The Therapist Thrival Guide

In this episode, Miranda Barker, LICSW, and Dr. Rachel Wood, a licensed counselor with a PhD in cyber psychology, dive into the fascinating intersection of psychology and technology. They discuss the rise of AI tools like Character AI and AI therapists, and their impact on the mental health field. The conversation covers various aspects including the use of AI as a supplementary tool in therapy, the potential risks, privacy concerns, and how AI is shaping the future of mental health treatment. They also address the misconception that AI could replace human therapists and emphasize the importance of balance and ethical use of these tools. This episode is a must-watch for mental health professionals and anyone interested in the evolving role of technology in mental health care.Our Guest:Dr. Rachel Wood has a PhD in cyberpsychology and is a licensed counselor. Rachel speaks fluently about mental health and the future of synthetic relationships. As the founder of the AI Mental Health Collective, she cultivates a community of therapists focused on AI’s impact both in practice and in society. Dr. Wood enjoys her work as a speaker, workshop facilitator, strategic consultant, and policy advisor.Website for courses and AI policy work for clinicians:www.dr-rachelwood.comOUR HOST:Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for several years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, case manager, and the Director of Brand Content at Ellie Mental Health. Follow her on LinkedIn.The Therapist Thrival Guide is a podcast by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellie Mental Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We want to move therapists beyond surviving and into the realm of thriving by covering all the things that graduate school didn't teach you! This mental health podcast is hosted by Miranda Barker, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise to help us learn how to thrive as therapists.⁠⁠Ellie is a national mental health brand organized around community-based outpatient mental health clinics. It all began with a single office in St. Paul, Minnesota back in 2015, and has expanded to an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:28 Understanding Cyber Psychology01:17 AI in Therapy: Current Trends01:50 Concerns and Misconceptions About AI Therapy03:31 The Rise of AI Companions07:14 The Illusion of Intimacy with AI09:28 Therapeutic Relationships vs. AI Interactions19:41 Ethical and Privacy Concerns26:51 The Future of Therapy and AI40:19 Conclusion and Resources

In this episode, we are joined by licensed professional counselor DeeAnna Nagel to talk about one of her favorite creative tools—therapeutic writing—and how it can be woven into clinical work.DeeAnna shares how writing, whether through journaling, email, or chat-based therapy, can help clients process their experiences in a way that feels safe and personal. We explore different approaches, from structured prompts to active imagination exercises, and even how adding elements like essential oils or somatic techniques can deepen the experience.We also dig into how written communication—especially email and chat—can support therapeutic continuity, offer flexibility, and sometimes open up insights that might not come out in a traditional session. Along the way, we discuss boundaries, the evolving role of AI in therapy and other ways of processing life events.Whether you’re a therapist curious about adding writing to your toolkit or simply interested in new ways to process emotions and experiences, this episode is full of practical ideas you can start experimenting with right away.Find out more about our guest, DeeAnna:https://deeannamerznagel.com/writing-resources/IG: @deeannanagelOUR HOST:Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for several years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, case manager, and the Director of Brand Content at Ellie Mental Health. Follow her on⁠ LinkedIn.⁠The Therapist Thrival Guide is a podcast by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellie Mental Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We want to move therapists beyond surviving and into the realm of thriving by covering all the things that graduate school didn't teach you! This mental health podcast is hosted by Miranda Barker, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise to help us learn how to thrive as therapists.⁠⁠Ellie is a national mental health brand organized around community-based outpatient mental health clinics. It all began with a single office in St. Paul, Minnesota back in 2015, and has expanded to an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:57 Exploring Therapeutic Writing05:52 Journaling Techniques and Prompts07:57 Incorporating Aromatherapy and Somatic Work12:43 The Power of Written Communication in Therapy16:13 Challenges and Training in Online Therapy19:47 The Early Days of Online Therapy20:26 Integrating Email and Chat in Therapy21:48 Billing and Flexibility in Online Therapy24:35 Therapeutic Writing and Boundaries29:44 AI and Therapy: A New Frontier32:53 Synchronicity Journals and Client Prompts35:42 Final Thoughts and Resources

