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!
Passing your National Licensing Exam
Building Support Systems
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 the complexities of evaluating these networks, exploring how perceived support can sometimes do more harm than good, and share strategies to help clients fortify their support systems by addressing challenges like social anxiety or past trauma.
Throughout this episode, we emphasize the individuality of support systems, showcasing the unique ways they manifest for different people. Stacy and Dr. Hutchinson guide us through a case study that underscores how personal interests, like Clinton's butterfly garden, can naturally foster meaningful connections. As we discuss the importance of beginning with clients' strengths, the conversation extends an invitation to our listeners to engage with us at the upcoming Florida Mental Health Association Conference. Whether you're preparing for licensure exams or simply seeking to strengthen your own support network, this episode offers profound insights and practical strategies to enrich your therapeutic journey.
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.
Welcome to another episode of our Licensure Exams podcast. I'm Stacey Frost and I'm joined by co-host Dr Linton Hutchinson. So, linton, it's shaping up to be a real old-fashioned Michigan winter here. The sun and its cheerful warm rays are on vacation, and I wish I was down in hot and sunny Florida right now.
Speaker 2:Well, you will be soon. The Florida Mental Health Association's conference in Lake Mary Florida is coming up and we'll be ready to welcome all of our studious therapists to our booth. Hey, do you know if Diana and Laura will be there? Yep, how about?
Speaker 1:Sam. She's been amazing at coordinating all our presentations over the years. You can bet your bottom dollar she'll be there with bells on and ribbons in her hair. I can't wait to rummage through my closet, change into my Hawaiian outfit and finally get out of my long johns and winter garb. In the meantime, let's discuss support systems today. This episode is courtesy of Bethany in Chicago, who is studying for her licensure exam and wants to know how support systems affect treatment.
Speaker 2:Stacey, while you've been watching the mercury drop, I've been putting together some good stuff to share with all you therapists preparing for your exam.
Speaker 1:When we talk about support systems, we're looking at more than just someone who provides emotional comfort to your client.
Speaker 2:From a therapeutic perspective, a support system consists of all the individuals and groups who provide the client with feelings of safety, belonging, validation and support who provide the client with feelings of safety, belonging, validation and support, and sometimes what clients perceive as their support system may actually be counterproductive to their well-being. Let's say your client insists that her two best friends are her main support system, but are the same friends who encourage her to get hammered when she's trying to maintain sobriety. They convince her that one drink won't hurt and also guilt trip her saying she's ruining the party.
Speaker 1:That really highlights the need to help clients evaluate the quality of the client support network, not just the number of people around them.
Speaker 2:As you're studying for your licensing exam, keep in mind that assessing support systems isn't just about making a list of who are in your client's life.
Speaker 1:So am I right in assuming that Sushi Chef Kai from Publix wouldn't qualify as a member of your support system, linton Well.
Speaker 2:I don't know about that. Kai's spicy tuna rolls have gotten me through some pretty tough days. But really, while having relationships with people in your community is great, a true support system goes deeper than casual interactions, no matter how much you appreciate that perfect wasabi to salmon ratio.
Speaker 1:This distinction might appear in questions about treatment planning or crisis intervention, where you need to identify who can be counted on to help implement a safety plan or provide consistent support during recovery.
Speaker 2:So what kinds of questions could you ask your client that would help them identify people and groups in their support system?
Speaker 1:How about? Who can you talk to when you've had a bad day, who's your go-to when you have good news, or who are your friends that accept you regardless of your faults and deepest struggles, without judgment?
Speaker 2:Good question, Stacey. Also, reflecting back on what clients say about individuals in their lives can help them recognize existing supports they might have overlooked. Sometimes clients don't realize they already have supportive relationships because they're looking for support in very limited ways.
Speaker 1:What about if your client mentions a pet? I have to say my backyard chickens have been surprisingly therapeutic. They're not exactly lap pets, but there's something soothing about sitting outside watching them scratch around and listening to their happy little clucks. Plus, nothing beats the ego boost of having your feathered friends come running when they see you.
Speaker 2:Aha, sure that isn't because you're bringing them some tasty mealworms. Anyway, that's a great example of how support can come in unexpected forms. It's important to recognize that, while animals can be valuable sources of structure, purpose and emotional support for your client, you need to help clients build a comprehensive network that includes human connections who can provide different types of support.
Speaker 1:Agreed. We are, after all, social creatures and we need meaningful connections with other people to truly thrive. These connections help us develop better social skills, challenge our perspectives and provide the kind of complex emotional feedback that shapes healthy relationships.
Speaker 2:Exactly, and this is where your role as a therapist becomes really important helping clients identify and strengthen human connections that contribute to their well-being. Sometimes clients might rely too heavily on pets or other passive forms of comfort, because human relationships feel too risky or have been sources of hurt in the past.
Speaker 1:Okay, let's say you've determined that your client's support system could use a boost. What strategies would be helpful to build a stronger support network?
Speaker 2:Well, it's important to take a gradual approach. You might start by helping them identify existing connections that could be strengthened. Maybe there's a cousin they used to be close to or a neighbor they chat with occasionally. Then you can work on developing the skills and confidence needed to deepen those relationships.
