Special Series: Becoming a Therapist - Becoming a Therapist as a First-Generation Clinician-in-Training: An Interview with Marvin Vasquez

Becoming a Therapist as a First-Generation Clinician-in-Training: An Interview with Marvin Vasquez
Special Series: Becoming a Therapist

In this Becoming a Therapist special series episode, Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy welcome back Marvin Vasquez for a second-year check-in as he moves into the clinical phase of his training. Marvin reflects on beginning direct client work as a first-generation clinician-in-training, providing therapy in both English and Spanish, and supporting members of his own community during a time of heightened systemic stress. This conversation explores practicum placement, supervision, self-doubt, and the emotional realities of becoming a therapist while holding personal, cultural, and professional identities at the same time.

About the Guest Marvin Vasquez is a first-generation Marriage and Family Therapy graduate student at California State University, Northridge. He is currently completing his clinical training as an intern at Phoenix House, where he works with individuals and families impacted by mental health challenges and systemic barriers, with a focus on Latinx communities. Marvin provides bilingual therapy in English and Spanish and is committed to culturally responsive, strengths-based care and community advocacy.

Key Takeaways
• What it’s like to move from coursework into direct clinical work as a first-generation clinician
• The emotional impact of serving your own community while still in training
• How supportive supervision helps reduce self-doubt and “flailing” early in practice
• Why bilingual and culturally responsive care can deepen trust and engagement
• Navigating systemic stressors while developing confidence as a new therapist

Find the full show notes and resources for this episode at https://mtsgpodcast.com

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Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits
Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/
Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/