Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

How do counseling therapies differ from psychotherapy for clients with panic disorders?

1. They provide long-term treatment

2. They involve more intensive therapy

3. They are usually short-term in nature

4. They address only physical symptoms

The correct answer is: They are usually short-term in nature

Counseling therapies typically focus on shorter-term interventions aimed at managing specific issues or life challenges, making option C the correct choice. These therapies often equip clients with coping strategies and skills to handle their anxiety or panic attacks more effectively in the immediate context. In contrast, psychotherapy usually delves deeper into the underlying psychological issues that may contribute to the panic disorder, often requiring a longer-term commitment. While counseling may touch on emotional and psychological aspects, it tends to remain more solution-focused and is less intensive than psychotherapy. This distinction supports the idea that counseling therapies are generally short-term in nature, designed for quick results in managing panic symptoms rather than exploring deeper-rooted psychological frameworks. The other options describe approaches that are more characteristic of psychotherapy. For example, long-term treatment and intensive therapy are more aligned with the goals and methods used in psychotherapy, while addressing only physical symptoms does not reflect the multidimensional approach taken in counseling therapies, which can include emotional and cognitive strategies as well.