As we discussed last month in our blog on Gestalt Therapy, a challenge of the ASWB LMSW and LCSW exams is the breadth of content that can be tested. In particular, many different therapy theories can show up on the test. So today we cover another less commonly tested theory: Interpersonal Psychotherapy. Interpersonal Psychotherapy Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) is an evidence-based therapy for Depressive Disorders, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Social Phobia and some Eating Disorders. IPT improves interpersonal functioning, thereby decreasing presenting symptoms. IPT is brief and

One of the challenges of the ASWB LMSW and LCSW exams are the breadth of content that can be tested. One particularly dense area of content are the many therapy theories. Today we delve into a less commonly tested theory, but one that does show up from time to time: Gestalt. In addition to covering Gestalt in our therapy theories quick study, we also have a practical and engaging 9 hour CE course on this topic. While it goes in more depth than what is tested, it is a great resource for your clinical practice. ASWB Application of Gestalt Therapy So how could Gestalt therapy show up on the test

“My client disclosed XYZ. Is that a mandated report?” This is one of the most common questions that I hear among trainees and associates, who often feel anxious about mandated reporting in the earlier stages of their career. It’s an incredibly important subject to know how to navigate legally and ethically in real life, and you can expect the BBS to test your knowledge on it at length. So, let’s start with the basics. What is a mandated reporter? All pre-licensed and licensed social workers and therapists are considered mandated reporters. This means that we’re legally obligated to report

This month’s ASWB LMSW and LCSW topic is one that is important well beyond the exam: Clinical Documentation. Even our code of ethics speaks to the importance of clinical documentation. “Social workers should take reasonable steps to ensure that documentation in records is accurate and reflects the services provided. Social workers should include sufficient and timely documentation in records to facilitate the delivery of services and to ensure continuity of services provided to clients in the future” (standard 3.04, NASW Code of Ethics). Regardless of the setting(s) you work in throughout your

Today’s ASWB social work blog topic is one that is important for both the exams and our clinical practice: clinical assessment. In fact, this topic is so important that TDC created a six hour clinical assessment course on life stressors and coping. While this course goes into more depth than will be needed for the LMSW or LCSW exams, it is a great resource for anyone in clinical practice. Clinical Assessment in Social Work The assessment process is key to understanding why a client is seeking treatment, what their presenting issue(s) are, and what they are hoping to gain from treatment. It

If you’ve taken any of the ASWB social work exams, you’ve probably seen a number of questions on domestic violence. Because of this, we've made some awesome domestic violence updates in our programs. (More on this below). These updates will show up in both our LMSW Exam Prep and our LCSW Exam Prep programs. These questions can be challenging because there are so many possible correct answers. And which answer is correct depends on a number of factors. What is happening in the scenario? Which answer options are available for this question? What type of question is it? (FIRST, NEXT, BEST, MOST

As I coach our LMSW and LCSW customers, the question of the ‘why’-the purpose of the test- sometimes comes up. Ultimately, the ASWB exists for the purpose of public safety. The ASWB exists to be a gatekeeper to the profession, ensuring licensed social workers are able to practice safely and ethically. So many questions on the exam fall under safety and ethics. (And so many of our challenging situations once we’re licensed come from ethical issues; more on our ethics CE offerings below!). ASWB Exam Prep: Ethics So what happens when a social worker acts in a manner that is unsafe or that goes

As a coach, I get a lot of questions on HIV and how it will show up on the exam. Are we required to maintain confidentiality of a person’s status? What if they are having unprotected sex and not telling their partner(s)? Doesn’t this fall under duty to warn? HIV on the LMSW and LCSW exams These are all great questions! The answer to most of these for our actual practice is: it depends. This is an area where what to do depends largely on individual state laws. A lot of people don’t know this, but the LMSW/LCSW exams are national exams given by the ASWB. So state laws are not tested. While it is

In this month’s MFT FREE practice question we are talking about suicide. This is an important and relevant topic, not only because you are guaranteed to see it on the exam, but also because it is a major public health concern and something every therapist will deal with in the course of their clinical practice. Unfortunately, as significant as this topic is, most therapists do not receive adequate training on how to assess and manage suicide. Amanda Rowan noticed this gap in training and decided to do something about it. She created the Edge of Life Model, a humanistic approach to treating

Today’s topic is one near and dear to us here at TDC-suicide. If you haven’t already heard, I’m excited to share with you that Amanda Rowan’s incomparable 6 hour suicide training is here. On the Edge of Life: Introduction to Treating Suicidality brings a new perspective to the conceptualization and treatment of suicide, and is truly unlike any suicide course you’ve taken before. It’s the culmination of nearly a decade of research, exploration, and Amanda’s personal experiences battling her own suicidality throughout her life. On the Edge of Life takes a humanistic approach and a profoundly