counseling exam

Ever wondered why ADHD isn't just about being hyperactive and distracted? This episode unravels the truth behind the myths, highlighting the neurobiological basis of ADHD and its impact on an individual's life. We dissect ADHD into its three subtypes, focusing on the four key areas it affects: Relational, Occupational, Social, and Educational (ROSE). We illuminate the roles of brain regions and neurotransmitters, emphasizing how ADHD challenges two cognitive skills: maintaining attention and self-regulation. Listen in for a unique case study and a rich discussion on distinguishing ADHD from Intermittent Explosive Disorder.

Navigating through a diagnosis of ADHD can feel like walking in an unknown territory. Rest assured, we've got you covered. This episode helps you understand what happens behind the clinical doors. From clinical interviews and rating scales to cognitive assessments and more, we guide you through the tools used to identify learning disabilities and cognitive weaknesses. We underscore the importance of family involvement and screening for other conditions. Lastly, we delve into the significance of psychoeducation and present you with various treatment options including psychiatric referrals, and implementing a 504 plan or an IEP at school. Despite the complexity surrounding ADHD, remember that progress and development are achievable with the right support and treatment. Join us as we unravel ADHD together.

If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExams


This podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

CounselingExam
Have you ever wondered why Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) garners so much attention in Mental Health? Are you curious how changing your thoughts can transform your feelings and actions? Join your hosts, Dr. Linton Hutchinson and Stacy Frost, in a riveting discussion on the finer points of CBT in our latest episode of the Theory to Therapy series. Let's embark on an enlightening exploration of this popular therapeutic approach together as we break down the complexities of CBT into easily digestible parts, revealing its inner workings and the array of techniques employed in this method.

In this episode, we delve into the rich history of CBT, tracing its roots back to Aaron Beck's work with clients suffering from depression. We'll explore his influential hypothesis that psychological issues stem from negative automatic thoughts and cognitive distortions. You'll also discover five essential CBT techniques, including cognitive restructuring and behavioral experiments - we will illustrate their effectiveness through real-life examples. So, tune in and equip yourself with a new understanding of CBT that goes beyond the textbook definitions, penetrating the very heart of this therapeutic approach.

If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExams


This podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

CounselingExam
Ever wondered why your study sessions don't yield the results you desire? What if there was a more effective way to prepare for your licensure exams? Join Stacy Frost and Dr. Linton Hutchinson on this latest episode of Licensure Exams as they dive deep into the world of interleaving, a study technique that may just revolutionize how you prepare for your exams. They break down the concept of interleaving, contrasting it against the more traditional approach of blocking, and spotlight how this study method encourages the transfer of knowledge, helps to spot patterns, and keeps study sessions engaging.

In this captivating exchange, Stacy and Linton articulate how interleaving can be employed in your study routine. Discover how alternating between distinct but related topics can help you build a rich, interconnected knowledge base, aiding in the application and retention of material. Whether you're about to face your licensure exams or just looking to boost your study skills, this episode is teeming with practical advice and beneficial takeaways. So, brace yourself for an enlightening journey with Stacy and Linton and learn how to study smarter, not harder!

If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExams


This podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

CounselingExam
Ever wondered how Gestalt therapy can transform the lives of those grappling with anxiety? This episode holds the promise of equipping you with the knowledge of just that. We navigate the therapeutic journey of Rachel, a student experiencing anxiety as she gears up for her licensure exam. We shed light on how Gestalt therapy can help Rachel get in touch with her emotions, cognitions, and behaviors, and how it can provide her with the perception required to interact more positively with her environment.

Then, we spice things up with a surprise feature. We delve into the wisdom of a renowned therapist who spoke about "shoulds". Want to test your psychology knowledge? Head on over to our Facebook page and take a stab at guessing who this therapist is. If you hit the mark, you'll score an opportunity to join us on a Zoom call to discuss any questions you may have about preparing for your licensure exam. So, gear up for an episode that marries insightful psychological exploration with an exciting interactive element. Don’t let this one pass you by!

