Blog | SWTP

Apr

19

Educational components, techniques, and methods of supervision

April 19, 2024 | knowledge

Last post was the supervisee's role in supervision. What about supervisors? One of the ASWB exam content outline items covering that: Educational components, techniques, and methods of supervision.

knowledge

Apr

17

The supervisee's role in supervision

April 17, 2024 | knowledge

Supervision is a repeated topic area in the ASWB exam content outline. Let's look at one, wordy example: The supervisee's role in supervision (e.g., identifying learning needs, self-assessment, prioritizing, etc.).

knowledge

Apr

15

Methods to establish program objectives and outcomes

April 15, 2024 | knowledge

Next up on our ASWB exam outline tour: Methods to establish program objectives and outcomes. With all the clinical material to learn as you're preparing for the exam, it's wise not to ignore mezzo and macro knowledge.

knowledge

Apr

12

Crisis intervention and treatment approaches

April 12, 2024 | knowledge | theory | practice

Next up as we jump around in the ASWB exam content outline: Crisis intervention and treatment approaches. This review will be a good overall look at key treatment approaches in social work.

knowledge | theory | practice

Apr

10

The indicators of mental and emotional illness throughout the lifespan

April 10, 2024 | knowledge

The indicators of mental and emotional illness throughout the lifespan is next up in our ASWB exam content outline tour. Let's take it a milestone at a time and then look at how this topic may look on the social work exam.

knowledge

Apr

08

The indicators of client/client system readiness for termination

April 8, 2024 | knowledge | practice

When is it time to end treatment? Next up in our tour of the ASWB exam content outline: The indicators of client/client system readiness for termination. Let's dig in and then see how this material may look on the social work licensing exam.

knowledge | practice

Apr

05

The supervisee's role in supervision

April 5, 2024 | knowledge | practice

Supervision is a two-way street and an important part of good social work practice. Which is undoubtedly how the ASWB arrived at this exam content outline topic: The supervisee's role in supervision (e.g., identifying learning needs, self-

knowledge | practice

Apr

03

Techniques for protecting and enhancing client self-determination

April 3, 2024 | knowledge

Techniques for protecting and enhancing client/client system self-determination is up next in our trek through the ASWB exam outline. Let's take a look. Self-

knowledge

Apr

01

Group work techniques and approaches

April 1, 2024 | theory | knowledge

Next up in our foray into the ASWB exam content outline: Group work techniques and approaches (e.g., developing and managing group processes and cohesion). Let's walk through the topic then look at home it might appear on the social work exam.

theory | knowledge

Mar

29

The elements of a case presentation

March 29, 2024 | knowledge

Next up as we navigate our way through the ASWB exam content outline: The elements of a case presentation. Let's review then examine how this info may look on the social work exam.

knowledge

Mar

27

Primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies

March 27, 2024 | knowledge

Our expedition through the ASWB exam outline continues with this: Primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies.

knowledge

Mar

25

Methods to engage and work with involuntary clients/client systems

March 25, 2024 | knowledge

Eventually we'll run out of ASWB exam content outline topics to examine here. But for now, we've got plenty to go. Next up: Methods to engage and work with involuntary clients/client systems.

knowledge

Mar

22

Verbal and nonverbal communication techniques

March 22, 2024 | knowledge

Our path through the ASWB exam content outline continues with this: Verbal and nonverbal communication techniques. Let's examine the topic and how it may appear on the social work licensing exam.

knowledge

Mar

21

Stress management techniques

March 21, 2024 | knowledge | less stress

Studying this ASWB exam outline topic--stress management techniques--simultaneously prepares you for exam questions and potentially gives you ways to stay calm, cool, and collected in the often stressful run-up to the test itself.

knowledge | less stress

Mar

18

Evidence-based practice

March 18, 2024 | knowledge

Evidence-based practice -- the phrase comes up all the time in social work settings. And it's part of the ASWB exam outline. But what exactly does it mean and how might the concept appear on the social work licensing exam? Let's take a look.

knowledge

Mar

15

The social worker's role in the problem-solving process

March 15, 2024 | knowledge

Next up as we travel through the ASWB exam content outline: The social worker's role in the problem-solving process. First, a question: what's that mean exactly? The Problem-Solving Process The problem-

knowledge

Mar

13

The components of case management

March 13, 2024 | knowledge

Next up as we tour the ASWB exam content outline: The components of case management. Let's dive right in and help you get that much more ready to pass the ASWB exam. What is Case Management?

knowledge

Mar

11

The technique of role play

March 11, 2024 | knowledge

Our journey through the ASWB exam outline continues. Next stop: The technique of role play. Let's study up and then see how questions on the topic might look on the social work licensing exam.

knowledge

Mar

07

Couples interventions and treatment approaches

March 7, 2024 | knowledge

Next up as we work our way through the ASWB exam content outline: Couples interventions and treatment approaches. Some--but not all--of this is likely familiar material.

knowledge

Mar

06

The impact of transference and countertransference in the social worker-client/client system relationship

March 6, 2024 | knowledge

The impact of transference and countertransference in the social worker-client/client system relationship is next up in our tour of the ASWB exam content outline. Let's take a look at the concepts--

knowledge

Mar

04

Burnout, secondary trauma, and compassion fatigue

March 4, 2024 | knowledge

Here's another ASWB exam content outline item that's good to stay mindful of for everyday social work practice: Burnout, secondary trauma, and compassion fatigue.

