

The Modern Therapist's Survival Guide with Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy
Curt Widhalm, LMFT and Katie Vernoy, LMFT
The Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide: Where Therapists Live, Breathe, and Practice as Human Beings It’s time to reimagine therapy and what it means to be a therapist. We are human beings who can now present ourselves as whole people, with authenticity, purpose, and connection. Especially now, when clinicians must develop a personal brand to market their private practices, and are connecting over social media, engaging in social activism, pushing back against mental health stigma, and facing a whole new style of entrepreneurship. To support you as a whole person, a business owner, and a therapist, your hosts, Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy talk about how to approach the role of therapist in the modern age.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 3, 2023 • 40min
What Therapists Should Know About Code-Switching: An Interview with Dr. Jameta Nicole Barlow
What Therapists Should Know About Code-Switching: An Interview with Dr. Jameta Nicole BarlowCurt and Katie interview Dr. Jameta Nicole Barlow on code-switching. We explore what code-switching is, the mental health impacts of code-switching, and how therapists can support clients who code-switch.Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!In this podcast episode, we talk about code-switchingAn important conversation about code-switching for therapists. What do we need to know and what can we do to support people who need to code switch?What is code-switching?
Shifting how one speaks or behaves to fit into the current situation
Often occurs with people who do not look like you or are culturally different from you
Learning to operate differently in different spaces due to being judged based on appearance, behavior, and language
Choosing which words to use, which has additional layers for multilingual folks
Much deeper than just linguistic shifts
Responding to the potential for violent harm when how you typically show up doesn’t fit the current situation’s prescribed norms
The concept of “professionalism” and who set the standards
Needing to push back on the norms
What are the mental health effects of Code-switching?
Anxiety and depression
Not bringing full self into most spaces
Hesitation, lack of learning and sharing
Chronic health diseases connected to cortisol
Identity concerns, unraveling of identity over time
Fear of being found out or not being accepted
High mental load
Not everyone code switches
Why are people code-switching in professional settings? Or is it still happening?
Shifts in behaviors during the pandemic
Letting go of certain social mores on zoom
Not having to go to work and putting on a professional persona when working remotely
What can mental health professionals due to support clients who code-switch?
There are not enough Black therapists to see all of the Black clients, so therapists of other demographics need to make sure that they are addressing it
Going beyond the client having to explain all of their experience or be a cultural translator
Stay present to the story and clarify later, to allow client to stay in the vulnerability
Being authentic yourself as a therapist, to create space for imperfection
Providing reinforcement for the client showing up authentically, their accomplishments
Getting to IDGAF attitude and testing it out in different spaces
How does Dr. Jameta Barlow push back against the status quo related to code-switching?
Land acknowledgement
Grounding in family and cultural history
Focusing on the history and the experiences of Black women
No code-switching or requirement for being anything but your full self
Resources for Modern Therapists mentioned in this Podcast Episode:We’ve pulled together resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links. Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, so if you purchase after clicking below, we may get a little bit of cash in our pockets. We thank you in advance!Dr. Barlow’s Website: JametaBarlow.comTwitter: @allaboutafyaEmail: JametaWrites @ gmail.comInformation on the concept of Double Consciousness from W.E.B. Du BoisArticle on PsychCentral: Code-Switching: What it is and What it Costs UsStay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:PatreonBuy Me A CoffeeModern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/

Mar 27, 2023 • 1h 13min
Why Is Therapy Taking So Long? The causes and solutions for therapeutic drift
Why Is Therapy Taking So Long? The causes and solutions for therapeutic driftCurt and Katie chat about the tendency for therapists to drift clinically – meaning that they fail to use evidence-based practices that they have been trained to do. We explore the phenomenon of therapeutic drift, contributing factors, ways to mitigate risk, and what therapists can do to address this tendency that leads to poorer therapeutic outcomes. This is a continuing education podcourse.Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!In this podcast episode we explore why therapists stray from using evidence-based practicesIn order for therapy to be successful, both the therapist and client need to stay invested in the therapeutic process. We explore the reasons that therapy can stall, how to identify the causes, and how to get back on track toward achieving client goals.What is therapist drift and why is it bad?
