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

An interview with Stevon Lewis, LMFT on Race, Ethnicity, Culture, Privilege and Bias. Curt and Katie talk with Stevon about how white therapists and therapists of color can (and should) open up conversations on these important topics, looking at why it is so hard and why it is critical we do so anyway.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 therapists must develop a personal brand to market their practices.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 Stevon Lewis, LMFTStevon Lewis is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in Torrance, CA. He earned Bachelors of Arts degrees in Psychology and Afro-Ethnic Studies from California State University, Fullerton. He also has a Master’s of Science degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Long Beach. Stevon began his therapy career in 2007 as a therapist at a community mental health agency in Long Beach working with the families of adolescents involved with the juvenile justice system. Currently, Stevon is the Director of Counseling Services at Woodbury University, a small private university in Burbank, CA. There he oversees the psychotherapy for all students, supervises two licensed clinicians, two associates, and provides consultation to faculty and staff.Stevon has a private practice in Torrance where he works with adults struggling with Impostor Syndrome, depression, anxiety and stress, and couples experiencing difficulty in their relationships as a result of poor communication and unmet expectations.In addition, he is the Past President of the Long Beach-South Bay Chapter of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.You can learn more about Stevon at: www.stevonlewis.com.In this episode we talk about: Barriers that therapists of color face that white therapists do not How the curriculums of our clinical programs are based on white norms (and thoughts on what we should put in these curriculums to address this bias) The different perspectives that are missed when we rely on these white norms The othering of people of color in these programs How race and ethnicity come into the room How to obtain the information that you need, seeing the world from other perspectives The bias that can come up and turn into microaggressions How to seek knowledge without putting the responsibility of teaching on the people of color around you The value of curiosity and Google, cultural humility Ideas for productive conversations about culture, race, ethnicity How to identify what you are responsible for The impact of historical trauma, racial injustice, and slavery on the conversations now A deeper look at bias and the impact of individual and societal bias on our interactions The pain of shame, defensiveness, and perceived divisiveness that might hinder our progress The importance of white people talking about race, and of white allies How to identify if your program is pushing you to be white-normed Ideas to translate the lessons to apply to you as an individual and calling out “this isn’t going to work for me” Encouraging the conversations about how we are perceived by society and how that can impact the relationship in the room The idea that we can have feelings about the clients we see – the need to be conscious about it and releasing guilt about negative or neutral feelings about our clients

Curt and Katie talk about the difference between talking about what’s wrong and actually doing something about it. Katie shares her BOSS acronym for making decisions and taking action. 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: Taking action rather than just talking about what needs to change Identifying what you want to take action on Experimenting, finding what you’re motivated to actually do The big goals that we have pursued and continue to act on Making commitments to others can help move action forward Vision, goals, and connecting to like-minded people to accomplish goals Creating the structure to be able to accomplish big dreams The challenges in our profession that warrant consideration for taking action A call to action to think about the conversations you’re having and identify actionable steps for creating change Katie’s acronym for making decisions: BOSS (Bold Objective Selective Strategic) Finding your big bold vision Creating your personal mission statement Looking at logistics (time, energy, timing, etc.) Saying yes also means saying no Creating the plan – scheduling tasks, not creating a to do list The importance of structure and support  Resources mentioned:We’ve pulled together resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links.Simon Sinek’s Start With WhyCAMFT (California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists)#therapymovementOur Facebook Group – The Modern Therapists GroupTherapy Reimagined 2019: Sign up here to get notified when the details are released.Our consultation services:The Fifty-Minute Hour

