Therapists: Ever wonder how to best support therapy clients when the legal system gets involved? If your clients are going through custody disputes, or if you’re a marriage and family therapist working on custody evaluations, understanding the role of a Child and Family Investigator (CFI) is essential. 

It’s also essential for you to know about the dark side of child and family investigations: Not all CFI’s are qualified, or ethical. And, their recommendations can have a huge impact on the trajectory of your client’s lives… for better or for worse. 

In this episode, I sit down with Stephanie Randall, an experienced family law attorney and CFI, to give you the inside scoop on how CFIs work, their impact on custody cases, and how therapists can be true advocates for their clients. Get ready to learn the tips and insights that will help you guide clients through one of the most challenging processes they may ever face. 

Chapters: 

00:31 Understanding the Role of Child and Family Investigators

01:43 Introducing Stephanie Randall: Expert Insights

03:23 The CFI Process Explained

11:26 Therapists' Role in Legal Proceedings

18:10 Challenges and Ethical Considerations for Therapists

24:06 Concerns About Untrustworthy CFIs

34:45 Understanding Investigation Requirements

34:56 Challenges in Reporting and Public Awareness

35:44 The Role and Impact of CFIs

39:22 Therapists as Allies in the System

41:03 Empowering Clients and Addressing Safety

44:31 Navigating Co-Parenting and Legal Systems

45:49 Recognizing and Reporting Abuse

56:03 Advocacy and Systemic Change

Be sure to subscribe to this channel for more insights like these, and share this episode with your professional community to spread the knowledge!  P.S. I'd love to stay connected with you! Join me on LinkedIn, where we can share ideas, support each other, and keep growing together. Let’s build an amazing community—one connection at a time!

Therapists, did you know that there are 8 scams specifically targeting YOU?

In this episode of Love Happiness and Success for Therapists, I share eye-opening stories from my practice and reveal the top scams aimed at therapists—things I never imagined would happen until they started affecting people in my own practice. 

From "police officers" threatening your license to fake clients requesting sessions, scammers have found shockingly creative ways to target mental health professionals. Check out the 

Timestamps:

- 00:00 Introduction: Scams Targeting Therapists

- 00:33 The Scary Police Officer Scam

- 03:32 The Fake Client Scam

- 04:38 The Fake Insurance Rep Scam

- 05:42 The Fake Tech Scam

- 08:26 The Fake Collaboration Scam

- 09:35 The Fake Training Scam

- 10:35 The Fake Credentialing Scam

- 12:35 The Simple Practice Con

- 15:57 Staying Safe: Tips and Final Thoughts

I have so much more information to share about these including real stories about when each of these happened in my practice, and the playbook I developed for my organization in response. Get the WHOLE story and my personal "private practice protection" strategies right here.

Make sure to subscribe for more resources like this and share with your network to keep others informed! Let’s look out for each other. 

P.S. I’d love to connect on LinkedIn to continue this conversation. Come be a part of an amazing community of growth-minded professionals! I’d love to hear from you.

Therapists, this one’s for you. We’re living in intense times, and it’s no secret that showing up for others can feel especially hard when our own emotional reserves are running low. How do we stay present, compassionate, and fully engaged with our clients when we’re also grappling with our own fears, frustrations, or even grief?

And then there’s this: What happens when our job is to hold unconditionally positive regard for people whose perspectives or values may be wildly different from our own? It’s tough. It can feel like an impossible balancing act. But it’s also an invitation—a doorway, if you will. A chance for reflection, recalibration, and maybe even a professional pivot.

In today’s episode, we’ll explore what it means to take care of ourselves as therapists so we can keep caring for others. We’ll talk about practical strategies for emotional resilience and self-care, sure. But we’ll also dive deeper—into the tension between our personal values and professional roles, and how navigating this can actually help us grow, both personally and professionally.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

1:07 – The Therapist's Struggle: How do we stay professionally present when we’re personally stretched thin?

5:28 – Self-Care Strategies for Therapists: Small, powerful practices to protect your emotional bandwidth.

9:53 – Boundaries and Tough Decisions: Why safeguarding your energy isn’t selfish—it’s essential.

12:41 – Navigating Differences: How to hold space for clients with vastly different views, and what this work can teach us.

16:05 – Aligning Work with Your Values: When is it time to consider a professional pivot?

