Shows
Passing your National Licensing ExamAssessments: Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS)Send us a textFeeling overwhelmed by the array of assessment tools you need to master for your licensing exam? Today's episode offers a deep dive into one of the most practical and versatile instruments available to therapists: the Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS).Dr. Linton Hutchinson breaks down this deceptively simple yet powerful clinical tool that allows therapists to quantify what seems unquantifiable – a client's subjective experience of distress. With characteristic energy (accidentally fueled by a caffeinated Starbucks mishap), Dr. Hutchinson thoroughly explains how SUDS works on a 0-10 scale, where clients rate th...2025-04-2911 minPassing your National Licensing ExamDemystifying Disorders: The Nuances of Eating DisordersSend us a textNavigating the complex landscape of eating disorders requires precision and clarity, especially when preparing for licensure exams or working with clients. Dr. Linton Hutchinson and Eric Twachman deliver a masterclass in distinguishing between different eating disorders, offering essential knowledge that both clarifies exam material and enhances clinical practice.We journey through the distinct worlds of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, highlighting the unique diagnostic criteria for each condition. From the significant weight loss and elaborate food rituals of anorexia to the normal-weight presentation...2025-04-1509 minPassing your National Licensing ExamWhat about Safety Plans for the exam?Send us a textSafety planning emerges as a crucial therapeutic intervention for clients facing suicidal thoughts or domestic violence situations in this detailed exploration by Eric Tworkman and Dr. Linton Hutchinson. Unlike traditional safety contracts that simply have clients promise not to harm themselves, safety plans provide structured, actionable steps that research shows reduce risk by as much as 50%.The hosts break down the six essential components of an effective safety plan: identifying specific warning signs of crisis, developing personalized coping strategies, creating means of distraction through social engagement, establishing social supports, connecting with...2025-03-2113 minPassing your National Licensing ExamBuilding Support SystemsSend us a textWhat if the key to overcoming social anxiety lies in the unexpected bonds we form with our support networks? Discover how Stacy Frost and Dr. Linton Hutchinson illuminate the nuanced role of support systems in therapy, particularly for those on the path to licensure. Through insightful dialogue, they unravel the layers of how connections with friends, groups, and even pets go beyond mere reassurance, offering a foundation of safety, belonging, and validation. We venture into the complexities of evaluating these networks, exploring how perceived support can sometimes do more harm than good, and...2025-01-2512 minPassing your National Licensing ExamAssessments: CAGE QuestionnaireSend us a textCan a four-question tool truly pinpoint alcohol use disorder in under a minute? Discover the potency of the CAGE questionnaire as we unravel its effectiveness with Dr. Linton Hutchinson and myself, Eric Trockman. This episode promises to equip you with the knowledge to spot potential alcohol issues effortlessly, whether you're prepping for a licensure exam like our listener, Janie from Chicago, or simply expanding your mental health assessment toolkit. Learn how these short, powerful questions cut through the noise to provide critical insights into personal awareness, social feedback, emotional impact, and physical dependence...2025-01-1411 minPassing your National Licensing ExamDemystifying Disorders: TrichotillomaniaSend us a textReady to unravel the mysteries of trichotillomania? Prepare to be enlightened as we, your hosts, Stacy and Linton, travel through the Greek roots of this body-focused repetitive behavior disorder, and reveal not only its hidden intricacies but also its potential treatment strategies. Stitch by stitch, we uncover the diagnostic criteria, prevalent features, and potential co-existing disorders. Along this journey, we also use the cycle of abuse theory as an unforgettable mnemonic device, illuminating the repetitive and compulsive nature of hair-pulling urges.As we journey deeper into the heart of trichotillomania, we...2024-12-3114 minPassing your National Licensing ExamDemystifying Disorders: PTSDSend us a textEver wondered why not everyone who faces trauma ends up with PTSD? Join us as we unravel this complex disorder. You'll gain a clear understanding of PTSD's diagnostic criteria as outlined in the DSM-5-TR, exploring the crucial differences between PTSD and acute stress disorder, particularly the significance of symptom duration. We shatter prevalent myths, such as the notion that PTSD solely affects veterans or inevitably results in violence, emphasizing that the disorder arises from a wide range of traumatic experiences and affects individuals uniquely.Linton also highlights the importance of...2024-12-2710 minPassing your National Licensing ExamDemystifying Disorders: Cyclothymic DisorderSend us a textUnlock the secrets to understanding cyclothymic disorder with hosts Dr. Linton Hutchinson and Eric Twachman as they guide you through the intricacies of this often-overlooked mood disorder. What unique challenges does cyclothymic disorder present for therapists, and how can it be distinguished from similar conditions like bipolar disorders and borderline personality disorder? This episode promises to arm you with critical knowledge, from the importance of duration in diagnosis to the finer points of differentiating symptoms, and why these insights are especially crucial for those preparing for licensure exams.Join us for...2024-12-2417 minPassing your National Licensing ExamEthics: FERPA ComplianceSend us a textUnlock the secrets of navigating FERPA compliance with our latest episode of Ethics in Practice, where we promise to transform privacy regulations from a daunting obligation into a rewarding aspect of your professional