

The Modern Therapist's Survival Guide with Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy
Curt Widhalm, LMFT and Katie Vernoy, LMFT
The Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide: Where Therapists Live, Breathe, and Practice as Human Beings It’s time to reimagine therapy and what it means to be a therapist. We are human beings who can now present ourselves as whole people, with authenticity, purpose, and connection. Especially now, when clinicians must develop a personal brand to market their private practices, and are connecting over social media, engaging in social activism, pushing back against mental health stigma, and facing a whole new style of entrepreneurship. To support you as a whole person, a business owner, and a therapist, your hosts, Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy talk about how to approach the role of therapist in the modern age.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 1, 2023 • 37min
Making Every Therapy Practice Profitable: An Interview with Julie Herres
Making Every Therapy Practice Profitable: An Interview with Julie HerresCurt and Katie interview Julie Herres of GreenOak Accounting about her new book, Profit First for Therapists. We explore what profit first is, the unique challenges that therapist face in implementing profit first, the core principles of profit first, mistakes therapists make in implementation, and the benefits of using this bookkeeping model.Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!In this podcast episode, we talk about the profit first method specific to therapy practicesTherapists often struggle with their money, oftentimes forgetting to pull out profit or paying themselves. One accounting system that helps therapists to better manage their money is Profit First. Our friend, Julie Herres, has written a book about this system with specific information for how this accounting system applies to therapists.What is Profit First?· Focusing on profit as a given number in your accounting· You identify the profit you need FIRST to determine what you can spend on your expenses· An accounting system created by Mike MichalowiczWhat are the unique challenges that therapists face in implementing profit first?· Therapist guilt and emotional processes that get in the way of therapists mastering the money in their businesses· The stages of change that go into realigning your budget to stabilize your finances in your business and personal lifeThe core principles of Profit First· “Use a smaller plate” so you spend less money. You add bank accounts, so each is smaller to divide out your profit, expenses, pay, and taxes.· “Serve sequentially” – to the different bank accounts· “Remove temptation” – the idea is that you won’t use money that is in a labeled account for something else.· “Enforce a rhythm” – moving money consistently, to help see the ebb and flow of money in the business.Mistakes therapists often make in implementing Profit First· Not changing spending habits· Changing too much too quickly· Not creating separate bank accounts (this is a key to success)The benefits of using Profit First in your therapy practice· Understanding where your money is going· Planning for scaling into a group practice· Looking at finances in a structured and consistent way· Understanding the percentages for all the money in the business· Making sure that you are paying yourself and taking profit in your businessThoughts about group practices· The different phases of growth· The benefits of using a more structured system to weather the emotional challenges of growth in your business· Reverse engineering your practice to support your lifeResources for Modern Therapists mentioned in this Podcast Episode:We’ve pulled together resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links. Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, so if you purchase after clicking below, we may get a little bit of cash in our pockets. We thank you in advance!The Book: Profit First for Therapists by Julie Herreshttps://www.profitfirstfortherapists.com/mtsg@Julie.Herres on InstagramGreenOak AccountingFacebook Group: Profit First for TherapistsRelevant Episodes of MTSG Podcast:Don’t Take Tax Advice From Therapists: An interview with Julie HerresFinancial Therapy: An interview with Lindsay Bryan-PodvinAsking for MoneyStay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:PatreonBuy Me A CoffeeModern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/

Apr 24, 2023 • 35min
What is Our Fascination with Anything Vaguely Neuroscience?
What is Our Fascination with Anything Vaguely Neuroscience?Curt and Katie chat about our profession’s fascination with neuroscience. We explore the myths about the brain, why therapists lean on neuroscience (even when they really shouldn’t), and how “neuro” is misused and can actually be harmful to our clients. Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!In this podcast episode we talk about neuroscienceCurt has started to get frustrated with all of the ways that neuroscience is misused. Curt is frustrated with the ongoing use of “neuro” information that may be myth.What are the most common neuromyths?
Humans only use 10% of our brains
Left/Right Brain preference
Learning style (i.e., auditory, visual, or kinetic learners)
If you don’t drink enough water, your brain will shrink
Why do therapists often privilege “neuroscience” over everything else?
