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

Join Laura Reagan, an integrative trauma therapist and the mind behind Therapy Chat Podcast, as she dives into the intricacies of trauma-informed care. She discusses common barriers clients face when seeking trauma therapy and how therapists can effectively reach them. The impact of COVID-19 on trauma treatment is examined, along with strategies for providing virtual support. Plus, learn about the Trauma Therapist Network, designed to connect individuals with trauma-informed specialists.

The Balance Between Boundaries and HumanityAn interview with Jamie Marich, Ph.D, on what it means to redefine therapy and how therapists can incorporate this idea into their practice. Curt and Katie talk with Jamie about the importance of therapists being vulnerable both with clients and publicly about their own mental health struggles to reduce the mental health stigma. We also explore factors that keep therapists from being vulnerable as well as other therapeutic and cultural considerations when doing so.It’s time to reimagine therapy and what it means to be a therapist. To support you as a whole person and a therapist, your hosts, Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy talk about how to approach the role of therapist in the modern age. Interview with Jamie Marich, Ph.D,Dr. Jamie Marich (she/they) is a clinical trauma specialist, expressive artist, writer, yogini, performer, short filmmaker, Reiki master, TEDx speaker, and recovery advocate, she unites all of these elements in her mission to inspire healing in others. Jamie maintains a private practice and online education operations in her home base of Warren, OH. Marich is the founder of the Institute for Creative Mindfulness and the developer of the Dancing Mindfulness approach to expressive arts therapy. Marich is the author of several books, including EMDR Made Simple: 4 Approaches for Using EMDR with Every Client (2011), Trauma and the Twelve Steps: A Complete Guide for Recovery Enhancement (2012), Trauma Made Simple: Competencies in Assessment, Treatment, and Working with Survivors, and Dancing Mindfulness: A Creative Path to Healing and Transformation (2015). NALGAP: The Association of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Addiction Professionals and Their Allies awarded Jamie with their esteemed President’s Award in 2015 for her work as an LGBT advocate. The EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) granted Jamie the 2019 Advocacy in EMDR Award for her using her public platform in media and in the addiction field to advance awareness about EMDR therapy. Marich is in long-term addiction recovery and is actively living with a Dissociative Disorder.In this episode we talk about: Who Jamie Marich is and what she puts out in the world. The story behind #RedefineTherapy. A look at what needs to be redefined in therapy and why. Discussion about balancing the art and science of therapy to allow for more flexibility within our field. Factors that contribute to clinicians rigidly adhering to evidenced based practices. How clinicians can make changes at a societal level to redefine therapy. The importance of clinicians being vulnerable and sharing their own struggles with mental health. An exploration of the balance between being authentic/vulnerable with clients and setting appropriate boundaries. Cultural considerations in redefining therapy. What keeps therapist from being vulnerable in therapy. Using a both/and approach to merge how therapy has been done in the past and how it will be done in the future as therapy continues to be redefined and reimagined.

