FAQs

This week's LMSW exam prep topic is one that I've found is easy to confuse: negative reinforcement. We have B.F. Skinner to thanks for this term as he was the researcher who developed operant conditioning. Operant conditioning is a form of learning where a person's behavior is modified through both positive and negative consequences by using either reinforcement or punishment. Let's get started with a sample question. Negative Reinforcement Examples When I was studying for the LMSW exam, I found that an easy way to remember a lot of these terms was by thinking of not only the definition of the

Well, we're into some topics that don't, at first glance, seem all that exciting. BUT, practicing independently is exciting! And you have to know how to keep yourself safe in the process. Lots of people out there preparing for their LCSW exam or MFT exam view it as simply a 1-time event that they have to "get past" in order to move on with things. This is a surefire way to raise your anxiety. If, however, you view the exam prep process as a way of consolidating your knowledge and making sure that you're ready to be liable for your professional actions and decisions, it might actually feel good

October is just around the corner and I've already started to notice many pumpkins and Halloween decorations being put up around the neighborhood. I think that makes this weeks LMSW exam prep term, magical thinking, very appropriate. Let's take a look at how this term may show up on the LMSW exam. Sample Question: Which of the following BEST defines magical thinking? A. The process of transforming unacceptable impulses or idealizations into socially acceptable actions or behaviors B. The understanding by a child that an object continues to exist even when it can no longer be seen C. The

I've never met a therapist who relished doing paperwork, but keeping appropriate records and understanding who has rights regarding the records will ensure that you're protected as a clinician. If you're getting ready for a social work exam or MFT exam, chances are your understanding of this topic is about to be tested! Let's look at one way this might come up on a social work exam or MFT exam. Sample: A therapist with a previous private practice is getting ready to move out of state and is packing up her office. It's been 5 years since she's actively seen clients, but she still has boxes of

This week we are going to take a closer look at the term life review, and how it may potentially show up on the LMSW exam. The concept of life review was formulated by combining Erikson's theory of psychosocial development as well as Robert Butler's definition of reminiscence. Life review is generally used with older adults, or with those who are terminally ill, and has many therapeutic benefits. Let's get started with a sample LMSW question. Sample Question: Which of the following statements BEST defines life review? A. The process of looking back over one's life in order to analyze themes

It's Tuesday, so if you're studying for the LCSW exam or the MFT exam, it's time for a hot topic to keep your brain on its toes. This week, we're looking at the topic of transference and countertransference in clinical work. These are issues that you should be able to identify and manage -- not just on the exam, but in real life. Let's take a look at how it might come up on the MFT & LCSW exams. Sample: A therapist begins working with a client around issues of career progress and conflicts with employees. The client spends the first two sessions talking negatively about a particular employee

Well folks this week we are stealing a look at (humor me) kleptomania and the importance in knowing this term for the LMSW exam. Kleptomania, not to be confused with shop lifting or ordinary acts of theft, is a diagnosable disorder that may also be part of a larger group of symptoms. Let's get started with a sample question so you can better understand how this term may show up on the LMSW exam. Sample LMSW Question: All of the following are diagnostic criteria in the DSM-IV-TR for kleptomania EXCEPT: A. Recurrent failure to resist impulses to steal objects that are not needed for personal use

Congratulations to Emily Pellegrino for passing her LMSW exam! She'll be coaching others to LMSW Exam Success. The Therapist Development Center is so pleased to congratulate one of our team members for passing her LMSW exam yesterday. Emily Pellegrino has been working for TDC since she graduated from social work school last May. If you read our blogs, you will know her as the source of the ABC's review that covers terms commonly tested on the LMSW and LCSW exams administered by the ASWB. Emily prepared for her LMSW exam by using the TDC LMSW Exam Study System, researching terms for our quizzes

Back in July, my colleague, Emily Pellegrino wrote an excellent blog on the concept of boundaries; click here to read her article. We're going to take the concept a bit further this week and think about a clinical situation that might come up on an exam from the BBS, ASWB, or AAMFT. Let's get started with a practice question about dual relationships that might show up on a social work exam or MFT exam. Sample: An unemployed therapist begins volunteering with a community organization providing free mental health services to homeless individuals and their families. The therapist meets with a new

During my graduate program I took a class on the legal aspects of the helping profession. And while I will admit it was not the most exhilarating class I took, it was definitely a helpful and important one. As helping professionals we need to be aware of our legal obligations because it is essentially an ethical obligation as well. This week we'll take a closer look at the term jurisdiction and how that relates to our profession and how it could be tested on the LMSW Exam. Let's start off with a sample question. Sample Question: Which of the following terms BEST defines jurisdiction? A. The