Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Practice Exam

What phenomenon occurs when family members assume the role of therapist for each other, according to symbolic-experiential therapy?

1. Bilateral Transference

2. Boundary Making

3. Bilateral Pseudo-Therapy

4. Family Interpersonal Dynamics

The correct answer is: Bilateral Pseudo-Therapy

The concept of "Bilateral Pseudo-Therapy" in symbolic-experiential therapy refers to the situation where family members take on therapeutic roles with one another in an informal, and often unqualified, way. In such dynamics, family members may attempt to resolve conflicts or provide emotional support by assuming the role of therapist, which can blur the boundaries of appropriate familial relationships and lead to an unhealthy therapeutic process. This can prevent the family from engaging in more constructive therapeutic interventions guided by a trained professional. Symbolic-experiential therapy highlights the importance of understanding how these roles and interactions shape family dynamics and emotional experiences. The term emphasizes the dual nature of this interaction—"bilateral"—indicating the mutual role assumption among family members. The use of the word "pseudo" indicates that this therapeutic role assumption does not have the structure or professional oversight that genuine therapy involves, possibly leading to complications or misunderstandings that require further professional intervention. The other options don't capture this specific nuance of family members unconsciously stepping into therapy roles and may instead focus on different aspects of family dynamics or therapeutic interventions, which do not describe the informal therapeutic roles assumed within the family setting specifically addressed in symbolic-experiential therapy.