The AAMFT Podcast Episode 134: Early Career MFTs
Oct 24, 2025
Allie Montgomery, Jennifer Vericulter, Jeffrey Helton, and Frankie Jones share their journeys as early-career MFTs. Allie discusses transitioning from autism therapy to systemic family work. Jennifer reveals her path driven by a passion for peacemaking, while Jeffrey raps about MFT history, blending creativity with therapy. Frankie emphasizes supporting marginalized clients and navigating licensure challenges. They all highlight the importance of peer support, self-compassion, and balancing work-life dynamics as they forge their paths in the field.
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From RBT To Family Focus
- Allie describes moving from RBT work with autistic children to noticing family involvement was crucial for lasting progress.
- That experience redirected her toward systemic family therapy where engaging caregivers became central.
Peacemaker Roots
- Jennifer recalls being the peacemaker in a big family and wanting to be a therapist since age 16.
- Seeing the phrase “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts” confirmed systemic therapy as her fit.
Cohort Support Is A Hidden Asset
- The panel notes MFT programs often include diverse ages and career stages, creating rich peer learning.
- That built-in cohort support becomes a major loss after graduation and requires intentional replacement.
