If you’re preparing for your ASWB Clinical Social Work Exam, transference and countertransference are two topics you definitely want to familiarize yourself with. As a coach I get a lot of questions on the differences between these two topics. Many social workers confuse the definitions of transference and countertransference and assume both warrant the same response. As we'll discuss throughout this blog, transference and countertransference require very different actions both on the exam and in real life. What is Transference? Transference is a dynamic that occurs in therapy between the

Minor consent for treatment is a topic I get questions on multiple times per week as an LCSW coach. So what is informed consent? Informed Consent Definition Informed consent is defined as the process for getting formal permission for treatment and services before engaging in treatment with a client(s). What makes minor consent for treatment so challenging is that rules and laws surrounding informed consent for minors vary state to state and this is a national exam. While you are licensed by your individual state, the licensure exam is the same across all 50 states. Because this is a national

Last month, our FREE practice question tested your knowledge of disorders related to health. This month, we focus on a subject that can be biological or psychological in nature; sexual disorders. If you are planning to take the California MFT Clinical exam or the AMFTRB National MFT exam, you are likely to see a question on the topic. As with any presenting problems that may have a biological component, it’s always important to remember our scope of practice as MFTs when answering questions on this subject. The exam question could test your knowledge of sexual disorders from a number of angles

If you’ve ever wondered how to become a sex therapist, you are not alone. As a therapist or counselor, you may be considering a specialty so you can better serve your clients. You already enjoy couples counseling, and if you want to enhance your clinical skills, then you should consider becoming a sex therapist. Both individual and couples clients that you work will benefit from your training as a sex therapist. However, before you jump into a specialization in sex therapy, here are a few basics to consider. What is sex therapy? There is a lot of misinformation and myths about sex therapy

Whether you work in clinical or non-clinical social work, establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries is so important in our field. Thankfully, the ASWB recognizes this and considers it important enough to put on their licensing exams. Questions regarding boundaries regularly show up on the LMSW and LCSW exams and we want to ensure all of our customers are ready for these questions when they show up. Regardless of whether you’re a pro at setting healthy boundaries or struggle in this realm, we’re here to help you get ready for this topic on the exam (and hopefully outside the exam, too!)

This week's topic is what I believe to be one of the most important aspects of social work, and a term that is really good to know for the LMSW exam. When answering questions on the LMSW exam we always want to approach questions while keeping a client's sense of self-determination in mind. Self-determination encompasses so much of our work and ensures that the client is making decisions based on their own needs and wants. Before I get any further, let's get started with sample questions to help you prepare for the LMSW exam. Sample Question: All of the following are aspects of self

Have you ever worked with a client and felt unsure if you are providing the best support? Whether you are a new or seasoned therapist in the mental health field, we all can benefit from ensuring we are giving the best care. When you work with transgender and non-binary clients, it’s essential to provide the clinical care they deserve. Many transgender and non-binary people face hardships, which can include discrimination, fear of violence, suicide, as well as lack of family support. Clinicians need to be aware of how their assumptions and perspective affect their clinical presence. As

This may come as a surprise to some LMSW and LCSW test-takers, but you are likely to see some questions on the ASWB exam asking what action a supervisor should take with their supervisee. The ASWB puts clinical supervision questions on their exams for two reasons.: 1. To assess whether social workers understand the purpose of and activities done in supervision; and 2. Once you pass this exam, supervising other social workers may be in your future! The NASW and ASWB collaborated to create a document on the Best Practice Standards in Social Work Supervision. While this goes into far greater

If you are preparing for your California or National MFT Clinical exam, you will want to be familiar with the topic of bereavement. Uncomplicated bereavement, as it is termed in the DSM 5, should be considered when, “the focus of clinical attention is a normal reaction to the death of a loved one.” Bereavement is not considered a mental health disorder, but rather a condition that requires clinical attention or one that affects existing mental disorders. How might the topic of bereavement appear on your MFT Clinical Exam? You could be tested on: Diagnostic criteria for bereavement Different