knowledge

Feb

29

Techniques to identify and resolve ethical dilemmas

February 29, 2024 | knowledge | ethics

Continuing through the ASWB exam content outline, we come to: Techniques to identify and resolve ethical dilemmas. This is good, essential social work and good essential exam prep. Let's dive in to get you ready to pass the ASWB exam!

knowledge | ethics

Feb

28

Psychoeducation methods (e.g., acknowledging, supporting, normalizing)

February 28, 2024 | knowledge

Next up in our ASWB exam content outline tour: Psychoeducation methods (e.g., acknowledging, supporting, normalizing).

knowledge

Feb

26

Techniques used to evaluate a client's/client system's progress

February 26, 2024 | knowledge | practice

The ASWB exam content outline tour we're doing continues with this topic: Techniques used to evaluate a client's/client system's progress. Simply put, the topic is, "How do I know how a client is doing?

knowledge | practice

Feb

23

The impact of the political environment on policy-making

February 23, 2024 | knowledge

The ASWB exam content outline's service delivery section gets macro with this topic: The impact of the political environment on policy-making.

knowledge

Feb

21

The principles of case recording, documentation, and management of practice records

February 21, 2024 | knowledge

Another mouthful from the ASWB exam content outline: The principles of case recording, documentation, and management of practice records. Let's break that into sections to help you get ready to pass the social work licensing exam.

knowledge

Feb

19

Role modeling techniques

February 19, 2024 | knowledge | practice

Next up in our tour of the ASWB exam outline: Role modeling techniques. Read up to get prepared for the social work licensing exam. Stick around for the free practice question at the end of the post!

knowledge | practice

Feb

16

Anger management techniques

February 16, 2024 | knowledge

Here's an ASWB exam content outline item you already likely know a good deal about: Anger management techniques. Let's look at this from a few angles to get you ready to pass the social work licensing exam. In Social Work Here's a start-to-

knowledge

Feb

14

The criteria used in the selection of intervention/treatment modalities

February 14, 2024 | knowledge

Continuing through the ASWB exam content outline, here's a mouthful of a topic: The criteria used in the selection of intervention/treatment modalities (e.g., client/client system abilities, culture, life stage).

knowledge

Feb

12

Methods to assess ego strengths (including tools)

February 12, 2024 | knowledge

The ASWB exam outline brings us now to this topic: Methods to assess ego strengths. Let's take a look. Approaches Assessing ego strengths is crucial for understanding an individual's capacity for resilience, coping mechanisms, and overall well-being.

knowledge

Feb

09

Psychological defense mechanisms and their effects on behavior and relationships

February 9, 2024 | knowledge | theory

The ASWB exam content outline journeys into ego psychology with this item: Psychological defense mechanisms and their effects on behavior and relationships.

knowledge | theory

Feb

07

Methods to assess organizational functioning (e.g., agency assessments)

February 7, 2024 | knowledge | practice

Agency and community questions seem to have grabbed a greater portion of social work licensing exam questions than they once claimed. The ASWB exam content outline has had those topics all along.

knowledge | practice

Feb

05

The characteristics of perpetrators of abuse, neglect, and exploitation

February 5, 2024 | knowledge

The ASWB exam content outline walk-through continues. This time: The characteristics of perpetrators of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. You probably have a good sense of this without reading up. But let's explore.

knowledge

Feb

02

Methods to obtain sensitive information (e.g., substance abuse, sexual abuse)

February 2, 2024 | knowledge

Next up in our tour of the ASWB exam content outline: Methods to obtain sensitive information (e.g., substance abuse, sexual abuse). This is good, essential social work material. The methods--listed below--

knowledge

Feb

01

Congruence and Genuineness in Psychotherapy

February 1, 2024 | knowledge | theory

Congruence and genuineness are essential concepts in person-centered therapy developed by Carl Rogers. These terms are often used interchangeably and are crucial for building a therapeutic relationship.

knowledge | theory

Jan

31

The principles and techniques for building and maintaining a helping relationship

January 31, 2024 | knowledge

Forging through the ASWB exam content outline, we get to: The principles and techniques for building and maintaining a helping relationship. This is the basics. Building rapport, keeping rapport. How do you do it?

knowledge

Jan

29

The principles and processes of obtaining informed consent

January 29, 2024 | knowledge | ethics

Back for more ASWB exam outline exploration. Next up: The principles and processes of obtaining informed consent. Let's dive in.

knowledge | ethics

Jan

26

Basic and applied research design and methods

January 26, 2024 | knowledge

This topic--research design--I don't made appearance in my MSW classes. Did it in yours? It doesn't seem terribly likely to show up on the licensing exam. But it's in the ASWB exam content outline, so, just in case, let's review.

knowledge

Jan

24

The principles and features of objective and subjective data

January 24, 2024 | knowledge | practice

The ASWB exam content outline keeps on going, and we keep on digging in. This time: The principles and features of objective and subjective data. This one's pretty straightforward.

knowledge | practice

Jan

22

Discharge, aftercare, and follow-up planning

January 22, 2024 | knowledge

Next up on our ASWB exam content outline tour: Discharge, aftercare, and follow-up planning. If you've worked at any of these, you know they're not so simple--something like juggling while balancing something on your head--

knowledge

Jan

17

Social Learning Theory

January 17, 2024 | knowledge | theory

Putting together the theories of human development a few posts ago, realized that we've somehow never posted about social learning theory here. Let's fix that and then take a look how this material may appear on the social work licensing exam.

