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

Curt and Katie talk about antitrust laws – how they impact therapists, how to avoid concerns, and what to pay attention to when you’re a therapist.   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: Sherman Antitrust Law Why antitrust laws are important Looking at insurance companies and the discrepancy that therapists are more held to antitrust than insurance companies for complicated reasons Therapy practices are businesses and in competition with each other Price Fixing and Market Share agreements The problem and risk with group boycotts The difference between colluding and discussing publicly available information How competition discussing fees in small Facebook groups can lead to price fixing The Cardigan Cartel How to communicate fees and discuss insurance issues without getting into antitrust issues Individuals on insurance panels are still competitors How Antitrust can be anti-consumer What the risks are for discussing pros and cons of different insurance panels How to avoid anti-trust problems Why you should talk to an attorney if you’re concerned How interstate commerce relates to antitrust and how Insurance Plans can play a game to get out of all of this The differences between employees who can strike and separate businesses banding together How Single-Payer relates to this topic How associations play into this and why they can survey their members on fees and other aspects of their businesses The difference between being responsible as a business owner and following the trends Sharing information, without making decisions and planning together How often therapists or other healthcare providers get in trouble for antitrust concerns, as well as related licenses Publicly available information is safe to discuss Share information, but don’t put a call to action to do something with your colleagues

An interview with Melvin Varghese, Ph.D., on how he has created and nurtured three therapist-related businesses. Curt and Katie talk with him about how he decided what to create and how he manages these endeavors. 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 therapists must develop a personal brand to market their practices.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 Melvin Varghese, Ph.D. Melvin Varghese, PhD is a psychologist in private practice (melvinvarghese.com) in Philadelphia where he works primarily with entrepreneurs and leaders. He's also the founder of Selling The Couch (sellingthecouch.com), a podcast and blog that helps mental health practitioners build careers in and out of the therapy room. He has also started a podcasting course and a community for helpers and healers who podcast, called the Healthcasters (sellingthecouch.com/the-healthcasters). He has also created the STC Directory (sellingthecouch.com/directory), a resource to help private practitioners better connect with one another.In this episode we talk about: How the podcast Selling the Couch got started Additional options for therapists The multiple income stream mindset for therapists Melvin’s transition into being a father and how it impacted his businesses Creating alternative revenue streams when life happens Moving away from only being paid for “butt in seat time.” The guilt when generating income without being present Melvin’s immigration story and how it has impacted his business mindset Deciding on income streams (it is profitable, is it scalable) There is no such thing as “passive” income How to sustain creative energy on new products or services Thinking through the energy and time needed for the sustainability of the alternative income stream Just because you have an idea, doesn’t mean it is a good idea (long-term and sustainable) Building business around family (rather than fitting family in around business) Thinking through how to start and then scale products The upfront mental, emotional, and creative energy for launching alternative income streams Setting an end goal Focusing on one project at a time Solidifying, streamlining, and delegating before moving to the next project Time management, time blocking How Melvin does market research Testing products with Beta Testers Where Melvin gets data, i.e., how do therapists get clients Using and breaking down technology Learning from mistakes The difficulty in sustaining a lot of projects Looking to make an impact and leave a legacy, rather than making money  Relevant Resources:We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links:Selling the Couch Podcast Katie’s appearance on Melvin’s podcastThe Healthcasters CourseThe STC Directory Apple Insider (books on Steve Jobs) Book: The One Thing Book: 21 Irrefutable Laws of LeadershipThe Call for Speakers for Therapy Reimagined 2019The Modern Therapists Group on FacebookTherapy Reimagined 2019 Relevant Podcast EpisodesOpen to OpportunitiesCredits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano http://www.crystalmangano.com/ 

Curt and Katie talk about why to join your professional organization, how to best take advantage of the benefits of your membership, and what associations actually do.  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: Why to join your professional organization What your membership fees go to Advocacy efforts, legislation Finding the cultural fit for your professional organization Joining based on your license, the focus of the org, education The tools that professional organizations provide to their members The power of numbers in advocacy Networking and getting referrals within your local chapter Community building Learning and growing Relationship building How to assess return on investment on joining Opportunities for leadership, education, networking Creating friendships Differentiating yourself within your local community Decreasing isolation Gaining perspective on your work/business situation Continuing Education Making an impact on how your professional organization operates Communication about the current state of affairs Needed information for both pre-licensed and licensed individuals Magazines, Scholarly Journals How to get involved, show up consistently Committees, projects, volunteering How to approach the situation whether you’re an introvert, ambivert, or extrovert Benefits to your business, network and community, education, advocacy, and fun Vote for Curt Widhalm, LMFT for President-Elect of CAMFT

An interview with Daniela Paolone, LMFT about how she treats clients with chronic pain and illnesses while navigating her own diagnosis. Curt and Katie talked with Daniela about how typical therapy doesn’t work for these clients, providing practical strategies for treatment and therapist self-care.Interview with Daniela Paolone, LMFTDaniela Paolone is a Marriage and Family Therapist who is licensed in California and Wyoming and offers support to those impacted by anxiety, depression, life transitions, chronic pain, chronic illness, and medical trauma. She provides online and in-person counseling to California residents and offers online counseling to Wyoming residents. As a therapist with chronic health conditions, she utilizes her personal experiences and professional training in her counseling work. Daniela’s integrative approach helps her clients learn new ways of coping so that they can live more fulfilling lives and feel empowered as they move through life challenges, such as medical illness and chronic pain.  Daniela also offers workshops and consultation support for mental health professionals. She also provides community presentations focused on pain management, stress management, sleep solutions and more. If you want to learn about where she is presenting next, you can sign up for her newsletter here. When you sign up, you will also receive a free guided meditation as thank you gift.  In this episode we talk about: Why Daniela decided that she wanted to go into working with chronic pain and illness as her area of specialty What was missing in the treatment she had seen for chronic pain and illness sufferers The need for structure and for understanding How she has decided how to disclose about her own diagnosis, medical procedures, etc. based on relevance and relatability The specific challenges of being a younger person who has chronic illness Modeling needs and self-care to clients Themes of isolation and not being understood Being a Spoon-y What therapists often get wrong when working with chronic pain sufferers The need to do a good job of assessing functioning, what they can do in a typical day Understanding the neuroscience of pain and how it impacts their ability to do deeper, insight-oriented work The conversation about attendance, options when someone (client or therapist) are having a flare-up (like online services) The need for a more flexible cancellation policy Understanding their schedule of doctor’s appointments The idea of consulting with the other medical professionals on their team The work in session around navigating doctors, their illness The need for a case management hat at times Putting a focus on building skills and support Looking at scope of practice when you have had your own medical journey and have knowledge. How to share information through a psychoeducational lens  Relevant Resources:We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links:Daniela’s website: www.westlakevillage-counseling.comSpoon Theory: https://butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory/ 7 Psychological Stages of Chronic Pain (and it also applies to chronic illness)  Functional Medicine defined: https://drhyman.com/about-2/about-functional-medicine/Dr. Datis Kharrazian: https://drknews.com/about-dr-datis-kharrazian/ The Modern Therapists Group on FacebookTherapy Reimagined 2019 Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano http://www.crystalmangano.com/ 

Curt and Katie talk about the 2018 APA Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Boys and Men. We talk about the definition of masculinity and each of the guidelines, looking at what they explain well and where they miss the mark. 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: Discussing whether these guidelines would be created The importance of teasing out the differences across demographics, genders, etc. The complexity of men and what the guidelines address The definition of masculinity and Curt’s problem with it The concept of many masculinities The shifting perception of masculinity and femininity Toxic masculinity as the extreme The places where the guidelines miss the mark Comparing Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Michael Cerra The stuff that is “no duh.” Discussing intersectionality, the impact of culture, sexism, power, privilege on how men develop Biological, evolutionary, and societal impacts on sexism for men Challenging the idea that we actually value all the different types of masculinity How the educational guidelines miss the need to adjust how schools operate What is missed or misrepresented about bullying How the guidelines address violence The problem with the data on violence – looking at convictions versus how many are committed The concept of “boys will be boys” Physical differences that lead to stand up and be protective The thought that the Guidelines are not acknowledging the biological or physical differences between men and other genders The types of responses men have toward taking care of their health How to embrace masculinity as an element of diversity and not thinking that masculinity is bad Differentiating toxic masculinity from masculinity (i.e., pathologizing masculinity) How this can be perceived in the #metoo era The shifting of what is acceptable for men and potential impacts of these shifts on boys and men How advocacy is addressed in the guidelines, especially looking at intersectionality Relevant Episodes:When is it Discrimination? Resources mentioned:We’ve pulled together resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links. APA Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Boys and MenPodcast: Hardcore History Our Facebook Group – The Modern Therapists GroupTherapy Reimagined 2019: Sign up here to get notified when the details are released. Our consultation services:The Fifty-Minute Hour Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano http://www.crystalmangano.com/

