The first exam (in Week 6) covers content from Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Please note, this document is only a guide. Exam 1 Key Points Memory and Trauma Models Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) Model (EMDR): Trauma stores memories in a maladaptive way; EMDR facilitates reprocessing to integrate memories adaptively. Diathesis-Stress Model: Mental illness arises from genetic predisposition (diathesis) combined with environmental stressors. Emotional Memory vs. Explicit Memory: Emotional memory links sensory cues (e.g., sound, smell) to trauma responses; explicit memory involves the conscious recall of facts and events. State-Dependent Learning: Improved recall when the emotional or physical state during learning matches the state during retrieval. DSM-5-TR DSM-5-TR: Ensures symptom criteria, duration, and impairment are assessed for accurate diagnosis; essential for differentiating disorders (e.g., MDD vs. bipolar disorder). Key Diagnostic Criteria Examples: GAD: Excessive worry for 6+ months ADHD: Symptoms present before age 12, in multiple settings OCD: Behaviors cause distress or impairment Therapeutic Models and Core Concepts Brief Strategic Therapy: Focuses on patterns maintaining a problem and developing strategies to interrupt those patterns. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on identifying, challenging, and changing cognitive distortions and negative thought patterns; integrates behavioral interventions. Expressive Therapies: Nonverbal approaches (e.g., art, play, music, drama) facilitate emotional expression, especially helpful for trauma and children. Psychodynamic Therapy: Emphasizes childhood experiences, unconscious processes, and patterns in emotions and relationships; criticized for reliance on therapist interpretation. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT): Emphasizes solutions, strengths, and small steps toward goals rather than analyzing problems. Cognitive Techniques and Distortions Cognitive Restructuring: Challenges distorted thoughts by examining evidence for and against beliefs. Common Cognitive Distortions Black-and-White Thinking: Viewing situations as all good or all bad. Catastrophizing: Expecting the worst possible outcome. Mind Reading: Assuming others think negatively about you. Overgeneralization: Viewing a single failure as a never-ending pattern. Decatastrophizing: Helps clients evaluate the likelihood and impact of the worst-case scenario. Downward Arrow Technique: Uncovers core beliefs by exploring the meaning behind negative thoughts. Thought Stopping: Interrupts negative thoughts with a verbal or visual cue. Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Behavior Change Core MI Principles: Collaboration, empathy, supporting autonomy, and evoking change talk; avoids confrontation FRAMES Framework (MI): Feedback, Responsibility, Advice, Menu of options, Empathy, Self-efficacy OARS Skills: Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflective listening, Summarizing Stages of Change (Transtheoretical Model): Precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Bilateral Stimulation: Facilitates communication between brain hemispheres during trauma memory processing. Outcome of Reprocessing: Reduces emotional charge of traumatic memories and integrates them into adaptive memory networks. Phases of EMDR: Includes preparation, assessment, desensitization, and reprocessing. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) Focus Areas: Grief, role transitions, interpersonal conflicts, and social deficits Phases of IPT: Opening Phase: Assess relationships and problem areas. Middle Phase: Teach coping skills and improve communication. Final Phase: Consolidate gains and strengthen relationships. Existential Therapy Core Propositions: Self-Awareness: Recognizing choices and responsibility. Freedom and Responsibility: Choosing actions despite anxiety. Establishing Identity & Relationships: Developing an authentic self. Finding Meaning: Creating meaning through struggle. Anxiety is Unavoidable: Embracing anxiety as part of existence. Awareness of Mortality: Accepting death as a motivator for meaningful living. Peak Experience: A life-affirming event revealing potential and inspiring growth. Therapeutic Skills and Concepts Benner's Model of Skill Acquisition: Conscious Incompetence: Aware of knowledge gaps, actively learning. Psychotherapy Integration: Combining medication management with brief psychotherapy improves patient engagement and outcomes. Countertransference: Therapist's emotional reaction to a client; requires self-reflection to maintain objectivity. Medication Management with Psychotherapy: Combining both improves trust and treatment outcomes in psychiatric care. Role-Playing (Supportive Therapy): Rehearses difficult conversations to build confidence and communication skills