Send us a text

In this episode of Licensure Lifeline, we crack open the origin story of the DSM and explore how this cornerstone of modern mental health practice has evolved from a wartime statistic tool to the definitive guide for diagnosis. Whether you’re studying for the NCE, prepping for the LCSW, or working in the field, this episode offers a deep dive into how to actually use the DSM in clinical work—not just memorize it for the exam.

You’ll hear:

• 🧠 A compelling historical vignette of how the DSM came to be
• 🛠️ Tips on using the DSM in practice—what it’s good for, where it falls short
• 💡 NCE-style questions with detailed rationales to boost exam confidence
• 📚 Tech-forward study tools and how to get more out of your DSM
• 🧾 A special section just for social workers taking the ASWB
• 🗞️ “What’s In the News” segment: The debate on overdiagnosis in the digital era

📱 Licensure Concierge is now live! Track your CEUs, monitor renewal deadlines by state and profession, and stay organized as a busy mental health professional. Whether you’re pre-licensed or fully credentialed, this app is built to reduce the chaos and keep you focused on your clients and career.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever asked: “How do I actually use the DSM in real life?”

Support the show

Send us a text

Grief doesn’t follow a neat timeline—and it doesn’t always look like sadness. In this episode of Licensure Lifeline, we explore how grief shows up in the therapy room, on licensure exams, and in our own lives. You’ll learn the theories behind grief, how to recognize complex and disenfranchised grief, and how to ethically and compassionately support clients through loss.

We’ll walk through real-world clinical insights, study strategies, and sample exam questions—including a special section just for social workers.

Plus, we’ll share resources to help you deepen your understanding of this important topic and plug into the community as you study.

News Article: https://www.benefitnews.com/news/how-to-make-bereavement-policies-more-comprehensive?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Licensure Concierge: Professional Licensing Management App

Support the show

Send us a text

What do you do when a client says they’ve lost time… or feel like they’re floating outside their body?

In this episode of Licensure Lifeline, we explore the hidden world of Dissociative Disorders—including Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), Dissociative Amnesia, and Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder. You’ll learn how to recognize key diagnostic patterns, avoid common exam traps, and understand dissociation not as pathology—but as a powerful survival response.

We’ll start with a chilling historical case, break down what the DSM-5 really says, and explore how technology is changing the way we understand and treat dissociation.

Whether you’re prepping for the NCE, NCMHCE, or ASWB, this episode is packed with the clarity and nuance you need to pass with confidence—and practice with compassion.

Plus: a new Tech Forward segment on AI in trauma-informed care, and a quick plug for the Licensure Concierge App—your personal assistant for CEU tracking and renewal reminders.

Support the show

Send us a text

In this episode of Licensure Lifeline, we dive into the often-overlooked world of Cluster C Personality Disorders—Avoidant, Dependent, and Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder. These “quiet but complex” diagnoses show up frequently on licensing exams in subtle, hard-to-spot ways. 

We’ll walk through vivid client profiles, break down key differentials, and tackle NCE- and NCMHCE-style questions to sharpen your diagnostic skills. 

Whether you’re prepping for the counseling or social work exam, this one’s packed with the nuance and clarity you need. Don’t forget to check out the Licensure Concierge App—your personal assistant for tracking CEUs, renewal deadlines, and licensure requirements by state, so you can stay organized long after you pass the test.

Support the show

Send us a text

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.

Email the show: [email protected]

Support the show

Send us a text

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.

Support the show

Send us a text

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.

Support the show

Send us a text

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!

Support the show

Send us a text

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.

Support the show

Send us a text

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

Support the show