Claim OwnershipLicensure Lifeline: NCE & NCMHCE Prep Podcast
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© 2025 Licensure Lifeline: NCE & NCMHCE Prep Podcast
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Whether you're a student, a recent graduate, or a seasoned professional aiming for licensure, this podcast is designed to give you the edge you need to succeed.
Join us as we break down complex concepts, share insider tips, and explore essential topics that every counselor must know. With each episode, you'll gain valuable insights and practical strategies that will boost your confidence and help you excel on exam day.
But this podcast isn't just about studying—it's about inspiring you to become the best counselor you can be. We'll help you connect theory to practice and stay motivated throughout your licensure journey through engaging discussions, expert interviews, and real-life stories.
Tune in to the Counselor's Exam Prep Podcast and take the next step toward achieving your professional dreams. Subscribe now and start your path to licensure success!
52 Episodes
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Send us a text In this episode of Licensure Lifeline, we go into the second show in the mini-series on the DSM-5—your essential roadmap for differential diagnosis on the licensure exams. Today, we zoom in on Neurodevelopmental Disorders, including ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Intellectual Disability. You’ll learn how these disorders are defined, how they commonly show up on test vignettes, and how to avoid the traps that exam writers love to set. We’ll start with a fascinating historic...
Send us a text In this episode of Licensure Lifeline, we take a deep dive into Feeding and Eating Disorders in the DSM-5—covering Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge-Eating Disorder, Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), Pica, and Rumination Disorder. Whether you’re preparing for the NCE, NCMHCE, or ASWB Social Work exam, or you’re a practicing clinician wanting a refresher, this is your comprehensive guide. We start with a fascinating historical case study that sheds light ...
Send us a text What makes a treatment plan actually effective—for your clients and your exam? In this episode of Licensure Lifeline, we dive deep into the essential skill of treatment planning. Whether you’re preparing for the NCE, NCMHCE, or working toward your LCSW, this episode will help you understand how to craft goals, choose evidence-based interventions, and align your plans with ethical and culturally responsive care. You’ll learn: How to write SMART goals that show up on the testCo...
Send us a text In this episode of Licensure Lifeline, we take a deep dive into Attachment Theory, one of the most tested topics on the NCE and NCMHCE exams for aspiring mental health counselors and LCSWs. You’ll explore the foundational work of John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth, learn how to identify the four primary attachment styles (secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized), and apply this knowledge to real clinical scenarios. We’ll walk through a sample vignette, show you how to analyze c...
Send us a text In this insightful episode of Licensure Lifeline, host Matt Lawson breaks down Erik Erikson’s psychosocial development theory, a core topic for anyone preparing for the NCE, NCMHCE, or LCSW licensure exams. Whether you’re just starting your journey or need a quick refresher, this episode delivers a clear overview of Erikson’s 8 stages, real-world examples, and how these concepts show up on licensure exams. 🎧 Learn how trust vs. mistrust, identity vs. role confusion, and other s...
Send us a text In this 1-year anniversary special of Licensure Lifeline, we’re tackling the top 5 most confusing topics that show up again and again on the NCE, NCMHCE, and LCSW exams. Whether you’re struggling to tell BPD from Bipolar II, or confused about the fine line between dual relationships and boundary crossings, this episode brings clarity to the chaos with real examples, exam tips, and easy-to-remember distinctions. We’ll walk through each of these hot-button areas: BPD vs. Bipolar ...
Send us a text In this episode of Licensure Lifeline, host Matt Lawson breaks down the three most frequently tested neurodevelopmental disorders on the NCE, NCMHCE, and LCSW exams: ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Intellectual Disability. You’ll get clear explanations of each diagnosis, including DSM-5 criteria, how they show up in exam vignettes, and what clinicians need to know about treatment approaches. This episode features a real-world vignette walkthrough, 5 exam-style questions wit...
Send us a text In this episode of Licensure Lifeline, host Matt Lawson takes you on a deep dive into Personality Disorders—one of the most critical areas to master for the Licensure exams. Learn how to differentiate between Cluster A (Odd, Eccentric), Cluster B (Dramatic, Emotional), and Cluster C (Anxious, Fearful) personality disorders, including the hallmark traits of Paranoid, Borderline, Narcissistic, and Avoidant Personality Disorders. This breakdown simplifies the diagnostic proce...