toolkit. Joined by the insightful Dr. Linton Hutchinson, we shed light on the complex layers of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act that mental health professionals must navigate within educational settings. Learn how to differentiate between educational and therapeutic counseling records, and grasp the implications of the health and safety emergency exception with real-life case examples. Our discussion ventures...2024-12-2012 minPassing your National Licensing ExamShort-Term vs. Long-Term Goals, Part 1Send us a textWhat happens when Indiana Jones meets treatment planning? Discover how understanding the "great goal divide" can make your licensing exam feel less like a cryptic adventure and more like a journey with a map. Dr. Linton Hutchinson and I, Eric, bring humor and insights to navigating the tricky terrain of short-term and long-term goals. We promise that by the end of this episode, you'll be equipped to confidently distinguish between immediate needs and long-term visions, whether it’s reducing daily anxiety or planning the next five years of your life—or even colonizing Mars...2024-11-2908 minPassing your National Licensing ExamEAP Confidentiality: Balancing Client Privacy and Reporting ObligationsSend us a textWhat happens when the confidentiality of an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is compared to a classic British drama or a Victoria sponge cake? Join us as Stacey Frost and Dr. Linton Hutchinson bring humor and expertise to the nuanced world of EAPs. Imagine balancing the intricacies of client confidentiality with the obligations of mandated reporting—it's like navigating a tightrope with tea in hand! This episode is a lively exploration of the essentials every listener needs to comprehend, from the types of data therapists report to handling sensitive issues like substance abuse monitoring, al...2024-10-2905 minPassing your National Licensing ExamDemystifying Disorders: Adjustment DisorderSend us a textUnlock the secrets to understanding and managing adjustment disorder with insights from Dr. Linton Hutchinson and Stacy Frost in our latest Demystifying Disorders episode. Ever wondered how a seemingly small stressor can trigger a significant emotional response? Join us as we dissect the evolution of adjustment disorder from its origins in the 1950s to its current classification in the DSM-5-TR. Learn the intricacies of its diagnostic criteria and the role of identifiable stressors, whether they're singular events or an accumulation that overwhelms one’s coping abilities. Through the metaphor of a Michigan ba...2024-10-2218 minPassing your National Licensing ExamAssessments: Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for the DSM-5Send us a textCan the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for the DSM-5 (CAPS-5) revolutionize your approach to diagnosing PTSD? In this episode, we promise to unravel the power of CAPS-5, a tool that extends beyond its military roots to offer comprehensive PTSD assessments for a wide range of trauma survivors. From examining the presence and severity of symptoms across eight critical criteria to understanding how it fits seamlessly into both clinical and research settings, we break down each facet of this indispensable tool. You'll gain insights into why CAPS-5 stands out, with its nuanced, detailed approach...2024-09-2009 minPassing your National Licensing ExamManaging Test Anxiety, Part 2Send us a textAre high-stakes licensure exams leaving you feeling overwhelmed and anxious? Join Stacy Frost and Dr. Linton Hutchinson as they unravel the unique hurdles therapists face when preparing for these crucial tests. From identifying gaps in basic knowledge to grappling with poor test-taking strategies and the pervasive issue of test anxiety, discover why therapists are particularly susceptible to the pressures of licensure exams. The episode dives deep into how heightened self-awareness and a tendency toward rumination amplify feelings of fear and self-doubt, creating a perfect storm of anxiety bolstered by perfectionism and the relentless...2024-08-2320 minPassing your National Licensing ExamManaging Test Anxiety, Part 1Send us a textCan test anxiety derail even the most prepared therapists? Join Stacy Frost and Dr. Linton Hutchinson as they tackle this critical concern head-on, breaking down the physical and psychological symptoms that can undermine exam performance. They shine a light on the unique pressures therapists face, from genetic predispositions and past negative experiences to the ever-present imposter syndrome and perfectionist tendencies. This episode is packed with actionable tips to help aspiring therapists normalize their anxiety and perform their best when it counts the most.If you need to study for your national...2024-08-2010 minPassing your National Licensing ExamConquering Test Anxiety: Effective Strategies and InsightsSend us a textStruggling with test anxiety as you prepare for your licensure exams? What if you could turn that anxiety into a manageable challenge instead of an overwhelming obstacle? This episode is your guide to understanding and overcoming the mental blocks that can hinder your success. Join Stacy Frost and Dr. Linton Hutchinson as they unpack the complex nature of test anxiety, dissecting its cognitive, behavioral, and emotional layers. We delve deep into the unique pressures that aspiring therapists face, from the immense importance of licensure to the added stress of keeping up with high...2024-08-1620 minPassing your National Licensing ExamTheory to Therapy: Contextual Family Therapy, Part 2Send us a textWhat if your relationship conflicts were deeply rooted in family legacies you never chose? Join us as Stacy Frost and Dr. Linton Hutchinson explore the complexities of contextual family therapy, revealing how Tracy and Clinton, a high-achieving couple, navigate their chronic conflicts and emotional dissatisfaction. We dissect how their family histories, marked by entitlement and indebtedness, influence their destructive relational patterns, leading to cycles of criticism and withdrawal.Through the powerful tool of multi-directed