Tutoring for Licensed Professional Counselor Exam

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Test What You Know for the National Counselor’s Exam

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1. A graduate student is getting poor grades. She complains to the teacher about the difficulty of the tests and asks that she retake the exam. Her behavior reflects a _____ view of change.
A. Autoplastic
B. Cultural encapsulation
C. Emic
D. Alloplastic

2. Tom thought he had to justify to his wife why he had spent so much money on a new Mercedes when he barely had enough money for the rent. His behavior reflected an internal struggle called
A. Cultural pluralism
B. Cognitive dissonance
C. Acculturation
D. Assimilation

3. Over time, the Vietnamese immigrant loss all of her original family values held by her relatives who still lived in Vietnam. This change reflects the process of
A. Acculturation
B. Familism
C. Cultural pluralism
D. Assimilation

4. The therapist was very excited that she had received training in Gestalt following graduation from school. Regardless of the ethnicity, gender or problem that faced her clients, she used only this technique to address their concerns. This is an example of
A. Ethnocentrism
B. Cultural encapsulation
C. Cultural pluralism
D. Resistance and immersion

5. Clients look for various qualities in a therapist. These include all of the following except
A. Trustworthiness
B. Expertness
C. Attractiveness
D. An etic view of helping others

6. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross outlined 5 stages of grief and major loss. The following lists these stages in the correct order.
A. Deny and isolate, anger, bargain, depression, acceptance
B. Anger, deny and isolate, depression, bargain, acceptance
C. Anger, deny and isolate, bargain, depression, acceptance
D. Deny and isolate, bargain, depression, anger, acceptance

7. A person who exhibits an internal locus of control would say:
A. He failed the test because he wanted to go to the movies instead of studying.
B. He missed school because the bus was late.
C. He did not complete the homework because the teacher did not ask questions relevant to the
chapter.
D. He could not get on the football team because his parents would not take him to practice.

8. All of the following describe the benefits of the Americans with Disabilities Act except:
A. It prohibits employers to discriminate in employment against substance abusers who are in
rehabilitation when the company has more than 15 employees
B. It prohibits private bus companies from preventing access to those who are disabled.
C. It prohibits public libraries from denying access to those who are disabled.
D. It is a law that came into effect in 1985.

9. The Individual with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004
A. Replaces the PL94-142 Education for All Handicapped Children’s Act
B. States that free public education must be given to children between 6 and 18
C. States that private schools did not have to provide services to children with qualifying disabilities
D. States that children with disabilities did not have to be mainstreamed with other children,
including those without disabilities.

10. This person argued that clients with mental illness were apt to be those who were different or did not fit in and that the illness reflected only a deviation from the norm of human mental health. He coined the phrase, “myth of mental illness.”
A. Victor Frankl
B. Thomas Szasz
C. Eric Berne
D. Harriet Lerner

11. The defense mechanism that best describes the decision of an aggressive person to lead a peace march is
A. Reciprocal inhibition
B. Shaping
C. Retroflexion
D. Reaction formation

12. Some therapists may encourage a client who is afraid of dogs to visit dogs who are behind a secure fence in order to reduce their level of fear. This approach is an example of:
A. Social learning
B Flooding
C. Implosive therapy
D. Reciprocal inhibition

13. Lazarus argued that you must assess all of the following situations to determine a person’s level of functioning.
A. Biological factors, behavior, cognitions, affect responses
B. Interpersonal relationships, behavior, cognitions, affect responses
C. Biological factors, cognition, behavior, interpersonal relationships, images, sensations, affect response
D. Biological factors, cognitions, behavior, interpersonal relationships

14. The teacher wants to encourage the 1st grader to sit for 10 minutes in her seat. She praises the child when she notices the child can sit for at least 5 minutes, then 7 minutes then 9 minutes. This form of behavior modification is called:
A. Shaping
B. Retroflexion
C. Making the rounds
D. Cognitive behavioral modification

15. Three ego states of transactional analysis are:
A. Persecutor, victim, rescuer
B. Ego, id, super ego
C. Child, adult, parent
D. Protector, inner critic, compliant child

16. The explanation that behavior is thought to be determined by biological and sexual drives, social stages and irrational unconscious forces is called____ and is consistent with ____’s way of thinking.
A. Social learning: Lazarus
B. Phenomonology: Perls
C. Respondent learning: Frankl
D. Deterministic: Freud