An interview with Anita Avedian, LMFT, CAMS-IV, about her ability to identify opportunities for entrepreneurship. Curt and Katie talk with her about how she has thrived as a therapist and a business owner, even though she doesn’t see herself as a “visionary” or “strategist.”Interview with Anita Avedian, LMFT, CAMS-IV, Executive Director of Avedian Counseling Center, Executive Director of Anger Management EssentialsAnita Avedian is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and has been practicing psychotherapy since 1996. She opened her practice in 2001 and continues to see clients in Sherman Oaks, Hollywood, Glendale, and Woodland Hills. Avedian Marriage and Family Therapy Corporation was formed in 2018, where Anita merged Anger Management 818 and her private practice into a group practice. Her specialties include working with relationships, anger, social anxiety, general anxiety, and addictions. Anita is the Executive Director of Avedian Counseling Center, with 8 locations, helping people work towards improving their daily lives and relationships.Anita is very involved with the professional community. Anita is the co-Founder and President of the California Chapter of NAMA, and the Founder of Toastmasters for Mental Health Professionals. Anita is an active member of the Armenian American Medical Society (AAMS) and the Armenian American Mental Health Association (AAMHA). She also volunteers to help organize the mental health segment of the annual Glendale Health Festival.In this episode we talk about: How Anita started and succeeded at a number of different businesses Learning about business and entrepreneurship The importance of networking and building relationships Following the path in front of her, toward leadership, business, entrepreneurship The additional education she engaged in, so that she was able to learn what she needed to do The path toward all the offerings she has created: a book, creating a curriculum and certificate program, multi-location group practice, managing office space, speaking and presenting, new endeavors How collaboration and fun has led her into opportunities that she didn’t expect Anita claiming that she doesn’t have vision, but has made herself available to the possibilities How she now assesses opportunities for time, feasibility, etc. How she is able to let go of ideas or projects that are not working How she makes decisions and identifies needs in her communities The strategy she takes to expand offerings How and why she says no How her work naturally progresses Why some people miss out on opportunities The ability to trust opportunities to be there when they are needed Doing what she enjoys, building the relationships she wants, in order to live a good life (rather than just to get referrals) Relevant Resources:We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links:Anita Avedian’s websiteAnger Management 818Anger Management EssentialsShrink SyncAvedian Counseling CenterPhone number: 818-426-2495 The Modern Therapists Group on FacebookTherapy Reimagined 2019Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano http://www.crystalmangano.com/ 

Curt and Katie talk about how niche, safety considerations, or competence can be used by therapists to discriminate against specific classes of people. Specifically looking at therapists who decide to no longer work with men. 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 therapists might be discriminating when they refuse to work with a specific gender Niche, specialization, scope of competence (or scope of excellence) How to assess whether you are discriminating or providing the highest level of care (i.e., referral) Having a thoughtful process and clear conversation to help clients find the best match Assessing safety in deciding who to take into your practice The importance of good screening tools The problem of refusing to see clients when you are fearful of a whole protected class of individuals Marketing to your ideal client to help the clients you’re best suited to help call you When there is a competence issue to be a therapist when you are not able to work professionally with specific protected classes The role that past traumas and wounding experiences have on our ability to be effective therapists Self-awareness versus discrimination The argument about whether we “have to” serve everyone who reaches out to us for help Options when you don’t feel capable of serving specific issues or specific classes of people Referring out, learning more, working on your own triggers The standard that therapists are held to How not to discriminate – helping clients to make an informed choice, providing professional assistance (referring out) When you must see clients according to the ethics codes How to take care of yourself as a therapist Respecting that we are human beings with limits, while still understanding the higher standard that we are held to

An interview with Stevon Lewis, LMFT on Race, Ethnicity, Culture, Privilege and Bias. Curt and Katie talk with Stevon about how white therapists and therapists of color can (and should) open up conversations on these important topics, looking at why it is so hard and why it is critical we do so anyway.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 therapists must develop a personal brand to market their practices.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 Stevon Lewis, LMFTStevon Lewis is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in Torrance, CA. He earned Bachelors of Arts degrees in Psychology and Afro-Ethnic Studies from California State University, Fullerton. He also has a Master’s of Science degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Long Beach. Stevon began his therapy career in 2007 as a therapist at a community mental health agency in Long Beach working with the families of adolescents involved with the juvenile justice system. Currently, Stevon is the Director of Counseling Services at Woodbury University, a small private university in Burbank, CA. There he oversees the psychotherapy for all students, supervises two licensed clinicians, two associates, and provides consultation to faculty and staff.Stevon has a private practice in Torrance where he works with adults struggling with Impostor Syndrome, depression, anxiety and stress, and couples experiencing difficulty in their relationships as a result of poor communication and unmet expectations.In addition, he is the Past President of the Long Beach-South Bay Chapter of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.You can learn more about Stevon at: www.stevonlewis.com.In this episode we talk about: Barriers that therapists of color face that white therapists do not How the curriculums of our clinical programs are based on white norms (and thoughts on what we should put in these curriculums to address this bias) The different perspectives that are missed when we rely on these white norms The othering of people of color in these programs How race and ethnicity come into the room How to obtain the information that you need, seeing the world from other perspectives The bias that can come up and turn into microaggressions How to seek knowledge without putting the responsibility of teaching on the people of color around you The value of curiosity and Google, cultural humility Ideas for productive conversations about culture, race, ethnicity How to identify what you are responsible for The impact of historical trauma, racial injustice, and slavery on the conversations now A deeper look at bias and the impact of individual and societal bias on our interactions The pain of shame, defensiveness, and perceived divisiveness that might hinder our progress The importance of white people talking about race, and of white allies How to identify if your program is pushing you to be white-normed Ideas to translate the lessons to apply to you as an individual and calling out “this isn’t going to work for me” Encouraging the conversations about how we are perceived by society and how that can impact the relationship in the room The idea that we can have feelings about the clients we see – the need to be conscious about it and releasing guilt about negative or neutral feelings about our clients

