Navigating Pregnancy as a Therapist An interview with Emily Sanders, LMFT about how to navigate being a therapist while pregnant. Curt and Katie talk with Emily about when and how to disclose to clients, what it means to integrate the pregnancy into the clinical work, the transference and the richness that is available in the clinical work. We also look at practical, business, and clinical logistics for pregnant therapists (with a couple of thoughts for therapists with pregnant partners). It’s t...
Jan 25, 2021•38 min
White Terrorism and Therapy Curt and Katie chat about the attack on the US Capitol by radicalized Trump supporters. We talk about the role therapists play in addressing white supremacist terrorism, how to support clients in responding to a domestic terror attack, and what therapy looks like for clients who are impacted by Trump supporters or radical rhetoric. We also talk about the challenge of finding compassion, the need for thoughtful communication, and ideas about how to move forward. It’s t...
Jan 18, 2021•43 min
Taking a Shot at Vaccinations Curt and Katie chat about Covid vaccinations and how that will impact your work as a therapist. We look at who can be required to get a vaccine, what accommodations can be made for people who do not want to (or cannot) get vaccinated, and the clinical implications of the vaccine conversation coming into the therapy room. It’s time to reimagine therapy and what it means to be a therapist. To support you as a whole person and a therapist, your hosts, Curt Widhalm and ...
Jan 11, 2021•37 min
You Don’t Have to Be A Thought Leader Curt and Katie chat about the latest pressures on therapists to become “thought leaders.” We look at how thought leadership is defined, what it typically is trying to solve, and other options therapists can take if they aren’t ready to be in the spotlight, start a side hustle, or leave the profession. It’s time to reimagine therapy and what it means to be a therapist. To support you as a whole person and a therapist, your hosts, Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy...
Jan 04, 2021•33 min
Malpractice is No Joke An interview with Rachel Warners of CPH & Associates on the ins and outs of liability insurance. Curt and Katie talk with Rachel about some myths related to therapist liability, the best practices in getting (and keeping yourself) insured. We also talk about the types of claims and the services that are covered when you’re insured. We look at how you can best protect yourself from malpractice claims and what the most common complaints (and consequences) are. It’s time ...
Dec 28, 2020•32 min
Marketing with Empathy An interview with Kat Love, on the hurdles therapists face when marketing their practices. Curt and Katie talk with Kat about how to develop relationships with referral sources on social media, advice on writing website copy, and the great importance of knowing yourself (and processing some of your stuff) when making a marketing plan. We also talk about some data you’ll want to review to adjust your planning and writing prompts to help get you started. It’s time to reimagi...
Dec 21, 2020•36 min
Don’t Take Tax Advice from Therapists An interview with Julie Herres of GreenOak Accounting on why you shouldn’t take tax advice from random therapists in a Facebook Group. Curt and Katie talk with Julie about common mistakes therapists make while trying to do their own bookkeeping and accounting, a new way to look at expenses, what is (and is not) tax deductible, what business entity you might consider, and why the picture is extra complex right now, meaning expert advice is especially importan...
Dec 14, 2020•39 min
Therapists Struggling with Darkness Curt and Katie chat about how therapists are struggling during the pandemic. We looked at how client material impacts therapists. We also explored unique risk factors and protective factors. We talked about the stigma for therapists to admit that something is not okay as well as the tendency to move that conversation out of the public space (just go to therapy). We have some ideas about how we can better take care of ourselves and each other. It’s time to reim...
Dec 07, 2020•35 min
Noteworthy Documentation An interview with Dr. Ben Caldwell, LMFT about some basic documentation information as well as updates relevant to the 21st Century Cures Act. Curt and Katie talk with Ben about what to consider when writing your notes including what to include and what should not be included. We look at who can see your progress notes as well as other considerations related to records requests and confidentiality. It’s time to reimagine therapy and what it means to be a therapist. To su...
Nov 30, 2020•43 min
Grad Programs Moving Online Curt and Katie chat about the quick move to online learning when the pandemic hit. We talk about the challenges with virtual platforms – what has worked and what has not. We look at the decisions related to starting or continuing therapist education at this time. We also talk about the opportunities that have been gained and ideas for students and professors on how to more effectively approach online graduate programs. It’s time to reimagine therapy and what it means ...