Understanding the Psychological Impacts of Leaving Afghanistan, Part 2: Afghan AmericansAn interview with Sara Stanizai, LMFT, on how Afghan Americans are responding as the US leaves Afghanistan. Curt and Katie talk with Sara about her experience as an Afghan American therapist, looking at the misconceptions, lack of knowledge, and bias that can harm Afghan American clients. We look at clinical best practices for immigrants to the US, as well as some of the history and cultural norms of the country, the uniqueness of the experience, and the importance of finding primary sources to understand what is really going on. Sara also shares ideas for what we can do to support the Afghan people in Afghanistan and the diaspora at this time.It’s time to reimagine therapy and what it means to be a therapist. To support you as a whole person and a therapist, your hosts, Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy talk about how to approach the role of therapist in the modern age.Interview with Sara Stanizai, LMFTSara Stanizai, LMFT (she/her) is a licensed therapist, clinical supervisor, and the owner of Prospect Therapy, a queer- and trans-affirming therapy practice based in Long Beach, CA, with a special focus on serving first-generation American and immigrant communities. A queer first-gen herself, Sara’s clinical and professional work focuses on serving the Afghan diaspora, specifically, fellow Afghan-American women, and bicultural communities in general. She runs a weekly Afghan-American women's group and will be offering this free of charge in the coming weeks to meet the mental health needs of her community. In this episode we talk about: Sara’s experience being an Afghan American, especially since 9/11; as well as her response to the US withdrawal from Afghanistan Afghan Americans: the displaced among the displaced The real issues that folks in Afghanistan are facing, separate from the perspective of western cultural and the differences in the Afghan American experience Historical context for Afghanistan and the memories of Afghan Americans that shape their views: Culture, art, progressive, beautiful, diverse Not feeling Afghan enough or American enough The value of hospitality and how Afghanistan will always welcome Afghan Americans How Islam intertwines (but is not equivalent) to the Afghan culture Modesty and values and the bias toward Muslim women who wear headscarves Bias and misperceptions that can negatively impact clients The complexity of Islam and how it can be perceived both as beautiful and nature-loving as well as dangerous and militant The challenge to identity being an Afghan American The danger of pity coming into the therapy room The importance and nuance of educating yourself outside of the therapy room, while also encouraging the client of sharing their own experience. Not: What does this mean? Instead: What does this mean to you? The Afghan culture requires offering 3 times before determining that the answer is no Collectivism and the importance of family Impact of intergenerational trauma and military involvement in a home country Seeking out primary sources, with a focus on Afghan voices as the experience is truly unique Avoid sensationalized headlines and images Challenging what has been “truth” especially when looking at these sensationalized stories Ways of healing and clinical practice that are better aligned to these clients Prayer and healing within safe community spaces Considerations on scheduling session around prayer time and understanding fasting The lack of language for what is being experienced Offering connection, even when you don’t know what to say The focus on trying to get family and friends out of Afghanistan, constantly watching the news Ideas for what you can do to support the people of Afghanistan The importance of legal support, translation services, and advocacy at this time The support group for Afghan women that Sara runs

Understanding the Psychological Impacts of Leaving Afghanistan, Part 1: Military VeteransAn interview with Rob Bates, SFC IN USA ret., MA, LMHC, on how veterans may be responding to the US leaving Afghanistan after 20 years at war. Curt and Katie talk with Rob about his service in the military and how it has impacted his view on therapy and being a therapist. He explains how he typically works with veterans, decreasing perfectionism and shifting dehumanization to self-compassion. We also look at the unique experiences of US Veterans who have served in Afghanistan and how therapists can support these individuals more effectively during this time.It’s time to reimagine therapy and what it means to be a therapist. To support you as a whole person and a therapist, your hosts, Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy talk about how to approach the role of therapist in the modern age.Interview with Rob Bates, SFC IN USA ret., MA, LMHC, MHP, DCRFrom Rob: We can all use a little help now and then. I bring a diverse skill set of life and counseling experience. I grew up with a tumultuous household in a small community. I joined the military at a young age and have lived and worked throughout the world. I have had my own family, raising children weathering many successes and failures in the process. I continue to experience counseling as a client working with the emotions of my past and present to improve my future. My personal experience in therapy enhances my great respect for my clients' vulnerability in our sessions. I am a fellow traveler in life, as my clients learn and grow so do I.As a soldier I spent 20 years living and working throughout the conflict regions of the world as a combat infantryman. Starting as a young Airborne Ranger with the 2nd Battalion of the 75th Regiment and finishing my career as a senior leader in the 2nd Battalion 1rst Infantry Regiment of the 2nd Infantry Division. I have experienced combat in the First Iraq War, Bosnia, Kosovo, Second Iraq War, and Afghanistan. I am proud of my service and my work wherever I have been asked to go by my country.In this episode we talk about: Rob’s experiences in the military and afterwards that led to his becoming a therapist for vets The different language that therapists speak from military personnel The unique skill sets, knowledge, concerns that therapists should have or be aware of when working with military members and vets How military members live in a zero-defect environment and how therapists can consider working with vets to decrease this mindset when returning to civilian life The bias and judgment that can negatively impact work with folks in the military, especially around life and death decisions The importance of military clients understanding therapist’s ability to manage secondary traumatization Typical responses to the decision around the drawdown in Afghanistan after the peace agreement as well as the very recent chaotic evacuation The moral injury related to walking away from Afghanistan The relationships that were developed between US military personnel and Afghan military personnel and civilians and how “abandoning” them to the danger of the Taliban is impacting veterans and those who are evacuating The impact of social media and commentary on perception and meaning-making The ethical and moral decision-making that is happening at all levels The process of dehumanization during wartime, creating psychological safety during combat The complicated grief that is further complicated by the US leaving Afghanistan and the complex trauma and survivor’s guilt The importance of helping veterans to develop self-compassion Identity issues that may be challenged with the withdrawal from Afghanistan A fuller picture of service in Afghanistan (including humanitarian missions) What may happen when the news cycle shifts to the next big news story Creating new purpose and meaning to mitigate tendency toward suicidality

What the Grief Just Happened?An interview with Sonya Lott, Ph.D, on how COVID has impacted our experience of grief. Curt and Katie talk with Sonya about the types of grief people are experiencing and how people have been coping thus far. We explore what prolonged grief is and the risk factors that contribute to it as well as tips to support clients. We also talk about the need for therapists to be informed on grief processes and the importance of meeting clients where they are. It’s time to reimagine therapy and what it means to be a therapist. To support you as a whole person and a therapist, your hosts, Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy talk about how to approach the role of therapist in the modern age. Interview with Sonya Lott, Ph.D, Founder of CEMPSYCH, LLCSonya Lott has a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Temple University. She been licensed as a psychologist in PA since 1991. Since 2020, she has been licensed to provide telepsychology in more than 16 states through the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Board’s (ASPPB) PSYPACT program. She maintains a private online practice devoted to helping individuals transform their experiences of traumatic and prolonged grief. She is trained in Complicated Grief Therapy (CGT), an evidence-based treatment for prolonged grief and is also a certified brainspotting practitioner. She is also the founder of CEMPSYCH, LLC, which offers continuing education in multicultural psychology to mental health professionals. CEMPSYCH, LLC is approved as a sponsor by the APA to provide continuing education to psychologists. In this episode we talk about: Who Sonya Lott is and what she puts out in the world. Looking at how COVID has impacted our experience of grief (i.e., death and non-death losses). How the uncertainty COVID created has added to our difficulty in acknowledging losses in our lives. Discussion of how clinicians can help their clients (and themselves) recognize and process their grief. Examining how losses to previous COVID, attachment styles, and other risk factors have influenced the way people manage their grief. Defining prolonged grief and recognizing when it is a problem, while making cultural considerations. Factors that have contributed to people developing prolonged grief (e.g., isolation, previous mental health challenges, etc). What clinicians can expect to see from clients as we move into the next phase of our lives. The need for clinicians to be able to differentiate from grief, prolonged grief, and major depression and address each accordingly. Recognizing that the grief people are experiencing is inherently traumatic and integrating this into treatment. Tips for clinicians to help clients who are stuck. Being a grief informed therapist (knowing there are no stages to grief). The importance of meeting people where they at to help them process their grief.  Resources mentioned: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. Sonya Lott WebsiteCEMPSYCH LLCRelevant Episodes: Death, Dying, and Grief Compassion FatigueConnect with us!Our Facebook Group – The Modern Therapists Group Get Notified About Therapy Reimagined Conferences