Curt and Katie talk about the difference between talking about what’s wrong and actually doing something about it. Katie shares her BOSS acronym for making decisions and taking action. 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: Taking action rather than just talking about what needs to change Identifying what you want to take action on Experimenting, finding what you’re motivated to actually do The big goals that we have pursued and continue to act on Making commitments to others can help move action forward Vision, goals, and connecting to like-minded people to accomplish goals Creating the structure to be able to accomplish big dreams The challenges in our profession that warrant consideration for taking action A call to action to think about the conversations you’re having and identify actionable steps for creating change Katie’s acronym for making decisions: BOSS (Bold Objective Selective Strategic) Finding your big bold vision Creating your personal mission statement Looking at logistics (time, energy, timing, etc.) Saying yes also means saying no Creating the plan – scheduling tasks, not creating a to do list The importance of structure and support  Resources mentioned:We’ve pulled together resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links.Simon Sinek’s Start With WhyCAMFT (California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists)#therapymovementOur Facebook Group – The Modern Therapists GroupTherapy Reimagined 2019: Sign up here to get notified when the details are released.Our consultation services:The Fifty-Minute Hour

An interview with Nicol Stolar-Peterson, LCSW, BCD, Expert Witness aka The Court Chick, on how to prepare for court, what to put in your court policy for your informed consent, and how she created an alternative revenue stream.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 therapists must develop a personal brand to market their practices.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 Nicol Stolar-Peterson, LCSWNicol Stolar-Peterson, LCSW, BCD is an expert witness as it relates to child abuse, sexual abuse, CPS, family violence and child custody. She worked for CPS for over 11.5 years as an investigator, forensic interviewer and adoptions social worker. Nicol is the founder and director of Kids Court & Counseling Center, 501c3, that helps children prepare for court testimony and appearances if they are victims of crimes, witnesses to crimes, in foster care and/or going through a litigious custody battle where testimony occurs. Nicol is appointed as the court’s expert on family law matters as the designated child custody evaluator.Nicol also enjoys speaking on the concept of “the permission to succeed and the risk of being happy.” Her book is coming out in 2019 and guess what the title is? “The permission to succeed and the risk of being happy.” Nicol also sells Rodan & Fields as an independent consultant and helps other’s build a business of residual income around their families and their lives. This is a complete departure from her “day job” and it brings her joy and inspiration helping other’s build their own business.You can find Nicol at www.therapistcourtprep.com and www.nicol.live.     In this episode we talk about: Nicol’s story of how and why she became interested in court How Nicol created Therapist Court Prep Court Policy to put into Informed Consent What needs to be discussed at the beginning of treatment related to court, writing letters, etc. Do NOT ignore your subpoenas Setting fees for court-related activities (can do flat rate) Going to court is not our job Scope of practice, dual relationships related to court-requirements Do not make a child-custody recommendation unless you are appointed by the court The importance of getting clear on what you can do as a therapist, counselor, social worker, psychologist How the therapeutic alliance causes bias in a legal setting Observation versus Opinion – and how you can get in trouble when you add your opinion into custody cases Imagine reading letter on the stand to determine what you should be putting in that letter The threat of a bench warrant when you ignore subpoenas Litigious times when clients weaponize therapists Subpoena for records does not mean a treatment summary When in court, don’t guess – say I don’t know Don’t try to hide treatment information How to set court rates, rates for writing letters The value of preparation when going to court What to wear for court Success stories from court  Resources mentioned:We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links:ZynnymeSherry Shockey-Pope and Therapist Practice in a Box Evidence Code 730CAMFT (California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists) Legal AdviceFree Court Letter Cheat Sheet on Therapist Court PrepDr. Pamela Harmell Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano http://www.crystalmangano.com/