comments?
A. Explore how the client used the tapes and what problems occurred
B. Emphasise the difference between tapes and relaxation training
C. Suggest the client be more open minded
D. Dismiss the use of relaxation as it has not worked
E. Suggest client get an iphone
A. Explore how the client used the tapes and what problems occurred
Soft landing, respond to difficulties.
A psyc runs a social skills group therapy program. A local GP refers a lot of clients. The psyc finds a lot of these clients are suitable. What should the psychologist do?
A. Contact the GP to discuss inclusion criteria for program
B. Decline with letter to GP for each client, and also to each client
C. Refer the gps clients to another social skills program
D. Stop the current group therapy program
E. Broaden the scope of the group to accommodate referrals
B. Decline with letter to GP for each client, and also to each client
I think I got one of these answers wrong? The board wants B, but we would do A in practice
A GP refers a 68 yo client to psyc for insomnia, the client reports recent history of difficulties falling asleep. Saw neurologist last week. Writes treatment plan and send to GP and neuro. Why?
A. Requirement of APS code of ethics
B. Expectation of medicare reporting
C. Best interest of client
D. To maintain relationship with referer
C. Best interest of client
Always choose the answer that is in line with clients best interest
- A psyc works in large company and recently completed an evaluation of management change procedures. Submits reports with recommendations to exec team. The board asks psyc to disseminate plan to all levels of company. What is the most important thing to consider?
A. Diff communication method
B. Communication plan budget
C. Communication timeline
D. Content to be included
E. Intended audience
E. Intended audience
Always consider the audience, as this tells you what to write
A psyc has been treating a client who has been injured at work, and is now receiving payments. The work asks for a report which needs to include lots. Pain and depression. Worker shows abnormal illness behaviour. What should the psyc leave out of the report?
A. Diagnosis not relevant to injury
B. Raw scores of tests
C. Treatment plan and progress
D. Observation of abnormal behaviour
E. Clinical observation of behaviour
B. Raw scores of tests
Male client is referred to female psyc for chronic pain due to work injury. Client is Arabic and wants to return to work asap. No eye contact and brief responses. Regular attendance. What is most likely explanation?
A. The client’s pain is reducing capacity to engage in therapy
B. The clients work injury has impacted comprehension
C. Motivation to change is low
D. The clients depressed mood is impairing mental state
E. The clients behaviour is influenced by culture
E. The clients behaviour is influenced by culture
An 18 yo female in first year uni, referred to male for social anxiety. She is wearing a full burka and asks for mother to attend. Is this appropriate?
A. No due to privacy and confidentiality
B. Yes, as it assists with info gathering
C. Yes, since the situation requires a female psyc
D. yes , due to clients identified cultural issues
E. No is may compromise therapeutic alliance
D. yes , due to clients identified cultural issues
Controversial, but think like the board.
Man, PTSD/anxiety no experience but no referral options
A psycho ed
B research on evidence based treatment and follow a treatment guide
C supervision
D be honest, get consent and then get supervision
E refer on (if not in a rural setting
D be honest, get consent and then get supervision
When to refer, and when not to refer? Different for rural communities
Reporting others
Client with MDD, psychiatrist prescribes medication, and previous psyc recommended cease medication and seek alternative therapies
A research alternative medication to determine
B Discuss with GP
C discuss with Psychiatrist
D Do nothing
E Report to the board
E Report to the board
When determining to report consider inappropriate behaviour (sex with clients), practicing while impaired (drunk, on drugs, unwell) or when someone is practicing beyond the realm of evidence based therapies (crystals, selling things)
Previous psych told client to stop taking naturopathic medications (salt)
A ask if medication was helpful
B tell clint to talk to previous psych
C research the evidence
D notify the board
D notify the board
Don’t investigate, it’s not your job
Never tell a client to stop taking medications
New client, previous psych made sexual advances
A contact psyc
B.encourage client to report the psychologist - more powerful then second hand report
C Do nothing
D Talk to psychologist colleagues to corroborate
B. encourage client to report the psychologist - more powerful then second hand report
If client doesn’t want to report
A contact psyc
B try to corroborate
C respect decision and focus on the trauma
D explain to client that you have to report - wellbeing of community trumps the wellbeing of the client
D explain to client that you have to report - wellbeing of community trumps the wellbeing of the client
Peer review, colleague tells you they haven’t done their PD
A report to the board
B document in supervision record
C advise the colleague to contact board
D discuss reasons for not completing cpd
E suggest that the colleague makes up the points this year
C advise the colleague to contact board
Colleague unwell in the morning, and waking in strange places. You suspect that he is abusing alcohol
A Discuss with APS ethics officer
B Suggest to him that he is impaired and needs a break
C do nothing
D make a mandatory notification
D make a mandatory notification
A colleague has lost a family member in a car accident, world looks grey and cancelling clients at short notice
A be mindful, advise it was not her fault of the accident
B offer to provide grief counselling
C refer to another psychologist that specialises in grief - only refer is someone asks to be referred
D Discuss her ability to practice - protect the public
E respect that she can look after herself
D Discuss her ability to practice - protect the public
Colleague has brain tumour, which is affecting cognitive function and memory, and she is going to practice part time while waiting for surgery
A determine whether the colleague has a professional will
B contact the insurance company to determine when she has insurance
C determine recovery plans
D determine what support she has and needs
E report to the board
E report to the board
Multi disciplinary practice, and colleague spends long time in appt, then says he has begun dating this client
A report
B talk to a senior psychologist about concerns - good option if not as clear cut/sexual
C Inform him he is being reported for misconduct
A report
Colleague gets drunk and says it is the only way he can relax, no evidence that his work is impaired
A report
B change supervision
C Self care
D Discuss work and performance with him
E alcohol free supervision
C Self care
Multiple clients
Seen an elderly man for a while for MDD, then he rings and requests assessment for his wife. What is the most appropriate cause of action?
