🧠 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).