21:47 – Growth Through Challenge: Using this moment as a catalyst for deeper empathy and professional evolution.

You’re doing hard, meaningful work, and it’s okay—necessary, even—to acknowledge your limits. Let’s talk about how we can support ourselves, and each other, to stay strong and keep growing.

I hope this episode offers you some comfort, clarity, and the tools to keep thriving as a therapist. You can check out the full article on my website along with other resources for supporting therapists.

If you found this helpful, please share it with your colleagues and subscribe for more supportive content like this. 💪

P.S. Let’s stay connected! Join our professional community on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlisabobby/

🛑 Therapists, can we have a moment? Be honest — are you actually supporting yourself the way you guide your clients to? Or are you skating by with “I should know this already” vibes? If you’ve ever felt like your own personal growth is falling to the bottom of the priority list (even while telling clients to “put themselves first” 🤦‍♀️), this one’s for you.

In this episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists, we’re diving deep into why therapists need their own therapy, personal growth, and coaching. Because let's face it: helping others thrive takes a lot out of you. Without the right support system? Hello, burnout. 💥

Chapters: 🌀 The "Why" Behind Therapist Burnout – Discover the real reasons therapists hit a wall (spoiler: it’s not just about bubble baths).

🧠 Triggers, Vicarious Trauma, and Emotional Overload – Learn how ignoring your own emotions can sneakily affect your client work.

📉 Signs You're Headed for Burnout – Are you feeling disengaged, annoyed, or emotionally distant? Let’s unpack what that means for you.

🎒 What "Doing the Work" Looks Like – Therapy, coaching, retreats, mentorship – we explore what might actually help you feel balanced.

🤝 Therapists Coaching Therapists? Yes, Please. – Why the coaching model might just be the missing piece in your professional and personal growth.

✨ Whether you're already doing the work or need a nudge to get started, this episode offers insights, humor, and some tough-love reminders that it’s okay to not have it all together.

Stay connected with me on LinkedIn — let’s build a community that lifts each other up. 🌱 Click here to connect.

🎧 Don’t miss this deep-dive into self-care, personal growth, and walking the walk as a helping professional. Hit play now – because your well-being is just as important as your clients’.

xo, 

Dr. Lisa

Ever feel like something’s “off” in your therapeutic relationships but can’t quite put your finger on it? The answer might lie in hidden power dynamics that could be impacting your clients in ways you didn’t realize.

In today’s episode, *The Hidden Power Dynamics in Therapy*, I’m diving into the subtle, often unnoticed imbalances that naturally occur between therapist and client—and more importantly, what you can do to manage them effectively so that they don't sabotage the work.

I’ll walk you through practical strategies to create more equitable relationships, promote client autonomy, and avoid the common pitfalls of disempowerment and dependency.

With over 50 therapists under my supervision, I’ve seen firsthand how even well-meaning professionals can fall into these traps. I’ll also be sharing personal insights and tools you can start using in your next session.

Join me for this vital conversation and let’s work together to ensure we’re empowering our clients in every way possible AND avoiding the pitfalls that can ruin therapy (and even get you in hot water as a therapist).

What You’ll Learn:

03:24:Why Power Differentials Are Unavoidable

11:21: The Consequences of Unmanaged Power Dynamics

22:26: Strategies for Reducing Imbalances in Your Sessions

25:00: How to Collaborate and Be Transparent with Clients 

32:11: Final Thoughts & Free Resources for Therapists 

I can’t wait for you to tune in!

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

And don’t forget! I have a *FREE* 2-part training just for therapists, where I’ll show you how to get clear about your professional trajectory, and integrate coaching techniques into your practice for even more effective results. You can access it at growingself.com/coaching

Do you talk about yourself too much in therapy??

Therapists, we’ve all been there. You want to connect with your client, show empathy, and maybe even share a bit of your own story to create that bond. But could your personal anecdotes be doing more harm than good? In today's episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists, we’re diving into the delicate balance of self-disclosure in therapy. How much is too much, and how do we ensure our personal shares are actually helping, not hurting, our clients' progress?

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering where to draw the line between therapeutic empathy and oversharing, this episode is for you. We'll explore real-life examples where well-meaning therapists let their personal stories take center stage—leading to client disengagement, boundary issues, and even professional consequences.

In this episode, I’ll guide you through:

00:53: The ‘Let’s Talk About Me’ Scenario When a therapist’s own grief overshadows their client’s healing process—where the session turns from support to storytelling.

02:51: The Fitness Enthusiast's Misstep How a seemingly helpful share about personal fitness goals left a client feeling inadequate, anxious, and ultimately disconnected.

04:31: Validation Gone Wrong The dangers of seeking client approval—when a therapist inadvertently puts the focus on their own choices rather than the client’s growth.

05:59: Family Drama in Therapy What happens when a therapist's overshare about their own relationship problems creates discomfort and confusion for the client.

07:40: The Rise of Life Coaches and Boundaries How the 'tell-all' culture in amateur coaching differs from the professional standards we as therapists must adhere to.

08:22: Boundaries and Ethical Guidelines: Keeping It Professional A look at the strict ethical codes (APA, ACA) governing self-disclosure and how to use them to maintain your integrity in practice.

11:37: Potential Pitfalls and Client Retention Wondering why clients are ghosting or disengaging? It could be your oversharing. Learn how to spot red flags in your own practice.

17:08: Best Practices for Therapists From seeking consultation to structuring sessions for client feedback, I’ll share actionable steps to ensure your self-disclosure is always in service of the client.

Whether you’re a seasoned therapist or just starting out, maintaining clear, professional boundaries is essential for both client outcomes and your own career longevity. Let’s make sure we’re always showing up in the most helpful, effective way for the people who trust us with their growth.

Want more? Head over to GrowingSelf.com/therapists for articles, podcasts, and resources to keep you at the top of your game. And hey, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast to get notified when there's a new episode chock full of perspective and tips to support your personal and professional wellbeing as a therapist. 

xo, 

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

P.S. Have we connected yet on Linkedin? If not, join the conversation! https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlisabobby/

"Is Your Practice a Legal Time Bomb?"

As ethical, caring therapists with the best of intentions, we never set out to cross boundaries or make missteps in our practice. But the truth is, even the most well-meaning therapists can stumble into dangerous territory and even serious ethical violations—often for things we never thought would be an issue… until it’s too late.

We both know you’re a fantastic therapist, but I’d love for you to take a moment and reflect: could there be something in your current process that has the potential to get you in trouble down the road?

In the latest Love, Happiness & Success for Therapists podcast, I’m breaking down the ethical landmines that blow up in therapists’ faces all the time. You may think you’re covering your bases, but these hidden aspects could be the ones that catch you off guard.

👇 Here’s what you think you know—but with a twist 👇

• You know you shouldn’t abandon clients… but are you unintentionally doing it in ways you’ve never considered?

• You know your caseload needs managing… but what hidden oversights in documentation could cause a massive issue?

• You know about boundaries… but what about the subtle boundary crossings that might not seem like a big deal—until they are?

• You know dual relationships are a no-no… but do you know the sneaky ways these can happen without even realizing it?

• You’re confident in your scope of competence… but how can you be sure you’re not accidentally stepping out of it without knowing?

💡 Why this matters: No one plans on being grieved or losing their license, but the smallest oversights can create the biggest problems. This episode is about uncovering those hidden risks and making sure you’re truly protected.

If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast so you never miss out on more tips for growing your practice and protecting your career. And hey, if you know other therapists who could use some help dodging those ethical landmines, share this episode with them!

Xo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

P.S. Let’s keep this conversation going! Connect with me on LinkedIn here to connect with me and be part of an amazing community of like-minded professionals.

Therapists aren't psychics, but they can seem that way. Why? The best of the best never stop assessing! Think you truly know your long-term clients? What if I told you there’s a key you’re missing to unlock their next breakthrough? Staying comfortable with your clients could be the one thing holding them back—let’s change that.

As therapists, we love building deep, meaningful relationships with our clients over time—but staying comfortable with your clients could be the one thing holding them back. Complacency in therapy is more common than you think, and the biggest mistake seasoned therapists make is getting too comfortable. Here’s how to avoid it and keep your clients growing.

In today’s episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists, I’m diving into why ongoing assessment is the key to unlocking deeper growth for your clients—and, more importantly, for you. If you’ve stopped assessing your long-term clients, you’re missing the hidden layers of growth that could transform their journey.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

• [00:00] The power of long-term client relationships—and the hidden risks they carry.

• [00:56] Why continuous assessment is crucial for staying in tune with your clients' evolving needs.

