Study Module 12 of 20

Summary

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NCE Study Guide – Module 12: Unconscious Conflicts & Adapting Careers

Podcast Host: Glenn Ostlund
Date: December 17, 2024
Module: 12 of 20
Theme: Mock NCE Multiple-Choice Practice: Unconscious Conflicts, Core Counseling Theories, Ethics, Group Dynamics, Family Systems, Cultural Adaptation, Career Development, and Testing Concepts

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Episode Overview

This episode dives into essential concepts covered in the National Counselor Examination (NCE), focusing on unconscious conflicts (Freud, Jung), constructivist approaches, ethics, career development (Super), multicultural adaptation, family systems, group roles, and psychometric reliability. Using an engaging audio flashcard format, Glenn Ostlund and his co-host guide listeners through 10 thoughtfully dissected mock exam questions.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Primary Goal of Psychoanalytic Therapy

• Question: What is the primary goal of psychoanalytic therapy?
• Options: A. Challenging irrational beliefs, B. Resolving unconscious conflicts, C. Enhancing self-acceptance, D. Building coping skills
• Discussion:
  • “When I think about psychoanalysis, I think, like Freud, right? Like the couch and all those unconscious things messing us up.” (A, 01:42)
  • Host clarifies that psychoanalytic therapy is aimed at uncovering and resolving unconscious conflicts, not simply symptom relief.
  • Answer: B. Resolving unconscious conflicts
  • Memorable Quote: “It’s about bringing those hidden conflicts to the surface and working through them so you can live a more fulfilling life.” (B, 03:01)

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2. Jung’s Collective Unconscious

• Question: In Carl Jung’s theory, which term refers to the shared reservoir of experiences and archetypes common to all humans?
• Options: A. Personal unconscious, B. Shadow, C. Collective unconscious, D. Anima
• Discussion:
  • Jung distinguished between the personal unconscious (unique to each person) and the collective unconscious (universal/shared).
  • Collective unconscious houses archetypes, shaping experience across cultures.
  • Answer: C. Collective unconscious
  • Memorable Quote: “Jung thought we all have our own personal unconscious…But he also believed there’s this deeper level, a shared pool of experiences that connects us all. The collective unconscious.” (A, 03:57)

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3. Constructivist Counseling Approaches

• Question: What is a characteristic of constructivist counseling?
• Options: A. Emphasis on identifying cognitive distortions, B. Exploration of early childhood experiences, C. Focus on how clients create meaning from experiences, D. Use of standardized interventions
• Discussion:
  • Constructivist approaches emphasize personal meaning-making and subjective experience.
  • Not about standardized interventions or root-cause psychoanalysis.
  • Answer: C. Focus on how clients create meaning from their experiences
  • Quote: “It’s all about recognizing that each person creates their own truth and understanding.” (B, 06:27)

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4. Ethical Principles – Nonmaleficence

• Question: Which ethical principle requires counselors to avoid causing harm?
• Options: Justice, Autonomy, Nonmaleficence, Beneficence
• Discussion:
  • Nonmaleficence means “do no harm”—the foundational principle in counseling ethics.
  • Distinct from beneficence (actively doing good) and autonomy (respecting client choices).
  • Answer: C. Nonmaleficence
  • Quote: “Do no harm. It’s a simple phrase, but so powerful—it’s the foundation of ethical practice.” (B, 07:39)

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5. Thought Records in Therapy

• Question: Which counseling approach often uses thought records to challenge negative thinking?
• Options: Gestalt, REBT, Cognitive therapy, Existential
• Discussion:
  • Thought records = structured tool in CBT to identify and reframe negative thoughts.
  • REBT is similar but more confrontational; Gestalt and Existential have different foci.
  • Answer: C. Cognitive therapy
  • Quote: “It’s a practical and helpful way to manage those negative thought spirals.” (B, 08:55)

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6. Super’s Developmental Theory in Career Counseling

• Question: What is the primary goal of career counseling according to Super’s developmental theory?
• Options: Matching personality to work environments, Early lifelong decisions, Adapting to career transitions, Analyzing vocational interests
• Discussion:
  • Super’s model emphasizes adaptations and transitions across the lifespan, not a single, permanent decision.
  • Answer: C. Assisting clients in adapting to career transitions across the lifespan
  • Quote: “It’s a lifelong journey, not just one decision you make and stick with forever.” (B, 09:33)

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7. Acculturation and Cultural Adaptation

• Question: What term refers to adopting behaviors/values of a new culture?
• Options: Acculturation, Assimilation, Cultural relativism, Stereotyping
• Discussion:
  • Acculturation = integrating new cultural elements while retaining original ones; assimilation = complete blending.
  • Answer: A. Acculturation
  • Quote: “It’s about creating this unique blend of old and new, honoring both your original culture and the new one you’re adapting to.” (B, 11:47)

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8. Family Systems Therapy – Homeostasis

• Question: In family systems therapy, what does homeostasis refer to?
• Options: Maintaining stability, Emotional detachment, Communication breakdown, Adapting to change
• Discussion:
  • Homeostasis = the family’s tendency to maintain current (even dysfunctional) patterns to keep balance.
  • Answer: A. The family’s tendency to maintain stability
  • Metaphor: “Family systems therapy. I always think of it like a mobile. You pull on one part, and the whole thing has to shift to regain balance.” (A, 12:18)

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9. Group Dynamics – The Blocker Role

• Question: Which role disrupts group progress and creates tension?
• Options: Encourager, Follower, Blocker, Facilitator
• Discussion:
  • The “blocker” creates obstacles and tension, impeding group effectiveness.
  • Answer: C. Blocker
  • Quote: “The blocker—they resist every idea. They create drama. They just make things harder.” (B, 13:39)

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10. Test-Retest Reliability

• Question: What type of reliability measures consistency of the same test at different times?
• Options: Interrater, Test-retest, Internal consistency, Split-half
• Discussion:
  • Test-retest checks stability of test scores over time—not to be confused with interrater or internal reliability.
  • Answer: B. Test-retest reliability
  • Example: “Like, if you take a personality test this week and next week, you’d expect to get similar results, right?” (A, 14:30)

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Memorable Moments & Quotes

• “It’s about bringing those hidden conflicts to the surface and working through them so you can live a more fulfilling life.” (B, 03:01)
• “Jung thought we all have our own personal unconscious…But he also believed there’s this deeper level, a shared pool of experiences that connects us all. The collective unconscious.” (A, 03:57)
• “Do no harm. It’s a simple phrase, but so powerful—it’s the foundation of ethical practice.” (B, 07:39)
• “It’s all about recognizing that each person creates their own truth and understanding.” (B, 06:27)
• “Family systems therapy. I always think of it like a mobile. You pull on one part, and the whole thing has to shift to regain balance.” (A, 12:18)
• “The blocker—they resist every idea. They create drama. They just make things harder.” (B, 13:39)
• “It’s a lifelong journey, not just one decision you make and stick with forever.” (B, 09:33)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment / Question | Start Time | |----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------| | Introduction and overview | 00:03 | | What is the primary goal of psychoanalytic therapy? | 01:24 | | Jung’s collective unconscious | 03:09 | | Constructivist counseling approaches | 04:49 | | Ethics: Do no harm (Nonmaleficence) | 06:37 | | Cognitive Therapy and thought records | 07:45 | | Super’s developmental theory in career counseling | 08:58 | | Acculturation vs. assimilation | 10:55 | | Family systems therapy: Homeostasis | 11:55 | | Group dynamics: The blocker role | 13:13 | | Test-retest reliability | 14:12 | | Review, encouragement, and closing remarks | 15:40 |

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Tone and Structure

• Conversational, encouraging, accessible—memorable metaphors (“like a mobile”), real-life examples, and supportive affirmations.
• Directly explains why each answer is correct/wrong, referencing classic theorists and essential NCE topics.

