Social Work ASWB Clinical Exam Guide: A Comprehensive Study Guide for Success

by Dawn Apgar PhD, LSW, ACSW

Overview

Includes a free mobile&web app!

“Dawn gave us the tools we needed to take the exam, and let me tell you—she was on point! Not only did she cover the content areas we needed to focus in on, but she also showed us how to read and interpret the questions on the exam.”

—Ammu D. Kowolik, LMSW, McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research

Students and social workers preparing for the social work clinical licensure exam will find an invaluable study resource in the Social Work ASWB® Clinical Exam Guide. Written by a prominent social work leader and trainer for social work licensing exams in the United States, this guide is based on years of time-tested exam prep workshops conducted by the author. It mirrors the ASWB Clinical “Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities” upon which the exam is based and incorporates information from the DSM®-5.

The guide is comprehensive yet focuses on the material most likely to be included on the exam, so readers can prioritize information as they study. A self-assessment section helps identify strengths and weaknesses before tackling the material. The author shares her extensive knowledge of the exam by providing useful test-taking strategies and tips for overcoming test anxiety. The 170-question practice test at the end of the guide (with explanations of the correct answers) mirrors the actual exam in both length and structure. Content includes human development, human behavior in the environment, diversity, addictions, assessment and diagnosis, treatment planning, clinical interventions, case management, and professional values and ethics. This book will be a valuable asset for social workers throughout the United States and Canada.

Key Features:

• Developed by a highly respected educator of social work licensure candidates
• Covers all the content areas on the clinical examination, including new content added in 2015
• Begins with a self-assessment section to help identify areas of strength and weakness
• Offers a wealth of test-taking tips and strategies to foster exam confidence
• Includes a practice test (with explanations of the correct answers) that mirrors the exam

ASWB is a registered service mark of the Association of Social Work Boards, which neither sponsors nor endorses this product.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780826172020
Publisher:	Springer Publishing Company
Publication date:	05/11/2015
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	368
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Dawn Apgar, PhD, LSW, ACSW, has helped thousands of social workers across the country pass the ASWB examinations associated with all levels of licensure. In recent years, she has consulted in numerous states to assist with establishing licensure test preparation programs.

Dr. Apgar has done research on licensure funded by the American Foundation for Research and Consumer Education in Social Work Regulation and was chairperson of her state's social work licensing board. She is a past President of the New Jersey Chapter of NASW and has been on its National Board of Directors. In 2014, the Chapter presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Apgar has taught in both undergraduate and graduate social work programs and has extensive direct practice, policy, and management experience in the social work field.

Table of Contents

Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

Introduction

About the Examination

10 Things That You Should Know About the ASWB Examinations

Test-Taking Strategies

10 Essential Strategies for Study Success

20 Tips You Need to Use to Answer Questions Correctly

Assessing Examination Difficulties

Dealing With Test Anxiety

Examination Content

Visual Learners

Auditory Learners

Kinesthetic or Hands-On Learners

Self-Assessment

Unit I: Human Development, Diversity, and Behavior in the Environment (31%)