A Accept the referral, and do WMS, and proceed with treatment recommendations
B Say you can’t see due to conflict of interest and refer
C Do a short memory screen, and then refer to a neurologist (this is the GP’s job)
B Say you can’t see due to conflict of interest and refer
You have completed therapy, and they have improved. They are grateful. Months later, you see the client at a coffee shop, and the client invites you to sit with them for a coffee
A decline and suggest follow up session
B thank the but decline and wish well
C accept invitation and have a quick coffee
B thank the client but decline and wish well
you’re in a rural area and the only psych in the area. Client comes with PTSD and you don’t have experience .
A psychoeducation to client
B to research of ptsd
C find a supervisor who knows PTSD and can guide you
D tell the client that you’re not experienced in this area and if the client consents then continue with supervision
E refer to someone who has expertise
D tell the client that you’re not experienced in this area and if the client consents then continue with supervision
The board wants you to let the client know and get supervision (which encompasses question C).
However, if they don’t clarify you’re in a rural area e.g. client comes with LGBT issues
refer client to someone who has expertise in that area. However, if there’s any risk, you do a risk assessment with the client in the first session and then refer them on to an expert psych of the area.
ou see a client you diagnose with MDD. The client tells you that their psychiatrist prescribed them some meds. There previous psychologist recommended that she stop taking meds and try some alternative therapy.
a. Research alternative therapy
b. Discuss with GP
c. Discuss this case with the psychiatrist
d. Do nothing
e. Report the previous psych to the board
e. Report the previous psych to the board
there are three major areas that make you a mandatory reporter!!!:
1. Inappropriate behaviour with a client (e.g. sex)
2. Practicing while impaired e.g. drunk or on drugs, mentally or physically
3. When someone is practicing beyond the realm of accepted evidence based the
You see a client for chronic pain, and the client tells you that her previous psych recommended naturopathic meds and sold her some of these meds she had in her practice. What do you do in that case?
a. Ask client if meds were helpful
b. Tell client to talk to previous psych
c. Research the evidence of maturopathic meds
d. Notify the boards of the other psyc recommendations
d. Notify the boards of the other psyc recommendations
- Sometimes they give you the option to research or investigate this is not your job, this is the board’s job to investigate. It’s about protecting your little client.
- Note: you cant ever tell a client to stop taking medication, ever!
You see a client for the first time and they tell you that their previous therapist made sexual advances towards her, what’s you best next stop?
a. Contact the previous psych to disucss this
b. Encourage the client to report
c. Do nothing
d. Try to talk to the psych’s colleagues to try and confirm these accusations.
b. Encourage the client to report
Help them to report to the board themselves as this will be first hand knowledge and is always better than 2nd hand knowledge.
If the client is too embarrassed the best option is to: encourage the client to report to the board. Now in the example that the client doesn’t want to report: then you report! i.e. explain to the client that you have to report this psychologist. Here the wellbeing of the community trumps the wellbeing/ respect of the client.
A colleague discloses that they haven’t completed their PD. What is the most approproiate response:
a. Report to psych boa rd of aus
b. Document the colleagues disclosure
c. Advise the colleague to contact the psych board of aus
d. Discuss with the colleague his reasons for not completing his CPD
e. Suggest that the colleague makes up his CPD points this year.
c. Advise the colleague to contact the psych board of aus
Your colleague tells you that he has been feeling unwell in the mornings and has been delaying his start time in the morning. He says he finds himself waking up in strange places. You suspect that he is abusing alcohol. What do you do?
a. Discuss with APS officer
b. Suggest to him that he may be impaired and should take a break
c. Do nothing
d. Make a mandatory report.
d. Make a mandatory report.
A colleague has lost a family member in a car accident. She said everything is very grey and she is cancelling clients.
a. Be mindful and remind her that the accident was not her fault
b. Offer to provide grief counselling
c. Refer to another psych that specialises in grief counselling
d. Discuss with her, her ability to practice with a psych
e. Respect that she can look after herself
d. Discuss with her, her ability to practice with a psych
- She hasn’t asked you for a referral, so you don’t just refer people if they don’t ask. You can’t assume anything here.
You find out that a colleague of yours has a brain tumour and it is effecting her functioning+ memory was impaired. She said that she has decided to have a part time practice while she is waiting for her surgery. What do you do?
a. Determine whether she has a professional will?
b. Contact the insurance company to determine if she has health insurance
c. Find out what her plans are for her recovery
d. Find out what supports she has and how you can support her better
e. Report the practitioner to the board.
e. Report the practitioner to the board.
- Sounds heartless, but yes It’s E. if they want you to report, that will tell you enough so you know shes impaired
In a multi-disciplinary practice a psych is talking to his client for a long time. He says he has started taking this client out. What do you do?
a. Report to board
b. Talk to senior psychologist about your concerns
c. Inform him that you’re reporting him
a. Report to board
If they give you a scenario and you are not sure if it is a mandatory report, then go with talk to a senior psych with your concerns. that’s usually a good answer to choose. But in this case A It is a mandatory report©
A group of psychs meet at a restaurant after hours for supervision. At the meeting one colleague gets drunk and says it’s the only way he can relax. What’s your next step?
a. Mandatory report to board
b. Change supervision time to be during work hours
c. Discuss self-care strategies and raise your concerns with him.
d. Check in with him the next day and see if his work and performance have been affected
e. Discuss alcohol free supervision.
c. Discuss self-care strategies and raise your concerns with him.