knowledge | theory

Jan

15

Methods to assess ego strengths

January 15, 2024 | knowledge | aswb exam outline

Another visit to the ASWB exam content outline brings this item: Methods to assess ego strengths. Let's explore...

knowledge | aswb exam outline

Jan

10

Theories of human development throughout the lifespan

January 10, 2024 | knowledge

Top line of the current ASWB exam content outline: Theories of human development throughout the lifespan (e.g., physical, social, emotional, cognitive, behavioral). So, "Everything you wanted to know about human development, but were afraid to ask"?

knowledge

Jan

08

Exam Topic: Basic Human Needs

January 8, 2024 | knowledge

Another stop on the ASWB exam content train: Basic human needs. You might think this material has been covered elsewhere in the outline (and on this blog). Yes. Yes, it has. But apparently the ASWB really wants you have a good look at this content.

knowledge

Jan

03

Co-occurring disorders and conditions

January 3, 2024 | knowledge

Returning to the ASWB exam content outline, let's look at co-occurring disorders and conditions. Lets get some facts down and then look at how the topic may appear on the social work licensing exam. Co-Occurring Disorders First, a definition: Co-

knowledge

Dec

21

Strengths-based and resilience theories

December 21, 2023 | knowledge | theory

Strengths-based and resilience theories is next up in our tour of the ASWB exam content outline. Let's take a look at the topic and how it may show up on the licensing exam. Strengths-Based Theory Strengths-

knowledge | theory

Dec

18

Basic principles of human genetics

December 18, 2023 | knowledge

Continuing through the ASWB exam outline, a topic you may not have considered much since high school biology: Basic principles of human genetics. Let's get some fundamentals reloaded, just in case something from the topic appears on the ASWB exam.

knowledge

Dec

14

The principles of attachment and bonding

December 14, 2023 | knowledge

Continuing our tour of the ASWB exam content outline, next up: The principles of attachment and bonding. Below, what you need to know on the topic to handle questions on the ASWB exam.

knowledge

Dec

11

Gerontology and the Social Work Exam

December 11, 2023 | knowledge

Here's another overly broad ASWB exam outline item for review: Gerontology. "Gerontology?!" you may ask. "All of it? People get master's degrees in gerontology. Do I need to get another master's?" Answer: no.

knowledge

Dec

06

The principles of active listening and observation

December 6, 2023 | knowledge

From the ASWB exam content outline, a simple topic: The principles of active listening and observation. Let's take a look at the info and then at how this topic may appear on the social work licensing exam.

knowledge

Dec

04

Factors influencing self-image

December 4, 2023 | knowledge

Here's another ASWB exam content outline item worth a look: Factors influencing self-image (e.g., culture, race, religion/spirituality, age, disability, trauma). The e.g.

knowledge

Dec

01

Symptoms of neurologic and organic disorders

December 1, 2023 | knowledge

Here's a broad and vague item on in the ASWB exam content outline: Symptoms of neurologic and organic disorders. Which disorders? They're not saying. Do they mean all possible organic disorders?

knowledge

Nov

28

The indicators of traumatic stress and violence

November 28, 2023 | knowledge

From the Assessment and Diagnosis section of the ASWB exam outline, an important topic: The indicators of traumatic stress and violence. Let's review.

knowledge

Nov

22

Basic Human Needs

November 22, 2023 | knowledge

From the ASWB exam content outline, another topic to explore as you prepare for the social work exam: Basic human needs. What's your first thought on the topic? Probably Maslow. Which is likely how exam item writers will approach the topic.

knowledge

Nov

20

The impact of the transitioning process on behaviors, attitudes, identity, and relationships

November 20, 2023 | knowledge

From the Diversity and Discrimination section of the ASWB exam content outline: The impact of transgender and transitioning process on behaviors, attitudes, identity, and relationships. Not sure how they arrived at that wording.

knowledge

Nov

16

Basic Medical Terminology for Social Workers

November 16, 2023 | knowledge

From the ASWB exam content outline, a door into a whole world of info you might be expected to know: Basic medical terminology. Well, that could mean lots of different things.

knowledge

Nov

13

Methods of Conflict Resolution

November 13, 2023 | knowledge

Methods of conflict resolution is a quick line in the ASWB exam content outline, but there's more than a quick line's worth of knowledge to familiarize yourself with ahead of the social work licensing exam.

knowledge

Nov

08

The components of a biopsychosocial assessment

November 8, 2023 | knowledge

Here's a small part of the social work licensing exam that's a big part of social work: biopsychosocial assessments. (In the outline, it's the components of a biopsychosocial assessment.

knowledge

Nov

06

Trauma-Informed Care

November 6, 2023 | knowledge

Trauma-informed care makes a several appearances on the ASWB exam content outline. It makes good sense to understand the topic before sitting down for the social work licensing exam.

knowledge

Nov

02

ASWB Exam Topic: The indicators of addiction and substance abuse

November 2, 2023 | knowledge

From the ASWB content outline--and from everyday social work practice--a topic: The indicators of addiction and substance abuse. Let's discuss.

knowledge

Oct

31

Somatization and Somatic Symptom Disorder

October 31, 2023 | knowledge | DSM

What is somatization? Somatization is a psychological phenomenon where emotional distress is expressed through physical symptoms. People who somatize often have multiple unexplained physical complaints that may lead to frequent medical visits.

