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

Mindfulness, EMDR, and Wearable Tech: An Interview with Dr. Steve Dansiger Curt and Katie chat with Dr. Steve Dansiger about integrating mindfulness into EMDR, what therapists often get wrong about mindfulness, and how wearable technology might enhance trauma healing. Steve shares his journey from punk rock drummer to EMDR trainer to tech innovator—and how sound and vibration may support grounding, resourcing, and trauma reprocessing. About Our Guest: Dr. Steve Dansiger Dr. Steve Dansiger is a clinical psychologist, EMDRIA-approved EMDR consultant, longtime mindfulness practitioner, and co-founder of HapTech Holdings. He is the creator of the MET(T)A Protocol and co-author of multiple books on EMDR, trauma, addiction, and mindfulness. Steve’s work spans clinical practice, innovation, and international teaching, bringing together ancient wisdom and cutting-edge tech. Key Takeaways: Therapists and clients often misunderstand mindfulness as “clearing the mind.” Mindfulness is already embedded in EMDR and helps stabilize and prepare for trauma work. Starting with just 1–2 minutes a day can be effective, especially with neurodivergent clients. Wearable tech using sound and vibration may help ground and resource clients in session and beyond. Therapists need to maintain their own mindfulness practice to model and teach it effectively. For full show notes, transcripts, and more episodes: 🔗 www.mtsgpodcast.com Join the Modern Therapist Community: 🌐 Linktree Creative Credits: 🎙 Voice Over by DW McCann 🎵 Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano

Rethinking Oppositional Defiant Disorder—Children Reacting to the System Around Them Curt and Katie chat about Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), reframing it as a response to systemic and environmental stressors rather than a characterological flaw in children. They explore diagnostic challenges, systemic bias, and treatment considerations that support children and families more holistically. This episode is designed to help therapists critically assess and intervene when working with oppositional or defiant behaviors. Course Available for CE Credit:One unit of continuing education is available for this episode at moderntherapistcommunity.com. Listen, purchase the course, pass the post-test, and earn your certificate! Key Takeaways: Understand how ODD criteria can be misapplied without systemic context Identify the impact of trauma, neurodivergence, and racism on misdiagnosis Apply a functional, family systems-based approach to treating oppositional behaviors Learn which interventions are evidence-based—and which to avoid Recognize the importance of treating ODD like an adjustment to environment, not a lifelong label Link to Full Show Notes:Full references, transcript, and resource list at mtsgpodcast.com Join the Modern Therapist Community:Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined Creative Credits: Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano – groomsymusic.com Voice Over by DW McCann – facebook.com/McCannDW

How Virtual Clinical Supervision is Changing the Field: An Interview with Rachel Ledbetter, LMFT Curt and Katie chat with Rachel Ledbetter, LMFT, CEO and Co-Founder of Motivo, about how virtual supervision is transforming therapist training and professional development. We explore how technology can remove barriers for prelicensed clinicians, improve the supervision experience, and create space for mentorship beyond administrative oversight. Rachel also shares insights on the future of AI in mental health and what supervisors can do to better support early career therapists. Guest Bio:Rachel Ledbetter is the CEO and Co-Founder of Motivo Health, a pioneering platform dedicated to transforming the landscape of mental health care by facilitating virtual clinical supervision for behavioral health professionals. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Rachel's personal experiences navigating the licensure process have profoundly influenced her mission to remove barriers for aspiring therapists. Through Motivo, she continues to make a lasting impact by supporting the next generation of therapists and ensuring that quality mental health services are accessible to all. Key Takeaways: Supervision should focus on developing a clinician’s unique identity—not just administrative tasks. Virtual supervision increases access and continuity, especially for rural and underserved areas. Motivo actively tracks licensure requirements and verifies supervisor qualifications. AI can ease therapist burdens (e.g., documentation) but shouldn’t be used to raise productivity quotas. Supervisors are more effective when they support both professional development and self-of-the-therapist work. More info and full show notes at mtsgpodcast.com Join the Modern Therapist Community:https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined Creative Credits: Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano – groomsymusic.com Voiceover by DW McCann – facebook.com/McCannDW

