In this episode, I'm sharing practical ways therapists can make room for political stress in the therapy room without allowing the session to become a debate.

I also created a FREE quick-reference guide, Political Stress in Therapy: 10 Client-Centered Questions to Use in Session. It includes practical questions to help you move beyond the political headline and explore the emotions, values, boundaries, and next steps underneath a client's distress. Download it free here: lisa-mustard.aweb.page/free-political-stress-guide

Politics can affect our clients' sense of safety, identity, belonging, relationships, and hope for the future. I talk about how to move from the headline to its deeper meaning; validate a client's emotional experience without endorsing every opinion; help clients regulate, set boundaries, and take values-aligned action; and notice our own reactions as therapists.

I also address what to say when prospective clients ask where you stand politically and why it is okay for clients to decide they need a therapist who feels like the right fit for them.

For additional support, I mention How to Navigate Politics in Session Without Taking Sides, which offers structured prompts and guidance for ethical, client-centered conversations. I also share my Political Stress Ebook Workbook: Coping Strategies for Therapists, a downloadable, client-facing ebook that therapists can customize and rebrand with their own information.

Whether your clients are doomscrolling, fighting with family, feeling afraid about the future, or overwhelmed by the intensity of the news cycle, I hope this episode offers a grounded, practical way to respond.

Need CE contact hours? Explore my NBCC-Approved Podcourses & CE Courses

Try Berries for FREE! Get $50 off your first month with code THERAPYSHOW50

Explore my 30+ NBCC-approved Podcourses: https://lisamustard.com/podcourses

Get 50% off your first Podcourse here!

Explore my other NBCC CE offerings: https://lisamustard.com/cecourses/

Try Berries AI and save $50 off your first month with code THERAPYSHOW50.

Learn about Berries Annual Plan + FREE continuing education.

Learn about my coaching services for spouses and families of white collar criminals

When white-collar crime enters a family, the emotional fallout extends far beyond the person facing criminal charges. But are therapists prepared to support the spouses, children, and loved ones caught in the crisis?

In this episode, I'm drawing on my experience as a licensed marriage and family therapist and my personal story as the daughter of someone convicted of a white-collar crime to explore what mental health professionals need to know about working with these families.

I'll discuss the impact of betrayal, grief, shame, and stigma, along with practical clinical considerations for assessment, trauma-informed care, supporting children, and navigating ethical boundaries. I'll also share examples of what therapists should avoid saying and how to support clients without imposing personal judgments about forgiveness, reconciliation, or divorce.

My goal is to help therapists recognize the people behind the headlines and provide thoughtful, compassionate care to families navigating a white-collar legal crisis.

Want to learn more? Listen to my other podcast, White Collar Crime: The Other Sentence, where I explore the emotional and relational challenges facing spouses and loved ones. Learn about my coaching: Work With Me

The Therapy Show with Lisa Mustard is for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace therapy, consultation, supervision, legal advice, or ethical decision-making.

This episode DOES NOT qualify for continuing education.

Listen to White Collar Crime: The Other Sentence on Apple, Spotify, and my website.

Free CE training: Insurance Credentialing (1 NBCC Contact hour)

Free AI Training for Mental Health Pros (1.25 NBCC Contact hours)

Try Berries for FREE! Get $50 off your first month with code THERAPYSHOW50

What does it really look like to build something new before you know exactly how it will turn out?

In this episode of The Therapy Show, I'm taking you behind the scenes as I build a coaching practice for families affected by white-collar crime and grow my new podcast, White Collar Crime: The Other Sentence.

I'm sharing what I'm actually doing to get this work in front of the people who need it, from reaching out to white-collar defense attorneys and pitching myself as a podcast guest to creating resources, refining my message, and getting more comfortable being visible.

I also share two new continuing education opportunities from Berries Academy: a free training on insurance credentialing and The Promise of AI for Mental Health Professionals, which explores how clinicians can use AI responsibly while protecting privacy, ethics, and clinical judgment.

If you've been thinking about launching a new service, podcast, course, coaching offer, or other professional idea, this episode is a reminder that you don't have to have everything figured out before you begin. Sometimes you build the next chapter by taking the first visible step.

Need CE contact hours? Explore my NBCC-Approved Podcourses & CE Courses

Get my Coping with Political Stress Workbook that's Canva Editable For Clinicians, Coaches & Educators

Therapist Conversation Framework: Politics in Session A printable PDF with 97 questions to navigate political talk in therapy - without taking sides.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER FOR THE COURSE

Insurance credentialing can feel confusing, especially when you're trying to understand applications, contracts, payer enrollment, effective dates, CAQH, NPIs, and all the steps that come after you're approved.

