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

By: Curt Widhalm LMFT and Katie Vernoy LMFT
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  • Summary

  • The Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide: Where Therapists Live, Breathe, and Practice as Human Beings 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 clinicians must develop a personal brand to market their private practices, and are connecting over social media, engaging in social activism, pushing back against mental health stigma, and facing a whole new style of entrepreneurship. To support you as a whole person, a business owner, and a therapist, your hosts, Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy talk about how to approach the role of therapist in the modern age.
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Alternative & Complementary Medicine Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
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Episodes
  • Reviewing a Disciplinary Case on Suicidality, Erotic Transference, and Between-Session Communication: How do therapists hold appropriate boundaries?

    Reviewing a Disciplinary Case on Suicidality, Erotic Transference, and Between-Session Communication: How do therapists hold appropriate boundaries?
    Mar 31 2025
    Reviewing a Disciplinary Case on Suicidality, Erotic Transference, and Between-Session Communication: How do therapists hold appropriate boundaries? Curt and Katie chat about a disciplinary case against Dr. Eric Bergeman, highlighting key ethical concerns for therapists. They explore documentation practices, therapist responsibilities, and boundary management, particularly in cases involving suicidality and erotic transference. The conversation underscores the importance of clear treatment planning, proper record-keeping, and ethical decision-making to avoid legal and professional consequences. This is a continuing education podcourse. Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com! In this podcast episode we talk about suicidality, erotic transference, between-session communication, and documentation Therapists are given conflicting advice on when their duties to patients begin, how much they are expected to be available to clients outside of sessions, how they are to approach between-session communications, and how to document such communications. This episode explores a disciplinary case where the California Board of Psychology investigated a therapist’s responses to a client that filed a complaint about the therapist’s treatment. What therapists need to know about ethical boundaries and disciplinary actions: The importance of proper documentation and clear treatment planning. How to respond to client suicidality in real-time, including assessment and intervention. Managing erotic transference with ethical boundaries and consultation. The role of Board of Psychology investigations in evaluating therapist conduct. Key Takeaways from Dr. Bergeman’s Disciplinary Case: The Board of Psychology found gross negligence due to poor documentation, inadequate diagnosis, and lack of clear therapeutic boundaries. Dr. Bergeman failed to properly address the client’s suicidality and borderline personality disorder, leading to ethical concerns. Consultation with another therapist revealed concerns about Bergeman’s treatment approach and lack of structured intervention. The Board initially sought a fine of $103,000, later reducing it to $10,363, citing good intentions but significant professional oversights. Receive Continuing Education for this Episode of the Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Continuing Education Approvals: Continuing Education Information including grievance and refund policies. Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement: Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits: Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/ Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/
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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • What Therapists Need to Know About Immigration: An interview with Andy Strait

    What Therapists Need to Know About Immigration: An interview with Andy Strait
    Mar 27 2025
    What Therapists Need to Know About Immigration: An interview with Andy Strait Curt and Katie chat with Andy R. Strait, Esq., about immigration policies, mental health, and the role of therapists in supporting immigrant clients. They explore legal challenges, asylum cases, and the impact of fear-driven policies on mental health. Strait emphasizes the importance of legal representation, knowing one’s immigration status, and providing accurate resources. Therapists can help by offering pro bono evaluations, connecting clients with legal aid, and creating safe spaces for immigrant communities. Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com! In this podcast episode, we talk about what therapists need to know about immigration Immigration policies directly impact the mental health of both therapists and their clients. We asked Andy Strait, an immigration attorney and former public advocate, about the challenges immigrants face in the U.S. legal system, the role of therapists in supporting their clients, and practical steps therapists can take to provide assistance. What do therapists need to know about immigration policies? The lack of legal representation for immigrants and how this affects asylum outcomes. How the culture of fear surrounding immigration policies affects mental health. The importance of therapists providing accurate legal resources to clients. The racial profiling and shifting demographic focus of ICE operations. How therapists can help clients plan for potential deportation and protect their families. How Therapists Can Support Clients Facing Immigration Challenges Refer clients to legal experts by connecting with organizations like the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and the Survivors of Torture Network. Consider offering pro bono psychological evaluations for asylum cases, as expert testimony is often crucial. Help clients understand their rights and the importance of legal documentation. Provide safe spaces for immigrants to process their fears and mental health struggles. Be mindful of misinformation and educate clients using accurate, vetted sources. Understanding the Realities of the Immigration System The asylum process is complex and overburdened, leaving many without proper representation. There is no right to an attorney for immigrants, making legal aid essential. Immigrants and their families need proactive strategies to prepare for potential enforcement actions. Therapists can play a critical role in reducing the stigma around seeking legal and mental health support. Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement: Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits: Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/ Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/
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    42 mins
  • Reacting to Regime Change: How Therapists Can Advocate for our Clients and Communities

    Reacting to Regime Change: How Therapists Can Advocate for our Clients and Communities
    Mar 24 2025
    Reacting to Regime Change: How Therapists Can Advocate for our Clients and Communities Curt and Katie chat about how the United States has shifted since the inauguration of President Trump. We look at how therapists can advocate for their clients and the communities they serve and/or live in. We look at strategies for therapists to stay informed, provide vetted resources, and be present for clients who may be struggling with the changes. Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com! In this podcast episode we talk about the impact of political shifts on mental health care With ongoing changes in healthcare policy, therapists must navigate how legislative decisions impact their clients and their own practice. In this episode, Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy discuss the Trump administration’s influence on mental health care, the importance of accurate information and advocacy, and strategies for balancing personal well-being with professional responsibilities. What do therapists need to know about political changes in healthcare? The Trump administration’s policies and their impact on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid. The role of therapists in ensuring clients receive accurate healthcare information. How legislative decisions affect funding for mental health services. Why advocacy and political awareness are essential for protecting mental health access. The ethical considerations of discussing politics with clients while maintaining professional boundaries. How Therapists Can Take Action to Protect Healthcare Access Educate yourself and your clients on state-specific programs and available resources. Provide information in your practice on how clients can contact their legislators. Spend 15 minutes a day making calls to representatives to advocate for mental health care. Encourage, but don’t pressure, clients to take action in ways that align with their own values. Share neutral, fact-based sources to help clients stay informed without unnecessary anxiety. The Emotional Toll of Advocacy and How to Manage It Navigating personal feelings while supporting clients through political uncertainty. Avoiding doom-scrolling and setting boundaries around media consumption. Finding support within the therapist community to prevent burnout. Understanding personal capacity and choosing advocacy efforts that are sustainable. The Role of Therapists in Community Support Helping clients feel empowered rather than helpless in the face of policy changes. Creating space in sessions for conversations about uncertainty and anxiety related to healthcare access. Challenging therapists to step outside their comfort zone and take meaningful action. Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement: Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits: Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/ Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/
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    35 mins

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A great resource for therapists and anyone interested in therapy!

I learn something new every week. The hosts are very entertaining and knowledgeable. They also choose interesting and insightful guests.

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