- Remember you’re not the investigator!!!! It’s not your job to check if someone’s work is impaired. So you should go with discuss self care strategies with him! It’s not a mandatory report yet, you don’ have evidence that his report is impaired yet
You’re seeing a man for treatment of depression. You finish tmt with him and then he rings you after a few months for an assessment for his wife. He says his wife is having some memory problems. What’s the most appropriate next step?
a. Accept referral and administer a WHIMS and proceed with recommendations
b. Decline because the husband has been your client and refer her somewhere else
c. Do a short memory screen with her and refer her to a neurologist.
b. Decline because the husband has been your client and refer her somewhere else
*there’s nothing in the code that says you cant see two members of the same family (but in reality most people don’t). in this case, the board wants you to say you’ll decline and refer them out. This response prevents any possible conflict of interest.
You have completed therapy with a client, they have improved and feel grateful. Months later you bump into them at a coffee shop, your client invites you to have a quick coffee with them.
a. Decline politely and say you can have a follow up session.
b. Decline invitation and wish them well.
c. Accept invite
b. Decline invitation and wish them well.
- Suggesting a follow up, suggests you are trying to get money from them and you can’ t assume that they need a follow up session. It doesn’t mean that they need a follow up session! if you picked a, you’re assuming that they need a follow up, and are suggesting that you want them to come see you and pay you. For the board that is a no, no! :P don’t assume they need a follow up session!
Your neighbours ask if you will see their son urgently. He is a young man, who has been spending more time alone in his room, and recently pushed his mum down a flight of stairs. What is the most appropriate thing to do?
A. Refer to another psyc
B. Police
C. Ambulance
D. Group parenting program
E. Kick son out
A. Refer to another psych
A female psychologist, is working with a women who has difficulty maintaining employment in private practice. The client is a single lesbian, and propositions the psychologist. What is the most appropriate next step?
A. Acknowledge the clients behaviour and counsel her about her sexuality
B. Discuss proposition and discuss social queues
C. Discuss importance of strong therapeutic alliance -
D. Be neutral and continue treatment - Doesn’t make sense
E. Thank client for compliment and clarify needs?
E. Thank client for compliment and clarify needs?
E is the best option, but doesn’t sound completely right.
(What even are appropriate sexual queues?)
does this address the boundary violation?
A psychologist has treated a clint with suicidal thoughts, the client was unable to work for 12 months. The client has tested and scored within the normal range, after therapy and has returned to work. The employer contacts the psychologist, and requests information. What is the most appropriate next step?
A. Call the client and inform of request from employer
B. Ask employer to discuss with client
C. Contact the client and discuss breach of privacy - The employer is not bound by confidentiality laws, as we are
D. Send confidentiality form to the employer
A. Call the client and inform of request from employer
You have been working with a client, who has suicidal thoughts and past attempts. He comes from a family where other members are suicidal. Your treatment is successful, and at the end of treatment the client scores within the normal range, and demonstrates no risk of suicide. After a few months you receive a request from an employer with consent from the client requesting a report, as the client is due for a promotion. When you write the report, are you supposed to include suicidal risk?
A. Yes, as previous suicide attempts can predict future suicide attempts
B. No, as the client was doing well at termination of treatment - Although this is a good reason, it is not the main reason. The fact that he was doing well at the end, does not mean that they won’t return.
C. No, as you need to discuss consequences of this with the client
D. No, as the report is for promotion
C. No, as you need to discuss consequences of this with the client
You need to discuss this with your client, you can still omit certain information with your clients consent.
A female swimmer has come to see a psychologist due to depression symptoms. The client is very concerned with being associated with mental illness, and does not want anyone to know she is attending. She asks about the necessity of record keeping. What is the most appropriate thing for the psychologist to do?
A. The psychologist should keep notes but de identify - This is not legal
B. The psychologist should keep a diary for reporting purposes
C. The psychologist should keep a full record
C. The psychologist should keep a full record
Case notes must have name, DOB and address of the client. Clients have the right to anonymity, b t not in their records. If your notes get subpoenaed, there is no way you can provide notes if they are de identified. Your notes are legal records, and should be kept in a locked filing cabinet. How are you going to keep your community safe, if you do not know their name. You could not report, or assess risk appropriately.
A psych begins seeing a client for supportive client, after initial assessment and information gathering the psychologist decides to begin with specific intervention strategy. Which of the following option outlines the most appropriate issue to discuss with the client, to obtain informed consent.
A. The client’s obligation to inform the psych about ability to attend
B. Expectations about the clients behaviour and motivation to change
C. The number of treatment sessions needed to be successful
D. Information about success rates
E. Any possible negative outcomes from the recommended treatment
E. Any possible negative outcomes from the recommended treatment
Your client needs to be informed of negative outcomes, ie exposure or EMDR
An adult with mild ID, is referred to a psyc. He works part time and lives with his parents. His parents are his legal guardians and he makes decisions independently. He wants privacy and his parents want detailed information about the sessions. What does the psychologist need to consider?
A. The parents right to the relevant information
B. The parents reasons for wanting information
C. The clients right to self determination
D. How much the ID impacts competency to understand information
C. he clients right to self determination
A man is referred to a psych for chronic pain, resulting from a workplace injury. The man is angry with treatment and the claims manager from the company. The psych receives a call from the claims manager saying she has received a threat, and that he reportedly knows where she lives (I know where you live, and you better watch out). The claims manager does not want you to tell anyone about this threat. What is the most appropriate next course of action?
