Practical for Your Practice

Between heavy caseloads, administrative demands, and the isolation of remote or siloed practice, it is easy for clinicians to feel like they are treading water alone. But what happens when we actively choose to build connection where we are?

In the Season 8 finale of Practical for Your Practice, hosts Dr. Carin Lefkowitz, Dr. Jenna Ermold, and Dr. Kevin Holloway wrap up the season with a candid conversation about the necessity of community in mental health practice. They dive into the subtle shift from clinical consultation to true peer support, how intentionality can stave off burnout, and the origin story of a very unusual, custom-carved trophy born out of clinic stress and shared values.

Tune in to discover why finding your "people" is essential to sustaining this work, and how a little irreverence, snark, and intentional connection can change your practice.

And remember to stay curious and mind your EBPs!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• CDP Consultation Services: https://cdp.usuhs.edu/resources/consultation-services
• Episode 7, Season 8: Behavioral Activation with Dr. Shannon Blakey https://cdp.usuhs.edu/Podcast-Ep-92

Calls-to-action:

• Share your impactful moment in the comments or via https://www.speakpipe.com/cdpp4p
• Subscribe to the Practical for Your Practice Podcast
• Subscribe to The Consortium for Defense Psychology Monthly Email

Accurately diagnosing PTSD is the first step in getting a patient connected with the best care. But understanding and applying Criterion A (of the DSM-5) can be a challenge for even the most experienced clinician. The process can give Goldilocks vibes: are you being too lenient or too strict with the definition of “trauma?” On this episode, Drs. Carin Lefkowitz and Kevin Holloway are joined by Dr. Kelly Chrestman, a subject matter expert in PTSD. She helps us navigate the blurry edges of Criterion A as we try to get it “just right.”

Kelly Chrestman, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience specializing in evidence-based treatments for trauma and stress-related conditions. As a Senior Military Mental Health Psychologist at the Consortium for Defense Psychology (CDP), she provides consultation and training both domestically and internationally, concentrating on stress and trauma, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Prolonged Exposure Therapy.

She is co-author of Prolonged Exposure for Adolescents with PTSD and co-developed the PTSD Learning Center and Operation AVATAR, an immersive learning platform hosted in Second Life. Her work merges rigorous scientific research with culturally informed practices, aiming to translate psychological principles into practical, actionable, and accessible tools for practitioners.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Brewin, C.R., Lanius, R.A., Novac, A., Schnyder, U., Galea, S., 2009. Reformulating PTSD for DSM-V: life after criterion A. J. Trauma Stress 22 (5), 366–373. https://doi.org/ 10.1002/jts.20443.
• Gradus, J.L., Galea, S., 2022. Reconsidering the definition of trauma. Lancet Psychiatry 9 (8), 608–609. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(22)00196-1.
• Gradus, J.L., Galea, S., 2023. Moving from traumatic events to traumatic experiences in the study of traumatic psychopathology. Am. J. Epidemiol. 192 (10), 1609–1612. https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwad126.
• Marx, B.P., Hall-Clark, B., Friedman, M.J., Holtzheimer, P., Schnurr, P.P., 2023. The PTSD Criterion A debate: a brief history, current status, and recommendations for moving forward. J. Trauma Stress 37 (1), 5–15. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.23007.
• Saraiya, T. C., Bauer, A. G., Banks, D. E., Brown, D. G., Jarnecke, A. M., Ebrahimi, C. T., & Bernard, D. L. (2025). Are we gatekeeping trauma? A conceptual model to expand criterion A for invisible, identity-based, and systemic traumas. Social Science & Medicine, 375, 118090. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.118090

Calls-to-action:

• Join us for consultation as you navigate the fuzzy edges of criterion A in your practice. https://cdp.usuhs.edu/resources/consultation-services
• Share your impactful moment in the comments or via https://www.speakpipe.com/cdpp4p
• Subscribe to the Practical for Your Practice Podcast

In this episode, hosts Drs. Jenna Ermold and Carin Lefkowitz welcome occupational therapists Staci Molinar and Michelle Luken for the podcast's very first deep dive into the world of Occupational Therapy (OT). Moving far beyond traditional views of OT as purely physical rehabilitation, Staci and Michelle reveal how OT acts as a powerful, practical bridge for mental health care, helping Service members and Veterans translate psychological skills into daily habits, routines, and real-world environments.

The discussion spotlights the Burn In Model, a contemporary framework co-created by Michelle that reimagines burnout through the metaphor of a fire. Rather than viewing wellness as a passive state, the model focuses on actively stoking your inner flame by creating alignment across three core pillars: Being, Doing, and Belonging. Whether addressing transition out of military service, deployment stress, or provider fatigue, this conversation offers a refreshing, highly actionable approach to sustainable wellbeing and interdisciplinary care. There’s no single way to recover from burnout and stoking your fire starts with intentional, everyday choices like listening in and following Practical for Your Practice!

Dr. Michelle Luken is an occupational therapist, scientist, and Military Veteran. She served for 10 years in the U.S. Army, including time as a Combat and Operational Stress Control OT supporting service member behavioral health, readiness, and human performance. Michelle is also the co-creator of The Burn In Model, a contemporary framework that helps people and organizations understand burnout, alignment, and what supports sustainable engagement in life and work.

