Summary

In this episode of the New York Marriage and Family Therapy Network podcast, host Kelli-Ann Henry, LMFT and guest co-host Ina Qema LAMFT, NYMFTN Chair sit down with the Program Director, Dr. Christiana Awosan, PhD., LMFT, and Clinical Director, Marc Fernandez, LMFT from Iona University's Marriage and Family Therapy program. They discuss the program's recent ranking as the top MFT program in New York, the importance of diversity and representation in training, and the curriculum redesign aimed at enhancing student learning and meeting accreditation standards. The conversation also explores the integration of AI in therapy training, the new Bronxville campus, and the essential skills and ethical considerations for emerging therapists. The panelists share proud moments and the supportive community that defines the Iona MFT experience.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Leaders in MFT

02:13 Iona's Top Ranking in MFT Education

10:17 Curriculum Redesign and Its Impact

18:45 The New Campus and Clinical Experience

22:37 Preparing for Diagnostic Privilege

26:12 Essential Skills for Modern Therapists

27:49 The Impact of AI on Progress Notes

30:03 Ethical Training for Mental Health Professionals

32:39 Navigating AI in Education

35:44 AI's Role in Mental Health Therapy

38:55 Integrating AI into Family Therapy

41:45 Proud Moments in Training Future Clinicians

51:47 Outro

Iona University MFT Program Spotlight

• Iona University Marriage and Family Therapy Program Ranked #1 in New York for 2025
• Iona University MFT Program Details

Click here to connect with the New York Marriage and Family Therapy Network today!

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Summary

In this episode, Kelli-Ann Henry, LMFT interviews Cheryl Donald, LMFT about betrayal trauma and its impact on relationships. They discuss the nuances of trust restoration, the signs and symptoms of betrayal trauma, and the importance of cultural sensitivity in therapy. Cheryl shares insights on the unique journeys of clients dealing with betrayal, the significance of the stages of grief in the healing process, and offers guidance for emerging therapists. The conversation emphasizes the need for flexibility and understanding in therapeutic relationships, as well as the importance of defining success on an individual basis.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Betrayal Trauma

03:57 Defining Betrayal Trauma

05:32 Impact of COVID-19 on Relationships

07:59 Signs and Emotional Responses to Betrayal Trauma

10:49 Identifying Betrayal Trauma in Clients

12:45 Common Issues in Intimate Relationships

15:08 Understanding Betrayal in Intimate Relationships

19:39 The Process of Trust Restoration

24:29 Cultural Sensitivity in Therapy

28:38 Success Stories in Healing

32:24 Navigating Grief and Loss of Trust

34:09 Guidance for Emerging Therapists

37:19 The Evolution of Marriage and Family Therapy

45:24 Closure Summary

Contact our Guest: Cheryl Donald, LMFT

Website: https://www.brooklynmft.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooklynmft/

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Summary

In this episode, Kelli-Ann Henry and Dr. Diane Gehart discuss essential strategies for passing the national exam for marriage and family therapy licensure. They explore three key areas: mastering content knowledge, developing effective exam strategies, and managing test anxiety. Dr. Gehart emphasizes the importance of viewing the exam as a joyful rite of passage and shares insights from her course, 'Laugh Your Way to Licensure,' which aims to make the exam preparation process supportive and uplifting.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Exam Discussion

01:18 Navigating the National Exam Landscape

01:22 Keys to Exam Success: Content Mastery

08:22 Exam Strategies: Decoding Questions

12:09 Managing Test Anxiety

21:28 Laugh Your Way to Licensure: A Supportive Approach

26:54 Closure Summary

Featured Test Prep Course: Laugh Your Way to Licensure

https://www.therapythatworksinstitute.com/laugh-to-licensure-mft

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Summary

In this episode, Kelli-Ann Henry and Dr. Diane Gehart PhD, LMFT discuss the findings of a recent study on the Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) exam, exploring the factors that influence passing rates. They delve into demographics, educational backgrounds, and the impact of online programs on exam success. The conversation highlights significant disparities related to age and race, as well as the challenges posed by the exam's structure and content. Dr. Gehart offers recommendations for improving the exam process to better support candidates.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Exam Discussion

