Podcasts about asw

Send us a textThe Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5) stands as a cornerstone in modern mental health assessment, offering clinicians and researchers a sophisticated tool that marries systematic evaluation with clinical flexibility. This semi-structured interview masterfully balances the precision of standardized questioning with the nuance of open-ended exploration, allowing mental health professionals to gather essential diagnostic information while honoring each client's unique lived experience. The approach creates space for clients to describe their symptoms in their own words, ensuring both diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic rapport.Recognizing diverse professional needs, the SCID-5 comes in three specialized formats: the streamlined Clinician Version (SCID-5-CV) for daily practice, the comprehensive Research Version (SCID-5-RV) for academic studies, and the rigorous Clinical Trials Version (SCID-5-CT) for standardized research protocols. The clinician version includes ten meticulously organized diagnostic modules covering 39 common mental health conditions, from major depression and anxiety disorders to substance use problems and ADHD, while screening for 17 additional disorders.The interview process unfolds naturally, beginning with an introductory conversation that establishes rapport while gathering crucial background information. As the assessment progresses, clinicians follow decision trees that mirror expert diagnostic reasoning, systematically evaluating potential diagnoses based on DSM-5 criteria. This methodical approach empowers professionals to make evidence-based diagnostic determinations while remaining responsive to new information that may emerge throughout treatment.Join us as we explore how this remarkable diagnostic tool transforms mental health assessment, creating a bridge between standardized criteria and clinical wisdom that ultimately leads to better outcomes for those seeking care. Subscribe now for more insights into the cutting-edge approaches shaping modern mental healthcare.If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

Send us a textDrawing the line between childhood trauma and anxiety can be one of the most challenging diagnostic dilemmas therapists face. When a child shows regression, clinginess, and somatic symptoms, are you witnessing the aftermath of abuse or the manifestation of separation anxiety disorder? The answer requires nuanced clinical judgment that goes far beyond memorizing symptom lists.This episode tackles the subtle yet critical differences that help distinguish these overlapping conditions. We explore how abuse-related hypervigilance differs from separation-specific vigilance, why the content of play reveals profound diagnostic clues, and how family dynamics can either clarify or further complicate the clinical picture. Through practical examples and licensing exam scenarios, we unpack the patterns that matter most when making these high-stakes assessments.Perhaps most importantly, we address the dangerous assumption that these conditions are mutually exclusive. Children experiencing abuse may develop separation anxiety as a protective mechanism, creating complex presentations that demand thoughtful analysis. For both new and seasoned clinicians, recognizing these nuances isn't just about passing an exam—it's about ensuring vulnerable children receive the right interventions at the right time.Whether you're preparing for your licensing exam or seeking to sharpen your diagnostic skills, this episode provides the contextual understanding and critical thinking framework needed to navigate these challenging cases with confidence and care. Remember that thorough assessment, consultation, and prioritizing child safety remain the cornerstones of ethical practice when working with our youngest and most vulnerable clients.If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

rWotD Episode 2952: American School of Warsaw Welcome to Random Wiki of the Day, your journey through Wikipedia's vast and varied content, one random article at a time.The random article for Tuesday, 3 June 2025, is American School of Warsaw.The American School of Warsaw (commonly abbreviated as ASW) is an English-using international school in Warsaw, Poland, founded in 1953 by members of the US Embassy. The school remains connected to the Embassy for general support and the US Ambassador is the honorary chair of the board according to the bylaws of the school. Members of the Board of Trustees are appointed by the ambassador, appointed by the board itself, or elected by the members of the school association (parents).The school is divided into Elementary and Upper School divisions. Students can currently prepare under the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Grades 11-12, and even those that choose not to take the full diploma receive instruction under the IB framework. The school offers a High School Diploma that is equivalent to a US High School, the IB Diploma, and a modified diploma for students with special needs. Since November 2018, the school has offered the full IB Continuum, including the addition of both the Middle Years Program (MYP) and the Primary Years Program (PYP).ASW is a member of Central and Eastern European Schools Association (CEESA), Sports Council for International Schools (SCIS), and New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). It will be jointly accredited by NEASC and IB (International Baccalaureate) in 2024 under the updated NEASC/IB Collaborative Learning Protocol (CLP). The school received accreditation from NEASC/CIS under joint protocol in 2018.The school moved to its current facility in 2001 and welcomed the addition of a new Physical Education and Art Annex finished in the Spring of 2012. It is currently involved in Master Planning aligned with strategic goals that will refresh the campus for the next two decades. The school also has a 25m pool and a library that includes a picture book room. The grounds also contain tennis courts, basketball courts, football courts, baseball, courts as well as two extensive playgrounds. The school has some 1000+ students from Pre-K to 12th Grade, with, on average, twenty students per class. The student body contains 55+ different nationalities. The student population is approximately 20% Polish, 20% American and the rest from around the world.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 00:32 UTC on Tuesday, 3 June 2025.For the full current version of the article, see American School of Warsaw on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Mastodon at @wikioftheday@masto.ai.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm neural Arthur.

Send us a textHave you ever felt stuck in traditional therapy, understanding your problems intellectually but still feeling emotionally disconnected? Psychodrama might be the missing piece. This dynamic, action-oriented approach bypasses our well-worn cognitive defenses and connects head with heart in ways that talk therapy sometimes can't.Psychodrama isn't merely a theoretical concept for your licensure exam—it's a powerful therapeutic tool with profound applications. Developed by Jacob Moreno in the 1920s and popularized during the human potential movement, this approach treats personality as a collection of roles rather than a fixed entity. When we become rigid in these roles or overidentify with certain aspects while neglecting others, psychological distress often follows. Through techniques like role reversal, doubling, mirroring, and empty chair work, clients can safely explore traumatic memories, practice difficult social interactions, or say goodbye to lost loved ones.The magic of psychodrama happens in its three-phase structure. The warm-up builds trust and group cohesion. The action phase allows the protagonist to enact significant life scenes with the help of group members serving as auxiliary egos. Finally, the sharing phase universalizes the experience as group members connect the protagonist's work to their own lives without analysis or advice. This creates what Moreno called "tele"—the empathic connection between individuals that forms the cement of healthy relationships. Whether you're preparing for your exam or looking to expand your therapeutic toolkit, understanding psychodrama's unique capacity to make the intangible tangible opens new possibilities for helping clients achieve meaningful change through spontaneity, creativity, and authentic expression. Ready to move beyond just talking about problems and start transforming them through action?If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

Send us a textStruggling to differentiate personality development from personality disorders? You're not alone. This episode tackles one of the most challenging distinctions that therapy students face when preparing for licensing exams.We dive deep into the fundamental nature of personality development—a natural, ongoing process that begins in childhood and continues through adulthood. This development is shaped by genetics, environment, experiences, and relationships, creating unique patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that remain adaptable throughout life. Children raised in supportive environments typically develop confidence and healthy relationship skills, demonstrating the powerful impact of formative experiences on personality formation.Contrast this with personality disorders—mental health conditions marked by rigid, inflexible, and maladaptive patterns that cause significant distress and impairment. We explore specific examples, including how borderline personality disorder manifests as fear of abandonment and relationship instability, while antisocial personality disorder appears as consistent disregard for others' rights without remorse. The critical differences extend across multiple dimensions: adaptability versus rigidity, functional impact, relationship to cultural norms, and treatment approaches. While personality disorders show remarkable persistence without intervention, specialized therapies offer hope for meaningful improvement, though typically requiring longer-term and more intensive work than other mental health conditions.Whether you're preparing for a licensing exam or seeking to enhance your clinical understanding, this episode provides the clarity you need to distinguish between healthy personality development and clinically significant disorders. Remember, if you need additional support with exam preparation, Bruce Snipes offers one-on-one tutoring—reach out at brucessnipestutor@gmail.com to boost your confidence and clinical knowledge.If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

On this episode we're sipping on ASW's Fiddler Toasted Rye Lakeland Whiskey Society Barrel Pick while talking about the guy that's seen Bruce Lee movies, stepping up to throw down, the rare two cups in a day, all the nerdy stuff, enthusiasts and connoisseurs, an Offerman esque diatribe, a grand slam, what is small talk, are we good at small talk, small talk opens up avenues, requesting a price at a liquor store, not schmoozing anyone, transactional nature of conversation, Kalamazoo Wisconsin, skills of small talk, importance of small talk, building community, questions to generate better conversation, being genuine and recognizing that people don't want that, and why we don't want to talk to our neighbors.    Support Us On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DrepandStone We'd love to hear from you! https://linktr.ee/DrepandStone Don't forget to subscribe! Music by @joakimkarudmusic Episode #295

