
The AAMFT Podcast
The AAMFT Podcast is an all-access pass to the latest news, developments, and thought leaders in the world of systemic therapy. Hosted by Dr. Eli Karam, it strives to relate, educate, and innovate one episode at a time. The episodes explore topics that relationship-based therapists care about, and features unique conversations and interviews with established experts. The show provides information and education on direct practice and emerging trends in the MFT profession.
Latest episodes

Jun 27, 2025 • 47min
Episode #130: The Evolution of Systemic Diagnosis
In this episode, Dr. Eli sits down with Dr. Priest to discuss the theory-driven assessment and the EPIC model for diagnosing the history, structure, and boundaries of family systems.

Jun 13, 2025 • 1h 3min
129: Personal Grief Rituals
In this episode, Dr. Eli sits down with Paul Martin to discuss a new model of mourning that honors the uniqueness of each loss.

9 snips
May 23, 2025 • 1h 2min
Episode #128: The Importance of Therapist “Way of Being”
In this engaging discussion, Stephen Fife, an associate professor and director at Texas Tech University, and Jason Whiting, MFT program director at Brigham Young University, delve into the profound impact of a therapist's presence. Their insights cover the critical role of the therapeutic relationship, emphasizing empathy and authentic connection. They explore Martin Buber's philosophical concepts of 'I-thou' and 'I-it' as essential to fostering healing. The conversation highlights the importance of relational dynamics, advocating for collaborative, client-centered practices.

May 9, 2025 • 57min
Episode 127: Managing Gaming and Social Media Habits
In this episode, Eli talks with Dr. Catherine Knibbs about how we use technology in everyday life. They also discuss how to identify when intervention is needed to assist our client systems in mastering problematic uses of technology.

Apr 25, 2025 • 57min
Episode #126: Navigating Family Estrangement
In this episode, Dr. Eli sits down with systemic therapist Karl Melvin to discuss how clinicians can better support estranged adult clients using Karl’s Estrangement Inquiry Model.

Apr 11, 2025 • 59min
Episode 125: Single Session Therapy
In this episode, Eli sits down with Dr. Michael Hoyt to discuss guidelines and methods to make a single therapy session efficient and effective for individuals, couples, and families.

Mar 28, 2025 • 1h 2min
Episode 124: Neurodiverse Couple Therapy
In this episode, Eli is joined by Kelli Murgado-Willard, who discusses assessing, treating, and integrating practical interventions with neurodivergent clients.

Mar 14, 2025 • 40min
AAMFT Podcast Episode #123: Working with Native American & Indigenous Client Systems
In this episode, AAMFT Leadership Symposium keynote speaker Dr. Laurelle Myhra joins Eli to discuss both the benefits and challenges of conducting systemic therapy with indigenous populations within predominantly Western mental health systems.

Feb 28, 2025 • 55min
AAMFT Podcast Episode #122: Family Therapy for Caregivers of Dementia
In this episode, Sara Qualls joins Eli to discuss how family therapy may help caregivers cope with symptoms of cognitive impairment while still meeting the needs of multiple relatives.

Feb 14, 2025 • 49min
AAMFT Podcast Episode #121: Fertility Counseling with Couples
In this episode, Eli sits down with Dr. Kristy Koser for a discussion about helping couples navigating complex decisions while maintaining their relationship after a diagnosis of infertility and pursuing fertility treatments.