Therapists will fail to use evidence-based treatment even when they have the tools and training
May be seen as pushing back on manualized treatments that do not seem to focus on the relationship sufficiently
Therapeutic drift can happen when the therapist and client are not in agreement or clear on the goals for treatment
Not sticking to the plan for treatment and failing to make progress
Mislabeling of treatment interventions
What factors contribute to therapeutic drift?
Client factors include avoiding talking about treatment goals
Lack of adherent training and understanding of the models
Therapist factors include not identifying optimal treatment methods or structures upon which to build creative intervention
Therapists doing what feels good to them versus what is best for the client
Systemic factors including teaching too many theories without sufficient depth
How can we mitigate the risks of therapeutic drift?
Practice-based evidence
Setting treatment plans and single session agendas
Outcome measures and client feedback
Intentionality versus convenience
Assessing bias and where our negative feelings about EBPs come from
Collaborating with the client
Deliberate practice
Consultation, ongoing supervision
Resources for Modern Therapists mentioned in this Podcast Episode:We’ve pulled together resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links. Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, so if you purchase after clicking below, we may get a little bit of cash in our pockets. We thank you in advance!Very Bad Therapy PodcastYou can find this full course (including handouts and resources) here: https://learn.moderntherapistcommunity.com/pages/podcourseContinuing Education Approvals:When we are airing this podcast episode, we have the following CE approval. Please check back as we add other approval bodies: Continuing Education InformationReferences mentioned in this continuing education podcast can be found in the course on our learning platform.Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:Link tree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimaginedPatreonBuy Me A CoffeeModern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/

Mar 20, 2023 • 41min
What Therapists Should Know About Dissociation and Dissociative Disorders: An Interview with Dr. Jamie Marich
What Therapists Should Know About Dissociation and Dissociative Disorders: An Interview with Dr. Jamie MarichCurt and Katie interview Dr. Jamie Marich, author of Dissociation Made Simple, about dissociation and dissociative identities. We talk with Jamie about what therapists often get wrong as well as some basics on what dissociation is and how best to understand and treat it (when it actually needs treating).Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!In this podcast episode, we talk about how therapists can support clients navigating dissociationA friend of the show, Dr. Jamie Marich, wrote a book Dissociation Made Simple, and we wanted to talk about it!What are therapists getting wrong when learning about and treating dissociation?
Not believing in dissociative identities or dissociative systems
Fear of and misunderstanding of dissociation
Thinking of dissociation as a dirt word and something to avoid
Believing that dissociation must always be healed (when in fact it could be useful at times)
What is dissociation? What is dissociative identity disorder or dissociative experience?
Exploring different definitions and conceptualizations
It is a lot of different things
Severing/separating from the present moment or from aspects of ourselves
Disaggregation or dividing your self into parts
Purposeful, meeting a need or protection
The shift to thinking about elements of dissociation as adaptive or maladaptive situationally
How can therapists support clients in understanding and managing their own dissociation?
Helping clients to identify what purpose their dissociation is serving
Assessing dissociative profile through an inventory in the book (triggers, how we dissociate, adaptive/maladaptive)
All dissociative behaviors can be assessed as adaptive or maladaptive
How can a therapist assess for dissociative identities or systems?
Language may vary (parts, defenders, team, selves, side, aspect, etc.)
Previous diagnosis or self-diagnosis
Listen for the experience (a “part of me” wants this, a “side of me” wants this)
Speaking in a parts-informed way
Exploring for thinking from different parts of self, potentially even already with names
Dissociative Identities inventories
What are clinical goals with clients who have dissociative experiences and/or identities?
When working with someone with a system, will need to get buy in from all elements of the team for treatment goals
Goals may not align across different parts
The theory that you’re working with a family
Many clients have Chronic PTSD and the focus of treatment may be trauma
The importance of being trauma informed
Grounding, anchoring, or settling into the present moment
The goal is usually NOT integration
Cohesion, communication, or cooperation
How can therapists overcome their fear about dissociation?
