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

• Planning for Death or Incapacitation - What Therapists Need to Do: An interview with Dr. Robyn Miller, Ph.D.

  Planning for Death or Incapacitation - What Therapists Need to Do: An interview with Dr. Robyn Miller, Ph.D. Curt and Katie chat with Dr. Robyn Miller, Ph.D., of TheraClosure about professional wills and what therapists need to do to effectively plan for their own incapacity or death. She shares her experience stepping in as a practice executor for colleagues, the trauma that can result when therapists disappear without explanation, and the systems she’s created through her program to provide compassionate and organized transitions for patients. This is a conversation about professional wills, ethical responsibilities, and why planning for the worst brings peace of mind. Transcripts and more information for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com! (Show notes provided in collaboration with Otter.ai and ChatGPT.)   In this podcast episode, we talk about planning for a therapist’s unexpected absence, incapacity, or death Too many therapists avoid thinking about what will happen to their clients if they can no longer practice due to sudden illness, incapacitation, or death. Dr. Robyn Miller joins Curt and Katie to discuss why it’s essential to have a professional will, and how to make sure you’re not leaving your clients without closure or support. Why Therapists Must Plan for Death or Incapacitation What Goes into a Professional Will for Therapists The Role and Burden of a Practice Executor Creating a Plan that’s Clinically Thoughtful Systemic Issues and Professional Responsibility Action Steps for Modern Therapists 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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• Interpersonal Branding - Therapist Marketing That Aligns With Who You Are: An interview with Carrie Wiita

  Interpersonal Branding - Therapist Marketing That Aligns With Who You Are: An interview with Carrie Wiita Curt and Katie chat with Carrie Wiita about authenticity, first impressions, and why traditional business coaching doesn’t work for most therapists. Carrie critiques traditional business coaching models that rely on anecdotal “success stories” and mindset hype, and instead offers a relational, thoughtful, and research-informed framework to help therapists show up in alignment with their professional identities. We also explore the unique challenges therapists from marginalized communities face in marketing, and how systemic issues influence visibility and access. Transcripts and more information for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com! In this podcast episode, we talk about how therapists can market themselves ethically, authentically, and effectively Marketing for therapists doesn’t have to feel slimy, manipulative, or one-size-fits-all. Carrie Wiita, a marketing therapist and creator of interpersonal branding, shares how therapists can use their natural strengths, values, and clinical insights to build trust through marketing—without pretending to be someone they’re not. What is Interpersonal Branding for Therapists? The Problem with Traditional Business Coaching for Therapists The Impact of First Impressions on the Therapeutic Relationship Navigating Identity and Professional Boundaries as a Therapist Marketing and Systemic Oppression with the Therapist Profession 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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• Special Episode: Modern Therapist’s Consumer Guide on JotPsych

  Special Episode: Modern Therapist’s Consumer Guide on JotPsych Curt and Katie talk with Nate Peereboom, CEO and co-founder of JotPsych, an AI-powered scribe designed to automate therapy notes and save therapists 90–95% of their note-taking time. Jot Psych supports over 30 languages, integrates with many EHRs, and prioritizes security and privacy. In this conversation, we dive into how AI can support clinicians while protecting the integrity of the therapeutic relationship. This episode is part of our Modern Therapist Consumer Guide, where we explore innovative tools and services built for therapists and their clients. In this podcast episode we talk about AI Scribes and making your clinical documentation more efficient and effective with JotPsych We explore how Jot Psych uses artificial intelligence to ease the documentation burden in therapy practices, while maintaining HIPAA compliance and respecting client privacy. Interview with Nate Peereboom, JotPsych 0:01:07 - Nate introduces himself and JotPsych 0:02:18 - Origin story of JotPsych and why they created the company 0:05:34 - Mission, vision, and values of the business 0:09:42 - Process of using JotPsych and note generation 0:12:08 - Business and clinical considerations for using AI scribes 0:16:14 - Privacy concerns and client consent 0:20:30 - Concerns about data training and potential AI therapist replacement 0:31:18 - Multilingual capabilities 0:31:52 - Quality assurance processes 0:34:49 - Onboarding process for new users 0:40:16 - Where to find more information about JotPsych Curt and Katie Chat – Our review of JotPsych 0:42:07 – Katie and Curt talk through our impressions of JotPsych: Considerations for choosing JotPsych, paying attention to scope and accuracy in documentation that is produced, how tools like Jot Psych can serve solo and group practices, the importance of testing AI tools in real-world practice before full adoption A Special Offer for the listeners of Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide podcast from JotPsych Try Jot Psych with a 10-day free trial and get 50% off the first two paid months. Visit jotpsych.com/modern-therapist and use code MODERN Credits: Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/ Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano http://www.crystalmangano.com/

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• When Laws and Ethics Conflict: Civil Disobedience, Social Justice, and Our Role as Therapists