Send us a textFacing license exam anxiety? You're far from alone. Today, we're diving deep into how Gestalt therapy offers powerful tools for navigating overwhelming test anxiety, using the story of Rachel – a first-generation college student whose pre-existing anxiety disorder intensifies as her licensure exam approaches.Gestalt therapy stands apart from other approaches by anchoring clients firmly in the present moment. Rather than analyzing past experiences or catastrophizing future outcomes, we explore what's happening right now in the body, mind, and emotions. For clients like Rachel, this means turning toward physical sensations of anxiety – trembling hands, racing thoughts, upset stomach – rather than running from them. Through techniques like exaggeration (intentionally amplifying physical responses) and staying with uncomfortable feelings, clients begin building tolerance and awareness that transforms their relationship with anxiety.Language matters enormously in the Gestalt approach. When Rachel says "I should study more" or "I have to pass," she's using disempowering language that removes her sense of choice. By shifting to "I choose to study more," she reclaims agency and responsibility. Similarly, the famous empty chair technique gives voice to unspoken feelings – allowing Rachel to address family expectations or dialogue with different parts of herself, like her inner critic. For your exam prep, remember the contact boundary disturbances with the mnemonic "I pray daily for relief from class" – Introjection, Projection, Retroflexion, Deflection, and Confluence. These patterns explain how clients interrupt natural contact between themselves and their environment, blocking authentic experience.Whether you're preparing for your own licensure exam or working with anxious clients, Gestalt offers a pathway from environmental support to self-support, from avoidance to awareness, and from "shoulds" to choices. The beauty of this approach lies in its authenticity requirement – not just from clients but from therapists too. Ready to transform your understanding of anxiety and therapeutic presence? Listen now and discover why being real might be the most powerful technique of all.If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

Send us a textEver double-checked that your door was locked, even though you knew it was? That momentary doubt is normal—but what happens when these urges become overwhelming and constant? Drawing distinct lines between everyday quirks and clinical conditions, we untangle the often confused Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD).The key distinction is profound: OCD manifests as intrusive, unwanted thoughts triggering repetitive behaviors to reduce anxiety. These thoughts feel foreign to the person experiencing them—what psychologists call "ego-dystonic." Despite recognizing their irrationality, people with OCD feel powerless to stop the cycle that consumes at least an hour daily. Most shocking is the 11-year average delay between symptom onset and treatment, largely due to shame and misdiagnosis.By contrast, OCPD represents a pervasive personality pattern centered on orderliness, perfectionism, and control. Unlike OCD, people with OCPD typically view their traits as rational or even virtuous—they're "ego-syntonic." This fundamentally different self-perception drives treatment differences: while OCD responds well to Exposure and Response Prevention therapy and medication, OCPD requires longer-term approaches focused on building flexibility and self-awareness.We examine how cultural context complicates recognition of OCPD, as traits like diligence and meticulousness often receive positive reinforcement. Someone might excel professionally while struggling significantly in relationships due to rigidity and control needs. Consider how our society's emphasis on productivity and perfection might blur the line between dedication and disorder—when do high standards become harmful?Whether you're a mental health professional seeking clarity or someone trying to understand these conditions better, this episode provides the framework to distinguish between unwanted symptoms and ingrained personality traits, guiding the path toward appropriate support and treatment. Want to know if you're ready for your Licensing Exam. Take our free exam today!If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

Send us a textCould 100 unarmed men defeat a silverback gorilla? It's the absurd question captivating millions across the internet, generating heated debates and revealing surprising psychological truths beneath the surface. This viral thought experiment serves as a fascinating window into our collective psyche, functioning as what therapists might call a cultural inkblot test.Diving deep into this phenomenon, we unpack how defense mechanisms like denial, projection, and reaction formation explain our fascination with this hypothetical battle. Beyond the surface-level entertainment, this debate reveals profound insights about masculinity, identity, and how we process feelings of power and vulnerability in modern society. In an era where traditional masculine roles are evolving, these hypothetical physical confrontations offer a safe, performative space to demonstrate worth within familiar frameworks.For therapists and mental health professionals preparing for licensing exams, this viral debate provides an unexpected but valuable case study in human psychology. Understanding these mechanisms enriches your evaluative skills while offering practical examples of how to connect with clients through relevant cultural touchpoints. Whether you're studying for your exam or simply fascinated by the intersection of digital culture and psychology, this episode demonstrates how even the most seemingly trivial internet phenomena can reveal profound truths about human behavior. Ready to sharpen your psychological analysis skills while exploring the unexpected depths of meme culture? Listen now, and don't forget to share your thoughts – we'd love to know which side of the debate you fall on!If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

Religious trauma is real—and for neurodivergent folks, it can leave especially deep marks on body image, food, and self-worth. In this powerful episode, I'm joined by Victoria Leon, ASW (@victoriarleon), a therapist who specializes in supporting people healing from religious trauma and eating disorders. We explore how faith communities can reinforce shame, control, and compliance—and how that intersects with masking, sensory sensitivities, and the drive to “be good” that so many neurodivergent people carry. Whether you're deconstructing, disentangling from toxic theology, or trying to reclaim a safe relationship with food and your body, this episode offers validation, insight, and a path toward gentler healing. ✨ CW for discussions of religious trauma, disordered eating, and spiritual abuse.

Send us a textStruggling to master personality disorders for your upcoming licensure exam? Look no further than this deep dive into Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) – a condition you might encounter on test day.We meticulously break down the DSM diagnostic criteria, requiring at least five symptoms from a pattern that includes difficulty making everyday decisions, needing others to assume responsibility for major life areas, and fears of being left to care for oneself. You'll learn to recognize the classic clinical presentation: clients who consistently defer to others, express intense abandonment fears, and often tolerate mistreatment rather than risk being alone. Most importantly, we clarify how to differentiate DPD from its common look-alikes like Borderline, Avoidant, and Histrionic Personality Disorders –  distinctions that frequently appear as exam questions.The episode explores DPD's developmental trajectory, typically rooted in childhood experiences with overprotective or authoritarian parenting that restricted age-appropriate autonomy. We examine how cultural factors influence diagnosis and discuss common comorbidities including anxiety disorders, depression, and substance use. The second half provides a comprehensive review of evidence-based treatments, from cognitive-behavioral approaches that challenge core beliefs about helplessness to schema therapy addressing early maladaptive patterns. You'll learn specific interventions like gradual exposure to independent decision-making, assertiveness training, and anxiety management techniques.Whether you're preparing for your exam or working with dependent clients in clinical practice, this episode delivers everything you need to understand this complex condition. Subscribe to Demystifying Disorders for more exam-focused breakdowns of essential mental health topics, and leave us a review if you found this helpful for your exam prep!If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

This week on The Whiskey Trip, Big Chief plants his boots firmly in Atlanta, Georgia — a city that has tasted fire, risen from ruin, and come back stronger every time. He sits down with Jerry McCall from ASW Distillery, a man whose passion for whiskey burns as hot as the city's fighting spirit. Together, they dive deep into the raw, unvarnished story of Georgia distilling — a story born from hardship and rebellion. They honor the rugged moonshiners who were pushed into the wild foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, forced to carve out a life — and a living — from the unforgiving land. These were men and women who distilled not just whiskey, but freedom itself, refusing to let government agents, hard winters, or impossible odds break them. Fast-forward to today, and Atlanta stands tall once again, not just as a city of commerce and culture, but as a blazing new frontier for American whiskey. ASW Distillery is at the heart of this revival — a phoenix born from the ashes, a symbol of resilience that echoes through every barrel they fill. Jerry lays it out plain and powerful: ASW isn't just making whiskey. They're making history. Glass after glass, Big Chief and Jerry march through ASW's lineup — starting with the Fiddler, a bold expression crafted with the heart and soul of their master distiller, where every note of grain and oak sings a song of craftsmanship. They charge forward into the Resurgence Rye, a whiskey built to honor Atlanta's relentless spirit — a whiskey that doesn't apologize, doesn't bow, and doesn't break. But this journey isn't just about what's in the glass. It's about the soul of a region that refused to be forgotten. It's about people who never gave up, and a city that keeps rewriting its destiny, one resurrection at a time. This episode is a battle cry, a love letter, and a triumphant toast to the unbreakable spirit of Georgia. This is The Whiskey Trip. Cheers, y'all.

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 their distress from none to maximum intensity. The beauty of SUDS lies in its accessibility and immediate feedback, making it invaluable for tracking therapeutic progress.The episode systematically explores the four phases of SUDS implementation: establishing baselines, monitoring distress throughout sessions, regulating intervention intensity, and evaluating long-term progress. You'll discover how this framework integrates seamlessly with evidence-based treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and exposure therapy, with research supporting its effectiveness in treating anxiety disorders. Dr. Hutchinson offers practical applications for your clinical toolkit – from using SUDS during relaxation exercises to pairing it with cognitive restructuring to demonstrate the impact of thought reframing on emotional states.Whether you're preparing for your licensing exam or looking to enhance your clinical practice, this episode delivers essential knowledge in an engaging, straightforward manner. The key takeaway? SUDS provides a structured yet flexible framework for measuring distress that works across diverse populations and therapeutic approaches. And as Dr. Hutchinson reminds us – understanding tools like this could be exactly what helps you pass your exam, even if just by one point. Ready to add this valuable assessment method to your professional repertoire? Listen now and boost both your exam confidence and clinical effectiveness.If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