The fascination with brain scans
The belief that explanations including neuroscience are more effective (even if they are not)
Interest in data and the scientific explanations
The Misuse of “Neuro” to increase the credibility of other concepts
The “neuroscience” of the power of attraction
Overusing neuroscience explanations for interventions that don’t help
The potential for clients to feel incompetent due to trying to access parts of the brain versus understanding the interventions in a basic and complete manner
Resources for Modern Therapists mentioned in this Podcast Episode:We’ve pulled together resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links. Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, so if you purchase after clicking below, we may get a little bit of cash in our pockets. We thank you in advance!Article: The Seductive Allure of Neuroscience Explanations by Deena Skolnick Weisberg, Frank C. Keil, Joshua Goodstein, Elizabeth Rawson, and Jeremy R. GrayArticle: Dispelling the Myth: Training in Education or Neuroscience Decreases but Does Not Eliminate Beliefs in Neuromyths by Kelly Macdonald, Laura Germine, Alida Anderson, Joanna Christodoulou and Lauren M. McGrathArticle: Brain Images Make Cognitive Research More BelievableArticle: Neuroscience and education: myths and messagesArticle: Brain images make the article seem more reliableThe manifested article that has not been vetted for scientific accuracy, but I can’t believe I found it: The Neuroscience of The SecretStay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:PatreonBuy Me A CoffeeOur Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimaginedModern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/

Apr 17, 2023 • 37min
Clinical Work with Sex Workers: An Interview with Jamila Dawson, LMFT and Dr. Theo Burnes, PhD
Clinical Work with Sex Workers: An Interview with Jamila Dawson, LMFT and Dr. Theo Burnes, PhDCurt and Katie interview Dr. Theo Burnes and Jamila Dawson on their new book Essential Clinical Care for Sex Workers. We talk about what therapists get wrong when thinking about sex work and sex workers, what common biases therapists hold about sex work, what sex work looks like now, and how clinicians can work effectively with sex workers.Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!In this podcast episode, we talk about sex workers seeking therapyThere are number of client populations that we just don’t talk about in grad school. Sex Workers are an important group that we find continue to face bias and ignorance in the therapy room. We reached out to Theo Burnes and Jamila Dawson to learn more about this often forgotten client population.What are therapists getting wrong when thinking about sex work and sex workers?
Clinicians often are focused on saving people, which is misguided
We lose opportunities as change agents
Not understanding sex work and the complexity of any job
There is a bias about the relationships between sex and work and what sex is
What are common biases that therapists hold related to sex work?
The bias that there must be trauma if someone chooses to do sex work
The bias that they must hate their job and want to get out of this work
The lack of awareness about immigration’s intersection with sex work
The additional bias related to racism, sexism, and genderism
Anti-erotophobia
Anti-neurodivergence – there are more folks in sex work who are neurodivergent due to the flexibility and other characteristics of the job
Entertainment bias is pervasive with the rescue theme (e.g., Pretty Woman)
What does sex work look like now?
The “Whorearchy” or hierarchy within sex worker communities (outside vs inside, independent or employee, safety level) – for example working independently in the safest environments (i.e., inside, virtually) is seen higher up the whorearchy
Different types of sex work including courtesan/girlfriend experience versus other types that are less heterosexual normative
Understanding the pros and cons of each type of sex work is important for clinicians working with sex workers
The opportunities related to innovation (sex and porn often drive innovation) and creativity
How can a clinician work effectively with sex workers?
Getting curious to fully understand the unique situation for the client
Assessments availability in the book: Essential Clinical Care for Sex Workers
Pay attention to how you talk about sex work as clients will test whether they can talk about their sex work
Sex work may not be the presenting issue, but it is relevant to identify whether they are self-identifying as a sex worker to the therapist
Holding space for clients not disclosing everything at the beginning of therapy
Showing sex positivity and openness to hear about any sensitive topics (sex, drug use, etc.)
Understanding the fears and myths that are floating around (e.g., the myth that therapists will call law enforcement or CPS solely because someone reports being a sex worker)
Being an agent for social change and advocating for systemic change
Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:PatreonBuy Me A CoffeeModern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/

Apr 10, 2023 • 1h 14min
Is AI Smart for Your Therapy Practice? The ethics of artificial intelligence in therapy
Is AI Smart for Your Therapy Practice? The ethics of artificial intelligence in therapyCurt and Katie chat about the use of ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence as part of your therapy practice. We look at what uses therapists are considering, the differences between chatbots and search engines, and basic information on how chatbots work. We explore ethical implications for using chatbots within different aspects of a therapist practice. This is a law and ethics continuing education podcourse.Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!In this podcast episode we talk about therapists using ChatGPT in their practicesHow are ChatGPT and other chatbots being used by modern therapists?