knowledge | DSM

Oct

26

Professional objectivity in the social worker-client/client-system relationship

October 26, 2023 | knowledge | practice

The ASWB exam includes this item under Professional Development and Use of Self: Professional objectivity in the social worker-client/client-system relationship. The licensing exam will very likely touch on this, so let's explore. A free, ASWB exam-

knowledge | practice

Oct

23

Interdisciplinary Collaboration and the Social Work Exam

October 23, 2023 | knowledge | practice

Interdisciplinary collaboration is one of those vague ASWB exam content outline items that it's tempting to ignore. But let's take a look. What do you need to know? And how might this look on the social work licensing exam?

knowledge | practice

Oct

17

Theories of Conflict and the Social Work Exam

October 17, 2023 | theory | knowledge | practice

Here's another item from the ASWB exam content outline worth of look: theories of conflict. It's in the HBSE section of a social work exam--

theory | knowledge | practice

Oct

13

The impact of stress, trauma, and violence

October 13, 2023 | knowledge | practice

Here's an ASWB content outline item worth a look: The impact of stress, trauma, and violence. Let's explore. A practice question is at the end of the post. The impact of stress, trauma, and violence on individuals can be profound and multifaceted.

knowledge | practice

Oct

07

Feminist Theory and the Social Work Exam

October 7, 2023 | theory | knowledge | practice

Another item on the ASWB's exam outline: feminist theory. Let's review to get you ready to handle any feminist theory questions that come up on the social work licensing exam. We'll finish with a free practice question.

theory | knowledge | practice

Oct

03

Systems and Ecological Perspectives and Theories

October 3, 2023 | aswb | knowledge

Here's another item from the HBSE section of the ASWB content outline: Systems and ecological perspectives and theories. Let's do a little learning and then top that off with a quick practice question.

aswb | knowledge

Sep

28

Social Work Exam Knowledge: The Impact of Caregiving on Families

September 28, 2023 | knowledge | practice

Another item from the HBSE section of the ASWB exam content outline: The impact of caregiving on families. Let's brush up on the topic. A free ASWB-exam style practice question follows.

knowledge | practice

Sep

26

The effect of aging on biopsychosocial functioning

September 26, 2023 | knowledge | practice

Continuing through the ASWB content exam outline, here's a simple seeming item: The effect of aging on biopsychosocial functioning. Just by living and knowing people--friends, family--you have a handle on much of this material.

knowledge | practice

Sep

19

Theories of racial, ethnic, and cultural development throughout the lifespan

September 19, 2023 | knowledge | practice | theory

Here's a item straight from the ASWB content outline: Theories of racial, ethnic, and cultural development throughout the lifespan. You may know them well; they may be entirely new to you.

knowledge | practice | theory

Sep

11

Theories of Spiritual Development and the Social Work Exam

September 11, 2023 | knowledge | practice

Right near the top of all levels of the ASWB's content outline is a simple-seeming item: Theories of spiritual development throughout the lifespan. But there aren't a ton of well-known theories of spiritual development.

knowledge | practice

Sep

01

The Mental Status Exam

September 1, 2023 | knowledge | practice

You may not have used the Mental Status Exam (MSE) as a social worker. You may not have encountered much about it at school. But there's lots on it worth knowing as you prepare for the ASWB (and a social work career). Here are some of the essentials.

knowledge | practice

Aug

17

Understanding Personality Disorders

August 17, 2023 | knowledge | practice

Personality disorders are characterized by enduring patterns of inner experience and behavior that deviate significantly from cultural norms, causing distress or impairment in functioning.

knowledge | practice

Aug

14

Substance Intoxication vs. Withdrawal

August 14, 2023 | knowledge | practice

Substance withdrawal and substance intoxication both come up regularly in social work practice. Don’t be surprised to find them on the ASWB exam! Here's a breakdown of each term, followed by some substance-by-

knowledge | practice

Aug

10

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

August 10, 2023 | theory | knowledge | practice

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is a psychological theory proposed by Abraham Maslow in the 1940s. The theory suggests that individuals have a hierarchy of needs that must be fulfilled to realize one's full potential.

theory | knowledge | practice

Aug

07

A Freud Primer

August 7, 2023 | theory | knowledge | practice

Sigmund Freud (1856–1939) was the founder of psychoanalysis. His groundbreaking work delved into the unconscious mind, proposing that it influences human behavior and emotions.

theory | knowledge | practice

Aug

04

Theories of Couples Development

August 4, 2023 | knowledge | theory | practice

A couple has recently started dating and is in the early stages of their relationship. They have just begun to share more personal information with each other, and their interactions are becoming more frequent and intimate.

knowledge | theory | practice

Aug

03

Understanding Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development

August 3, 2023 | knowledge | theory | practice

Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development was developed in the 1950s and 1960s, outlining the stages individuals progress through in their moral reasoning from childhood to adulthood.

knowledge | theory | practice

Aug

03

The Family Life Cycle and the Social Work Exam

August 3, 2023 | knowledge | practice

Various models and theories have been proposed to describe the stages of the family life cycle. While some models follow a linear progression, others consider more dynamic and diverse family structures.

knowledge | practice

Jul

31

CBT Primer

July 31, 2023 | knowledge

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has emerged as a powerful and widely recognized therapeutic approach that addresses a multitude of mental health issues. Since CBT is evidence-

knowledge

Jul

27

Erik Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development

July 27, 2023 | knowledge | practice

Erik Erikson (1902-1994) was a prominent German-American psychologist and psychoanalyst known for his theory on psychosocial development.

