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

Curt and Katie talk about union therapists and a strike in California. We look at antitrust, labor disputes, implications of striking, and how to improve working conditions, treatment, and outcomes.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: A strike by the Union of Health Care Workers at Kaiser Permanente in California Historical perspective on Kaiser Permanente Union statement on why they are striking The Union asks from Kaiser Our desire to be objective The ideas that we support: increased mental health access, improved mental health treatment, and positive work environments, fair wages, and sustainable work standards How union workers increasing wages impacts nonunion clinics The different perspectives on what the discussion is about and why the strike is happening How change can happen, what conversations might be happening Being adversarial, being productive, and when they are mutually exclusive Things to consider while therapists are striking The offer for crossing labor lines and why that can be problematic clinically The current state of Kaiser mental health care and the possibility of what could be The financial priorities that Kaiser has put on their required improvements Reflections on how the strikers may be feeling or handling the situation  Relevant Episodes:The Burnout SystemAddressing the Burnout System Resources mentioned:We’ve pulled together resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links. Article from San Francisco Examiner Statement from National Union of Healthcare Workers The Statement from Kaiser Saving Psychotherapy by Benjamin E. CaldwellOur 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 Marquita Johnson, Licensed Professional Counselor and Millennial Dating Coach, on incorporating technology in your clinical work with millennials. We look at tele-mental health and other ways that technology can positively impact therapy.Interview with Marquita Johnson, LPC, MDiv, NCC, BC-TMH, CPCSMarquita Johnson is a graduate of Mercer University with a Master of Science in Community Counseling and Master of Divinity. Marquita received her undergraduate degree from Georgia State University in Psychology & Sociology. Currently, Marquita is pursuing a doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision at Walden University. She is a licensed professional counselor, nationally certified counselor, board certified tele-mental counselor, and certified professional counseling supervisor. Marquita’s specialties include women, dating, divorce, step-families, and grief related to loss in relationships. In an effort to promote healthy relationships, Marquita started offering coaching services to help millennials who are dating. While working as a college counselor she found that students were struggling with intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships. Hence, she has embraced the call as Atlanta's "Millennial Dating Coach." Marquita’s private practice is located in the heart of Atlanta: Millennial Counseling, Coaching, and Consulting.  In this episode we talk about: Marquita’s work with millennials and how she incorporates technology in sessions Tele-mental Health Reasons to incorporate telehealth into treatment The differences between in-person and telehealth sessions How to assess and prepare your clients for telehealth How to engage and use the technology to increase the connection over video Transitioning between in person and telehealth The skills needed to assess body language, nonverbals, etc. when you are not getting the in-person experience Connecting with a client’s presence while online Making sure to have environment that is free from distractions, that you have a good internet connection, and that you are working on a HIPAA compliant platform The importance of looking in the camera and how to adjust your communication patterns to address the differences Consciously talking about how technology will impact the conversation How to incorporate your theoretical orientation AND technology into your work The limitations of technology in treatment When telehealth is not indicated The need for separate entities for coaching and therapy The types of continuing education that is helpful to set you up for success  Resources mentioned:We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy TeleHealth Certification InstituteMillennial Dating Coach Website Our Generous Sponsor:Thanks again to our sponsor, Motivo!Motivo provides clinical supervision online through a HIPAA compliant video platform. Motivo was started by Rachel McCrickard, a LMFT who attended Azusa Pacific University in CA. Rachel had a difficult time finding quality affordable supervision after graduate school. After state licensure boards began allowing online supervision, she became inspired to take action. Therapists are able to search through a directory of quality clinical supervisors, licensed in states throughout the country. Session rates range from only $40-60 per hour.To find out more, go to www.wearemotivo.com or email hello@wearemotivo.com. You can also call them at 470-231-1256. Mention the Modern Therapist podcast and receive your first session for free.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 how to make sure that you are making decisions that respect clinical and business principles AND meet the requirements for laws and ethics.