Writing blog posts and other marketing content
Getting suggestions for writing progress notes
Potentially case consultation and differential diagnosis?
What is the difference between ChatGPT (or other AI chatbots) and Search Engines?
The goals are different – developing human-sounding language versus information retrieval
Primary sources and raw data versus interpretation and an answer that sounds good
What are the legal and ethical uses of ChatGPT?
The user agreement allows all uses of the content developed based on your prompts
There is not a guarantee of unique output between different users which calls into question ownership on content and plagiarism
Citing authorship, publication credits, and whose ideas are being included in your content
Suggestions from ethical bodies on how to cite chatbots
The importance of transparency and accountability
What is the harm in using ChatGPT without transparency on a therapist website?
The impact on pretreatment role expectations and the digital therapeutic alliance
A lack of transparency and potential for misleading prospective clients on your personality and/or expertise
If you don’t check accuracy, especially when you have someone else creating your content, you may actually create outdated information that is heavily influenced by the medical model and potentially biased
What are thoughts about using ChatGPT in clinical work for therapists?Please use caution when using AI in any clinical workWhat are recommendations for modern therapists who would like to use ChatGPT?
Use with caution: check primary sources and completely review
Transparently cite that AI was used, which app was used, how it was used, and the date when information was pulled
Be aware of SEO impacts, lack of branding, whether it adds value, and that the content is accurate and is helpful rather than harmful
Do not input any confidential information
Do not overly rely on the clinical suggestions due to bias and accuracy concerns
Receive Continuing Education for this Episode of the Modern Therapist’s Survival GuideYou can find this full course (including handouts and resources) here: https://learn.moderntherapistcommunity.com/pages/podcourseContinuing Education Approvals: Continuing Education Information
Resources for Modern Therapists mentioned in this Podcast Episode:We’ve pulled together resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links. Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, so if you purchase after clicking below, we may get a little bit of cash in our pockets. We thank you in advance!ChatGPT*The full reference list can be found in the course on our learning platform.Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/

Apr 3, 2023 • 40min
What Therapists Should Know About Code-Switching: An Interview with Dr. Jameta Nicole Barlow
What Therapists Should Know About Code-Switching: An Interview with Dr. Jameta Nicole BarlowCurt and Katie interview Dr. Jameta Nicole Barlow on code-switching. We explore what code-switching is, the mental health impacts of code-switching, and how therapists can support clients who code-switch.Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!In this podcast episode, we talk about code-switchingAn important conversation about code-switching for therapists. What do we need to know and what can we do to support people who need to code switch?What is code-switching?
Shifting how one speaks or behaves to fit into the current situation
Often occurs with people who do not look like you or are culturally different from you
Learning to operate differently in different spaces due to being judged based on appearance, behavior, and language
Choosing which words to use, which has additional layers for multilingual folks
Much deeper than just linguistic shifts
Responding to the potential for violent harm when how you typically show up doesn’t fit the current situation’s prescribed norms
The concept of “professionalism” and who set the standards
Needing to push back on the norms
What are the mental health effects of Code-switching?
Anxiety and depression
Not bringing full self into most spaces
Hesitation, lack of learning and sharing
Chronic health diseases connected to cortisol
Identity concerns, unraveling of identity over time
Fear of being found out or not being accepted
High mental load
Not everyone code switches
Why are people code-switching in professional settings? Or is it still happening?
Shifts in behaviors during the pandemic
Letting go of certain social mores on zoom
Not having to go to work and putting on a professional persona when working remotely
What can mental health professionals due to support clients who code-switch?
There are not enough Black therapists to see all of the Black clients, so therapists of other demographics need to make sure that they are addressing it
Going beyond the client having to explain all of their experience or be a cultural translator
Stay present to the story and clarify later, to allow client to stay in the vulnerability
Being authentic yourself as a therapist, to create space for imperfection
Providing reinforcement for the client showing up authentically, their accomplishments
Getting to IDGAF attitude and testing it out in different spaces
How does Dr. Jameta Barlow push back against the status quo related to code-switching?
