NCE Study Guide – Module 19 of 20

Podcast Host: Glenn Ostlund
Date: December 17, 2024
Episode Theme: Mock NCE Questions – Theories, Techniques, and Ethics

Episode Overview

This episode is the 19th in a 20-module series designed to help listeners prepare for the National Counselor Exam (NCE). Host Glenn Ostlund and his AI-powered co-host walk listeners through 10 multiple-choice questions, using a conversational, interactive “audio flashcard” format to clarify core counseling concepts, theories, and ethical considerations. The module covers Gestalt therapy, group development, psychodynamic principles, postmodern approaches, psychometric validity, motivational interviewing, family systems, career development, and cultural competence.

Key purpose:

• Reinforce knowledge of NCE exam topics
• Provide clear, real-world explanations for each answer
• Highlight distinctions between similar theories and practices
• Promote student confidence and cultural competency in counseling

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Gestalt Therapy – Present Moment Awareness

(Relevant Segment: 01:39–04:08)

• Question: What is a core principle of Gestalt therapy?
• Answer: Living in the present moment (B)
• Insight: Gestalt therapy emphasizes present-moment awareness, distinguishing it from psychoanalysis (focus on unconscious conflicts) and CBT (challenging irrational beliefs).
• Quote:
  • "Gestalt is all about being present, being mindful, being aware of your experience right now." – Co-host (03:26)

2. Group Therapy – Stages of Development

(Relevant Segment: 04:08–05:59)

• Question: In which stage of group therapy do members experience conflict and power struggles?
• Answer: Storming (B)
• Insight: Tuckman’s group stages:
  • Forming: Introductions
  • Storming: Conflict/power struggles (“It can get a little messy, but it's necessary")
  • Norming: Cohesion
  • Performing: Productivity
• Quote:
  • "Storming is where members start to assert themselves...and you know what? Working through these conflicts can actually strengthen the group." – Co-host (05:28)

3. Countertransference in Counseling

(Relevant Segment: 05:59–07:46)

• Question: What does countertransference refer to?
• Answer: Counselor’s emotional reactions to the client (B)
• Insight:
  • Transference: Client to counselor
  • Countertransference: Counselor to client (must stay self-aware/ethical)
• Quote:
  • "It's about the counselor being self aware... They have to recognize their own stuff and how it might be affecting their work." – Co-host (07:16)

4. Postmodern Approaches – Emphasis on Individual Narratives

(Relevant Segment: 07:48–09:42)

• Question: Key characteristic of postmodern approaches?
• Answer: Emphasis on individual narratives and perspectives (C)
• Insight:
  • Rejects universal truths and rigid labels
  • Focus on client’s subjective meaning-making
• Quote:
  • "Unlike traditional therapies that might focus on those universal truths... postmodern approaches prioritize the client's subjective experience." – Co-host (09:18)

5. Psychometrics – Types of Validity

(Relevant Segment: 09:43–11:21)

• Question: Which type of validity assesses how well a test measures a theoretical construct?
• Answer: Construct validity (B)
• Insight:
  • Criterion: Correlation with external measures
  • Content: Comprehensive coverage
  • Predictive: Future outcomes
  • Construct: Measures intended psychological concept
• Quote:
  • "Construct validity is all about ensuring our tests are accurate and meaningful." – Host (11:15)

6. Motivational Interviewing (MI) – Primary Goal

(Relevant Segment: 11:21–13:12)

• Question: What is the primary goal of MI?
• Answer: Strengthening a client's intrinsic motivation to change (C)
• Insight:
  • MI is client-centered, non-judgmental
  • Not about forcing change; focuses on tapping into client’s inner drive
• Quote:
  • "MI therapists don't force change... It's more about collaboration." – Host (12:42)
  • "It's about finding that inner spark." – Co-host (12:51)

7. Family Systems – Triangulation

(Relevant Segment: 13:14–14:51)

• Question: In family therapy, what does triangulation mean?
• Answer: Involving a third person in a conflict between two others (C)
• Insight:
  • Creates alliances, complicates problems, hampers direct resolution
• Quote:
  • "Instead of talking to each other directly, one partner confides in their child... bringing the child into the middle of it." – Co-host (14:25)
  • "It makes it harder to resolve the original issue." – Host (14:34)

8. Career Counseling – Krumboltz’s Theory

(Relevant Segment: 14:52–16:33)

• Question: Which theory focuses on external events and chance encounters influencing careers?
• Answer: Krumboltz’s social learning theory (C)
• Insight:
  • Unlike Holland (personality fit), Super (developmental), or trait-and-factor (matching skills/jobs), Krumboltz sees careers shaped by unpredictable events.
• Quote:
  • "Krumboltz really highlighted the role of those unexpected things... the chance encounters, the twists and turns." – Co-host (16:05)

9. Cultural Competence in Counseling

(Relevant Segment: 16:44–18:15)

• Question: What is the primary focus of culturally competent counseling?
• Answer: Recognizing and respecting the client’s cultural background (B)
• Insight:
  • Against assimilation or “one size fits all”
  • Requires self-awareness and adaptation from the counselor
• Quote:
  • "One size doesn't fit all. We have to meet each client's unique needs, including their cultural context." – Co-host (17:39)
  • "Cultural competence is about valuing diversity and providing sensitive and responsive care to all clients." – Host (18:09)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |------------|-----------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 03:26 | Co-host | "Gestalt is all about being present, being mindful, being aware of your experience right now." | | 05:28 | Co-host | "Storming is where members start to assert themselves... Working through these conflicts can actually strengthen the group." | | 07:16 | Co-host | "It's about the counselor being self aware... They have to recognize their own stuff." | | 09:18 | Co-host | "Postmodern approaches prioritize the client's subjective experience." | | 12:51 | Co-host | "It's about finding that inner spark." | | 14:34 | Host | "It makes it harder to resolve the original issue." | | 16:05 | Co-host | "Krumboltz really highlighted the role of those unexpected things... the chance encounters, the twists and turns." | | 17:39 | Co-host | "One size doesn't fit all. We have to meet each client's unique needs, including their cultural context." | | 18:09 | Host | "Cultural competence is about valuing diversity and providing sensitive and responsive care to all clients." |

Episode Flow & Structure

• Each mock question is introduced clearly and followed by an engaging breakdown of possible answers.
• The hosts clarify how each answer option relates to wider counseling theory or practice.
• Key concepts are revisited before confirming the correct answer.
• The episode maintains a positive, encouraging tone, with both hosts motivating listeners as they approach the end of their study journey.

Final Thoughts

This module provides a succinct yet thorough review of advanced NCE topics relevant for both the exam and real-world counseling. The conversational flashcard style makes complex content approachable and memorable, especially for auditory learners. Listeners walk away with clarified concepts, increased confidence, and actionable insight for working ethically and empathetically as future counselors.