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In this episode of Licensure Lifeline, we go into the second show in the mini-series on the DSM-5—your essential roadmap for differential diagnosis on the licensure exams. Today, we zoom in on Neurodevelopmental Disorders, including ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Intellectual Disability. You’ll learn how these disorders are defined, how they commonly show up on test vignettes, and how to avoid the traps that exam writers love to set.

We’ll start with a fascinating historical vignette about the early days of diagnosing childhood disorders, unpack the key criteria in plain language, and then walk through real exam-style questions—both multiple-choice and case vignette formats. Plus, in the Study Stack segment, you’ll get practical AI prompts you can plug into ChatGPT or other tools to boost your studying efficiency.

Take a look at the app here!

The LicensureLink App: Where Licensure Meets Peace of Mind.

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In this episode of Licensure Lifeline, we take a deep dive into Feeding and Eating Disorders in the DSM-5—covering Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge-Eating Disorder, Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), Pica, and Rumination Disorder. Whether you’re preparing for the NCE, NCMHCE, or ASWB Social Work exam, or you’re a practicing clinician wanting a refresher, this is your comprehensive guide.

We start with a fascinating historical case study that sheds light on how eating disorders have been understood (and misunderstood) throughout history. Then, in our Study Stack, we introduce a one-minute drill technique to quickly solidify your understanding of key diagnostic differences—a method you can use for any tricky DSM category.

In the core educational segment, you’ll learn hallmark features, diagnostic criteria, risk factors, and treatment approaches for each disorder, along with exam strategies to help you remember them under pressure. We also break down a sample NCE multiple-choice set, walk through a NCMHCE-style vignette, and end with unique insights for social work exam candidates on cultural considerations and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Whether you’re studying for your licensure exam or strengthening your clinical knowledge, this episode will leave you more confident, better prepared, and ready to spot the subtle differences that can make or break a correct diagnosis on test day.

Keywords: DSM-5 eating disorders, Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge-Eating Disorder, ARFID, Pica, Rumination Disorder, mental health licensure exam prep, NCE study, NCMHCE practice vignette, ASWB social work exam prep, differential diagnosis tips, study strategies for counselors, motivational interviewing, clinical assessment, treatment planning.

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In this special 50th episode of Licensure Lifeline, we revisit the most downloaded topic of the entire series: Motivational Interviewing (MI). Whether you’re studying for the NCE, NCMHCE, or prepping for your LCSW exam, this episode delivers a fresh take on the core principles and practical skills that make MI so powerful in therapy.

We start with a compelling true story from MI’s early days—how a simple conversation between two colleagues sparked a global shift in how therapists engage clients in change. Then, we break down the essential OARS framework, the spirit of MI, and what makes it such a game-changing tool for counselors across all settings.

✔️ Perfect for exam prep

✔️ Packed with clinical insight

✔️ A great refresher for seasoned therapists

Plus, you’ll get:

Sample NCE-style questions

• A practice vignette for the NCMHCE
• A study tip to help you retain more with less effort
• And an “In the News” segment on how AI is being trained to deliver Motivational Interviewing

🧠 Learn more about the AI & MI study:

Motivational Interviewing Meets AI – Study via Stanford & UCSF

👉 Follow along @LicensureLifeline on Instagram for more practice tips, behind-the-scenes stories, and live study support.

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What makes a treatment plan actually effective—for your clients and your exam?

In this episode of Licensure Lifeline, we dive deep into the essential skill of treatment planning. Whether you’re preparing for the NCE, NCMHCE, or working toward your LCSW, this episode will help you understand how to craft goals, choose evidence-based interventions, and align your plans with ethical and culturally responsive care.

You’ll learn:

• How to write SMART goals that show up on the test
• Common treatment planning mistakes to avoid
• What questions to expect on the NCMHCE
• How to think like a test-maker and a clinician
• Real-life examples of strong treatment plans in action

Plus, we’ve included a scenario-based vignette, multiple-choice sample questions, and a Study Stack tip to help you apply what you’ve learned!

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In this episode of Licensure Lifeline, we take a deep dive into Attachment Theory, one of the most tested topics on the NCE and NCMHCE exams for aspiring mental health counselors and LCSWs. You’ll explore the foundational work of John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth, learn how to identify the four primary attachment styles (secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized), and apply this knowledge to real clinical scenarios.

We’ll walk through a sample vignette, show you how to analyze client behavior through an attachment lens, and break down what you might see on licensure exams related to early caregiver relationships, emotional regulation, and client outcomes.

🎧 Whether you’re studying for your counseling license, preparing for a clinical job interview, or just looking to deepen your understanding of human connection, this episode will give you the tools, insight, and confidence to master Attachment Theory.

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In this insightful episode of Licensure Lifeline, host Matt Lawson breaks down Erik Erikson’s psychosocial development theory, a core topic for anyone preparing for the NCE, NCMHCE, or LCSW licensure exams. Whether you’re just starting your journey or need a quick refresher, this episode delivers a clear overview of Erikson’s 8 stages, real-world examples, and how these concepts show up on licensure exams.