02:23 Research Study Insights on Exam Passing Rates

06:13 Key Factors Influencing Exam Success

11:10 Correlations and Non-Correlations in Exam Passing

17:07 The Impact of Age and Race on Exam Outcomes

24:24 Language and Class Variables in Exam Performance

26:34 Recommendations for Exam Improvements

28:13 Navigating the National Exam Landscape

29:58 Laugh Your Way to Licensure: A Supportive Approach

30:07 Closure Summary and Insight to the Next Episode

Featured Research Article:

Licensing Exam Pass Rate Disparities in Marriage and Family Therapy: Using an Analysis of Predictive Factors to Inform a More Equitable Licensing Exam Process

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In this year-end episode, host Kelli-Ann Henry sits down with Rosemary Powell and Ina Qema to reflect on the highlights of the past year for the New York Marriage and Family Therapy Network (NYMFTN). From exciting updates to important milestones, this conversation covers the growth of the network, the initiatives that have made an impact on the community, and what’s on the horizon for 2024.

Rosemary and Ina share their perspectives on the challenges faced by the MFT community, how the network has evolved, and the critical goals for the coming year. Whether you’re a seasoned therapist or just starting out in the field, this episode provides valuable insights into how NYMFTN plans to continue supporting marriage and family therapists across New York.

GUESTS:

Rosemary Powell, MS, LMFT

Rosemary Powell is the owner of Comfort Circle MFT. Comfort Circle is a Virtual Private Practice established in 2020, during the rise of COVID-19. The impact COVID-19 had on families and individuals cannot be overemphasized, Rosemary saw a problem and was dedicated to solving this problem with her expertise.

Ina Qema, LAMFT

Ina Qema is a LAMFT in NY where her work focuses more on couples and families. She is the co-chair for NYMFTN, an Interest Network Group of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), which advances the profession and the practice of marriage and family therapy.

JOIN NYMFTN:

Visit ⁠https://nymftherapistnetwork.com/⁠ for more information about our team and to join the New York Marriage and Family Therapy Network.

In this episode, Kelli-Ann Henry interviews Dr. Diane Gehart, a pioneer in the field of psychotherapy, about her transformative framework, Therapy that Works® - The Unifying Framework for Family Therapy. Dr. Gehart’s approach provides an integrative and evidence-informed model that is comprehensive enough to work with all clients.

During the conversation, Dr. Gehart explains how The Unifying Framework for Family Therapy goes beyond traditional, one-size-fits-all therapy methods. This framework allows therapists to customize their approaches based on each client’s unique needs, life circumstances, and cultural context. She discusses the six elements of the Therapy that Works Unifying Framework for Family Therapy, offering insights on how to apply these elements in practice. Additionally, she highlights the four levels for conceptualizing interactional cycles related to both the “problem” and “solution” in family therapy, enabling therapists to view challenges and resolutions from multiple perspectives.

Dr. Gehart also shares practical strategies for therapists to connect with clients in ways that minimize bias and foster greater understanding. She emphasizes the significance of entering the client’s worldview and meaning-making system.

Kelli-Ann Henry and Dr. Diane Gehart conclude the episode by discussing the five Pillars of Wellness, which support both clinicians and clients in adopting healthy strategies that can positively enhance the therapeutic process.

GUEST: Dr. Diane Gehart, PhD, LMFT

Dr. Diane Gehart is a Professor in the Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling Programs at California State University, Northridge, and the Director of the Institute for Therapy that Works. She has authored numerous titles including Mastering Competencies in Family Therapy, Theory and Treatment Planning in Counseling and Psychotherapy, Mindfulness for Chocolate Lovers: A Lighthearted Way to Stress Less and Savor More Each Day, and Mindfulness and Acceptance in Couple and Family Therapy, and has co-edited with Harlene Anderson Collaborative Therapy: Relationships and Conversations that Make a Difference and Collaborative-Dialogic Practice: Relationships and Conversations Across Contexts and Cultures.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• ⁠Therapy That Works Institute: https://www.therapythatworksinstitute.com/therapythatworks

JOIN NYMFTN: Visit ⁠⁠https://nymftherapistnetwork.com/⁠⁠ for more information about our team and to join the New York Marriage and Family Therapy Network.