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: Treatment strategies that are based on evidence-based practices, that may need extra information up front to avoid seeming coercive to families (i.e., required sessions, frequency or length of treatment) The importance of defining the unit of treatment in the initial assessment What needs to happen in the conversations with the clients What is the treatment need? How treatment orientation can impact business decisions What limits you can set related to requirements for parents in treatment for children Addressing treatment within the therapeutic alliance, in the treatment planning process, rather than holding to business parameters that go unaddressed clinically Consciously discussing boundaries and compliance with treatment model, not allowing for clinical drift or an unacknowledged broken frame The fear of challenging clients, fear of losing income Looking at whether you can provide the level of treatment required Whether we should be as flexible as our clients Balancing our needs with the needs of our clients looking at both clinical and business reasons to determine how flexible to be Bad clinical decisions that are based on business inflexibility You don’t want business policies to overshadow the clinical decisions and clinical efficacy Setting pricing strategies – doing bulk pricing or monthly pricing can get very complex and there are a lot of legal and ethical considerations When we must sacrifice for our clients and when we can hold the boundaries Separating assessment from treatment Referring to treatment teams The importance of good consultation to help talk through cases The ethics codes do not require that you keep a client indefinitely Ethical termination and referral options Relevant Episodes:Managing Client CancellationsAsking for MoneyEnding TherapyResources mentioned:We’ve pulled together resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links. Angela Caldwell, MFT at the Self-Injury Institute DBT 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/

Clinician AND Entrepreneur: An interview with Jo MuirheadAn interview with Jo Muirhead, chief life changer and business coach, on how self-promotion positively impacts your clinical work. We also talk about how therapists need to invest in their business training to be a successful entrepreneur.Interview with Jo MuirheadJo is Uber passionate about private practice. You should see the video on her home page of her website. She loves to empower clinicians to build profitable and sustainable businesses through doing more of the work they love, the way they love to do it (www.jomuirhead.com).In this episode we talk about: Jo’s story of being told she couldn’t build her business and doing it anyway Being an entrepreneur and thinking bigger than what is in front of you, thinking ahead of your clients The tendency for therapists to follow “the rules” to their detriment What an entrepreneurial clinician means Self-promotion and marketing How professional organizations and ethical codes are behind the times related to self-promotion The tendency of people to judge others in the FB groups Getting in the head and the heart of your client, so you can give them something of value What we miss in the therapeutic relationship when we stay too clinical How consumers have changed since the dawn of the internet The differences across countries related to practicing therapy The importance of understanding what is going on in the world and how it impacts what you can do as an entrepreneur Looking at the code of conduct or ethics code to determine how you behave as a professional How therapists get in their own way by only “investing” in the free stuff to learn business What to do when you don’t know what you don’t know The trouble with jumping too early into alternative revenue streams Managing expectations around what you can make and how to set up your business The difference between alternative revenue streams and marketing tools The most harmful myths that have been put out there about entrepreneurship How so many people access information and don’t implement it The shocking truth that not everyone needs to be in private practice Working out what works best for you Investing money AND time in building your business What you should invest in first, when building a private practice Getting clarity on who you are, what you do well, and how you move forward Jo’s pushing against the “7-Step System” models that so many coaches use Jo’s best advice for therapists wanting to become entrepreneurial clinicians  Resources mentioned:We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandyThis is Private PracticeJo on FacebookThe Entrepreneurial Clinician by Jo MuirheadPURPLE COjomuirhead.comPrevious Episodes Mentioned:The Brand Called You  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 how to handle the drama that can happen at your work or school setting. We talk about when to take action and when it is more important to manage the logistics and protect your reputation and employability.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: What to do when your agency or your program closes out or there is DRAMA How it works within a school program that closes Making decisions when you have to face this type of crisis Making sure to get information to help you with your decision making Balancing supporting your peers and taking care of yourself How to do due diligence to move forward Understanding the motivations of all parties involved Looking out for your own best interest Navigating and understanding the rumor mill Understanding how rumors, drama, etc., can impact you personally Sorting through when you should stand up and advocate and when you keep your head down Creating an exit plan Reputation management The problem with getting frozen The caution required when you decide to stand up for someone else (especially when you don’t have all the information) Choosing your battles Protecting your own reputation and employability Managing your resume How the way you talk about what has happened will reflect on you Making sure to remain professional Discussing the reasons that Curt and Katie work for themselves Identifying when you can live with the drama and when you need to move on Handling logistics to take care of your needs Assessing what is worth it  Relevant EpisodesToxic Work Environments Interview Strategies for TherapistsResources mentioned:We’ve pulled together resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links.Our Facebook Group – The Modern Therapist’s GroupTherapy Reimagined 2019: Sign up here to get notified when the details are released.Our consultation services:The Fifty-Minute Hour Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano http://www.crystalmangano.com/

