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

Why Are So Many Adults Getting Diagnosed with ADHD and Autism?: An interview with Dr. Monica BliedCurt and Katie interview Dr. Monica Blied about adults getting diagnosed later in life with Autism and/or ADHD. We look at why people (especially individual assigned female at birth) are getting diagnoses later in life. We also explore skills, strategies, and accommodations to support neurodivergent individuals in navigating life. We also talk about unmasking and helping adults talk with their family members about diagnosis.Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!In this podcast episode, we look the trend of adults getting diagnosed with ADHD and AutismDuring a recent conference, Katie saw Dr. Blied talking about later in life ADHD and Autism diagnoses and loved what she had to say. We figured it was time to talk some more about neurodivergent adults.Why is there an uptick in adults getting diagnosed with ADHD and Autism?·      There is more information that is being shared on social media·      Therapists and psychologists with ADHD and/or Autism are sharing information more freely·      Increase in diagnoses in children, leading to other family members getting their own assessmentsHow can therapists support clients who believe they are neurodivergent, but may not meet the criteria?·      Exploring what a neurodivergent identity means to the client·      Provide psychoeducation on some differential diagnosis·      Seek formal assessment for autism or ADHDWhat strategies can therapists utilize in working with clients diagnosed as neurodivergent as an adult?·      Confirm and validate experience, normalize·      Somatic exercises to bring clients into their bodies (and out of their brain)·      Executive functioning skills (e.g., using timers and the pomodoro technique)·      Premack principles?·      Use the principle of inertia (start with something small, to get in motion)·      Understand available workplace accommodations (and where assessors and therapists can support in that process)·      Learning how to tease out when skills, accommodations, or self-acceptance are needed·      Support acceptance and unmasking·      Help clients walk through the grief process that comes with diagnosis·      Learn about autistic burnout and the 5 S’s from Dr. Joey Lawrence of Neudle Psychology·      Provide support to clients to talk about diagnosis with their family membersStay 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/

AI Therapy is Already Here: An interview with Dr. Ben CaldwellCurt and Katie interview Dr. Ben Caldwell about the state of Artificial Intelligence in therapy. We look at the “AI Therapists” that are already working as well as how they are being regulated (or not). We talk about how AI therapy chatbots are being received and likely next steps in innovation. We also explore what “human therapists” can do to protect their practices and address the influx of low cost, always available AI therapy.Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!In this podcast episode, we look at the latest developments in Artificial Intelligence in Mental HealthOur friend Dr. Ben Caldwell has been writing some articles on the current state of AI in therapy. We decided this information needed to come to the podcast, so we invited him back on the podcast.What is the current state of AI in the therapy profession?·      There are chatbots providing “therapy” or mental health support·      Some apps are going the path of becoming registered as a medical device with the FDA, some are staying in the coaching spaceWho is regulating AI therapy?·      Licensing boards for “human therapists” may have no ability to regulate the use of the term therapy by apps, medical devices, or “AI therapists”·      State legislators may be the avenue for regulation, but there may not be an appetite to do so·      FDA can regulate apps that get registered as a medical deviceWho wants AI therapy?·      Clients or patients will seek out AI therapy as a very cost-effective and available option for mental health support, also AI therapists will not judge clients and will always remember what clients have said·      Insurance providers will see AI therapy as a way to expand networks·      Legislators will likely purchase AI therapy for state and county Medi-caid services as well as support expansion to address mental health shortages·      Basically, everyone wants AI therapy except for human therapistsWhat are the concerns about AI therapy?·      It is only approximating the relationship between therapist and client·      An AI therapist doesn’t have morals and values, ethics·      The apps are working only from manualized treatments·      It may be only psychoeducation, without current ability for deeper workWhat can therapists do to protect their practices now that AI therapy is here?·      Make sure to vet any AI services or applications that you use·      Shift to services that AI therapy doesn’t provide (like diagnosis, or more niche services with children, families, and couples)·      Move to overseeing AI as an adjunct to therapy (i.e., “prescribe” a particular chatbot or AI therapist and check in with clients periodically or when the client is in crisis)·      Work with AI therapy companies to train the AI therapistsStay 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 the Danger, Trauma, and Grief for a Palestinian Therapist in the United States: An anonymous interviewAs part of a double episode release, Curt and Katie share an anonymous interview with a Palestinian American therapist about their experience in our profession and in the United States both historically and since the attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023. We explore what therapists need to know about Palestine, Palestinian culture, and Palestinians in the diaspora. We also identify additional resources for Palestinian therapists in the diaspora.Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!In this podcast episode, we look at the challenges Palestinian American Therapists face in our communities and our professionWe reached out to Palestinian American colleagues to work to get the perspective of these individuals during the last year as well as historically. Due to safety concerns, our interviewee decided to be interviewed anonymously. Curt and Katie share written interview questions and answers on this episode.What should therapists know about Palestine, Palestinian Culture, and Palestinians in the diaspora?·      There is a rich and complex history for Palestinians, deeply tied to experiences of displacement, resilience, and a strong sense of community·      One of the most significant events in Palestinian history is the Nakba (or catastrophe) which saw the forced displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from their homeland in 1948. This event has led to intergenerational trauma and collective grief.·      There are generational differences in the Palestinian experience to be aware ofWhat has the experience been like over the past year, with heightened awareness of Palestine and the conflict in Gaza?·      There has been a heightened sense of dread and the ability to remain invisible or avoid the topic has been taken away·      Safety, even with therapy clients, has been questioned·      Difficulty balancing denouncing the violence committed by Hamas, while also advocating for Palestinian human rights without being branded a terrorist sympathizerWhat do therapists need to know about working with Palestinian clients in the diaspora at this time?·      Clients may be reluctant to share feelings about the conflict due to the challenges in doing so without judgment or fear for their own safety·      Therapists need to have an understanding of the conflict and the broader context, to help avoid relying on the emotional labor of the client to educate·      Palestinians are not a monolith (there are religious, cultural and socioeconomic differences, as well as different reasons for emigration), so it is important to see and connect to the client in front of youHow can therapists in the diaspora navigate global tragedies in their homeland?·      Seek and Accept Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out for support from colleagues or professional networks. It’s crucial to have spaces where you can share and process your experiences.·      Engage in Personal Therapy: Utilize personal therapy more actively. Having a space to openly discuss and navigate your identity and feelings can be invaluable, especially when faced with such intense global events.·      Choose Supportive Communities Wisely: Be discerning about the communities and support networks you engage with. Ensure they offer a safe and respectful space for sharing and discussion and be mindful of how public or anonymous these spaces are.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/

Growing Antisemitism in the Therapy Profession: An interview with Halina Brooke, LPCAs part of a double episode release, Curt and Katie interview Halina Brooke, LPC, founder of the Jewish Therapist Collective, about experiences of antisemitism in our profession. We explore the foundations of antisemitism throughout the development and innovation in psychotherapy. We also talk about lived experiences of Jewish therapists of increasing antisemitism since the attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023.Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!In this podcast episode, we look at the increase in antisemitism in the therapist communityIn a recent article from Jewish Insider, there are stories about increasing antisemitism in the therapy profession, including in online therapist Facebook groups. We decided to reach out to Jewish Therapist Collective founder, Halina Brooke, LPC, to talk us through what has been happening throughout her time as a therapist as well as the escalation of antisemitism in the past year.Experiences of Antisemitism in the Therapy Profession·      The Jewish Therapist Collective has received an increase in calls from clients who are seeking Jewish therapists after October 7, 2023 due to cultural incompetence from non-Jewish therapists·      Jewish therapists have reported being sidelined or fired from their mental health workplaces due to being Jewish·      Jewish therapy students report being told that their presence is triggering to non-Jewish therapists·      Jewish therapists and counselor have reported losses of peer groups due to antisemitism, including affinity groups for intersectional identitiesAntisemitic Incidents Within Therapist Facebook Groups·      Posts targeting “Zionist” therapists have been used to identify Jewish therapists·      There are lists of “Zionist Therapists” that include only Jewish therapists, potentially ones who have not made political statements about Zionism, that “antiracist” groups are suggesting should not receive any referrals due to their status as “Zionists”·      These lists appear to solely be lists of Jewish therapists, without including Christian Zionists or others with Zionist beliefsWhat do therapists need to know about Jewish Culture and Identity?·      Multicultural education on Jewish identity in graduate school is insufficient·      There is as much diversity within the Jewish community as there is between the Jewish and other communities·      Halina discusses the historical context of Jewish identity and how often they are not seen as part of the dominant majority·      It is important to seek consultation from Jewish colleagues due to the many nuances and differences·      Even though many of the founders of psychotherapy are Jewish, there is a lack of inclusion of Jewish identity in multicultural coursesWhat support is available for Jewish Therapists?·      The Jewish Therapist Collective provides community and training·      Halina described the steps that she has taken to hide her Jewishness as well as to find support within the communityLearn more about these resources: jewishtherapists.orgStay 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/

