What You'll Learn

Identify primary defense mechanisms and applicable theorists

Describe defense mechanisms in clinical social work

Help assess client psychological strengths

10 practice questions to help you to prepare for your exam

Meet the Social Worker

Amanda L. Smith, LCSW

Social Workers Are Awesome

Author of The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Wellness Planner: 365 Days of Healthy Living for Your Body, Mind, and Spirit (2015), The Borderline Personality Disorder Wellness Planner for Families (2018), and The Self-Compassion Workbook for BPD: Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills to Find Self-Forgiveness, Healing, and Self-Love with Borderline Personality Disorder (2025).