NCE Study Guide Podcast

Episode: Study Module 20 of 20

Host: Glenn Ostlund
Release Date: December 17, 2024

Episode Overview

This episode marks the final installment of Glenn Ostlund’s NCE Study Guide podcast series, delving into Module 20 of 20 with a set of ten mock multiple-choice questions. Using an “AI-powered audio flashcards” format, Glenn and co-hosts revisit key theories, ethical principles, therapeutic techniques, and assessment tools crucial for the National Counselor Exam. These interactive discussions emphasize not only exam preparation but also deep understanding applicable to real counseling scenarios.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Theories of Human Motivation and Growth

Question 191 – Which theory emphasizes that humans are motivated by an innate drive toward growth and fulfillment given the right conditions?

• Options Discussed: Psychoanalytic theory, Behaviorism, Humanistic theory, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

• Deep Dive:

  • Psychoanalytic: Focus on the unconscious and unresolved conflicts (01:48).
  • Behaviorism: Observable behavior shaped by rewards/punishments (02:11).
  • Humanistic: Correct Answer. Emphasizes growth and self-actualization. “Like a plant reaching for the sunlight, given the right conditions.” – C (02:29)
  • REBT: Cognitive restructuring, challenging irrational beliefs (02:43).

• Memorable Quote:

  “Humanistic theory takes a more optimistic view, emphasizing that inherent potential for growth, self-actualization.” – A (02:20)

2. Ethics in Counseling: Autonomy

Question 192 – Which option best describes the ethical principle of autonomy?

• Options Discussed: Acting in client's best interest, fairness, avoidance of harm, right to self-determination

• In-depth exploration:

  • Balancing beneficence and autonomy; autonomy defined as client’s right to make their own decisions (03:32–04:47).

• Correct Answer:
  D. Respecting the client's right to make their own decisions

• Notable Moment:

  “Even if we don't agree with their choices, as long as they're not hurting themselves or others, we have to respect that. Empowering them to live their own lives.” – C (04:38)

3. Stages of Change: Transtheoretical Model

Question 193 – Which stage involves maintaining progress and preventing relapse?

• Explanation of Model:

  • Stages: Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance
  • Maintenance as integrating change into daily life, persistence in face of setbacks (05:07–06:22)

• Correct Answer:
  D. Maintenance

• Useful Analogy:

  “It's about making that change a part of your life, not just a temporary thing.” – A (06:07)

4. Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages

Question 194 – What is the primary conflict during early childhood (ages 3–5)?

• Stage Discussion:

  • Trust vs. Mistrust (infancy), Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt (toddlers), Initiative vs. Guilt (preschool), Industry vs. Inferiority (school age) (06:44–08:10)
  • Initiative vs. Guilt: Encouraging curiosity and agency in young children.

• Correct Answer:
  C. Initiative vs. Guilt

• Insightful Recap:

  “Each stage is a challenge. Overcoming it builds skills and strengths.” – C (06:53)

5. Psychometrics: Reliability Defined

Question 195 – What best describes reliability in testing?

• Concepts Differentiated:

  • Validity vs. Reliability vs. Predictive Validity vs. Content Validity (08:45–09:57)
  • Reliability: Consistency of results

• Correct Answer:
  B. The consistency of a test's results over time or across administrations

• Clear Metaphor:

  “Like a scale always giving you an accurate weight.” – C (09:19)

6. Adlerian Therapy Focus

Question 196 – What is the primary focus of Adlerian therapy?

• Themes Explored:

  • Impact of birth order, social interest, lifestyle goals (10:13–12:12)
  • Not focused on unconscious conflict or relaxation as core approach.

• Correct Answer:
  B. Understanding the impact of birth order and fostering social interest

• Highlighted Quote:

  “Early family dynamics, belonging, finding your place in the world. That's Adlerian therapy in a nutshell.” – C (12:12)

7. Anxiety Reduction Techniques

Question 197 – Which term describes gradually exposing clients to feared stimuli while teaching relaxation?

• Definitions Covered:

  • Flooding (full intensity exposure), Systematic Desensitization (gradual, stepwise), Cognitive Restructuring, Mindfulness Training (12:35–14:34)
  • Systematic desensitization detailed through the process and rationale

• Correct Answer:
  B. Systematic Desensitization

• Key Takeaway:

  “Facing fears in a safe way, building confidence.” – C (14:27)

8. Core Beliefs in Cognitive Therapy

Question 198 – What are deeply ingrained automatic beliefs called in cognitive therapy?

• Terms Clarified:

  • Cognitive Distortions, Core Beliefs, Automatic Thoughts, Schemas (14:46–17:10)
  • Core beliefs as foundational, shaping perceptions and emotional patterns

• Correct Answer:
  B. Core Beliefs

• Memorable Moment:

  “They're ingrained, hard to change. But cognitive therapy can help challenge them. Replace them with something more positive.” – C (15:48)

9. Narrative Therapy Goal

Question 199 – What is the primary goal of narrative therapy?

• Discussion Points:

  • Not about identifying cognitive distortions or exploring the unconscious
  • Focus on reshaping the personal narrative to emphasize strengths, resilience, agency (17:10–19:07)

• Correct Answer:
  B. Reshaping personal stories to emphasize strengths and resilience

• Quote:

  “Shifting from ‘I’m broken’ to ‘I’m a survivor. I’m still growing.’” – C (18:27)

10. Genograms in Counseling

Question 200 – What is the primary purpose of a genogram in counseling?

• Explanations:

  • Not cognitive testing, career interests, or general social supports
  • Genogram maps family dynamics and patterns across generations (19:25–20:59)

• Correct Answer:
  B. To explore family relationships and patterns across generations

• Notable Quote:

  “A genogram is like a family tree but amped up. It maps relationships, medical history, key events over generations.” – C (19:46)

Memorable Moments & Closing Remarks

• Final Encouragement:

  “Remember, practice those questions. Trust in what you've learned, and you'll do great. We're proud of you for making it to the end of this series.” – A (21:11), C (21:15)

• Playful Sign-off:

  “1, 2, 3… Nice to be in orbit, Sam.” – C, A (21:20–21:23)

Timestamps Reference Table

| Topic | Speakers | Timestamps | |-------------------------------------------|------------------|------------| | Humanistic Theory & Growth | A, C | 01:30-03:09| | Ethical Principle of Autonomy | A, C | 03:10-04:55| | Stages of Change (TTM) | A, C | 05:07-06:27| | Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages | A, C | 06:36-08:17| | Reliability in Testing | A, C | 08:27-10:03| | Adlerian Therapy Focus | A, C | 10:13-12:22| | Systematic Desensitization | A, C | 12:35-14:34| | Cognitive Therapy: Core Beliefs | A, C | 14:46-17:15| | Narrative Therapy | A, C | 17:25-19:16| | Genograms in Counseling | A, C | 19:25-20:59| | Final Encouragement & Sign-off | A, C | 21:08-21:23|

Summary

Module 20 provides a sharp review of pivotal counseling concepts, spanning classic theories, ethical codes, change models, developmental psychology, assessment reliability, and hallmark therapy approaches. Through interactive exploration and relatable analogies, listeners are equipped to not only answer NCE exam questions but also to deepen their practical understanding, ensuring both test success and clinical confidence.

Best of luck to all examinees—the finish line is in sight!