In this free continuing education course, Donna Haswell, LCSW, Annie Day, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern and credentialing and billing expert, and Kym Tolson, LCSW, break down the credentialing process and explain what mental health clinicians need to know to successfully work with insurance in private practice.

You'll learn the differences between credentialing, contracting, and enrollment; what information and documentation to have ready before applying; what to look for in payer contracts; how to think about reimbursement rates and product lines; and how to create an organized system for tracking applications, effective dates, recredentialing, and ongoing payer requirements.

The presenters also share practical lessons from their own experience helping therapists navigate insurance billing and credentialing, including common mistakes that can delay payment or create problems later.

This course is designed for counselors and other mental health clinicians who are starting, growing, or maintaining an insurance-based private practice.

Earn 1 NBCC continuing education contact hour.

This course is brought to you free of charge by Berries and Bill Like A Boss.

FREE Continuing Education, brought to you by Berries.

In this solo episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes to share a personal and professional update.

I talk about life lately, the growth of The Therapy Show, what I'm continuing to build with Podcourses and continuing education.

I also open up about a deeply personal new project inspired by my family's experience with white-collar crime and my desire to support spouses and families navigating that kind of crisis.

Learn about my coaching services for spouses and families of white collar criminals

Resources:

Explore my 30+ NBCC-approved Podcourses: https://lisamustard.com/podcourses

Get 50% off your first Podcourse here!

Explore my other NBCC CE offerings: https://lisamustard.com/cecourses/

Try Berries AI and save $50 off your first month with code THERAPYSHOW50.

Learn about Berries Annual Plan + FREE continuing education.

FREE CE course! Earn 1.25 continuing education contact hours. The Promise of AI for Mental Health Professionals is available now.

The Therapy Show with Lisa Mustard is for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace therapy, consultation, supervision, legal advice, or ethical decision-making.

Connect with Lisa:

Visit lisamustard.com to explore continuing education podcourses, join the CE membership, and access full show notes.

What happens when a licensed clinical social worker walks into an improv class and discovers a powerful clinical tool?

In this episode of The Therapy Show, I sit down with Dr. Juda Alcabes, also known as The Improv Therapist, to explore how improv comedy can be used therapeutically to treat anxiety, build intimacy, strengthen couples' connections, and help clients get out of their heads and into the present moment.

Dr. Juda shares how taking an improv class on a mental health day eventually led him to develop a clinical framework for bringing improv into therapy sessions. Whether you're a clinician curious about adding more play and experiential work into your practice, or someone who has always wanted to try improv, this conversation is insightful, practical, and fun.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How improv can support anxiety treatment
• Why play and spontaneity matter in therapy
• How improv helps clients move from overthinking to experiencing
• The connection between improv, intimacy, and relationships
• Why therapists don't need to be performers to benefit from improv
• How clinicians can thoughtfully integrate unique skills into their work

Dr. Juda Alcabes, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker based in South Florida who specializes in sex and porn addiction. Known as The Improv Therapist, he integrates improv comedy into clinical work with individuals, couples, and groups. He is also a stand-up comedian and improv performer, and he offers consultation for therapists interested in incorporating improv into their own practice.

Resources Mentioned:

The Improv Therapist: theimprovtherapist.com Instagram/TikTok/YouTube: @theimprovtherapist

Explore my 30+ NBCC-approved Podcourses: https://lisamustard.com/podcourses

Get 50% off your first Podcourse here!

Explore my other NBCC CE offerings: https://lisamustard.com/cecourses/

Try Berries AI and save $50 off your first month with code THERAPYSHOW50.

Learn about Berries Annual Plan + FREE continuing education.

FREE CE course! Earn 1.25 continuing education contact hours. The Promise of AI for Mental Health Professionals is available now.

Free CE ChatGPT Tool: CE Course Builder for Mental Health CliniciansIf you're curious about teaching or continuing education but aren't ready to commit to creating a full course, this free tool is designed to help you explore ideas, clarify learning objectives, and think like an educator, without pressure or obligation.

The Therapy Show with Lisa Mustard is for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace therapy, consultation, supervision, legal advice, or ethical decision-making.

Connect with Lisa:

Visit lisamustard.com to explore continuing education podcourses, join the CE membership, and access full show notes.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a colleague who could use a little more play in their practice.