1. Human Development in the Life Cycle

The Theories of Human Growth and Development

Personality Theories

Psychoanalytic Theory

Psychosexual Stages of Development

Individual Psychology

Self Psychology

Ego Psychology

Psychosexual Stages of Development

Object Relations Theory

The Process of Social Development

The Indicators of Normal Physical Growth and Development

The Impact of Physical, Mental, and Cognitive Disabilities on Human Development

Adult Development

The Interplay of Biological, Psychological, and Social Factors

Emotional, Cognitive, and Spiritual Development

Emotional Development

Cognitive Development

Spiritual Development

Normal Sexual Development

Gerontology

The Concept of Attachment and Bonding

Child Development

Basic Human Needs

Adolescent Development

Self-Image Throughout the Life Cycle

Human Genetics

Dynamics of Loss, Separation, and Grief

The Impact of Aging Parents on Adult Children

The Biopsychological Responses to Illness and Disability

Family Life Cycle

Parenting Skills and Capabilities

Authoritarian Parenting

Authoritative Parenting

Permissive Parenting

Uninvolved Parenting

Impact of Trauma

2. Human Behavior in the Environment

Person-in-Environment (PIE) Theory

Theories of Human Behavior

Systems

Conflict

Rational Choice

Social Constructionist

Psychodynamic

Developmental

Social Behavioral

Humanistic Perspective

Psychological Defense Mechanisms

Normal and Abnormal Behavior

The Effects of Social Context on Behavior

The Effects of Family Dynamics on Individuals

Dysfunctional Family Dynamics

The Impact of Physical Illness on Family Dynamics

The Dynamics of Sexual Abuse

The Dynamics of Psychological Abuse and Neglect

The Dynamics of Physical Abuse and Neglect

The Impact of Mental Illness on Family Dynamics

The Characteristics of Perpetrators of Abuse

The Effects of Abuse and Neglect on Victims

The Effects of Life Events and Crises on the Family

The Effects of Life Events and Crises on Individuals

The Effects of Trauma on Behavior

The Effects of Trauma on Self-Image

3. Effects of Diversity

Differences in Culture, Race, and/or Ethnicity

The Influences of Culture, Race, and Ethnicity

White American

American Indian/Alaska Native

Asian

African American

Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander

Hispanic/Latino

The Impact of Culture, Race, and/or Ethnicity on Self-Image

The Effects of Discrimination Based on Culture, Race, and/or Ethnicity

Differences in Sexual Orientation and/or Gender

The Influences of Sexual Orientation and/or Gender

The Impact of Sexual Orientation and/or Gender on Self-Image

The Effects of Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and/or Gender

Differences in Age and/or Disability Factors and Characteristics

The Influences of Age and/or Disability

The Impact of Age and/or Disability on Self-Image

The Effects of Discrimination Based on Age and/or Disability

The Impact of Diversity in Styles of Communicating

The Effects of Spirituality

4. Addictions

Substance Abuse and/or Dependence

The Effects of Substance Abuse and/or Dependence on Relationships

The Effects of Substance Abuse and/or Dependence

Addiction Theories

The Effects of Drugs and Alcohol on Behavior

Signs of Drug Use

Other Addictions

The Effects of Other Addictions on Behavior and Relationships

Unit II: Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment Planning (26%)

5. Information Gathering

The Principles and Techniques of Interviewing

The Components of a Biopsychosocial History

The Use of Collaterals to Obtain Relevant Information

The Use of Standardized Instruments in Practice

Beck Depression Inventory

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory

Myers–Briggs Type Indicator

Rorschach Inkblot Test

Stanford–Binet Intelligence Scale

Thematic Apperception Test

Wechsler Intelligence Scale

6. Assessment and Diagnosis

The Factors and Processes Used in Problem Formulation

The Methods Used to Assess the Client’s Communication Skills

The Use of Observation

The Methods of Involving a Client in Identifying the Presenting Problem

The Methods to Assess a Client’s Strengths and Weaknesses

The Indicators of Motivation and Resistance

The Factors Used in Determining the Client’s Ability to Use Intervention/Treatment

Psychopathology

The Indicators of Biopsychosocial Stress

The Components and Function of the Mental Status Exam

Medications

Antipsychotics

Antimanic Agents (Mood Stabilizers)

Antidepressants

Antianxiety Drugs

Stimulants

The Process of Social Work Assessment/Diagnosis

The Methods Used in Assessing Clients’ Ego Strengths

The Current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association

Basic Medical Terminology

The Biopsychosocial Factors Related to Mental Health

Co-Occurring Disorders and Conditions

The Indicators of Sexual Abuse

The Indicators of Physical Abuse and Neglect

The Indicators of Psychological Abuse and Neglect

Risk Factors for Dangerousness to Self and Others

Risk Factors Related to Suicide

Methods Used to Assess Needed Level of Care (e.g., Geriatrics, Other Special Needs, Foster or Group Care)

The Methods Used to Assess Trauma

7. Treatment Planning

The Criteria Used in Selecting Intervention/Treatment Modalities

The Components of Intervention, Treatment, or Service Plans

The Methods Used to Match Interventions to Client Problems

The Methods Used to Develop an Intervention/Treatment Plan

Discharge, Aftercare, and Follow-Up Planning

The Use of Measurable Objectives in Intervention, Treatment, or Service Plans

The Difference Between Subjective and Objective Data

The Application of Research to Practice

The Methods Used to Formulate a Time Frame for Interventions

Unit III: Psychotherapy, Clinical Interventions, and Case Management (25%)