In this episode of The Therapist Thrival Guide, we're sitting down with Christy Gunter, LMSW to unpack the complexities of chronic trauma—what it is, how it impacts the brain and body, and what we can do to help clients heal.Christy explains chronic trauma as repeated exposure to threat or harm. Over time, the brain and nervous system start to adapt in ways that were meant to protect us but can become unhelpful—or even harmful—in the long run. We talk through how chronic trauma differs from acute trauma, explore the wide range of trauma responses (yes, there’s more than just fight or flight—collapse and submit show up, too), and look at how these patterns shape behavior and show up in the therapy room.We also dive into the nervous system’s role in trauma, the power of EMDR for processing it, and why breaking down maladaptive responses is such an important part of recovery. Christy and I both emphasize a holistic approach—because healing isn’t just about processing the trauma itself. It’s also about supporting clients in navigating daily life challenges, relationships, and triggers along the way.Link to Christy's book: https://a.co/d/idgeVVaNICABM: https://www.nicabm.com/Timestamps:00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction00:58 Understanding Chronic Trauma01:21 Defining Chronic Trauma04:07 Somatic Symptoms and Identifying Triggers09:06 Chronic Trauma's Impact on the Nervous System13:01 Therapeutic Approaches to Chronic Trauma16:20 Case Studies and Practical Applications19:36 Dual Diagnosis and Integrated Treatment21:21 Exploring EMDR and Art Therapy22:41 The Importance of Consent in Therapy23:22 Working with Different Age Groups24:51 Understanding Chronic Trauma27:43 Addressing Abandonment Issues32:06 Coupling Trauma with Sensory Triggers37:39 The Role of EMDR in Trauma Processing42:14 Concluding Thoughts and Listener EngagementOUR HOST:Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for several years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, case manager, and the Director of Brand Content at Ellie Mental Health. Follow her on⁠ LinkedIn.⁠The Therapist Thrival Guide is a podcast by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellie Mental Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We want to move therapists beyond surviving and into the realm of thriving by covering all the things that graduate school didn't teach you! This mental health podcast is hosted by Miranda Barker, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise to help us learn how to thrive as therapists.⁠⁠Ellie is a national mental health brand organized around community-based outpatient mental health clinics. It all began with a single office in St. Paul, Minnesota back in 2015, and has expanded to an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of The Therapist Thrival Guide, Miranda is joined by Emily Turcotte, LICSW, a therapist with deep expertise in trauma, anxiety, and depression. We unpack the complexities of insomnia—what it is, why it often becomes chronic, and how it frequently shows up alongside things like PTSD, depression, and generalized anxiety.Emily walks us through how she supports clients struggling with sleep using a mix of approaches, including DBT and CBT. We talk through practical interventions—from managing racing thoughts and rumination to addressing nightmares and building relaxation into the nighttime routine. Emily also touches on the importance of sleep studies and how factors like substance use can complicate things.If your clients are struggling with insomnia (or you’re noticing patterns in your caseload), this episode is full of helpful takeaways and clinical strategies.OUR HOST:Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for several years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, case manager, and the Director of Brand Content at Ellie Mental Health. Follow her on⁠ LinkedIn.⁠The Therapist Thrival Guide is a podcast by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellie Mental Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We want to move therapists beyond surviving and into the realm of thriving by covering all the things that graduate school didn't teach you! This mental health podcast is hosted by Miranda Barker, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise to help us learn how to thrive as therapists.⁠⁠Ellie is a national mental health brand organized around community-based outpatient mental health clinics. It all began with a single office in St. Paul, Minnesota back in 2015, and has expanded to an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of Therapist Thrival Guide, Miranda is joined by Roxanne (Roxi), one of our trauma therapists based out of the Woodbury office. Roxi brings experience in EMDR and IFS—and shares both her clinical wisdom and personal story of navigating panic disorder.We explore how trauma can show up in the body, the therapeutic techniques that help clients feel safe and empowered, and why belief systems (especially the sneaky limiting ones) play such a big role in the healing process. Roxi also reflects on what it means to work through your own stuff as a therapist, how cultural disconnects can show up in the therapy room, and what it looks like to really tune in to the body’s messages.This conversation is packed with insight—whether you're a fellow therapist or just curious about trauma work, there’s a lot here for you.Links:IFS Training Manual: https://amzn.to/4fbt5nmMind-Body Connection Episode: LinkIFS Episode: LinkOUR HOST:Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for several years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, case manager, and the Director of Brand Content at Ellie Mental Health. Follow her on⁠⁠ LinkedIn.⁠⁠The Therapist Thrival Guide is a podcast by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellie Mental Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We want to move therapists beyond surviving and into the realm of thriving by covering all the things that graduate school didn't teach you! This mental health podcast is hosted by Miranda Barker, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise to help us learn how to thrive as therapists.⁠⁠Ellie is a national mental health brand organized around community-based outpatient mental health clinics. It all began with a single office in St. Paul, Minnesota back in 2015, and has expanded to an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Need a deeper understanding of intimate partner violence—and how to support those impacted by it?In this episode of The Therapist Thrival Guide, we are joined by Christy Sim, a therapist at Ellie Mental Health in Grapevine, Texas. Christy brings incredible insight to the conversation, shaped by her doctoral research and years of working directly with survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV).We explore the many forms IPV can take, how it's different from what people typically think of as domestic violence, and how to recognize the signs—especially when they’re subtle or masked by shame, fear, or trauma. Christy walks us through safety planning, how to support clients who are still in the thick of abusive situations, and what healing can look like (even when it feels out of reach).We also dig into trauma-informed care, EMDR, narrative therapy, and the power of reframing negative beliefs. Whether you’re a clinician or someone looking to understand this complex issue more deeply, this conversation offers both practical tools and meaningful perspective.LINKS:Power and Control Wheel: ⁠https://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/power-and-control/⁠Christy's book: ⁠https://amzn.to/3IEVLsO ⁠OUR HOST:Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for several years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, case manager, and the Director of Brand Content at Ellie Mental Health. Follow her on⁠⁠ LinkedIn.⁠⁠The Therapist Thrival Guide is a podcast by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellie Mental Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We want to move therapists beyond surviving and into the realm of thriving by covering all the things that graduate school didn't teach you! This mental health podcast is hosted by Miranda Barker, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise to help us learn how to thrive as therapists.⁠⁠Ellie is a national mental health brand organized around community-based outpatient mental health clinics. It all began with a single office in St. Paul, Minnesota back in 2015, and has expanded to an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠00:00 – Welcome + intro03:24 – Types of IPV05:59 – Spotting the signs08:28 – How to create a safety plan14:18 – Therapeutic approaches that help21:04 – Using EMDR21:44 – Narrative therapy in action28:54 – Generational trauma + breaking cycles36:14 – Co-parenting with an abusive partner37:55 – Final reflections + resourcesThis is a tough topic, but it’s such an important one. We hope this episode helps you feel more informed, empowered, and equipped—whether you're supporting clients, loved ones, or yourself.

