Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) Practice Exam

Which therapeutic technique is concerned with conscious thoughts and experiences?

1. Psychoanalysis

2. Gestalt Technique

3. Behavior Modification

4. Person-Centered Approach

The correct answer is: Gestalt Technique

The Gestalt Technique is primarily focused on enhancing awareness of conscious thoughts and experiences, emphasizing the present moment. It encourages individuals to become more aware of their feelings, thoughts, and actions, integrating their emotional experiences into their conscious awareness. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of self and promotes personal responsibility by helping clients recognize and articulate their immediate thoughts and sensations. The techniques used in Gestalt therapy, such as the "empty chair" exercise, invite clients to explore their inner dialogue and unresolved conflicts, making it particularly effective for those seeking insight into their conscious experience. By fostering an awareness of how one's thoughts and feelings interact in real-time, Gestalt therapy enables clients to process their experiences holistically. Other therapeutic approaches listed may touch on conscious thoughts but do not target them as explicitly or intensely as Gestalt therapy does. For instance, psychoanalysis often delves into unconscious processes and past experiences. Behavior modification primarily focuses on observable behavior changes rather than directly addressing thoughts. The person-centered approach, while emphasizing personal growth and self-awareness, does not specifically prioritize conscious thought as the core utility of the technique, instead promoting a supportive one-to-one therapeutic relationship.