knowledge | practice

Jul

25

The Theorists

July 25, 2023 | knowledge | theory

Toward a possible big book of exam content, here are some key theorists and their theories--

knowledge | theory

Jul

08

Hospital Social Work and the ASWB Exam

July 8, 2023 | knowledge

Someone tells you that a lot of hospital social work questions came up on the ASWB exam. Well, first, they’re not supposed to tell you what they encountered on the exam. But you can’t unhear it.

knowledge

Jul

03

Macro Practice and the ASWB Exam

July 3, 2023 | practice | knowledge

Preparing for the ASWB exam, it's easy to get caught up the small details of micro practice (eg, "How many weeks of depression before it can be considered a Major Depressive Episode?"). But don’t sleep on macro practice.

practice | knowledge

Apr

13

How to Effectively Prepare for the Human Growth and Development Section of the ASWB Exam

April 13, 2023 | knowledge

There’s an enormous amount of information to get a handle on to pass the exam. Happily, it’s divided into sections. Here, we look at the Human Growth and Development section and how to get yourself ready to pass questions in that topic area.

knowledge

Jan

13

The principles and techniques for building and maintaining a helping relationship (ASWB Exam Content Spotlight)

January 13, 2023 | knowledge

Here's a wordy item from the ASWB content outline. Among the knowledge, skills, and abilities the exam aims to assess. Do you know the principles and techniques for building and maintaining a helping relationship?

knowledge

Jan

03

Characteristics of Perpetrators of Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation (ASWB Exam Content Spotlight)

January 3, 2023 | knowledge

The ASWB exam content outline has this broad topic area: Characteristics of Perpetrators of Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation. We asked ChatGPT-an artificial intelligence machine--for a post on the topic.

knowledge

Dec

23

Person-in-Environment (PIE) Theory (ASWB Exam Content Spotlight)

December 23, 2022 | knowledge

Person-in-Environment (PIE) theory is a holistic approach to social work practice that recognizes the importance of both individual and environmental factors in understanding a person's well-being and behavior.

knowledge

Oct

25

New NASW Code of Ethics Updates

October 25, 2021 | ethics | knowledge

The NASW has updated the Code of Ethics, its essential guide to social work practice and a hefty part of the social work licensing exam. Changes for 2020 and 2021 are highlighted here.

ethics | knowledge

Sep

20

Community Organizing and the Social Work Exam

September 20, 2021 | practice | knowledge

Social workers are not permitted to talk about what they encountered on the ASWB exam and we never ask. Which is how it should be. The social work exam changes fairly regularly.

practice | knowledge

Apr

07

NASW Ethics 8

April 7, 2020 | ethics | knowledge

Here's a series of articles via the NASW, each tackling another ethics issue (in eight bullet points): Ethics 8. Read through and imagine that you're an exam question writer on the hunt for a new question subject.

ethics | knowledge

Oct

04

Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct Disorders

October 4, 2019 | knowledge | DSM | practice

Let's take a look at the Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct Disorders chapter of the DSM. How do you distinguish the diagnosis from one another? This could come in handy on the licensing exam. First, the criteria.

knowledge | DSM | practice

Sep

16

ASWB Exam Practice - "You two are really good are arguing."

September 16, 2019 | practice | knowledge

Here's a free practice question to help get you ready to pass the ASWB exam. A couple has been meeting with a social worker for three weeks. They report wanting to work on their marriage.

practice | knowledge

Jul

11

Pod Save Your ASWB Exam Prep

July 11, 2019 | knowledge | audio

We used to blognounce every time a new episode of the Social Work Podcast came out. Now, instead of all those posts, you get a once-in-a-while reminder about all the exam-prep-friendly free content that the podcast has in its archives.

knowledge | audio

Jun

17

ASWB Exam Pratice—Erikson’s Stages

June 17, 2019 | practice | knowledge

Here's a quick practice question to keep you on your toes. A man brings his 16-year-old son to a therapy appointment to have him assessed for depression. His son has started wearing black and has dyed his blond hair black.

practice | knowledge

Feb

19

What's the difference between schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder?

February 19, 2019 | knowledge | DSM | practice

They sound alike and look alike. They're not the same thing. Here's how to tell the difference between schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. The DSM devotes a chapter to Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders.

knowledge | DSM | practice

Feb

12

What's the Difference Between Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa?

February 12, 2019 | knowledge | DSM | practice

Given the similarities between bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa, binge-eating/purging type, there's room for confusion when making a diagnosis, whether on the ASWB exam or in real life. Let's take a look at what the DSM says about each.

knowledge | DSM | practice

Aug

05

Name That Defense Mechanism

August 5, 2016 | knowledge | quiz

Here's a quick quiz that should help you lock down your ease with defense mechanism. What are defense mechanisms?

knowledge | quiz

Apr

13

Generalized Anxiety Disorder and the Social Work Exam

April 13, 2016 | knowledge | DSM

The theme lately has been anxiety disorders. Let's continue now with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Criteria for GAD are pretty straightforward: A.

knowledge | DSM

Apr

07

Panic Disorder and the Social Work Exam

April 7, 2016 | knowledge | DSM | practice

Your client reports occasional "freak outs" during which she experiences: 1. Palpitations 2. Sweating 3. Trembling 4. Shortness of breath 5. Choking feelings 6. Chest pain 7. Nausea 8. Dizziness 9. Chills 10. Numbness 11. Feelings of unreality 12.