A. Discuss threat with the client
B. Comply with the CM request and maintain confidentiality
C. Invite both parties to a joint session to discuss threat
D. Advise the claims manager that this must be reported to her manager
E. Provide the CM with appropriate strategies
D. Advise the claims manager that this must be reported to her manager
This is probably enough for the company to contact the police. This client may be dangerous. Risk of harm\verrides confidentiality. Therefore, confidentiality does not matter in this case.
A psych is asked to provide an assessment for workplace cover. The client reports anxiety, and long-term discrimination. The client is trained in the use of explosives. And is going to give back to those who have harmed him. What is the most appropriate next course of action?
A. Contact the clients GP
B. Contact the clients family
C. Contact the clients employer
D. Contact the clients local mental health team
E. Contact the Police
E. Contact the Police
You are seeing a male client due to aggression. He was recently discharged, due to violent behaviour towards his partner. He tells you he is angry at partner for reporting to police, and therefore, he is planning revenge. What is the most appropriate next course of action?
A. Work with client on anger issues
B. Tell client you need to report him to the police
C. Inform partner
D. Continue treatment plan as usual
B. Tell client you need to report him to the police
You are seeing a client who is depressed, and he tells you he has firearms at home. What is the most appropriate next course of action?
A. Report to the police that the client is depressed and has firearms
B. Talk to GP
C. Make an assessment of risk, and then if high report to police
D. Continue treatment as usual
E. Talk to his partner about risk
C. Make an assessment of risk, and then if high report to police
You are supervising a provisional psychologist, he says he was invited on a date by a client who is sexually attracted to him. He also says he is sexually attracted to this client. What is the most appropriate next course of action?
A. Report to board
B. Discuss countertransference
C. Recommend he refers on - This is the most neutral
D. Tell him to write about his feelings in his session notes
C. Recommend he refers on - This is the most neutral
You may explore countertransference, but only if you are working within psychodynamic models, and many don’t do this.
You are working as a supervisor, and walk into a room and see notes on a table from your supervisee. What is the most appropriate next course of action?
A. Call a meeting
B. Call the board and report
C. Call your supervisee, and discuss importance of confidentiality
D. Move the notes to the cabinet, and do not mention anything
E. Call the university because of the prov’s behaviour
C. Call your supervisee, and discuss importance of confidentiality
If this was a repeated offence, this is potentially reportable. If they are part of a uni placement, you report to\the uni first, then the board.
You a referred a mother with a mood disorder, and she is struggling to take care of her son. Her mother is helping with his care. What are the limits of confidentiality in this case?
A. There are no limits
B. Limits of confidentiality are the psychologists obligation to protect the child, which can override treatment confidentiality
C. Report mother to child protection
D. Limits of confidentiality are connected to clients consent
B. Limits of confidentiality are the psychologists obligation to protect the child, which can override treatment confidentiality
You don’t necessarily need to report, but you need to ensure the wellbeing of the child and this can override confidentiality.
If a psychologist has not been practicing for 5 years and decides to come back. Who do they need to talk to?
A. AHPRA -
B. APS
C. Psychology board to Australia
A. AHPRA - second choice
C. Psychology board to Australia - first choice
What do you not include in advertising?
A. Testimonials
You are attending peer consultation to maintain PD. You present for 40 minutes on a case, and then there is a 20 min group discussion. How do you record this? Including peer consultation and CPD hours.
A. Record 40 mins of peer consultation, and the other record 20 minutes of general CPD
B. You record an hour of general of CPD, and the others an hour of peer consultation
C. You all record an 40 mins of general CPD, and 20 mins of PC
D. You all record an hour of PC
E. You record an hour of peer consultation, and the others an hour of CPD
E. You record an hour of peer consultation, and the others an hour of CPD
Peer consultation is when you or your peers are discussing your case. When you are discussing other people’s cases, that is CPD because you are learning. However it is not peer consultation, as you are not the one consulting.
Your cases = PEER, others cases = CPD
You are doing a WISC with an 8 year old, and the child gets halfway through in 90 (You should be able to do this whole test within 90 minutes) minutes. The child is becoming more fidgety and restless. What is the most appropriate next course of action?
A. Stop the assessment, and pro-rata (calculate indexes based on subtests you have done, this is possible but not as reliable) the remaining results
B. Give ten minute break and resume - this only helps when the child is still alert but just needs a moment
C. Abandon assessment because it is impossible
D. Stop after finishing subtest, and resume within a week
E. Reschedule assessment for another time
D. Stop after finishing subtest, and resume within a week
Psychologist administers a WISC to 12 year old. Child has full scale of 98, index scores range from 62 in verbal comprehension to 134 for visual spatial reasoning. The psych determines that this is reliable and valid. What is the most appropriate next course of action, when interpreting performance?
A. Emphasise that the full size IQ is average
B. Emp asise inferior processing score
C. Emphasise clients weaknesses in comprehension
D. Emphasise verbal comprehension score
E. Emphasise the range of scores
E. Emphasise the range of scores
In the past, if the difference is more than 23 points, and you can not interpret FSIQ. In this case you should still report FSIQ as this is still helpful, however, with differences such as these you would not emphasise the FSIQ in the average range, you would focus on the range.
GAi - generalised ability index. A cognitive index that does not include processing speed or working memory. This has never been asked about before.