In this episode of The Therapist Thrival Guide, Miranda is joined by Letisha and Madison for a thoughtful, honest conversation about Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab. This book sparked such a rich discussion—one that we know will resonate whether you’re a therapist, a client, or just someone trying to navigate relationships more clearly.This episode dives into what healthy boundaries actually look like across different parts of life—family, friendships, work, and even social media—and share real-life examples of how boundary setting has shown up in our own lives and in our work. We also break down the different types of boundaries Tawwab describes, what gets in the way of holding them, and why boundaries are such an essential part of self-care and healing.This episode is full of takeaways you can use right away, whether you're trying to have clearer communication, protect your energy, or show up more fully for yourself and others.Link to the book: https://amzn.to/469AjWt OUR HOST:Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for several years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, case manager, and the Director of Brand Content at Ellie Mental Health. Follow her on⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn.⁠⁠⁠The Therapist Thrival Guide is a podcast by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellie Mental Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We want to move therapists beyond surviving and into the realm of thriving by covering all the things that graduate school didn't teach you! This mental health podcast is hosted by Miranda Barker, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise to help us learn how to thrive as therapists.⁠⁠Ellie is a national mental health brand organized around community-based outpatient mental health clinics. It all began with a single office in St. Paul, Minnesota back in 2015, and has expanded to an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome + Meet Letisha and Madison01:37 – How we talk about boundaries in therapy02:30 – A look at the different types of boundaries03:55 – What makes boundaries actually work05:08 – How we've struggled (and grown) with boundaries personally08:38 – What makes boundary enforcement so hard16:56 – Time and material boundaries in real life19:34 – How trauma complicates boundary work26:40 – Being clear and direct without guilt28:41 – Family dynamics + long-standing patterns36:22 – Setting boundaries with yourself (yes, that counts!)42:26 – Final reflections and favorite insights

In this episode Miranda sits down with Jean Hoarder, a therapist and the Clinic Director at in Pittsburgh. Jean works closely with franchise owners Fred and Sharon (who are mentioned, but not a part of this episode). Jean gets real about what it was like stepping into a clinic environment that wasn’t working—and how she helped turn things around. We talk about the importance of consistent leadership, honest communication, and celebrating wins. Jean shares the intentional ways she worked to rebuild trust, create a supportive team vibe, and make the clinic a place people actually want to work. If you're a clinic director or in any kind of leadership role, this one’s packed with insight and encouragement.OUR HOST:Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for several years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, case manager, and the Director of Brand Content at Ellie Mental Health. Follow her on⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn.⁠⁠⁠The Therapist Thrival Guide is a podcast by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellie Mental Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We want to move therapists beyond surviving and into the realm of thriving by covering all the things that graduate school didn't teach you! This mental health podcast is hosted by Miranda Barker, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise to help us learn how to thrive as therapists.⁠⁠Ellie is a national mental health brand organized around community-based outpatient mental health clinics. It all began with a single office in St. Paul, Minnesota back in 2015, and has expanded to an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Timestamps00:21 – Meet Jean: Background and Role00:30 – Walking into a toxic culture02:08 – What positive change actually looks like05:25 – Building trust and communication09:54 – Doubts and growing through challenges16:30 – Jean’s advice for clinic directors18:42 – Wrapping it up

