The Modern Therapist's Survival Guide with Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy

Understanding the Psychological Impacts of Leaving Afghanistan, Part 1: Military VeteransAn interview with Rob Bates, SFC IN USA ret., MA, LMHC, on how veterans may be responding to the US leaving Afghanistan after 20 years at war. Curt and Katie talk with Rob about his service in the military and how it has impacted his view on therapy and being a therapist. He explains how he typically works with veterans, decreasing perfectionism and shifting dehumanization to self-compassion. We also look at the unique experiences of US Veterans who have served in Afghanistan and how therapists can support these individuals more effectively 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 the modern age.Interview with Rob Bates, SFC IN USA ret., MA, LMHC, MHP, DCRFrom Rob: We can all use a little help now and then. I bring a diverse skill set of life and counseling experience. I grew up with a tumultuous household in a small community. I joined the military at a young age and have lived and worked throughout the world. I have had my own family, raising children weathering many successes and failures in the process. I continue to experience counseling as a client working with the emotions of my past and present to improve my future. My personal experience in therapy enhances my great respect for my clients' vulnerability in our sessions. I am a fellow traveler in life, as my clients learn and grow so do I.As a soldier I spent 20 years living and working throughout the conflict regions of the world as a combat infantryman. Starting as a young Airborne Ranger with the 2nd Battalion of the 75th Regiment and finishing my career as a senior leader in the 2nd Battalion 1rst Infantry Regiment of the 2nd Infantry Division. I have experienced combat in the First Iraq War, Bosnia, Kosovo, Second Iraq War, and Afghanistan. I am proud of my service and my work wherever I have been asked to go by my country.In this episode we talk about: Rob’s experiences in the military and afterwards that led to his becoming a therapist for vets The different language that therapists speak from military personnel The unique skill sets, knowledge, concerns that therapists should have or be aware of when working with military members and vets How military members live in a zero-defect environment and how therapists can consider working with vets to decrease this mindset when returning to civilian life The bias and judgment that can negatively impact work with folks in the military, especially around life and death decisions The importance of military clients understanding therapist’s ability to manage secondary traumatization Typical responses to the decision around the drawdown in Afghanistan after the peace agreement as well as the very recent chaotic evacuation The moral injury related to walking away from Afghanistan The relationships that were developed between US military personnel and Afghan military personnel and civilians and how “abandoning” them to the danger of the Taliban is impacting veterans and those who are evacuating The impact of social media and commentary on perception and meaning-making The ethical and moral decision-making that is happening at all levels The process of dehumanization during wartime, creating psychological safety during combat The complicated grief that is further complicated by the US leaving Afghanistan and the complex trauma and survivor’s guilt The importance of helping veterans to develop self-compassion Identity issues that may be challenged with the withdrawal from Afghanistan A fuller picture of service in Afghanistan (including humanitarian missions) What may happen when the news cycle shifts to the next big news story Creating new purpose and meaning to mitigate tendency toward suicidality

What the Grief Just Happened?An interview with Sonya Lott, Ph.D, on how COVID has impacted our experience of grief. Curt and Katie talk with Sonya about the types of grief people are experiencing and how people have been coping thus far. We explore what prolonged grief is and the risk factors that contribute to it as well as tips to support clients. We also talk about the need for therapists to be informed on grief processes and the importance of meeting clients where they are. 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 the modern age. Interview with Sonya Lott, Ph.D, Founder of CEMPSYCH, LLCSonya Lott has a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Temple University. She been licensed as a psychologist in PA since 1991. Since 2020, she has been licensed to provide telepsychology in more than 16 states through the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Board’s (ASPPB) PSYPACT program. She maintains a private online practice devoted to helping individuals transform their experiences of traumatic and prolonged grief. She is trained in Complicated Grief Therapy (CGT), an evidence-based treatment for prolonged grief and is also a certified brainspotting practitioner. She is also the founder of CEMPSYCH, LLC, which offers continuing education in multicultural psychology to mental health professionals. CEMPSYCH, LLC is approved as a sponsor by the APA to provide continuing education to psychologists. In this episode we talk about: Who Sonya Lott is and what she puts out in the world. Looking at how COVID has impacted our experience of grief (i.e., death and non-death losses). How the uncertainty COVID created has added to our difficulty in acknowledging losses in our lives. Discussion of how clinicians can help their clients (and themselves) recognize and process their grief. Examining how losses to previous COVID, attachment styles, and other risk factors have influenced the way people manage their grief. Defining prolonged grief and recognizing when it is a problem, while making cultural considerations. Factors that have contributed to people developing prolonged grief (e.g., isolation, previous mental health challenges, etc). What clinicians can expect to see from clients as we move into the next phase of our lives. The need for clinicians to be able to differentiate from grief, prolonged grief, and major depression and address each accordingly. Recognizing that the grief people are experiencing is inherently traumatic and integrating this into treatment. Tips for clinicians to help clients who are stuck. Being a grief informed therapist (knowing there are no stages to grief). The importance of meeting people where they at to help them process their grief.  Resources mentioned: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. Sonya Lott WebsiteCEMPSYCH LLCRelevant Episodes: Death, Dying, and Grief Compassion FatigueConnect with us!Our Facebook Group – The Modern Therapists Group Get Notified About Therapy Reimagined Conferences