Send us a text In this episode of Licensure Lifeline, host Matt Lawson breaks down the Top 5 counseling theorists every future therapist needs to know for the NCE, NCMHCE, and LCSW exam. Learn how key figures like Sigmund Freud, Alfred Adler, Carl Rogers, B.F. Skinner, and Albert Ellis shaped the foundation of modern psychotherapy—and how their work still shows up on today’s licensure exams. Matt explains the core concepts behind each theory, shares easy-to-remember study tips, and walks thro...
Send us a text In this special relaunch episode of Licensure Lifeline, host Matt Lawson dives into one of the most overlooked but essential skills for passing the NCMHCE, NCE, and LCSW exams: how to read vignettes like a therapist. Rather than memorizing answers or rushing to diagnoses, Matt guides you through the art of clinical thinking—slowing down, picking up on patterns, and responding to client cues like you would in real life. You’ll explore what test writers are really asking, how to ...
Send us a text In this episode of Licensure Lifeline, we dive into the art and science of differential diagnosis. We start with a fascinating look at the history of differential diagnosis, from early psychiatric misdiagnoses to the structured approach we use today. Then, we walk through a realistic case study of Marcus, a client whose symptoms overlap with multiple disorders, requiring careful clinical reasoning. You’ll learn how to differentiate between Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar II,...
Send us a text In this episode of Licensure Lifeline, we explore the groundbreaking work of Albert Bandura and how his social learning theory revolutionized psychology and therapy. From the famous Bobo doll experiment to the concepts of observational learning, self-efficacy, and reciprocal determinism, we break down how Bandura’s theories apply to modern mental health treatment. We discuss how modeling and vicarious learning are used in CBT, exposure therapy, skills training, and group therap...
Send us a text In this episode of Licensure Lifeline, we explore the art of case conceptualization, a critical skill for mental health therapists and a cornerstone of the NCMHCE. Starting with a compelling vignette about a challenging client case, we break down the essential components of conceptualization, from gathering key information to connecting it to theoretical frameworks and treatment planning. You’ll learn how to identify presenting problems, consider cultural and social context...
Send us a text In this episode of Licensure Lifeline, we tackle the complexities of initial assessments through an engaging case study of Samantha, a 28-year-old client presenting with symptoms that may indicate bipolar disorder. We explore how to gather critical diagnostic information, including timelines for manic, hypomanic, and depressive episodes, and identify ethical considerations such as confidentiality, safety planning, and professional boundaries. With sample questions...
Send us a text In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of Adlerian Therapy with a special focus on family dynamics. Explore the groundbreaking contributions of Alfred Adler, the psychologist who redefined how we understand our roles within our families and their impact on our lives. Learn about Adler’s key concepts of family constellations and birth order and how they shape personality, relationships, and behavior. Through practical examples, we’ll show how Adlerian therapy can b...
Send us a text In this episode of Licensure Lifeline, we explore the origins and impact of Positive Psychology, beginning with the pivotal moment in Martin Seligman’s garden that sparked a revolutionary shift in the field of psychology. We dive into the history, key contributors like Abraham Maslow and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, and foundational concepts such as strengths-based interventions, gratitude practices, and the PERMA model. Tune in and discover how focusing on what’s strong—not just w...
Send us a text In this episode of Licensure Lifeline, we delve into the critical role of crisis intervention in counseling, particularly as it applies to brief therapy. We’ll explore how counselors can effectively address acute distress by focusing on immediate stabilization, problem-solving, and empowerment, helping clients regain control during challenging moments. From assessing safety and normalizing emotions to developing actionable coping strategies, we break down the core techniques an...
Send us a text In this episode, we dive into the world of Carl Jung, exploring his revolutionary contributions to psychology and counseling. From his break with Freud to the development of Analytical Psychology, we uncover key concepts like the collective unconscious, archetypes, and shadow work. We’ll discuss how these ideas translate into therapeutic practices, including their relevance in helping clients explore deeper aspects of themselves. Learn how Jung’s work inspires modern therapy an...
Send us a text In this episode, we explore the transformative power of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, diving into its origins, core principles, and applications in modern counseling. We trace the history of EMDR, from Francine Shapiro’s groundbreaking discovery to its evolution as a trusted method for treating trauma and PTSD. You’ll learn about its eight-phase protocol, the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, and how EMDR is applied in therapy to help ...
Send us a text In this episode, we explore the powerful research tool of meta-analysis, explaining how it synthesizes findings from multiple studies to provide a clearer picture of treatment effectiveness. We also explore its applications in counseling, such as guiding evidence-based practices and tailoring interventions for clients. With real-world examples, sample questions for the NCE, and strategies to help you remember the key points, this episode equips you with practical insights...
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