Asian American Mental HealthAn interview with Linda Yoon, LCSW, on specific mental health needs of Asian American clients. Curt and Katie talk with Linda about what therapists often get wrong when working with Asian clients and colleagues. We explore the model minority myth, fetishization of Asian women, and the complexity of the heterogeneous group that falls under the term “Asian American.” We also talk about steps therapists can take to better support Asian American people. It’s time to reimagine therapy and what it means to be a therapist. To support you as a whole person and a therapist, your hosts, Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy talk about how to approach the role of therapist in the modern age.Interview with Linda Yoon, LCSW, Founder and Co-Director of Yellow Chair CollectiveLinda is the founder and the co-director of Yellow Chair Collective, a multicultural psychotherapy group with a special focus on Asian mental health. Linda has over 10 years of experience in the field of social work and mental health. Before starting Yellow Chair Collective, she worked in residential and outpatient mental health clinics, domestic and intimate relationship violence programs, and affordable and inclusive housing services, often serving Asian and Asian Pacific Islanders and the immigrant/refugee population.Linda is passionate about community outreach and provides workshops on social and mental health topics including diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), cultural sensitivity, parenting, self and community care, family violence, refugee/immigrant issues, and Asian American mental health. Her work has been featured in the LA Times, KXN, CBS Radio, KPBS, Al Dia Politics, and Crushing the Myth. Linda also has been a panelist for KQED Forum, NPR Podcast, and USC Center for Health Journalism speaking about Asian Mental Health needs during the pandemic and anti-Asian hate crime surge. Linda is also an active committee member of NASW-CA Asian Pacific Islander Council - Southern California.In this episode we talk about: Why Asian American Mental Health is so important What therapists are getting wrong when working with Asian clients and colleagues The Model Minority myth, bias and stereotypes The lack of understanding of who Asian Americans are (and the heterogeneity of this group – there’s over 20 Asian countries with different languages and characteristics) Self-gaslighting, dismissal of Asian American racism experiences Accurate assessment and important questions to ask Looking at different immigration stories, languages spoken, what culture they relate to if their families come from more than one culture The barriers Asian Americans face in seeking mental health treatment The different perspective on mental health and the understanding of body and mind Collectivism and the impact on an individual seeking mental health services How different generations may perceive mental health treatment Culturally and linguistically appropriate services The potential missing data due to Asian Americans not reporting to or trusting the census The current spotlight on Asian hate and racism, and the history of violence against Asian people Common microaggressions The importance of educating oneself and avoiding assumptions, the value of consultation Ways to help with antiracism relevant to Asian Americans Questions to ask yourself to support Asian clients and colleagues

How to Fire Your Clients (Ethically)Curt and Katie chat about how to appropriately terminate with clients when icky situations arise. We explore how therapists can develop an ethical decision-making process to protect themselves against possible complaints to ethics boards. We also talk about how privilege plays a role in icky terminations and how therapists can work to balance their safety and self-care with their responsibilities.It’s time to reimagine therapy and what it means to be a therapist. To support you as a whole person and a therapist, your hosts, Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy talk about how to approach the role of therapist in the modern age.In this episode we talk about: How ethics are discussed in social media groups (ethical concerns vs. I don’t like this) When we can terminate with clients, why can we do it, when we cannot terminate with clients, and what our responsibilities are in these situations. How therapist’s personal feelings can influence premature terminations and the problems this can lead to (e.g., client abandonment, continuity of care). Feelings that arise for both the therapist and client when icky terminations happen. How ethics committees think about complaints and disciplinary actions. Developing an ethical decision-making process that demonstrates professionalism. Explore how therapists are held to a higher standard than the general public. Discuss how privilege (or lack thereof) impacts perceptions professionalism. How to maintain professional standards when your safety is at risk. Developing plans for possible icky terminations. We look at how many therapists are actually reported to ethics boards and how this information is unhelpful. Managing racist, homophobic, sexist, etc. comments in session and taking care of yourself. Explore how the structure of ethics committees create barriers to therapists being their authentic self, while also needing these committees to protect the field. Balancing therapist safety and self-care with therapist responsibilities. Resources mentioned:We’ve pulled together resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links. Please note that some of the links below might 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! CPH Article: Duty to the Patient – Termination of Treatment and Understanding Your PatientRelevant Episodes: Therapist Safety Managing Vicarious Trauma Bad Business Practices Ending Therapy Noteworthy Documentation Irrational Ethics That’s UnethicalConnect with us!Our Facebook Group – The Modern Therapists Group Get Notified About Therapy Reimagined 2021 Our consultation services:The Fifty-Minute Hour

How to Overcome Impostor Syndrome to Leave Your Agency JobAn interview with Patrick Casale, LCMHC, LCAS, about how impostor syndrome and other barriers can get in the way of therapists moving forward into private practice. Curt and Katie talk with Patrick about what it takes to make the leap from negative work situations and become a “therapist wizard.” We also look at lots of creative ideas on how to step into fear to confront impostor syndrome as well as how to build a private practice that’s right for you. It’s time to reimagine therapy and what it means to be a therapist. To support you as a whole person and a therapist, your hosts, Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy talk about how to approach the role of therapist in the modern age.Interview with Patrick Casale, MA, LCMHC, LCASPatrick currently works as a private practice coach and strategist and private practice owner. He lives in Asheville NC with his wife Ariel and two dogs, Hudson and Hazel. He’s worked in the helping profession since 2008. In the last 12 years, he’s worked in several different arenas in community mental health. From a qualified professional to the program director, he found himself constantly being promoted to middle management roles where he was able to see both sides of the coin. It was hard watching his staff work so hard for so little while trying to appease the powers that be who typically were out of touch with day-to-day operations. He has worked full time as a private practice therapist for the last three years. In those three years, he’s traveled to 8 different countries, taken lots of vacations, grown his business to a point where it feels easy and routine, and has helped other therapists in the area do the same.In this episode we talk about: The ideas around impostor syndrome and how it impacts therapists Common mistakes therapists make when moving from community mental health to private practice How therapists can consistently negatively evaluate their own competence Entrepreneurial anxiety and missteps based on lack of confidence The early messages and attachment issues that impact self-esteem, perception of competence Embracing fear to move forward, accepting that mistakes are inevitable Vulnerability and authenticity, perfectionism Taking power back through making impostor syndrome playful Looking at how different identities are impacted by “impostor syndrome” Conflicting and negative messages that therapists get Entitlement and pessimism from more seasoned clinicians Abundance versus scarcity mindset How to become a therapist wizard Moving from an agency to private practice The danger of staying in an agency when you’re at the point of no return The lack of specific numbers or exact instructions on when you should make the leap The importance of networking when building a private practice Ideas for overcoming anxiety and still move forward on starting your private practice The importance of having an exit plan and steps in place Making decisions on what is needed versus what is desired, what values can be considered The goals that are possible once you move into your own private practice Creativity in how you set up your practice Understanding what you need to set yourself up for success Resources mentioned: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!https://casalecoaching.com/Patrick’s All Things Private Practice Facebook group