Why It’s Hard for Therapists to Be Friends Curt and Katie chat about why therapists often struggle with friendships—especially with non-therapists. They explore the impact of emotional labor, overidentifying as caretakers, and the challenges of setting boundaries and expressing needs in personal relationships. Key Takeaways: Therapists often default to caretaking in friendships, especially if they have a history of being “the helper.” Emotional exhaustion from client work can make socializing difficult. Confidentiality and identity boundaries limit what therapists can share about their day. Friendships become healthier when therapists drop the therapist role and prioritize reciprocity. Intentional communication and boundary-setting help create sustainable relationships. More information and transcripts available at:https://mtsgpodcast.com Join the Modern Therapist Community:Linktree Creative Credits: Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano Voiceover by DW McCann

Special Episode: Modern Therapist's Consumer Guide on Relias Curt and Katie talk with Candace Wallace, Chief Customer Officer at Relias, about how this tech-enabled platform supports therapist training, infrastructure, and regulatory compliance. Candace explains how Relias helps practices of all sizes reduce admin burdens, improve staff retention, and compete in a changing behavioral health landscape. This episode is part of our Modern Therapist Consumer Guide, where we explore tools and services designed for therapists and their clients. About Our Guest:Candace Wallace is the Chief Customer Officer at Relias, overseeing Customer Success, Renewals, Support, and Professional Services. Since joining in 2013, she’s led several key teams and now focuses on delivering customer value at scale. With degrees in Archaeology and Religion from Baylor University, Candace’s career path includes both compliance consulting and a deep commitment to healthcare systems transformation. Key Takeaways: Relias reduces administrative burdens to improve patient care Solutions are tailored to solo, small, and large practices alike Training, leadership development, and compliance tracking in one platform Helps therapist-led organizations stay competitive and grow sustainably Started with small providers—continues to focus on accessible, effective tools For full show notes and transcripts, visit:https://www.mtsgpodcast.com Join the Modern Therapist Community:Linktree Creative Credits:Voice Over by DW McCannMusic by Crystal Grooms Mangano

In this insightful discussion, Steffeny Feld, LCSW, a therapist and founder of the Intensive Design Lab, shares her expertise on launching therapy intensives in private practice. She explains how these immersive sessions differ from traditional therapy, offering unique benefits for clients. Steffeny emphasizes the need for careful assessment of client readiness and coping strategies. The conversation covers practical aspects, including session structure and pacing, and the transformative potential these intensives hold for both clients and therapists, especially those who are neurodivergent.

Curt’s Guide to Life: Real-World Advice for Therapists Navigating Their Careers Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy chat about the practical and meaningful life lessons Curt has gathered throughout his career as a therapist, supervisor, and leader. From networking and curiosity to flexibility and reputation, this episode offers real-world advice for therapists trying to build sustainable careers. Key Takeaways: Network laterally with peers at similar stages Stay curious—your clinical focus may evolve Learn by doing, not just studying Be kind and human in all professional interactions Protect your reputation—it’s everything Full show notes and transcript available at mtsgpodcast.com Join the Modern Therapist Community: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mtsgpodcast Podcast Homepage: https://therapyreimagined.com/modern-therapists-survival-guide-podcast-episodes/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyReimagined Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/therapyreimagined/ Creative Credits: Voice Over by DW McCann – https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/ Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano – https://groomsymusic.com