knowledge | DSM | practice

Apr

02

Social Anxiety Disorder and the Social Work Exam

April 2, 2016 | knowledge | DSM

Social anxiety disorder aka SAD aka social phobia is one of those diagnoses, like OCD or PTSD, that many people use casually to describe non-clinical symptoms (eg, "I really don't want to go to that party, my social phobia's kicking in.

knowledge | DSM

Mar

09

The Patient Self-Determination Act and the Social Work Exam

March 9, 2016 | knowledge

The Patient Self-Determination Act of 1990 directly affects social work clients and social work practice (and social work paperwork). Among other things, it made advance directives a required part of health care. Cancer.

knowledge

Mar

08

The ADA and the Social Work Exam

March 8, 2016 | knowledge

We continue our survey of social work exam-relevant federal policy. Next up, the Americans with Disabilities Act. Here's some background from ADA.

knowledge

Mar

07

The Indian Child Welfare Act and the Social Work Exam

March 7, 2016 | knowledge

So much of the social work exam is taken up with practice questions--ethics, diagnosis, and the like-- it's easy to forget another giant part of the social work: policy. We'll take a look at some essentials over a series of posts.

knowledge

Aug

01

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

August 1, 2015 | knowledge | DSM

Here begins a series of quick posts highlighting big diagnostic changes that appear in DSM-5. First up for spotlighting: Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD).

knowledge | DSM

Jul

08

HIPAA and the Social Work Exam

July 8, 2015 | knowledge | quiz

Here's something you can reasonably expect to see covered on the social work licensing exam: the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, HIPAA for short.

knowledge | quiz

Apr

01

Maslow for the Social Work Exam

April 1, 2015 | knowledge | theory

It's Abraham Maslow's birthday (4/1). Happy Birthday, Maslow! It's as good a time as any to review Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Picture it as a big, pyramidal birthday cake, if that helps you get them understood.

knowledge | theory

Mar

30

Social Work Case Presentations

March 30, 2015 | knowledge

If you take ASWB exam content outlines to heart, you've got a lot of information to learn before sitting for the social work licensing exam. The outlines (available at aswb.org--

knowledge

Feb

25

Knowing Bowlby

February 25, 2015 | knowledge | video

How are you on John Bowlby? Knowing some basic Bowlby is wise as you approach the social work licensing exam. Good news: it's relatively simple, and probably already built in to your understanding of how people work.

knowledge | video

Jan

29

Social Work Exam Resource: Wiki Psychology

January 29, 2015 | knowledge

Once upon a time--just a few years back--there was no difficulty locating people who frowned upon using Wikipedia as a reliable source of information. "Crowd-sourced" seemed to equal "iffy." Things change fast.

knowledge

Jan

20

Residential Treatment and the Social Work Exam

January 20, 2015 | knowledge

If you've been taking social work licensing exam practice questions, you've no doubt encountered items that require you to know when reporting and hospitalization are required.

knowledge

Aug

04

Jean Piaget and the Social Work Exam

August 4, 2014 | knowledge

August 9th is Jean Piaget's birthday. Consider marking the occasion by brushing up on the parts of Piaget's work that you might encounter on the social work licensing exam. Here's About.

knowledge

Jul

07

Interpersonal Psychotherapy and the Social Work Exam

July 7, 2014 | knowledge | theory

What is Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)? We could go into some detail, but then Wikipedia has it laid out so nicely, why waste your time?

knowledge | theory

Jun

18

Defense Mechanisms and the Social Work Exam

June 18, 2014 | knowledge | theory

One way to anticipate what may appear on the social work licensing exam is to think what you might write as a question if the task fell to you.

knowledge | theory

May

27

The Transtheoretical Model and the Social Work Exam

May 27, 2014 | knowledge | theory

While the social work exam may not refer to the Transtheoretical Model (TTM), there's a pretty good chance you'll encounter an exam question about the Stages of Change.

knowledge | theory

May

22

Bowenian Family Therapy and the Social Work Exam

May 22, 2014 | knowledge | theory | video

Murray Bowen is credited by some with generating a wholly new way of thinking about human behavior. That new way: Family Systems Theory, put into action as Bowenian Famliy Therapy.

knowledge | theory | video

May

18

Person-Centered Therapy and the Social Work Exam

May 18, 2014 | knowledge

Person-Centered Therapy (sometimes PCT) is the default setting for the majority of psychotherapists practicing today.

knowledge

May

14

Crisis Intervention and the Social Work Exam

May 14, 2014 | knowledge | theory

While touring various theories and interventions that may come up on the social work exam, don't forget to take some time for something that you can be fairly certain to encounter on the big test (and in social work practice): crisis intervention.

knowledge | theory

May

12

Solution-Focused Therapy and the Social Work Exam

May 12, 2014 | knowledge

Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT; also Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, SFBT) got a mention a couple of posts ago, but deserves some space of its own--it's not unheard of for SFT to show up on the social work licensing exam. What's SFT?

knowledge

May

08

Existential Therapy and the Social Work Exam

May 8, 2014 | knowledge | theory

Did you have to read The Stranger or maybe some Sartre in school? If so, you know something about existentialism. If not, or if you need brushing up, here's Merriam-

knowledge | theory

May

05

Gestalt Therapy and the Social Work Exam

May 5, 2014 | knowledge | theory

Once you've got down the basics--CBT, DBT, psychodynamic therapy, and the like--you're ready to dig deeper in your licensing exam prep. That means you'll be putting together knowledge about material that may not actually appear on the exam.

