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

Reviewing a Disciplinary Case on Suicidality, EroticTransference, and Between-Session Communication: How do therapists holdappropriate boundaries?Curt and Katie chat about a disciplinary case against Dr. Eric Bergeman,highlighting key ethical concerns for therapists. They explore documentationpractices, therapist responsibilities, and boundary management, particularly incases involving suicidality and erotic transference. The conversationunderscores the importance of clear treatment planning, proper record-keeping,and ethical decision-making to avoid legal and professional consequences. Thisis a continuing education podcourse.Transcriptsfor this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!In this podcast episode we talk about suicidality,erotic transference, between-session communication, and documentation Therapists are given conflicting advice on when their dutiesto patients begin, how much they are expected to be available to clientsoutside of sessions, how they are to approach between-session communications,and how to document such communications. This episode explores a disciplinarycase where the California Board of Psychology investigated a therapist’sresponses to a client that filed a complaint about the therapist’s treatment.What therapists need to know about ethical boundaries and disciplinaryactions: The importance of proper documentation and clear treatment planning. How to respond to client suicidality in real-time, including assessment and intervention. Managing erotic transference with ethical boundaries and consultation. The role of Board of Psychology investigations in evaluating therapist conduct. Key Takeaways from Dr. Bergeman’s Disciplinary Case: The Board of Psychology found gross negligence due to poor documentation, inadequate diagnosis, and lack of clear therapeutic boundaries. Dr. Bergeman failed to properly address the client’s suicidality and borderline personality disorder, leading to ethical concerns. Consultation with another therapist revealed concerns about Bergeman’s treatment approach and lack of structured intervention. The Board initially sought a fine of $103,000, later reducing it to $10,363, citing good intentions but significant professional oversights. Receive Continuing Education for this Episode of the Modern Therapist’sSurvival GuideContinuing Education Approvals:Continuing Education Information including grievance and refund policies.Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined#TherapyMovement:Our 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/

In this engaging discussion, Andy Strait, an immigration attorney and former public advocate, delves into the intersection of immigration policies and mental health. He highlights the pressing challenges immigrants face, including the impact of fear-driven policies on their wellbeing. Strait emphasizes the critical role therapists can play by offering pro bono evaluations and connecting clients with legal resources. Listeners gain valuable insights into the importance of legal representation and how therapists can create safe spaces for immigrant communities.

Reacting to Regime Change: How Therapists Can Advocate for our Clients and CommunitiesCurt and Katie chat about how the United States has shifted since the inauguration of President Trump. We look at how therapists can advocate for their clients and the communities they serve and/or live in. We look at strategies for therapists to stay informed, provide vetted resources, and be present for clients who may be struggling with the changes. Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!In this podcast episode we talk about the impact of political shifts on mental health careWith ongoing changes in healthcare policy, therapists must navigate how legislative decisions impact their clients and their own practice. In this episode, Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy discuss the Trump administration’s influence on mental health care, the importance of accurate information and advocacy, and strategies for balancing personal well-being with professional responsibilities.What do therapists need to know about political changes in healthcare? The Trump administration’s policies and their impact on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid. The role of therapists in ensuring clients receive accurate healthcare information. How legislative decisions affect funding for mental health services. Why advocacy and political awareness are essential for protecting mental health access. The ethical considerations of discussing politics with clients while maintaining professional boundaries. How Therapists Can Take Action to Protect Healthcare Access Educate yourself and your clients on state-specific programs and available resources. Provide information in your practice on how clients can contact their legislators. Spend 15 minutes a day making calls to representatives to advocate for mental health care. Encourage, but don’t pressure, clients to take action in ways that align with their own values. Share neutral, fact-based sources to help clients stay informed without unnecessary anxiety. The Emotional Toll of Advocacy and How to Manage It Navigating personal feelings while supporting clients through political uncertainty. Avoiding doom-scrolling and setting boundaries around media consumption. Finding support within the therapist community to prevent burnout. Understanding personal capacity and choosing advocacy efforts that are sustainable. The Role of Therapists in Community Support Helping clients feel empowered rather than helpless in the face of policy changes. Creating space in sessions for conversations about uncertainty and anxiety related to healthcare access. Challenging therapists to step outside their comfort zone and take meaningful action. Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:Our 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/