Nov 23, 2020•39 min
Career Trekking with MTSG An interview with Marissa Esquibel, LMFT on her journey from community mental health to private practice. Curt and Katie talk with Marissa about how she used the Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide podcast to shift her mindset and change her career trajectory. Marissa highlights the benefits of belief, guidance, and community. It’s time to reimagine therapy and what it means to be a therapist. To support you as a whole person and a therapist, your hosts, Curt Widhalm and ...
Nov 16, 2020•38 min
Quarantine Self-Care for Therapists Curt and Katie chat about the challenges for therapists during the pandemic. We look at what is unique to therapists’ experiences, causes of burnout, and ways in which therapists can work to protect their mental health and wellness during this time. It’s time to reimagine therapy and what it means to be a therapist. To support you as a whole person and a therapist, your hosts, Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy talk about how to approach the role of therapist in th...
Nov 09, 2020•40 min
All Things Group Therapy An interview with Katie K. May, of Become a Group Guru, about creating effective therapy groups. Curt and Katie talk with Katie May about the clinical elements of group creation as well as the business elements that support effective groups. We look at screening, developing the group container, and curriculum considerations. It’s time to reimagine therapy and what it means to be a therapist. To support you as a whole person and a therapist, your hosts, Curt Widhalm and K...
Nov 02, 2020•39 min
Online Therapy Apps Curt and Katie chat about online platforms that hire clinicians to provide therapy through their apps. We look at how companies like Talkspace and BetterHelp operate related to their workforce, customer data use, and effective client care. We look at the potential for increased mental health access. We also talk about the risks as well as ethical and legal concerns that clinicians may face if they choose to provide services through these apps. It’s time to reimagine therapy a...
Oct 26, 2020•42 min
Biden and Trump on Mental Health Curt and Katie chat about policies, promises, and actions taken by President Donald Trump and Vice President Joe Biden related to mental health. We look at mental health parity, the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid, prisons, funding priorities, as well as the importance of voting. It’s time to reimagine therapy and what it means to be a therapist. To support you as a whole person and a therapist, your hosts, Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy talk about how to approach t...
Oct 19, 2020•34 min
Treating Political Reactionism and the War on Science An interview with Dr. Tereza Capelos on why people become politically reactionary, as well as how this orientation also leads to an anti-science and anti-progress stance. Curt and Katie talk with Tereza about the research behind political reactionism, looking at the characteristics of someone who is primed to be politically reactive. We also talk about how therapists can help clients address this harmful dynamic. It’s time to reimagine therap...
Oct 12, 2020•43 min
Therapy for Intercountry Transracial Adoptees An interview with Moses Farrow, LMFT on adoption, mental health and the experiences as an adoptee doing adoption therapy. Curt and Katie explore with Moses key aspects of being an intercountry transracial adoptee, implications for therapy, the importance of race and culture and addressing racism. We also discuss the importance of being an adoptee as an adoption therapist and the biggest issues facing adoptees including suicide and what is being done ...
Oct 05, 2020•43 min
Niche Burnout An interview with Laura Long of YourBadAssTherapyPractice.com about creating a niche and identifying your ideal client. Curt and Katie talk with Laura about common myths as well as what happens when you burnout on your niche and how your niche can evolve. Laura also offers practical insight into what you can do to market your new niche. It’s time to reimagine therapy and what it means to be a therapist. To support you as a whole person and a therapist, your hosts, Curt Widhalm and ...
Sep 28, 2020•46 min
Showing Up for Your Clients Curt and Katie chat about the importance of therapists in the therapeutic process. We look at how the medical model, upon which the continuing education and ethical guidelines are built, is flawed leading to solely client-facing training and rules. We talk about the importance of optimizing your practices as well as the negative clinical outcomes when you aren’t taking care of yourself. It’s time to reimagine therapy and what it means to be a therapist. To support you...
Sep 21, 2020•35 min
Irrational Ethics Curt and Katie chat about how current ethical standards fail to recognize culture and humanity. We talk about how the ethics codes were initially created, looking at the racist, sexist, classist roots. We also discuss the problems in how ethics are usually taught and the lack of focus on ethical thinking and decision-making, rather than rigidly following rules based in oppression. It’s time to reimagine therapy and what it means to be a therapist. To support you as a whole pers...