knowledge | theory

May

03

Psychodynamic Therapy and the Social Work Exam

May 3, 2014 | knowledge | theory

For most vignette questions on the social work licensing exam where a client presents with a problem and the social worker needs to choose the BEST intervention, you'll be given a choice between something here-and-now, problem-

knowledge | theory

Apr

21

DBT and the Social Work Exam

April 21, 2014 | knowledge | theory

Here's another therapy you shouldn't be surprised to see appear on the social work licensing exam: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). What's DBT? Here are some quick answers to that question--

knowledge | theory

Apr

08

CBT and the Social Work Exam

April 8, 2014 | knowledge | theory

A good general guideline for the social work licensing exam: "When in doubt, it's CBT." Why? Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is research validated therapy practice. That is, it works--studies say so.

knowledge | theory

Mar

19

Social Work Exam Resource: Human Development Theory

March 19, 2014 | knowledge

Part of effective prepping for the social work licensing exam is gauging just how much is necessary to know about a given topic to get through the test. There's so much information that can potentially end up on the exam.

knowledge

Dec

02

Social Workers and Subpoenas

December 2, 2013 | knowledge

You can cross your fingers through your entire social work career and hope to never receive a subpoena. But that's a lot of finger-crossing, and finger-crossing's unlikely to help you on the social work licensing exam.

knowledge

Oct

13

Salvador Minuchin for Social Workers

October 13, 2013 | knowledge

Posting on Salvador Minuchin's birthday (October 13th). A good day for brushing up on Structural Family Therapy for the social work exam.

knowledge

Oct

10

Behavioral Psych and the Social Work Exam

October 10, 2013 | knowledge | quiz

The principles of behavioral psychology are easy to learn...and just as easy to confuse or forget.

knowledge | quiz

Oct

02

Kohlberg and the Social Work Exam

October 2, 2013 | knowledge | video | theory

Worth reviewing for the social work licensing exam, Lawrence Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development. Pick your source--they all say more-or-less the same thing: from SimplyPsych from Wikipedia from About Here's a video walk-

knowledge | video | theory

Sep

19

Erik Erikson and the Social Work Exam

September 19, 2013 | knowledge | quiz

Here's more material you may have known for a moment in school and then forgotten: Erik Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development. Now worth reviewing as you prepare for the social work licensing exam. About.

knowledge | quiz

Sep

13

Freud and the Social Work Exam

September 13, 2013 | knowledge | video

Try SWTP's Freud Primer--everything you could possibly need to know on the topic for the exam. Or, via AllPsych.

knowledge | video

Sep

05

Mental Disorders from A to Z

September 5, 2013 | materials | knowledge

The Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders offers quick definitions of psych concepts from the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (not on the exam) to Zolpidem (a med also not likely to show on the exam).

materials | knowledge

Jul

24

Encyclopedia of Social Work Online

July 24, 2013 | knowledge

The NASW and Oxford University Press have launched a new, online Encyclopedia of Social Work. It's not clear what access will cost, but the whole site is free through August, 2013. Great for free social work exam prepping for now.

knowledge

Jul

02

Ethical Decision-Making in Social Work

July 2, 2013 | knowledge | ethics

Looking for more guidance about social work ethics? Here's a textbook, Ethical Decision-Making in Social Work, by Wade Robison and Linda Cherrey Reeser, posted in its entirety by the Rochester Institute of Technology. No charge.

knowledge | ethics

Jun

28

Erikson, Piaget, and Kohlberg Stages

June 28, 2013 | knowledge

From UsefulCharts.com, here are Erikson, Piaget, and Kohlberg's stages laid out and photo-accompanied for your exam prepping needs.

knowledge

Feb

05

LCSW Exam Help

February 5, 2013 | knowledge

Load up on exam-friendly psych knowledge at Simply Psychology. The site includes entries about psych basics and beyond from A (Abnormal Psychology) to Z (Zone of Proximal Development).

knowledge

Jan

17

Understanding Attachment Theory

January 17, 2013 | knowledge | video | theory

Attachment in eight minutes: Find more helpful video on SWTP's YouTube channel. Too long; didn't watch?

knowledge | video | theory

Jan

14

Psychology 101

January 14, 2013 | knowledge | quiz

Looking for free review of the psych basics that might be covered on the social work exam? You could do much worse than the Psychology 101 course offered on AllPsych.com.

knowledge | quiz

Jan

13

Motivational Interviewing

January 13, 2013 | knowledge | video

Good to know for the exam: Motivational Interviewing. A definition from SAMHSA's quick training pages: [A] collaborative, person-centered form of guiding to elicit and strengthen motivation for change.

knowledge | video

Jan

12

Family Systems Therapy

January 12, 2013 | knowledge

Everything you ever wanted to know about Family Systems Therapy (or may need to know to help you pass the ASWB exam) is here (Psychology Today).

knowledge

Dec

13

Studying for the Social Work Exam

December 13, 2012 | aswb | knowledge

Or just check out this best ways to study for the social work exam list: Start early. The earlier you start studying, the more time you will have to cover the material and the less stressed you will feel. Create a study schedule.

aswb | knowledge

Dec

02

Code of Ethics: Confidentiality

December 2, 2012 | knowledge

Section 1.07 of the NASW Code of Ethics--Privacy and Confidentiality. Know it, learn it, exam it. It begins like this: (a) Social workers should respect clients' right to privacy.