• [02:17] Strategies to avoid getting complacent and stay connected to your clients’ goals.

• [06:15] The ethical responsibility we have as therapists to assess whether we’re still truly helping our clients.

• [18:16] How to spot—and address—client dependency before it becomes unhealthy.

• [21:01] Monitoring shifts in your clients' identity, values, and goals so you can keep the work relevant and effective.

• [23:02] The critical importance of addressing addictive behaviors that may surface over time.

This episode is packed with actionable insights that will help you stay sharp, ethical, and deeply connected to your clients as they grow and change. Discover how continuous assessment keeps your clients (and you) thriving. If you want to continue being the transformative guide your clients need, hit play now.

This isn’t just about helping them—it’s about making sure you continue to love, enjoy, and grow in your work too.

Let’s dive in!

Warmly, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

P.S. Are we connected yet on Linkedin? Join the conversation!

Unfortunatly, feeling like a fraud sometimes is part of the experience of being a therapist. Even a good, competent, highly effective therapist! 

If that anxious whisper of “Am I even helping anyone?” has floated through your mind, 1) you're not alone and 2) I'm so glad you're here today for this conversation!

 In this episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists, I’m diving deep into therapist imposter syndrome—that sneaky self-doubt that makes you question your competence and wonder if you're doing enough for your clients.

Here’s the thing: Imposter syndrome isn’t a reflection of your abilities; it’s a sign of how much you care about your work. And guess what? If you felt completely confident all the time, you’d stop growing, and your clients might not get the best version of you.

In this episode, we’re breaking it all down: where imposter syndrome comes from, why it's so common in our profession, and—most importantly—how you can manage it and use it as a tool for your own professional evolution. I’m sharing actionable strategies that help turn imposter syndrome into an engine for growth, so you can show up for your clients with renewed confidence and authenticity.

🔑 Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Why every thoughtful therapist experiences imposter syndrome

• How to reframe those self-doubts into something positive

• Building a growth mindset that keeps you evolving as a therapist

• The importance of community, mentorship, and reflection in managing imposter syndrome

• Practical tips you can start using right now to manage those nagging thoughts

Don’t let imposter syndrome paralyze you—let it push you to grow. Tune in to learn how to navigate this common struggle, find your confidence, and keep showing up for your clients in the best possible way.

👉 For more therapist resources and tips, visit growingself.com/therapists and let’s definitely connect on LinkedIn!

xoxo, 

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

#TherapistLife #ImposterSyndrome #MentalHealthProfessionals #TherapistGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #TherapyCareer

Did you know that our healthy, appropriate therapeutic boundaries have the potential to cause hurt feelings, emotional barriers, and even ruptures in our relationships with clients? 😬 It’s true! Even though these boundaries are vital for ethical practice, they can leave clients feeling hurt, frustrated, or confused if we’re not handling them with care and intention.

In this episode, I’m diving deep into how therapeutic boundaries for therapists—from declining social media requests to maintaining client autonomy—can unintentionally create emotional distance if we’re not communicating about them properly. I’m sharing strategies to prevent these ruptures by being proactive and transparent about why we set boundaries and how they protect both us and our clients. 💡

By addressing these moments head-on, you can turn potential ruptures into opportunities for connection, trust, and growth. 🙌

👇 Timestamps 👇 00:00 Understanding Client Perceptions 01:02 Introduction to Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby 02:12 Common Therapist Boundaries 02:40 Navigating Social Media and Public Encounters 03:45 Proactive Communication and Transparency 07:14 The Role of Silence in Therapy 08:24 Dual Relationships and Boundaries 10:36 The Importance of Not Giving Direct Advice 12:32 Coaching vs. Therapy 17:14 Respecting Client Autonomy 17:56 Addressing Potential Ruptures 20:35 Final Thoughts and Resources

This episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you handle therapeutic boundaries for therapists intentionally, ensuring they don’t become the source of misunderstandings or ruptures. You’ll learn how to maintain strong, trusting relationships with your clients while holding firm to ethical practices.

Let’s talk about how to turn these “weird” moments into opportunities for growth and connection. Listen now! 🔥

Xoxo, 

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

PS: Let’s stick together and be friends on Linkedin!

PPS: Have you FOLLOWED Love, Happiness, and Success For Therapists on your podcast player yet? Do it now so you don't miss an episode!