TheoryMFT Therapy Exam Prep Study Guide
Study for the MFT Therapy Exam Prep with exam topics, practice questions, a free PDF, video walkthrough and timed mock exam links.
How to study for MFT Therapy Exam Prep 2026
- Read the topic list so you know what the exam is likely to cover.
- Answer the free practice questions and read every explanation.
- Download the PDF for offline review.
- Use timed mock exams when your untimed practice feels comfortable.
Topics to review
- The core topics and terminology you'll be tested on
- Rules, standards and best-practice procedures
- Real-world scenarios and how to respond
- Common mistakes and how to avoid them
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Q1Sarah (45) comes to therapy without enthusiasm, at the request of her partner, David (43). Sarah mentions that David is frustrated with her constant suspicion toward their colleagues and neighbors. Sarah reveals she is exceedingly concerned about being exploited due to her recent inheritance from a wealthy relative. She expresses distrust towards her close friends and family, believing they might try to manipulate her for financial gain. From her childhood, she recalls distrusting her cousins who she suspected of taking her belongings. Sarah dresses modestly and opts to live in their old apartment despite their financial capability to move to a more spacious home. She also accuses David of being unfaithful. When the session ends, she skeptically remarks that you are only interested in her for her money. Based on this information, you would MOST LIKELY diagnose Sarah with:
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✓ Correct answer: Paranoid personality disorder
Answer: Paranoid personality disorder Sarah exhibits symptoms of paranoid personality disorder, characterized by a pervasive distrust and suspicion of others' motives. Delusional disorder involves the presence of non-paranoid delusions. Sarah's symptoms do not fully meet the criteria for schizophrenia or brief psychotic disorder.
Q2Tom is a 35-year-old man who schedules a consultation because he is deeply concerned about his 7-year-old son, Max. Max was excited about starting school but has recently been having severe separation anxiety, refusing to go to school, and crying excessively when his parents drop him off. Based on this information, you would MOST LIKELY diagnose Max with:
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✓ Correct answer: Nothing - there is not enough information to substantiate a diagnosis at this time.
Answer: Nothing - there is not enough information to substantiate a diagnosis at this time. We do not have enough information about Max's overall behavior, family dynamics, or school experiences. A thorough assessment is needed to rule out normal developmental responses versus an anxiety disorder. Diagnosing a condition like Separation Anxiety Disorder requires a consistent and long-term pattern of behavior beyond what is described.
Q3All the following are subtypes of eating disorders, EXCEPT:
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✓ Correct answer: Mood-influenced eating disorder
Answer: Mood-influenced eating disorder Mood-influenced eating disorder is not a recognized subtype of eating disorders. Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder are all recognized subtypes.
Q4John is a 45-year-old male who has been experiencing frequent migraines and recently began seeing a new primary care physician. John tells his doctor that he often feels like there's someone else controlling his thoughts and actions. He reports hearing voices multiple times a day, which tell him to do harmful things. John appears highly anxious and distressed while describing his experiences. His medical history indicates that these symptoms started about ten years ago and have progressively worsened. Based on this information, you would MOST likely diagnose John with:
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✓ Correct answer: Schizophrenia
Answer: Schizophrenia John meets the criteria for schizophrenia, as he shows evidence of hallucinations, delusions, and significant emotional disturbance. While Bipolar disorder can involve psychotic symptoms, it is characterized by distinct mood episodes, which John does not report. Borderline personality disorder involves a pattern of unstable relationships, self-image, and affect, which is also not indicated in John's description. OCD is characterized by repetitive thoughts and behaviors, but not the degree of psychosis described in John's case.
Q5David, a 32-year-old male, recently started seeing a therapist due to stress at work. During the sessions, David reveals that he often feels overwhelmed by thoughts that he may suddenly become paralyzed, even though he has never shown any symptoms of paralysis. He mentions that he frequently visits specialists for various tests to ensure his nervous system is functioning properly. Despite these reassurances, David continues to worry excessively about developing paralysis or some other serious neurological condition. Based on this information, his therapist would MOST likely diagnose David with:
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✓ Correct answer: Illness anxiety disorder
Answer: Illness anxiety disorder David meets the criteria for illness anxiety disorder, a condition characterized by excessive fears of having a severe illness despite the absence of significant symptoms. If David had actual changes in his physical functioning, he might be considered for conversion disorder. Instead, his focus is on the fear of having a serious illness. He does not show exaggerated anxiety directly related to existing somatic symptoms, which rules out somatic symptom disorder. Lastly, the fear of becoming paralyzed is not specifically a phobia but more indicative of a broader anxiety about health issues.
Q6All the following are TRUE about individuals with panic disorder EXCEPT:
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✓ Correct answer: They may develop panic disorder after watching a thrilling movie.
Answer: They may develop panic disorder after watching a thrilling movie. The DSM explicitly notes that panic disorder cannot develop solely by watching a thrilling or frightening movie. Individuals with panic disorder often exhibit symptoms such as unexpected panic attacks, persistent concern about having more panic attacks, and significant changes in behavior related to the attacks.
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