knowledge

Sep

17

LCSW Study Buddy

September 17, 2010 | knowledge

A welcome to new social work exam blog, LCSW Study Buddy. Just a handful of posts up as of this writing, but useful stuff and made fun, as in this post looking at ego defenses as exemplified by Friends characters. From there: Intellectualization --

knowledge

Mar

04

Code of Ethics: Physical Contact

March 4, 2010 | knowledge

You may get a "hug" question on the social work exam. Let the Code of Ethics be your guide: 1.

knowledge

Feb

15

Code of Ethics: Social and Political Action

February 15, 2010 | knowledge

For your Presidents Day review, section 6.04 of the NASW's Code of Ethics, "Social and Political Action.

knowledge

Jan

28

Code of Ethics: Payment for Services

January 28, 2010 | knowledge

Another test-prep helping code of ethics section for your review: Payment for Services. 1.13 Payment for Services (a) When setting fees, social workers should ensure that the fees are fair, reasonable, and commensurate with the services performed.

knowledge

Jan

25

Informed Consent

January 25, 2010 | knowledge

Not a fill-in-the-blank, not a multiple choice, just an excerpt, 'cause you need to know this. Section 1.03 of the Code of Ethics: Informed Consent.

knowledge

Nov

10

Glossary of Psychiatric Terms

November 10, 2009 | knowledge

On Wikipedia, here's a glossary of psychiatric terms, from abreaction to zoophilia. May come in handy. Abreaction, by the way, is--says Wikipedia--a process of vividly reliving repressed memories and emotions related to a past event.

knowledge

Aug

05

IED v. AAB v. APD

August 5, 2009 | knowledge

Sorting through the DSM alphabet: Intermittent Explosive Disorder Intermittent explosive disorder is characterized by repeated episodes of aggressive, violent behavior in which you react grossly out of proportion to the situation.

knowledge

Aug

05

DSM-IV Training Guide

August 5, 2009 | knowledge

Hey, check it out. DSM help in a book. Exam-prep-o-riffic. Happy browsing... UPDATE: Here's DSM-5 help via the same source. The ASWB exam assesses social workers' knowledge and understanding of the DSM.

knowledge

Jul

31

Primary Insomnia

July 31, 2009 | knowledge

Via emedicine: Primary insomnia is sleeplessness that is not attributable to a medical, psychiatric, or environmental cause. Case study A 56-year-old woman reports difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep.

knowledge

Jul

21

Social Work Exam Review

July 21, 2009 | knowledge

Rereading some old material as prep for exam #2, jotted down a list of stuff I'd half-forgotten or just plain didn't know any more. Follow links to (more complete) defs. Echolalia is the repetition of vocalizations made by another person.

knowledge

May

12

Bipolar I, II, and Cyclothymia

May 12, 2009 | knowledge

Gotta know 'em. Wikipedia is happy to help. It's helpful to draw out a little grid with the whole gang of mood swings: MDD (big down), Dysthymia (medium down, 2+ years), Bipolar I (big up), Bipolar II (medium up), Cyclothymia (medium swings).

knowledge

May

08

Major Depression v. Dysthymia

May 8, 2009 | knowledge

Differential of the day, MDD v. Dysthymia. From the EofMDs: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a condition characterized by a long-lasting depressed mood or marked loss of interest or pleasure (anhedonia) in all or nearly all activities.

knowledge

May

05

OCD v. OCPD

May 5, 2009 | knowledge

To know: the difference between Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder. Take it away, Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders... Obsessive-compulsive disorder Obsessive-

knowledge

Apr

28

Dementia v. Delirium

April 28, 2009 | knowledge

Something to know: The difference between dementia and delirium. Dementia (according to the Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders): ...is not a specific disorder or disease.

knowledge

Apr

19

Somatization Disorder

April 19, 2009 | knowledge

From the practice tests to the Wiki of the day: Somatization Disorder. The criteria--pulled from the Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders--

knowledge

Apr

15

Identity Problem

April 15, 2009 | knowledge | vignette

This came up running vignette practice questions. What exactly is an Identity Problem in the DSM? An answer: Identity Problems are characterized by severe distress and uncertainty about issues related to identity, such as long-

knowledge | vignette

Mar

25

Preoperational Stage - Lack of Conservation

March 25, 2009 | knowledge | video

Or, How to Share Crackers with a Kid If You're Mean and/or Really Hungry. Here's a whole article on Paiget's preoperational stage, if you'd like a deeper dive. On conservation: [A]well-

knowledge | video

Mar

13

Murray Bowen

March 13, 2009 | theory | knowledge | video

What do these concepts all have in common?

theory | knowledge | video

Mar

06

Teen Reporting CA

March 6, 2009 | knowledge

LCSW bound (meaning licensed in California)? You need to know this stuff. Here, for everyone else USA, are the reporting numbers and websites nationwide. ALWAYS REPORTABLE:• Under 18 (14-17 years)1.

knowledge

Mar

01

Delusions of...

March 1, 2009 | knowledge | quiz

knowledge | quiz

Feb

16

Quiz: Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development

February 16, 2009 | knowledge | quiz | video

Quick quiz: Name the three levels in Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development (via Wikipedia). Answer in Comments. Level 1: ______________1. Obedience and punishment orientation(How can I avoid punishment?)2. Self-

knowledge | quiz | video