

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

Jan 18, 2018 • 31min
Crafting Your Authentic Message
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 Mercedes Samudio, LCSW, Parent CoachWe so enjoyed talking with Mercedes Samudio!Mercedes Samudio, LCSW is a parent coach, speaker, and bestselling author who helps parents and children communicate with each other, manage emotional trauma, navigate social media and technology together, and develop healthy parent-child relationships. Over the course of her career, she has worked with adoptive families, foster families, teen parents, parents navigating the child protective services system, and children living with mental illness. Mercedes started the #EndParentShaming movement as well as coined the term Shame-Proof Parenting (check out the bestselling book here) – using both to bring awareness to ending parent shame. Mercedes is a leading parenting expert and has an amazing following on social media that allows her to reach the hearts of thousands of parents who feel heard and seen on their parenting journey. She has been featured on The Huffington Post, US News and Report, Woman’s Day, LA Parent Magazine, CBS LA, and Kids In The House. Mercedes seeks to empower parents to believe that they are already great guides for raising healthy and happy children.You can read more about her parenting expertise at https://shameproofparenting.com.In this episode we talk about:
Shame-Proof Parenting and how therapists can shame the parents they serve
Having a big message and crafting it for your audience
Becoming an Amazon best-seller
Being both a coach and a clinician
Being a geek and using sci-fi and fantasy (especially Star Wars and the Marvel Universe) to talk about family dynamics
Being authentic and vulnerable with your story
Managing vulnerability through a strong sense of self and a supportive community
Resources mentioned:We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links.Shame-Proof Parenting by Mercedes Samudio Homework Wars by Mercedes SamudioPaper Raven Books Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano http://www.crystalmangano.com/

Jan 16, 2018 • 36min
Managing Client Cancellations
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.In this episode we talk about:
Typical cancellation policies
Informed consent
What ethical problems to consider when scheduling your clients
How respect in the relationship plays into attendance
Clinical considerations for cancellation policies
The pros and cons of different lengths of time required for cancellation (24-hour, 48-hour, etc.)
What to do when YOU cancel a session due to illness or emergency
Collecting no show or late cancellation fees
The importance of consistency in following your policies
Resources mentioned:We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links.The Therapy Reimagined Conference in Los Angeles in October 2018!! Who we are:Curt Widhalm is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in private practice in the Los Angeles area. He is a Board Member at Large for the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, a Subject Matter Expert for the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, Adjunct Faculty at Pepperdine University, and a loving husband and father. He is 1/2 great person, 1/2 provocateur, and 1/2 geek, in that order. He dabbles in the dark art of making "dad jokes" and usually has a half-empty cup of coffee somewhere nearby. Learn more at: www.curtwidhalm.comKatie Vernoy is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, coach, and consultant. As a helping professional for two decades, she’s navigated the ups and downs of our unique line of work. She’s run her own solo therapy practice, designed innovative clinical programs, built and managed large, thriving teams of service providers, and consulted hundreds of helping professionals on how to build meaningful AND sustainable practices. In her spare time, Katie is secretly siphoning off Curt's youthful energy, so that she can take over the world. Learn more at: www.katievernoy.comA Quick Note:Our opinions are our own. We are only speaking for ourselves – except when we speak for each other, or over each other. We’re working on it.Our guests are also only speaking for themselves and have their own opinions. We aren’t trying to take their voice, and no one speaks for us either. Mostly because they don’t want to, but hey. Stay in Touch:www.mtsgpodcast.comwww.therapyreimagined.comhttps://www.facebook.com/therapyreimagined/https://twitter.com/therapymovementhttps://www.instagram.com/therapyreimagined/ Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano http://www.crystalmangano.com/

Jan 11, 2018 • 31min
The New Tax Bill and Planning for Taxes in 2018
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 Michael Jurenka, CPAWe so enjoyed talking with Mike Jurenka!Mike has been a Certified Public Accountant since 2006. After graduating from Montana State University, he moved to Seattle and spent the first five years of his career working for Clark Nuber, PS, in Bellevue, WA. His areas of expertise include commercial and individual income tax. His strongest expertise is working with closely held businesses and their owners on tax issues that arise throughout the course of running a business. He consulted with clients at Clark Nuber on accounting for income taxes for large private and smaller publicly traded clients.In this episode we talk about:
How the New Tax Bill for 2018 in the United States impacts private practice businesses
New limits on deductions and the cap on deductions
Solid business practices
Different business entities and what the heck a pass-through corporation is
The complication of pass-through deductions
Business expenses versus deductions
When and why to incorporate
How to choose an accountant
How to plan for taxes in 2018
Resources mentioned:We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links.You can learn more about Michael Jurenka, CPA at www.fjcpas.comThe Therapy Reimagined Conference in Los Angeles in October 2018!!Who we are:Curt Widhalm is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in private practice in the Los Angeles area. He is a Board Member at Large for the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, a Subject Matter Expert for the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, Adjunct Faculty at Pepperdine University, and a loving husband and father. He is 1/2 great person, 1/2 provocateur, and 1/2 geek, in that order. He dabbles in the dark art of making "dad jokes" and usually has a half-empty cup of coffee somewhere nearby. Learn more about Curt at www.curtwidhalm.com.Katie Vernoy is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, coach, and consultant. As a helping professional for two decades, she’s navigated the ups and downs of our unique line of work. She’s run her own solo therapy practice, designed innovative clinical programs, built and managed large, thriving teams of service providers, and consulted hundreds of helping professionals on how to build meaningful AND sustainable practices. In her spare time, Katie is secretly siphoning off Curt's youthful energy, so that she can take over the world. Learn more about Katie at www.katievernoy.com.A Quick Note:Our opinions are our own. We are only speaking for ourselves – except when we speak for each other, or over each other. We’re working on it.Our guests are also only speaking for themselves and have their own opinions. We aren’t trying to take their voice, and no one speaks for us either. Mostly because they don’t want to, but hey.Stay in Touch:www.mtsgpodcast.comhttps://www.facebook.com/therapyreimagined/The Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide NEW Facebook Group!!https://twitter.com/therapymovementhttps://www.instagram.com/therapyreimagined/Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano http://www.crystalmangano.com/

Jan 9, 2018 • 32min
Managing Your Online Reputation
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.In this episode we talk about:
How to proactively create a positive online reputation
Managing Google – considering what people will find under your name
Clinical mechanisms to get consistent feedback (and of course, Curt talks about Scott Miller)
Claiming your profiles to track reviews and ensure accurate information
How to professionally address negative feedback
Making sure to do self-assessment when getting constructive criticism
Managing One Star reviews on Yelp, Healthgrades, etc.
Engaging appropriately in Therapist Facebook groups
The Screenshot Test from TIPP
The internet is forever and all of your interactions can potentially impact your online rep
Resources mentioned:We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links. Rate and Review our Podcast on iTunes!!APA (American Psychological Association) article: One-Star Therapy? by Jamie ChamberlainCAMFT (California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists) article: You, Yelp, and Social Media by Alain Montgomery, JD (requires CAMFT member access)TIPP (Therapists in Private Practice) Facebook GroupThe Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide NEW Facebook Group!!The Therapy Reimagined Conference in Los Angeles in October 2018!! Who we are:Curt Widhalm is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in private practice in the Los Angeles area. He is a Board Member at Large for the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, a Subject Matter Expert for the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, Adjunct Faculty at Pepperdine University, and a loving husband and father. He is 1/2 great person, 1/2 provocateur, and 1/2 geek, in that order. He dabbles in the dark art of making "dad jokes" and usually has a half-empty cup of coffee somewhere nearby. Learn more at: curtwidhalm.com.Katie Vernoy is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, coach, and consultant. As a helping professional for two decades, she’s navigated the ups and downs of our unique line of work. She’s run her own solo therapy practice, designed innovative clinical programs, built and managed large, thriving teams of service providers, and consulted hundreds of helping professionals on how to build meaningful AND sustainable practices. In her spare time, Katie is secretly siphoning off Curt's youthful energy, so that she can take over the world. Learn more at: katievernoy.com.A Quick Note:Our opinions are our own. We are only speaking for ourselves – except when we speak for each other, or over each other. We’re working on it.Our guests are also only speaking for themselves and have their own opinions. We aren’t trying to take their voice, and no one speaks for us either. Mostly because they don’t want to, but hey. Stay in Touch:www.mtsgpodcast.comwww.therapyreimagined.comhttps://www.facebook.com/therapyreimagined/https://twitter.com/therapymovementhttps://www.instagram.com/therapyreimagined/ Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano http://www.crystalmangano.com/

Jan 4, 2018 • 29min
Getting Personal to Advocate for Compassion, Understanding, and Social Justice
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 James Guay, LMFTWe so enjoyed talking with James Guay!James Guay is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (#39252) inspired by seeing his clients transform from being perfectionistic, constantly on the go, feeling empty despite their successes to a place where they can finally truly relax, create a better work/life balance, and be more kind to themselves and others.He’s also a social justice activist with a mission to help bring more compassion into the world — especially for oppressed minorities. To advance this cause, he’s testified against conversion therapy at California’s State Capital, appeared on Lisa Ling’s Our America show, appeared on various documentaries including VICE, and has been interviewed and/or written articles for Time, NY Times, LA Times, Huffington Post, Rage Magazine and the Advocate. In this episode we talk about:
Creating understanding and compassion
Overcoming perfectionism
James talks about becoming a “gay activist” and sharing his own story of conversion therapy
How to handle clients googling you when you’ve been real and shared your own story in a real way, especially when it comes into the room
Working within your own community
How advocacy is good marketing
Prevention efforts through social advocacy
Raising your voice to empower your clients
Aligning your work with your mission to stay energized and rejuvenated
Resources mentioned:We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links.California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) You Can’t Be Neutral on a Moving Train by Howard Zinnwww.lynda.comTo learn more about James Guay, LMFT: www.livingmorefully.comWho we are:Curt Widhalm is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in private practice in the Los Angeles area. He is a Board Member at Large for the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, a Subject Matter Expert for the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, Adjunct Faculty at Pepperdine University, and a loving husband and father. He is 1/2 great person, 1/2 provocateur, and 1/2 geek, in that order. He dabbles in the dark art of making "dad jokes" and usually has a half-empty cup of coffee somewhere nearby. Learn more about Curt at www.curtwidhalm.com.Katie Vernoy is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, coach, and consultant. As a helping professional for two decades, she’s navigated the ups and downs of our unique line of work. She’s run her own solo therapy practice, designed innovative clinical programs, built and managed large, thriving teams of service providers, and consulted hundreds of helping professionals on how to build meaningful AND sustainable practices. In her spare time, Katie is secretly siphoning off Curt's youthful energy, so that she can take over the world. Learn more about Katie at www.katievernoy.com.A Quick Note:Our opinions are our own. We are only speaking for ourselves – except when we speak for each other, or over each other. We’re working on it.Our guests are also only speaking for themselves and have their own opinions. We aren’t trying to take their voice, and no one speaks for us either. Mostly because they don’t want to, but hey.Stay in Touch:www.mtsgpodcast.comhttps://www.facebook.com/therapyreimagined/https://twitter.com/therapymovementhttps://www.instagram.com/therapyreimagined/Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano http://www.crystalmangano.com/

Jan 2, 2018 • 26min
It’s Time to Think About Your Goals
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.In this episode we talk about:
Sorting through New Year’s Resolutions, developing goals, and creating habits
SMART goals
Why it’s important to have big goals, but also identify the small steps to get there
Paying attention to the context of your life when creating goals
Assessing what’s realistic and what is an appropriate stretch goal
The importance of accountability
How to balance what you put out there and what you keep under wraps
Celebrating accomplishment
How specific you need to be to create true life-style changes (and how long they really take)
The strategy of goal setting – asking for help, delegating, and deciding what you can just stop doing
Resources mentioned:We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links. Profit from the Positive by Greenberg and MayminKatie’s Embrace Your Leadership Event (in January 2018 in Los Angeles, CA)Who we are:Curt Widhalm is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in private practice in the Los Angeles area. He is a Board Member at Large for the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, a Subject Matter Expert for the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, Adjunct Faculty at Pepperdine University, and a loving husband and father. He is 1/2 great person, 1/2 provocateur, and 1/2 geek, in that order. He dabbles in the dark art of making "dad jokes" and usually has a half-empty cup of coffee somewhere nearby. Learn more at: curtwidhalm.com.Katie Vernoy is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, coach, and consultant. As a helping professional for two decades, she’s navigated the ups and downs of our unique line of work. She’s run her own solo therapy practice, designed innovative clinical programs, built and managed large, thriving teams of service providers, and consulted hundreds of helping professionals on how to build meaningful AND sustainable practices. In her spare time, Katie is secretly siphoning off Curt's youthful energy, so that she can take over the world. Learn more at: katievernoy.com.A Quick Note:Our opinions are our own. We are only speaking for ourselves – except when we speak for each other, or over each other. We’re working on it.Our guests are also only speaking for themselves and have their own opinions. We aren’t trying to take their voice, and no one speaks for us either. Mostly because they don’t want to, but hey. Stay in Touch:www.mtsgpodcast.comhttps://www.facebook.com/therapyreimagined/https://twitter.com/therapymovementhttps://www.instagram.com/therapyreimagined/ Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano http://www.crystalmangano.com/

28 snips
Dec 28, 2017 • 31min
The Danger of Poor Self-Care for Therapists
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.In this episode we talk about:
The definitions of self-care
Legal and ethical codes require clinician self-care
Why self-care is hard for therapists
Active versus passive self-care
Proactive versus reactive self-care
Specific risks and strategies to overcome them
Resources mentioned:We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links.NetflixWineNappingWho we are:Curt Widhalm is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in private practice in the Los Angeles area. He is a Board Member at Large for the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, a Subject Matter Expert for the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, Adjunct Faculty at Pepperdine University, and a loving husband and father. He is 1/2 great person, 1/2 provocateur, and 1/2 geek, in that order. He dabbles in the dark art of making "dad jokes" and usually has a half-empty cup of coffee somewhere nearby.Katie Vernoy is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, coach, and consultant. As a helping professional for two decades, she’s navigated the ups and downs of our unique line of work. She’s run her own solo therapy practice, designed innovative clinical programs, built and managed large, thriving teams of service providers, and consulted hundreds of helping professionals on how to build meaningful AND sustainable practices. In her spare time, Katie is secretly siphoning off Curt's youthful energy, so that she can take over the world.A Quick Note:Our opinions are our own. We are only speaking for ourselves – except when we speak for each other, or over each other. We’re working on it.Our guests are also only speaking for themselves and have their own opinions. We aren’t trying to take their voice, and no one speaks for us either. Mostly because they don’t want to, but hey. Stay in Touch:www.mtsgpodcast.comhttps://www.facebook.com/therapyreimagined/https://twitter.com/therapymovementhttps://www.instagram.com/therapyreimagined/ Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano http://www.crystalmangano.com/

Dec 26, 2017 • 28min
Bridging Cultural and Communication Differences in a Bilingual Psychotherapy Practice
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 Dr. Carmen RomanWe enjoyed talking with Dr. Carmen Roman!Dr. Carmen Roman is a bilingual and bicultural psychotherapist with 25 years of experience working in both Mexico and in California. She combines both cultures and both worlds in the session. She specializes in creative expression as a form of treatment for sexual abuse, trauma, and immigration related stress. Some clinical issues she works with are: anxiety, depression, fear, severe trauma, or low self-esteem. Her clients are psychologists, counselors, religious leaders, and people in the entertainment industry. Based on Gestalt therapy she helps her clients to live with awareness, responsibility and in the here-and-now. Aided by the transpersonal psychology she addresses issues of spirituality, the use of meditation and shamanic experiences. She is a specialist in creative expression in therapy at master's and PhD levels.In this episode we talk about:
Navigating a therapy practice serving 2 countries as well as numerous cultures and languages
Bringing psychotherapy to rural areas and indigenous people
Staying current with the Latino perspective, the language, and what is happening in Mexico
Cultural implications of diverse clientele – not assuming you understand and asking the right questions
The integration of philosophy, anthropology, and psychology
Unique challenges of a bilingual practice
The importance of social justice and “rescuing the dignity” of your clients
The implications of unplanned, unplugged time.
Resources mentioned:We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links.To learn more about Dr. Carmen Roman:Website www.emotionsinharmony.comEmail her at carmen@armoniaemocional.comFacebook https://www.facebook.com/DraCarmenRoman/Twitter https://twitter.com/DraCarmenRomanYouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/cafecitovirtual Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano http://www.crystalmangano.com/

Dec 21, 2017 • 8min
A Brief Chat with Dr. Philip Zimbardo
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 Dr. Philip ZimbardoWe were so honored to talk with Dr. Philip Zimbardo at The Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference!Philip G. Zimbardo is an internationally recognized scholar, educator, researcher and media personality, winning numerous awards and honors in each of these domains. He has been a Stanford University professor since 1968, having taught previously at Yale, NYU and Columbia. Zimbardo's career is noted for giving psychology away to the public through his popular PBS-TV series, Discovering Psychology, along with many text and trade books, among his 300 publications. He was recently president of the American Psychological Association.In this episode we talk about:
Positive Psychology
Becoming a modern-day hero
Zimbardo’s wife, Christina Maslach and the Maslach Burnout Inventory
Rebranding from working on evil
Curt and Katie geeking out
Resources mentioned:We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links.To learn more about Dr. Philip Zimbardo: http://www.zimbardo.comHe was also open for questions: drzimbardo@gmail.comThe Heroic Imagination Project: https://www.heroicimagination.orgWho we are:Curt Widhalm is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in private practice in the Los Angeles area. He is a Board Member at Large for the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, a Subject Matter Expert for the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, Adjunct Faculty at Pepperdine University, and a loving husband and father. He is 1/2 great person, 1/2 provocateur, and 1/2 geek, in that order. He dabbles in the dark art of making "dad jokes" and usually has a half-empty cup of coffee somewhere nearby.Katie Vernoy is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, coach, and consultant. As a helping professional for two decades, she’s navigated the ups and downs of our unique line of work. She’s run her own solo therapy practice, designed innovative clinical programs, built and managed large, thriving teams of service providers, and consulted hundreds of helping professionals on how to build meaningful AND sustainable practices. In her spare time, Katie is secretly siphoning off Curt's youthful energy, so that she can take over the world.A Quick Note:Our opinions are our own. We are only speaking for ourselves – except when we speak for each other, or over each other. We’re working on it.Our guests are also only speaking for themselves and have their own opinions. We aren’t trying to take their voice, and no one speaks for us either. Mostly because they don’t want to, but hey. Stay in Touch:www.mtsgpodcast.comhttps://www.facebook.com/therapyreimagined/https://twitter.com/therapymovementhttps://www.instagram.com/therapyreimagined/

Dec 20, 2017 • 9min
A Brief Chat with Dr. Michael Yapko
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 Dr. Michael YapkoWe were so honored to talk with Dr. Michael Yapko at The Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference!Michael D. Yapko, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and marriage and family therapist residing in Fallbrook, California. He is internationally recognized for his work in developing strategic, outcome-focused psychotherapies, the advanced clinical applications of hypnosis, and active, short-term non-pharmacological treatments of depression. He routinely teaches to professional audiences all over the world. To date, he has been invited to present his ideas and methods to colleagues in more than 30 countries across six continents, and all over the United States.Dr. Yapko has been a passionate advocate for redefining how we think about and treat peoples’ problems, especially the most common ones of anxiety and depression. He has been a vocal critic of medicalizing such problems by calling them illnesses when there is substantial evidence that they are about much more than biology alone. He further questions the all-too-common treatment approach of simply medicating people with drugs whose safety and efficacy are highly questionable.In this episode we talk about:
Additional reflections on The Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference
The importance of psychotherapy
How therapists have shot themselves in the foot
The problem of bioreductionism (we are not only our brains)
Resources mentioned:We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links.To learn more about Dr. Michael Yapko: https://yapko.com/michael-yapko/ Who we are:Curt Widhalm is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in private practice in the Los Angeles area. He is a Board Member at Large for the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, a Subject Matter Expert for the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, Adjunct Faculty at Pepperdine University, and a loving husband and father. He is 1/2 great person, 1/2 provocateur, and 1/2 geek, in that order. He dabbles in the dark art of making "dad jokes" and usually has a half-empty cup of coffee somewhere nearby.Katie Vernoy is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, coach, and consultant. As a helping professional for two decades, she’s navigated the ups and downs of our unique line of work. She’s run her own solo therapy practice, designed innovative clinical programs, built and managed large, thriving teams of service providers, and consulted hundreds of helping professionals on how to build meaningful AND sustainable practices. In her spare time, Katie is secretly siphoning off Curt's youthful energy, so that she can take over the world.A Quick Note:Our opinions are our own. We are only speaking for ourselves – except when we speak for each other, or over each other. We’re working on it.Our guests are also only speaking for themselves and have their own opinions. We aren’t trying to take their voice, and no one speaks for us either. Mostly because they don’t want to, but hey. Stay in Touch:www.mtsgpodcast.comhttps://www.facebook.com/therapyreimagined/https://twitter.com/therapymovementhttps://www.instagram.com/therapyreimagined/ Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano http://www.crystalmangano.com/