Identifying your own dissociation
Overcoming the “us versus them” related to dissociation
Moving away from bias and stereotypes of folks who dissociate
Resources for Modern Therapists mentioned in this Podcast Episode:We’ve pulled together resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links. Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, so if you purchase after clicking below, we may get a little bit of cash in our pockets. We thank you in advance!Dissociation Made Simple (the book)Jamie’s website: redefinetherapy.comJamie’s social media: Trauma Therapist Rants on TwitterTrauma Therapist Rants on TikTokStay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:PatreonBuy Me A CoffeeModern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/

Mar 13, 2023 • 38min
Understanding Your Money in Private Practice: An Interview with Jennie Schottmiller
Understanding Your Money in Private Practice: An Interview with Jennie SchottmillerCurt and Katie interview Jennie Schottmiller, LMFT, CPA, about understanding your numbers when starting a private practice. We explore the simple math that can help you create consistent income and decrease your anxiety about running a business. Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!In this podcast episode, we talk about how therapists can handle their private practice financesWe reached out to our friend, Jennie Schottmiller, to talk about the basics of bookkeeping in private practice. What are the business decisions therapists need to make when starting a private practice?
Bookkeeping platforms
Types of business
How to stabilize their income
What to pay themselves
How do therapists create consistent income?
Understanding the ebb and flow of the business
Identifying how to pay a consistent income every month
What are the fears that many private practice owners have? (And how can they deal with them?)
What do I need to plan for (i.e., rational fears)
What do I need to talk myself of the ledge about (i.e., irrational fears)
The fear of math can keep folks from figuring out how to make the money work
The benefits of starting slow and managing your expenses from the beginning
Creating financial cushions to avoid freaking out
What are best practices for addressing your books in private practice?
How often should you look at your books?
What numbers are you looking at?
When should you hire a bookkeeper?
What should you know about your books before you hire a bookkeeper?
How to design your books to best monitor your unique business
Managing expenses and understanding what you’re paying for
Looking at year over year changes and trends to plan
How can a therapist navigate their neurodivergence and starting a business?
Understanding your capacities and what your challenges are
Creating a plan to get stuff done
Putting systems in place to address your challenges that works for how your brain works
Resources for Modern Therapists mentioned in this Podcast Episode:We’ve pulled together resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links. Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, so if you purchase after clicking below, we may get a little bit of cash in our pockets. We thank you in advance!Simple Profit websiteSimple Profit on InstagramSimple Profit on FacebookFree Facebook group: Simple Profit for Mental Health CliniciansStay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:PatreonBuy Me A CoffeeModern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/

Mar 6, 2023 • 36min
Has Therapy Become the New Religion?
Has Therapy Become the New Religion?Curt and Katie chat about op ed pieces from the New York Times, where there are a lot of opinions on what therapy is and should be. We explore comparisons of therapy to religion, the notion that going to therapy makes one good, safe and dateable, and how therapy seems to have invaded our lives. Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!In this podcast episode we talk about the opinion that therapy has become morally goodKatie likes reading New York Times Op Ed pieces on what therapy is now. We decided to explore some of the questions these articles raise.What does the New York Times have to say about therapy and therapists?
Going to therapy makes you a good person
Putting that you’re going to therapy on your dating app is a cheat code – meaning that you are safe to date
We have reached a point where we’re more focused on “mental health” than on mental illness
Therapy-speak has invaded everything
It is toxic to tell everyone to go to therapy
What is leading to comparisons of therapy to religion?
Decreased membership in organized religion
Finding your own morals and values outside of organized religion
Finding meaning and purpose through the work you do in therapy
A fear of the degradation of social contracts and a rise of moral relativism
How are people framing the role of the therapist?
Potential for individual exploration of how to live one’s life that is individualized and less tied to specific doctrine
Another potential to be seen as giving direction on how to live life
The role of community care versus individualized healing
Relationship versus individual focus
The nuance of what therapy is versus the fears of what is being done
What is the fear about therapy being so central in our lives?