Send us a textPanic disorder remains one of the most frequently misunderstood anxiety conditions in clinical practice and on licensing exams. We dive deep into what makes this disorder truly distinct from general anxiety - the sudden, intense nature of panic attacks compared to anxiety's gradual build.For therapists and students preparing for licensing exams, understanding the three types of panic attacks is crucial. Unexpected attacks strike without warning, situationally bound attacks consistently occur in specific contexts, and situationally predisposed attacks may or may not occur upon exposure to triggers. This unpredictability creates elaborate avoidance strategies that significantly impact clients' quality of life.The DSM diagnostic criteria requires recurrent unexpected panic attacks followed by at least one month of persistent concern or behavioral changes, with four or more specific symptoms during attacks. At the core of this disorder lies what we call the "fear response cascade" - a self-perpetuating cycle where bodily sensations are catastrophically misinterpreted, triggering more anxiety and physical symptoms.We explore essential assessment tools like the Panic Disorder Severity Scale and the Anxiety Sensitivity Index, which help clinicians track symptoms and guide treatment. Effective approaches combine psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, and breathing techniques, progressing to interoceptive exposure and in vivo desensitization.Common challenges in treatment include clients' reluctance to abandon safety behaviors and patterns of medical reassurance seeking. Whether you're studying for exams or working with clients experiencing panic, this episode provides clear, practical guidance for understanding and treating this complex condition. Subscribe for more clinical insights and exam preparation tips!If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

Send 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 and secretive behaviors of bulimia, we illuminate the sometimes subtle differences that make each disorder unique. The conversation takes a fascinating turn when we briefly reflect on our own relationships with food, demonstrating how common some problematic eating patterns can be.Treatment approaches receive thorough attention, with evidence-based strategies tailored to each disorder. Family-based treatment shines for adolescents with anorexia, while various forms of cognitive-behavioral therapy prove effective across multiple conditions. We explore therapeutic techniques ranging from motivational interviewing and cognitive restructuring to exposure therapy and mindful eating exercises. The episode concludes with valuable information on assessment tools like the Eating Disorder Examination and the quick-but-effective SCOFF questionnaire. Whether you're studying for your licensing exam or looking to deepen your clinical understanding, this episode provides the knowledge you need to recognize, differentiate, and effectively treat eating disorders in your practice. Subscribe to our podcast for more exam-ready content that bridges theory and clinical application!If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

Send us a textThe therapeutic landscape can be confusing for both practitioners and clients. Distinguishing between psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapy represents one of the most common areas of misunderstanding—even among seasoned mental health professionals.We tackle this confusion head-on by exploring the fundamental differences between these two approaches. The classical psychoanalytic model employs that famous "blank slate" approach where therapists maintain neutrality as clients project their unconscious feelings. With multiple sessions per week potentially spanning years, psychoanalysis dives deep into unconscious processes through techniques like free association and dream analysis. Meanwhile, psychodynamic therapy offers a more accessible alternative—interactive, relationship-focused, and balancing insight with practical solutions for current challenges.For therapists preparing for licensure exams, we break down the key distinctions you'll need to know. We explore assessment tools unique to each approach, duration expectations, and appropriate client scenarios. Our practice question demonstrates exactly how this material might appear on your exam: when a client presents with interpersonal conflicts and needs both insight and actionable strategies, psychodynamic therapy typically represents the optimal choice. By understanding these therapeutic approaches and their distinct applications, you'll be better equipped to tailor your clinical work to each client's unique needs while confidently navigating your professional examinations. Whether you're studying for boards or looking to expand your therapeutic toolkit, these insights will serve as powerful additions to your professional knowledge base.If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

Send us a textWe explore Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), covering diagnosis criteria, progression, causes, and effective treatment approaches according to the DSM.• AUD falls under substance-related disorders in the DSM with 11 specific criteria• Severity is classified as mild (2-3 criteria), moderate (4-5), or severe (6+ criteria)• Criteria include drinking more than intended, inability to quit, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms• People often drink to self-medicate stress, trauma, or negative emotions• Effective treatment requires individualized approaches rather than one-size-fits-all solutions• The trans-theoretical model (stages of change) recognizes recovery as a cyclical journey• Motivational interviewing helps clients explore ambivalence and move toward healthier choices• Family therapy helps relatives understand AUD and provide appropriate support• Other effective approaches include contingency management, DBT, and relapse prevention• Key assessment tools include AUDIT-C, CAGE, TWEAK, T-ACE, CRAFFT, and ASSIST• Recovery should be viewed as a journey with potential relapses, not a one-time fixRemember it's in there, it's in there.If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

Send us a textWe explore premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a frequently misunderstood and misdiagnosed condition that therapists should understand for their licensing exams. PMDD is characterized as a severe form of PMS that significantly disrupts daily functioning with symptoms emerging during the luteal phase and improving shortly after menstruation begins.• PMDD must be distinguished from other mood disorders by its cyclical pattern• DSM criteria require at least five symptoms present in the week before menses, improving within days after onset• Symptoms include marked affective lability, irritability, depression, anxiety, decreased interest in activities, and physical symptoms• PMDD typically emerges after puberty with peak incidence in late 20s to early 30s• Symptoms abate during pregnancy but typically return after delivery• Common comorbidities include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, borderline personality disorder, and eating disorders• First-line treatments include SSRIs and hormonal contraceptives• Cognitive behavioral therapy shows strong outcomes for managing symptoms• Assessment tools like the Daily Record of Severity of Problems help track symptoms over multiple cycles• A multimodal approach combining medication, therapy, and lifestyle modifications is most effectiveRemember that PMDD is in the DSM and represents a severe condition with significant functional impairment that distinguishes it from more common premenstrual symptoms.If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

Today I braved Atlanta traffic for one of my favorite recorded interviews of the year. Join me as I chat with ASW's head distiller Justin Manglitz. A distiller, a fiddler. Somehow, without ever traveling to Scotland or Ireland, he pulled in the art of distilling from those storied whisky making areas, saw what was happening in America, and developed his own hybrid techniques from the two disparate philosophies. Learning my lesson after not carrying a microphone around during my interview with Richard at St. Augustine, this time Justin and I walked through the distillery and had a deep chat about the process of making whiskey. Editing this episode was tough because we covered so much ground that I had to mine for the bits that will help you get an overall sense of the focus of this distillery without turning it into an hour and a half episode. That said, if you want the full 90+ minutes of this interview, it is available at whiskey-lore.com/patreon   If you're not a member of the Whiskey Lore Patreon family, you can get a free 7 day trial to check out the episode and all of the other exclusive content on the site.

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 professional resources, and restricting access to lethal means. Through practical examples for both suicide prevention and domestic violence scenarios, they demonstrate how these components work together to create a comprehensive safety net for vulnerable clients.What makes this approach particularly valuable is its collaborative nature and adaptability. Rather than being a one-size-fits-all solution, safety plans are developed with the client's active participation, ensuring the strategies reflect their specific circumstances, resources, and capabilities. The podcast emphasizes the importance of cultural considerations, confidentiality concerns, and documentation practices that prioritize client safety. In our digital age, technology presents both opportunities and risks that must be carefully navigated—from helpful apps that provide quick access to emergency resources to the potential dangers of digital monitoring by abusers.Whether you're a mental health professional preparing for licensure exams or a practitioner seeking to enhance your crisis intervention skills, this episode provides practical guidance for creating effective, client-centered safety plans. Remember to schedule regular follow-ups to review and modify these plans as circumstances change, and always consider comorbid conditions that might impact implementation. By embracing these evidence-based practices, you'll be better equipped to support clients through their most vulnerable moments.If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

Send us a textBreaking down behavior change into manageable stages helps us understand why people struggle to make lasting changes and how we can better support them through the process. The Trans-Theoretical Model provides a practical framework for conceptualizing behavior change as a non-linear journey through six distinct stages, each requiring different therapeutic approaches.• Pre-contemplation - clients don't recognize they have a problem or need to change• Contemplation - weighing pros and cons while feeling ambivalent about making changes• Preparation - planning specific steps and intending to take action within the next month• Action - actively modifying behavior and implementing new strategies• Maintenance - sustaining changes for six months or more and focusing on relapse prevention• Termination - complete confidence in maintaining changes without risk of relapseRemember the stages with our simple memory trick: PCP AMT (Pre-contemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance, Termination)If you're preparing for your licensing exam, understanding the Trans-Theoretical Model and its stages of change is essential knowledge that will likely appear in your test questions.If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

Send us a textLicensureExams.comDive into the fascinating world of PICA disorder with us as we unravel this often-misunderstood condition characterized by the persistent eating of non-food items. Named after the magpie bird known for its indiscriminate eating habits, PICA affects people across all age groups and presents unique challenges for clinicians and families alike.We break down the multiple theoretical foundations attempting to explain this behavior – from nutritional deficiencies and sensory-seeking to stress responses and learned behaviors. You'll discover why people with anemia or sickle cell disease are more than twice as likely to develop PICA, and why an astonishing 30% of pregnant women worldwide experience these unusual cravings during pregnancy.The diagnostic criteria reveal surprising insights - children under two can't be diagnosed with PICA because putting objects in their mouths is developmentally normal. We explore how clinicians must carefully distinguish between cultural practices and pathological behavior, sharing examples like Guatemalan clay tablets embossed with religious imagery consumed for perceived health benefits. From dirt and paint chips to ice and pencil erasers, the variety of non-food items consumed reveals patterns that help unlock effective treatments.Whether you're a clinician preparing for licensing exams or simply curious about this compelling disorder, our evidence-based discussion of behavioral interventions offers practical approaches for addressing PICA. We examine differential reinforcement techniques, response interruption, and nutritional supplementation while emphasizing the importance of comprehensive assessment that considers psychological, medical, and cultural factors. Join us for this enlightening exploration that challenges assumptions and deepens understanding of human behavior at its most puzzling.If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

