Community support and shared experiences among clinicians and strategies for legislative advocacy and professional unity.

Summary

In this episode, host Kelli-Ann Henry, LMFT, welcomes Amos Wolff, LMFT, for a conversation about the origins of New York's Diagnostic Privilege Community Hub and the growing movement to support Marriage and Family Therapists through advocacy, connection, and shared learning. Dr. Carol A. Podgorski also joins for a brief segment to provide updates on the latest developments surrounding diagnostic privilege in New York. Although the community discussion was not recorded to protect participant privacy, this episode offers valuable context, reflections, and resources for MFTs looking to stay informed and engaged.

Guest

Amos Wolff, LMFT is the founder of Kingfisher Marriage and Family Therapy, where he provides relational therapy, clinical supervision, and mentorship. A therapist, educator, and advocate, Amos is passionate about strengthening the Marriage and Family Therapy profession through community building and collaboration. He facilitates monthly Diagnostic Privilege Community Meetings for New York MFTs and launched the Diagnostic Privilege Community Hub on Slack to foster ongoing connection, resource sharing, and peer support. In recognition of his leadership and contributions to the field, Amos received the 2026 American Family Therapy Academy (AFTA) Early Career Contribution to Family Therapy Award.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and community overview

00:29 Grounding the work and community reflection

00:57 Amos shares his advocacy journey and involvement with NYMFT

01:27 The origins of advocacy work and community building in NYMFT

02:22 The impact of the pandemic on advocacy and online connection

03:16 Addressing diagnostic privilege and legislative challenges

04:13 The importance of sharing experiences and collective action

07:22 Legislative updates and efforts for grandfathering

08:40 Positive developments and ongoing advocacy efforts

10:17 The need for LMFT representation on the Board of Education

11:31 Clinicians' experiences and frustrations with diagnostic privilege

13:23 The role of Slack community in advocacy and support

14:11 Goals for clinicians in this space and next steps

Resources

Join the Slack NYMFT Community Hub!

https://diagnosticprivilege.slack.com/signup#/domain-signup

Join the New York Marriage and Family Therapy Network today!

⁠https://www.nymftherapistnetwork.com/

Legislation on Diagnostic Privilege - Bill Details - https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8081

Connect with Amos:

• King Fisher MFT - https://kingfishermft.com/
• Instagram: @kingfishermft

Music by AudioCoffee: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.audiocoffee.net/

Plans for 2026 include more virtual workshops and student leadership involvement.

Guests

Ina Qema, MFT, LP is the Chair of the New York Marriage and Family Therapy Network and a Marriage and Family Therapist practicing with a focus on relational systems, community engagement, and professional leadership. Her work centers on strengthening connections across the MFT community, advocating for the profession, and fostering spaces where clinicians can grow, lead, and collaborate. Ina’s leadership is grounded in building community, elevating student voices, and creating opportunities for relational and professional development.

Dina Johnson, MS, MFT-LP is the Co-Chair of the New York Marriage and Family Therapy Network and a Marriage and Family Therapist with experience in clinical practice, mentorship, and organizational engagement. Dina champions collaborative leadership, workforce development, and inclusive community building. Her dedication to advancing the MFT profession in New York is reflected in her commitment to advocacy, professional networking, and supporting clinicians at every stage of their career.

Summary

In this episode, Kelli-Ann Henry, along with chair Ina Qema and co-chair Dina Johnson, reflect on the achievements and growth of the New York Marriage and Family Therapy Network in 2025. They discuss the importance of community, networking, and the fight for diagnostic privilege. Looking ahead to 2026, they share plans for more virtual workshops, student leadership involvement, and opportunities for engagement within the network. The conversation emphasizes the need for in-person connections, the value of collective leadership, and the importance of maintaining a positive perspective as they move forward together.

