At least several times each week I receive coaching emails inquiring whether it is recommended to use the acronyms FAREAFI and AASPIRINS on the exam. And understandably so! How wonderful would it be if there were a mnemonic we could apply to the challenging reasoning based questions that make up the vast majority (80-85%) of the ASWB’s clinical social work exam? So, do they work? Does TDC recommend the use of them in conjunction with our program and strategies? Unfortunately, the answer to both of these questions is a resounding ‘no’ (which is why we will not be going into a breakdown of these

Substance abuse disorders affect millions of individuals. There is a need for trained clinicians to work with individuals struggling with alcohol and drugs. Addiction counseling can be one of the most challenging and rewarding fields of specialty. The nature of addiction, recovery, and continued sobriety is life-altering. Just because there are many drug and alcohol addiction treatment centers offering services, doesn’t mean there aren’t difficulties seeking treatment. Here are a few common barriers that clients face when seeking addiction counseling. Judgmental clinicians A potential client

This week, our free MFT exam practice question is going to focus on the topic of psychotic disorders. It’s quite possible you have not had any exposure or intentions to work with people who suffer from psychotic disorders. Yet, the BBS still wants to make sure that you are aware of the unique issues that arise with this population. Regardless of how much or how little you already know about this subject, the Therapist Development Center’s exam prep will ensure you know everything you need to correctly answer questions on this topic on the MFT exam. How might this topic be tested? Whether you

This month’s free law and ethics practice question will focus on a topic that could appear on your exam, but one you may not have encountered yet in your clinical practice. It is not uncommon to receive questions relating to the topic of conservatorships, along with comments such as, “I have never worked with a conservator, so this topic is confusing for me.” Here are some common questions: Who can be a conservator? What is the process of becoming a conservator? Why would someone need a conservator? What rights do a conservatee/conservator hold? Let’s test your knowledge on the subject of

One of the questions I am frequently asked as a coach (sometimes several times a week!) is this: what is the age of consent is for therapy? Can minor’s consent to their own therapy? Do parents have a right to access their child's record? The most important thing you need to know regarding this topic for your ASWB exam is this: the age of consent varies state to state. In some states, a child as young as 12 can consent to their own therapy. In other states, however, even a 17-year-old minor cannot be seen for therapy without parental consent. Age of Consent What many people are unaware of is

You enjoy individual and couples counseling, but you notice that intimacy continues to present as a problem in most of your sessions. If you are open to learning new clinical skills to help these clients consider becoming a certified sex therapist. Marriage and family therapists, social workers, and licensed counselors have the option of studying sex counseling. Sex therapy is a great field to study if you are interested in helping individuals and couples explore intimacy in their lives. Through a sex therapy certification program and supervision, you will be able to help individuals on a

Domestic violence (also know as domestic abuse, relationship abuse, or intimate partner violence) is an issue that, unfortunately, is quite prevalent in our society. If you have a second, look at the statistics; the numbers are quite staggering. And because of it’s prevalence, it is more likely than not that you will work with clients who are either the victims or perpetrators of domestic violence. The California BBS wants to ensure that you know the legal and ethical issues that guide your practice when domestic violence presents in the clinical setting. This topic will more than likely

Happy February to everyone getting ready to PASS their ASWB social work licensing exams. Today we are covering a topic (including a FREE aswb practice exam question) that we can say with near certainty will show up on your LCSW and LMSW exams: Danger to Others. Danger to Others As social workers, we not only have a responsibility to honor our client’s self-determination, but also to protect society (hence why we are mandated reporters for children, the elderly, and dependent adults and why we have a duty to warn). Here are a few helpful pieces of information you want to keep in mind about

This week, our free MFT exam practice question is going to focus on the topic of disorders usually diagnosed in childhood. It’s quite possible you have not had any exposure to working with children during your traineeships or internships, and yet the BBS still wants to know that you are aware of the unique issues that arise when working with this population. Regardless of how much or how little you already know about this subject, the Therapist Development Center’s exam prep, will ensure you know everything you need to correctly answer questions on this topic. How might this topic be tested

The California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) implemented many new changes that affect Associate Clinical Social Workers (ASWs) who are currently pursuing licensure and those who supervise ASWs as well. There are a few laws that will affect others, including MFTs and PCCs, seeking licensure and those already licensed with the BBS; be on the lookout for those down below as well. We thought it might be helpful to highlight the big changes that are taking place, but as always it's good to read the new laws in detail here: BBS Law Changes for 2019 What are the major changes? The BBS has