8. Therapeutic Relationship

The Concept of Feedback

The Concept of Congruence in Communication

The Methods Used in Summarizing Communication

The Methods Used to Facilitate Communication

Verbal and Nonverbal Communication Techniques

The Methods for Feedback

One-on-One Feedback

Intragroup Feedback

Group-to-Group Feedback

Consultative Feedback

360-Degree Feedback

The Concept of Empathy

How the Client’s Behavior With a Social Worker is Representative of His or Her Relationship Patterns

The Concept of Acceptance

The Principles of Relationship Building

Professional Objectivity in the Social Worker–Client Relationship

The Social Worker–Client Relationship

Methods to Clarify the Role of the Social Worker

Techniques to Clarify Client Responsibilities

Concepts of Transference and Countertransference

The Social Worker–Client Relationship in Facilitating Treatment

9. The Intervention Process

Biopsychosocial Models

The Problem-Solving Model

Crisis Intervention/Treatment Approaches

Cognitive Approaches

Psychodynamic Approaches

Task-Centered Practice

Behavioral Approaches

The Types of Social Work Interventions/Treatments

Micro

Meso

Macro

Psychotherapies

Solution-Focused and Brief Interventions

Recognition of Functional Roles in Family Dynamics

Approaches Used in Working With Traumatized Clients

Phase 1: Safety and Stabilization

Phase 2: Mourning and Remembrance

Phase 3: Reconnection and Reintegration

Methods of Conflict Resolution

Empowerment Strategies in Interventions

Prevention Strategies

Primary Prevention

Secondary Prevention

Tertiary Prevention

The Use of Objectives to Guide the Intervention Process

The Techniques Used to Evaluate a Client’s Progress

The Phases of Intervention/Treatment

The Indicators of Client Readiness for Termination

Partializing Techniques

Supportive Techniques

Motivational Approaches

Contracting With Clients

Approaches for Engaging Involuntary/Mandated Clients

The Use of Goal-Setting

Change Strategies

Various Intervention/Treatment Strategies

The Techniques to Teach Coping and Other Skills to Clients

The Use of Out-of-Home Placement as an Intervention/Treatment Method

Client Self-Monitoring Techniques

Techniques for Stress Management

Techniques for Anger Management

Relaxation Exercises

Cognitive Techniques

Communication Skills

Environmental Change

Techniques for Harm Reduction

Permanency Planning

Models of Family Life Education in Social Work Practice

Models of Family-Centered Social Work Practice

The Approaches to Family Therapy

Couples Intervention and Treatment Approaches

The Approaches to Social Group Work

The Approaches to Group Psychotherapy

Differential Use of Group Process

The Techniques for Managing Group Process and Maintaining Group Functioning

Key Concepts

Differential Use of Therapeutic Techniques

Integrative Case Management

The Indicators of Client Readiness to Change

10. Management of Cases

Case Recording for Practice Evaluation or Supervision

Methods for Performance Appraisal and Evaluation

The Effects Policies, Procedures, Regulations, and Laws Have on Practice

Client Education About Service/Benefits Policies

The Effects of Agency Functioning on Service Delivery

The Concept of Client Advocacy

The Impact of Social Welfare Legislation

Documentation and the Management of Practice Records

Written Communication Skills for a Variety of Professional Responsibilities

11. Consultation and Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Models of Peer Supervision

Psychodynamic Model

Developmental Model

Role-Centered Model

The Expertise of Other Professions

Consultation Approaches

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Multidisciplinary Team Approaches

Elements of a Case Presentation

Elements of Client Reports

Client Referral for Services

Coordination of Client Services

Methods of Networking

Unit IV: Professional Ethics and Values (18%)

12. Ethical Issues

The Principles and Processes of Informed Consent

Professional Boundaries Issues

Dual Relationships

Identification and Resolution of Ethical Dilemmas

Essential Steps in Ethical Problem Solving

Ethical and Legal Issues

13. Confidentiality and Its Limits

Legal and Ethical Issues Regarding Confidentiality, Including Electronic Communication

Ethical and Legal Issues Regarding Mandatory Reporting

14. Value Issues

The Influence of the Social Worker’s Own Values and Beliefs on the Social Worker–Client Relationship

The Effects of Culture, Race, and Ethnicity on Values

Professional Values and Ethics

Client Self-Determination

Stages of Professional Development

The Influence of the Social Worker’s Own Values and Beliefs on Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Respect for Client Values and Beliefs

Practice Test

170-Question Practice Test

Answers

Index