Individual Practice SWES Practice Test

What can be inferred about a patient who experiences one improved session in therapy?

1. The therapy is not effective

2. The improvement is likely temporary

3. The patient is not really invested in therapy

4. The patient has resolved all their issues

The correct answer is: The improvement is likely temporary

In the context of therapy, the observation that a patient experiences one improved session suggests that while there has been some positive change, it may not be indicative of a permanent or comprehensive resolution of issues. The nature of therapeutic progress often involves fluctuations, where a patient may show improvement in one session but not sustain that progress over time. This can occur due to a variety of factors such as the patient's emotional state on a particular day, the specific interventions used, or the circumstances surrounding the session. Therefore, while progress is encouraging, it’s understood in therapeutic settings that improvement can sometimes be temporary, requiring ongoing work to solidify those gains and address underlying issues. The therapeutic process is typically iterative, with ups and downs as patients work through their challenges.