Send us a textUnlocking the hidden potential in each individual can redefine the therapeutic journey, and that's precisely what we delve into in this episode on strength-based therapy. By shifting the focus from a deficit-oriented perspective to one that celebrates client strengths, therapists can empower their clients to discover their unique capabilities. We draw parallels between this approach and the superhero narrative, emphasizing how clients often underestimate their own abilities until they are given the right tools and encouragement to see them.Throughout this episode, we guide listeners through various techniques, including strengths assessments and exercises aimed at reshaping self-narratives. In addition to cognitive shifts, we touch upon the physical transformations that may accompany newfound confidence and clarity. Cultural nuances are discussed, revealing how perceptions of strength can vary dramatically between collectivist and individualist frameworks, enriching our understanding of therapy's impact.The episode is anchored in evidence-based practices, showcasing compelling research that highlights the efficacy of strength-based approaches. With practical interventions at hand, therapists can seamlessly integrate these methods into their practice, enhancing client engagement and overall experience. Alongside engaging storytelling and insights, we encourage our listeners to rethink their therapeutic techniques with a focus on empowerment, resilience, and ultimately, transformation.Join us as we champion a different style of therapy that not only identifies but celebrates human strength. Listen in, and let's start this journey together, discovering the superpowers that lie within us all. Don't forget to subscribe and share your thoughts with us!If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

Send us a textViktor Frankl's logotherapy fundamentally shifts how we approach therapy, focusing on the search for meaning rather than pleasure. Drawing from his harrowing experiences in concentration camps, Frankl established a psychotherapy model that emphasizes the importance of finding purpose amidst suffering. This episode dives deep into how logotherapy addresses existential vacuums many experience today, particularly those who appear successful yet feel unfulfilled. We explore intriguing concepts such as "Sunday neurosis," the emptiness felt by individuals after achievements, and how they relate to a lack of genuine connection to one's inner values. Frankl's philosophy redefines happiness by asserting that fulfillment emerges naturally when we pursue meaning in our lives. The conversation also covers the three pillars of logotherapy, which empower clients to take control of their lives by recognizing the freedom of will, the will to find meaning, and discovering that life holds meaning even in tragic circumstances. Throughout this episode, practical techniques like paradoxical intention and the mountain range exercise are discussed, allowing listeners to understand how therapy can inspire clients to confront their fears and shift focus towards meaningful engagements. With insights that resonate deeply with both therapists and clients, this discussion not only illuminates the heart of logotherapy but also provides valuable guidance for those seeking purpose. Join us for an enriching exploration that challenges the status quo of happiness and fulfillment, encouraging a proactive approach to meaning-making in everyday life. Don't miss out—subscribe now and explore how logotherapy can transform your journey!If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