Asian American Mental HealthAn interview with Linda Yoon, LCSW, on specific mental health needs of Asian American clients. Curt and Katie talk with Linda about what therapists often get wrong when working with Asian clients and colleagues. We explore the model minority myth, fetishization of Asian women, and the complexity of the heterogeneous group that falls under the term “Asian American.” We also talk about steps therapists can take to better support Asian American people. 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 the modern age.Interview with Linda Yoon, LCSW, Founder and Co-Director of Yellow Chair CollectiveLinda is the founder and the co-director of Yellow Chair Collective, a multicultural psychotherapy group with a special focus on Asian mental health. Linda has over 10 years of experience in the field of social work and mental health. Before starting Yellow Chair Collective, she worked in residential and outpatient mental health clinics, domestic and intimate relationship violence programs, and affordable and inclusive housing services, often serving Asian and Asian Pacific Islanders and the immigrant/refugee population.Linda is passionate about community outreach and provides workshops on social and mental health topics including diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), cultural sensitivity, parenting, self and community care, family violence, refugee/immigrant issues, and Asian American mental health. Her work has been featured in the LA Times, KXN, CBS Radio, KPBS, Al Dia Politics, and Crushing the Myth. Linda also has been a panelist for KQED Forum, NPR Podcast, and USC Center for Health Journalism speaking about Asian Mental Health needs during the pandemic and anti-Asian hate crime surge. Linda is also an active committee member of NASW-CA Asian Pacific Islander Council - Southern California.In this episode we talk about: Why Asian American Mental Health is so important What therapists are getting wrong when working with Asian clients and colleagues The Model Minority myth, bias and stereotypes The lack of understanding of who Asian Americans are (and the heterogeneity of this group – there’s over 20 Asian countries with different languages and characteristics) Self-gaslighting, dismissal of Asian American racism experiences Accurate assessment and important questions to ask Looking at different immigration stories, languages spoken, what culture they relate to if their families come from more than one culture The barriers Asian Americans face in seeking mental health treatment The different perspective on mental health and the understanding of body and mind Collectivism and the impact on an individual seeking mental health services How different generations may perceive mental health treatment Culturally and linguistically appropriate services The potential missing data due to Asian Americans not reporting to or trusting the census The current spotlight on Asian hate and racism, and the history of violence against Asian people Common microaggressions The importance of educating oneself and avoiding assumptions, the value of consultation Ways to help with antiracism relevant to Asian Americans Questions to ask yourself to support Asian clients and colleagues

How to Fire Your Clients (Ethically)Curt and Katie chat about how to appropriately terminate with clients when icky situations arise. We explore how therapists can develop an ethical decision-making process to protect themselves against possible complaints to ethics boards. We also talk about how privilege plays a role in icky terminations and how therapists can work to balance their safety and self-care with their responsibilities.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 the modern age.In this episode we talk about: How ethics are discussed in social media groups (ethical concerns vs. I don’t like this) When we can terminate with clients, why can we do it, when we cannot terminate with clients, and what our responsibilities are in these situations. How therapist’s personal feelings can influence premature terminations and the problems this can lead to (e.g., client abandonment, continuity of care). Feelings that arise for both the therapist and client when icky terminations happen. How ethics committees think about complaints and disciplinary actions. Developing an ethical decision-making process that demonstrates professionalism. Explore how therapists are held to a higher standard than the general public. Discuss how privilege (or lack thereof) impacts perceptions professionalism. How to maintain professional standards when your safety is at risk. Developing plans for possible icky terminations. We look at how many therapists are actually reported to ethics boards and how this information is unhelpful. Managing racist, homophobic, sexist, etc. comments in session and taking care of yourself. Explore how the structure of ethics committees create barriers to therapists being their authentic self, while also needing these committees to protect the field. Balancing therapist safety and self-care with therapist responsibilities. Resources mentioned:We’ve pulled together resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links. Please note that some of the links below might 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! CPH Article: Duty to the Patient – Termination of Treatment and Understanding Your PatientRelevant Episodes: Therapist Safety Managing Vicarious Trauma Bad Business Practices Ending Therapy Noteworthy Documentation Irrational Ethics That’s UnethicalConnect with us!Our Facebook Group – The Modern Therapists Group Get Notified About Therapy Reimagined 2021 Our consultation services:The Fifty-Minute Hour

