Send us a text We've got a fantastic guest with us today. Her name is Hannah Salazar, and she is both a therapist AND a professional school counselor. She also tutors new therapists as they work to pass their NCMHCE licensure exam. So, if you need one-on-one tutoring, send Hannah an email at: Info@TheGoodNeuron.com ... and I'm sure she'll get you up to speed for your exam. Ever met a client whose childhood “quirks” suddenly became roadblocks at work, at home, or in relationships? We dig...

Send us a text 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.

Send us a text Struggling with setting effective therapy goals? Look no further than the SMART framework, a powerful approach that transforms vague client aspirations into concrete, achievable outcomes. Drawing a clever parallel between the 1960s TV show "Get Smart" and today's clinical practice, this episode unpacks everything therapists need to know about creating goals that actually work. The SMART method—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—provides the perfect stru...

Send us a text Ever found yourself mixing up avoidant and dependent personality disorders? You're not alone. This episode delivers a crystal-clear framework to distinguish between these commonly confused diagnoses—essential knowledge for passing your licensing exam. Dr. Linton Hutchinson cuts through the complexity to reveal the golden difference: motivation. While both disorders share features like interpersonal difficulties, low self-esteem, and comorbidity with anxiety and depression, the...

Send us a text Vanishing identities, sudden relocations, and complete memory loss—welcome to the fascinating world of dissociative amnesia with fugue. Ever wonder what happens when someone's mind creates the ultimate escape hatch from unbearable psychological pain? Dissociative fugue represents an extraordinary psychological defense mechanism where individuals not only lose their autobiographical memories but may travel hundreds of miles away and assume entirely new identities. What makes th...

Send us a text Nicotine dependence isn't just about willpower—it's a complex physiological and psychological phenomenon that requires sophisticated assessment tools to properly understand and treat. Today we dive into the science behind two gold-standard assessments that every mental health professional should know: the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence and the Hooked on Nicotine Checklist (HONC). The Fagerstrom Test has become the benchmark for measuring physical dependence in establi...

Send us a text 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...

Send us a text 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.

Send us a text 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 li...

Send us a text Throughout this episode, we demonstrate various strategies for reflecting content, such as paraphrasing, summarizing, and using open-ended questions. We also provide real-life examples of how this technique can be applied in a therapeutic context, leading to new insights, challenging thought patterns, and fostering personal growth. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your communication skills and create a more supportive, empathetic environment for yourself and others. Refl...

Send us a text We'll guide you through real-life examples of reflection of emotions in therapy, romantic relationships, and workplace settings, demonstrating how to accurately identify, understand, and express the emotions of others. Plus, we'll unveil the secrets to creating safe spaces for open communication and emotional healing. So, don't miss out on this engaging podcast as we uncover the remarkable power of reflecting emotions and how it can transform our relationships and personal grow...

Send us a text CounselingExam How often have you found yourself caught between paraphrasing and summarizing, unsure of the fine line that differentiates them? Don't fret! Stacy Frost and Dr. Linton Hutchinson are here to sweep away confusion and shed light on these two essential counseling skills in a way you've never encountered before. As hosts of Licensure Exams, they masterfully unpack the intricacies of paraphrasing and summarizing, demonstrating how paraphrasing involves capturing the c...

Send us a text 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 unconditional positive regard in therapy! Unconditional positive regard is a ...

Send us a text 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 emerge. From the Latin meaning "alive" or "life," these approaches involve ...

Send us a text 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. What makes symbolic experiential therapy stand apart? It's the thera...

Send us a text 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 gather essential diagnostic information while honoring each client...

Send us a text 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 yet critical differences that help distinguish these overlapping condi...

Send us a text 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's a powerful therapeutic tool with profound applications. Developed by Jacob M...

Send us a text 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 genetics, environment, experiences, and relationships, creating unique patt...

Send us a text 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 present moment. Rather than analyzing past experiences or catastrophizing future out...