Passing your National Licensing Exam
Getting licensed can open up incredible opportunities, but the exam can seem daunting. Our podcasts make passing more achievable and even fun. Dr Hutchinson and Stacy’s energy and passion for this content will get you motivated and confident. We break things down in understandable ways - no stuffiness or complexity and focus on the critical parts you need so your valuable study time counts. You’ll come away feeling like, “I can do this!” Whether it’s nailing down diagnoses, theoretical approaches, or applying ethics in challenging situations, we help you get into a licensed mindset. Knowledge domains we cover in these podcasts include: Professional Practice and Ethics Intake, Assessment, & Diagnosis Areas of Clinical Focus Treatment Planning Counseling Skills and Interventions Core Counseling Attributes And, of course, the DSM-5-TR. If you listen, you might surprise yourself at how much you absorb and enjoy it along the way. Take that first step – you’ll gain confidence and valuable skills and feel confident getting ready for your licensing exam!
Episodes
Listen in as we discuss the basic assumptions and key concepts, such as empathy, non-judgment, and congruence, that form the foundation of unconditional positive regard. We share real-life examples and techniques therapists use to empower clients and foster their personal development, like active listening and reflecting feelings. Don't miss this opportunity to be inspired by the healing potential of unconditiona...
Ever wonder about those little details that could make or break your licensure exam score? This episode dives deep into the crucial distinction between in vivo and in vitro therapeutic interventions—concepts that might seem mundane but could tip the scales in your favor come exam day.
We break down in vivo interventions, which take place in clients' natural environments where their challenges typically e...
Dive into the transformative world of symbolic experiential therapy, a dynamic approach to family therapy founded by Carl Whitaker that might just revolutionize your therapeutic practice. Unlike conventional methods that prioritize rational problem-solving, this innovative approach embraces authentic encounters, emotional expression, and the power of metaphor to create meaningful change within family systems.
The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5) stands as a cornerstone in modern mental health assessment, offering clinicians and researchers a sophisticated tool that marries systematic evaluation with clinical flexibility.
This semi-structured interview masterfully balances the precision of standardized questioning with the nuance of open-ended exploration, allowing mental health professionals to ga...
Drawing the line between childhood trauma and anxiety can be one of the most challenging diagnostic dilemmas therapists face. When a child shows regression, clinginess, and somatic symptoms, are you witnessing the aftermath of abuse or the manifestation of separation anxiety disorder? The answer requires nuanced clinical judgment that goes far beyond memorizing symptom lists.
This episode tackles the subtle y...
Have you ever felt stuck in traditional therapy, understanding your problems intellectually but still feeling emotionally disconnected? Psychodrama might be the missing piece. This dynamic, action-oriented approach bypasses our well-worn cognitive defenses and connects head with heart in ways that talk therapy sometimes can't.
Psychodrama isn't merely a theoretical concept for your licensure exam—it...
Struggling to differentiate personality development from personality disorders? You're not alone. This episode tackles one of the most challenging distinctions that therapy students face when preparing for licensing exams.
We dive deep into the fundamental nature of personality development—a natural, ongoing process that begins in childhood and continues through adulthood. This development is shaped by g...
Facing license exam anxiety? You're far from alone. Today, we're diving deep into how Gestalt therapy offers powerful tools for navigating overwhelming test anxiety, using the story of Rachel – a first-generation college student whose pre-existing anxiety disorder intensifies as her licensure exam approaches.
Gestalt therapy stands apart from other approaches by anchoring clients firmly in the prese...
Ever double-checked that your door was locked, even though you knew it was? That momentary doubt is normal—but what happens when these urges become overwhelming and constant? Drawing distinct lines between everyday quirks and clinical conditions, we untangle the often confused Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD).
The key distinction is profound: OCD manifes...
Could 100 unarmed men defeat a silverback gorilla? It's the absurd question captivating millions across the internet, generating heated debates and revealing surprising psychological truths beneath the surface. This viral thought experiment serves as a fascinating window into our collective psyche, functioning as what therapists might call a cultural inkblot test.
Diving deep into this phenomenon, we unp...
Struggling to master personality disorders for your upcoming licensure exam? Look no further than this deep dive into Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) – a condition you might encounter on test day.
We meticulously break down the DSM diagnostic criteria, requiring at least five symptoms from a pattern that includes difficulty making everyday decisions, needing others to assume responsibility for major life...
Feeling overwhelmed by the array of assessment tools you need to master for your licensing exam? Today's episode offers a deep dive into one of the most practical and versatile instruments available to therapists: the Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS).
Dr. Linton Hutchinson breaks down this deceptively simple yet powerful clinical tool that allows therapists to quantify what seems unquantifiable ...
Panic disorder remains one of the most frequently misunderstood anxiety conditions in clinical practice and on licensing exams. We dive deep into what makes this disorder truly distinct from general anxiety - the sudden, intense nature of panic attacks compared to anxiety's gradual build.
For therapists and students preparing for licensing exams, understanding the three types of panic attacks is crucial....
Navigating the complex landscape of eating disorders requires precision and clarity, especially when preparing for licensure exams or working with clients. Dr. Linton Hutchinson and Eric Twachman deliver a masterclass in distinguishing between different eating disorders, offering essential knowledge that both clarifies exam material and enhances clinical practice.
We journey through the distinct worlds of ano...
The therapeutic landscape can be confusing for both practitioners and clients. Distinguishing between psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapy represents one of the most common areas of misunderstanding—even among seasoned mental health professionals.
We tackle this confusion head-on by exploring the fundamental differences between these two approaches. The classical psychoanalytic model employs that famous &...
We explore Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), covering diagnosis criteria, progression, causes, and effective treatment approaches according to the DSM.
• AUD falls under substance-related disorders in the DSM with 11 specific criteria
• Severity is classified as mild (2-3 criteria), moderate (4-5), or severe (6+ criteria)
• Criteria include drinking more than intended, inability to quit, cravings, and withd...
We explore premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a frequently misunderstood and misdiagnosed condition that therapists should understand for their licensing exams. PMDD is characterized as a severe form of PMS that significantly disrupts daily functioning with symptoms emerging during the luteal phase and improving shortly after menstruation begins.
• PMDD must be distinguished from other mood disorders by ...
Safety planning emerges as a crucial therapeutic intervention for clients facing suicidal thoughts or domestic violence situations in this detailed exploration by Eric Tworkman and Dr. Linton Hutchinson. Unlike traditional safety contracts that simply have clients promise not to harm themselves, safety plans provide structured, actionable steps that research shows reduce risk by as much as 50%.
The hosts brea...
Breaking down behavior change into manageable stages helps us understand why people struggle to make lasting changes and how we can better support them through the process. The Trans-Theoretical Model provides a practical framework for conceptualizing behavior change as a non-linear journey through six distinct stages, each requiring different therapeutic approaches.
• Pre-contemplation - clients don't r...
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Dive into the fascinating world of Pica with us as we unravel this often-misunderstood condition characterized by the persistent eating of non-food items. Named after the magpie bird known for its indiscriminate eating habits, Pica affects people across all age groups and presents unique challenges for clinicians and families alike.
We break down the multiple theoretical foundations attempti...
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