🧠 HUMAN GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT (Very Testable) 1. Nature vs. Nurture - Nature = genetics, heredity, biology - Nurture = environment, learning, culture, experience EXAM TIP: If the question mentions genes, heredity, biology → Nature If it mentions family, trauma, culture, learning → Nurture 2. Genotype vs. Phenotype - Genotype = what you’re born with (genetic code) - Phenotype = how genes are expressed (what we see) EXAM TRICK: Environment can change phenotype, not genotype. 3. Plasticity - Refers to the capacity for change across the lifespan - Development is not fixed EXAM CUE: If a question suggests “people can change at any age” → Plasticity 4. Resilience - Ability to adapt successfully despite adversity - NOT absence of trauma COMMON NCE CONFUSION: Resilience ≠ coping skills Resilience = outcome over time 5. Self-Concept - How a person perceives themselves - Becomes: Concrete in childhood Abstract in adolescence EXAM TIP: Self-concept ≠ self-esteem (Self-esteem = value; self-concept = description) 6. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Order matters on the NCE: 1. Physiological 2. Safety 3. Love/Belonging 4. Esteem 5. Self-Actualization EXAM RULE: 👉 You cannot work on higher needs if lower ones are unmet. 👶 DEVELOPMENTAL THEORISTS (ALWAYS TESTED) 7. Erikson – Psychosocial Development Each stage = crisis + virtue Example: - Trust vs. Mistrust → Hope - Identity vs. Role Confusion → Fidelity EXAM SHORTCUT: If question mentions relationships + age + task, think Erikson 8. Piaget – Cognitive Development Key exam pair: - Assimilation = fit new info into old schema - Accommodation = change schema to fit new info EXAM CLUE: If child changes thinking → Accommodation 9. Kohlberg – Moral Development - Pre-conventional → punishment/reward - Conventional → rules & authority - Post-conventional → principles & ethics EXAM TIP: Most adults function at Conventional, NOT Post-conventional. 10. Bandura – Self-Efficacy

Hey everyone, I’m Dr. Meka Butler, DHA, LCPC. I work with counseling students who are preparing for the NCE and struggling with test anxiety. https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1HoVAsrHxy/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Counseling & Helping Relationships – NCE Key Terms 1. Unconditional Positive Regard Accepting and valuing the client without judgment. Mnemonic: UPR = You’re Perfectly Respected 2. Empathy Understanding the client’s feelings as if you were in their place, without losing objectivity. NCE Tip: Not sympathy. 3. Congruence (Genuineness) The counselor’s ability to be real, authentic, and transparent in the therapeutic relationship. 4. Rapport A trusting, respectful connection that allows effective communication and openness. 5. Reflecting Feelings Restating the emotional content of the client’s message to show understanding. Example: “You’re feeling overwhelmed.” 6. Active Listening Fully focusing on the client through verbal and non-verbal responses (eye contact, nodding, paraphrasing). 7. Paraphrasing Restating the content of what the client says using fewer words for clarity. 8. Immediacy Addressing the here-and-now relationship between counselor and client. Exam Clue: “In this moment…” 9. Therapeutic Alliance The collaborative partnership between counselor and client that predicts positive outcomes. 10. Attending Behavior Counselor behaviors that show presence and attention (SOLER: Square, Open, Lean, Eye contact, Relax).

We are going to go over terms & test questions for 2 hours this Wednesday night at 8pm-10pm! Drop-In for $20 $NCECPCETutor and Experience a Session with me! Dr. Meka Butler DHA LCPC

Hello, I’m Dr. Meka Butler, DHA, LCPC,m. I created this NCE Prep to support counseling students and LGPCs who need clear structure, practical strategies, and confidence going into the National Counselor Examination. This program is designed to reduce overwhelm and help test-takers understand how NCE content actually shows up on the exam, through weekly sessions, practice questions, clinical application, and supportive guidance. If you are a clinical supervisor and have LGPCs who are preparing for the NCE or struggling with test anxiety, feel free to share this resource with them. This program was built to be accessible, supportive, and affordable. Introductory rates: • $74/month includes 4 live sessions • $25 drop-in per session I’m glad you’re here, and I look forward to supporting you—or your supervisees—on the path to licensure. — Dr. Meka, DHA, LCPC 💙 https://www.skool.com/nce-cpce-passing-day-tutoring-6693/about?ref=65da35d22de14ccab312e38a9975863d Please share with someone you think needs this help!