Question 1

Describe how you implement Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with a client diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). How do you structure sessions from intake to termination?

Accepted Answer

Present using standard CBT structure: (1) Assessment and case conceptualization, (2) Psychoeducation, (3) Cognitive techniques, (4) Behavioral techniques, (5) Relapse prevention and termination. Candidates should present: (1) Assessment phase - GAD-7, DASS-21, semi-structured clinical interview, (2) Psychoeducation on cognitive model (thoughts - emotions - behaviors), (3) Thought diary, cognitive distortion identification, Socratic questioning, (4) Behavioral techniques: Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR), diaphragmatic breathing, exposure therapy, behavioral activation, (5) Challenging automatic thoughts and schema work, (6) Relapse prevention and maintenance planning. Reference Clark & Beck's CBT protocol for GAD.

Question 2

You are in a session and the client discloses suicidal ideation with a specific plan. Describe step by step what you do during and after that session.

Accepted Answer

Use the ABC crisis intervention model (Affect, Behavior, Cognition) combined with suicide risk assessment per Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) or SAD PERSONS. Candidates should present in order: (1) Remain calm, non-judgmental, do not leave the client alone, (2) Immediate risk assessment: ideation, plan, means, timeline, intent, (3) Assess protective factors: family connection, beliefs, reasons for living, (4) Action per risk level: low (safety plan), moderate (no-harm contract, increase session frequency), high (contact emergency services, do not leave alone), (5) Justified breach of confidentiality per ethics - duty to protect, notify family/emergency contacts, (6) Full documentation, internal reporting, consultation. Reference VPA (Vietnam Psychological Association) and APA guidelines.

Question 3

A former client (therapy ended 8 months ago) contacts you and invites you to dinner as a friend. How do you handle this situation? What ethical foundation do you base this on?

Accepted Answer

Apply ethical decision-making model: (1) Identify the ethical issue, (2) Consider relevant principles, (3) Consult, (4) Act and document. Candidates should analyze: (1) This is a dual relationship - potential conflict of interest, (2) APA Ethics Code 10.08 - no sexual relations with former clients within 2 years; non-sexual relations require harm risk assessment, (3) VPA lacks clear guidelines like APA - need to apply international standards, (4) Factors to consider: time since therapy ended, client vulnerability, nature of the invitation, (5) Response: politely decline, explain professional confidentiality reasons, (6) Consult with a colleague or supervisor before deciding, (7) Document the decision and rationale.

Question 4

In clinical psychology practice in Vietnam, what specific cultural challenges do you encounter? How do you adapt Western therapeutic methods to suit Vietnamese clients?

Accepted Answer

Use the Cultural Competency Framework: Awareness - Knowledge - Skills - Encounters - Desire (ASKED model). Candidates should analyze: (1) Concepts of mental health in Vietnam - high stigma, tendency to somatize psychological issues as physical symptoms, (2) Collectivism vs individualism - family is the decision-making unit, not just the individual, (3) Hierarchy and respect - clients may be reluctant to challenge the therapist, (4) Confidentiality in the context of extended family - parents wanting to know content of their child's therapy, (5) Adaptation: add psychoeducation on mental health, increase time building therapeutic alliance, flexibility around family involvement, use metaphors and language familiar to Vietnamese culture. Bonus if they reference Vietnamese psychologists' work or Vietnamese mental health research.

Question 5

What psychological assessment tools do you use in clinical practice? Explain how you select the appropriate tool for each case and how you interpret results to clients.

Accepted Answer

Present by category: (1) Screening, (2) Clinical diagnosis, (3) Treatment outcome measurement. Then explain selection process and results feedback. Candidates should specifically mention: (1) Screening tools: PHQ-9 (depression), GAD-7 (anxiety), DASS-21 (triad), PCL-5 (PTSD), (2) Personality tools: MMPI-2, NEO-PI-R, or MBTI (though note the psychometric limitations of MBTI), (3) Cognitive assessment: MoCA, MMSE, (4) Child tools: CDI, CBCL, Conners, (5) Tool selection based on: purpose, client characteristics, normalization on Vietnamese population, (6) Results feedback: clear language, avoid technical jargon, connect results to treatment goals, place results in broader context beyond just diagnostic labels.

Question 6

Do you have experience facilitating group therapy? Describe how you handle conflict between group members or when one member tries to dominate the session.

Accepted Answer

Use Yalom's group stage model (Forming - Storming - Norming - Performing) to analyze and a group intervention model with STAR. Candidates should present: (1) Understanding Yalom's 11 therapeutic factors, especially cohesion, universality, altruism, (2) 'Storming' stage - conflict is normal and can be used as therapeutic material, (3) Techniques for handling a dominating member: redirecting attention, inviting other members ('Who else has thoughts on this?'), setting group limits, private conversation afterward if needed, (4) Group conflict techniques: not taking sides, using 'here-and-now' to explore emotions in the moment, (5) Group contract established at the outset to prevent problems. Reference Irvin Yalom's 'Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy'.

Question 7

Working with severe cases and serious psychological trauma can easily lead to vicarious trauma and burnout. How do you practice self-care? How do you recognize signs of burnout in yourself?

Accepted Answer

Answer in 3 levels: (1) Awareness - recognizing early signs, (2) Active prevention strategies, (3) Seeking support when needed. Candidates should present: (1) Distinguishing burnout (accumulated occupational exhaustion) and vicarious trauma (impact from indirect exposure to client trauma), (2) Warning signs: reduced empathy, avoiding sessions, feelings of hopelessness, nightmares, withdrawal, (3) Specific and practical prevention strategies: regular supervision, peer consultation, balanced caseload (not too many trauma cases simultaneously), clear work hours boundaries, (4) Personal practices: mindfulness, exercise, hobbies outside work, maintaining social relationships, (5) Willingness to seek personal therapy when needed - per ethical standards, psychologists should know when they need support. Bonus if they mention Compassion Satisfaction.

Question 8

Do you have experience with teletherapy/online therapy? Compared to in-person therapy, what challenges and opportunities do you see? How do you handle privacy and technical limitations?

Accepted Answer

Present using structure: (1) Practical experience, (2) Comparing benefits - limitations, (3) Specific technical solutions. Candidates should present: (1) Benefits: reaching clients in remote areas, reduced stigma as clients are at home, flexible scheduling, (2) Challenges: loss of non-verbal information (when only seeing the face), difficulty assessing client environment safety, internet connectivity issues, data security, (3) Security: using end-to-end encrypted platforms (not regular Zalo), private room for both parties, headphones, (4) Emergency procedure in teletherapy: obtain client emergency address and contact from the start, know emergency services near the client's home, (5) Cases unsuitable for teletherapy: acute psychosis, high suicide risk, severe dissociative disorders. Reference APA 2020 teletherapy guidelines.