How to Overcome Impostor Syndrome to Leave Your Agency JobAn interview with Patrick Casale, LCMHC, LCAS, about how impostor syndrome and other barriers can get in the way of therapists moving forward into private practice. Curt and Katie talk with Patrick about what it takes to make the leap from negative work situations and become a “therapist wizard.” We also look at lots of creative ideas on how to step into fear to confront impostor syndrome as well as how to build a private practice that’s right for you. 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 the modern age.Interview with Patrick Casale, MA, LCMHC, LCASPatrick currently works as a private practice coach and strategist and private practice owner. He lives in Asheville NC with his wife Ariel and two dogs, Hudson and Hazel. He’s worked in the helping profession since 2008. In the last 12 years, he’s worked in several different arenas in community mental health. From a qualified professional to the program director, he found himself constantly being promoted to middle management roles where he was able to see both sides of the coin. It was hard watching his staff work so hard for so little while trying to appease the powers that be who typically were out of touch with day-to-day operations. He has worked full time as a private practice therapist for the last three years. In those three years, he’s traveled to 8 different countries, taken lots of vacations, grown his business to a point where it feels easy and routine, and has helped other therapists in the area do the same.In this episode we talk about: The ideas around impostor syndrome and how it impacts therapists Common mistakes therapists make when moving from community mental health to private practice How therapists can consistently negatively evaluate their own competence Entrepreneurial anxiety and missteps based on lack of confidence The early messages and attachment issues that impact self-esteem, perception of competence Embracing fear to move forward, accepting that mistakes are inevitable Vulnerability and authenticity, perfectionism Taking power back through making impostor syndrome playful Looking at how different identities are impacted by “impostor syndrome” Conflicting and negative messages that therapists get Entitlement and pessimism from more seasoned clinicians Abundance versus scarcity mindset How to become a therapist wizard Moving from an agency to private practice The danger of staying in an agency when you’re at the point of no return The lack of specific numbers or exact instructions on when you should make the leap The importance of networking when building a private practice Ideas for overcoming anxiety and still move forward on starting your private practice The importance of having an exit plan and steps in place Making decisions on what is needed versus what is desired, what values can be considered The goals that are possible once you move into your own private practice Creativity in how you set up your practice Understanding what you need to set yourself up for success Resources mentioned: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!https://casalecoaching.com/Patrick’s All Things Private Practice Facebook group

An Incomplete List of Everything Wrong with Therapist EducationAn interview with Diane Gehart, LMFT, on what works in therapy and where the field is headed. Curt and Katie talk with Diane about the overwhelming amount of information new therapists must learn in school and how this impacts their confidence. We also explore how the field is moving towards synthesizing theories and how this will impact future clinicians.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 the modern age. Interview with Diane Gehart, LMFTDiane Gehart, Ph.D. is Professor in the Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling Programs at California State University, Northridge and has a private practice in Agoura Hills, California. She has authored several professional books including Mindfulness for Chocolate Lovers: A Lighthearted Way to Stress Less and Savor More Each Day, Mindfulness and Acceptance in Couple and Family Therapy Mastering Competencies in Family Therapy, Theory and Treatment Planning in Counseling and Psychotherapy.In this episode we talk about: Who Diane Gehart is and what she has (and continues) to contribute to the field. Diane discusses what is wrong with therapist education and how it impacts newer therapists. How we can help students feel more confident when they enter the field, while still providing a good education. The abundance of theories students need to learn in graduate school and how the future of the field will be synthesis of theories. How the synthesis of theories will impact testing for licensure. Diane discusses how focusing on client outcomes and finding quality training can support confidence in new clinicians. How cultural considerations can be included in the synthesis of theories. Using the client’s reality/perspective to make therapy work, rather than focusing on interventions. Explore how different parts of the field (e.g., clinicians, researchers, educators) contribute to what is wrong with therapist education. The need for synthesized information to be more widely available to make more competent therapists. Balancing helping clinicians to feel more confident while also encouraging them to be self-motivated to learn. What are the best things clinicians can do right now to improve their confidence? Resources mentioned: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!Diane GehartTherapy That WorksMastering CompetenciesMindfulness at Our SchoolsDiane on YouTube