Interview with Dr. Abigail WeissmanAbigail (“Abi”) Weissman is a California clinical psychologist, earning her doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PSY 27497) with a dissertation on helping psychologists to be supporting, respectful, and effective with their transgender Jewish clients. She holds a Master of Arts in Human Sexuality studies that focused on femme lesbian identity and completed a Certificate in Sex Education. She serves as a Member At Large – Professional Practice, of the Board of Directors of the San Diego Psychological Association. She is also the Chair of the LGBT Committee for the San Diego Psychological Association. A self-proclaimed “super queer” she loves to empower others, especially those who wish they could be their full queer, transgender, religious, liberal, activist, polyamorous, and/or kink selves, but hold themselves back because they are scared they will be unloved, unemployed, and rejected by their loved ones and communities. Abi provides individual and group therapy for LGBTQIQAP-identified clients as well as training for other professionals on how to be more LGBTQIQAP-affirming in clinical practice and in business. Her pronouns are she, her hers. You can learn more about Abi and her group practice Waves, A Psychological Corporation, at www.wavespsych.com.In this episode we talk about: Vulnerability during the recent events as a member of impacted, marginalized communities Abi’s comfort level with talking about being Jewish, queer, lesbian, trans (or “trans-esque” in her parlance) How she decides how to present herself, how she tells her story, her level of safety How Abi “leans in” whenever she feels unsafe – how sharing who she is first, makes her feel safer Civil and social justice advocacy as a therapist Her hesitation to talk about LGBTQ as a single community and the problem with “lumping” them all together. The importance of hearing all the different, unique perspectives. Sitting as a leader in your therapy room and feeling vulnerable as the events in society impact you personally Holding hope for therapy clients as well as for society, and grieving for her own losses and feeling her own fears and her own despair Reflecting on the Pittsburgh Tree of Life synagogue shooting as well as reactions to the memo seeking to make gender binary – both how Abi is reacting personally and what she is hearing (and not hearing) from her clients Where Abi is finding her hope, healing, and getting her support The ways that antisemitism still shows up in daily life (even in small ways) Having to choose how she shows up as an activist with these intersectional needs that aren’t respected How thoughtful she is about where she lives and what she stands up and does for her community What therapists often get wrong related to LGBTQ The frequent problem of othering people within the therapist community who happen to be LGBTQ  Resources mentioned:We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links.Waves, A Psychological Corporation: www.wavespsych.comAbi’s availability for consultation: https://www.wavespsych.com/contactThe book Abi was talking about related to bringing ancestors into the room: Native American Postcolonial Psychology By Eduardo Duran, Bonnie Duran Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano http://www.crystalmangano.com/ 

Curt and Katie delve into the importance of discussing treatment termination early. They explore techniques for normalizing endings and setting client expectations. The duo addresses challenges like clients ghosting and share strategies for positive closures. They discuss the emotional impact on both therapists and clients during abrupt terminations, and the ethics of requesting termination sessions. Additionally, they highlight the need for referrals and ongoing support, emphasizing the significance of honoring the therapeutic relationship.

An interview with family law attorney Laura A. Wasser, Esq. Curt and Katie talk with Laura about the process of divorce, collaboration among professionals, and the creation of her online divorce mediation platform, it’s over easy.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 Laura A. Wasser, Esq. C.E.O. of it’s over easy & Host of The Divorce Sucks! PodcastAttorney Laura Allison Wasser is an author, entrepreneur, and Family Law expert. She is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of the online divorce platform, it’s over easy. Laura has represented celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Ryan Reynolds, Angelina Jolie, Jimmy Iovine, Maria Shriver, and Stevie Wonder, but she maintains that divorce is the great equalizer—it terrifies everyone. Laura’s made it her mission to change that by creating it’s over easy, which gives divorcing couples an easy to use resource to dissolve their marriage that is accessible (and affordable) to everyone.In this episode we talk about: Laura’s background in Family Law, her book It Doesn’t Have to Be That Way How Laura perceives the importing distinctions between being an empathic “divorce” lawyer and being a therapist How people can navigate through divorce by yourselves, without needing to bring in a divorce attorney The different mechanisms to get a divorce and how to decide which referral to make How Laura collaborates with therapists and decides to refer to therapists The importance of handling divorce well for moving forward in your life Her opinions on how to help families get through the process Boundaries that attorneys should set within their work Her referral network, how she develops her referral network The turn off of therapists talking too much about their own experiences Reminding ourselves that we are being observed by those who we are collaborating with The shock of mental health providers breaking confidentiality with her How she launched her product out to the market (online divorce platform) Her logic on how she created the platform, with all the pieces considered The flak she got from some other attorneys Connecting divorcing individuals to all the resources they need to move through the process effectively Addressing the broken, clogged up court system How to create closure when getting divorced The power of helping people get the knowledge they need  Resources mentioned:We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links. It Doesn’t Have to be That Way: How to Divorce Without Destroying Your Family or Bankrupting Yourself  by Laura Wasserit’s over easyit’s over easy blog: Co-Parenting with an AssholeCredits: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 ups and downs of planning Therapy Reimagined 2018. We share tips and tricks for planning an event as well as things we’re going to do differently next year.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: Reflecting on Therapy Reimagined 2018 The importance of planning ahead Creating time and space to do something extra How to create buzz and excitement throughout a long event Messaging and marketing The importance of creating a cohesive marketing plan from the beginning The loss of creativity and perspective when you are super busy and overwhelmed Delegating when something grows bigger than you can manage on your own The danger of burnout when working TOO much, even when you are doing something you love Taking care of the details and creating templates for the next year Event planning and negotiating with the venue – knowing what you don’t know Planning ahead – not just creating stuff to use now, but actually making templates and structures that are repeatable Getting and supporting sponsors Creating relationships and leveraging them to grow the movement Being very clear with the information that sponsors, speakers, and exhibitors can and should share, and when. How important it is to be specific. Being directive, respectful, and specific on how people can help and participate Understanding that we packed WAY TOO MUCH into 2 days Thinking through your whole schedule from the participants’ perspective Making sure you put forward clear instructions for your participants The challenge we had with continuing education sign in and certificates (#fail) How to vet speakers, working with them earlier in the process, the details that are important Taking care of the technological aspects of presenting multiple speakers Looking at it as a production, versus an “educational event” Getting feedback from everyone who attended to improve (our deliberate practice) Announcing the tentative plans for Therapy Reimagined 2019 How to incorporate feedback and criticism into future decision-making, and how important it is to be responsive Resources mentioned:We’ve pulled together resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links.Katie Read Katie Write#therapymovementOur Facebook Group – The Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Group Relevant Previous Episodes:Own Your Awesome Business (with Kelly Higdon)The Burnout SystemAddressing The Burnout System Our event this year:The Therapy Reimagined Conference in Los Angeles in October 2018!! 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 Barbara Griswold, LMFT – Curt and Katie talk with Barbara about what it is really like to have an insurance-based private practice. We look at the common myths and strategies to navigate taking insurance.   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 Barbara Griswold, MFT, practice consultant, and authorBarbara Griswold, MFT, is a practice consultant and the author of Navigating the Insurance Maze: The Therapist's Complete Guide to Working with Insurance -- And Whether You Should (www.theinsurancemaze.com), now in the newly-updated seventh edition.  She invites therapists to contact her through her website to get answers to insurance questions, for practice-building support, and to subscribe to her free monthly e-newsletter to keep abreast of the ever-changing world of insurance.  In private practice in San Jose, California, Barbara has been interviewed on NPR's “Morning Edition," and her articles have appeared in Psychotherapy Networker and The Therapist magazines.  She is a past member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapist’s State Ethics Committee and Board of Directors, and former Oral Licensing Examiner for the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.In this episode we talk about: The impressions that we often have about taking insurance Why to take insurance: Accessibility of services, full practice with a waitlist without a waitlist, trade off on costs and fees taken The small marketing steps needed to maximize insurance practices: provider directories, website Expanding your practice beyond wealthy clients – increasing diversity and accessibility, capacity for long-term therapy Taking insurance without selling your soul Barbara never makes a clinical decision based on insurance Sorting through the common myths about taking insurance What makes you appealing to insurance panels Requirements for getting onto panels The online “filing cabinet” for applying for insurance – CAQH The importance of niche and specialization – even for insurance Strategies for pointing out your value to insurance panels Learning what the contracted fee is on an insurance panel and how to negotiate up front How to ask insurance panels for a raise The real truth about the paperwork Improving reimbursement rates and timeline to be paid Using an insurance biller What to do when insurance panels say they are not accepting new providers in your area  Resources mentioned:We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links.CAMFT (California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists)CAQHNavigating the Insurance Maze: The Therapist's Complete Guide to Working with Insurance -- And Whether You Should (www.theinsurancemaze.com)Office Ally Barbara’s Insurance Billers Referral ListBarbara’s Webinar on Progress NotesCredits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano http://www.crystalmangano.com/