🎧 Learn how trust vs. mistrust, identity vs. role confusion, and other stages are tested—and how to apply this developmental model in real-life therapeutic settings.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

• Why Erikson’s stages matter for clinical practice
• Common exam questions based on psychosocial development
• A historical lens on how Erikson developed his theory
• Study strategies to retain stage-specific knowledge for the NCE & LCSW exams

In the News and Study Stack: 

The Benefits of Interactive Books for Reading Comprehension. 

https://arxiv.org/abs/2403.02496?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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In this 1-year anniversary special of Licensure Lifeline, we’re tackling the top 5 most confusing topics that show up again and again on the NCE, NCMHCE, and LCSW exams. Whether you’re struggling to tell BPD from Bipolar II, or confused about the fine line between dual relationships and boundary crossings, this episode brings clarity to the chaos with real examples, exam tips, and easy-to-remember distinctions.

We’ll walk through each of these hot-button areas:

1. BPD vs. Bipolar II
2. Dual Relationships vs. Boundary Crossings
3. ADHD vs. Trauma-Related Attention Issues
4. CBT vs. DBT vs. ACT
5. Schizoaffective vs. Mood Disorder with Psychotic Features

You’ll hear clinical vignettes, exam strategies, and practice-based tips for understanding how these diagnoses and theories show up on the test—and in real-world practice. Plus, our Study Stack segment highlights how discovering your learning style can improve retention and boost your test prep game.

🎧 Whether you’re weeks away from your exam or just getting started, this episode is packed with the kind of insight that turns confusion into confidence.

🔍 Bonus Resource:

In the News: Mental health meets modern tech. Learn how wearable devices are being used to monitor symptoms and predict emotional episodes in real time.

👉 Read More – Wearable Tech Is Transforming Psychiatric Care

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In this episode of Licensure Lifeline, host Matt Lawson breaks down the three most frequently tested neurodevelopmental disorders on the NCE, NCMHCE, and LCSW exams: ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Intellectual Disability. You’ll get clear explanations of each diagnosis, including DSM-5 criteria, how they show up in exam vignettes, and what clinicians need to know about treatment approaches.

This episode features a real-world vignette walkthrough, 5 exam-style questions with rationales, and a new Study Stack Tip that introduces the powerful active recall technique known as “blurting.”

Whether you’re deep into studying or just starting your licensure journey, this episode will help you connect the dots between diagnosis, theory, and clinical decision-making.

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In this episode of Licensure Lifeline, host Matt Lawson takes you on a deep dive into Personality Disorders—one of the most critical areas to master for the Licensure exams. Learn how to differentiate between Cluster A (Odd, Eccentric), Cluster B (Dramatic, Emotional), and Cluster C (Anxious, Fearful) personality disorders, including the hallmark traits of Paranoid, Borderline, Narcissistic, and Avoidant Personality Disorders. This breakdown simplifies the diagnostic process, making it easier to recognize the subtle differences that can trip you up during exam vignettes.Sound Bites

In The News: This week, we explore the rise of Digital Therapeutics and AI in Mental Health Care. Discover how artificial intelligence is reshaping treatment protocols, enhancing patient engagement, and providing real-time data analysis to improve mental health outcomes.

👉 Read the full article here: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Mental Health Treatment - ScienceDirect

Study Stack Tip: This week’s Study Stack Tip is all about Chunking for Better Recall. Instead of memorizing isolated facts, group related concepts together for easier recall. For Personality Disorders, think of them in clusters:

• Cluster A (Odd, Eccentric): Paranoid, Schizoid, Schizotypal
• Cluster B (Dramatic, Emotional): Borderline, Narcissistic, Antisocial, Histrionic
• Cluster C (Anxious, Fearful): Avoidant, Dependent, Obsessive-Compulsive

By mentally “chunking” these groups, you reduce cognitive overload and make it easier to recall the right diagnosis under exam pressure.

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In this episode of Licensure Lifeline, host Matt Lawson breaks down the Top 5 counseling theorists every future therapist needs to know for the NCE, NCMHCE, and LCSW exam. Learn how key figures like Sigmund Freud, Alfred Adler, Carl Rogers, B.F. Skinner, and Albert Ellis shaped the foundation of modern psychotherapy—and how their work still shows up on today’s licensure exams.

Matt explains the core concepts behind each theory, shares easy-to-remember study tips, and walks through real-world examples to help you apply theory to practice. Plus, play along with a “Who Said It?” quote quiz to test your retention.

Whether you’re preparing for your counseling licensure exam or refreshing your foundational knowledge as a clinician, this episode will help you study smarter, not harder.

🔗 Courier Mail (original story): In The News

Queensland researchers in new depression battle

Study Stack – Teach It to Learn It

Segment Name: Study Stack

Focus: Retrieval practice through verbal explanation

Purpose: Teach listeners how to solidify their understanding of theories through active recall and spoken repetition

Key Talking Points:

• Passive review (just re-reading notes) feels productive—but it isn’t.
• Real retention happens when you force your brain to recall and reconstruct information.
• Strategy:
• After reviewing a theorist (e.g., Rogers), close your notes and say aloud:
• 
  
  • Who they were
  • What they believed
  • Where their ideas show up on the exam
• Bonus Tip: Record yourself explaining the theory, then play it back on a walk or during your commute.

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