When Your Client Dies By Suicide: An interview with Dr. Nina GutinCurt and Katie chat with Nina J. Gutin, Ph.D. about to discuss the emotional, professional, and systemic impact of client suicide on clinicians. We break down the common reactions of guilt and blame, highlight the importance of postvention support, and explore strategies to navigate grief and maintain clinical confidence.Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!In this podcast episode, we talk about the impact of client suicide on cliniciansLosing a client to suicide is a devastating and often isolating experience for mental health professionals. We asked suicide expert, Dr. Nina Gutin to join us to talk about how therapists can take care of themselves when they have a client die by suicide.What do therapists need to know about client suicide and its impact on clinicians? The stigma and self-blame clinicians often experience after losing a client. The importance of using “died by suicide” instead of stigmatizing language. Statistics on clinician loss: One in five mental health professionals—and up to one in two psychiatrists—will experience a client suicide. The need for postvention protocols and structured support in mental health workplaces. How reducing caseloads and fostering support networks can help mitigate the long-term professional impact. Processing Guilt and Self-Blame After a Client Suicide How hindsight bias can make clinicians feel responsible for a client’s death. Shifting from guilt to remorse or regret as a healthier perspective. The fear of legal repercussions and how to navigate it after a client suicide. Best practices for reaching out to a client’s family with compassion and professionalism. The Professional and Emotional Toll of Client Suicide on Therapists How losing a client to suicide can shake a clinician’s confidence and clinical identity. The importance of workplace support and structured postvention after a client death. Why systemic change is necessary to ensure therapists receive the help they need. Resources and Support for Clinicians The Coalition of Clinician Survivors – A support network offering: A listserv for peer support. A bibliography of research and clinical resources. Postvention protocols to guide clinicians and organizations. Dr. Nina Gutin’s email – For clinicians seeking consultation (nguten@earthlink.net). Breaking the Stigma and Advocating for Systemic Support How the stigma around suicide impacts both clients and clinicians. The need for better suicide prevention and postvention training in clinical programs. How organizations can prepare for and respond to client suicides to support their clinicians effectively. Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:Our 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/ 

Stop Wasting Your Time on Awareness CampaignsCurt and Katie chat about the limitations of performative awareness campaigns and the need for action-oriented advocacy. Inspired by the article Stop Raising Awareness Already by Ann Christiano and Annie Niemand, they critique viral campaigns like Kony 2012 and the CDC’s zombie apocalypse campaign, highlighting the importance of targeting the right audiences, crafting compelling messages, and developing a theory of change. Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!In this podcast episode we talk about the limitations of awareness campaignsCurt and Katie talk about what to do instead of focusing precious time, energy, and resources on advocacy that is solely about awareness. We look at what has worked in the past and how to implement that now.Why Awareness Alone Isn’t Enough Performative awareness (social media posts, profile filters) often doesn’t lead to real change. Examples of failed awareness campaigns: Kony 2012: Viral but lacked sustainable action. CDC’s zombie apocalypse: Popular but ineffective at promoting emergency preparedness. HPV vaccine campaign: Faced backlash due to misinterpretation of its message. Some awareness efforts even create harmful counter-movements (e.g., “All Lives Matter” in response to BLM). The Importance of Targeted Advocacy Broad awareness campaigns often miss key decision-makers—advocacy should focus on specific audiences. Examples of effective advocacy efforts: Lobbying for minors' rights to amend therapy records. Medicare reform efforts for mental health providers. California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) educating legislators about MFTs. Developing a Theory of Change Advocacy needs clear goals and strategic planning. The story of Rosa Parks demonstrates effective timing and targeting in advocacy. Successful campaigns require repetition, patience, and clear calls to action. Practical Steps for Effective Advocacy:·      Move beyond awareness—advocate for policy changes, funding, and direct action.·      Target specific audiences (lawmakers, healthcare providers, educators).·      Craft messages that resonate—ensure they lead to measurable change.·      Develop a theory of change—plan advocacy efforts with long-term impact in mind.Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:Our 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/