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Summary

Module 12 of the NCE Study Guide offers an interactive review of core counseling concepts likely to appear on the exam, blending psychoanalytic and developmental theory, multicultural and ethical practice, practical counseling tools, and group/family systems thinking. Through mock questions and in-depth conversation, Glenn and his co-host not only reinforce exam-ready knowledge but also support listeners’ growth and confidence as future counselors.

Perfect for auditory learners seeking structured, digestibly-paced content minus the filler.

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Transcript

[A]

He may even identify himself with it.

[B]

And believe that he is what he appears to be.

[C]

Welcome to the NCE study guide. I created the study guide using ChatGPT and NotebookLM. So think of these modules as AI powered audio flashcards. Each one of these 20 modules contains 10 mock questions representing the kind of questions that you might encounter on the National Counseling exam. I created this primarily for myself, and I decided to make these available to anyone else who might benefit from this kind of study aid. But please note, while I have done my best to ensure that these modules align with NCE content, I encourage you to cross reference them with trusted study guides and resources for the most accurate preparation. These modules are not affiliated with or endorsed by the NBCC or any official licensing board. So, with no further ado, here are your AI study buddies from NotebookLM. Enjoy.

[A]

Hey, everyone. Welcome to this deep dive all about getting you prepped for the NCE.

[B]

Yeah, we're tackling module 12 today, which.

[A]

Is, let me see, Unconscious Conflicts and adapting careers.

[B]

That's the one. You know, it sounds pretty intense.

[A]

It does, but actually, a grad student used some cool AI to help us make this deep dive. Like supercharged audio flashcards.

[B]

Yeah, think of it like that.

[A]

Exactly. And this is module 12 out of 20, so you're making great progress. Okay, ready to dive into question 111?

[B]

Let's do it.

[A]

All right. It asks, what is the primary goal of psychoanalytic therapy?

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Option A, challenging irrational beliefs.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

B, resolving unconscious conflicts. C, enhancing self acceptance.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

And D, building coping skills.

[B]

Got it.

[A]

So when I think about psychoanalysis, I think, like Freud, right? Like the couch and all those unconscious things messing us up.

[B]

Oh, yeah, totally. It's like stuff we don't even realize is down there, but it's driving our actions, you know?

[A]

Right, exactly. Like, have you ever had one of those Freudian slips where you say something you didn't mean to all the time?

[B]

Or like those weird dreams that are full of symbols?

[A]

Yes. So psychoanalytic therapy is all about digging into that stuff, figuring out how it connects back to childhood and how it's affecting you now.

[B]

That's it. It's not just about feeling better right now. It's about figuring out those root causes, bringing those conflicts to light so you.

[A]

Can work through them.

[B]

Exactly.

[A]

Okay, so let's break down the options.

[B]

Okay, Check.

[A]

Challenging irrational beliefs feels more like cbt, right?

[B]

Yeah, that's more about recognizing and disputing.

[A]

Those unhelpful thought patterns and then enhancing self acceptance. That's got a more humanistic therapy vibe, doesn't it?

[B]

Totally. More like person centered therapy where you focus on self exploration and growth and building coping skills. Well, that's important in many therapies, but not the core of psychoanalysis.

[A]

So that leaves us with option B, resolving unconscious conflicts.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Okay, so the question again, what is the primary goal of psychoanalytic therapy? Is it B, resolving unconscious conflicts?

[B]

Yes. It's about bringing those hidden conflicts to the surface and working through them so you can live a more fulfilling life.

[A]

Makes sense. Okay, question 1 in 12 takes us further into the unconscious, but with Jung this time.

[B]

Oh, yeah.

[A]

Okay. The question is, in Carl Jung's theory, which term refers to the shared reservoir of experiences and archetypes common to all humans?

[B]

Ooh, interesting.

[A]

Okay. A, the personal unconscious, B, the shadow.

[B]

Got it.

[A]

C, the collective unconscious.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

And D, the anima.

[B]

All right.

