Exam Prep Blog: October 2017

The NASW has recently released changes to the Code of Ethics inspired in large part by the need to address the ethics of technology use, both personally and professionally. While these changes to the Code of Ethics are not yet reflected on the exam, we decided to make this week’s practice question about the use of technology and social media. From our TDC Social Work Exam Facebook Study Group, to our public Facebook page, and the blog itself, we saw people choose a variety of answer options. We are excited to share the answer and rationale with you today!

With rapidly increasing usage of social media for purposes of networking, marketing, professional development, and formal and informal communications, we are living in interesting (and challenging) times as mental health professionals. As social workers, these are some murky waters we have to figure out how to navigate through, and until recently, our Code of Ethics provided little instruction on how to go about this successfully (and ethically). Fifteen years ago, identifying how to ethically traverse the Facebook world was not something we as social workers had to consider, but now, it is a very real task we face.

We are excited to announce that starting today, we are piloting a private TDC user Facebook group for anyone currently signed up for one of our social work exam prep programs! This is an idea our TDC team has been working on for several months after many discussions surrounding the pros and cons of social media exam support. We want to create a space that fosters positive (and ethical) peer support for our TDC family as they are preparing for their social work licensing exams. This will be a place where you can come to discuss specific TDC practice questions, encourage one another in your study process, discuss anxiety management and self-care strategies, and engage in discussions on some of those trickier topics that you are looking for some extra support with.

Yesterday's FREE practice question featured the topic of treatment planning. Today we have the answer and rationale for you!

Our practice question blog a few weeks ago explored the topic of assessment. As we discussed then, therapists must conduct thorough assessments at the onset of therapy to understand why their clients are seeking treatment and what they hope to achieve in addition to managing potential crises. Armed with the information obtained through a thorough assessment, therapists are able to collaborate with their clients to develop comprehensive treatment plans, the subject of this week’s free practice question. Similar to assessment, treatment planning is an ongoing and dynamic process. What appears to be indicated at the start of therapy may change as clients’ needs change and treatment moves in unanticipated directions.

Did you know? The Department of Veterans Affairs employs more than 12,000 social workers, marriage family therapists and professional clinical counselors. The services these professionals provide are integral to helping veterans and their families. As part of Therapist Development Center’s (TDC) ongoing efforts to support our country’s veterans, and those who assist them, we are happy to announceTDC is now an approved vendor with the US Department of Veterans Affairs.

In honor of TDC's launch of our new continuing education courses, yesterday's practice question explored the legal issue of record keeping. Today we have the answer and rationale for you!

This week, we are excited to expand TDC’s professional development opportunities for therapists with the launch of our first continuing education courses. This first set of courses focuses on the laws and ethics of our profession. In honor of these courses, this week’s free MFT practice question will explore the legal issue of record keeping. More specifically, we will examine who has the right to access client records.