partiality, we'll show you how acknowledging each partner's perspective can transform a relationship. You'll witness Tracy and...2024-08-1307 minPassing your National Licensing ExamTheory to Therapy: Contextual Family Therapy, Part 1Send us a textWhat if the key to resolving family conflicts lies in understanding hidden relational debts and credits? Join Stacy Frost and Dr. Linton Hutchinson as they uncover the transformative power of contextual family therapy. In this episode of Theory to Therapy, we break down the essential concepts of relational ethics, the relational ledger, and multi-directed partiality. Dr. Hutchinson shares his expertise on how this approach helps families rebuild trust and accountability by focusing on fairness and justice within relationships, rather than just surface-level issues.Dive into practical insights and real-world applications as...2024-08-0910 minPassing your National Licensing ExamDemystifying Disorders: Frotteuristic DisorderSend us a textDiscover the hidden depths of Frotteuristic disorder with us and how it intersects with complex legal and psychological landscapes. In this enlightening episode, we promise you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of this rare paraphilic disorder, from its historical roots in Richard von Krafft-Ebing's 19th-century work to the detailed diagnostic criteria laid out in the DSM-5-TR. Dr. Linton Hutchinson joins Stacy Frost to break down the necessity of recurring urges, the distress they bring, and the critical differentiation between Frotteuristic disorder and conditions like conduct disorder and antisocial personality disorder. We’ll also...2024-08-0616 minPassing your National Licensing ExamDefense Mechanisms: Repression vs SuppressionSend us a textWhat if you could understand the hidden forces shaping your emotional life? Join us as Dr. Linton Hutchinson and Stacy Frost unravel the complexities of repression and suppression, two defense mechanisms that play crucial roles in mental health. We promise you'll gain deep insights into how these mechanisms operate differently—repression as an unconscious process and suppression as a conscious effort. By dissecting these concepts, Linton and Stacy provide clarity on how they protect the mind from distressing content and their significant implications for psychological well-being.In this episode, we also de...2024-08-0212 minPassing your National Licensing ExamWhat's Preventing Me From Passing? Part 1Send us a textReady to conquer your licensure exam with confidence? Join us as we uncover the crucial test-taking skills and mindset shifts you need to succeed. Stacy Frost and Dr. Linton Hutchinson tackle the myth that exam results define your intelligence or counseling prowess. Utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques, we delve into the importance of reading comprehension and higher-order cognitive skills like analysis and synthesis. Learn how to effectively connect a client's past and present relationship dynamics and develop tailored strategies for workplace conflicts, ensuring you demonstrate your knowledge under exam pressure....2024-07-2310 minPassing your National Licensing ExamTheory to Therapy: Unlocking Early Relationship Patterns with Object RelationsSend us a textLearn how your early relationships may be shaping your present-day interactions. In this episode, Stacy Frost and Dr. Linton Hutchinson transport you to the roaring 1920s to explore the fascinating world of object relations theory in psychotherapy. Through the lens of key terms such as objects, internalization, splitting, projective identification, and transference, we unravel the profound impact of our primary caregivers on our psychological development. Discover how dynamic internal objects and unconscious processes drive your relationships, and see how foundational psychodynamic techniques like free association and dream analysis can bring clarity and healing.2024-07-1609 minPassing your National Licensing ExamMSE: Mood and AffectSend us a textEver wondered how to distinguish between mood and affect in a clinical setting? Join us on this episode of the Licensure Exams podcast with Dr. Linton Hutchinson and Stacy Frost as we uncover the critical differences that can transform your mental health assessments. Learn to master terms like "euthymic" and "dysphoric," and understand their significance in diagnosing disorders such as major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder.Get ready to enhance your clinical practice with a close look into the nuances of mood and affect. From understanding anhedonia to recognizing the signs...2024-07-1217 minPassing your National Licensing ExamMSE: Thought Process and Content ExplainedSend us a textEver wondered how the intricacies of thought processes and thought content can unlock the mysteries of mental health diagnoses? Join me, Stacy Frost, on the Licensure Exams podcast as we demystify the Mental Status Exam (MSE), focusing on the nuances of how thoughts are formed and expressed. In this episode, we'll break down clinical terms like circumstantiality, tangentiality, flight of ideas, loose associations, perseveration, and thought blocking, shedding light on their roles in diagnosing bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, ADHD, and neurocognitive disorders.We'll then shift gears to explore the captivating world...2024-07-0211 minPassing your National Licensing ExamCultural Competency: Tailoring Therapy to Diverse ClientsSend us a textHow can therapists provide more culturally attuned care? That's the central question we tackle in this episode on multicultural competency in therapy. We promise you'll come away with actionable insights for adapting your therapeutic approach to better align with your clients' unique cultural backgrounds. We delve into the case of Seo Joon, a first-generation Korean-American who struggles with the competing demands of his family's traditional values and his desire for independence. By understanding the collectivistic nature of Korean culture, the concept of filial piety, and the significance of education and professional success, therapists...2024-06-2819 min