Land acknowledgement
Grounding in family and cultural history
Focusing on the history and the experiences of Black women
No code-switching or requirement for being anything but your full self
Resources for Modern Therapists mentioned in this Podcast Episode:We’ve pulled together resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links. Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, so if you purchase after clicking below, we may get a little bit of cash in our pockets. We thank you in advance!Dr. Barlow’s Website: JametaBarlow.comTwitter: @allaboutafyaEmail: JametaWrites @ gmail.comInformation on the concept of Double Consciousness from W.E.B. Du BoisArticle on PsychCentral: Code-Switching: What it is and What it Costs UsStay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:PatreonBuy Me A CoffeeModern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/

Mar 27, 2023 • 1h 13min
Why Is Therapy Taking So Long? The causes and solutions for therapeutic drift
Why Is Therapy Taking So Long? The causes and solutions for therapeutic driftCurt and Katie chat about the tendency for therapists to drift clinically – meaning that they fail to use evidence-based practices that they have been trained to do. We explore the phenomenon of therapeutic drift, contributing factors, ways to mitigate risk, and what therapists can do to address this tendency that leads to poorer therapeutic outcomes. This is a continuing education podcourse.Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!In this podcast episode we explore why therapists stray from using evidence-based practicesIn order for therapy to be successful, both the therapist and client need to stay invested in the therapeutic process. We explore the reasons that therapy can stall, how to identify the causes, and how to get back on track toward achieving client goals.What is therapist drift and why is it bad?
Therapists will fail to use evidence-based treatment even when they have the tools and training
May be seen as pushing back on manualized treatments that do not seem to focus on the relationship sufficiently
Therapeutic drift can happen when the therapist and client are not in agreement or clear on the goals for treatment
Not sticking to the plan for treatment and failing to make progress
Mislabeling of treatment interventions
What factors contribute to therapeutic drift?
Client factors include avoiding talking about treatment goals
Lack of adherent training and understanding of the models
Therapist factors include not identifying optimal treatment methods or structures upon which to build creative intervention
Therapists doing what feels good to them versus what is best for the client
Systemic factors including teaching too many theories without sufficient depth
How can we mitigate the risks of therapeutic drift?
Practice-based evidence
Setting treatment plans and single session agendas
Outcome measures and client feedback
Intentionality versus convenience
Assessing bias and where our negative feelings about EBPs come from
Collaborating with the client
Deliberate practice
Consultation, ongoing supervision
Resources for Modern Therapists mentioned in this Podcast Episode:We’ve pulled together resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links. Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, so if you purchase after clicking below, we may get a little bit of cash in our pockets. We thank you in advance!Very Bad Therapy PodcastYou can find this full course (including handouts and resources) here: https://learn.moderntherapistcommunity.com/pages/podcourseContinuing Education Approvals:When we are airing this podcast episode, we have the following CE approval. Please check back as we add other approval bodies: Continuing Education InformationReferences mentioned in this continuing education podcast can be found in the course on our learning platform.Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:Link tree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimaginedPatreonBuy Me A CoffeeModern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/

Mar 20, 2023 • 41min
What Therapists Should Know About Dissociation and Dissociative Disorders: An Interview with Dr. Jamie Marich
What Therapists Should Know About Dissociation and Dissociative Disorders: An Interview with Dr. Jamie MarichCurt and Katie interview Dr. Jamie Marich, author of Dissociation Made Simple, about dissociation and dissociative identities. We talk with Jamie about what therapists often get wrong as well as some basics on what dissociation is and how best to understand and treat it (when it actually needs treating).Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!In this podcast episode, we talk about how therapists can support clients navigating dissociationA friend of the show, Dr. Jamie Marich, wrote a book Dissociation Made Simple, and we wanted to talk about it!What are therapists getting wrong when learning about and treating dissociation?
Not believing in dissociative identities or dissociative systems
Fear of and misunderstanding of dissociation
Thinking of dissociation as a dirt word and something to avoid
Believing that dissociation must always be healed (when in fact it could be useful at times)
What is dissociation? What is dissociative identity disorder or dissociative experience?