Back Home, One week later.By FinalStand. Listen to the Podcast at Explicit Novels.There is something worse than waking up and not knowing where you are: you could wake up and not know who you are.Note: World Events Stuff ~ aka Why things are happening in Cáel's lifeThe phone was from Iskender. His boss, Oyuun Tömörbaatar (OT), the former UN ambassador from Kazakhstan and now the informal and unrecognized UN representative and chief diplomat of the Khanate to the same august body, wanted to talk with me, immediately. OT wasn't being diplomatic at the moment, that would come later.{Now this is going to get convoluted}Any inquiries to the Khanate that didn't also include immediate official recognition of the Khanate currently were being steered my (and Hana's) way. For all the behind closed doors crap, he had me, his loyal ass-monkey mutton-head. I held faint hope that this latest meeting would work out to my benefit. For the meeting, I traveled light, only Naomi (the Amazon) and Chaz (British SRR) watched over me.Now fathers who know me, hide their daughters. I'd earned my 'scoundrel' reputation. T. Sarangerel, OT's daughter, was in the room when Iskender ushered me in. She gave me an uncertain look, I shrugged and she smiled. It took me 3 nano seconds to figure that out, OT was scoping me out as a potential son-in-law. I was in Temujin's Inner Circle and a man who he trusted (a rarity). Any union with me would strengthen OT's clan's standing in the new regime.The genetic footprint Temujin, and his immediate family collectively, had put down in the 13th and 14th centuries CE today was vast. He needed that to make his plans for the internal reorganization of the Khanate work. The old republics would go away, to be replaced by a system akin to the Byzantine 'themes, the re-organization of regions based on the recruitment of the Tumens.The Khanate was aiming for an 'Autocratic Republic' ~ a term invented in the 19th century. My use of this terminology was based on my gut instinct, Alal's host of memories involving every form of governance, and my experience with human nature. That clued me in to what Temujin was up to, his Greater Plan. He wasn't going to form a false-front government. He was going to retain the decision-making powers and do so openly, thus 'Autocratic'.He also planned to have a bicameral legislative branch. The Upper House would be based in Tumens and bureaucratic leadership, intellectual standing, religious sects, and tribal entities. This body would be based on merit, not primogeniture. The Lower, main chamber, would be a democratically-elected assembly (aka a democratic republic) that advised him on policy matters, thus 'Republic'.All the power would remain in the Great Khan's hands and would be exercised by his genetic descendants (which some geneticists estimated as being as high as 25% of the Central Asian population.) Marrying into that extended family would be easy, the 'family' itself would have a vested interesting in supporting a state that benefited them.Men and women could exercise power in the government through marriage alliances, identical to the manner Hana was working through me. Being surrounded by very populous countries in various states of belligerence, empowering women wouldn't be an issue since every willing mind and pair of hands mattered. Outsiders who shone through could be offered a spouse and brought into the ruling elite since polygamy was permissible.In the Khanate there would be universal compulsive suffrage (everyone 18+ was legally required to vote) to decide on the representatives in the new legislative body. Everyone was expected to fight, so everyone voted. It would be modeled on the Duma of early 20th century Imperial Russia. Unlike the ill-fated Tsar Nicholas II, Temujin would be much more attentive to the voice of the people, in the Information Age, he had to.Or so I hoped. I spewed forth my ideas to OT who didn't agree, or disagree with my vision. Perhaps Temujin and I did share a bond that went beyond obligation. OT then pulled a 'Pamela'."He told me he knew immediately you were his brother when you and I shared that vision," he commented out of nowhere."His words: You (Earth and Sky) are the old. He (meaning me) is the new. He (me again) will show us the way." My, that was nice, obtuse and not at all helpful. What did OT want? My good buddy, the Great Khan, wanted to cash in on Hana's and my sudden popularity. His most pressing need remained 'time'. He needed to have a cease-fire in the wings when his offensive resumed the next day.The Earth and Sky had moved, well, the Heaven and Earth to get the Tumens and their accompanying national armies up and running after only a two day respite. Thanks to me, Manchuria was a mess. The Russians had carried out my 'Operation: Funhouse' with mixed, mostly positive results.Dozens of smaller Chinese military police units along the border went, 'inactive' was the term most often used in the media. They didn't disarm, yet they didn't fight the Russians either. They sat back and let events unfold. The issue wasn't the Chinese's willingness to fight and die for their country. It was the schizophrenic government in Beijing.The PRC didn't want to wage a war with the Russian Federation at that moment. The Khanate was the priority. There were two fundamentally incompatible courses of action favored for dealing with the Russians:One large group advocated a passive Option A: let the Russians step in and shield the three remaining provinces making up Manchuria that were still in Chinese possession. Later, China would use military, economic and political means to edge the Russians out, once the Khanate was dealt with.A sizable faction favored a more aggressive Option B: play a game of chicken with Vladimir Putin. Tell the Bear not to come across the border while threatening him with a bloody and pointless (for him) guerilla war if he did intervene. Events on the ground were not providing a lot of support for that school of thought,However, this split at the highest levels of leadership left the local and regional commanders to try and muddle through as best they could. To the local commanders defending the Amur River side of the Chinese-Russian border, common sense dictated that they not oppose the Russian crossings, because the Russian 35th Army would kill them.All their military units had gone west to the Nen River line. With no heavy weapons and little air support, the People's Armed Police (PAP) (paramilitary) and the Public Security Bureau (regular police) units would be wiped out for little gain.Russia's GRU (Military Intelligence) sweetened the pot by allowing the police units to remain armed and in formation. It could be argued that they weren't even committing treason. At any time, they could throw themselves into the battle, or form the core of a resistance movement. 'Conserving your strength' had been a hallmark of the Communist Chinese struggle against the Imperial Japanese and Nationalists forces from the 1920's until 1945 and it had served them well.For the party officials, civil authorities and the People's Liberation Army (PLA), Army Air Force (PLAAF), and Army Navy (PLAN) who had gone with Option B, things weren't working out. In the north of Heilongjiang province at Morin Dawa/the Nen River line, the regional commander of the ad hoc forces facing the Khanate decided to duke it out with the Russian 36th Army as well. He was boned from the get-go.The PLAAF's overall command and control had been badly disrupted in the first few hours of The Unification War and had never fully recovered. Of the 22 air regiments that the PLAAF had started the war with in the Shenyang Military District (NE China), only 5 remained as effective formations flying, on average, a meager 20% of their original complement of advanced Shenyang J-16's, J-11's, Chengdu J-10's and Xian JH-7's aircraft.Replacing their aircraft losses meant sending up aged Shenyang J-8's (rolled out in 1980) and Nanchang Q-5's (in 1970) to fly and die in droves fighting their technologically superior Khanate foes. To add insult to injury, China's fleet of 97 Su-30MKK/MK2's (built in Russia) had suffered numerous suspicious mechanical and electronic failures, rendering them either flying coffins, or space holders in bomb-proof shelters.Furthermore, of the forces arrayed in the far north, only two of the five air regiments were responding. Two of the other three had begun displacing south into the Beijing Military District and preparing to defend the capital city. The fifth formation had another problem, North Korea (, more on that later.)In opposition to those two Chinese air regiments (roughly 60 aircraft of mixed types) stood seven complete and fresh Russian air regiments (over 400 front-line aircraft) and that didn't include the regiment and elements of the Far East Naval Aviation which was ALSO watching North Korea (, again more on that later.) The latter was of small comfort to the forces trying to hold the already compromised Nen River line.Behind those valiant troops, along the much more defensible Amur River line, the commander of the key city of Heihe sided with the Option A group and let the Russian 35th Army cross the river unopposed. By the time the PLA commanding general of the 'Nen Force' (the 69th Motorized Division and the subordinate 7th Reserve Division) figured that out, he was already in a shooting war with the Russians. So his supply lines weren't in danger, they were lost.The final indignity took place at Zalantun. The commander of the 3rd Reserve Div. had died during the attempt to recapture Zalantun. His replacement died when his helicopter was shot down as he was coming to assume command. In the absence of these officers, the divisional chief of staff told his men, including two hastily hustled forward mechanized brigades, to put down their arms. That meant 'Nen Force' was completely cut-off and surrounded.One battalion of the 36th Russian Motorized Brigade (yes, too many 36's running around) disarmed the Chinese troops while the rest, plus the 74th Independent Motorized Brigade raced for the prize, the city of Qiqihar. The last major mechanized formation of the 36th Rus. Army, the 39th MB was following them. However, instead of manning Qiqihar's defenses, the Chinese garrison in that city was waging war on its own populace.It wasn't only in Qiqihar; chaos reigned throughout Heilongjiang province. The Provincial Head of the Communist Party, Wang Xiankui, supported Option A. The Provincial Governor, Lu Hao, went with Option B. Both figures were rising stars in the PRC. Wang had ordered the still forming Reserve Divisions and the PAP units to disperse, thus avoiding any untimely confrontations with the Russians.Lu, without consulting Wang, ordered the same forces to launch a violent crackdown on all dissident forces, specifically all racial minorities. (It turned out that Lu was also a member of the Seven Pillars and his witch-hunt was aimed at getting the Earth and Sky organization operating in Heilongjiang).For the men and women on the other end of those phone conversations, there was no 'right' answer. Lest we forget, their organizations were already degraded by the Anthrax outbreak. Both men were powerful and represented China's future leadership, so if the person in charge at the ground level obeyed the wrong one, they could be assured of being roasted by the other.Some did try to do both, repress and disband at the same time. That meant that in the process of making mass arrests among an already war-fearful and plague-fearful populace, the law enforcement infrastructure began disintegrating.The problem with Lu's/7P's plan was that there was no 'revolutionary' organization to round up. That wasn't how the Earth and Sky operated in North-East China. They remained in tiny sabotage and reconnaissance cells. While they were scurrying for cover from the police crackdown, an opportunity presented itself.The afflicted minorities were getting furious with their treatment. These minorities saw themselves as loyal Chinese, yet they were being dragged out into the streets, put in detentions centers and (in a few cases) summarily executed. Being less than 10% of the overall population, resistance had never crossed their minds. It seemed all that those defenseless people could do was pray for Russian intervention forces to arrive.Within that mix of fear, betrayal and rage, the E and S discovered a way to start the dominos falling. The small, well-armed and well-trained E and S cells began ambushing police detachments. Weapons from those dead men and women were turned over to the pissed off locals before the cell went off to stalk the next police unit.Wash, rinse and repeat. It became a perverse and bloody case of wish fulfillment. Lu and the 7P's had been looking for an insurrection and they started one. Even though a miniscule portion of the population was involved, from the outside looking in, it reinforced the Putin Public Affairs initiative that portrayed Putin (and his army) as coming in to restore order to a collapsing civil system, which he was helping disrupt.From Moscow, the PRC's indecisiveness looked like Manna from Heaven. For the massive numbers of Russian soldiers riding through the Manchurian countryside, it felt like they were rolling into Arkham Asylum. Unlike the NATO countries' professional armies, Russia remained a largely conscript force whose normal term of service was only one year. These unseasoned troops could never tell if the local military, military police and police would attack until they rolled up on the Chinese units.At the start of that Day One of Operation: Funhouse, the Russian ROE (Rules of Engagement) was 'Ask and Verify'. It was tactically advantageous for the belligerent Chinese forces to lie about their intentions, then begin shooting at the Russians when they got close enough to hurt them. By Day Two, the standard front-line Russian soldier had adjusted that ROE to 'if they look at us wrong, light their asses up'. By Day Three, the officers had stopped trying to enforce Moscow's ROE orders.That was fine for the combat and rear echelon support troops because both the Chinese and Russian governments had another series of problems and they all centered around Pyongyang and Kim Jong-un's declaration that North Korea would intervene as well, without letting anyone know who he was 'intervening' against. To keep everyone guessing, the North Korean' People's Army was massing on all three borders, facing off with the PRC, Russia and South Korea. To prove his diplomatic intentions, Kim pledged to only mobilize half of his reserves, merely 4,250,000 extra men and women to go with his 950,000 strong standing army.It didn't take a military, or economic genius to realize the North Korean's chronically 'near death' economy was stampeding off a cliff. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) was in the middle of an oil crisis and Kim was increasing their fuel consumption by 400% while decreasing his workforce by 10%. To put it in perspective, the US unemployment was around 6%. Now imagine that in one week's time it would become 26%. One week, no severance packages. Would the population become unsettled?But wait, it gets better. The Secret War was colliding with the Real World in more places than Manchuria. Setting aside the assassination attempt (Grrr) of Hana Sulkanen, my fiancée, six Nipponese elders (two women and four men) appeared in the personal quarters of the Japanese Prime Minister on the first full night of 'Funhouse' and relayed their urgent requests.Those six were the Head of the Six (formerly Seven) Ninja Families and they were there at, my urging. Cause I'm an idiot and requiring the deaths of Romanians in my personal crusade obviously wasn't enough. Now I was asking the Japanese Defense Forces (JDF) to pony up as well. So take a deep breath and put on the hip-waders.You might be wondering why I would want the JDF, see, there was part of Operation: Funhouse that was hitting a predictable snag, namely the Korea People's Navy Force (KPNF) and the uncertain determination of the PLAN:The KPNF's vessels were rather old, small and crappy. They also had a love affair with anything that could launch a torpedo and they listed over 700 of these floating deathtraps (only 13 of which could be classified as surface warships) and the fanatical crews to take them into battle.The PLAN's numbers were far more realistic and the fleet generally more modern. Only their North (18 surface warships) and East Fleets (22 plus 5 'elsewhere') could play any role in an upcoming FUBAR, and both fleets were heading out to sea, mainly to avoid the sporadic, but increasingly effective Khanate air strikes.The FU to be BAR'ed was the Russian Far East Fleet (RFEF) (6 warships strong, ) that had seized on this crazy idea (per my suggestion) to sail south, around the Korean peninsula so they could land elements of the 55th Guards Red Banner Marine Brigade (the 165th Marine Regiment and the 180th Marine Tank Battalion).Theoretically they were going to be the 'Southern Shielding Force' that would interpose itself between the Khanate and Beijing. It should surprise no one that the RFEF's flotilla was unequal to the task of taking their destination, the port of Qinhuangdao, by amphibious assault. Fortunately for the Gods of War (which did not include me), there were five other navies involved.Meanwhile, South Korea was having kittens because their always crazy northern kin were slathering on the insanity. (In how many Buddhist countries do people flock to the temples and pray that their neighbor attacks someone, anyone else, but them? That wasn't a religious conundrum I wanted to deal with.) N.Korea mobilizing meant S.Korea had to mobilize, which sucked down on their GNP as well.Besides, N.Korean dams and coal-powered plants kept the lights on in Seoul. Erring on the side of caution, the S. Korea (aka Republic of Korea, ROK) Army suggested calling up only one million of their three million person reserve force in order to assure Cousin Kim that this was a purely defensive gesture. It didn't work. Kim Jong-un castigated the ROK for antagonizing him, despite his declaration that he 'might' feel like invading the South in the immediate future.Into the emerging crisis, the ROK Navy could sortie nineteen small surface ships. Japan's Navy wasn't up to its old imperial standards, but could still deploy 45 surface warships. The 800 lb. gorilla in the room was the core of the 7th Fleet stationed at Yokosuka, Japan, the USS carrier George Washington and her 14 escort vessels.If the George Washington was the gorilla, RIMPAC 2014 was King Kong. 22 nations, 50 ships, including the USS carrier Ronald Reagan were engaged in war games in the Central Pacific. With them were 5 vessels of the PLAN, had Kim Jong-un just kept his mouth shut, this wouldn't have been an issue. Hell, if the Khanate had not come into existence and launched its Unification War, but he had and they did,To show the US was taking this escalation seriously (without tipping their hand that they knew about Funhouse, Carrier Strike Group One (CSG 1) (the Carl Vinson +10) was rushing across the Pacific from San Diego. CSG 3 (the John C. Stennis +2) was being assembled hastily so that they could rendezvous with CSG 1 ASAP. So many brave souls running toward the danger, sometimes I hate myself.So now does it make sense that I found myself in a room with a US Senator tasked with riding herd on me?Anyway, there were the other three navies still unaccounted for, Taiwan / the Republic of China (ROC) (22 surface ships), Vietnam (7) and the Philippines (3). Taiwanese involvement was easy to explain, the PRC refused to acknowledge them as an independent country and probably never would.The Vietnam People's Navy was tiny in both numbers and tonnage. Five of the vessels were 1960's Soviet frigates. What Vietnam did have was a huge grudge against the PRC. The PLA invaded Vietnam in 1979 and devastated the northernmost provinces, killing as many as 100,000 civilians.The PLAN had walloped the VPN in 1974 (technically South Vietnam) and again in 1988. Out in the South China Sea were two island archipelagos; the Paracel (occupied by a small PLA garrison and claimed by the PRC, Vietnam and the ROC) and Spratlys Islands (disputed by Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, the PRC, the ROC, and Vietnam).The Philippines had a grand total of three frigates (all between 50 and 70 years old). 99% of the time, they faced a hopeless struggle enforcing Philippines' South China Sea claims, except they were now experiencing that 1% where the PRC found itself in a life and death struggle. Even then, the PLAN's South Sea Fleet was hands-down the biggest player with 26 surface warships centered on the Carrier Liaoning.Except (and there always seems to be an 'except') virtually all the PLAN's naval aviation had gone off to fight the Khanate and it wasn't coming back, ever. In the air, the Philippines was next to useless. What did they have of offer in the struggle for the South China Sea? Bases. The ROC and Vietnam had much more to bring to the table.The Vietnamese People's Liberation Air Force (VPLAR) had about 50 front-line aircraft and 175 nearly obsolete models ~ the same models the PLAAF was now piloting. The ROC Air Force could put up 325 almost-new fighters that were now superior to their opponents on the mainland. Why would I give a shit?Things cascade. The Khanate Air Force took a two-day long deep breath as Putin's 'Policeman that only looks like an invading army' started their intervention. Forty-eight hours later, the Khanate started the fourth stage (the first lunge, defeat the PLA's counter-attack then the second lunge) of the campaign.Their initial air power was still skating on thin ice where maintenance was concerned. They need more time to thoroughly rest their pilots and bring all their top-flight equipment to 100% working condition. Against them, in two days the PLAAF's assets increased by over 250 fighters.In turn, the Khanate had added their constituent state air forces plus nearly 80 new cutting edge air planes and 25 drones. Phase Four saw rolling airstrikes all along the forces massing in front of the northern and central Tumens. For a few hours, the PLA thought they knew what was going on.They were wrong and this was where my meeting with OT came in. Jab with the right, cut them down with the left. The left in my case was Tibet. Yeah, Tibet. Economic value = not nearly enough. From the very start of the war, a small number of seemingly inconsequential air strikes had seriously eroded the PLA and PLAAFs combat power in the Tibetan Plateau while leaving the roads, bridges and towns intact.Common military logic dictated that the Khanate had to punch their way further east into Qinghai (to the south) and Gansu (to the north) provinces. That was where the population and industry where. Farther east were even greater numbers of people and factories and the Khanate forces in the North hadn't been strong enough to threaten to cut off the Qinghai-Gansu front. Then the Russians showed up and the Khanate forces threatening that flank doubled overnight.The PLA hastily reinforced their northern flank, using troops from their strategic reserves. The move resulted in incredible attrition by airpower to the freshly equipped formations. The PLA was about to get flanked, but not from the north. Southwest of Qinghai was Tibet. A third of the Khanate's mobile forces now swept around in a huge left haymaker to the south.My job? I needed the 'Free Tibet' forces in the US and UK to provide public and moral support to the Khanate move. As Khanate Special Forces seized crucial bottlenecks in Tibet, they needed the locals to keep their 'liberators' informed of PLA presences and undermine any attempt to create a guerilla movement.The five Tumens dedicated to being the Schwerpunkt (point of maximum effort) of this flanking maneuver were going to be on a tight timetable if they were going to surround the PLA forces in Central China.My plan was to convince the Tibetans that the PRC's 55 years of occupation was coming to an end and the Great Khan wanted to sign a 'Treaty of Mutual Respect' (my invention). This would require both the Khanate and Tibet to recognize each other's right to exist the moment a cease-fire was reached. That was it. No 'armed presence', or 'mutual defense' agreements.The treaty would be formally signed in Lhasa, the Tibetan capital, when the city was safe ~ as determined by the Central Tibetan Administration (the Tibetan Government in Exile, CTA). Riki came up with an additional sweetener and proved she was quickly adjusting to our group's extra-governmental capabilities.

Henny, Elaina & Janelle coming together to give you their personal thoughts and perspectives on how they've navigated the sneaker community, industry and culture.Hey Ya'll!!!!  It's another new episode butttttt with a repeat guest! Jaetips is back on the couch with us post ASW.We got to just sit and talk about where he is currently at in his creative journey and what's it like being tied to a brand but not under contract. What's next for Jaetips?!Tune in and SUBSCRIBE

Send us a textDiscover how the FlexCare model transforms traditional therapy into a dynamic, personalized experience that adapts to each client's unique needs. With flexibility at its core, this groundbreaking framework brings forth customizable treatment plans that evolve as clients progress, making therapy more accessible and effective.Throughout our engaging discussion, we explore the critical phases of the FlexCare model, including initial assessments, planning, and implementation. By focusing on building authentic relationships and fostering open communication, therapists can better understand and support their clients. We delve into practical applications of the FlexCare model, showcasing a captivating case study involving a client named Sandy, who found relief in therapy through flexible scheduling and adaptable methods.The conversation also highlights essential tools, such as the Patient Activation Measure and Care Transitions Measure, which enhance client empowerment and engagement. By prioritizing a client-centered approach, we help listeners understand how FlexCare not only addresses immediate mental health challenges but also strives for long-lasting results. Join us in this thought-provoking episode as we redefine therapy standards and promote the necessity for a more flexible approach in mental health care. Subscribe, share this episode with anyone seeking mental well-being solutions, and leave a review to help spread the word about this impactful conversation!If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

Henny, Elaina & Janelle coming together to give you their personal thoughts and perspectives on how they've navigated the sneaker community, industry and culture.Sneaky Leak shut it down in San Francisco this past weekend!!!! We got the opportunity to work with ShoePalace and Jordan Brand in SF and we had the time of our lives! Our first NBA All Star Weekend was a success, but there's more!  Listen in  and here how the rest of ASW went.FOLLOW ⤵️IG: @SneakyLeakPod / @HennyKicksit @Dopest.E @JCheyenne_Apple Podcast & Spotify: Sneaky Leak PodcastYoutube: Sneaky Leak Podcast

Viviana Morfin, ASW is a social worker based in California. A Fordham University MSW graduate, she is one of the co-authors of the Amazon best selling book, Latinx/e in Social Work Volume 3. In this episode we discuss her chapter in the book. How her mother and grandmother were a big influence in writing her chapter. She also shares how she got into social work. We discuss how she has been protecting her peace since agent Orange took office January 20th and discusses her future goals related to social work. She discusses her yearly fundraiser. This time she is giving back to the girls and young ladies in Cuba. She is doing a toiletries drive. If you want to support, here is the link. Give back to Cuba Amazon Gift List- https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/113O28NLHRXTT You can follow Viviana on Instagram at @chicanasocialworker Follow the podcast on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialworkrantspodcast https://www.twitter.com/socialworkrants The Social Work Rants Podcast (Hit the Like Button on Facebook) The podcast is sponsored by Bas Moreno Consulting providing financial education and counseling for people of color in the sandwich generation. Currently offering a complementary 25 minute consultation of how caregiving is affecting your finances. Book your call here: https://calendly.com/basmoreno/consultation

Allen Strickland Williams! Comedian! Friend! Delight! More! ABOUT THE NEW ALBUM: A proper debut, Ran Through is a culmination of ASW's stand-up since he started, up to the night he recorded. The album is filled with absurd, dark one-liners as well as well-structured pieces about the celestial bodies that hang in the sky above, his Florida roots, relationships, dating and being single, parenting (or lack thereof), vasectomies and guns. But ASW absolutely excels at crass jokes about sex, drugs, and residual trauma - the kind of jokes that you can't help but laugh at while also relating to it just a little too much. Born in Texas and raised in Florida “because my parents really wanted to do a number on me, I guess”, ASW now lives “a totally normal life in the small, humble town of Los Angeles, California”. Starting with sketch comedy in college and then becoming an NBC Page upon moving to Los Angeles, Allen Strickland Williams claims he has been in the entertainment business “long enough to know if I provide an exact number I will never work in this town again”. It was actually due to happenstance that the album came together when it did. Album plans were scrapped in 2020 due to the pandemic. Then in 2023 ASW went to Austin to visit a friend, and it just so happened the booker of The Velveeta Room, where the album would eventually be recorded, saw that Allen was in town and enthusiastically booked ASW for some featured spots, followed by a headlining date six months out. ASW realized this timing provided a chance to finally record the album. Kind of crazy. ABOUT ALLEN STRICKLAND WILLIAMS: Salutations. Allen Strickland Williams lives in Los Angeles writing and telling jokes. He has done a half-hour for Comedy Central Stand-Up Presents and was named one of their Comics to Watch. He has performed stand-up comedy twice on CONAN, and appeared on Adult Swim's The Last Open Mic at the End of the World, Netflix's Cooking on High, Viceland's Flophouse, and The Top 14 Greatest Valentine's Day Movies of All Time on the CW.  ASW has been funny at South by Southwest, Moontower Comedy Festival, Funny or Die's Oddball Comedy & Curiosity Festival, Bridgetown Comedy Festival, RIOT Festival, and more.  One time he got a standing ovation for telling a single joke. Another time, a guy passed out after one of his bits. They had to call an ambulance and everything. Enjoy our chat! This is the first half of it! For the second half, subscribe via Apple Podcasts OR merely head on over here to Patreon!​

