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Description
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!
132 Episodes
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Send us a text 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. Unexpected attacks strike without warning, situationally bound attacks co...
1Send us a text 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 anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and avoidant r...
Send us a text 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 "blank slate" approach where therapists maintain neutrality as clients...
Send us a text 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 withdrawal symptoms • People often drink to self-medicate stress, trauma, or negat...
Send us a text 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 its cyclical pattern • DSM criteria require at least five symptoms pr...
Send us a text 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 break down the six essential components of an effective safety plan: iden...
Send us a text 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 recognize they have a problem or need to change • Contemplation - weighing ...
Send us a text LicensureExams.com 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 attempting to explain this behavior – from nutritional deficiencies and sens...
Send us a text Unlocking the hidden potential in each individual can redefine the therapeutic journey, and that’s precisely what we delve into in this episode on strength-based therapy. By shifting the focus from a deficit-oriented perspective to one that celebrates client strengths, therapists can empower their clients to discover their unique capabilities. We draw parallels between this approach and the superhero narrative, emphasizing how clients often underestimate their own abilities unt...
Send us a text Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy fundamentally shifts how we approach therapy, focusing on the search for meaning rather than pleasure. Drawing from his harrowing experiences in concentration camps, Frankl established a psychotherapy model that emphasizes the importance of finding purpose amidst suffering. This episode dives deep into how logotherapy addresses existential vacuums many experience today, particularly those who appear successful yet feel unfulfilled. We explore ...
Send us a text Discover how the FlexCare model transforms traditional therapy into a dynamic, personalized experience that adapts to each client’s unique needs. With flexibility at its core, this groundbreaking framework brings forth customizable treatment plans that evolve as clients progress, making therapy more accessible and effective. Throughout our engaging discussion, we explore the critical phases of the FlexCare model, including initial assessments, planning, and implementation. By ...
Send us a text What if the key to overcoming social anxiety lies in the unexpected bonds we form with our support networks? Discover how Stacy Frost and Dr. Linton Hutchinson illuminate the nuanced role of support systems in therapy, particularly for those on the path to licensure. Through insightful dialogue, they unravel the layers of how connections with friends, groups, and even pets go beyond mere reassurance, offering a foundation of safety, belonging, and validation. We venture into th...
Send us a text Can a four-question tool truly pinpoint alcohol use disorder in under a minute? Discover the potency of the CAGE questionnaire as we unravel its effectiveness with Dr. Linton Hutchinson and myself, Eric Trockman. This episode promises to equip you with the knowledge to spot potential alcohol issues effortlessly, whether you're prepping for a licensure exam like our listener, Janie from Chicago, or simply expanding your mental health assessment toolkit. Learn how these short, po...
Send us a text Unlock the complexities of Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) and discover how it challenges the natural grieving process as defined in the DSM-5-TR. Explore how PGD differs from typical grief, with symptoms that persist beyond usual timelines. We'll guide you through the dual process model of grief and attachment theory, shedding light on why some individuals struggle to adapt naturally to loss. Our discussion also covers key assessment tools like the Prolonged Grief Disorder-13 (...
Send us a text Unlock the secrets of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and transform your understanding of this intricate condition. Join us as we promise a deep dive into the genetic and environmental roots of ADHD, shedding light on its profound impact on executive functioning and how it can ripple through every stage of life. We'll explore the complex interaction between genetics and maternal influences. By examining the neural foundations, including the intriguing role of th...
Send us a text Ready to unravel the mysteries of trichotillomania? Prepare to be enlightened as we, your hosts, Stacy and Linton, travel through the Greek roots of this body-focused repetitive behavior disorder, and reveal not only its hidden intricacies but also its potential treatment strategies. Stitch by stitch, we uncover the diagnostic criteria, prevalent features, and potential co-existing disorders. Along this journey, we also use the cycle of abuse theory as an unforgettable mnemonic...
Send us a text Ever wondered why not everyone who faces trauma ends up with PTSD? Join us as we unravel this complex disorder. You'll gain a clear understanding of PTSD's diagnostic criteria as outlined in the DSM-5-TR, exploring the crucial differences between PTSD and acute stress disorder, particularly the significance of symptom duration. We shatter prevalent myths, such as the notion that PTSD solely affects veterans or inevitably results in violence, emphasizing that the disorder arises...
Send us a text Unlock the secrets to understanding cyclothymic disorder with hosts Dr. Linton Hutchinson and Eric Twachman as they guide you through the intricacies of this often-overlooked mood disorder. What unique challenges does cyclothymic disorder present for therapists, and how can it be distinguished from similar conditions like bipolar disorders and borderline personality disorder? This episode promises to arm you with critical knowledge, from the importance of duration in diagnosis ...
Send us a text Unlock the secrets of navigating FERPA compliance with our latest episode of Ethics in Practice, where we promise to transform privacy regulations from a daunting obligation into a rewarding aspect of your professional toolkit. Joined by the insightful Dr. Linton Hutchinson, we shed light on the complex layers of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act that mental health professionals must navigate within educational settings. Learn how to differentiate between educationa...
Send us a text Unlock the secrets of the unconscious mind and transform your therapeutic practice with insights from our latest episode. Join us as we explore the foundational principles of psychoanalytic therapy, emphasizing the profound impact of the unconscious on behavior and emotions. We'll guide you through understanding the complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and formative influences that shape mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. Discover how recognizing un...
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