An individual describes sadness due to the death of a loved one.

This question falls under Domain I: Interpersonal Competencies, which emphasizes building therapeutic relationships, effective communication, and person-centered approaches to support recovery. The CPRP Exam Blueprint specifies that Interpersonal Competencies include “demonstrating empathy, active listening, and responding to individuals in a manner that validates their feelings and experiences.” The best first response to an individual expressing sadness due to a loved one’s death should demonstrate empathy and validate their emotions, aligning with the principles of psychiatric rehabilitation, which prioritize person-centered, recovery-oriented communication.

Option B: “You feel distraught because you lost someone important to you” is a reflective listening statement that acknowledges and validates the individual’s emotional experience. It shows empathy by restating their feelings and the cause (loss of a loved one), fostering a therapeutic connection. This aligns with the PRA’s emphasis on active listening and empathy as core interpersonal skills in psychiatric rehabilitation.

Option A: Suggesting a medication adjustment assumes a medical need without exploring the individual’s emotional state, which is premature and not person-centered. It does not address the expressed sadness or demonstrate empathy.

Option C: Focusing on positive aspects of the relationship shifts attention away from the individual’s current emotional experience, potentially invalidating their grief. This response lacks empathy and does not align with active listening principles.

Option D: Framing the loss as an opportunity for coping skills development is directive and dismissive of the individual’s immediate emotional needs. It fails to validate their feelings, which is critical in the initial response.

Extract from CPRP Exam Blueprint (Domain I: Interpersonal Competencies):

“Tasks include: 1. Establishing and maintaining a therapeutic relationship with individuals. 2. Demonstrating empathy and active listening skills. 3. Using person-centered communication to validate individuals’ experiences and promote recovery.”