NCE Study Guide Podcast

Episode: Study Module 17 of 20
Host: Glenn Ostlund
Date: December 17, 2024

Episode Overview

This episode of the NCE Study Guide podcast delivers a dynamic, flashcard-style review of crucial counseling concepts relevant to the National Counselor Exam (NCE). Hosts Glenn Ostlund and his co-host tackle ten mock multiple-choice questions covering a broad range of topics, including therapeutic approaches, reinforcement schedules, key figures like Freud and Bowen, foundational research concepts, and essential counseling skills. Their engaging, conversational breakdowns make complex ideas accessible—helping listeners prepare effectively for the NCE.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Existential Therapy — Core Focus

(01:24–02:49)

• Question: What is the primary focus of existential therapy?
• Correct Answer: Addressing freedom, choice, and the search for meaning.
• Key Discussion:
  • Existential therapy helps clients confront big life questions and develop personal meaning, distinct from psychodynamic (unconscious conflicts) or cognitive (irrational thoughts) therapies.
• Quote:

  "Existential therapy is all about helping people confront those existential dilemmas, find their own unique meaning in life."
  — Co-host (02:37)

2. Reinforcement Schedules — Behavioral Psychology

(02:49–04:12)

• Question: Which type of reinforcement schedule involves reinforcement after an unpredictable amount of time?
• Correct Answer: Variable interval schedule.
• Key Discussion:
  • Variable interval: Unpredictable timing (e.g., pop quizzes, checking email).
  • Variable ratio: Unpredictable number of responses (e.g., slot machines).
  • Fixed schedules are predictable either by time or number.
• Quote:

  "Variable interval is unpredictable. You never know exactly when the reinforcement will come. Think pop quizzes or checking your email."
  — Co-host (03:28)

3. Freud’s Psychosexual Stages — Latency

(04:12–05:56)

• Question: Which stage is associated with developing social and intellectual skills?
• Correct Answer: Latency stage.
• Key Discussion:
  • Latency stage (6 to puberty): Shift from sexual impulses to focusing on peer relationships and learning.
  • Other stages (oral, phallic, genital) focus on basic trust, identity, and mature relationships respectively.
• Quote:

  "Latency stage... kids are channeling their energy into learning, forming bonds with their peers, really getting ready for that next chapter in life."
  — Co-host (05:45)

4. Bowen’s Differentiation of Self

(05:56–07:32)

• Question: What is the primary focus of Bowen’s concept of differentiation of self?
• Correct Answer: Balancing emotional independence and connections to others.
• Key Discussion:
  • Differentiation is the ability to remain oneself while staying emotionally connected to the family system.
• Quote:

  "It's about finding that sweet spot where you can be true to yourself while maintaining healthy, connected relationships."
  — Co-host (07:21)

5. ABCDE Framework — REBT

(07:32–09:10)

• Question: Which approach uses the ABCDE framework to challenge/reframe irrational beliefs?
• Correct Answer: Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT).
• Key Discussion:
  • ABCDE: Activating Event, Belief, Consequence, Disputation, Effect.
  • Unique to REBT compared to other cognitive therapies.
• Quote:

  "The ABCDE framework, that's its bread and butter."
  — Co-host (08:06)

6. Eco Maps in Counseling

(09:10–10:36)

• Question: What’s the main purpose of an eco map in counseling?
• Correct Answer: To assess a client’s social and environmental connections.
• Key Discussion:
  • Eco maps are visual tools to depict relationships with family, work, community, etc.
• Quote:

  "It's a visual way to see how the client is connected... all those systems that influence their life."
  — Co-host (09:49)

7. Secondary Prevention in Mental Health

(10:36–12:12)

• Question: Which is an example of secondary prevention?
• Correct Answer: Crisis counseling after a traumatic event.
• Key Discussion:
  • Primary prevention prevents onset (e.g., stigma reduction).
  • Secondary addresses issues early (e.g., crisis counseling).
  • Tertiary is for established issues (e.g., rehab).
• Quote:

  "It's about providing that immediate support, helping folks navigate those early stages of a crisis."
  — Co-host (12:00)

8. Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) — Key Goal

(12:12–13:34)

• Question: What is a primary goal of CBT?
• Correct Answer: Changing automatic negative thoughts and behaviors.
• Key Discussion:
  • CBT is action-oriented, focusing on altering dysfunctional patterns rather than exploring unconscious motives.
• Quote:

  "CBT is all about giving people the tools to change those patterns that are keeping them stuck."
  — Co-host (13:24)

9. Empathy in Counseling

(13:34–14:55)

• Question: What is the term for understanding a client’s experiences from their perspective?
• Correct Answer: Empathy.
• Key Discussion:
  • Empathy differs from sympathy (feeling sorry), congruence (genuineness), and reflection (repeating content/feeling).
• Quote:

  "Empathy... It’s the foundation of a strong therapeutic relationship and absolutely essential for effective counseling."
  — Co-host (14:47)

10. Internal Validity — Research Design

(14:55–16:37)

• Question: What does internal validity refer to in research?
• Correct Answer: The extent to which results are caused by the independent variable.
• Key Discussion:
  • Internal validity ensures that study design truly tests the intended relationship, minimizing confounding variables.
  • Contrasted with external validity (generalizability) and reliability (consistency).
• Quote:

  "Internal validity is all about making sure your research is rigorous and that your conclusions are sound."
  — Co-host (16:24)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Existential Therapy:
  "Existential therapy is all about helping people confront those existential dilemmas, find their own unique meaning in life." (02:37)

• On Reinforcement Schedules:
  "Variable interval is unpredictable. You never know exactly when the reinforcement will come." (03:28)

• On Empathy:
  "Empathy... is the foundation of a strong therapeutic relationship and absolutely essential for effective counseling." (14:47)

• Encouragement:
  "Keep practicing, keep learning, and stay tuned... Happy studying. You got this!" (17:01–17:16)

Important Segment Timestamps

• 01:24 — Existential therapy focus
• 02:49 — Reinforcement schedules
• 04:12 — Freud’s latency stage
• 05:56 — Bowen’s differentiation of self
• 07:32 — REBT and ABCDE framework
• 09:10 — Eco maps in counseling
• 10:36 — Secondary prevention in mental health
• 12:12 — CBT’s main goal
• 13:34 — Empathy in counseling
• 14:55 — Internal validity in research

Episode Tone & Takeaways

The hosts maintain a friendly, approachable tone and actively encourage listeners, making complex material feel manageable and engaging. Each question is followed by not just the "what," but also the "why," giving listeners deeper context and exam-focused insight.

Final Encouragement:
"Keep practicing, keep learning... Happy studying. You got this!" (17:01–17:16)

For more modules and materials, visit: ncestudyguide.transistor.fm