MFTs Providing Therapy Across State Lines Through License Portability in the United States: An interview with Roger SmithCurt and Katie chat with Roger Smith, Chief Advocacy Officer and General Counsel for American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, about the challenges and progress in licensure portability for Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs). He explains why AAMFT opted for an endorsement model over interstate compacts, the success of the Access MFTs initiative, and what’s next for portability efforts in 2025.Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!In this podcast episode, we talk with Roger Smith about LMFT License PortabilityAs more and more therapy is happening online, therapists have an opportunity to work with clients from all over the world. In the United States, there have been efforts by social workers, mental health counselors, and psychologists to create inter-state compacts to help regulate these therapists (and provide opportunities to deliver care legally in other states). Marriage and Family Therapists have been left behind and are now seeking a different path (reciprocity or portability) due to the unique characteristics of the LMFT profession. We reached out to Roger Smith of AAMFT to help us understand why this decision was made as well as what it means for MFTs.Why AAMFT Chose the Endorsement Model Over Compacts·      Interstate compacts were considered but ultimately deemed too costly and unsustainable.·      Large states like California and New York have not adopted ANY healthcare compacts, limiting effectiveness.·      Endorsement model: Allows MFTs to practice in other states if they hold an unencumbered license—without having to meet initial requirements again.Success of the "Access MFTs" Model·      In 2024, 7 out of 10 targeted states passed the Access MFTs model law.·      States that adopted the model include Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Tennessee, and Virginia.·      Efforts continue in Kentucky and North Carolina for 2025.Future of MFT Portability & Barriers California is not pursuing portability legislation but is working with CAMFT on national exam advocacy. Exam requirements can be a barrier to full portability. Expansion plans focus on pro-telehealth states and underserved regions. Member Interest & Cost Considerations for MFTs seeking to practice across state lines A 2022 AAMFT survey showed strong member interest in portability, especially among younger therapists. Costs are a factor—both the Access MFTs model and interstate compacts involve financial considerations for therapists. National Licensure for therapists: Why It’s Not an Option Licensure is a state-level issue, and federal intervention is unlikely. A national exam or license would face constitutional challenges and resistance from state regulatory boards. Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:Our 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/

The Advances in Artificial Intelligence for Mental Health: An interview with Dr. Alyssa DietzCurt and Katie chat with Dr. Alyssa Dietz, a clinical psychologist and digital mental health expert, about the evolving role of AI in therapy. Dr. Dietz discusses how AI can enhance therapy by delivering evidence-based care, particularly in structured approaches like CBT, while acknowledging its limitations with complex, multi-diagnosis cases. She emphasizes the need for collaboration between therapists and AI developers to ensure ethical, patient-centered innovation in digital mental health.Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!In this podcast episode, we talk with Dr. Alyssa Dietz about Advances in AI for TherapyArtificial Intelligence has already come for mental healthcare. The question is, what should therapists be doing about it? We dig into what AI therapy looks like from the inside, from a clinician’s perspective.AI’s Growing Role in Therapy AI can enhance therapy but won’t replace human therapists soon. AI is particularly effective in skills-based therapies like CBT. AI currently struggles with complex diagnoses and comorbidities. The most active users of digital mental health tools are 50-60 years old, surprising many industry experts. How AI is Changing the Therapist’s Role AI can automate administrative tasks and support therapists in data-driven decision-making. Although tech and insurance folks say we can use AI to work at the "top of our license," this approach could lead to therapist burnout. Clinicians should work alongside AI developers to ensure ethical, patient-centered care. AI’s judgment and decision-making remain limited, requiring human oversight. Evaluating AI’s Effectiveness & Ethical Considerations The tension between innovation, regulation, and evaluation in AI-driven therapy. Importance of clear safety protocols and escalation (emergency) measures for client care. AI must be rigorously tested for safety and effectiveness. Understanding how AI products are trained and evaluated is critical for therapists before incorporating these clinical tools into your practice. AI and Complex Diagnoses Current AI models struggle to address comorbidities effectively. Need for personalization and context-driven interventions. Future AI tools must move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach. How Therapists Can Adapt to AI in Mental Health Educate yourself on AI’s capabilities and limitations. Stay informed through online courses, conferences, and tech-focused therapist groups. Engage with organizations like the Digital Medicine Society to understand responsible AI use. Connect with the "Therapists in Tech" Slack group to network with others in the space. Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:Our 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/

Exploring Systemic Trauma and Relational Privilege with BIPOC and LGBTQI Couples: An interview with Akilah Riley-RichardsonCurt and Katie chat with Akilah Riley Richardson, MSW about the challenges therapists face when working with BIPOC and LGBTQI couples. Akilah discusses the impact of systemic trauma, how it affects relationships, and the importance of creating therapeutic models tailored to marginalized communities. She introduces The PRIDE Model for therapy and The BIOME Stance for therapists, offering actionable strategies for inclusive, trauma-informed care.Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!In this podcast episode, we talk with Akilah Riley-Richardson about what therapists get wrong when working with BIPOC and LGBTQI couplesToo often, couples counselors take traditional models and make slight tweaks for couples from marginalized backgrounds, with little success. Akilah Riley-Richardson has developed a stance and a new model to help support therapists in doing more effective work with these couples.  Understanding Systemic Trauma in Therapy Defining systemic trauma: Chronic, unpredictable, and disenfranchised trauma caused by systemic forces (education, legal, and healthcare systems). Examples of systemic trauma: Microaggressions, mispronounced names, assumptions about authority roles, and misgendering. Effects on individuals and relationships: Reduced sense of safety, rejection sensitivity, emotional disconnect, and difficulty setting boundaries. Challenges in Therapy with BIPOC and LGBTQI Couples Common therapist mistakes: Ignoring systemic realities and the impact of privilege. Adapting existing models without acknowledging their white, cishet origins. Failing to create trauma-informed, inclusive frameworks. Importance of relational privilege: Self-acceptance, social acceptance, and feeling protected in relationships. The PRIDE Model & The BIOME Stance from Akilah Riley-Richardson PRIDE Model for Therapy: Relational curiosity: Actively exploring the client's lived experiences. Setting intentions: Creating space for safety and vulnerability. Trauma work: Addressing systemic trauma's long-term impact on relationships. BIOME Stance for Therapists: Bravery: Facing discomfort in recognizing privilege. Intimacy: Fostering deep emotional connections. Openness: Being receptive to client experiences. Micro-liberatory movements: Small but impactful actions toward social justice. Epistemic embracing: Validating client knowledge and lived experiences. How Therapists Can Engage Clients in Systemic Trauma Work Transparency in therapy: Clearly communicating the goal of liberation. Allowing resistance: Accepting client pushback as an assertion of power. Embracing uncertainty: Being comfortable with not having all the answers. Participating in decolonization conversations: Learning through community engagement and allyship. Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:Our 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/ 