[A]

You know, when I think about Jung, I immediately go to those archetypes like the hero, the shadow. It's fascinating how they pop up in stories everywhere across cultures.

[B]

I know. Like, why is the hero's journey so similar, whether it's an ancient myth or a modern movie?

[A]

Right. So Jung thought we all have our own personal unconscious, like our own memories and experiences.

[B]

Right. Like our own little mental attic.

[A]

Exactly. But he also believed there's this deeper level, a shared pool of experiences that connects us all. The collective unconscious.

[B]

Yes. And it's filled with those archetypes like blueprints for universal human experiences.

[A]

Okay, so let's unpack the options.

[B]

Sounds good.

[A]

We already talked about the personal unconscious. It's more about your individual experiences. And then the shadow and the anima. Those are specific archetypes.

[B]

Yes. They represent different aspects of the psyche, but not that shared reservoir of human experience.

[A]

Okay, so that leaves us with C, the collective unconscious. So the question is, in Carl Jung's theory, which term refers to the shared reservoir of experiences and archetypes common to all humans? Is the answer C, the collective unconscious?

[B]

It is. It's the idea that we're all connected by this deeper level of unconsciousness, and those archetypes really shape how we see the world.

[A]

Wow, that's deep. Okay, let's move on to question 113. It asks which of the following is a characteristic of constructivist counseling approaches? A, emphasis on identifying cognitive distortions, B, exploration of early childhood experiences, circumstances, focus on how clients create meaning from their experiences, and D, use of standardized interventions.

[B]

Got it.

[A]

Okay, so constructivist counseling, it feels different from the others. It's not about digging into the past or fixing thoughts. Right.

[B]

You're right. It's more about how we each build our own realities based on our experiences and beliefs.

[A]

So there's no one right answer. It's all about individual perception.

[B]

Exactly. Like two people can experience the same event, but. But they'll understand it totally differently based on their own lenses. Think about, like witnessing a car accident. One person might become scared of driving, while the other might feel grateful they weren't hurt.

[A]

Whoa, that's a powerful example.

[B]

Right. Same event, two totally different realities created around it.

[A]

Okay, so if we look at the options, Identifying cognitive distortions. That's more of a cognitive therapy thing.

[B]

Yes, exactly.

[A]

And exploring early childhood experiences. That's definitely psychoanalysis.

[B]

That's it.

[A]

And then standardized interventions don't really fit with this individual focus.

[B]

Right. Constructivism is all about individual meaning making.

[A]

Okay, so that leaves us with C, Focus on how clients create meaning from their experiences. So the question is, which of the following is a characteristic of constructivist counseling approaches? Is the answer C, Focus on how clients create meaning from their experiences.

[B]

You got it. It's all about recognizing that each person creates their own truth and understanding. That helps us connect with clients from diverse backgrounds who might see things differently from us.

[A]

Okay, question 114 brings us to ethics. Always a big topic. The question asks, which ethical principle requires counselors to avoid causing harm to their client?

[B]

Oh, a super important one.

[A]

A, justice, B, autonomy, C, non maleficence, and D, beneficence.

[B]

Got it.

[A]

It's like the first rule of counseling, right?

[B]

Absolutely. And that's essentially what non maleficence is. It's at the core of everything we do as counselors.

[A]

So what about the other options?

[B]

Well, justice is about fairness and equity, making sure everyone has access and is treated equally.

[A]

Autonomy is about respecting the client's choices.

[B]

Right. And beneficence is about actively doing good.

[A]

Promoting well being, but avoiding harm. That's really the core of it, right?

[B]

Absolutely. It's not just about physical harm. It's about emotional and psychological harm too. Every intervention, every technique needs to be looked at through that lens.

[A]

So the question was, which ethical principle requires counselors to avoid causing harm to their clients? Is the answer C, Non maleficence?

[B]

Yes. Do no harm. It's a simple phrase, but so powerful, it's the foundation of ethical practice.