Send us a textWhat if the key to overcoming social anxiety lies in the unexpected bonds we form with our support networks? Discover how Stacey 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 share strategies to help clients fortify their support systems by addressing challenges like social anxiety or past trauma.Throughout this episode, we emphasize the individuality of support systems, showcasing the unique ways they manifest for different people. Stacey and Dr. Hutchinson guide us through a case study that underscores how personal interests, like Clinton's butterfly garden, can naturally foster meaningful connections. As we discuss the importance of beginning with clients' strengths, the conversation extends an invitation to our listeners to engage with us at the upcoming Florida Mental Health Association Conference. Whether you're preparing for licensure exams or simply seeking to strengthen your own support network, this episode offers profound insights and practical strategies to enrich your therapeutic journey.If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

Send 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 related to alcohol use.Join us as we tackle the skepticism surrounding the brevity of the CAGE and explore the scenarios where it shines. We'll guide you through the reasons this tool is a staple in evaluations for adults 18 and older, thanks to its simplicity and adaptability across diverse demographics. From teasing apart the four questions to understanding their implications, this episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in the nuances of alcohol use assessments. Whether you're a mental health professional or just curious, tune in to grasp how the CAGE questionnaire can be the first vital step in identifying potential alcohol problems and steering further evaluations.If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

Send us a textUnlock the complexities of Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) and discover how it challenges the natural grieving process as defined in the DSM-5-TR. Explore how PGD differs from typical grief, with symptoms that persist beyond usual timelines. We'll guide you through the dual process model of grief and attachment theory, shedding light on why some individuals struggle to adapt naturally to loss. Our discussion also covers key assessment tools like the Prolonged Grief Disorder-13 (PG-13) and Brief Grief Questionnaire (BGQ), which are essential for evaluating the severity and impact of grief. Along the way, we introduce vital grief-related terms such as anticipatory grief, complicated grief, and disenfranchised grief, providing a thorough groundwork in understanding PGD.Step into the therapeutic world with the poignant case of Sarah, who navigates the turbulent waters of PGD after losing her teenage son. We emphasize the importance of building a robust therapeutic alliance, and share strategies that help integrate loss into life's narrative without diminishing the memory of a loved one. Discover how cognitive restructuring, narrative reconstruction, and exposure-based techniques, including the impactful empty chair method, offer pathways to healing. This episode also underscores the delicate balance between validating profound grief and promoting healthy adaptation, while highlighting the increased suicide risk associated with PGD. Finally, we remind therapists to be mindful of their own grief journeys and potential countertransference, ensuring they remain effective in supporting clients on their path to recovery.If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

Send us a textUnlock the secrets of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and transform your understanding of this intricate condition. Join us as we promise a deep dive into the genetic and environmental roots of ADHD, shedding light on its profound impact on executive functioning and how it can ripple through every stage of life. We'll explore the complex interaction between genetics and maternal influences, unraveling why ADHD's heritability is a crucial area for mental health professionals. By examining the neural foundations, including the intriguing role of the default mode network, we uncover strategies that reshape ADHD treatment landscapes. Our discussion also touches on the significant yet often overlooked gender differences in ADHD presentation, notably how symptoms manifest differently in girls, leading to frequent underdiagnosis.In our comprehensive exploration of ADHD, we break down the assessment areas that hold the key to accurate diagnosis and effective intervention. Learn about the telltale signs mental health professionals observe during a mental status exam, from attention deficits and behavioral indicators like restlessness to the rapid pace of speech patterns. We'll also venture into the realm of thought processes, where challenges in organizing ideas and working memory are crucial to understanding daily functioning hurdles. Discover the tools—such as the Connors Rating Scales and continuous performance tests—that guide practitioners in crafting tailored interventions. This episode is brimming with insights aimed at equipping mental health professionals with the knowledge to empower their clients with ADHD, helping them unlock their full potential.If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

Send us a textEver wondered why not everyone who faces trauma ends up with PTSD? Join us as we unravel this complex disorder with insights from our esteemed guest, Linton. 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 diagnostic specifiers, which offer essential nuances that can shape effective treatment plans. We explore how factors like social support and resilience can prevent acute stress from evolving into PTSD. Furthermore, the episode delves into adjustment disorder, examining its development due to identifiable stressors. This episode promises a comprehensive exploration of PTSD and adjustment disorder, aiming to expand your understanding and dismantle common misconceptions.If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

Send 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 a comprehensive exploration of cyclothymic disorder's impact on everyday life and the effective interventions that can lead to improved outcomes. We delve into therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, as well as medication options like mood stabilizers. Dr. Hutchinson and Eric also discuss the ethical responsibilities therapists must uphold, including informed consent and maintaining professional boundaries. This episode is your resource for empowering clients with cyclothymic disorder to achieve a more balanced and fulfilling life.If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

Send 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 into the intersection of FERPA with other key privacy laws like HIPAA and IDEA, emphasizing the need for meticulous documentation and informed decision-making.As we wrap up our discussion, we delve into the concept of directory information and how to handle opt-outs effectively, equipping you with practical strategies to ensure compliance. Dr. Hutchinson and I will guide you through best practices for maintaining student privacy, all while preparing you for those challenging licensure exams. This episode is anything but mundane; it's an intriguing exploration that promises to enhance your professional expertise and keep you ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of privacy regulations. So, tune in, stay committed to your studies, and join us on this enlightening journey that will bolster your confidence and skill set.If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

#mikeydunn #sharpdressedman #prowrestling #superstarmikeydunn Welcome to Episode 76 of Give Me Back My Pro Wrestling (@gmbmpw) with your hosts and brothers, Jimmy Street (@jamesrockstreet) and "The Plastic Sheik" Jared Street, our action figure expert! We're also bringing along our territory wrestling guru and co-host, Quinton Quarisma! Listen in as they join forces and tackle the world of Professional Wrestling! Today we welcome the "Superstar" Mikey Dunn! What started all this was Jimmy saw the poster of CHW presents Lawrence's Last Stand! That's right, "Sharp Dressed Man" Lawrence's career is on the line against his old friend and tag team partner and our guest today, Mikey Dunn! Mikey's got some great stories, we're talking about his start with his cousin, Backwoods Brawler, we're talking his promotion, ASW, and all the legends that worked with and for him! This one was a lot of fun, and we hope you'll make your way to Ashland City, this Saturday, to see Mikey and Lawrence battle it out for what might be the last time! Enjoy! Visit our Give Me Back My Pro Wrestling podcast page! https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gmbmpw FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE: https://facebook.com/gmbmpw https://facebook.com/groups/gmbmpw/ https://instagram.com/gmbmpw https://twitter.com/gmbmpw https://www.youtube.com/@GMBMPW Check out Sheik's Shorts: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0oL-yrnIHtlaVHamAApDquYBXeGaHS8v Check out host Jimmy's podcast Live and In Color with Wolfie D: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wolfied VISIT OUR AWESOME SPONSORS! -STEVE BOWTIE BRYANT'S 1993 "Unbeatables" trading card sets (LIMITED QUANTITIES!): Contact stevebowtiebryant@icloud.com ADVERTISE WITH US! For business and advertising inquiries contact us at gmbmpw@gmail.com Very Special Thanks To: -Sludge (@sludge_cast) for the "Give Me Back My Pro Wrestling" entrance theme! -Tracy Byrd and A Gathering Of None for the "Sheik Fell Down A Rabbit Hole" & "Name Game" theme songs! Support them at these links: https://agatheringofnone.bandcamp.com/ https://agatheringofnone.bigcartel.com/ © jamesrockstreet Productions --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gmbmpw/support

Send us a textUnlock the secrets of the unconscious mind and transform your therapeutic practice with insights from our latest episode. Join us as we explore the foundational principles of psychoanalytic therapy, emphasizing the profound impact of the unconscious on behavior and emotions. We'll guide you through understanding the complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and formative influences that shape mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. Discover how recognizing unresolved conflicts and defense mechanisms can pave the way for meaningful therapeutic progress.We also examine the nuanced dynamics of transference and countertransference, revealing how they can offer invaluable insights into clients' internal worlds. Through a detailed exploration of techniques like free association and dream analysis, we highlight the essential skills and emotional attunement needed for effective psychoanalytic practice. The therapeutic alliance takes center stage as we stress the importance of empathy, presence, and boundaries in creating a safe space for exploration and growth. Listen in to learn how integrating theoretical knowledge with clinical wisdom can foster lasting psychological change and growth.If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