How Therapists Can Truly Help After a DisasterCurt and Katie chat about the impact of the recent Los Angeles wild fires on therapists, their clients, and communities. We explore the importance of self-assessment, responsible crisis response, and balancing personal care with providing support. From donating (and marketing) services ethically to understanding trauma timelines, Curt and Katie provide practical advice for therapists navigating community-wide disasters.Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!In this podcast episode we talk through how therapists can help during and after crisesCurt and Katie live in Los Angeles, which was recently ravaged by wild fires. We decided it would be important to reflect on our experience and provide support to other therapists seeking ways they may be able to help their own communities.Self-Assessment and Prioritizing Personal Care during a Natural Disaster or Community Crisis Therapists are encouraged to assess their capacity to provide support, ensuring they do not overextend themselves during a crisis. Curt emphasizes radical acceptance and forgiveness for cancellations or temporary service disruptions caused by disasters. Katie highlights the importance of therapists taking care of themselves before offering services, noting the potential for long-term impacts on both providers and clients. How to Market Therapy during a crisis without feeling like an ambulance chaser Curt and Katie stress the importance of donating services ethically, avoiding lead generation tactics or branding during a crisis. They discuss reviewing scheduled marketing campaigns to ensure sensitivity to the current situation. Therapists are encouraged to work with established organizations (like the Red Cross) to maximize the impact of their efforts. Curt and Katie discuss the risks of using disasters to build personal brands and stress focusing solely on service and support. They suggest volunteering with experienced organizations to avoid complications and maximize resources for those in need. Recognizing Individual Needs and Trauma Timelines for disaster survivors Not all clients experience or process trauma in the same way; therapists must tailor their support to individual needs and stages of impact. Curt shares insights from his experience supporting clients after the Boston Marathon bombing, emphasizing the importance of addressing varying levels of trauma severity. Katie highlights the need for long-term care systems to address ongoing trauma responses. How Therapists can balance Caretaking and Personal Needs during a disaster Curt shares his experience of being overwhelmed by personal messages and work demands during the crisis. Katie emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and giving oneself permission to focus on personal care. Therapists are reminded that they are part of the crisis too and should ensure they meet their own needs before taking on the caretaker role. Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:Our 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/

Helping Parents Become What They Needed as a Child: An interview with Bryana Kappadakunnel, LMFTCurt and Katie chat with Bryana Kappakunnel, LMFT about conscious parenting, discussing how self-awareness, emotional regulation, and healing personal triggers can help parents foster healthier and more connected relationships with their children. With a background in infant and early childhood mental health and her upcoming book Parent Yourself First, Bryana offers valuable insights for therapists and parents alike.Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!In this podcast episode, we talk with Bryana Kappadakunnel about Conscious ParentingWe invited friend of the show, Bryana Kappadakunnel, LMFT to talk about her work, including her new book, Parent Yourself First.  What is Conscious Parenting? Conscious parenting goes beyond positive parenting by prioritizing self-awareness, personal healing, and understanding the root causes of emotional triggers. Bryana explains how addressing parents’ unresolved issues can create a healthier environment for children, often alleviating behavioral challenges. She highlights the importance of building authentic connections with children and fostering emotional safety through open communication and modeling accountability. Common Pushback and Misconceptions for Conscious Parenting Bryana addresses resistance from parents who view traditional parenting as the norm or feel threatened by relational approaches. She clarifies that conscious parenting is not permissive but a balanced, authoritative style that combines high warmth, nurturance, structure, and boundaries. Bryana emphasizes the need to manage stress and prevent burnout by helping parents regulate their own emotions before addressing their children’s behavior. How to Help Parents Navigate Challenging Parenting Scenarios When parents feel disrespected by their children, Bryana advises focusing on their own emotional reactions and understanding the child’s behavior as a form of communication. She stresses the importance of setting consistent boundaries while staying attuned to the child’s perspective. Bryana shares her own practice of apologizing to her children when she makes mistakes, modeling accountability and respect in the parent-child relationship. How Conscious Parenting Helps Kids During the pandemic, Bryana shifted her focus to working with parents directly, leading to significant improvements in family dynamics in shorter timeframes. Her work underscores the importance of addressing systemic and relational patterns within families rather than focusing solely on child behavior. Bryana highlights the benefits of her approach, including better communication, a deeper sense of connection, and raising compassionate, empathetic, and confident children. Bryana’s Online Presence and Upcoming Book Bryana creates content tailored to the needs of parents and her clients, sharing bite-sized videos that inspire reflection and change. Bryana talks about her decisions on what to post as a licensed therapist with a big following on social media platforms She discusses her book, Parent Yourself First, which helps parents heal their own wounds to raise resilient and empathetic children. The book focuses on empowering parents to become the caregivers they wished they had, fostering healthier and more connected family systems. Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:Our 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/