17. Asking a client to smoke more when the client really wants to quit smoking is an example of using ____ in therapy.
A. Operant learning
B. Systematic desensitization
C. Negative cognitive shift
D. Paradox

18. BASIC ID describes the elements that one looks at to assess an individual’s functioning. The acronym stands for:
A. Behavior, Affect Response, Sensations, Imagery, Cognitions, Interpersonal relationships, Drugs
B. Behavior, Attitude, Socialization, Impulses, Cognition, Interpersonal relationships, Determination
C. Belief system, Activating event, Sensations, Impulses, Consequences, Imagery, Diagnosis
D. Belief system, Affect Response, Socialization, Imagery, Consequences, Interpersonal relationships, Drugs

19. Who emphasized that one’s belief system, and not the activating event, led to the emotional or behavioral consequences?
A. Freud.
B. Beck
C. Perls
D. Ellis

20. Two models describe how change happens: the human relations core and social influence core. Which one of those listed below do not apply to either model?
A. The therapist’s ability to diagnose
B. Competence of the therapist
C. The power dynamics between therapist and client
D. The empathy the therapist feels toward the client

To read the answers click here

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Testimonials

"When I heard about Maggie's NCE study group, I struggled with the idea of paying someone to help me do what I should be able to do myself (study). I decided to go ahead because I was really busy, and knew I'd procrastinate without someone keeping me on schedule.

Boy! Not only did I get it done before nearly everyone in my graduating class, but due to Maggie's approach, I digested the information very efficiently. I knew, after each group, exactly which pieces of the exam I needed to study and how to knock it out fast.

After the group was over, I took the exam and well exceeded the needed score. (I got 135 when all I needed was a 99!) If you still need to get this thing done, I'd suggest you give Maggie a call and get going! Aside from taking it for you, Maggie will make it as painless as possible."

Becky DeGrossa, MA
Boulder CO
Counseling Wise



“My biggest concern … was how I was going to consolidate the (NCE) material in an organized way and retain what I learned. I struggle with tests and this exam was made manageable because of the sequential, linear approach the tutoring provided. Maggie was able to explain theories and ideas in various ways, which helped cement in concepts. The tutoring increased my confidence and security in taking the test. I would not only recommend the tutoring, I would say it's a must. The most significant benefit I got was passing the NCE.”

Anne Dinwiddle, MA
Boulder CO

“When I originally sat for the exam, I had studied on my own using 2 study guides and did not entirely understand some of the concepts. I felt frustrated, hopeless and hesitated to take the exam again. Maggie patiently went through all terminology, explained how to apply the information and helped me finally understand the entire section of Research and Statistics. Also, she provided valuable test-taking tips as well as communicated ways in which to relieve my high anxiety. The tutoring was absolutely 100 percent more helpful than using study guides. I would highly recommend hiring Maggie for NCE Tutoring! She is the reason I passed this challenging test and I will always be grateful for her services, patience, ethical way of practicing and gift in teaching.”

Meredith Messenger
Cherry Hill NJ

"Do I really need to pay someone to help me? Can’t I figure out how to do this on my own? Does this mean I’m not smart? I have a MA…can’t I figure out a study plan? Of course, I absolutely could have done this on my own. But asking for help from Maggie didn’t mean I wasn’t smart or couldn’t figure out a study plan…it meant that I wanted someone in my corner who had a more objective perspective about the whole process.

If I hadn’t signed up for tutoring I wouldn’t have signed up for the test until the last minute. If I had signed up for the test at the last minute, I wouldn’t have given myself enough time to study and prepare and probably wouldn’t have done very well.

Plus, Maggie alleviated many of my worries. I could remind myself of her confidence in me, and let go of some of my concerns. Maggie is a fabulous cheerleader! Whenever I had doubts I could turn to her and she would give me concrete reasons why I was going to pass the test. Additionally, she has the ability to break large amounts of information into small chunks. This saved me a lot of time! I absolutely would recommend tutoring. Tutoring offered my confidence and a structured study schedule to get me to the finish line.

