The Therapist Thrival Guide

Dr. Robyn Janssen, a licensed psychologist and VP of Clinical Programs at Ellie, dives into the complexities of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). She discusses the impact of countertransference on therapy, highlighting its importance for managing relationships with BPD clients. Janssen emphasizes the role of trauma in BPD and advocates for structured approaches like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Listeners gain insights into navigating trust, emotional regulation, and the nuances distinguishing BPD from bipolar disorder, all vital for effective treatment.

In this episode, Miranda is joined by Jennifer Keehn, LPCC, to unpack all things therapeutic letter writing. We’re talking emotional support animal letters, housing accommodations, FMLA, gender affirming surgery documentation—you name it. Whether you’re brand new to writing letters or have been doing it for years, we’re breaking down what needs to be included, how to protect your license, and the key do’s and don’ts to keep in mind. If you’ve ever wondered "Should I be writing this?" or "What should I say?"—this one’s for you.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 Introduction and Host Introductions00:38 Overview of Letter Writing in Therapy00:59 Types of Letters and Their Purposes01:26 Challenges and Concerns in Writing Letters03:28 Guidance on Writing Emotional Support Animal Letters07:27 Writing FMLA Documentation10:18 Gender Affirming Surgery Letters16:07 Ethical Dilemmas in Writing Letters19:09 Court Summaries and Custody Plans21:34 School Accommodations Letters22:10 Discussing Military Deployment Letters22:52 Writing Return to Work Letters24:13 Bariatric Surgery Letter Considerations26:02 Adoption Process and Therapy Letters29:32 Emotional Support Animal Letters32:42 Workplace Accommodations and Letters37:03 Tips for Writing Effective Letters42:55 Conclusion and Resources for Clinicians

In this short but meaningful episode, Miranda (a licensed clinical social worker) is joined by fellow therapists Letisha and Gina for a real conversation about social anxiety. They break down how it can show up in both kids and adults, and share effective ways to treat it—including CBT, ACT, and the power of social stories. You’ll also hear about tools like the SCARED assessment that help guide diagnosis and treatment. Whether you're a clinician or just curious, you'll walk away with practical strategies and insight to better understand and manage social anxiety.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 Introduction and Episode Overview00:32 Understanding Social Anxiety01:40 Diagnosing Social Anxiety in Kids03:59 Treating Social Anxiety: CBT and ACT07:26 Using Social Stories for Anxiety13:19 Exposure Therapy and EMDR14:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Therapist Thrival Guide, Miranda is joined by trauma therapist Amy Wilkerson, LICSW, for a conversation that many of us need but don’t always know how to start—understanding dissociation.Amy brings deep experience working with clients in foster care, adoption, and the military, and she breaks down what dissociation really is (hint: it’s not just zoning out during a boring meeting). We talk through how dissociation shows up in everyday life, why it’s often connected to trauma, and how therapists can support clients with curiosity and care.We also dig into therapeutic approaches like EMDR, parts work, and Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR), plus we share some grounding tools you can use right away.Whether you’re a therapist or someone who’s ever felt disconnected from yourself—this one’s for you.Links:Learn more about Amy and her practice here.The Haunted Self by Onno van der Hart, Ellert Nijenhuis, and Kathy SteeleTrauma and the Struggle to Open Up by Robert T. MullerDeep Brain Reorienting by Frank CorriganTrauma Related Dissociation by Suzette Boon, Onno van der Hart Ph.D., and Kathy SteeleOUR 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. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Time Stamps:00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:27 Amy's Background and Experience02:23 Understanding Dissociation03:03 Symptoms and Everyday Examples of Dissociation05:18 Causes of Dissociation06:03 Trauma-Related Dissociation10:12 Parts Work and Dissociation17:29 Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR)22:19 Grounding Skills and Regulation27:38 Recommended Resources and Conclusion

Kailah Tuttle, a Licensed Professional Counselor and certified geek therapist, dives into the world of geek therapy. They discuss how anime, video games, and Dungeons & Dragons can enhance mental health treatment. Kailah shares her approach of using character development to help clients visualize personal growth and regain control over their lives. The conversation also touches on the importance of reconnecting with one's inner child through play, emphasizing how shared interests can deepen therapeutic connections and foster meaningful dialogues.

