Exam Prep Blog: July 2017

Recently I was on an initial coaching call with someone preparing for her LMSW exam. Sharing that this would be her second time taking the exam and worried she was alone in this, she asked “Heidi, have you worked with anyone else who has failed the test before?” I responded with a resounding “YES.” I’ve worked with many individuals who have taken the test multiple times using other study materials, then made the decision to invest in TDC, and PASSED on their next attempt.

In the previous two practice questions, we explored our mandated reporting requirements for child, elder and dependent abuse. This week, we move away from this subject and shift our focus to the topic of domestic violence. While there may be times that the circumstances of domestic violence lead to the reporting of child, elder or dependent abuse, this will not be the focus of this week’s blog. Instead, we are going to focus on self-determination and safety planning.

When Amanda Rowan posted our new Social Justice Coupon Codes blog, we encouraged you to let us know of nonprofits who are fighting the good fight to be added to our coupon code list. We would like to thank Kiertsen Hess for being the first one to do so! Kiersten reached out to let us know about an organization she volunteers with: Domestic Violence Solutions for Santa Barbara County (DVS). We were excited to learn more about them, add them to our list, and to make them our first Social Justice Spotlight Organization!

Last week’s MFT blog explored a complicated question on child abuse and neglect reporting. This week, we continue exploring the topic of abuse and neglect, but shift our focus to elders and dependent adults. In California, the laws regarding elder and dependent adult abuse overlap quite a bit with those for child abuse, but there are also some differences to keep in mind.

In Wednesday’s blog, Bethany reviewed a question on child abuse and neglect reporting. Since this is a question that will likely appear more than once on your licensing exams, let’s continue with this topic. While it’s a topic that has historically caused therapists uncertainty and anxiety both as practitioners and test takers, it is not one you need to fear!

Hello! When Amanda Rowan helped me pass my licensing exams in California 8 years ago, I would never have dreamed that I would be writing this blog today. It’s been quite a journey! It all started with practice questions: Amanda helped me read them effectively, understand what the test and question were asking, and make sense of how to evaluate answer choices strategically. Good practice questions have always been our goal at TDC, and I’m excited to be using the blog to share some of that with you again.

Welcome! It’s been awhile since we’ve blogged regularly here at TDC. We’ve been so focused on providing our clients with help and support around their exams that it’s been hard to find the time. But that’s about to change. We understand that professional development doesn’t stop after you pass your exam: in fact, most professional development happens AFTER. The time after you pass your exam is one in which you are settling into your professional role, identifying the kind of clinician you want to be, searching for your dream job, and more. Meaningful professional growth and development requires great professional education-and that’s where TDC wants to grow with you.

New Coupon Code: You Save, We Give!

The Therapist Development Center is pleased to announce our Veterans Service Scholarship Program: