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

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:We reflect on our experiences during the conference as well as share perspectives from a wide array of participants and fellow exhibitors:Amelia Mosley, Amethyst Kianipur, Arlen Grajeda, Boonie Sripom, Felician Douville, Frances Robbins, Jennie Steinberg, Karin Matthews, Katrina Watkins, Kenneth Rudnicki, Khali Koetting, Mercedes Samudio, and Robyn D’Angelo, Amanda Schaeffer (Good Therapy), Anita Avedian (Anger Management 818), Dana Schwartz (Center for Discovery), Heather Potter (Thera-Link), Howard Spector (SimplePractice), Jo Muirhead, Nancy Milazzo (CAMFT), Nicol Stolar-Peterson (Therapist Court Prep), and Perry Rosenblum (Brighter Vision)Topics discussed:#ModernTherapistProblems#EvolveMoreAnd how amazing and rejuvenating it can be to go to the Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference and connect with other clinicians! Resources mentioned:We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links.No specific resources this episode, but stay tuned because we have a couple more special episodes from this conference coming this week!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/

Episode 12: Having Fun at The Evolution of Psychotherapy ConferenceSurvival Guide Tips, Tools, and Name DroppingIt’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:We’re having a great time at The Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference!!We sat down and talked with so many of the exhibitors and participants.Adam Luke, Alise Bartley, Ben Caldwell, Chris Williams, Cori Rosenthal, Douglas Evans, Ernesto Segismundo, Frances J. Harvey, Jason Odegaard, Jean Penilla, Jill Johnson-Young, Jo Muirhead, Joanne Holbert, Joey Tapia-Fuselier, Kelly Higdon, Lilia Carey, Maelissa Hall, Melissa Garcia, Miranda Palmer, Rachel McMurray, Saba Harouni Lurie, Sana Vawda, Sandra Miller, Sherry Shockey-Pope, Silvy Khoucasian, Susette Magana, Terry Heptinstall, Uriah Guilford, and Zanetta Van PuttenWe have more interviews to come!! Check back!! Resources mentioned:We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links.We’re going to be at Exhibitor Table #142 at the conference. Come visit us to meet us, hop on the podcast or livestream, and to take advantage of our giveaways and raffles. Learn about our exciting events for next year and sign up for opportunities to get extra special rates during our flash sale!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. Stay in Touch:www.mtsgpodcast.comhttps://www.facebook.com/therapyreimagined/https://twitter.com/therapymovement Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano http://www.crystalmangano.com/

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: Navigating the conference Geeking out over therapy Connecting with colleagues all over the world Survival Guide Tips: Plan to support your own stamina Pick speakers, not topics (don’t miss people this time around – they may not be around the next time) Go early to get good seats at the big talks Names we drop Bandura, both Becks, Chopra, Glasser, Loftus, Meichenbaum, Miller, Minuchin, Morisette, Siegel, Yalom, Zieg, Zimbardo Resources mentioned:We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links.We’re going to be at Exhibitor Table #142 at the conference. Come visit us to meet us, hop on the podcast or livestream, and to take advantage of our giveaways and raffles. Learn about our exciting events for next year and sign up for opportunities to get extra special rates during our flash sale!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. Stay in Touch:www.mtsgpodcast.comhttps://www.facebook.com/therapyreimagined/https://twitter.com/therapymovement Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano http://www.crystalmangano.com/ 

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: When and how to talk about politics and religion Authenticity versus poor boundaries Countertransference, here and now feelings, and following the client’s lead Remembering that clients don’t have to hold confidentiality for us How and when to pull back the curtain about why you’re using a specific intervention Processing (without over-processing) shifts in the relationships, personal disclosure, and human interactions When to maintain objectivity and when to share your perspective and emotions Understanding how your appearance affects your clients Resources mentioned:We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links. The Gift of Therapy by Irvin Yalom                                  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 Katie is speaking for Curt. Stay in Touch:www.mtsgpodcast.comhttps://www.facebook.com/therapyreimagined/https://twitter.com/therapymovement Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano http://www.crystalmangano.com/

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: Vulnerability, self-judgment and the Impostor Syndrome Being a human being in the room, while holding boundaries How to cope with clients responding to you, not just “therapy” or “mental health stigma” Handling mistakes and making repair (and avoiding blaming your clients) The scourge of perfectionism Claiming your whole self (even the goofy parts) What boundaries you should hold related to telling your own story Inviting feedback from your clients How being available 24/7 has increased vulnerability Resources mentioned:We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links.No specific resources were mentioned in this episode because we’re just plain lazy. Want to read about vulnerability? Try anything by Brene Brown – she is fabulous!! 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 Katie is speaking for Curt – which, let’s face it, is in everyone’s best interest. Stay in Touch:www.mtsgpodcast.comhttps://www.facebook.com/therapyreimagined/https://twitter.com/therapymovement Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano http://www.crystalmangano.com/ 

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 importance of time management related to trust, competence, and well-being How to manage your time, energy, and priorities How often self-care can be pushed out of our schedule (and why that’s so bad) Steven Covey’s Big Rocks Putting buffers in, transition time, and back up plans (for after vacation, when sick, etc.) What a crisis really is (and how non-crises can derail us) “Just in time” scheduling Resources mentioned:We’ve pulled together the resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven Covey 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. Stay in Touch:www.mtsgpodcast.comhttps://www.facebook.com/therapyreimagined/https://twitter.com/therapymovement Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano http://www.crystalmangano.com/

In this episode we talk with Maureen Werrbach about all things Group Practice: What to consider when starting a group practice Business plans and finances How to shift your marketing and branding for a group practice Structuring your practice and your schedule  Guilt and self-doubt  Hiring, mentoring, and workplace culture How to build a strong team The mistakes Maureen made (and what she says to do differently)

In this episode we talk about: Whether you should decorate your office What to do about gifts Potential trauma, triggers, pitfalls, and challenges related to holidays for clients Diversity of your clients, colleagues, and community  Navigating scheduling challenges during the holidays Fluctuating caseloads Deciding whether to eat with your clients Helping clients to cope during the holidays Thanking referral sources during the holidays

In this episode, we talk about: How to assess ourselves Identifying who are clients are and how they find us How to screen clients appropriately Using humor – when, how, and why Being yourself while holding appropriate boundaries Evaluating clinical efficacy Talking about the therapeutic relationship with your client The importance of community, consultation, supervision, and feedback

 Networking is an important skill for all therapists. In this episode we answer the following questions: Why is networking important? What are the common challenges that therapists face? How to network effectively Developing and talking about your niche Becoming memorable to get more referrals – your personal brand Giving out business cards and how to follow up Strategies for effective coffee meetings Developing a collaborative treatment team of referral partners