If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExams


This podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

CounselingExam
Have you ever found yourself smack in the middle of a heated moment and wondered, "How did I get here?" Or maybe, you've seen patterns in your relationships that you just can't seem to break free from. Get ready for an insightful journey into Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), a theory seated in the lap of attachment theory. Despite the Michigan cold and the Florida sun, your hosts Dr. Linton Hutchinson and Stacy Frost are ready to guide you through this enlightening conversation. 

From understanding the three key stages of EFT - stabilization, restructuring, and integration - the fun only begins. We will discuss a case study of a couple grappling with communication issues and how EFT techniques come to their rescue. Navigating the waters of negative interaction cycles to unearthing unmet needs, this episode is a comprehensive exploration of EFT. We will also tackle the common fear of therapists being seen as biased, and share some ingenious strategies. Expect to laugh, learn, and leave with a deeper understanding of couples therapy, even if you aren't practicing it.

If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExams


This podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

CounselingExam
What's the secret to creating a robust therapist-client relationship, you ask? The answer could be as simple as sharing a bit of yourself. In our latest podcast episode, we, your hosts Stacy Frost and Dr. Linton Hutchinson, pull back the curtain on the controversial topic of self-disclosure in therapy. With a mix of lively banter and expert insight, we illuminate the delicate balance of sharing personal experiences with clients to foster connection while maintaining the paramount focus on client welfare and safety.

Have you ever wondered how to tread the thin line between personal and professional in your therapy sessions? Tune in as we arm you with tried and tested guidelines to navigate this nuanced territory. We unveil the potential of self-disclosure to reduce feelings of isolation, validate experiences, and instill hope in clients. We also candidly address the risks involved – from diverting attention away from the client to blurring personal boundaries. Whether studying for your licensure exam or seeking to hone your therapeutic skills, this episode is a must-listen. Remember, at the heart of it all, therapy is about the client's journey, not the therapist's narrative.

If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExams


This podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

Ever felt like you were the only one dealing with something, only to discover that it's more common than you thought? This realization can be liberating, and it's something we therapists aim to offer our clients through the power of normalization. Journey with us, and our co-host, Stacey Frost, as we unravel the complexities of microskills in therapy, with a special focus on normalization. We'll unpack how this technique can help your clients understand that their experiences aren't isolated, providing a comforting sense of universality that aids in reducing feelings of stigma and isolation. But it's not always the right response, especially when safety is a concern. So, we'll explore how to navigate these tricky waters, ensuring the wellbeing of your clients is always at the forefront.

Have you ever wondered how to strike the balance between validation and normalization in therapy? We've got you covered! Validation is about empathetically recognizing a client's experiences, while normalization puts these experiences in a broader context to show they're not alone. However, normalizing isn't always the answer, especially when it involves destructive behaviors. So, we'll delve into these nuances with Stacey and discuss how to create a supportive, non-judgmental environment that fosters growth and healing. For those preparing for licensure exams, Stacey has some invaluable tips that you won't want to miss. Join us on this insightful journey as we equip you with the skills to better support your clients and ace that exam!

If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExams


This podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

CounselingExam.com
Microskills are a "gotta-know"  if you're studying for your counseling NCMHCE exam! Ever dreamt of having a memory that's as dependable as your favorite old sweater? We're here to unlock that possibility for you. We, your hosts Stacy and Dr. Linton Hutchinson, premier a captivating conversation about the magic of memory techniques. From the enchanting world of mnemonic devices like acronyms and visualization to the grandeur of the method of loci, we're going to transform the way you remember everything - from complex theories to your weekly grocery lists.

