In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Kathleen Mills, a licensed professional counselor and co-founder of the Association for Mental Health Professionals (AMHP). Together, we explore the seismic shifts happening in the mental health field and why so many therapists are feeling disillusioned with the profession's current direction.

Kathleen shares her journey from running a successful group practice for over 30 years to founding AMHP as a response to what she sees as the profession's failure to truly heal people. We dive deep into the mind-body-spirit approach to healing that challenges the traditional "neck-up" therapy model, discussing why medication isn't the answer and how the counseling profession has lost the trust of the public.

This episode explores critical questions about professional integrity, the impact of woke ideology on therapy, and the rise of coaching as an alternative to traditional counseling. Kathleen doesn't hold back in her critique of how our field created the "gender affirming care nightmare" and social justice warrior mentality that's dividing rather than healing families. Whether you're a mental health professional questioning the status quo or someone seeking genuine healing, this conversation offers hope for a new paradigm in mental health care.

Kathleen Mills, LPC-S, CEAP, CIMHP, is a seasoned therapist and mental health professional with over 30 years of experience. Founding LifeTree Counseling in 1992, she employs a holistic "Six Pillars" therapeutic approach that addresses comprehensive life wellness. As a spiritually-motivated counselor, Kathleen guides clients toward restoration and purpose with grace.

Beyond clinical practice, Kathleen is passionate about supporting mental health professionals through PracticeMentors.us, where she conducts workshops and provides continuing education on business development, office operations, and ethical considerations for practitioners.

In 2022, Kathleen co-founded the Association for Mental Health Professionals (AMHP) with Phillip Crum. AMHP emerged as an alternative professional organization for mental health practitioners seeking a platform that aligns with traditional professional and spiritual values, offering a new professional home for those who feel marginalized by mainstream medical organizational policies.

A graduate of the University of North Texas with a Master of Education in Counselor Education, Kathleen continues to mentor associates and advocate for principled mental health practice. Kathleen co-hosts the podcast Therapy Disruptors, available on all platforms. Save the date for AMHP Conference 2026 - October 1st through 3rd in Dallas/DFW area.

[00:00:00] Start
[00:03:00] AMHP Origins And Purpose
[00:04:35] Mind-Body-Spirit Framework Shift
[00:08:43] Scope Of Practice And Limits
[00:12:15] Nutrition, Medication, And Holistic Care
[00:15:15] Framing Problems Versus Solving Them
[00:19:35] Transference, Boundaries, And Role Clarity
[00:23:53] Six Pillars Holistic Model
[00:34:33] Profession Direction And Identity Crisis
[00:54:15] Faith, Conversion Therapy, And Misconceptions
[01:12:00] Christianity, Grace, And Counseling Integration

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MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission.

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Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI.

Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and permission.

Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care (our medical ethics documentary, formerly known as Affirmation Generation). Stream the film or purchase a DVD. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order. Follow us on X @2022affirmation or Instagram at @affirmationgeneration.

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