  When Laws and Ethics Conflict: Civil Disobedience, Social Justice, and Our Role as Therapists Curt and Katie chat about what happens when legal requirements clash with ethical responsibilities—and how therapists can stay grounded in their values while navigating complex decisions. When you find yourself in a situation where the law seems to contradict your ethics, or even violate your clients’ basic human rights, what do you do? In this deep-dive episode, we explore the tension between law and ethics and the moral courage required to practice in alignment with your values. From post-9/11 changes in APA’s ethics code to current issues like gender-affirming care restrictions, we explore real-world implications and guide you through a framework for ethical decision-making in the face of legal and systemic challenges. This is a continuing education podcourse. Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com! In this podcast episode we talk about laws, ethics, and the difficult decisions therapists face in practice Executive orders and nationwide proposed legislative bills that affect mental health have left therapists wondering, “Will my ethics protect me?” This episode and podcourse explores the interplay between laws and ethics, how professional organizations guide therapists when laws and ethics collide and gives a framework for how therapists should proceed. Participants will learn how to identify potential conflicts, understand their legal and ethical obligations, and develop effective decision-making processes. Topics explored will include risk management strategies, consultation best practices, and documentation considerations in conflictual situations. How do Modern Therapists navigate Ethics vs. Law in our practices? ·      Where clinical ethics and legal obligations collide ·      How our ethical codes approach this conflict (APA, ACA, NASW, CAMFT) ·      The importance of understanding your responsibilities beyond compliance Civil Disobedience as Therapists out in the world and in our offices ·      Philosophical roots: Antigone, Nuremberg, and post-9/11 ethics reform ·      When following the law may cause harm to clients or communities ·      How to protect your license while still honoring human rights Real-Life Legal versus Ethical Dilemmas for Modern Therapists ·      What to do when reporting requirements might increase harm ·      How to support trans and gender-diverse clients in states with discriminatory laws ·      Navigating confidentiality, documentation, and advocacy A Therapist’s Decision-Making Process for Civil Disobedience From Knapp, S., Gottlieb, M., Berman, J., & Handelsman, M. M. (2007). When laws and ethics collide: What should psychologists do? ·   Seek consultation to understand your legal requirements (know what the law is actually asking you to do, even if that means taking the time to consult with an attorney) ·      Clearly understand your ethical obligations (read the language of the ethics code and consult with trusted colleagues) ·      Consider alternatives that allow following the law while upholding your values ·      Contemplate violating the law only if no viable alternatives exist, and if so, limit disobedience to the minimum necessary to fulfill the higher goal 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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• Reproductive Mental Health, Intersectionality, and Systemic Barriers: An interview with Dr. Loree Johnson

  Reproductive Mental Health, Intersectionality, and Systemic Barriers: An interview with Dr. Loree Johnson Curt and Katie chat with Dr. Loree Johnson about the intersections of reproductive mental health, race, and systemic injustice. Dr. Johnson shared powerful insights about the shame, grief, and medical trauma that many clients face, especially Black women and other folks from historically marginalized communities. We dive into how therapists can hold safer, more informed spaces for clients experiencing infertility and pregnancy loss, and how systemic racism and historical harm continue to shape reproductive healthcare today. Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com! In this podcast episode, we talk about reproductive trauma, systemic barriers to care, and the need for cultural humility in therapy We were honored to sit down with Dr. Loree Johnson, LMFT, PhD—an expert in reproductive mental health who brings both clinical expertise and lived experience to the conversation. We explore how therapists can better support clients navigating infertility, pregnancy loss, and trauma, especially clients from marginalized communities. What do therapists often get wrong about reproductive mental health? ·    Avoiding the conversation about infertility and pregnancy loss because therapists feel undertrained or uncomfortable ·   Therapists overlook the impact of race, history, and oppression in reproductive trauma ·   Assuming fertility issues affect only straight, cisgender couples ·   Minimizing or misunderstanding the grief associated with pregnancy loss and infertility What is the role of systemic racism and historical trauma for Black women seeking reproductive care? ·    Mistrust of the medical system due to real, generational harm (e.g., J. Marion Sims, Henrietta Lacks, Tuskegee) ·    Myths of hyper-fertility in Black women and the erasure of infertility struggles in communities of color ·   Disenfranchised grief and cultural stigma around fertility challenges ·   Weathering: the cumulative impact of chronic stress and racism on physical and reproductive health How can therapists show up better for clients who are experiencing infertility and pregnancy loss? ·   Learn the terminology and processes around fertility treatments and pregnancy loss ·   Create space for conversations around sex, reproduction, and grief—even if it’s uncomfortable ·   Practice cultural humility and intimacy: be willing to be wrong, to sit with pain, and to build trust ·   Acknowledge your own limitations and biases while staying curious and committed to learning ·   Be prepared for these conversations—even if you don’t specialize in reproductive mental health 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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