Exploring different definitions and conceptualizations
It is a lot of different things
Severing/separating from the present moment or from aspects of ourselves
Disaggregation or dividing your self into parts
Purposeful, meeting a need or protection
The shift to thinking about elements of dissociation as adaptive or maladaptive situationally
How can therapists support clients in understanding and managing their own dissociation?
Helping clients to identify what purpose their dissociation is serving
Assessing dissociative profile through an inventory in the book (triggers, how we dissociate, adaptive/maladaptive)
All dissociative behaviors can be assessed as adaptive or maladaptive
How can a therapist assess for dissociative identities or systems?
Language may vary (parts, defenders, team, selves, side, aspect, etc.)
Previous diagnosis or self-diagnosis
Listen for the experience (a “part of me” wants this, a “side of me” wants this)
Speaking in a parts-informed way
Exploring for thinking from different parts of self, potentially even already with names
Dissociative Identities inventories
What are clinical goals with clients who have dissociative experiences and/or identities?
When working with someone with a system, will need to get buy in from all elements of the team for treatment goals
Goals may not align across different parts
The theory that you’re working with a family
Many clients have Chronic PTSD and the focus of treatment may be trauma
The importance of being trauma informed
Grounding, anchoring, or settling into the present moment
The goal is usually NOT integration
Cohesion, communication, or cooperation
How can therapists overcome their fear about dissociation?
Identifying your own dissociation
Overcoming the “us versus them” related to dissociation
Moving away from bias and stereotypes of folks who dissociate
Resources for Modern Therapists mentioned in this Podcast Episode:We’ve pulled together resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links. Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, so if you purchase after clicking below, we may get a little bit of cash in our pockets. We thank you in advance!Dissociation Made Simple (the book)Jamie’s website: redefinetherapy.comJamie’s social media: Trauma Therapist Rants on TwitterTrauma Therapist Rants on TikTokStay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:PatreonBuy Me A CoffeeModern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/

Mar 13, 2023 • 38min
Understanding Your Money in Private Practice: An Interview with Jennie Schottmiller
Understanding Your Money in Private Practice: An Interview with Jennie SchottmillerCurt and Katie interview Jennie Schottmiller, LMFT, CPA, about understanding your numbers when starting a private practice. We explore the simple math that can help you create consistent income and decrease your anxiety about running a business. Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!In this podcast episode, we talk about how therapists can handle their private practice financesWe reached out to our friend, Jennie Schottmiller, to talk about the basics of bookkeeping in private practice. What are the business decisions therapists need to make when starting a private practice?
Bookkeeping platforms
Types of business
How to stabilize their income
What to pay themselves
How do therapists create consistent income?
Understanding the ebb and flow of the business
Identifying how to pay a consistent income every month
What are the fears that many private practice owners have? (And how can they deal with them?)
What do I need to plan for (i.e., rational fears)
What do I need to talk myself of the ledge about (i.e., irrational fears)
The fear of math can keep folks from figuring out how to make the money work
The benefits of starting slow and managing your expenses from the beginning
Creating financial cushions to avoid freaking out
What are best practices for addressing your books in private practice?
How often should you look at your books?
What numbers are you looking at?
When should you hire a bookkeeper?
What should you know about your books before you hire a bookkeeper?
How to design your books to best monitor your unique business
Managing expenses and understanding what you’re paying for
Looking at year over year changes and trends to plan
How can a therapist navigate their neurodivergence and starting a business?
Understanding your capacities and what your challenges are
Creating a plan to get stuff done
Putting systems in place to address your challenges that works for how your brain works
Resources for Modern Therapists mentioned in this Podcast Episode:We’ve pulled together resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links. Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, so if you purchase after clicking below, we may get a little bit of cash in our pockets. We thank you in advance!Simple Profit websiteSimple Profit on InstagramSimple Profit on FacebookFree Facebook group: Simple Profit for Mental Health CliniciansStay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:PatreonBuy Me A CoffeeModern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/

Mar 6, 2023 • 36min
Has Therapy Become the New Religion?
Has Therapy Become the New Religion?Curt and Katie chat about op ed pieces from the New York Times, where there are a lot of opinions on what therapy is and should be. We explore comparisons of therapy to religion, the notion that going to therapy makes one good, safe and dateable, and how therapy seems to have invaded our lives. Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!In this podcast episode we talk about the opinion that therapy has become morally goodKatie likes reading New York Times Op Ed pieces on what therapy is now. We decided to explore some of the questions these articles raise.What does the New York Times have to say about therapy and therapists?
