Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Practice Exam

Which concept in contextual therapy involves moving away from trustworthy relatedness?

1. Dominant Cultural Discourses

2. Disjunctive Moves

3. Disengagement

4. Discontinuous Change

The correct answer is: Disjunctive Moves

The concept of disjunctive moves in contextual therapy refers to the behaviors and strategies that individuals may adopt to distance themselves from healthy, trustworthy relatedness in their relationships. In contextual therapy, the idea is that individuals might withdraw from connection or move into disjunction when faced with relational stresses or conflicts, leading to a breakdown in communication and intimacy. This creates an environment where trust is eroded, and relationships become less supportive or nurturing. Disjunctive moves signify actions that disrupt the flow of connection, making it harder for parties involved to engage in meaningful dialogue. This concept recognizes that when individuals perceive their relationships as threatening or unsafe, they may become defensive, withdraw, or react in a way that interrupts open and honest interactions characterized by mutual trust and understanding. This is particularly significant in therapeutic contexts, where understanding the dynamics of engagement and disengagement can pave the way for interventions that foster reconnection and rebuild trust within relationships. Recognizing when disjunctive moves occur is essential for therapists, as it can help them guide clients back towards healthier relational patterns.