An interview with Nicol Stolar-Peterson, LCSW, BCD, Expert Witness aka The Court Chick, on how to prepare for court, what to put in your court policy for your informed consent, and how she created an alternative revenue stream.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 therapists must develop a personal brand to market their practices.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 Nicol Stolar-Peterson, LCSWNicol Stolar-Peterson, LCSW, BCD is an expert witness as it relates to child abuse, sexual abuse, CPS, family violence and child custody. She worked for CPS for over 11.5 years as an investigator, forensic interviewer and adoptions social worker. Nicol is the founder and director of Kids Court & Counseling Center, 501c3, that helps children prepare for court testimony and appearances if they are victims of crimes, witnesses to crimes, in foster care and/or going through a litigious custody battle where testimony occurs. Nicol is appointed as the court’s expert on family law matters as the designated child custody evaluator.Nicol also enjoys speaking on the concept of “the permission to succeed and the risk of being happy.” Her book is coming out in 2019 and guess what the title is? “The permission to succeed and the risk of being happy.” Nicol also sells Rodan & Fields as an independent consultant and helps other’s build a business of residual income around their families and their lives. This is a complete departure from her “day job” and it brings her joy and inspiration helping other’s build their own business.You can find Nicol at www.therapistcourtprep.com and www.nicol.live.     In this episode we talk about: Nicol’s story of how and why she became interested in court How Nicol created Therapist Court Prep Court Policy to put into Informed Consent What needs to be discussed at the beginning of treatment related to court, writing letters, etc. Do NOT ignore your subpoenas Setting fees for court-related activities (can do flat rate) Going to court is not our job Scope of practice, dual relationships related to court-requirements Do not make a child-custody recommendation unless you are appointed by the court The importance of getting clear on what you can do as a therapist, counselor, social worker, psychologist How the therapeutic alliance causes bias in a legal setting Observation versus Opinion – and how you can get in trouble when you add your opinion into custody cases Imagine reading letter on the stand to determine what you should be putting in that letter The threat of a bench warrant when you ignore subpoenas Litigious times when clients weaponize therapists Subpoena for records does not mean a treatment summary When in court, don’t guess – say I don’t know Don’t try to hide treatment information How to set court rates, rates for writing letters The value of preparation when going to court What to wear for court Success stories from court  Resources mentioned:We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links:ZynnymeSherry Shockey-Pope and Therapist Practice in a Box Evidence Code 730CAMFT (California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists) Legal AdviceFree Court Letter Cheat Sheet on Therapist Court PrepDr. Pamela Harmell Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano http://www.crystalmangano.com/

Curt and Katie talk about union therapists and a strike in California. We look at antitrust, labor disputes, implications of striking, and how to improve working conditions, treatment, and outcomes.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: A strike by the Union of Health Care Workers at Kaiser Permanente in California Historical perspective on Kaiser Permanente Union statement on why they are striking The Union asks from Kaiser Our desire to be objective The ideas that we support: increased mental health access, improved mental health treatment, and positive work environments, fair wages, and sustainable work standards How union workers increasing wages impacts nonunion clinics The different perspectives on what the discussion is about and why the strike is happening How change can happen, what conversations might be happening Being adversarial, being productive, and when they are mutually exclusive Things to consider while therapists are striking The offer for crossing labor lines and why that can be problematic clinically The current state of Kaiser mental health care and the possibility of what could be The financial priorities that Kaiser has put on their required improvements Reflections on how the strikers may be feeling or handling the situation  Relevant Episodes:The Burnout SystemAddressing the Burnout System Resources mentioned:We’ve pulled together resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links. Article from San Francisco Examiner Statement from National Union of Healthcare Workers The Statement from Kaiser Saving Psychotherapy by Benjamin E. CaldwellOur Facebook Group – The Modern Therapists GroupTherapy Reimagined 2019: Sign up here to get notified when the details are released. Our consultation services:The Fifty-Minute Hour Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano http://www.crystalmangano.com/

An interview with Marquita Johnson, Licensed Professional Counselor and Millennial Dating Coach, on incorporating technology in your clinical work with millennials. We look at tele-mental health and other ways that technology can positively impact therapy.Interview with Marquita Johnson, LPC, MDiv, NCC, BC-TMH, CPCSMarquita Johnson is a graduate of Mercer University with a Master of Science in Community Counseling and Master of Divinity. Marquita received her undergraduate degree from Georgia State University in Psychology & Sociology. Currently, Marquita is pursuing a doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision at Walden University. She is a licensed professional counselor, nationally certified counselor, board certified tele-mental counselor, and certified professional counseling supervisor. Marquita’s specialties include women, dating, divorce, step-families, and grief related to loss in relationships. In an effort to promote healthy relationships, Marquita started offering coaching services to help millennials who are dating. While working as a college counselor she found that students were struggling with intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships. Hence, she has embraced the call as Atlanta's "Millennial Dating Coach." Marquita’s private practice is located in the heart of Atlanta: Millennial Counseling, Coaching, and Consulting.  In this episode we talk about: Marquita’s work with millennials and how she incorporates technology in sessions Tele-mental Health Reasons to incorporate telehealth into treatment The differences between in-person and telehealth sessions How to assess and prepare your clients for telehealth How to engage and use the technology to increase the connection over video Transitioning between in person and telehealth The skills needed to assess body language, nonverbals, etc. when you are not getting the in-person experience Connecting with a client’s presence while online Making sure to have environment that is free from distractions, that you have a good internet connection, and that you are working on a HIPAA compliant platform The importance of looking in the camera and how to adjust your communication patterns to address the differences Consciously talking about how technology will impact the conversation How to incorporate your theoretical orientation AND technology into your work The limitations of technology in treatment When telehealth is not indicated The need for separate entities for coaching and therapy The types of continuing education that is helpful to set you up for success  Resources mentioned:We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy TeleHealth Certification InstituteMillennial Dating Coach Website Our Generous Sponsor:Thanks again to our sponsor, Motivo!Motivo provides clinical supervision online through a HIPAA compliant video platform. Motivo was started by Rachel McCrickard, a LMFT who attended Azusa Pacific University in CA. Rachel had a difficult time finding quality affordable supervision after graduate school. After state licensure boards began allowing online supervision, she became inspired to take action. Therapists are able to search through a directory of quality clinical supervisors, licensed in states throughout the country. Session rates range from only $40-60 per hour.To find out more, go to www.wearemotivo.com or email hello@wearemotivo.com. You can also call them at 470-231-1256. Mention the Modern Therapist podcast and receive your first session for free.Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano http://www.crystalmangano.com/ 

Curt and Katie talk about how to make sure that you are making decisions that respect clinical and business principles AND meet the requirements for laws and ethics.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: Treatment strategies that are based on evidence-based practices, that may need extra information up front to avoid seeming coercive to families (i.e., required sessions, frequency or length of treatment) The importance of defining the unit of treatment in the initial assessment What needs to happen in the conversations with the clients What is the treatment need? How treatment orientation can impact business decisions What limits you can set related to requirements for parents in treatment for children Addressing treatment within the therapeutic alliance, in the treatment planning process, rather than holding to business parameters that go unaddressed clinically Consciously discussing boundaries and compliance with treatment model, not allowing for clinical drift or an unacknowledged broken frame The fear of challenging clients, fear of losing income Looking at whether you can provide the level of treatment required Whether we should be as flexible as our clients Balancing our needs with the needs of our clients looking at both clinical and business reasons to determine how flexible to be Bad clinical decisions that are based on business inflexibility You don’t want business policies to overshadow the clinical decisions and clinical efficacy Setting pricing strategies – doing bulk pricing or monthly pricing can get very complex and there are a lot of legal and ethical considerations When we must sacrifice for our clients and when we can hold the boundaries Separating assessment from treatment Referring to treatment teams The importance of good consultation to help talk through cases The ethics codes do not require that you keep a client indefinitely Ethical termination and referral options Relevant Episodes:Managing Client CancellationsAsking for MoneyEnding TherapyResources mentioned:We’ve pulled together resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links. Angela Caldwell, MFT at the Self-Injury Institute DBT Our Facebook Group – The Modern Therapists GroupTherapy Reimagined 2019: Sign up here to get notified when the details are released. Our consultation services:The Fifty-Minute Hour Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano http://www.crystalmangano.com/

Clinician AND Entrepreneur: An interview with Jo MuirheadAn interview with Jo Muirhead, chief life changer and business coach, on how self-promotion positively impacts your clinical work. We also talk about how therapists need to invest in their business training to be a successful entrepreneur.Interview with Jo MuirheadJo is Uber passionate about private practice. You should see the video on her home page of her website. She loves to empower clinicians to build profitable and sustainable businesses through doing more of the work they love, the way they love to do it (www.jomuirhead.com).In this episode we talk about: Jo’s story of being told she couldn’t build her business and doing it anyway Being an entrepreneur and thinking bigger than what is in front of you, thinking ahead of your clients The tendency for therapists to follow “the rules” to their detriment What an entrepreneurial clinician means Self-promotion and marketing How professional organizations and ethical codes are behind the times related to self-promotion The tendency of people to judge others in the FB groups Getting in the head and the heart of your client, so you can give them something of value What we miss in the therapeutic relationship when we stay too clinical How consumers have changed since the dawn of the internet The differences across countries related to practicing therapy The importance of understanding what is going on in the world and how it impacts what you can do as an entrepreneur Looking at the code of conduct or ethics code to determine how you behave as a professional How therapists get in their own way by only “investing” in the free stuff to learn business What to do when you don’t know what you don’t know The trouble with jumping too early into alternative revenue streams Managing expectations around what you can make and how to set up your business The difference between alternative revenue streams and marketing tools The most harmful myths that have been put out there about entrepreneurship How so many people access information and don’t implement it The shocking truth that not everyone needs to be in private practice Working out what works best for you Investing money AND time in building your business What you should invest in first, when building a private practice Getting clarity on who you are, what you do well, and how you move forward Jo’s pushing against the “7-Step System” models that so many coaches use Jo’s best advice for therapists wanting to become entrepreneurial clinicians  Resources mentioned:We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandyThis is Private PracticeJo on FacebookThe Entrepreneurial Clinician by Jo MuirheadPURPLE COjomuirhead.comPrevious Episodes Mentioned:The Brand Called You  Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano http://www.crystalmangano.com/