Psychiatric Crises in the Emergency RoomInterview with Kesy Yoon, LMHC and James McMahill, LMFTKesy Yoon, LMHC: As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), I am dedicated to helping my clients understand who they are and how they fit into the world around them. Over the past six years, I have worked in a variety of mental health settings with individuals from all walks of life. Currently, I work with clients struggling with anxiety, perfectionism, trauma, and major life transitions. Over the course of my career, I have developed a specialty in working with the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) 1st generation population. My work in this area is informed by my own personal experience with navigating the differences between an American upbringing and traditional Asian values. I enjoy working with AAPI clients to identify solutions to improve quality of life while honoring important cultural values and needs. Therapy is dynamic and my style is centered upon empowerment and hope. I show up as a human first, therapist second. As a counselor, I believe that every individual is a unique and complicated being; therefore, I do not have one uniform approach. I draw inspiration from several evidence-based modalities such as EMDR, Solution Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I am also trained in the EMDR modality and I am currently in the process of EMDR Certification.James McMahill, LMFT: I am an LMFT in CA and MN specializing in crisis care for those struggling with psychosis, severe depression, PTSD and suicidality. The majority of my clinical experience has been in crisis work and includes all ages, from children and adolescents in inpatient, TAY and adults in county outpatient clinics, and as a member of a Geri Psyche urgent response team. While in San Diego, I was the Program Director for Heartland Wellness Recovery Center, a county outpatient program serving SPMI clients in East County, San Diego. Currently, I am a team member for a CRT (Crisis Response Team) in Carver County, MN, and spend much of my clinical time in Emergency Rooms or responding to community or Law Enforcement mental health crises. I may also be commonly found co moderating Therapists in Private Practice (TIPP) on Facebook, with my wife Namrata.In this episode we talk about: Continuing our special series on Fixing Mental Healthcare in America How emergency rooms become a part of the mental health system The role of emergency rooms as the first door for folks with a mental health crisis It can be a catchall and revolving door for some with longer term mental health concerns The challenges and overwhelm when someone comes into the ER The goals that emergency rooms can have when someone comes in with a psychiatric crisis The differences in ERs (whether they have psychiatric facilities or whether they transfer to other facilities) The challenges in placing clients in psychiatric inpatient care The revolving door – developing relationships and losing hope Potential legislation changes that could increase time for care Conflicting goals at different levels of the hospital and the hot potato syndrome Training of the emergency room staff, medical staff, law enforcement, fire services The criminogenic interpretation of behavior that can hinder law enforcement and seeing a patient as someone needing help The importance of patience in managing psychiatric crises Interacting with Law Enforcement in these situations

Why YOU Shouldn’t Sell Out to BetterHelpAn interview with Jeff Guenther, LPC from TherapyDen about the ins and outs of affiliate partnerships. Curt and Katie talk with Jeff about the offer he received from BetterHelp and why he turned it down – taking some time to discuss the therapist businesses and influencers who have chosen this partnership and the subsequent backlash from the online therapist communities. We look at how these types of partnerships can be formed, what you should consider when you are approached to collaborate with another company, and how much money it would take for us to sell out.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 the modern age.Interview with Jeff Guenther, LPC, TherapyDenJeff Guenther, LPC, is a therapist in Portland, OR. He has been in private practice since 2005 and currently leads workshops on how health and wellness practitioners can build their digital brand and attract more clients online. Jeff is the creator and owner of two highly ranked healthcare directory sites, Portland Therapy Center and TherapyDen. In this episode we talk about: Jeff’s TherapyDen story – why/how he started it and the different types of partnerships and other business arrangements that he’s been approached with How to sift out what is being offered and whether a partnership is beneficial or harmful The salesy approaches that Jeff just does not respond to The common origin stories and connections made with tech startups Why Brighter Vision and others have gotten so much backlash when they partnered with BetterHelp The movement from the online therapists’ groups to respond to Brighter Vision and the resulting discontinuation of the partnership with BetterHelp The importance of taking care of the individuals in the profession The corporate focus on commoditization of therapy The different ways that companies like BetterHelp may be making money off of therapy clients and therapists (e.g., data mining) BetterHelp’s plan to take over therapist directories and all of the entry points for therapy The consequences of BetterHelp’s success and how they are changing the expectations Ideas about larger provider networks that can be done well to support therapists and clients The specifics of Jeff’s offer from BetterHelp and why he turned it down The morals and values questions that come up when facing one of these offers The practical reasons not to take these kinds of deals, no matter the money involved The importance of being able to stand behind your partners  Resources mentioned: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!TherapyDenCreate a Free Therapist Profile on TherapyDenContact Jeff: hello@therapyden.comSwoon Podcast and Jeff's TherapyDen Blog