Speaker 1:And, of course, addressing any underlying issues that might get in the way of forming connections. Sometimes social anxiety, trust issues or past relationship trauma needs to be worked through first. So on your licensing exam, if you see a question asking what should you do first, you should consider dealing with past relationship trauma, overjoining a group or seeking out new possible relationships.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Remember that building support networks often involves both internal and external work. Internal work might include challenging negative beliefs about relationships or developing better communication skills. External work could involve connecting clients with community resources, support groups or social activities aligned with their interests.
Speaker 1:Let's look at a few case studies. The first involves a client let's call him Clinton, not be confused with Linton who is struggling with social anxiety. Initially, clinton identifies a limited support system consisting only of family members who, while well-meaning, don't fully understand his challenges. They think he should just get out more and stop overthinking everything. As you can imagine, these comments only increase his anxiety and feelings of being misunderstood. Clinton's pride and joy is his butterfly garden, and that's where he spends most of his free time, tending to the plants and observing the butterflies. He says it's the only place he truly feels peaceful.
Speaker 2:This case shows how someone's interests can actually be a bridge to building a stronger support system. While Clinton's garden serves as a solitary refuge, it could also become a pathway to connecting with others.
Speaker 1:I think I see where you're going with this. How might you use Clinton's passion for butterfly gardening as a way to expand his support network?
Speaker 2:Well, there are several possible approaches. He might start by joining online gardening communities, which allow for social interaction with less pressure. Or he could consider connecting with local botanical gardens or nature groups, where he'd meet people who share his interests and where the focus would be on the plants and butterflies.
Speaker 1:And what's especially nice about this approach is that it's building on something that already brings him comfort and confidence. He's not just being thrown into random social situations. He's engaging with people around a topic where he has expertise and genuine interest.
Speaker 2:he's engaging with people around a topic where he has expertise and genuine interest Exactly. Remember that when helping clients expand their support systems, you want to work with their strengths and existing interests. Clinton might feel more comfortable sharing his knowledge about butterfly species than making small talk at a coffee shop.
Speaker 1:And the social anxiety might be less intense when the interaction is focused on something he's passionate about rather than on him personally. Plus, nature-based activities themselves can help reduce anxiety, so he's getting multiple benefits.
Speaker 2:That's a BOGO. Let's look at another case. This one involves a teenager we'll call Lacey, not to be confused with Stacy, who's dealing with depression. Her parents are divorced and while both are very concerned about her well-being, their different approaches are creating additional stress. Her mother, with her German background, has always micromanaged her daughter and now is constantly hovering and pushing her to talk, while when she is with her father, he tends to back off completely when she shows any sign of distress.
Speaker 1:This case highlights how even well-intentioned support can sometimes become problematic. Both parents want to help, but their contrasting styles are actually making it harder for Lacey to develop consistent coping strategies. Linton, what are some key considerations when working with a teen like Lacey to develop a more effective support system?
Speaker 2:First, you need to consider the developmental aspect. Teenagers naturally start shifting from family-based support to peer relationships, but still need stable adult guidance. With Lacey, you'd want to consider how to help her parents provide more consistent, balanced support, while also helping her build healthy peer connection.
Speaker 1:Right. You might need to provide psychoeducation about Lacey's condition, teach specific support strategies and help family members understand the importance of maintaining their well-being while supporting Lacey.
Speaker 2:And there's also the challenge of helping Lacey learn to communicate her needs effectively to different members of her support system. She needs to learn how to articulate her needs differently to different people. She might need one approach with her overbearing mother, another with her distant father and something entirely different with friends.
Speaker 1:That's a great point. Support systems don't have to be one-size-fits-all. Different clients can play different supporting roles. The goal isn't to make every relationship provide every type of support, but rather to help clients build a network where all their support needs are met across different relationships.
Speaker 2:Let's do a knowledge check to see if you're catching the key concept. What should be your first approach when working with a client with a limited support system? A Refer them toa support group of peers working through the same issue. B Assess their existing relationships and help them identify support. C Focus on developing and building their social skills. D Collaborate on creating a structured social schedule for them.
Speaker 1:Well, did you get it? The correct answer is B Assess their existing relationships and help them identify support.
Speaker 2:This approach is most effective because it builds on existing foundations and helps clients recognize support they might not have acknowledged. It's also less overwhelming than immediately pushing for new connections and it helps clients feel more confident about their existing resources.
Speaker 1:Let's do a quick recap before we sign off. Linton.
Speaker 2:First, remember that assessing support systems goes beyond making a list of people in your client's life. You need to evaluate the quality, accessibility and nature of those relationships. Some relationships that seem supportive on the surface might actually be counterproductive to your client's well-being.
Speaker 1:Second, building support networks often requires both internal and external work. You might need to help clients address underlying issues like social anxiety or trust problems, while also helping them connect with community resources and potential support people.
Speaker 2:Third, support systems are not one-size-fits-all. Different people can provide different types of support, and that's okay. Can provide different types of support, and that's okay. The goal is to help clients build a network where all their support needs are met across various relationships.
Speaker 1:And finally, when helping clients expand their support systems start with their strengths and interests. As we saw with Clinton and his butterfly garden, these can provide natural bridges to meaningful connection.
Speaker 2:Thanks for joining us today. Don't forget to visit us at the Florida Mental Health Association Conference in Lake Mary, Florida if you're in the area, and keep those questions coming. We love helping you prepare for your licensure exams.
Speaker 1:Until next time remember it's in there.
