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

When Therapy Goes Vibe-Forward: The Cost of Losing Clinical Depth An Interview with TJ Walsh, LPC When therapy becomes more about relatability and “vibes” than clinical depth, what gets lost? Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy talk with TJ Walsh, LPC about how social media culture is shaping therapy expectations, why neutrality and containment still matter, and how supervision and self-work support real therapeutic change. This episode challenges therapists to balance authenticity with professionalism and to clearly orient clients to the slower, relational work that meaningful therapy requires. Key Takeaways for Therapists Why vibe-forward therapy can feel supportive but limit long-term change How neutrality functions as containment, not disengagement The difference between validation and treatment How social media shapes client expectations of therapy Why supervision should continue well beyond licensure Full Show Notes & Transcript: https://mtsgpodcast.com Join the Modern Therapist Community Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/mtsgpodcast Creative Credits Voice Over: DW McCann – https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/ Music: Crystal Grooms Mangano – https://groomsymusic.com/

REPLAY: Working With Politically Divided Families with Angela Caldwell, LMFT In this Reprise episode, Curt and Katie revisit their timely conversation with Angela Caldwell, LMFT on working with politically divided families. This episode explores family systems, differentiation, distress tolerance, and therapeutic neutrality when political conflict enters the therapy room. Angela offers a hopeful, clinically grounded framework for helping families tolerate opposing viewpoints, stay in relationship, and navigate discomfort without forcing agreement, making this episode especially relevant during election cycles and holiday family gatherings. You can see the original show notes and transcripts for episode 375 here: https://therapyreimagined.com/modern-therapist-podcast/how-can-therapists-help-politically-divided-families-an-interview-with-angela-caldwell-lmft/

Replay Episode: Therapy As a Political Act with Dr. Travis Heath In this reprise episode, Curt and Katie revisit their powerful conversation with Dr. Travis Heath on why therapy is inherently a political act. Originally recorded in June 2020, just days after the murder of George Floyd, this episode examines how therapists navigate racism, systems of oppression, political overwhelm, and community trauma in the therapy room. Curt and Katie reflect on how the cultural landscape has shifted over the past five years, why Travis’s insights still resonate, and what therapists must continue doing to stay engaged in anti racist, decolonizing, and community centered work. You can see the original show notes and transcripts for episode 158 here: https://therapyreimagined.com/modern-therapist-podcast/therapy-as-a-political-act/

How Therapists Can Actually Rest During the Holidays: Letting Go of Guilt, Productivity, and Instagram-Worthy Expectations Curt and Katie explore how therapists can create a real holiday break - not a performative or productivity-driven one. They discuss the pressure to rest “perfectly,” the guilt of not fully unplugging, how to shift into restorative downtime, and why passive vs. active rest matters. They also highlight anxiety, money scarcity, grief, and family dynamics that often intensify during the season, offering compassionate strategies for caring for yourself as a therapist and a human. Key Takeaways for Therapists You don’t need an Instagram-worthy vacation: real rest is allowed. Rest is a process, not a switch; transition time matters. It’s okay to be partially off and still check in lightly as needed. Passive rest (scrolling) and active rest (movement, nature, connection) serve different purposes. Anxiety, scarcity mindset, or family stress may drive overworking—notice the “why.” The holidays can be hard; grief and emotional complexity deserve compassion. Full show notes at: mtsgpodcast.com Join the Modern Therapist Community Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined Creative Credits Voice Over by DW McCann — https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/ Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano — https://groomsymusic.com/

When Good Intentions Lead to Bad Policy: Why the BBS Needs Therapist Feedback – An Interview with Dr. Benjamin E. Caldwell, LMFT Curt and Katie talk with Dr. Benjamin E. Caldwell about the California BBS’s new regulatory proposals and why several well-intended ideas may actually undermine therapist education and professional standards. We discuss the proposal to award CE hours simply for providing supervision, giving CE credit for passive activities, concerns about codifying the licensing exam vendor, and the surprising reason behind the upcoming four-year fee reduction. Ben breaks down what therapists need to know—and how to make their voices heard during the public comment period. About Our Guest: Dr. Benjamin E. Caldwell, PsyD, LMFT Benjamin E. Caldwell, PsyD is a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Adjunct Faculty for California State University Northridge. He is the author of Basics of California Law for LMFTs, LPCCs, and LCSWs and the lead author of AAMFT’s Best Practices in the Online Practice of Couple and Family Therapy. His company, High Pass Education, provides exam prep and continuing education for mental health professionals. Key Takeaways for Therapists • Why the BBS’s proposed changes matter for therapists in and beyond California • Concerns about awarding CE for providing supervision instead of structured learning • How CE requirements may shift toward passive or non-educational activities • Issues with naming Pearson VUE in regulation • Why BBS fees will be reduced for four years • How therapists can participate in the public comment period to influence policy Full show notes and transcript available at mtsgpodcast.com Join the Modern Therapist Community Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined Creative Credits Voice Over by DW McCann – https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/ Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano – https://groomsymusic.com/