If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExams


This podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

CounselingExam.com
Microskills are a "gotta-know"  if you're studying for your counseling NCMHCE exam! Discover how the intriguing world of psychoanalytic therapy with Dr. Linton Hutchinson and Stacy Frost and how could be the key to unlocking Charlie's deep-seated fear. With a crippling phobia of darkness, 35-year-old Charlie is desperate for help after self-help methods and past therapy experiences have failed him. Join us, Linton and Stacy, as we weave through Charlie's story, his struggle to live a full life, and his journey into therapy once again.

If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExams


This podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

CounselingExam.com
Microskills are a "gotta-know"  if you're studying for your counseling NCMHCE exam! Ever thought confrontation could be a therapeutic tool that promotes self-awareness and stimulates change? Ready yourself for a fascinating exploration into the world of therapeutic confrontation as we, your hosts Stacy and Dr. Hutchinson, demystify this seemingly contentious subject. We're deconstructing the concept of confrontation in therapy and reframing it not as an argument but as a respectful invitation for clients to explore discrepancies in their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. 

If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExams


This podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

Counseling Exam.com
Microskills are a "gotta-know"  if you're studying for your counseling NCMHCE exam! Ever thought about the power of silence? How it can be a game-changer in your therapy practice? Join us, Dr. Linton Hutchinson and Stacey Frost, as we navigate the often overlooked and subtly intimidating world of therapeutic silence. Discover how mastery of this technique can create a profound space for your clients that promotes growth, self-reflection, and emotional processing. 

If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExams


This podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

Ever feel like you're stuck in a loop of endless studying, yet struggle to retain the information? We've been there too, and that's why we're exploring the undeniable power of active studying in this episode of our Study Smarter, not Harder series. Discover why passive studying falls short in long-term memory retention and how you can significantly improve your recall abilities with active studying techniques. We also unpack the magic of spaced repetition and its synergy with active studying. 

But we aren't stopping at theory. We're offering three specific, actionable ways for you to engage with your study material actively and maximize your study efficiency. Whether it's teaching someone else a concept, creating visual representations of your notes, or making the material more relatable through personal anecdotes or analogies, we provide guidance on how to experiment and find what suits your study style best. So tune in, alter your study habits, and unlock the potential of your time while enhancing your understanding and retention of the subject matter. Transform studying from a chore to a reward with practical insights from our Study Smarter, not Harder series.

If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExams


This podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

Ready to revolutionize your study habits with a brain-boosting tool? Discover the magic of mind mapping in our latest conversation fueled with laughter, insight, and practical examples. Join us, Linton and Stacy, as we delve into the essentials of mind mapping—a powerful tool designed to structure information, connect concepts, and enhance recall. We promise you’ll learn how this visual technique can help you break down complex topics into easy-to-understand segments.

We break down the process of creating a mind map step-by-step, from the central concept to the branches of related topics, and how color coding and symbols can make it even more intuitive. We chat about the physical act of creating a mind map and how it effectively engages your brain. We also offer tips on how to make your mind maps personal and intuitive, and how to use them to handle intricate topics like dialectical behavior therapy. So, whether you're on your commute, or just chilling at home, tune into an episode that promises to change the way you study forever.

If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExams


This podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

Ever found yourself blanking out on a key term during an important exam? Or trying to recall a word while ordering seafood? You're not alone! Co-hosts Linton and Stacy share relatable anecdotes and introduce the magic of spaced repetition - a learning technique that promises to supercharge your memory and recall abilities. Rooted in cognitive science, this method optimizes our natural memory processes and acts as a powerful hack for students preparing for exams and professionals aiming for ongoing development. 

Join us as we unpack the Ebbinghaus forgetting curve and explain how the brain tends to ditch information unless actively recalled and reinforced. 

If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExams


This podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExams


This podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

How well do you understand the subtle intricacies of therapeutic communication? These are questions we’ll be answering, as we shine a spotlight on two critical techniques in therapy: reflection of feeling and reflection of meaning. We’ll discuss how these tools aid therapists in echoing their clients' emotions, fostering a sense of validation, and allowing clients to delve deeper into their feelings. 