A female psychologist is referred a 90 year old man, who has been remanded in custody for assault. The court has requested an assessment for cognitive capacity. There was outside noise and he complained of being hungry. The man’s scores were very low. What does the psychologist need to consider?
A. If being female was appropriate
B. Whether the scores will help the legal case
C. If he was impacted by noise and hunger
D. What additional assessment are required to help the man
C. If he was impacted by noise and hunger
8 year old boy, migrated 6 years ago. Referred to psych due to poor school work. Speaks fluent english. The psych did wisc and he has FSIQ of 105, and no sig differences between scores.
What would explain his school difficulties?
A. English skills mask difficulties
B. His past refugee status
C. There is a deficiency in schools methods of assessments
D. A non verbal IQ assessment is required (only required if language was not fluent or in Aus for less than 3 years)
E. Difficulties are unlikely due to cognitive factors
E. Difficulties are unlikely due to cognitive factors
Now your job is to determine why he is struggling so much if his IQ is average.
A psych administers WAIS to 21 year old male for centrelink. The client has struggled to enter workforce, but had average performance at school and the FSIQ is 70. What is the most appropriate next course of action?
A. Inform client he has borderline functioning
B. Examine the scores and percentiles for each of the index scales
C. Arrange to complete further testing of executive functioning
D. Use another measure of IQ to test reliability
B. Examine the scores and percentiles for each of the index scales
After you score, you need to follow a certain order for interpretation. You start with FSIQ, then you look at each index score, and then percentiles. Looking at significant scores/differences in the indexes. Then you interpret profile, focusing on strengths and weaknesses to determine appropriate conclusions and recommendations. Don’t be dodgy, still look at subtests. Therefore, you can’t inform the client of strengths/weaknesses without actually understanding the intricacies of the test. You need this information to determine what next tests are appropriate.\
A client arrives by taxi to his first session, he tells the psyc that he was in a serious car accident 6 months ago, and has been unable to drive since then. Serious injuries, friend died, intrusive memories and nightmares. Diagnoses PTSD, and used trauma focused CBT. What is the most appropriate step?
A. imaginal exposure
B. Psychoeducation linking trauma to current problems
C. Relaxation strategies
D. Grief counselling for the loss of his friend
E. Counsel him around his use of Taxi’s
B. Psychoeducation linking trauma to current problems
The next step, should always be a ‘soft landing’ or socialisation to treatment (psychoeducation). You can then move to exposure etc.
A psych is working in a large organisation, and is asked to participate in a group exercise, selecting participants for a particular work role. The candidates have done aptitude testing, and are now doing a group exercise where they will be observed against a set of behavioural criteria. How should the psychologist should rate the candidates performance?
A Observation problem solving
B. Observe communication
C. Observe team building skills
D. Observe how they display target behaviour _
E. Observe how candidates respond to certain questions
D. Observe how they display target behaviour
40 year old referred following panic attacks, the panic attacks coincided with driving with thunderstorms. Client is gradually more afraid of driving, and is now scared of going to work. Psyc starts CBT, and includes homework. When would be the best time to introduce homework?
A. The need for homework is explained in second session
B. The need for homework is when the client is motivated
C. The need is explained when relaxation training is introduced
D. The need for homework starts with treatment planning
D. The need for homework starts with treatment planning
20, female, self refers, for anorexia. She reports prescriptive eating dieting, and has lost 10kg, she reports BMI is 15, and reports she is often unable to complete a full day at work. Psyc completes assessment, and then formulates plan. What is the most important treatment priority?
A. Social support
B. Call the client’s employer to discuss reducing her hours
C. Obtain consent to discuss medical review with GP
D. Discuss referral to dietician to address weight loss
E. Discuss with client the need to have regular meal times
C. Obtain consent to discuss medical review with GP
BMI is 15 (very low), lost 10kg very quickly, she could have a heart attack at any moment, have a seizure, have organs shut down. She needs to be seeing her GP once a week while her BMI is so low. She may need to go to hospital.
Maudsley - best results with kids up to 13. If under 18 you would do family therapy, but this also has better outcomes with younger adults.
A psyc is treating 20 women for dep. Previously socially active and has many friends. Psyc decides on behavioural activation. What is the most important thing for the psyc to consider when making a BA plan?
A. Identify an achievable schedule of activities
B. Making sure that the client has a full weekly plan
C. Planning explicit rewards for specific goals
D. Consequence for non compliance
E. Prepare client with regular relaxation
A. Identify an achievable schedule of activities
Focus on what they used to do, it is not the time to innovate.
A psyc is treating someone with adjustment disorder following marital separation, and commences using PMR. Which of the following option would be the most effective method to teach PMR?
A. Vary the muscle groups according to the needs of the client
B. Start with smaller muscles and mover to larger muscle groups
C. Focus on large muscle groups for best outcomes
D. Focus on small muscle groups if client experiences discomfort
E. Start large and progress to small
B. Start with smaller muscles and mover to larger muscle groups
You are treating a client with CBT the client has panic disorder, and reports a number of symptoms including breathlessness, dizziness, and rapid heartbeat etc. The client reports sig fear of having a stroke. The attacks occur when the client is alone. You decide to under panic symptoms reduction using a hyperventilation provocation test. What client belief is challenged by this test?
A. The panic attacks are caused by negative thinking
B. The panic attack symptoms are threatening
C. The symptoms are caused by hyperventilation
D. The panic attacks only occur when the client is alone
E. The panic attacks are predictable
B. The panic attack symptoms are threatening
Hyperventilation provocation test - you bring on the symptoms, and that they aren’t dangerous. Anyone could have these symptoms, and these are similar to fear.
A psyc contracts with a depressed client to provide time limited 12 session treatment using IPT. As this approaches, the psyc understands this will need to be extended. What is the most important consideration when extending IPT treatment?
A. There is sufficient time to consider past experiences of loss
B. Transference is fully dealt with within the time frame
C. You do not need to extend for a second time
D. That the focus remains on the current symptoms and problems
E. Past experiences of loss do not overwhelm the sessions
D. That the focus remains on the current symptoms and problems
15, female, and family referred for systems orientated support for eating disorder. Family described as ‘overly close’ by GP, with an enmeshed relationship between mother and daughter. How should the psyc address the enmeshed relationship between the mother and daughter?
A. Encourage the Ado’s individuation by defining boundaries
B. Address family cohesion by strengthening alliances
C. Address ED by focusing on psycho ed
D. Develop insight into the system, by facilitating self understanding in ado
E. Promote individuation by focusing on the expression of rebelliousness
A. Encourage the Ado’s individuation by defining boundaries
Remember that the answer needs to align with systems therapy. Defining boundaries, is a very systems approach. Who is the parent system, and who is the child system?
It isn’t B, because there already is cohesion?
30 client self refers for assistance with smoking cessation. The client has a young child and works in a smoke free workplace. The psyc decides on Ml. What is the key aspect of Ml with this client?
A. Providing advice on pro’s/con’s of change
B. Challenging view of themselves as incapable of change
C. Assisting client to act on motivation
D. Providing strategies to move from pre-contemplating
E. Confront disparity between motivation and action
C. Assisting client to act on motivation
A psyc is seeing 20 client with social anx, as part of intervention, psyc decides that social skills training is appropriate. Which of the following options is the crucial step in effective delivery?
A. Encourage client to practice skills with psych to get feedback
B. Encourage practice of new skill in real life for generalisation
C. Help client master complex social skills to facilitate smaller skills
D. Avoidance
E. Complete a role play of social skills once so that the client isn’t overly distressed
A. Encourage client to practice skills with psych to get feedback
Train, role play, feedback.
A psych starts treatment who has previously had poor relationship with psych. The psych decides to focus on rapport. Which of the following contains the essential elements of rapport?
A. The provisions if a meaningful feedback
B. Provide comparative relationship for corrective emotional experience
C. Fostering of mentalisation to affect life and change
D. The provision of opportunities to explain repetitive relationship patterns
E. Establishment of collaborative relationships facilitated by understanding
E. Establishment of collaborative relationships facilitated by understanding
depressed teacher experiencing grief and depression after sudden loss of child in car accident 8 months previously. Psyc decides to use IPT, which of the following are recognised problems, targeted by IPT?
A. Grief and loss, interpersonal dispute, role transitions and interpersonal sensitivity
A. Grief and loss, interpersonal dispute, role transitions and interpersonal sensitivity
A psyc is seeing a clint for treatment of stress, and decides to incorporate breathing training. The clients pattern and rate of breathing, demonstrates that the client needs training in diaphragmatic breathing.
A. The client should increase depth of each breath
B. The client should allow the abdomen to extend which draws in air on inhalation
C. The client should tighten their abdominal muscles to support inhalation
D. The client should increase rate of breathing to increase oxygenation
E. The client should use upper chest to support inhalation
B. The client should allow the abdomen to extend which draws in air on inhalation
A psyc is seeing a women experiencing rel issues. She wants to save the marriage. Husband is abusive and violent, and this is increasing. She fears for her safety, but doesn’t want to leave home in case he follows her. She doesn’t want police involved.
A. Joint session with husband
B. Create a plan that would ensure safety of client
C. Teach client safety strategy of having an emergency backpack
D. Determine number of sessions needed to save marriage
E. Assertiveness training to resolve difficulties
B. Create a plan that would ensure safety of client
Female, with anx. Husband is abusive. Doesn’t want to leave, but wants to address anxiety.
A. Refer to lawyer to look at options
B. Start an assessment for anxiety and treatment plan based on assessment
C. Tell women that you can’t treat anx until she leaves husband
C. Tell women that you can’t treat anx until she leaves husband
Respond to treatment goals, and if you feel like you can’t achieve this you have to tell people.
Psyc is working with job placement agency. 59 job seeker who has been unemployed for 5 years, after redundancy as cleaner at hospital where he was employed for 25 years.
Unmotivated saying ‘at my age it is unlikely I will find job’. Most important initial step?
A. Assess psychological state and suicide risk
B. Validate clients concerns, and explore employment prospects
C. Talk to GP for medication options
D. Explore strengths and weaknesses to highlight skill set
E. Start voe assessment to assist with employment prospects
B. Validate clients concerns, and explore employment prospects
A client is referred by GP for psychological intervention in relation to work difficulties, reports excessive cannabis use and problems in ado. Increasing dose and frequency of xanax to cope. What is most appropriate first response?
A. Tell client to cease xanax
B. Consent to call GP to discuss use
C. Refer to specialist in benzo withdrawal
B. Consent to call GP to discuss use
You are treating a client for long standing personality disorder and depression. The client is referred to psychologist with psychodynamic perspective. The client wants to understand treatment. What would explanation make ref to?