In this episode of The Therapy Show, I'm joined by Dr. Chloe Carmichael, licensed clinical psychologist and author of Can I Say That? Why Free Speech Matters and How to Use It Fearlessly.

This episode is a portion of a larger continuing education course on free speech, self-censorship, open dialogue, and mental health. Dr. Chloe explores how language supports emotional regulation, problem-solving, self-efficacy, and authentic connection, and how chronic self-silencing may contribute to anxiety, depression, helplessness, groupthink, and weakened social support.

You'll hear Dr. Chloe discuss why open dialogue matters clinically, how self-censorship can impact mental health, and why the ability to speak honestly and listen with resilience is an important part of relational well-being.

This is only a preview of the full course. To access the complete training and earn 1 NBCC continuing education contact hour, click here.

Please note: this course is not included in the podcourse bundle and is available as a separate continuing education course.

The Full Course topics include:

Free speech and mental health Self-censorship, suppression, repression, and denial Language, affect labeling, and emotional regulation Groupthink and the cost of silence Authentic dialogue and social connection Clinical tools for speaking up and listening well The WAIT framework, reflective listening, thought replacement, journaling, and mind mapping

Learn more and access Dr. Chloe's course here.

Looking for affordable continuing education that you can listen to anytime, anywhere? Check out my offerings and get half off your first podcourse here.

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Have you ever wondered if starting a podcast could help you grow your practice, build your professional reputation, or share your expertise in a bigger way?

In this episode of The Therapy Show, I'm talking to therapists, counselors, social workers, coaches, and mental health professionals who have thought about starting a podcast but aren't sure where to begin.

I share what I've learned from my own podcasting journey, including how The Therapy Show evolved into a continuing education platform and how podcasting can help therapists build trust, clarify their message, connect with other professionals, and create a body of work that reflects their expertise.

I also talk honestly about why podcasting is not a quick fix. A podcast works best when it has a clear purpose, a specific audience, and a connection to your larger professional goals.

In This Episode, I Cover:

• Why therapists are drawn to podcasting
• How to clarify your podcast's purpose
• Why your audience matters more than your microphone
• How to choose a format that fits your energy and goals
• Ethical considerations for therapist podcasters
• Common mistakes therapists make when starting a podcast
• How podcasting can support a practice, CE business, coaching offer, or consulting service
• Questions to ask before you hit record

Therapists don't need to start a podcast just because podcasting is popular. But if you have a clear audience, a meaningful purpose, and a realistic plan, podcasting can be a powerful way to build trust, share your expertise, and create new professional opportunities.

Resources mentioned:

Explore my 30+ NBCC-approved Podcourses: https://lisamustard.com/podcourses

Explore my other NBCC CE offerings: https://lisamustard.com/cecourses/

CBT and Adult ADHD Podcourse

Learn more about my consulting services: About Me - Lisa Mustard

Try Berries AI and save $50 off your first month with code THERAPYSHOW50.

Learn about Berries Annual Plan + FREE continuing education.

FREE CE course! Earn 1.25 continuing education contact hours. The Promise of AI for Mental Health Professionals is available now.

Free CE ChatGPT Tool: CE Course Builder for Mental Health CliniciansIf you're curious about teaching or continuing education but aren't ready to commit to creating a full course, this free tool is designed to help you explore ideas, clarify learning objectives, and think like an educator, without pressure or obligation.

The Therapy Show with Lisa Mustard is for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace therapy, consultation, supervision, legal advice, or ethical decision-making.

Get 50% off your first Podcourse here!

PURCHASE THIS PODCOURSE!

If you are a therapist or counselor looking for continuing education, check out my NBCC Approved $5 Podcourses and other continuing education offerings.Plus, get your first Podcourse half off.

In this 60-minute NBCC-approved podcourse, I'm joined by Michelle Witte, RP, to explore how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can be effectively adapted for adults with ADHD, especially when challenges with executive functioning interfere with insight, follow-through, and real-life change.

We discuss how ADHD often presents beyond the common stereotypes, especially in adults and adolescents who may struggle with time blindness, disorganization, emotional dysregulation, task initiation, and inconsistent follow-through. We also explore why traditional CBT may fall short when it does not account for executive functioning difficulties, and how therapists can modify their approach to better support implementation, accountability, and sustainable progress.