Going to therapy makes you a good person
Putting that you’re going to therapy on your dating app is a cheat code – meaning that you are safe to date
We have reached a point where we’re more focused on “mental health” than on mental illness
Therapy-speak has invaded everything
It is toxic to tell everyone to go to therapy
What is leading to comparisons of therapy to religion?
Decreased membership in organized religion
Finding your own morals and values outside of organized religion
Finding meaning and purpose through the work you do in therapy
A fear of the degradation of social contracts and a rise of moral relativism
How are people framing the role of the therapist?
Potential for individual exploration of how to live one’s life that is individualized and less tied to specific doctrine
Another potential to be seen as giving direction on how to live life
The role of community care versus individualized healing
Relationship versus individual focus
The nuance of what therapy is versus the fears of what is being done
What is the fear about therapy being so central in our lives?
The worry that people are too self-focused and not sufficiently other focused
Pushing back on the status quo and established systems
The notion that “therapy is good” and “all people need therapy”
Therapy as a status symbol or a designation that I’m a good person
Lack of access for folks with mental illness due to “worried well” and “personal growth” clients taking all of the spots
Resources for Modern Therapists mentioned in this Podcast Episode:We’ve pulled together resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links. Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, so if you purchase after clicking below, we may get a little bit of cash in our pockets. We thank you in advance!New York Times’ Articles:Why Do People Think Going to Therapy Makes You A Good Person? By Mychal Denzel SmithWe Have Reached Peak ‘Mental Health’ by Huw GreenIs it Toxic to Tell Everyone to Get Therapy? By Zachary SiegelHow the Language of Therapy Took Over Dating by Dani BlumThe Problem with Letting Therapy-Speak Invade Everything by Tara Isabella BurtonOur Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimaginedRelevant Episodes of MTSG Podcast:Is Therapy an Opiate of the Masses?Navigating the Social Media Self-Diagnosis TrendModern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/

Feb 27, 2023 • 38min
Understanding Impostor Syndrome in High Achievers: An Interview with Stevon Lewis, LMFT
Understanding Impostor Syndrome in High Achievers: An Interview with Stevon Lewis, LMFTCurt and Katie interview Stevon Lewison working with high achievers who struggle with impostor syndrome. We explored what impostor syndrome is, how society contributes to impostor syndrome, how you can differentiate impostor syndrome from internalized racism, sexism, heterosexism, ableism, etc., the emotional impacts of impostor syndrome, and how therapists can work effectively with these clients. Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!In this podcast episode, we talk about how impostor syndrome shows up in high achieversWe reached out to our friend, Stevon Lewis, to explore impostor syndrome. What do therapists miss related to treating impostor syndrome in high achievers?
Looking at the symptoms versus the root cause
Understanding the common patterns
How does society contribute to impostor syndrome?
Productivity and detail-orientation are praised
The role of humility and Stevon’s difficulty with the accepted definition of humility
Subcultures that are hyper-focused on achievement and competition
The impact of a marginalized identity or identities on impostor syndrome
How can therapists support high achievers with impostor syndrome in therapy?
Slowing down the conversation
Shifting the language related to goal-setting
Finding a path to celebrating wins
Perspective taking on how you treat yourself versus how you treat others
Self-compassion and self-understanding
How do you sort out impostor syndrome from internalized racism, sexism, ableism, etc.?
Contending with stereotypes and unreasonable expectations
Looking at the environment within which someone is working or living
The impact of parenting and what you’ve grown up with
Emotional impacts of Impostor Syndrome
Description of the inner bully
Fear of being found out, not belonging
Fear of being a disappointment or of being too successful
The danger of exploitation, especially for folks who have traditionally been marginalized
The pushback when you are being different
What does healing look like for high achievers with impostor syndrome?
Radical acceptance of self
Getting freedom
Self-compassion
Resources for Modern Therapists mentioned in this Podcast Episode:We’ve pulled together resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links. Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, so if you purchase after clicking below, we may get a little bit of cash in our pockets. We thank you in advance!Stevon’s WebsiteStevon’s Journal: Silencing Your Inner BullyStay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:LinkTreeModern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/