How Therapists Can Responsibly Support Disaster Mental Health: An Interview with Dr. Shannon Goodhue, LCSW, PhD Curt and Katie chat with Dr. Shannon Goodhue about how therapists can ethically support disaster-impacted communities. We explore how disaster mental health differs from traditional therapy, why most people don’t need long-term services, and how trained professionals can provide stabilization and support in both local and national crises. Shannon outlines the American Red Cross training process, the structure of deployments, and the importance of understanding when to step in—and when not to. About Our Guest:Shannon Goodhue is the Senior Program Manager, Disaster Mental Health at the American Red Cross, overseeing the nationwide DMH team. With a PhD in International Psychology, a background in trauma and grief therapy, and past roles in D.C. disaster planning, Shannon brings deep experience in crisis response and ethical care. She’s also a former volunteer firefighter/EMT and currently lives in Virginia with her family. Key Takeaways: Disaster mental health is not the same as therapy Most survivors recover without mental health services Therapists must be trained and vetted before entering shelters Prevention and resilience-building are critical parts of crisis care Red Cross deployments can be virtual, local, or national More information and transcripts: mtsgpodcast.com Join the Modern Therapist Community:https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined Creative Credits:Hosted by Curt Widhalm and Katie VernoyMusic by Crystal Grooms Mangano – https://groomsymusic.comVoice Over by DW McCann – https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW

How Therapists Can Support Community-Building in Immigrant and Marginalized Populations: An Interview with Adriana Rodriguez, LMFT Curt and Katie chat with Adriana Rodriguez, LMFT, about how therapists can support clients from immigrant and marginalized communities in building and maintaining safe, affirming relationships. They explore cultural responsiveness, identity, risk appetite, and how therapists can expand their awareness and approach beyond individualistic norms. Guest Bio:Adri Rodriguez, LMFT is a therapist, educator, and host of Entre Tías y Amiguis Podcast. Their work focuses on generational healing, identity, and resilience through culturally grounded and justice-oriented approaches. Key Takeaways: Community is built on safety, belonging, and mutual understanding. Risk appetite and intersectionality must shape how clients engage with community. Therapists can use their online presence as a safety signal. Staying informed without burnout is a clinical responsibility. More Info:Full show notes and transcript available at mtsgpodcast.com Join the Modern Therapist Community • Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined Creative Credits: Voice Over by DW McCann: facebook.com/McCannDW Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano: groomsymusic.com

The Business of Therapy: Surviving Economic and Industry Disruptions Curt and Katie chat about how therapists can adapt to the changing business landscape of private practice, including fewer client inquiries, economic challenges, and increased competition. We share practical strategies for maintaining a sustainable therapy practice, improving marketing efforts, and building strong referral networks. Transcripts and additional information for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com! In this podcast episode we discuss running a private practice during times of economic uncertainty We’ve heard a lot about the real-time challenges that therapists are facing in a changing business landscape. With a drop in inquiries, increased financial pressures on clients, and greater competition from virtual and AI-based services, private practice clinicians are feeling the pinch. We explore how to adapt your business model, rethink marketing strategies, and prioritize networking and flexibility to weather the storm and build a more resilient practice. What is the current state of private practice therapy businesses? • A drop in referrals and inquiries: Therapists are seeing fewer new client inquiries, especially compared to the pandemic boom. • Economic pressures on clients: Some are requesting fee reductions or shifting to less frequent sessions, even when practices are technically full. • Rising competition: Therapists are competing not just with other clinicians, but also with VC-backed platforms and AI services. What can private practice therapists do to navigate the current business climate? • The need for adaptability: Offering in-person and virtual options, adjusting your fee structure, and being flexible can help retain clients. • Business evolution: It’s more important than ever to regularly assess your practice’s expenses, operations, and marketing strategy. • Standing out in a crowded market: Specializing in specific modalities (like DBT or EMDR) and diversifying your service offerings (e.g., walk-and-talk therapy) can help. • Networking and community support: Building strong referral networks and staying connected with colleagues is essential in today’s climate. • Sustainability for therapists with additional needs: Flexibility can also support therapists who are neurodivergent or living with chronic illness. Key Takeaways from this podcast episode for therapists • Monitor your referral trends and be proactive about filling client gaps—even if your caseload seems full. • Adjust your practice model as needed—offering hybrid sessions or reduced fees may help sustain your income. • Reevaluate your expenses and time investments (marketing, admin, documentation) for a more efficient practice. • Stay current and visible by evaluating SEO, trying Google Ads, and maintaining a strong online presence. • Network consistently—both online and in-person—to build a robust referral stream. • Don’t be afraid to evolve. Practices that are nimble and responsive to change are more likely to succeed long-term. Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement: Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined 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/