Dawn Has Been in Psychotherapy for About Two Months

question 11

Multiple Choice

Dawn has been in psychotherapy for about two months.Her initial presenting symptoms were moderate anxiety toward large black cats and an intense anxiety toward meeting strangers.She claimed that as a child her older sister's friend would taunt her with a large black cat.From that point forward she has been deathly afraid of cats.In overcoming her fear of cats,Dawn visualized being near a pet store,then walking into a pet store,then walking by kittens,then standing in front of kittens,then holding a white kitten,then holding a black kitten,then holding a large white cat,then holding a large black cat.Dawn experienced repeated anxiety when visualizing holding a black kitten.In overcoming her anxiety toward meeting strangers,Dawn counted the number of times,during a one week period,that she started conversations with strangers.Additionally,Dawn and her therapist acted out possible encounters with strangers.
-With regard to her cat phobia,Dawn's behavior therapist most likely did which of the following first?

• A)Developed an anxiety hierarchy
• B)Taught Dawn how to relax
• C)Took a detailed family history
• D)Recorded baseline data

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Definitions:

Passivity

The tendency to be inactive or submissive, without taking action or making decisions independently.

Major Depressive Disorder

A mental disorder characterized by persistently depressed mood or loss of interest in activities, causing significant impairment in daily life.

Social Skills Training

A form of therapy or education that teaches individuals how to interact effectively and appropriately in social situations.

Relaxation Training

Techniques designed to reduce stress and anxiety by promoting physical and mental calmness.