Navigating Religious Trauma, Spiritual Abuse, and Lies About God: An interview with Dr. Jamie MarichCurt and Katie interview Dr. Jamie Marich about her new book coming out in October 2024, You Lied to Me About God. We explore the impacts of religious abuse, Jamie’s personal story of spiritual trauma, and what therapists can miss when working with clients on these topics. We also dig into the idea that therapists can let their clients down when they don’t do their own internal work, address their bias, and show up effectively.Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!In this podcast episode, we look at the impacts of spiritual trauma on therapy clientsWe invited our friend, Dr. Jamie Marich, back on the podcast to talk about her story (and her upcoming book) that deals with spiritual abuse, religious trauma, and the lies that have been told "in God's name" that lead to shame and isolation for many of our clients.  What are the impacts of spiritual abuse and religious trauma?·      Definition of shame as the lie someone told you about yourself·      Spiritual abuse goes deeper because the lies are told in God’s name·      There are big impacts of religious trauma on those in the LGBTQ+ community as well as those who are seeking deep spiritual connectionLooking at the concept of forgiveness within the context of religious and other trauma·      How forgiveness can be helpful·      How forgiveness is weaponized within the church and can be harmful·      Forgiveness is not required, acceptance is a more appropriate goalHow can therapists make sure they are not adding to the harm for clients with religious trauma?·      Do your own work, so you can approach clients where they are·      Be authentic, don’t lie to your clients, but don’t bring it up unless asked·      Seek consultation to enhance your understanding of the client’s situation·      Cultural humility is key, and don’t rely solely on your clients to be the cultural informant·      Do not impose your spirituality on your clients, but be open to discussing spirituality·      Be aware of the power dynamics, so you don’t become the client’s new guru·      Help clients to find their own answers rather than relying on external authorityOther ideas we touched on in this podcast episode·      The importance of critical thinking·      “Therapy cults” that promote adherence to a specific intervention model·      The challenges of folks seeking compliance and righteousness, rather than taking a nuanced approach to topics and deciding for themselvesStay 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/

Do Therapists Lie to Their Clients?Curt and Katie chat about whether therapists are dishonest and whether they should be. We received a request from a listener to talk about the idea that therapists lie to their clients. We look at what types of lies are common, whether lying is expected or acceptable, what to do instead, and how to decide whether you will lie or not in session.Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!In this podcast episode we talk through how, when, and why therapists lieWe received a listener email requesting a discussion on therapist dishonesty and the impact on the therapeutic relationship.What types of lies might a therapist tell?·      Whoppers (fraud)·      Fibs (untruths that support the clinical work or the therapeutic relationship)·      Omission (concealing facts that impact the client)·      Deflections (bending the truth for therapeutic effect)·      Denial (rejecting reality, with positive and negative results) Is it good or bad for a therapist to lie?·      Fraud is never okay, and is illegal and unethical·      Fibs may be in the best interest of the client OR could be to protect the therapist (which is human, but not really okay)·      Professionalism, exaggerating/minimizing emotional responses for therapeutic effect, and “social niceties” may be appropriate, but it is important to think about authenticity and whether it will negatively impact the client if they perceive the deception·      If a client is asking for the therapist’s opinion of them, the context of the client’s treatment agreements and their needs, as well as the therapeutic relationship impact whether a therapists will be best served by honesty or deflecting or denying the truthWhat can therapists do when they are tempted to lie to their clients?·      Make the decision of whether to tell the truth based on the context of the relationship and treatment goals·      Be more transparent with the client about therapist’s limitations, while also holding hope and accountability to address these limitations·      Work collaboratively with the client to get to the information or treatment interventions that are needed, rather than working by and for yourself.·      If you lie to your client and it backfires, work to make repairs (see our episode on “Should Therapists Admit Mistakes?)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/