The worry that people are too self-focused and not sufficiently other focused
Pushing back on the status quo and established systems
The notion that “therapy is good” and “all people need therapy”
Therapy as a status symbol or a designation that I’m a good person
Lack of access for folks with mental illness due to “worried well” and “personal growth” clients taking all of the spots
Resources for Modern Therapists mentioned in this Podcast Episode:We’ve pulled together resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links. Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, so if you purchase after clicking below, we may get a little bit of cash in our pockets. We thank you in advance!New York Times’ Articles:Why Do People Think Going to Therapy Makes You A Good Person? By Mychal Denzel SmithWe Have Reached Peak ‘Mental Health’ by Huw GreenIs it Toxic to Tell Everyone to Get Therapy? By Zachary SiegelHow the Language of Therapy Took Over Dating by Dani BlumThe Problem with Letting Therapy-Speak Invade Everything by Tara Isabella BurtonOur Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimaginedRelevant Episodes of MTSG Podcast:Is Therapy an Opiate of the Masses?Navigating the Social Media Self-Diagnosis TrendModern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/

Feb 27, 2023 • 38min
Understanding Impostor Syndrome in High Achievers: An Interview with Stevon Lewis, LMFT
Understanding Impostor Syndrome in High Achievers: An Interview with Stevon Lewis, LMFTCurt and Katie interview Stevon Lewison working with high achievers who struggle with impostor syndrome. We explored what impostor syndrome is, how society contributes to impostor syndrome, how you can differentiate impostor syndrome from internalized racism, sexism, heterosexism, ableism, etc., the emotional impacts of impostor syndrome, and how therapists can work effectively with these clients. Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!In this podcast episode, we talk about how impostor syndrome shows up in high achieversWe reached out to our friend, Stevon Lewis, to explore impostor syndrome. What do therapists miss related to treating impostor syndrome in high achievers?
Looking at the symptoms versus the root cause
Understanding the common patterns
How does society contribute to impostor syndrome?
Productivity and detail-orientation are praised
The role of humility and Stevon’s difficulty with the accepted definition of humility
Subcultures that are hyper-focused on achievement and competition
The impact of a marginalized identity or identities on impostor syndrome
How can therapists support high achievers with impostor syndrome in therapy?
Slowing down the conversation
Shifting the language related to goal-setting
Finding a path to celebrating wins
Perspective taking on how you treat yourself versus how you treat others
Self-compassion and self-understanding
How do you sort out impostor syndrome from internalized racism, sexism, ableism, etc.?
Contending with stereotypes and unreasonable expectations
Looking at the environment within which someone is working or living
The impact of parenting and what you’ve grown up with
Emotional impacts of Impostor Syndrome
Description of the inner bully
Fear of being found out, not belonging
Fear of being a disappointment or of being too successful
The danger of exploitation, especially for folks who have traditionally been marginalized
The pushback when you are being different
What does healing look like for high achievers with impostor syndrome?
Radical acceptance of self
Getting freedom
Self-compassion
Resources for Modern Therapists mentioned in this Podcast Episode:We’ve pulled together resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links. Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, so if you purchase after clicking below, we may get a little bit of cash in our pockets. We thank you in advance!Stevon’s WebsiteStevon’s Journal: Silencing Your Inner BullyStay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:LinkTreeModern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/

Feb 23, 2023 • 36min
Special Episode: Modern Therapist’s Consumer Guide on Mulberry Web Design
Special Episode: Modern Therapist’s Consumer Guide on Mulberry Web DesignCurt and Katie talk with Kat Valentine, owner of Mulberry, a web design company specializing in custom websites for private practice therapists. This is the Modern Therapist Consumer Guide, a series of special episodes to help modern therapists navigate products and services specifically designed for therapists and their clients. We dig deeply into the companies, the people, and the products and services so you can make smart decisions in building your practice and serving your clients.Interview with Kat Valentine of MulberryMulberry is a U.S. based company providing a broad range of website-related services to marketing departments, small businesses, and private practices in California, Washington, and many other States that extend to the East Coast. We support busy marketing departments with long-term web marketing strategies and daily online marketing activities. And we keep up with the busiest marketing departments, providing business day turn-around on various routine daily web development requests.We also offer website design & development services to small businesses and those in private practice. We have established many rewarding relationships working directly with business owners who serve their local communities.In this podcast episode we talk about web design (and website rescue) with MulberryInterview with Kat Valentine, Mulberry1:14 What do therapists get wrong when putting together their websites?6:23 What is Mulberry Web Design and where did that name come from?14:32 What is the process you go through when you start with a new client?19:15 What is the rescue process like?23:12 What makes you different from other web developers?Curt and Katie Chat – Our review of Mulberry27:37 What do you see as the deciding factors when deciding whether to hire Kat and Mulberry Web Design (or not)?A Special Offer for the listeners of Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide podcast from MulberryMention Therapy Reimagined and receive a 10% discount (up to $250!) on any service we provide.Relevant Links:Mulberry Web Design websiteConnect with us!https://linktr.ee/therapyreimaginedCredits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano http://www.crystalmangano.com/

Feb 20, 2023 • 1h 12min
Supervision in the Real World: Understanding what makes an effective supervisory alliance
Supervision in the Real World: Understanding what makes an effective supervisory allianceCurt and Katie chat about the relationship between supervisor and supervisee in clinical supervision. We explore what makes up a good supervisory alliance, what the research says (and why it is problematic), as well the practicalities of how to create a good relationship and set up a strong supervision meeting. We also look at the challenges in the real world, especially related to addressing business or administrative needs. This is a continuing education podcourse.Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!In this podcast episode we explore the clinical supervisory alliance for therapistsWe know that the relationship is very important in therapy, but what about supervision? We dig into what makes an effective supervisory alliance (and what can hurt it).What makes up a good clinical supervision relationship for therapists?