Curt and Katie talk about how to handle the drama that can happen at your work or school setting. We talk about when to take action and when it is more important to manage the logistics and protect your reputation and employability.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: What to do when your agency or your program closes out or there is DRAMA How it works within a school program that closes Making decisions when you have to face this type of crisis Making sure to get information to help you with your decision making Balancing supporting your peers and taking care of yourself How to do due diligence to move forward Understanding the motivations of all parties involved Looking out for your own best interest Navigating and understanding the rumor mill Understanding how rumors, drama, etc., can impact you personally Sorting through when you should stand up and advocate and when you keep your head down Creating an exit plan Reputation management The problem with getting frozen The caution required when you decide to stand up for someone else (especially when you don’t have all the information) Choosing your battles Protecting your own reputation and employability Managing your resume How the way you talk about what has happened will reflect on you Making sure to remain professional Discussing the reasons that Curt and Katie work for themselves Identifying when you can live with the drama and when you need to move on Handling logistics to take care of your needs Assessing what is worth it  Relevant EpisodesToxic Work Environments Interview Strategies for TherapistsResources mentioned:We’ve pulled together resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links.Our Facebook Group – The Modern Therapist’s GroupTherapy Reimagined 2019: Sign up here to get notified when the details are released.Our consultation services:The Fifty-Minute Hour Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano http://www.crystalmangano.com/

Interview with Dr. Abigail WeissmanAbigail (“Abi”) Weissman is a California clinical psychologist, earning her doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PSY 27497) with a dissertation on helping psychologists to be supporting, respectful, and effective with their transgender Jewish clients. She holds a Master of Arts in Human Sexuality studies that focused on femme lesbian identity and completed a Certificate in Sex Education. She serves as a Member At Large – Professional Practice, of the Board of Directors of the San Diego Psychological Association. She is also the Chair of the LGBT Committee for the San Diego Psychological Association. A self-proclaimed “super queer” she loves to empower others, especially those who wish they could be their full queer, transgender, religious, liberal, activist, polyamorous, and/or kink selves, but hold themselves back because they are scared they will be unloved, unemployed, and rejected by their loved ones and communities. Abi provides individual and group therapy for LGBTQIQAP-identified clients as well as training for other professionals on how to be more LGBTQIQAP-affirming in clinical practice and in business. Her pronouns are she, her hers. You can learn more about Abi and her group practice Waves, A Psychological Corporation, at www.wavespsych.com.In this episode we talk about: Vulnerability during the recent events as a member of impacted, marginalized communities Abi’s comfort level with talking about being Jewish, queer, lesbian, trans (or “trans-esque” in her parlance) How she decides how to present herself, how she tells her story, her level of safety How Abi “leans in” whenever she feels unsafe – how sharing who she is first, makes her feel safer Civil and social justice advocacy as a therapist Her hesitation to talk about LGBTQ as a single community and the problem with “lumping” them all together. The importance of hearing all the different, unique perspectives. Sitting as a leader in your therapy room and feeling vulnerable as the events in society impact you personally Holding hope for therapy clients as well as for society, and grieving for her own losses and feeling her own fears and her own despair Reflecting on the Pittsburgh Tree of Life synagogue shooting as well as reactions to the memo seeking to make gender binary – both how Abi is reacting personally and what she is hearing (and not hearing) from her clients Where Abi is finding her hope, healing, and getting her support The ways that antisemitism still shows up in daily life (even in small ways) Having to choose how she shows up as an activist with these intersectional needs that aren’t respected How thoughtful she is about where she lives and what she stands up and does for her community What therapists often get wrong related to LGBTQ The frequent problem of othering people within the therapist community who happen to be LGBTQ  Resources mentioned:We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links.Waves, A Psychological Corporation: www.wavespsych.comAbi’s availability for consultation: https://www.wavespsych.com/contactThe book Abi was talking about related to bringing ancestors into the room: Native American Postcolonial Psychology By Eduardo Duran, Bonnie Duran Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano http://www.crystalmangano.com/ 

Curt and Katie talk about termination of treatment, both when it is planned and when it is unplanned. We look at best practices, challenges, and how to handle it the best way you can.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: When to start talking about termination during treatment Setting expectations for the end of treatment How to address client’s instinct to “ghost” from treatment Normalizing the different paths to ending treatment Different reasons that you may not be able to complete treatment Planning ahead to diminish negative impacts of abrupt terminations that are out of your control Providing referrals, closure, and understanding that even that doesn’t always create positive outcomes The elements of a positive termination Managing expectations of what health and healing are and what would qualify someone to finish treatment Highlighting strengths and progress as well as on-going goals and challenges Acknowledging the relationship you’ve had with the client Processing your own response to the termination What to look at and learn when your client abruptly terminates Requesting termination sessions when someone decides to end suddenly – things to consider What to do when your client ghosts you Closing the client’s chart Resources mentioned:We’ve pulled together resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links.Therapy Reimagined 2019: Sign up here to get notified when the details are released.Our consultation services:The Fifty-Minute Hour Credits:Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano http://www.crystalmangano.com/