Before she became one of the most influential voices in psychotherapy, Dr. Diane Gehart was a University of Washington student who almost ended up at the CIA! 👀

In this keynote preview episode, Dr. Gehart joins us to talk about her journey and the work she has dedicated her career to: a Unifying Framework for Psychotherapy that brings together over 500 recognized psychotherapy theories into something every clinician can actually use.

Do not miss her keynote at the 2026 WAMFT Annual Conference, September 25–26 at Great Wolf Lodge!

The 2026 WAMFT Annual Conference is coming and we're getting a sneak peek.

I sat down with Claudia Johnson to talk all things Roots of Connection: Deepening Systemic Practice in Changing Times, happening September 25–26 at Great Wolf Lodge and virtually across Washington. From the three conference tracks to what makes this year's gathering especially meaningful, this episode is your inside look at what to expect.

And yes, bring the family. Great Wolf Lodge means CE credits AND a water park.

WAMFT's own foreign correspondent checks in from Bergen, Norway.

In this episode, we send our regards overseas as Henry Phillips brings us a firsthand dispatch from the International Family Therapy Association World Congress in Bergen, Norway. As WAMFT's unofficial correspondent on the ground, Henry sat in the rooms where the global conversation about family therapy is happening, and he's here to tell us what he saw, heard, and brought home.

We cover what it looks like when family therapists from around the world gather under one roof — the ideas being debated, the approaches being shared, and the moments that reminded Henry why this work matters across every culture and context. We also explore what Washington State's MFT community can learn from the international stage, and what our global colleagues might learn from us.

Think of this one as your postcard from Bergen!

It's still all relational, even 5,000 miles from home.

WAMFT is turning 50 — and we're marking this milestone with one of the most significant organizational changes in our history. In this episode, we reflect on half a century of advancing the marriage and family therapy profession in Washington State before turning our attention to the future: our transition from a 501(c)(6) trade association to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

I'm joined by WAMFT Treasurer Rochelle Pope, who walks us through the reasoning behind this change, the process of making it happen, and what members can expect going forward. We discuss how this shift affects membership structure, the implications for charitable giving, and why this transition represents a meaningful step in WAMFT's ongoing commitment to the therapists and communities we serve.

Whether you've been part of the WAMFT community for years or are just beginning your journey as a marriage and family therapist in Washington, this conversation offers an important look at how our organization is positioning itself for the next 50 years.

In this Member Spotlight episode, we sit down with Dr. Laura Gambrel, PhD, LMFT, to explore her professional journey and her deep commitment to relational work.

Laura began her career working with children, where she developed a strong foundation in understanding family systems and early attachment. That early experience sparked a desire to zoom out and look at the larger relational contexts shaping people’s lives. She went on to earn her PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy, where she discovered a profound passion for working with couples and strengthening intimate partnerships.

Over the years, Laura has built a rich and varied career across community mental health, academia, and group practice. She shares what she learned in each setting—from the urgency and accessibility of community-based care, to mentoring and training emerging therapists, to refining her clinical voice in group practice. Throughout it all, one thread has remained constant: her dedication to relational healing.

Now, Laura is launching her solo private practice, Relational Mindfulness, in Bellingham, Washington. In this episode, she talks about what inspired the transition to solo work, how mindfulness informs her approach to couples therapy, and why she believes training and supervision are essential to the future of our field.

This conversation is a thoughtful look at professional evolution, staying connected to your “why,” and building a career that reflects your deepest clinical values. Whether you’re early in your journey or considering a shift in your own practice, Laura’s story offers insight, encouragement, and inspiration.

Learn more about her practice at https://www.relational-mindfulness.org/

On this episode of It’s All Relational, we’re giving you a preview of the WAMFT Spring Ethics Series: MFT Mythbusters — a five-week exploration of some of the most persistent (and limiting) myths about Marriage and Family Therapists. Ethics chair Katie Jo Glaves joins to discuss what we have on deck this year.

Each episode highlights one of the upcoming ethics sessions:

5/1 – What Can an MFT Diagnose and Treat?
We clarify scope of practice, breaking down what MFTs are trained and ethically positioned to diagnose and treat in accordance with Washington Rules and Regulations.

5/8 – How MFTs Interface with CPS
A grounded conversation about mandated reporting, documentation, and maintaining therapeutic alliance when Child Protective Services enters the system.

5/15 – Ethics and Business Development
We challenge the myth that caring about money is unethical. This episode explores how building a sustainable practice aligns with ethical responsibility — and how identifying your personal “North Star” can guide business decisions.

5/22 – Panel: Can I Treat XYZ?
From art therapy and play therapy to sex therapy and other niche areas, we unpack what it really means to specialize as an MFT and what you can treat without advanced training. How do you ethically incorporate creative or modality-specific approaches? When does additional training become necessary? And how do you determine competence while staying within scope?

5/29 – AI, Equity, and Clinical Risk
We close with a timely dialogue on artificial intelligence in clinical work — documentation tools, bias, confidentiality, access, and how emerging technology intersects with systemic ethics.

Whether you’re a student, associate, supervisor, or seasoned clinician, this series invites you to question assumptions, deepen ethical clarity, and practice with greater confidence.

Ready to bust some myths? Register now for the Spring Ethics Series on our website and secure your spot.

In this State of the Union episode, we’re joined by WAMFT President Billie Tyler for an in-depth conversation about the direction of the association and what’s ahead for members in the coming months. We cover key updates, opportunities for engagement, and important initiatives shaping the year ahead.

Topics include:

• Legislative advocacy goals and current priorities at the state level

• How members can get involved in advocacy and policy efforts

• Highlights and exciting updates about the Annual Conference, including the new venue

• What to expect from the upcoming Spring Ethics series

• Additional WAMFT updates and initiatives supporting clinicians across Washington

This episode offers a clear snapshot of where WAMFT is now, where it’s going, and how members can stay connected and involved.

Get ready for a night of connection, celebration, and cinematic sparkle! In this special preview episode, we’re sharing what’s in store for WAMFT’s upcoming Holiday Party on December 13th, themed Holiday Movie Magic. From festive attire inspired by beloved holiday films to opportunities to mingle with fellow members, enjoy seasonal treats, and celebrate the year’s accomplishments, this event promises an evening full of warmth and whimsy. Tune in for all the details and why you won’t want to miss this magical night with the WAMFT community.

In this episode, I sit down with Amanda Darnley, Chief Strategic Officer at AAMFT, to discuss the evolving landscape of marriage and family therapy and what lies ahead for our profession. We cover some of the most pressing topics shaping the field today — including license portability and its impact on clinical mobility, the upcoming 2025 Workforce Study and what it means for the next generation of therapists, and the role of AI in mental health care. Amanda also shares insights into AAMFT’s Family TEAM and advocacy initiatives, offering practical ways for members to get involved and influence policy that supports MFTs nationwide.

Whether you’re a student, clinician, or educator, this conversation is packed with valuable information about where our profession is headed — and how you can help shape its future.

In this episode, we sit down with Commissioner Patty Kuderer and her team from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner to discuss how their office supports Marriage and Family Therapists in Washington State.

Together, we explore the challenges therapists face with insurance reimbursement, the ongoing fight for mental health parity, and how legislative advocacy can help create a more equitable landscape for providers and clients alike. This conversation highlights the power of collaboration between policymakers and mental health professionals to improve access to care across Washington.