In this episode, licensed clinical social workers Miranda, Gina and Letisha, discuss 'Attached' by Amir Levine and Rachel S.F. Heller. They explore the book's insights on attachment styles—secure, anxious, and avoidant—while noting its omission of disorganized attachment. The episode touches on how these styles influence relationships, offers critiques on the book's approach, and provides practical advice on communication and self-awareness in relationships. Link to book: https://amzn.to/41yJBYd 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, therapists Miranda Barker and Karna Boynton share an in-depth conversation about secondary traumatic stress (STS). Karna, an experienced clinician and licensed marriage family therapist, opens up about her personal experience with STS, describing how the compounded stress from her professional and personal life led her to encounter PTSD-like symptoms. We're discussing the distinctions between burnout, compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, and secondary traumatic stress, emphasizing the need for mental health professionals to prioritize self-care and seek support when needed. Karna offers valuable advice on recognizing warning signs, setting boundaries, and finding coping mechanisms that work. This episode aims to shed light on the significant impact of STS on therapists and the importance of acknowledging and addressing this often-overlooked issue.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 Introduction and Meet the Guest00:24 Karna's Career Journey02:06 Understanding Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS)03:24 Burnout vs. Compassion Fatigue07:14 Vicarious Trauma Explained11:49 Personal Experiences and Warning Signs24:55 The Pressure Cooker: Personal and Professional Struggles33:09 The Breaking Point: Recognizing the Signs33:21 Physical Manifestations of Stress34:12 Therapeutic Modalities and Their Impact35:40 The Emotional Toll of Trauma Work36:28 Navigating Client-Therapist Boundaries39:40 Assessment and Realization41:56 Experiencing Secondary Trauma48:45 Steps Towards Recovery51:49 Reevaluating and Rebuilding53:26 Sharing the Journey58:36 Final Reflections and Advice

Heather Olsson, LCPC and Matthew Toman, APRN, both at Ellie Mental Health in Naperville, IL, join this episode to explore how some physical illnesses or issues can mask as mental health problems.Heather and Matt share their experiences and insights on how to best support clients and the huge benefits of interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare. They also discuss the impact of physical health on mental well-being and the role of lab tests in diagnosing and treating various conditions. This conversation aims to empower therapists and healthcare professionals to better support their clients by understanding the connection between physical and mental health and collaborating with physicians.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 Introduction to the Therapist Thrival Guide00:31 Meet the Guests: Heather and Matt01:27 The Importance of Medication Management02:07 Personal and Professional Collaboration05:13 Bridging the Gap Between Mental and Physical Health05:40 Understanding the Role of Lab Work11:05 The Impact of Thyroid Function on Mental Health17:12 GeneSight Testing and Medication Management24:18 Starting SSRIs and SNRIs: What to Expect24:38 Overlap of PCOS and Mental Health Symptoms25:45 Empowering Clients and Treatment Teams26:01 Key Lab Tests for Mental Health28:03 Alcohol's Impact on Mental and Physical Health30:20 SSRIs and Sexual Dysfunction37:39 Exploring Medication Alternatives41:45 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

What if you could separate your work and personal life—along with all the emotions tied to them? In this episode of The Therapist Thrival Guide, therapists Miranda and Lucas unpack the psychological and philosophical themes of Apple TV+’s Severance.They explore dissociation, compartmentalization, and the human desire to escape suffering, connecting these ideas to real-life therapy. How does avoiding discomfort affect mental health? Is the pursuit of happiness overrated? And what can Severance teach us about meaning and fulfillment?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 Intro & Welcome00:29 Severance Themes & Psychological Concepts03:27 Dissociation, Compartmentalization & Therapy Insights06:59 Escaping Suffering vs. Finding Meaning15:42 Is Happiness the Goal?26:20 Final Reflections & Practical Takeaways💬 Would you sever uncomfortable emotions if you could? Share your thoughts in the comments!

In this episode of the Therapist Thrival Guide, join Miranda, a licensed clinical social worker, alongside Letisha and Gina, as they candidly discuss Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD).The discussion covers the DSM-5 criteria for ODD, its symptoms, and the stigma associated with the diagnosis. They explore alternative diagnoses, underlying issues like trauma, ADHD, and autism, and talk about effective treatment strategies including parent management training and cognitive-behavioral therapy.The conversation also emphasizes the importance of seeing each child through a fresh and unbiased lens.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:02:32 Symptoms and Diagnostic Criteria of ODD05:02 Challenges and Controversies in Diagnosing ODD06:01 Personal Experiences and Case Studies08:49 The Impact of Labels and Diagnoses on Children21:59 Differential Diagnoses and Overlapping Conditions23:42 Understanding ODD and ADHD Differences24:09 Trauma and Its Impact on ODD25:15 Foster Care and ODD Diagnoses28:49 Mood Disorders and Autism in Relation to ODD31:19 The Unique Aspect of Vindictiveness in ODD34:06 Challenges in Diagnosing and Treating ODD38:02 Effective Strategies for Managing ODD44:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts