Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Practice Exam

What concept describes how systems remain stable until a certain threshold is met, prompting change?

1. Bilateral Pseudo-Therapy

2. Boundary Making

3. Bi-Modal Feedback Mechanism

4. Recursive Process Model

The correct answer is: Bi-Modal Feedback Mechanism

The concept that describes how systems remain stable until a certain threshold is met, prompting change, is best captured by the idea of a Bi-Modal Feedback Mechanism. This mechanism illustrates how systems operate within certain limits or thresholds, maintaining stability through feedback loops. When these thresholds are exceeded, the system can undergo significant change or transformation, as the normal feedback processes become insufficient to maintain stability. This concept is especially relevant in therapeutic contexts where family dynamics can shift dramatically when certain patterns or behaviors reach a critical point. Understanding this mechanism provides insight into how therapeutic interventions might be designed or when an intervention may become necessary. Recognizing that systems can remain stable for a time but are susceptible to change helps therapists gauge when to introduce change strategies effectively to promote healthier dynamics and improve outcomes.