Sep 14, 2020•36 min
Therapy with an Accent An interview with Namrata Rindani, LMFT on her experiences as an immigrant from India getting re-trained as a therapist in the United States. Curt and Katie talk with Nam about the systemic problems in the American graduate education system, her insight into how education can improve, and how she navigates having an accent with other professionals and potential clients. It’s time to reimagine therapy and what it means to be a therapist. To support you as a whole person and...
Sep 07, 2020•42 min
Rage and Client Self-Harm An interview with Angela Caldwell, LMFT on cutting and non-suicidal self-injury. Curt and Katie talk with Angela about the causes of self-harm, the mistakes therapists make in addressing self-harm as well as how to identify reasons behind this harmful coping mechanism and how to identify when suicidality is a risk. We also look at how rage within nice families can lead to self-injury. It’s time to reimagine therapy and what it means to be a therapist. To support you as ...
Aug 31, 2020•40 min
Cultural Humility and White Fatigue An interview with Dr. Sonya Lott about a multicultural orientation to therapy and the work to understand yourself, how you’re perceived, and who the client is in front of you. Curt and Katie talk with Sonya about cultural humility in particular as well as the fatigue (including the concept of “white fatigue”) that can come with this work. We look at self-compassion and education as promising steps for improvement. It’s time to reimagine therapy and what it mea...
Aug 24, 2020•37 min
“Wear a Mask” as a Therapy Directive Curt and Katie chat about COVID, science, and critical thinking in an anti-intellectual, post-truth era. We look at what therapists’ responsibilities are to the greater good, whether we should tell our clients to wear masks, and how to help clients navigate very challenging decisions that must balance mental versus physical health as well as individual versus societal needs. It’s time to reimagine therapy and what it means to be a therapist. To support you as...
Aug 17, 2020•39 min
Starting a Therapist Podcast An interview with Joe Sanok, host of the Practice of the Practice podcast, on why, how, and when to start a podcast. Curt and Katie talk with Joe about what to consider when you’re a therapist with a bigger message. We get into some practical steps for podcasting. We also look at how you can create space for creativity, making a bigger impact, and slowing down. It’s time to reimagine therapy and what it means to be a therapist. To support you as a whole person and a ...
Aug 10, 2020•38 min
Financial Therapy An interview with Lindsay Bryan-Podvin, LMSW, about therapists talking about money with their clients. Curt and Katie talk with Lindsay about what therapists miss if they don’t bring money into the room. We look at the importance of financial therapy both for clients who are struggling financially as well as for clients who might be making more than you (and everyone in between). It’s time to reimagine therapy and what it means to be a therapist. To support you as a whole perso...
Aug 03, 2020•36 min
Greater Impact as a Therapist An interview with Kiaundra Jackson, LMFT about how to grow a big impact through personal branding, speaking, and breaking into larger media channels. Curt and Katie talk with Kiaundra about the importance of authenticity, owning your credibility, and diversifying your income through alternate methods to get your message out there. It’s time to reimagine therapy and what it means to be a therapist. To support you as a whole person and a therapist, your hosts, Curt Wi...
Jul 27, 2020•39 min
Is Therapy an Opiate of the Masses? Curt and Katie chat about how therapy can collude with the status quo and has historically failed to serve marginalized populations. We talk about the risks of therapy that doesn’t honor the context and systems within which people and families operate. We look at how therapists can create complacence and obedience if not careful. It’s time to reimagine therapy and what it means to be a therapist. To support you as a whole person and a therapist, your hosts, Cu...
Jul 20, 2020•35 min
Exploring Trauma and the 12 Steps An interview with Dr. Jamie Marich, on her revised book: Trauma and the 12 Steps, exploring how 12 Step programs can be trauma-informed. Curt and Katie talk with Dr. Marich about how to interweave a trauma-focus into substance abuse self-help and treatment centers. It’s time to reimagine therapy and what it means to be a therapist. To support you as a whole person and a therapist, your hosts, Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy talk about how to approach the role of t...
Jul 13, 2020•39 min
Work Harder Than Your Clients Curt and Katie chat about why and when you should ignore the advice to “not work harder than your clients.” We look at bias in goal-setting, managing risk, focusing on the client’s needs, and the importance of continuing education as well as on-going work outside of session. It’s time to reimagine therapy and what it means to be a therapist. To support you as a whole person and a therapist, your hosts, Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy talk about how to approach the rol...
Jul 06, 2020•35 min