Send us a textUnlock the secrets of the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) and transform your approach to substance use disorders. Prepare to harness the power of this essential assessment tool, proven effective across various age groups and cultural backgrounds. Discover how the ASI's seven domains offer a comprehensive understanding of addiction, shedding light on medical, legal, and social complexities. This episode promises to equip practitioners and enthusiasts alike with actionable insights that guide targeted interventions and track progress with precision.Join us as we journey through the ASI's semi-structured format, where objective data meets personal narratives. Learn how this gold-standard tool is adapted for both adults and teenagers, offering a flexible yet standardized approach to addiction assessment. With severity ratings and composite scores, the ASI provides a clear roadmap for recovery, from initial assessment to long-term outcome evaluation. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to the field, you'll gain valuable knowledge to enhance your practice and improve client outcomes.If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

Send us a textUnlock the secrets of the human psyche with insights from Carl Gustav Jung and his groundbreaking analytical psychology. Have you ever wondered how your dreams, art, or personal stories might reveal universal truths? In this episode, we promise to guide you through Jung's fascinating world, where the collective unconscious and archetypes play a pivotal role in self-discovery and personal growth. You'll gain a profound understanding of how integrating these unconscious elements into consciousness can lead to greater self-awareness and authenticity, with techniques such as dream analysis, active imagination, and symbol work at your disposal.Join us as we explore real-world applications of Jungian analysis, shedding light on its effectiveness in addressing depression, anxiety, identity challenges, and more. Through the compelling case of Sarah, a client who transcended self-criticism and relationship struggles, we illustrate the transformative power of Jungian therapy. As therapists, we discuss the importance of maintaining psychological awareness and creating a supportive environment for clients on their journey toward individuation. Tune in to discover how Jung's theory seamlessly integrates with modern practice, enriching our understanding of the human psyche and providing fresh perspectives on psychological healing.If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

Send us a textEver wondered how to navigate the complex landscape of treatment goals in therapy? Discover the art of distinguishing between short-term and long-term goals, essential for anyone involved in clinical settings. This episode unpacks strategies for identifying these goals through insightful analysis of keywords and time frames. Words like "reduce" and "improve" often point to short-term objectives, achievable within days to months, while "eliminate" and "master" suggest longer-term commitments. We promise you'll leave with a clear understanding of how to set realistic timelines and break down complex goals into manageable steps, ensuring progress feels both achievable and rewarding.Join us as we explore the nuanced approach needed for managing personality disorders, transforming overwhelming treatment processes into tangible, bite-sized objectives. We discuss how therapists and clients can focus on what can be achieved today, this week, or this month, nurturing real progress without the daunting feeling of a never-ending journey. Supported by research, these incremental steps highlight that meaningful change is within reach, one goal at a time. Whether tackling panic attacks or maintaining healthy coping mechanisms, this episode provides practical examples and scenarios to guide you through the complexities of effective treatment planning.If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

Send 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.Join us as we break down key terminology and context clues that signal whether a goal is short-term or long-term in exam questions. From recognizing phrases like "reduce" and "immediate" for short-term goals to "eliminate" and "ultimate" for long-term aspirations, we illuminate the importance of these distinctions. We share tips and scenarios to help you accurately identify a client's stage in therapy and align their goals accordingly. With engaging examples and expert advice, we're here to support your exam preparation, ensuring every step you take is grounded in solid understanding.If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

Send us a textUnlock the secrets to a thriving relationship with the transformative Gottman Method. Discover how the powerful Sound Relationship House Theory can revolutionize the way you connect with your partner. This episode promises to teach you how to craft detailed love maps, nurture fondness and admiration, and effectively respond to emotional bids, all of which establish a robust foundation of trust and goodwill. By mastering these essential skills, you'll learn to maintain a positive perspective, even during conflict, ensuring your relationship can weather any storm.Join us as we explore practical strategies for conflict management and creating shared meaning, key components of the Gottman Method. Learn the art of accepting influence, the importance of gentle startups for solving solvable problems, and how to compassionately navigate perpetual conflicts. We also discuss the significance of building a shared purpose, where supporting each other's dreams and establishing a legacy together is paramount. Implementing these actionable steps can transform your relationship into a sturdy structure of enduring love and connection. Tune in to discover how these insights can strengthen your relationship and enrich your life.If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

Send us a textUnlock the secrets to transforming your therapy practice with the revolutionary approach of choice theory. Explore how Dr. William Glasser's groundbreaking work shifts focus towards internal motivations, offering a fresh perspective on human behavior. By mastering the five basic needs—survival, love and belonging, power, freedom, and fun—gain insights into how these needs drive our actions and the crucial role of internal control in fostering self-efficacy and responsibility. Discover the power of the quality world, perceived world, and total behavior as guiding principles for aligning your actions with your vision of personal fulfillment. Through Sarah's compelling journey, witness how choice theory can profoundly impact personal relationships. Struggling with isolation, Sarah uses practical techniques like the WDEP system to reevaluate her actions and successfully meet her need for connection. Follow her as she reclaims her social life, highlighting the potential of choice theory to empower individuals in making effective choices that resonate with their quality world. This episode promises to equip you with actionable tools to guide clients in navigating interpersonal challenges, illustrating the transformative impact of taking personal responsibility and fostering positive relationships.If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

Comedian Allen Strickland Williams | The Brett Allan Show | Ran Through https://www.allenstricklandwilliams.com/ ASW has appeared twice on Conan, and was named a Comic to Watch by Comedy Central. His upcoming debut album Ran Through (out 10/25 on Blonde Medicine) absolutely excels at crass (but not toxic) jokes about sex, drugs, and residual trauma - the kind of jokes that you can't help but laugh at while also relating to it just a little too much. Connect with us on our website for more amazing conversations! www.brettallanshow.com Have you got some feedback? Let us know! openmicguest@gmail.com Follow us on social media! Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thebrettallanshow Instagram https://www.instagram.com/brettallanshow/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TheBrettAllanShow/videos LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-allan-009458168/ Support the show! VENMO @-Brett-Allan-7 Cash App @brettallanshow74 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textCould understanding hopelessness be the key to preventing despair? Join us as we explore the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHI), a critical tool used by mental health professionals around the globe. This episode promises to illuminate how this straightforward 20-statement questionnaire acts as a beacon for those navigating the murky waters of hopelessness. Whether you're a professional gearing up for a licensing exam or someone keen on psychological tools, you'll gain deep insights into how the BDI evaluates a client's outlook on their future, motivation, and expectations.We guide you through the BHI's ease of use, its powerful predictive validity, and how it helps identify individuals at risk for suicide. Covering its application across diverse settings—from clinics to schools—we shed light on its versatility and reliability. Learn how this tool not only quantifies despair but also sparks crucial conversations, empowering clients to articulate feelings they struggle to voice. As we discuss its role in assessing and tracking hopelessness, we underscore the BDI's significance as more than just a questionnaire—it's a lifeline, offering hope to those who need it most.If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

Send 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, all while ensuring employees get the support they need.Expect an engaging conversation that not only demystifies the layers of confidentiality within EAPs but also provides insights into therapists' roles in reporting and assessments. With Stacey's witty charm and Dr. Linton's insightful perspective, listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of how therapists balance client privacy with necessary reporting. Whether you're a seasoned therapist or simply curious about how EAPs function, this episode promises to leave you well-informed and entertained. Get ready for a session filled with laughter, learning, and a touch of British humor!If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

Send us a textUnlock the secrets to understanding and managing adjustment disorder with insights from Dr. Linton Hutchinson and Stacey 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 basement with persistent seepage, we unravel the acute and chronic nature of this disorder, bringing it to life with Lacey's story—a poignant example of how ongoing stress from a contentious custody battle can manifest in one's life.Dive into effective treatment strategies that differentiate adjustment disorder from conditions like major depressive disorder and PTSD. Discover the tailored interventions designed to address unique symptoms, from mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for anxiety to leveraging a client's inherent strengths. Our conversation champions a strengths-based approach, encouraging clients to enhance their coping mechanisms and build resilience, while offering therapists valuable insights to refine their practice. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a student gearing up for licensure exams, gain actionable knowledge that fosters continued growth in diagnosing and treating adjustment disorder.If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

Send us a textDiscover the intricate world of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and uncover the hidden vulnerabilities beneath its grandiose exterior. Join me, Stacy Frost, as I unravel the complex traits of NPD, such as the intense need for admiration and the striking lack of empathy, while also shedding light on its fragile self-esteem and sensitivity to criticism. We dive into the developmental factors that might give rise to NPD, exploring childhood influences and parenting practices. Therapists will find value in understanding these elusive patterns, often manifested in clients who seek help for depression or anxiety, yet blame others for their turmoil.As we navigate through therapeutic strategies tailored for NPD, you'll learn about the power of long-term commitments and various approaches from psychodynamic to cognitive therapies that can foster meaningful change. Addressing the challenges posed by clients' resistance to self-reflection, I offer practical rapport-building strategies. We'll also clarify the distinctions between NPD and other Cluster B personality disorders and bipolar disorder, ensuring that you can differentiate effectively as you study for your exam. If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExamsThis podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.