This training supports therapists in recognizing the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral patterns commonly associated with ADHD, understanding how executive functioning deficits affect treatment engagement, and applying practical CBT-based strategies that improve follow-through in everyday life.

Our hope is that you'll walk away with fresh strategies you can integrate into your clinical work right away, and you can also earn one NBCC continuing education contact hour by completing this Podcourse.

🎧 Listen for free, or earn 1 NBCC-approved continuing education contact hour for just $5.

📍 Get 50% off your first Podcourse here!

🫐Sponsored by Berries: Use code TherapyShow50 for $50 off your first month - CLICK HERE.🫐

Learning Objectives:

• Differentiate how ADHD presents in adults and adolescents beyond common stereotypes
• Identify common executive functioning challenges (e.g., time blindness, disorganization, task initiation difficulties) that impact treatment
• Apply CBT-based interventions adapted specifically for clients with ADHD
• Utilize practical strategies to improve client follow-through, engagement, and accountability between sessions
• Recognize the role of emotional dysregulation, avoidance, and shame in ADHD and integrate appropriate interventions

About Michelle Witte, RP: Michelle Witte, RP, is a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario and a member of the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies. She specializes in adapting CBT for adults with ADHD, with a focus on executive functioning and implementation challenges. Michelle has over 15 years of experience supporting neurodivergent individuals and was diagnosed with ADHD at age 40, an experience that informs her clinical work and training.

About Lisa: Lisa Mustard, MPH, EdS, LMFT has worked for a college counseling center, addiction recovery center, and has been working with a military branch for the past 14 years. Lisa is a lover of all things fitness and health, a podcaster, and coach.

Continuing Education Contact Hours: Mustard Consulting, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7061. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Mustard Consulting, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Completion Requirements: To obtain your certificate of completion, you must listen entirely to the audio, pass the Podcourse completion quiz, and complete a satisfaction survey.

Refund policy: No refunds are provided for self-study courses.

Disclosure Statement for Michelle Witte, RP: Financial: Michelle Witte receives an honorarium from Mustard Consulting, LLC for this speaking engagement.

The Therapy Show with Lisa Mustard is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. Always consult with your own healthcare provider regarding any personal health or medical conditions.

Thank you for tuning into The Therapy Show. Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode.

In this episode, I'm joined by Kym Tolson, LCSW for an eye-opening conversation about what AI really means for the future of mental health practice. Together, we unpack some of the biggest myths and misconceptions therapists have about AI, including concerns about privacy, ethics, environmental impact, burnout, and whether technology could ever replace the therapeutic relationship.

Kym shares practical ways therapists can begin using AI right now to reduce documentation burden, streamline practice operations, support marketing efforts, and create more sustainable workflows, all while staying clinically grounded and ethically informed.

We also talk about why the future of therapy may require clinicians to lean even more into relational skills, clinical judgment, and authentic human connection.

Plus, we highlight the free 1.25 NBCC-approved CE training available through Berries Academy, where I'm serving as the course administrator and Kym is the presenter.

If AI has felt overwhelming, confusing, or even a little scary, this episode will help you feel informed, empowered, and ready to take the first step.

🫐Sponsored by Berries: Use code TherapyShow50 for $50 off your first month - CLICK HERE for a free trial.🫐

Other Resources:

FREE CE course! Earn 1.25 continuing education contact hours. The Promise of AI for Mental Health Professionals is available now.

8 Things Every Therapist Should Know About Family Estrangement with Karl Melvin: This 1.5-hour NBCC-approved course gives you a structured, practical framework to confidently assess, conceptualize, and support clients experiencing estrangement without oversimplifying or pathologizing the experience.

🤖 Free CE ChatGPT Tool: CE Course Builder for Mental Health CliniciansIf you're curious about teaching or continuing education but aren't ready to commit to creating a full course, this free tool is designed to help you explore ideas, clarify learning objectives, and think like an educator, without pressure or obligation.

Need CE contact hours? Explore my NBCC-Approved Podcourses & CE Courses

📍 Get 50% off your first Podcourse here!

Get my Coping with Political Stress Workbook that's Canva Editable For Clinicians, Coaches & Educators

Therapist Conversation Framework: Politics in Session A printable PDF with 97 questions to navigate political talk in therapy - without taking sides.

Solution-Focused Therapy Guide 72 questions + prompts to help adult clients clarify goals and move forward using SFT.

Check out all my Counselor Resources.

The Therapy Show with Lisa Mustard is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. Always consult with your own healthcare provider regarding any personal health or medical conditions.