Welcome to Therapist Grad School!Curt and Katie chat about what the career is like, what is important to know starting out in grad school. We look at what prospective therapists need to know as they enter school, including hard truths and tips for social support. We also talk about what changes are needed in the profession and how students and new therapists can navigate these challenges. We provide suggestions on how to best take advantage of the opportunities in graduate school. We also unveiled a new project for the podcast.Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!In this podcast episode we talk through what the therapist career is likeWe decided to talk through what it is like to be a therapist and how to best navigate your grad school education.What do prospective therapists need to know as they enter grad school?·      Grad school doesn’t cover all that you’ll need to know to be an effective therapist·      Lived experience is valid and definitely informs your work·      It is important to assess what you already know, what you need to unlearn, what interventions you can add to what you already know·      Learning how to be a “safe therapist” is not the same as learning to be a “good therapist”·      Theories and orientations are foundational, but you can’t know them all·      Once you graduate, that’s when you actually start learning how to be a therapistWhat can grad school students and new therapists expect regarding needed changes in the profession?·      Changes may happen, but slowly·      There can be times for advocacy to help increase the sustainability of the practice·      You don’t need to worry about getting a job immediately, but you can start working with clients or in the field, if you would like or need to do so financially·      There are a number of students who burnout before graduation, so pay attention to your capacity and self-care practicesWhat opportunities are important to take advantage of while you are in grad school for therapy?·      Consider taking the hardest or more complex practicum sites to learn how to work with the most challenging populations·      Volunteer to do roll plays and risk making mistakes in your classes·      Make mistakes while you are a student and prelicensed individual to get the supervision and oversight, to learn from these mistakesWhat are some hard truths about becoming a therapist?·      The therapy profession is not for everyone·      Not all students will make it through to graduation or to licensure (whether by choice or not)·      Grad schools are not always transparent with how long it will take to get through the program, whether you will have support in getting a practicum site·      The entry level jobs in the field may not pay very well (i.e., some are at or only slightly above minimum wage)·      There is a risk of becoming disillusioned by the state of the world and the professionWhat are the social elements of becoming a therapist?·      If you’re only friends and socializing with therapists, your view of the world may become more limited·      There can be echo chambers, especially around social justice topics within mental health·      Having friends who are therapists, so you can have the validation and understanding of other therapists·      Socialization can be too focused on alcohol-forward events. It is important to find other ways to socialize to avoid the risks of substance abuse and dependence, especially as therapists are held to a higher standard through licensure·      Take responsibility for self-care/self-maintenanceStay 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/

Are Therapist Conferences Elitist? An interview with Linda Thai, LMSWCurt and Katie interview Linda Thai on her experiences as a conference attendee, keynote speaker, and educator. We discussed the need for more accessible, community-centric, and culturally humble education as well as how to more effectively share knowledge. The limitations of traditional educational models (which Linda calls the Continuing Education Industrial Complex) are discussed as well as how conferences can be exclusive or elitist. We explore how to best access continuing education and take advantage of all types of educational opportunities.Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!In this podcast episode, we look at how privilege and elitism show up in therapist conferences.Katie recently took one of Linda Thai’s courses and was fascinated by the way that she was able to make an engaging virtual course. We reached out and requested she share her wisdom with us and we found ourselves talking about the nature of continuing education.  Why should therapists attend (or not attend) mental health conferences?·      If you understand what type of conference you are attending and take advantage of that opportunity (to learn, build community, or something else) attending mental health conferences can be beneficial to therapists·      There can be an inherent elitism in conferences, both in who is able to comfortably attend as well as who can participate as speakers or in supporting conferences·      Continuing education can also have bias and privilege white (typically female) therapists, especially those who have been in private practice for many years.·      Conferences are often events designed to inspire and create community, the learning experiences may not be as deep as therapists need to truly get what they need as cliniciansWhat are the primary concerns in continuing education for mental health professionals?