But there's more! We’re also contrasting empathy with reflection of feeling. Unpacking how empathy extends beyond understanding and sharing feelings, to embodying the experiences of others, and how it differs from a reflection of feeling which is a specific technique used to ascertain and affirm a client's emotions. By exploring these distinctions, we aim to enhance your understanding of therapeutic communication and how it can be used to build stronger connections with clients, enabling them to make changes that resonate with their values and needs. Join us for a conversation that promises to deepen your understanding of the nuances of therapeutic dialogue.

If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExams


This podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExams


This podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

What if there was a secret key to unlocking the power of your memory lying right under your nose? Literally. In our latest chat, we, your hosts, Linton and Stacy, dive into the sensuous world of the Proustian memory effect—an intriguing phenomenon where our senses, specifically smell, can trigger vivid memories. We're not just talking about it in theory, folks. We share our personal stories, where a whiff of old perfume bottles and 'White Shoulders' transported us back in time, awakening dormant memories. 

Now, imagine if you could harness this sensory power to study smarter. We've got you covered! We discuss practical strategies, like sucking on peppermint candy while studying logotherapy, to enhance your recall during exam prep. Whether it's sight, smell, taste, touch, or sound, we explore how pairing sensory experiences with academic concepts can create an emotional anchor in your memory bank. And let's not forget, we touch upon the science behind this—how our olfactory bulb, the brain's smell center, is connected to our memory and emotion processors, making smell a strong memory trigger. Join us as we explore this sensory delight!

If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExams


This podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

In a therapeutic context, emotional heightening may be used to help a client explore and process their emotions in a safe and supportive environment. Here's an example:

Therapist: "Tell me about a recent situation that triggered strong emotions for you."

Client: "I had an argument with my partner, and I felt really angry and frustrated."

Therapist (Emotional Heightening): "Let's explore those feelings a bit more. Take a moment to close your eyes, and imagine yourself back in that situation. Allow those emotions of anger and frustration to come up. Notice the sensations in your body, the intensity of those feelings. What thoughts are running through your mind in this moment?"

By guiding the client to mentally revisit the situation and intentionally engage with their emotions, the therapist is using emotional heightening techniques. The therapist encourages the client to vividly imagine and reconnect with the intensity of their anger and frustration. They invite the client to focus on the bodily sensations, thoughts, and overall experience associated with those emotions.

This approach allows the client to explore and process their emotions more deeply, gaining insight into their triggers, underlying beliefs, and potential areas for growth. The therapist creates a contained space where the client can safely engage with their heightened emotions and gain a better understanding of their emotional landscape. Through this process, the client can develop greater self-awareness, emotional regulation skills, and work towards positive change.

If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExams


This podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

Reflection of meaning refers to the process of summarizing or restating the underlying significance or message of what someone has expressed. It involves capturing the core essence of the speaker's words or actions and conveying it back to them. By reflecting the meaning, a listener demonstrates their understanding and shows that they have grasped the deeper implications or intentions behind the communication. This technique is commonly used in counseling, therapy, or active listening settings to validate and acknowledge the speaker's thoughts and feelings.

Reflection of Meaning:

Here's an example of reflection of meaning in a therapeutic context:

Client: "I've been feeling overwhelmed lately. There's so much going on in my life, and I can't seem to keep up with everything."

Therapist (Reflection of Meaning): "It sounds like the weight of your responsibilities and the demands of your life have become too much to handle. You're feeling like you're constantly playing catch-up and struggling to find a sense of balance."

In this example, the therapist reflects the meaning behind the client's words. They summarize the underlying significance of the client's statement, capturing the client's feelings of overwhelm, the multitude of responsibilities, and the struggle to find balance. By reflecting the meaning, the therapist demonstrates an understanding of the client's experiences and acknowledges the deeper implications of their words. This reflection validates the client's emotions and provides a space for further exploration and processing.

If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExams


This podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.