Follow us on social media for updates and events @nymftnetwork

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Summary

In this episode, Kelli-Ann Henry speaks with Jennifer Nunez about her work in advocacy for the older adult population and the challenges faced by concerned persons seeking support. They discuss Jennifer's role as a bilingual Elder Abuse Helpline clinician at Weill Cornell Medicine, the importance of collaboration across disciplines, and the dynamics of family caregiving. Jennifer shares insights from her experiences, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding in this field. The conversation concludes with advice for aspiring therapists and a hopeful outlook on the future of care for older adults.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Advocacy for Older Adults

03:40 Understanding the Center for Elder Abuse Solutions

05:42 Role of MFT with Older Adults

07:54 Challenges Faced by Older Adults

09:07 Collaboration Across Disciplines

11:01 Family Dynamics and Care for Older Adults

13:25 Learning from Calls: Caregiving Insights

15:51 Advice for Emerging Therapists

17:36 Hope in Older Adult Advocacy

19:06 Resources and Contact Information

21:56 Outro

Guest: Jennifer Nunez, LMFT

Jennifer Nunez, LMFT is the Clinician for the Elder Abuse Helpline at the Center for Elder Abuse Solutions (CEASe) at Weill Cornell Medicine, where she supports the older adult population and their families through safety concerns, relational conflict, and systemic navigation.

Featured Resource:

The Center for Elder Abuse Solutions at Weill Cornell Medicine

https://elderabuse.weill.cornell.edu/

For Concerned Persons:

Call the New York State Elder Abuse Helpline for Concerned Persons: 844-746-6905 

For Professionals:

Connect with the Weill Cornell Medicine/CEASe team at [email protected]

Click below to join the New York Marriage and Family Therapy Network today!

https://www.nymftherapistnetwork.com/

Music by AudioCoffee: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.audiocoffee.net/

Summary

In this episode, Kelli-Ann Henry hosts Dr. Carol Podgorski and Denise Murphy McGraw to discuss the current advocacy efforts for Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) in New York State. They explore the challenges posed by the diagnostic privilege law, the impact of legislation on MFTs' ability to serve clients, and the ongoing mental health crisis in the state. The conversation emphasizes the importance of advocacy, awareness, and collaboration with legislators to improve access to care and support the MFT profession.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Advocacy Updates

03:49 Legislative Impact on MFTs

09:15 Challenges of Diagnostic Privilege

19:12 The Mental Health Crisis and Access to Care

24:19 Advocacy and Awareness for MFTs

29:13 Next Steps in Advocacy

35:49 Closing

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.

Click below to join the New York Marriage and Family Therapy Network today!

https://www.nymftherapistnetwork.com/

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Summary

In this episode, Kelli-Ann Henry, LMFT and Jennifer Uhrlass, LMFT discuss the significance of healing interactions within family dynamics. They explore the impact of stress on relationships, the importance of self-care, and the role of effective communication in fostering supportive environments. The conversation emphasizes recognizing warning signs of unmanaged stress, creating routines for healing conversations, and the necessity of self-compassion in personal development. Through practical advice and insights, the episode aims to equip listeners with tools to enhance their relational experiences at home.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Healing Interactions

03:19 Understanding Stress in Family Dynamics

07:08 The Impact of Unmanaged Stress

10:55 Cultural and Financial Pressures on Family Stress

11:56 Navigating Boundaries and Self-Care

15:40 Creating Healing Conversations

18:22 Establishing Routines for Healing Interactions

21:10 Micro Habits for Well-Being

24:57 The Role of Tone and Body Language

28:32 Key Takeaways for Healing Interactions

30:56 Closing

About Jennifer Uhrlass, LMFT

Jennifer Uhrlass is a licensed marriage and family therapist and owner of Modern Marriage & Family Therapy, PLLC, a NYC-based private practice with a focus on relationship health & emotional well-being. She specializes in helping individuals and couples to recover from family of origin wounds and cultivate more caring, responsive, and mutually fulfilling relationships in their adult lives. Jennifer holds a Master’s degree from Syracuse University. She completed advanced clinical training in Emotionally Focused Therapy, the Gottman Method, and postgraduate education at the Ackerman Institute for the Family in NewYork City. Jennifer has practiced in NYC since 2014 and is licensed in NY, NJ, CT, and FL. 

Contact our Guest: Jennifer Uhrlass, LMFT

Website: https://www.modernmft.com/

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

Featured Blog: Healing Interactions in Relationships: How to Repair and Strengthen Your Closest Connections

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

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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.