An Incomplete List of Everything Wrong with Therapist EducationAn interview with Diane Gehart, LMFT, on what works in therapy and where the field is headed. Curt and Katie talk with Diane about the overwhelming amount of information new therapists must learn in school and how this impacts their confidence. We also explore how the field is moving towards synthesizing theories and how this will impact future clinicians.It’s time to reimagine therapy and what it means to be a therapist. To support you as a whole person and a therapist, your hosts, Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy talk about how to approach the role of therapist in the modern age. Interview with Diane Gehart, LMFTDiane Gehart, Ph.D. is Professor in the Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling Programs at California State University, Northridge and has a private practice in Agoura Hills, California. She has authored several professional books including Mindfulness for Chocolate Lovers: A Lighthearted Way to Stress Less and Savor More Each Day, Mindfulness and Acceptance in Couple and Family Therapy Mastering Competencies in Family Therapy, Theory and Treatment Planning in Counseling and Psychotherapy.In this episode we talk about: Who Diane Gehart is and what she has (and continues) to contribute to the field. Diane discusses what is wrong with therapist education and how it impacts newer therapists. How we can help students feel more confident when they enter the field, while still providing a good education. The abundance of theories students need to learn in graduate school and how the future of the field will be synthesis of theories. How the synthesis of theories will impact testing for licensure. Diane discusses how focusing on client outcomes and finding quality training can support confidence in new clinicians. How cultural considerations can be included in the synthesis of theories. Using the client’s reality/perspective to make therapy work, rather than focusing on interventions. Explore how different parts of the field (e.g., clinicians, researchers, educators) contribute to what is wrong with therapist education. The need for synthesized information to be more widely available to make more competent therapists. Balancing helping clinicians to feel more confident while also encouraging them to be self-motivated to learn. What are the best things clinicians can do right now to improve their confidence? Resources mentioned: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!Diane GehartTherapy That WorksMastering CompetenciesMindfulness at Our SchoolsDiane on YouTube

Psychiatric Crises in the Emergency RoomInterview with Kesy Yoon, LMHC and James McMahill, LMFTKesy Yoon, LMHC: As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), I am dedicated to helping my clients understand who they are and how they fit into the world around them. Over the past six years, I have worked in a variety of mental health settings with individuals from all walks of life. Currently, I work with clients struggling with anxiety, perfectionism, trauma, and major life transitions. Over the course of my career, I have developed a specialty in working with the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) 1st generation population. My work in this area is informed by my own personal experience with navigating the differences between an American upbringing and traditional Asian values. I enjoy working with AAPI clients to identify solutions to improve quality of life while honoring important cultural values and needs. Therapy is dynamic and my style is centered upon empowerment and hope. I show up as a human first, therapist second. As a counselor, I believe that every individual is a unique and complicated being; therefore, I do not have one uniform approach. I draw inspiration from several evidence-based modalities such as EMDR, Solution Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I am also trained in the EMDR modality and I am currently in the process of EMDR Certification.James McMahill, LMFT: I am an LMFT in CA and MN specializing in crisis care for those struggling with psychosis, severe depression, PTSD and suicidality. The majority of my clinical experience has been in crisis work and includes all ages, from children and adolescents in inpatient, TAY and adults in county outpatient clinics, and as a member of a Geri Psyche urgent response team. While in San Diego, I was the Program Director for Heartland Wellness Recovery Center, a county outpatient program serving SPMI clients in East County, San Diego. Currently, I am a team member for a CRT (Crisis Response Team) in Carver County, MN, and spend much of my clinical time in Emergency Rooms or responding to community or Law Enforcement mental health crises. I may also be commonly found co moderating Therapists in Private Practice (TIPP) on Facebook, with my wife Namrata.In this episode we talk about: Continuing our special series on Fixing Mental Healthcare in America How emergency rooms become a part of the mental health system The role of emergency rooms as the first door for folks with a mental health crisis It can be a catchall and revolving door for some with longer term mental health concerns The challenges and overwhelm when someone comes into the ER The goals that emergency rooms can have when someone comes in with a psychiatric crisis The differences in ERs (whether they have psychiatric facilities or whether they transfer to other facilities) The challenges in placing clients in psychiatric inpatient care The revolving door – developing relationships and losing hope Potential legislation changes that could increase time for care Conflicting goals at different levels of the hospital and the hot potato syndrome Training of the emergency room staff, medical staff, law enforcement, fire services The criminogenic interpretation of behavior that can hinder law enforcement and seeing a patient as someone needing help The importance of patience in managing psychiatric crises Interacting with Law Enforcement in these situations