Join host Kelli-Ann Henry as she dives into the transformative updates in marriage and family therapy, highlighting the exciting expansion of diagnostic privileges for MFTs and their eligibility as Medicare providers.

In this anticipated episode, New York State advocates Carol Podgorski, PhD, MPH, LMFT, and Denise Murphy McGraw, CAE, share important updates that impact MFTs.The discussion uncovers vital topics such as Medicare eligibility, diagnostic privileges, and supervision requirements.

To engage listeners and spark curiosity, Kelli-Ann invites everyone to play a game of True or False, shedding light on common misconceptions. Carol Podgorski and Denise Murphy McGraw provide expert guidance, empowering MFTs to confidently navigate these significant changes.

Tune in to uncover the profound implications of marriage and family therapy and discover resources that can elevate your practice. This episode is tailored for emerging MFTs and professionals eager to embrace the latest developments and inspire positive change in their field.

GUESTS:

Carol Podgorski, PhD, MPH, LMFT

Dr. Carol Podgorski is a medical family therapist and serves as a Professor and Associate Chair of Faculty Affairs in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Rochester. She is also the Director of the Finger Lakes Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease. Her academic interests focus on family therapy in dementia, medical family therapy approaches to caregiving, and the development of family systems and relationally oriented models of dementia care. Dr. Podgorski completed her doctoral degree in sociology and holds master’s degrees in Public Health and Marriage and Family Therapy. 

Denise Murphy McGraw, CAE

Denise Murphy McGraw is a partner at Hill, Gosdeck, McGraw & Nemeth (HGMN), where she specializes in advocating for professional attention to legislative and regulatory matters. She previously served as the legislative director for a majority member of the New York State Assembly and as the executive director of the Chamber of Commerce Alliance of New York State. Denise manages a diverse client portfolio and is actively involved in various local, state, and national not-for-profit organizations. Her areas of expertise include higher education, healthcare, and policy governance.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• MFTs in Medicare (AAMFT)
• Diagnostic Privilege for Certain Mental Health Practitioners (NYS Education Department)

JOIN NYMFTN:

Visit ⁠https://nymftherapistnetwork.com/⁠ for more information about our team and to join the New York Marriage and Family Therapy Network.

In our premiere episode, "Introducing NYMFTN," host Kelli-Ann Henry explores the valuable membership benefits of the New York Marriage and Family Therapy Network alongside guests Rosemary Powell MS, LMFT (Chair Elect), and Ina Qema, LAMFT (Co-chair). The episode reveals the new NYMFTN website through an engaging pop quiz-style discussion. Whether you're a first-year MFT student, an emerging therapist, or an experienced clinician, this episode offers something for everyone! Tune in to uncover the exciting upcoming events and opportunities that NYMFTN has in store. Discover how you can engage and become part of our community of systemic thinkers!

GUESTS:

Rosemary Powell, MS, LMFT

Rosemary Powell is the owner of Comfort Circle MFT. Comfort Circle is a Virtual Private Practice established in 2020, during the rise of COVID-19. The impact COVID-19 had on families and individuals cannot be overemphasized, Rosemary saw a problem and was dedicated to solving this problem with her expertise.

Ina Qema, LAMFT

Ina Qema is a LAMFT in NY where her work focuses more on couples and families. She is the co-chair for NYMFTN, an Interest Network Group of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), which advances the profession and the practice of marriage and family therapy.

JOIN NYMFTN:

Visit https://nymftherapistnetwork.com/ for more information about our team and to join the New York Marriage and Family Therapy Network.