Teaching within a learning alliance
Having a shared view of what is being worked on
Rapport, shared supervisory goals, shared tasks by which those goals are pursued
Research on clinical supervision is problematic
Mechanisms by which efficacy is measured
Poor timing of research (developmental stage of the supervisee as well as after supervision is done)
What does an effective clinical supervisory alliance look like, practically?
Strong relationship that holds space for an assessment of what the supervisee needs at their particular developmental stage
Supervisory Alliance measures can help to identify how well this relationship is developing
Using feedback to inform the conversations in supervision
Cultural and gender impacts on the supervisory alliance
Supervisor humility and openness
Intentionality with how the relationship is developed
Regular evaluations for supervisees, including the FASIT (Functional Assessment of Skills for Interpersonal Therapists) system from Behavioral Analysts to assess their skills
Setting up an effective supervisory session
Navigating the business and clinical needs within the supervisory relationship
Creating an agenda and goals
Balancing case presentation with other supervisory needs
Clear about expectations at every stage, especially relevant at hiring
Pulling administrative conversations out of clinical supervision meetings
Finding agreed upon path to address clinical work
Cultural humility within the supervisory relationship
Receive Continuing Education for this Episode of the Modern Therapist’s Survival GuideYou can find this full course (including handouts and resources) here: https://learn.moderntherapistcommunity.com/pages/podcourseContinuing Education Approvals: Please check continuing education approval bodies: Continuing Education Information
Resources for Modern Therapists mentioned in this Podcast Episode:We’ve pulled together resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links. Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, so if you purchase after clicking below, we may get a little bit of cash in our pockets. We thank you in advance!Sign up to get on the list for Curt’s supervision workshopSaving Psychotherapy by Dr. Ben CaldwellA Few Thoughts on Impostor Syndrome by Dr. Jordan Harris*The full reference list can be found in the course on our learning platform.Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:PatreonBuy Me A CoffeeModern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/

Feb 13, 2023 • 37min
Sex Therapy with Perfectionists: An Interview with Dr. Tom Murray
Sex Therapy with Perfectionists: An Interview with Dr. Tom MurrayCurt and Katie interview Dr. Tom Murray about sex therapy for clients with the overcontrolled temperament. We talk about how temperament can affect one’s sex life, what therapists often miss in conversations about sex, and what good sex therapy can look like for these clients. Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!An Interview with Dr. Tom MurrayDr. Tom Murray, author, international trainer, educator, and couples and sex therapist-supervisor, is a widely sought-after expert in sexuality and intimate relationships. For 20+ years, Murray has worked with everyday folks to embrace their weirdness, shed labels and shame, lean into anxiety, and build better and stronger relationships. Murray has appeared in numerous venues, including the Huffington Post and The Daily Mail, as well as radio, television and podcasts, including the Practice of Being Seen and Shrink Rap Radio. Murray directs A Path to Wellness, a multidisciplinary practice providing sex therapy, couples counseling, and general psychotherapy. He authored "Making Nice with Naughty: An intimacy guide for the rule-following, organized, perfectionist, practical, and color-within-the-line types."In this podcast episode, we talk about how temperament can impact your sex lifeWe reached out to Dr. Tom Murray to share with us about his new book, Making Nice with Naughty, and how therapists can understand how to help perfectionists (and other over-controlled types) can improve their sex life.What is the overcontrolled personality and how does it impact sex and sexuality?
Personality characteristics and mindset (introspective, fixed or fatalistic mindset)
Perfectionism, rigidity, and hypervigilance
Sexual deficits (low receptivity, avoidance of novel situations, need for ritual)
Typically choose monogamy as overarching rule for sexual relationships
The impact of trauma on those who are predisposed to the overcontrolled temperament
The complication of past trauma on current relationships
The challenge and the work of helping clients show up as the sexual being they would like to be
How can therapists help overcontrolled adults to improve their sexual functioning?
The goal of self-acceptance and the importance of learning about sex as an adult
The rights and responsibilities of monogamy
Sexual discrepancy and forced celibacy
Looking at the difference between “want” and “willing” to have sex
Understanding the different types of desire (spontaneous, responsive, contextual) and what is typical for each partner
How to overcome low sexual desire in relationships
Resources for Modern Therapists mentioned in this Podcast Episode:We’ve pulled together resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links. Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, so if you purchase after clicking below, we may get a little bit of cash in our pockets. We thank you in advance!The book: Making Nice with Naughty: An Intimacy Guide for the Rule-Following, Organized, Perfectionist, Practical, and Color-Within-The-Line Types by Dr. Thomas L. Murray JrTom’s website: drtommurray.comDr. Tom Murray on InstagramDr. Tom Murray on TikTokRelevant Episodes of MTSG Podcast:Sex and Shame: An interview with Eliza Boquin, LMFTLet’s Talk about Sex: An interview with Liz Dube, LMFTWhat Therapists Should Know About Sexual Health, Monkey Pox, and the Echoes of the AIDS Epidemic: An Interview with Mallory Garrett, LMFTStay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:PatreonBuy Me A CoffeeOur Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimaginedModern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/

Feb 6, 2023 • 36min
What Actually is Therapy?
What Actually is Therapy?Curt and Katie chat about the confusing laws related to telehealth and other technologies that open up questions of how therapy is actually defined. We look at what is not therapy, what constitutes a therapy session, what differentiates therapy from coaching, and how therapists can navigate confusing laws related to texting, telehealth, and interstate communication with their clients. Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!In this podcast episode we talk about what therapy is and what it is notCurt identified some laws that don’t quite work because what is considered therapy is changing. What time does therapy happen if you are texting? Where is it located? And what actually is therapy and needs to be held under the laws of the profession AND the laws regulating telehealth and technology?Why does Curt want to fix the telehealth laws?
Rules surrounding knowing where your client is and safety depend on therapy happening concurrently.
New types of therapy (like texting and asynchronous messaging) don’t have the same parameters to be able to identify what is supposed to be documented in therapy sessions.
What is therapy and what is not therapy?
Therapy versus coaching
Therapy versus coping skills training
What is therapy versus what is therapeutic
Does the presence of a therapist make something therapy?
What about continuity of care or coping/coaching calls when someone is traveling?
Things that are called therapy and are not: retail therapy, conversion therapy
What is billable to insurance?
How do we differentiate what we do from non-therapists?
Deeper emotional work within psychological principles
Legal responsibilities of confidentiality
What is a therapy session?
Therapy sessions versus coaching calls
Therapists define what is a therapy session (according to CAMFT)
We need to make sure that we clarify with clients what therapy is with each of us
Resources for Modern Therapists mentioned in this Podcast Episode:We’ve pulled together resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links. Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, so if you purchase after clicking below, we may get a little bit of cash in our pockets. We thank you in advance!Article from Stephen P. Becker – Wilderness Therapy: Ethical Considerations for Mental Health ProfessionalsRelevant Episodes of MTSG Podcast:Rage and Client Self-Harm: An interview with Angela Caldwell, LMFTIt's the Lack of Thought That Counts: Ethical Decision-Making in Dual RelationshipsStay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:PatreonBuy Me A CoffeeOur Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimaginedModern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/