National Counselor Exam (NCE)

Which technique is commonly used in marriage and family therapy to shift perspective?

1. Reassurance

2. Reframing

3. Confrontation

4. Normalization

The correct answer is: Reframing

Reframing is a technique used in marriage and family therapy that involves changing the way a situation is viewed or understood. This technique helps clients see their circumstances from a different perspective, which can lead to new insights and solutions. For example, a therapist might help a couple reinterpret a conflict as a shared problem, rather than a personal failure or attack. By doing so, clients can reduce blame and foster a more collaborative atmosphere, making it easier to communicate and work towards resolution. In contrast, reassurance might provide comfort but does not actively change perspectives, while confrontation may challenge a client's beliefs or behaviors without facilitating a constructive shift in viewpoint. Normalization seeks to help clients feel that their experiences are common, which does not necessarily involve a change in perspective but rather an acknowledgment of shared human experiences. Thus, reframing stands out as the most effective technique for shifting perspective in therapy.