In this episode of The Therapist Thrival Guide, we sit down with Dr. Jennifer Dall—former educator, now ADHD coach and consultant—to talk about something we both care deeply about: what ADHD actually looks like in women. Spoiler alert: it’s often overlooked, misdiagnosed, or misunderstood.We get into our own stories, the emotional toll of masking, and what it means to get a diagnosis later in life. Plus, we share practical tools like the Pomodoro Technique, body doubling, and ways to build structure that actually work with your brain, not against it.This episode is full of honesty, insight, and encouragement—especially for those navigating ADHD in themselves or supporting someone who is.OUR GUEST:Dr. Jennifer Dall is a Grief-Informed Neurodivergence Specialist and the founder of ADHD Holistically, where she empowers individuals with ADHD to transform daily struggles into opportunities for growth and self-discovery. With over 25 years of experience as an educator and a background in ADHD coaching, yoga instruction, and grief education, Dr. Jennife offers a holistic, deeply personal approach to helping neurodivergent individuals thrive.Diagnosed with ADHD in her 50s after years of being told she "couldn’t possibly have it," Dr. Jennifer knows firsthand the challenges of navigating misinformation and masking symptoms—especially for women diagnosed later in life. Now, she specializes in helping women identify what truly works for them, focusing on practical, quick-fix strategies that simplify daily life without relying on medication or a one-size-fits-all approach.Through her courses, workshops, and speaking engagements, Dr. Jennifer equips women—and those who support them—to reframe their ADHD narratives and unlock their full potential. Her work also extends to therapists, life coaches, and HR professionals, offering comprehensive training to better support neurodivergent clients and employees.Website: ⁠https://adhdholistically.com/OUR HOST:Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for several years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, case manager, and the Director of Brand Content at Ellie Mental Health. Follow her on⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn.⁠⁠⁠The Therapist Thrival Guide is a podcast by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellie Mental Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We want to move therapists beyond surviving and into the realm of thriving by covering all the things that graduate school didn't teach you! This mental health podcast is hosted by Miranda Barker, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise to help us learn how to thrive as therapists.⁠⁠Ellie is a national mental health brand organized around community-based outpatient mental health clinics. It all began with a single office in St. Paul, Minnesota back in 2015, and has expanded to an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Here’s what we cover:01:22 – What ADHD can look like in women03:16 – Personal stories + early signs08:44 – Diagnosis, misconceptions, and being missed22:05 – Masking + why it’s so exhausting26:23 – Burnout in ADHD and autism27:18 – Identity struggles that come with masking28:40 – Podcast rec: Climbing the Walls29:48 – Realizing your own ADHD through your kids32:21 – Why everyday stuff can feel impossible38:01 – Pomodoro, body doubling + other tools that help42:40 – What Dr. Dall is creating next

In this episode of The Therapist Thrival Guide, I’m joined by the insightful Letisha Harris to talk through It Shouldn’t Be This Way by Janina Scarlet: a book rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy that blends practical tools with a compassionate approach to healing.We unpack themes like rewriting your origin story, navigating the difference between acceptance and enabling, and using metaphor and movement to support growth. Letisha shares what stood out most to her and how she’s using the book’s strategies with clients in real life. Whether you’re a mental health professional or just someone who’s been through some tough chapters, there’s something here for you.Link to book: https://amzn.to/4ndfEahLink to our previous episode about geek/superhero therapy: https://open.spotify.com/episode/68TYylJl9JwdbDKvfXIh12?si=hxvJACNBQ8WUqaadzANC8QOUR HOST:Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for several years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, case manager, and the Director of Brand Content at Ellie Mental Health. Follow her on⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn.⁠⁠⁠⁠The Therapist Thrival Guide is a podcast by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellie Mental Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We want to move therapists beyond surviving and into the realm of thriving by covering all the things that graduate school didn't teach you! This mental health podcast is hosted by Miranda Barker, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise to help us learn how to thrive as therapists.⁠⁠Ellie is a national mental health brand organized around community-based outpatient mental health clinics. It all began with a single office in St. Paul, Minnesota back in 2015, and has expanded to an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