NCE Study Guide

This 28-day meditation series is now available on Patreon.  It is designed to prepare you for the National Counselor Examination (NCE) in a way that is both effective and deeply calming. Each session blends counseling content review with gentle, imagery-based meditation, supported by theta-state audio techniques that promote memory retention, focus, and relaxation.Across the modules, you’ll journey through the full scope of NCE material: ethics, confidentiality, supervision, multicultural competence, and technology in counseling; intake, assessment, diagnosis, and clinical documentation; major mental health disorders, trauma, addiction, special populations, and systemic influences; treatment planning, theoretical models, cultural considerations, and collaboration; and the core of practice—counseling skills, microskills, the therapeutic process, and counselor self-development.Each meditation helps anchor knowledge while reducing anxiety, transforming study into a practice of presence and resilience. Here, learning is not rushed—it is integrated, with warmth, safety, and compassion guiding every step.Join the community → patreon.com/NCEStudyGuide🎧 Like what you hear?➡️ Give the show a 5-star rating—it really helps others find these resources. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The Full Library Is Live + New Study Group Details!The NCE Study Guide Patreon Library—91 audio-based study modules now fully organized by CACREP content areas and exam domains.Study Group is held every Tuesday at 5 PM Pacific / 8 PM Eastern. If you're serious about passing the NCE and want community-based support, this is for you.Join the community → patreon.com/NCEStudyGuide🎧 Like what you hear?➡️ Give the show a 5-star rating—it really helps others find these resources. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The Full Library Is Live + New Study Group Details!In this episode, Glenn announces the long-awaited completion of the NCE Study Guide Patreon Library—91 audio-based study modules now fully organized by CACREP content areas and exam domains.You’ll learn:How the modules are structured into accessible collectionsWhat’s available for free on PatreonHow to join the full library ($5/month)And details about the new weekly Study Group, now offered through the $25/month tierBeginning Tuesday, June 24th at 5 PM Pacific / 8 PM Eastern, the live Zoom-based study group will meet weekly. If you're serious about passing the NCE and want community-based support, this is for you.🎧 Glenn also shares a full sample module from the library—Module 43: History and Philosophy of Counseling—so you can hear what to expect.Join the community → patreon.com/NCEStudyGuide🎧 Like what you hear?➡️ Give the show a 5-star rating—it really helps others find these resources. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Carl Jung – Archetypes, Shadow Work, and Counseling ApplicationsEpisode Description:In this episode of the NCE Study Guide, we take a deep dive into the foundational ideas of Carl Jung—his theories, legacy, and practical relevance for the National Counselor Examination. This module was inspired by Lily, a forward-thinking member of our Saturday study group who requested a focused exploration of Jungian psychology.You’ll learn how concepts like the collective unconscious, archetypes, the Shadow, and individuation can show up on the NCE—not just in theory questions, but embedded in case vignettes that require symbolic, spiritual, or depth-oriented interpretation. We also explore Jung’s influence on transpersonal counseling, multicultural sensitivity, and personality assessments like the MBTI.This resource is part of a growing, collaborative study effort. If you’d like to join the weekly Zoom group (Saturdays at 11 a.m. PT), suggest a topic, or ask a question, send an email to ncestudyguide@gmail.com. And if you find this podcast helpful, please consider leaving a 5-star rating—it helps others find us!At the beginning of this episode, you’ll also hear the voice of Carl Jung himself with a quote that invites self-reflection and curiosity—a perfect mindset for both the exam and the counseling profession.Let’s get started. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Case Study Module 10: Maya, the Young Girl with Big WorriesThis case study module presents a fictional scenario designed to prepare you for the NCE by examining key clinical competencies: ethical considerations, appropriate diagnoses, applicable modalities and interventions, and core exam content areas. Each module ends with an NCE-style quiz to reinforce your understanding and retention.Case Overview:Maya, an 8-year-old girl, presents with separation anxiety and school refusal following a recent move. This case includes child-specific assessment tools, play therapy, and CBT for kids, along with a family systems approach to support consistent parenting strategies and emotional safety in treatment planning. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Case Study Module 9: Carlos, the Man with Many MasksThis case study module presents a fictional scenario designed to prepare you for the NCE by examining key clinical competencies: ethical considerations, appropriate diagnoses, applicable modalities and interventions, and core exam content areas. Each module ends with an NCE-style quiz to reinforce your understanding and retention.Case Overview:Carlos, a 38-year-old Latino male, is court-mandated to attend a domestic violence offender group. This case explores legal-ethical practice, group norms, and behavior change through the Duluth Model, CBT, and Motivational Interviewing. You'll examine how to support accountability in mandated clients while practicing cultural humility. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Case Study Module 8: Linda, the Grieving WidowThis case study module presents a fictional scenario designed to prepare you for the NCE by examining key clinical competencies: ethical considerations, appropriate diagnoses, applicable modalities and interventions, and core exam content areas. Each module ends with an NCE-style quiz to reinforce your understanding and retention.Case Overview:Linda, a 68-year-old woman, struggles with prolonged grief after losing her husband. This case highlights Worden’s Tasks of Mourning, Gestalt Therapy, and Narrative work in supporting older adults. You'll also explore assessment of complicated grief, somatic expression, and ethical care with aging clients. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Case Study Module 007: Devon, the College Student in CrisisThis case study module presents a fictional scenario designed to prepare you for the NCE by examining key clinical competencies: ethical considerations, appropriate diagnoses, applicable modalities and interventions, and core exam content areas. Each module ends with an NCE-style quiz to reinforce your understanding and retention.Case Overview:Devon, a 19-year-old non-binary student, presents with depression, academic stress, and identity confusion. This case explores Affirmative Therapy, Person-Centered, and Narrative approaches while integrating suicide risk assessment, multicultural ethics, and LGBTQIA+ inclusive practice in a college setting. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Case Study Module : Brian, the Career CrosserThis case study module presents a fictional scenario designed to prepare you for the NCE by examining key clinical competencies: ethical considerations, appropriate diagnoses, applicable modalities and interventions, and core exam content areas. Each module ends with an NCE-style quiz to reinforce your understanding and retention.Case Overview:Brian, a 45-year-old man, experiences depression and loss of purpose after being laid off. This midlife case focuses on career counseling integration, adult developmental transitions, and identity reconstruction using Career Construction Theory, CBT, and Existential Therapy. Ethical considerations include dual-focus care, scope, and career assessment tool interpretation. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

This case study module presents a fictional scenario designed to prepare you for the NCE by examining key clinical competencies: ethical considerations, appropriate diagnoses, applicable modalities and interventions, and core exam content areas. Each module ends with an NCE-style quiz to reinforce your understanding and retention.Case Overview:Elena, a 24-year-old Latina woman, seeks therapy after surviving sexual assault. This trauma-informed case explores PTSD diagnosis, cultural stigma, and safety-centered care using EMDR, TF-CBT, and multicultural counseling practices. Ethical concerns include pacing, informed consent, and culturally responsive practice for survivors of interpersonal violence. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Case Study Module 4: Sofia and Jake, the Anxious CoupleThis case study module presents a fictional scenario designed to prepare you for the NCE by examining key clinical competencies: ethical considerations, appropriate diagnoses, applicable modalities and interventions, and core exam content areas. Each module ends with an NCE-style quiz to reinforce your understanding and retention.Case Overview:Sofia and Jake, an engaged couple in their early 30s, present with emotional distance and communication breakdown. Through Emotionally Focused Therapy, the Gottman Method, and Structural Family Therapy, this case explores attachment wounds, relational anxiety, and therapist neutrality. Learn to navigate dual alliance ethics, relational dynamics, and psychoeducational tools for couples. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Episode Description:Welcome to NCE Study Guide Case Study Module 1 of 10. In this episode, we dive into the fictional case study of James, the Overwhelmed Teacher—a high-achieving high school English teacher grappling with anxiety, insomnia, and emotional burnout.Through James’s story, you’ll explore key themes you’re likely to encounter on the National Counselor Examination (NCE), including diagnostic decision-making, ethical considerations, and treatment planning. We’ll examine how theoretical approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy can guide interventions, and we’ll discuss tools like the GAD-7 and PHQ-9 for accurate assessment.This episode is part of a creative, research-backed series developed by Glenn Ostlund—counselor, folklorist, and recent NCE passer—who blends science, narrative, and AI collaboration into a unique study experience he calls an “AI Puppet Show.” You’ll also hear sample NCE-style multiple-choice questions to help you test your knowledge and deepen your clinical reasoning.Whether you’re prepping solo or considering joining the NCE Study Guide weekly group, this episode is your invitation to engage in practical, case-based learning that brings theory to life.To connect with Glenn or suggest future case study topics, email: ncestudyguide@gmail.com.Let’s begin. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Module 10: Cognitive-Behavioral InterventionsAlbert Ellis, William Glasser, Donald Meichenbaum (CBT, REBT, and Reality Therapy – Thought Patterns, Choice, and Cognitive Change) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Module 9: Family and Systemic TherapyFritz Perls, Virginia Satir, Salvador Minuchin (Gestalt and Family Systems – Self-Awareness, Communication, and Structure in Relationships) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Module 8: Moral Development and Ethical ReasoningLawrence Kohlberg, Carol Gilligan, James Rest (Moral Development – Justice, Care, and Ethical Decision-Making) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Module 7: Neo-Freudian and Psychodynamic TheoriesCarl Jung, Karen Horney, Melanie Klein (Beyond Freud – The Unconscious, Archetypes, and Object Relations) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Module 6: Attachment Theory and Early DevelopmentJohn Bowlby, Mary Ainsworth, Harry Harlow (Attachment and Bonding – Infant Relationships and Their Impact on Development) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Module 5: Career Counseling and Vocational DevelopmentDonald Super, John Holland, Linda Gottfredson (Career Development – Personality, Self-Concept, and Occupational Choice) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★