[A]

All right, moving on to question 115. This one's about a specific technique. Which counseling approach often uses thought records to help clients challenge negative thinking patterns?

[B]

Interesting.

[A]

A Gestalt therapy.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

B Rational emotive behavior therapy. R, E, B, T, C Cognitive therapy. And D, Existential therapy.

[B]

Got it.

[A]

Thought records is that, like, when you write down your thoughts and then analyze them, kind of.

[B]

They're used a lot in cognitive therapy to break down those automatic negative thoughts that can really get us down.

[A]

Like a way to unpack those thoughts and figure out if they're really true?

[B]

Exactly. You identify the situation, how you felt, how the evidence for and against the thought, and then you come up with a more balanced thought.

[A]

Okay, so what about the other options?

[B]

Well, REBT also challenges irrational beliefs, but it's more direct and confrontational. True. Gestalt therapy is about being present and working through past experiences in a very experiential way. And existential therapy is all about those big life questions of meaning and purpose.

[A]

So the question is, which counseling approach often uses thought records to help clients challenge negative thinking patterns? Is the answer C, Cognitive therapy.

[B]

You got it. It's a practical and helpful way to manage those negative thought spirals.

[A]

Okay, ready for question 116. It asks, what is the primary goal of career counseling according to Super's developmental theory?

[B]

Okay, let's hear it.

[A]

A matching personality types to work environments. B, helping clients make lifelong career decisions early. C assisting clients in adapting to career transitions across the lifespan. And D, analyzing clients vocational interests.

[B]

Got it.

[A]

So Super's theory, this is about how careers change, right? We change, our interests change, the world changes, and our careers need to change with us.

[B]

Yes. It's a lifelong journey, not just one decision you make and stick with forever.

[A]

Exactly. So it's not about finding the perfect job at 20 and never looking back.

[B]

Nope. It's about figuring out what fits at each stage of life and being open to those transitions.

[A]

Okay, let's look at those options. Matching personality types to work environments. That sounds more like Holland's theory, right?

[B]

That's right.

[A]

And the idea of making lifelong decisions early, well, that doesn't really go with this whole lifelong development thing.

[B]

Exactly.

[A]

Analyzing vocational interest is part of it, but not the main goal, according to Super.

[B]

Right.

[A]

So the question was, what is the primary goal of career counseling according to Super's developmental theory? Is the answer C, assisting clients in adapting to career transitions across the lifespan?

[B]

Yes. It's recognizing that careers are dynamic, just like we are.

[A]

All right, let's move on to question 117. This one's about culture. What term refers to the process by which individuals adopt the behaviors, values, and customs of a new culture?

[B]

Interesting.

[A]

A acculturation, B assimilation.

[B]

Got it.

[A]

C cultural relativism, And D, stereotyping.

[B]

Oh, right.

[A]

So many People experience this, Right. Adapting to a new culture, whether it's moving to a new country or even just joining a new group.

[B]

It's such a common experience. And this question really gets at the difference between acculturation and assimilation.

[A]

So what's the difference?

[B]

Well, imagine someone moves to a new country.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

With acculturation, they learn the language, the customs, but they still hold on to parts of their original culture. Like they might celebrate their own holidays or cook traditional food.

[A]

It's like adding a new layer to their identity, not replacing it completely.

[B]

Exactly. But with assimilation, it's more about blending in totally, often losing those original pieces of themselves.

[A]

So acculturation is more about integrating, while assimilation is more about conforming.

[B]

That's a great way to put it.

[A]

Okay, and then cultural relativism is about understanding cultures on their own terms, without judgment.

[B]

Right. And stereotyping is making generalizations, which is never helpful.

[A]

So the question was, what term refers to the process by which individuals adopt the behaviors, values, and customs of a new culture? Is it a acculturation?

[B]

Yes. It's about creating this unique blend of old and new, honoring both your original culture and the new one you're adapting to.

[A]

Okay, let's dive into question 118. It asks in family systems therapy, what does the term homeostasis refer to?

[B]

Family systems.