·      What qualifies as continuing education seems limited (i.e., lived experience is discounted as valid education)·      There is a bureaucracy within continuing education approval that makes it difficult for speakers and conference hosts to be able to allow for interactivity and emergence within the workshops·      Too often the same speakers are elevated and there is a need to center lived experience and marginalized voices to co-create collective learning and liberationStay 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 Much is Too Much? Thoughts on therapists being too branded, niched, and politicalCurt and Katie chat about the delicate balance between authenticity and influence in therapy, with a focus on avoiding bias and discrimination while still being real people. We also navigate the challenges of political discussions in therapy, emphasizing the need to balance political awareness with client needs and goals.Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!In this podcast episode we explore the risks of bringing too much of your own beliefs into your work as a therapistWe have been rethinking the conversations we’ve had about blank slate and the Brand Called You. We look at the risks of being too branded or niched, or too political. We also talk about what might be more beneficial for clients, without losing the work toward authenticity and real connections as therapists.Do therapists bring too much of themselves into their work? Curt and Katie did a CE presentation and then an episode called the Brand Called You, which talks about how to create personal branding as a therapist to refine who seeks you out for therapy When you bring yourself into the therapy room, you want to assess for bias and discrimination If you’ve advertised a specific type of treatment or, especially, a specific type of outcome, you may be unduly influencing clients who may not know if that outcome is right for them How can therapists be “political” without just talking politics or inappropriately influencing their clients? Therapists can successfully navigate political discussions in therapy to benefit clients. It is important to distinguish between political in therapy (systemic pressures, opportunities, access) vs pushing viewpoints (talking about politics, biased) Discussions about the limitations of resources or systemic pressures are political Conversations about voting for a particular party would be talking politics Helping clients to look at things from a different viewpoint may be helpful, but only if you assess your own bias and the client’s readiness It can be challenging to be a political therapist, clients may feel uncomfortable or resistant to discussing political issues in therapy What can therapists do to balance branding and authenticity with effective client care? Tailor your client sessions to their needs and perspectives and values Consider providing additional referral resources for clients whose goals do not directly align with a therapist's specialized approach. Evaluate whether strongly branding oneself risks prioritizing showing one's values over directly addressing what clients are asking for in therapy. Assess the efficacy of your treatment for the client in front of you. Make sure even clients who resonate strongly with a therapist's approach are empowered to think critically and come to their own conclusions. 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 Can Therapists Help Politically Divided Families? : An interview with Angela Caldwell, LMFTCurt and Katie interview Angela Caldwell, LMFT about family therapy for politically divided families. We explore what therapists get wrong when working with these families as well as what works better. Angela talks us through the goals for family therapy, how to move families from trying to convince each other to understanding each other better, and the importance of distress tolerance and finding ways for families to survive, even when members strongly disagree with each other.Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!In this podcast episode, we talk about how therapists can work with politically divided familiesDuring the run up to the 2024 US presidential election, we are seeing more and more political division, even in families. We reached out to our good friend Angela Caldwell, LMFT, to talk through how therapists can support families during this challenging time. What do therapists get wrong when working with politically divided families?·      Therapists inaccurately agree with families that the goal is either communication skills or getting consensus·      The goals for family therapy are increasing tolerance for differing opinions and sustaining relationships even when you disagreeHow can therapists address the societal messages that negatively impact relationships?·      Modeling holding affection while disagreeing on viewpoints·      Hold sacred that everyone in the room has come to their viewpoint honestly·      Focus on the why for the positions people take·      Listen for and mark trigger words to help “opposing party” to stay with the explanation of viewpoint·      Soften the relationship through understandingWhat can therapists do if clients feel frightened of the beliefs of their family members?·      Explore perspective and increase clarity on the real anxious feelings·      Find common ground related to hopes for the world·      Work on distress tolerance with the anxious feelings·      Hold the moment of anxiety and then move to reassurance (i.e., that the relationship can survive opposing viewpoints)What does the work of family therapy look like with politically divided families?·      Set reasonable expectations·      Make sure to give pep talks·      Plan and promise for the next session before ending the previous session·      Personal connection between sessions (like short texts)·      Don’t play “gotcha” when someone is wrong·      Set ground rules at the beginning of therapy related to showing source material for viewpointsStay 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/