The State of the Profession in a COVID WorldCurt and Katie chat about the current state of the Mental Health Profession. We give our opinion on a recent report from SimplePractice, looking at what they included as well as what we think is missing. We explore how COVID has impacted burnout rates and give action steps professionals can take to support each other as we continue to move forward as a field. We also talk about barriers in our field and what is coming next.This is the Modern Therapist Consumer Guide, a series of special episodes to help modern therapists navigate products and services specifically designed for therapists and their clients. We dig deeply into the companies, the people, and the products and services so you can make smart decisions in building your practice and serving your clients.In this episode we talk about: 0:53: What do Curt and Katie think about the report? And how do demographics and length of time in the field impact how long clinicians stay in the profession? 2:27: Who feels burned out the most and what are action steps professionals can take to help each other with this problem? 7:44: How do financial burdens and parental burnout impact a clinician’s ability to work in this field? 10:50: How do insurance regulations create barriers for clinicians and clients? 15:38: How has COVID impacted use of technology in the field and accessibility to care? 18:55: Who are the therapists in the field and who are they working with (demographics)? 23:18: How do social justice issues impact burnout rates? 24:56: What comes next for our profession?. Resources mentioned:We’ve pulled together resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links. Please note that some of the links below might 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!State of the Mental Health Profession: Impact of COVID-19Teletherapy Good Enough Therapy For A Crisis…and Beyond! 

Modern Therapist’s Consumer Guide on SimplePracticeCurt and Katie talk with Howard Spector, CEO and Diana Stepner, VP of Product for SimplePractice. We look at how SimplePractice has been envisioned, the company values, and the details of the product, so you can decide if SimplePractice is the Practice Management System for your private practice.This is the Modern Therapist Consumer Guide, a series of special episodes to help modern therapists navigate products and services specifically designed for therapists and their clients. We dig deeply into the companies, the people, and the products and services so you can make smart decisions in building your practice and serving your clients. Interview with Howard Spector, CEO and Diana Stepner, VP of Product, SimplePracticeHoward is the CEO and Co-founder of SimplePractice. Howard has over 20 years of experience in the information technology industry. He is proud to have earned his MA in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Depth Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute.Diana joined SimplePractice from Pearson where she was the VP of Innovative Learning Solutions, a portfolio of products that provide value anytime, anywhere for learners by increasing confidence & outcomes associated with a specific learning activity or skill. Previously Diana headed up Future Technologies and Innovation Partnerships at Pearson. She also worked in Emerging Media at Razorfish and User Experience at Salesforce.com. In addition, Diana led Product Management in Western Europe for Monster Worldwide. She has a MIMS from UC Berkeley and an MBA from Boston University. When not doing Product, Diana can be found exercising, listening to podcasts, nutrition / health / wellness, and travel (someday). She lives in San Francisco with her husband and attack puppy. In this episode we talk about: Interview with Howard Spector, CEO, SimplePractice 2:12: How did the vision for SimplePractice (SP) come into being? 4:17: What is the trajectory for SimplePractice? 6:25: How does SP take in feedback and remain true to their principles and values from which it began? 9:12: What is SP’s response to feedback about customer service? 15:31: How does the team atmosphere and culture play out for customers? 19:41: How does SimplePractice support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion? 22:12: What is in the future for SP? 23:18: What is Howard most proud for about SP? 25:10: What does Howard want everyone considering SP for their practice management system need to know? Interview with Diana Stepner, VP of Product, SimplePractice 26:32: What does it look like when someone signs up for SimplePractice? 28:54: What are the strongest elements of SimplePractice? 30:24: What are SP’s paperwork customization features? 34:04: What is the professional website feature? 35:07: What is Monarch? 38:01 What are some areas SimplePractice is looking to improve? 40:17: How has SP taken suggestions from the community and incorporated them into SimplePractice? 41:56: Who is SimplePractice NOT right for? 44:35: What is coming up next for SimplePractice’s development? 45:54: How do you sign up for SimplePractice? (includes information on our special offer) 46:19: How would you recommend people investigating if SimplePractice is a good fit for them? Curt and Katie Chat – Our review of SimplePractice 47:31: Who would we recommend SimplePractice for? 52:05: Who we think would not be a good match for SimplePractice