Praxis SLP Licensure Exam

Which treatment approach focuses on helping clients develop social language skills through direct instruction?

1. Behavioral therapy

2. Natural language acquisition

3. Social skills training

4. Cognitive behavioral therapy

The correct answer is: Social skills training

Social skills training is designed specifically to help individuals develop the ability to interact and communicate effectively in social situations. This treatment approach provides direct instruction in various aspects of social language, such as understanding nonverbal cues, taking turns in conversations, and practicing appropriate responses in social contexts. Through structured activities, role-playing, and guided practice, clients learn to navigate social interactions more successfully. This approach is rooted in the idea that social language skills, often termed pragmatic language skills, can be taught and enhanced through direct engagement and practice. The focus is not only on the mechanics of communication but also on understanding the social nuances that guide effective interaction. In contrast, behavioral therapy primarily aims to modify specific behaviors rather than explicitly teach social skills. Natural language acquisition emphasizes a more organic, immersion-based approach to learning language, which may not include the focused instruction on social interactions that social skills training does. Cognitive behavioral therapy centers on the interconnections between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and is typically more focused on managing mental health concerns rather than directly teaching social language skills.