Amy Hartman, MA
Nederland CO

Peak to Peak Counseling



“I’ve been out of grad school for over ten years. While having practical experience is certainly useful, much of the detailed conceptual material had long since vanished from memory. Once I went through most of the guides I felt that no single prep guide handled all the content areas in such a way that I felt clear enough to put the theories or concepts into an application-type question (certainly not Research and Program Evaluation & Appraisal!). I can’t say enough about how efficient and effective Maggie was at raising my game multiple levels:) Her patience, clarity, and humor not only closed the gaps but went a long way to help me move from feeling edgy about the test to feeling confident that I’d done everything I could to put my best effort in. I passed with plenty of room to spare. Maggie is a pro and I’d recommend her to anyone approaching the NCE.  If you’re able to plan ahead better than I was and give yourself more than two weeks, I imagine you’ll do better than pass, you’ll annihilate that test! 

Dan Frantz
Chicago IL

"I aced the statistic questions...thanks to you!"

Molly Prout
Highland Park IL



“My biggest concern in taking the exam was whether or not I would pass. I have a lot of anxiety around test taking. The biggest benefit I received from tutoring, was the guidance and knowledge in understanding the material that was required to prepare for the exam. It was nice to have an outline of each chapter and handouts that were definitely helpful! I also enjoyed the one on one work, as that is how I learn best. I would definitely recommend Maggie to anyone out there who is planning on taking the exam. She is very insightful and knowledgeable in the different areas pertaining to the exam. It is great to have a structured way to prepare for the exam and Maggie provides that structure! ”

Erin O’Donnell
Denver CO



"The biggest benefit I got from working with Maggie was the help and instruction around the stats and research. I felt like I could finally understand it. The graphs and how she explained it was invaluable. I almost got excited about it and wanted to share it with my friends, so that they could see it too. I would recommend Maggie's tutoring to anyone who wants to pass this exam. The one on one attention helped me stay on task and focus on the specifics of each section."

Meg
Riverside, IL



"I chose to obtain a tutor for the NCE because studying on my own was not providing any major benefits. I needed someone to assist me with organizing my studying materials & facts and to provide a easier way to understand the concepts.
Maggie in one word is truly "Awesome". She made the tutoring interesting, easy to recall and understand. Our study sessions, along with the memory devices, and material truly prepared me for what to expect on the NCE. As a result of utilizing her services, I am proud to report that I passed the exam on the 1st try with flying colors! Would I recommend her services to someone seeking tutoring: absolutely yes!

Brande
Houston TX



"I PASSED my NCE exam! I was shaking when I opened the letter, but God is good. I want to thank you for tutoring me and all the suggestions on how to take the exam; it was completely helpful as I scored the highest in the concentration area of Ethics, which is what you tutored me in!!! Yippee!"

Melissa Wright,
Family Therapist
New Jersey



"...thank you for your help and work this spring regarding my anxiety over test taking. The work we did allowed me to take the exam Monday and pass with the least amount of anxiety during the test. "

N.R.



"My biggest concern was PASSING the test, the first time, and having the focus to study effectively on my own, especially since it had been four years since I graduated with my MA. Maggie helped direct me where I needed to go and having the weekly or biweekly meeting with her kicked me into gear as far as having the motivation.

The biggest benefit was passing the test the first time! And also the support to do so. Studying with a tutor gave me the structure and motivation I needed to get through material that I found uninteresting. While I am a self-starter and had purchased all of the study materials, studying with a tutor gave me the added boost I needed to get through it.

I would absolutely recommend tutoring. It's great to have the support. Maggie knew where to direct me as far as what to focus on, which also helped a lot. And yes, I have been licensed for over a year, now!! Hooray and thank you! It was well worth the price."

Linda Baird, MA, LPC
Denver and Boulder Certified Hakomi Therapist

Body Mind Integration



"I've been out of grad school for over ten years. While having practical experience is certainly useful, much of the detailed conceptual material had long since vanished from memory. Once I went through most of the guides I felt that no single prep guide handled all the content areas in such a way that I felt clear enough to put the theories or concepts into an application-type question (certainly not Research and Program Evaluation & Appraisal!). I can't say enough about how efficient and effective Maggie was at raising my game multiple levels:) Her patience, clarity, and humor not only closed the gaps but went a long way to help me move from feeling edgy about the test to feeling confident that I'd done everything I could to put my best effort in. I passed with plenty of room to spare. Maggie is a pro and I'd recommend her to anyone approaching the NCE. If you're able to plan ahead better than I was and give yourself more than two weeks, I imagine you'll do better than pass, you'll annihilate that test! "

Dan Frantz
Chicago IL

"Maggie’s gentleness and patience helped me to calmly approach the areas of the exam that were daunting to me and to help me to learn the material with confidence."

