Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Practice Exam

In which therapy approach do individuals discuss the impact of sociocultural norms on their personal story?

1. Narrative Therapy

2. Structural Therapy

3. Behavioral Therapy

4. Systemic Therapy

The correct answer is: Narrative Therapy

The selected approach, Narrative Therapy, emphasizes the importance of personal stories and how they are shaped by social and cultural contexts. In this therapeutic process, individuals explore how sociocultural norms and influences have affected their experiences, identities, and relationships. The focus is on understanding the narratives that people create about their lives and how these stories can be reconstructed in a way that aligns more closely with their values and aspirations. Through examining these narratives, clients can gain insights into how societal expectations and cultural narratives have impacted their self-perception and actions. This approach empowers individuals to take control of their narrative, allowing them to re-author their stories and find alternative meanings that can foster healing and growth. In contrast, other therapeutic approaches focus on different elements. Structural Therapy primarily investigates family structures and dynamics, while Behavioral Therapy typically focuses on modifying specific behaviors through reinforcement strategies. Systemic Therapy examines relationships and patterns within systems but does not specifically emphasize personal narratives in the same way that Narrative Therapy does. Thus, the unique focus on storytelling and the sociocultural context makes Narrative Therapy the correct choice here.