Free DCD Counselling (DCD Abu Dhabi) mock test

Counselling (DCD Abu Dhabi) sample questions with answers

10 more original exam-style Counselling (DCD Abu Dhabi) questions, worked in full. They are not real or recalled exam questions, and none of them is in the diagnostic above, so sit that first if you have not.

1. Question 1 · Professional Knowledge

   In Ellis's ABC model of rational emotive behaviour therapy, what does B represent?

   1. AThe behaviour that follows the event
   2. BThe bodily response to the event
   3. CThe benefit that is gained from the event
   4. DThe client's beliefs about the event
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: D. The client's beliefs about the event

   B stands for beliefs, and rational emotive behaviour therapy proposes that emotional consequences come from beliefs about the activating event rather than from the event itself. Therapy disputes irrational beliefs.

   Reference: Ellis A and Dryden W, The Practice of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, 2nd ed. (2007)

2. Question 2 · Professional Knowledge

   A 58-year-old accountant wants to remain competent at work and keep his current position while training younger colleagues. Which of Super's career stages best matches?

   1. AExploration
   2. BMaintenance
   3. CEstablishment
   4. DDisengagement
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: B. Maintenance

   In Super's model, maintenance in later mid-career involves holding one's position and updating skills. Exploration is early, establishment is the building phase and disengagement is preparing to leave.

   Reference: Super DE, A Life-Span, Life-Space Approach to Career Development (1980)

3. Question 3 · Professional Knowledge

   In a new counselling group, members argue with each other and challenge the leader's authority. According to Tuckman, which stage is this?

   1. AForming
   2. BStorming
   3. CNorming
   4. DPerforming
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: B. Storming

   Storming is marked by conflict, resistance and challenge to leadership as members establish roles. Forming is the initial polite stage, norming involves cohesion and performing involves productive work.

   Reference: Tuckman BW, Developmental Sequence in Small Groups, Psychological Bulletin (1965)

4. Question 4 · Interpersonal Skills

   A client becomes loud and angry, accusing the counsellor of wasting his time. Which response is most helpful?

   1. AMatch his volume to show that you are not intimidated at all
   2. BEnd the session immediately and ask him to leave the building
   3. CExplain that anger is unacceptable in counselling and will not be tolerated
   4. DStay calm, lower your voice and acknowledge his frustration first
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: D. Stay calm, lower your voice and acknowledge his frustration first

   De-escalation involves remaining calm, validating the emotion and then exploring its source while ensuring safety. Matching intensity or lecturing inflames the situation.

   Reference: Kanel K, A Guide to Crisis Intervention, 5th ed. (2015)

5. Question 5 · Professional Ethics and Legality

   How long after the end of the professional relationship does the ACA Code prohibit sexual or romantic relationships with former clients?

   1. AA minimum of five years
   2. BSix months, followed by a review
   3. COne year, followed by a review
   4. DTwo years, followed by a review
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: A. A minimum of five years

   The Code prohibits sexual and romantic interactions with former clients for five years, and afterwards counsellors must show that the relationship is not exploitative. The shorter periods are not recognised.

   Reference: ACA Code of Ethics (2014), Section A.5.c

6. Question 6 · Professional Ethics and Legality

   A counsellor is asked to use a new trauma technique she read about but for which she has had no training. What should she do?

   1. AUse it because the published research supports it strongly enough
   2. BTry it first and learn how to apply it from the client's response
   3. CGet training and supervision first, or refer the client
   4. DUse it only if the client agrees to be a pilot case
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: C. Get training and supervision first, or refer the client

   Counsellors practise only within their areas of competence and should gain training and supervision before offering new techniques. Client consent does not replace competence.

   Reference: ACA Code of Ethics (2014), Section C.2.b

7. Question 7 · Professional Assessment

   In Kanel's ABC model of crisis intervention, what does A stand for?

   1. AAssessing the need for medication
   2. BArranging urgent hospitalisation
   3. CAnalysing the cause of the crisis
   4. DAchieving contact and rapport
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: D. Achieving contact and rapport

   Step A is achieving contact through rapport and communication of empathy. B identifies the problem and C copes with it by exploring alternatives and action.

   Reference: Kanel K, A Guide to Crisis Intervention, 5th ed. (2015)

8. Question 8 · Professional Assessment

   An 80-year-old man has bruises on his arms, and his caregiver answers every question for him. What is the best first step?

   1. AAccept the caregiver's explanation and continue as originally planned
   2. BInterview him privately, observe and screen for abuse or neglect
   3. CConfront the caregiver about abuse in front of the client
   4. DClose the file because the client is not speaking for himself
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: B. Interview him privately, observe and screen for abuse or neglect

   Elder abuse screening begins with private, respectful questioning and observation, which allows the older person to speak safely. Public accusation or acceptance of the caregiver's account risks harm.

   Reference: Gladding ST and Newsome DW, Clinical Mental Health Counseling in Community and Agency Settings (2018)

9. Question 9 · Cultural Diversity

   A female client from a conservative family says she would be uncomfortable discussing marital problems with a male counsellor. What is the best response?

   1. AExplain that gender should not affect the quality of counselling
   2. BProceed and ask her to work on overcoming her discomfort
   3. CRespect her preference and offer a female counsellor if available
   4. DRefuse to continue because she is placing restrictions on service
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: C. Respect her preference and offer a female counsellor if available

   Honouring reasonable gender preferences supports engagement and dignity and is consistent with multicultural competence. Rigid insistence can lead to dropout.

   Reference: Sue DW and Sue D, Counseling the Culturally Diverse, 8th ed. (2019)

10. Question 10 · Fitness to Practice

    A counsellor is diagnosed with a serious illness requiring several months of leave. What is the best action regarding current clients?

    1. AArrange continuity of care with referrals and inform clients
    2. BCancel all sessions without any explanation to clients at all
    3. CAsk clients to wait until she is well enough to return
    4. DContinue seeing all clients regardless of her state of health
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: A. Arrange continuity of care with referrals and inform clients

    Counsellors must plan for interruptions and avoid abandonment by arranging suitable referrals and communicating clearly. Silent cancellation or continuing while unfit harms clients.

    Reference: ACA Code of Ethics (2014), Sections A.11.c and C.2.g