Merryl Rothaus, Boulder
Instructor at Naropa University



"Working with Maggie was a pleasure. She was very genuine, patient and attentive to my needs. She taught me in a way that addressed my particular learning style and increased my confidence tremendously"

Lisa Dionne, MA, RN Broomfield, CO
Psychotherapist



"Concerned that I was weak in the statistics part of the LPC exam, I met with Maggie one time and she made it clear and easy to understand. Plus, that one meeting gave me the confidence that I did know enough to take and pass the exam the first time. Well worth the time and money spent."

Christie M. Baryames, MA
Play Therapy Specialist
Longmont, CO



“Thank you so much for your tutoring. It made the biggest difference in my confidence level knowing that I was prepared. I passed the exam!”

Ashley Connolly
Therapist
Boulder CO



"The great news is that I PASSED! I had my doubts but I received the score in the mail the day before I went home for Christmas so it was a great present. Thank you for all your help! "

Kelly Glenn MA, NCC (yayaya! )
Therapist
Boulder, CO



"Maggie organizes the information very well, which makes it easier to understand. The flow chart on which statistical test to use was particularly helpful."

Avia Onwulata
Pennsylvania



"Working with Maggie was critical in helping me pass the NCE examination. The structure, support and explanation assisted me in learning the necessary content and she provided helpful tips and study techniques along the way. I am thrilled to say I passed my exam on the first try!"

Christy Clark MA
Boulder, CO

"Maggie built my confidence and helped me to understand more than just memorizing the concepts! She is a blessing and I'm sure she will bless another future LPC!"

Sarah Bodden, MA PLPC, NCC

"I just finished the exam and because it was computerized, I got the results immediately. I passed!!! (With flying colors, I might add!) Thank you so much for you time and knowledge in this process."

Abigail A. Jones, MS LAC
Wickenburg AZ

"I did celebrate! Andrew Helwig's book was very helpful and your charts really helped me especially in those sections! I definitely recommend it! My passing score was 85 and I scored 103 utilizing Helwig's and your info. Thanks again!"

Claudette Burnett
Harrisburg PA

"Thank you Maggie for all of your help...I passed it!!! So relieved and ready to move in to the next chapter. I couldn't have done it without your help. Thank you so much!!!! "

Amy Montoya
Trinidad, CO

"I just wanted to inform you that I passed my NCE exam. I want to thank you for all of your help. Would not have passed the exam without your program. A major burden has been lifted off me. Thanks again!!!!!”

Darryl Allen



"My concern was that I had been out of school for 5 years and that new mandates from CACREP had been put in place and I was worried I would have a hard time since my program wasn't CACREP. I also am not good in math so statistics was frightening. I received personalized insight on how to tackle answering the questions. I was able to see my weaknesses and address them weekly so that everytime I came back I was stronger."

Tamara Tisdale



"Your session …on the assessment section was so helpful. You made clear in an hour what a whole semester long class didn't make clear. Thank you so much!!"

Josh Foster Baltimore MD



"I just want to let you know I passed the NCE Exam! Your tutoring was one of the reasons why I feel as though I passed. This was my 5th attempt. Thank you for all your support!!"

Jasmine Simmons Baltimore MD



"Thank you for being patient with me and your willingness to teach me test taking strategies and skills. My life has become enriched by your service. I am a better professional after having been in your presence. Continued blessings and peace. Forever grateful."

Ms. Felicia A. Goins, M.A., LPC-A



"My biggest concern when I considered taking the NCE was that I had graduated several years ago and was not working in the mental health field, so, I would have to relearn all of the material from scratch. Preparing for the exam can be daunting and anxiety provoking for many reasons, I know! However, working with Maggie was the best decision I made. Maggie is patient, kind, and extremely knowledgeable. Her tutoring sessions are structured, she knows exactly what material to look over and gives very helpful tips to pass the exam. More importantly, Maggie genuinely cares about your success. I highly recommend Maggie! I am proud to say I passed on my first try and I truly do owe it to her. Maggie, I am forever grateful for your support and guidance. I can not thank you enough. ."

Alicia DeFilippis, LAC from New Jersey. Edgewater, NJ