A. Goal is to grad increase aversive stimuli
B. Goal is to stop problematic behaviours
C. The goal is to explore thoughts associated with dep
D. The psychodynamic treatment is about exploring current themes and relating to past experience
E. Psychodynamic is focused on questioning unpleasant event scheduling
D. The psychodynamic treatment is about exploring current themes and relating to past experience
Read Jonathan shedler - The past lives in the present
A psyc is concerned about 16 boy who was recently suspended after fights and rudeness to teachers. He is also risk taking. He is above average academically but has deteriorated within last months. This began after relationship break up. Older bro died from cancer less than 1 year ago. Boy is withdrawn and angry. What is most important area to assess initially
A. Feelings regarding bros death
B. Feelings regarding rel break up
C. Suicide Ideation
D. Difficulties at school
C. SI
A school has engaged a psyc to assist with recent incidents of bullying. Psyc identified group of year 5 students who are main perpetrators, and school culture of survival of the fittest. Most effective way to target intervention?
A. Whole school level to change culture, and individual perp level to change behaviour
B. Individual perp level to change behaviour, and at parents level to take responsibility
C. Parents to take responsibility, and the victim level to improve self esteem
D. Whole school level to change culture, and parents levels to take responsibility
E. Individual perpetrators level, and parents
A. Whole school level to change culture, and individual perp level to change behaviour
13 year old gymnastic for performance anx. The client reports she has been approached by AIS to attend elite program. She reports being excited but is now making more mistakes and missing sessions. Concerned about not measuring up to expectations, and will be exposed at a fraud.
Which of the following strategies is the best approach?
A. Ml and goal setting
B. Cognitive restructuring and imaginal exposure
C. Goal setting and problem solving
D. Relaxation training and skills reversal
E. Supportive counselling and assertiveness training
B. Cognitive restructuring and imaginal exposure
50 year old, car accident 12 months previously. Can’t drive past local stops since this time. GP referred for a assessment and treatment. Exposure based therapy. What is the key component of successful exposure?
A. Diminishing anxiety through distraction of fear driving cues
B. Acquisition of behavioural activation by diminishing anx
C. Diminishing anxiety through imaginal exposure to non driving cues
D. Diminishing anxiety through imaginal exposure to fear of driving cues
D. Diminishing anxiety through imaginal exposure to fear of driving cues
65 with social anxiety. The psyc is using CBT and asks the client to identify thoughts they were having last time they were in a social situation. They can’t identify thoughts, their mind is blank. Which of the following is most appropriate.
A. Review formulation, analysis and gather more info if required
B. GPP for neuro probs
C. Meditation skills to improve awareness of thoughts
D. Reference event to help cue possible thoughts
E. Stop doing CR, as this is unsuitable
D. Reference event to help cue possible thoughts
Young women asks for help with spider phobia, she has suffered from fear of spiders since brother put spider down her dress. Won’t go outside at night. Difficulties are impacting social life. Most effective exposure therapy?
A. Show client pies of different types/sizes
B. Hold spiders
C. Educate client about different species
D. Teach relaxation strategies while wearing a dress
E. Exposing client to gradually more distressing events
E. Exposing client to gradually more distressing events
Male referred to you for driving phobia, client tells you they were driver at fault in accident 6 months ago, and he can’t sit in the driver’s seat anymore. What is the most effective treatment technique for this patient to be able to drive again?
A. Cognitive restructuring
B. imaginal exposure
C. Narrative therapy
D. Ml
B. imaginal exposure
Male referred to you for driving phobia, client tells you they were driver at fault in accident 6 months ago, and he can’t sit in the driver’s seat anymore. What is the most effective treatment technique for this patient to be able to drive again?
A. Cognitive restructuring
B. lmaginal exposure
C. Graded exposure
D. Socratic questioning
E. Narrative
C. Graded exposure
If they give you graded exposure choose that, however, if they only give you imaginal exposure choose that. For phobias, the board likes exposure but they don’t always give you the option of graded.
A psychologist is developing her learning plan for the next 12 months. She considers the workshops available, and does a lit review of different treatment outcomes. Which of the following statements, best represents the research of different interventions?
A. CBT is inferior to most other forms of therapy for anx
B. Psychodynamic is superior to most other forms of therapy for OCD
C. Interpersonal therapy is superior to most other forms of therapy for depression
D. Little evidence to support one form of therapy is superior to others
E. SFT is inferior for existential issues?
C. Interpersonal therapy is superior to most other forms of therapy for depression
D is also an option, however it does not clarify which disorder is being treated, the skill of the therapist and the preference of the client.
IPT has level 1 evidence for treatment for depression, and is therefore currently considered superior. The key is the answer says ‘most other forms’
A psychologist wishes to evaluate the efficacy of a 10 week stress management program, for each individual client. The psyc has asked each client to record their weekly level of stress. Which is the most meaningful method to analyse data for each client?
A. Linear regression
B. Factor analysis
C. Average of each score
D. Frequency of each rating
E. Plots of progress over time
E. Plots of progress over time
When they include lots of difficult things, it is generally not what they want. Choose simple, they know you are never going to do a factor analysis. What are you trying to measure?
When they ask stats questions, they will add a lot of rubbish. Don’t choose the rubbish answers.
A women attends her first consult with a psyc and complains that her adult daughter stole from her and husband had an affair. Referred for treatment of loss, grief and sadness. Which of the following is the most empathetic statement?
A. Poor parental role modeling
B. You feel betrayed by your D and husband
C. You can’t trust anyone these days, even family
D. It’s in the nature of all people to betray others
E. I wonder if these feelings stem from CA
B. You feel betrayed by your D and husband
A male courier driver is referred for assessment of functioning. The man reports being subject to work investigation as the GPS said that he was driving reveleaded an unscheduled spot. The male also reveals that his wife reports she is leaving the marriage when she can find housing for her and their 3 kids. How do you summarise?