[A]

A, the family's tendency to maintain stability.

[B]

Okay, baby.

[A]

A process of emotional detachment.

[B]

Got it.

[A]

C, a breakdown in family communication, and D, a family's ability to adapt to change. Family systems therapy. I always think of it like a mobile.

[B]

Oh, I like that.

[A]

You pull on one part, and the whole thing has to shift to regain balance.

[B]

Exactly. And that's what homeostasis is all about. The family wants to stay balanced, even if it's not a healthy balance.

[A]

So even if there's conflict or dysfunction, they stick to those patterns because it's what they know.

[B]

Yeah. It's like their comfort zone, even if it's not very comfortable.

[A]

And what about those other options?

[B]

Well, emotional detachment and communication breakdowns, those can happen in dysfunctional families, but they're not the defining features of homeostasis.

[A]

And adapting to change, well, that's the opposite of what homeostasis is all about.

[B]

Right. It's about resisting change to maintain that balance, even if it's not a healthy one.

[A]

Okay, so the question was, in family systems therapy, what does the term homeostasis refer to?

[B]

Hmm.

[A]

Is the answer A, the family's tendency to maintain stability?

[B]

You got it. It's about that resistance to change, even when change is needed.

[A]

Okay, let's move on to question 119, which is about group dynamics. It asks, in group counseling, what role is typically associated with behaviors that disrupt progress and create tension?

[B]

Ooh. Everyone's been in a group with this person.

[A]

A encourager, B follower, C blocker, and D, facilitator. We've all been there, right? The group project, the study group. There's always that one person who throws a wrench in the work.

[B]

Yeah, the blocker. They resist every idea. They create grammar. They just make things harder.

[A]

Exactly. And they can really derail the whole group's progress.

[B]

They can. Now, the encourager is the one who's positive and supportive.

[A]

The follower just goes along with whatever's happening.

[B]

Right. And the facilitator is the leader who tries to keep everyone on track.

[A]

Okay, so the question is, in group counseling, what role is typically associated with behaviors that disrupt progress and create tension? Is it C blocker?

[B]

Yes. It's that disruptive force that can make group work feel like a battle.

[A]

Okay, last one for this set. Question 120. What type of reliability measures the consistency of scores on the same test administered at different times?

[B]

Oh, an important concept.

[A]

A, inter rater reliability, B, test retest reliability.

[B]

Got it.

[A]

C, internal consistency.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

And D, split half reliability Reliability. It's all about making sure a test is consistently measuring what it's supposed to. Like, if you take a personality test this week and next week, you'd expect to get similar results, right?

[B]

Exactly. You want those scores to be stable over time.

[A]

So that's test retest reliability.

[B]

Yes. It's about making sure the test is reliable, that it gives consistent results.

[A]

What are the other options?

[B]

Inter rater reliability is about making sure different people who score the test get similar results.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Like two judges scoring an Olympic event. You want them to be on the same page, Right.

[A]

They should agree on the score.

[B]

Exactly. Internal consistency is about how well different parts of the test measure the same thing and split half reliability is a way of checking that by comparing scores on two halves of the test.

[A]

So the question was, what type of reliability measures the consistency of scores on the same test administered at different times? Is the answer B, test retest reliability?

[B]

Yes. It's all about that consistency over time.

[A]

Awesome. We just covered so much ground in these first 10 questions. From the unconscious to family systems to cultural dynamics. It's been quite a ride.

[B]

I know. It's amazing how these concepts all tie together and they really give you a deeper understanding. Understanding of human behavior.

[A]

Totally. It's like suddenly things make more sense.

[B]

Exactly. And those insights are going to be so valuable as you continue your journey towards becoming a counselor. And I hope everyone listening feels more confident and prepared to tackle the nce. Remember, this exam is just one step on your journey towards becoming a skilled and compassionate counselor.

[A]

Absolutely. So to everyone out there studying hard, keep up with the great work, believe in yourself, you got this.

[B]

And we'll see you in the next module. 1, 2, 3.