A. Work and home are sources of distress for you right now
B. You must be starting to think that someone has it in for you
C. When the going gets tough, the tough get going
D. It may help to focus on what is going well for you right now
E. Chin up
A. Work and home are sources of distress for you right now
A family presents with 11 year old son, who is shoplifting. The son’s behaviour reportedly began after the death of sister in car accident. Family looking for systems oriented psychologist.
Which of the following is the primary focus?
A. Parenting advice to enable the parents to set limits
B. Psychoeducation re: response after loss
C. The function of the shoplifting behaviour within the family
D. Supporting fam to process grief and loss
E. The boys thoughts and feelings following the loss of his sister
C. The function of the shoplifting behaviour within the family
Family therapy used to focus on the function of the behaviour within the family, and the board is full of old people so they will take this old approach. This behaviour could be to distract the parents from the grief and loss, or to gain attention
Discussion: Hypothesis may be what the boy was doing was a way of getting attention and he wasn’t getting any attention due to loss. The boys behaviour may be away of him distracting the family form their grief and loss. Think like the board - systems oriented approach when looking at the family as a whole - so the function of the behaviour within the family system.
A psychologist is researching what kind of therapy is most appropriate for a client with PTSD. The literature supports a range of interventions. Which intervention is NOT supported by evidence?
A. Prolonged exposure therapy (This is imaginal, people telling their story with their therapist checking SUDS, until their anxiety diminishes)
B. Trauma focused CBT
C. Thought field therapy (tapping)
D. Psychodynamic psychotherapy
E. EMDR - level 1 evidence
C. Thought field therapy (tapping)
ATM for craphra there is no evidence for TFT, despite researching beginning to come out of social work field. If TFT is formalised and combined with additional techniques it may become accepted.
Discussion: Thought field therapy is tapping our body/head - no evidence (despite some interesting research which looks into this). Prolonged exposure (imaginal exposure, having to tell the story of traumatic experience, until anxiety diminishes) is main used with trauma. B is a variation on A (FT CBT) is an extension of prolonged exposure therapy. EMDR has level 1 evidence based treatments for PTSD.
Any form of CBT will incorporate a component of exposure.
A GP refers a 9 year old boy with symptoms of inattention, impulsivity. Previously prescribed psychostimulant medication for pediatrician. Parents only want meds for short term, and want a more long term options. What would be a viable treatment option?
A. Relaxation training
B. Cognitive restructuring
C. Parent training
D. Supportive counselling
E. Graded exposure
C. Parent training
There is no evidence that game playing, and turn taking that will help someone with ADHD focus in the classroom. Neurofeedback, no evidence.
Helping teachers to learn skills in behaviour modification in the class room and parent education and training. Can work with kids on issues that are a consequence of their ADHD, ie social issues.
An adult male referred for chronic pain management, by occupational physician. Client doesn’t understand why he is there as he has “real pain that is not in my head”. What is the most important initial step?
A. Refer back to initial physician
B. Behavioural analysis of pain behaviour
C. Explore willingness to consider therapy
D. Gather more information to understand resistance
E. Evaluate the ability of the client to engage in treatment
D. Gather more information to understand resistance
C, D and E are all things you would do, but you need to do D first
Discussion: Start soft!! Cant’ start straight with interventions, need time for empathy, atunement and validation. In this case they are saying ‘my Dr doesn’t’ believe me and they think I’m crazy, that’s why they have been sent to you” - they want to be understood and heard. So you can’t start with a full on intervention - this will only confirm to them that you think they are crazy!!!
18 year old student present for treatment due to problems with academic performance. Depressed and agitated mood. Considering dropping out of degree. Was taking methylphenidate (ritalin) for years and has recently stopped. What might explain why he was taking this medication?
A. Hx of GAD
B. Hx of ADHD
C. Hx of childhood psychosis
D. Hx of drug use
B. Hx of ADHD
A psychologist is referred 17 year old student in final year of school. Student is stressed and having difficulty sleeping. Comes with mother who reports student didn’t want to come. Refuses to make eye contact. What is the first priority?
A. Administer the student a battery of clinical questionnaires
B. Psychoed on sleep hygiene
C. Ask student what she wants to get out of consult
D. Obtain a detailed MH hx separately, from mother
E. Prepare student by relaxing her using progressive muscle relaxation
C. Ask student what she wants to get out of consult
C is the only option and you need to determine if she wants to be there, no eye contact, mother says she didn’t want to come, so you really need to determine if she wants to be there and ongoing!. If kids don’t want to engage, even if parents want this - you can’t do it.
You have been seeing a young women for panic disorder for a number of sessions. Referred by GP, who prescribed a clinically significant dose of benzo which she has been taking for 3 months. The client announces that she has stopped her benzo this morning. What is the best response by psyc?
A. Praise the client
B. Provide the client about infor for over the counter meds
C. Discuss with the client treatment adherence in the management of anxiety
D. Monitor coping resources with the client off benzo’s
E. Immediately contact the GP with the client in session to discuss medication cessation
E. Immediately contact the GP with the client in session to discuss medication cessation
Your patient can die, contact medical support. Your client may need to be hospitalised for bezo detox.
Need to look at Xanax and Valium. High doses (more than 1mg Xanax or more than 5mg of Valium per day) - even taping off doesn’t work - they need to transition to other medications. It’s very difficult to transition off Benzodiazepines.
Most SSRl’s won’t kill people if they stop - but they will feel really bad, still need to taper off, under the care of GP or prescribed physician.