Staci Molinar is an occupational therapist, educator, and officer in the United States Army Reserve. Throughout her 13-year Army career, she has served primarily in the Combat and Operational Stress Control and Holistic Health and Fitness missions, including three overseas deployments supporting service member readiness and performance through behavioral health and wellness initiatives. Staci is currently a faculty member in the U.S. Army-Baylor Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• https://www.burninnotout.com/

Calls-to-action:

• Share your impactful moment in the comments or via https://www.speakpipe.com/cdpp4p
• Subscribe to the Practical for Your Practice Podcast
• Subscribe to The Consortium for Defense Psychology Monthly Email

“Neurodiversity” sounds like a recent buzzword, but it’s just a succinct way to capture what we all know: everyone does not process information the same way. Many formal diagnoses fall under the umbrella of neurodivergence, including ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and learning disabilities. But knowing the specific diagnosis is not necessarily as important as understanding how a person thinks, especially in the context of trauma recovery. Today we are joined by Shealyn Clinger, LCSW, who invites us to think about neurodiversity from a strengths-based and trauma-informed perspective. We start the conversation by defining neurodivergence before discussing the interplay with trauma exposure and suggestions for how to help patients on their path to trauma recovery. As always, we end with Actionable Intel to help listeners hone their skills.

Shealyn Clinger, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker and Data Manager II at the Consortium for Defense Psychology, where she supports program evaluation and the translation of research into clinical practice. She is also the founder of Cerebral Counseling & Consulting, a private practice specializing in trauma and neurodiversity-affirming care. As a military spouse with both clinical expertise and lived experience, Shealyn is passionate about improving care for neurodivergent individuals and military-connected communities through practical, evidence-informed approaches.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• ADDitude Magazine: ADDitude - ADD & ADHD Symptom Tests, Signs, Treatment, Support
• Understood: Understood - For learning and thinking differences
• Neurodivergent Insights: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/

Calls-to-action:

• Shift your perspective from “what’s wrong with this patient?” to “how do they process the world and how can I help them heal?”
• Conduct a comprehensive assessment for each patient, including a thorough review of developmental history
• Share your impactful moment in the comments or via https://www.speakpipe.com/cdpp4p
• Subscribe to the Practical for Your Practice Podcast
• Subscribe to The Center for Deployment Psychology Monthly Email

Behavioral strategies get a lot of attention in the insomnia field, and with good reason – sleep restriction and stimulus control work quickly to get patients sleeping better. But what about those pesky thoughts that get in the way of good sleep? “I’ll be useless tomorrow!” “I’ll never be able to sleep normally!” “If I fall asleep right now, I’ll only get 4 hours of sleep!” Unhelpful cognitions fuel poor sleep and we’re ignoring a critical part of the equation if we don’t intervene with them. In fact, research suggests that working on sleep-related cognitions help patients maintain the benefits they make through behavioral interventions. Today we’re joined by Dr. Allison Harvey, an expert in the field of sleep disorders. She outlines strategies for how to intervene with the most common sleep-interfering cognitions. Join in as Carin and Dr. Harvey try to convince Kevin that insomnia treatment is fun!

Allison G. Harvey, PhD, is a Professor, Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Director of The Golden Bear Sleep and Mood Research Clinic in the Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Harvey is a treatment development researcher who conducts research focused on understanding and treating sleep and circadian problems, mental health, and behavior change processes. She has published over 300 peer reviewed papers and chapters and authored three books. Her research is funded by the National Institute of Health. Dr. Harvey is a recipient of numerous awards including from an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Orebro, Sweden as well as the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Sleep Research Society and the Society for Behavioral Sleep Medicine.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Dr. Harvey’s chapter introducing her cognitive model of insomnia. Harvey, A.G. (2002). A Cognitive Model of Insomnia. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 40, 869–893
• The Beck Institute for training in general cognitive therapy skills: www.beckinstitute.org
• Dr. Christine Padesky’s educational content on cognitive therapy: www.padesky.com
• Practical for Your Practice Podcast, S6E2: Don’t Attach Your Sleep Tracker to Your Ceiling Fan (and Other Helpful Tips from Insomnia Experts): https://cdp.usuhs.edu/podcast/practical-for-your-practice-don-t-attach-your-sleep-tracker-to-the-ceiling-fan-and-other-helpful-tips-from-insomnia-experts
• Dr. Bennet-Levy’s book on behavioral experiments: Bennett-Levy, J., Butler, G., Fennell, M. J. V., Hackmann, A., Mueller, M., & Westbrook, D. (Eds.). (2004). Oxford guide to behavioural experiments in cognitive therapy. Oxford University Press

Calls-to-action:

• Share your impactful moment in the comments or via https://www.speakpipe.com/cdpp4p
• Subscribe to the Practical for Your Practice Podcast
• Subscribe to The Center for Deployment Psychology Monthly Email

The first 12 months after leaving the military can be an incredible window of opportunity, but it is also a uniquely high-risk time for a service member’s mental health. When the uniform comes off, Veterans don't just leave a job; they lose a built-in mission, a tight-knit community, and a structured way of living. In this episode, hosts Dr. Jenna Ermold and Dr. Kevin Holloway sit down with licensed psychologist and researcher Dr. Shannon Blakey to flip the script on how we support transitioning veterans. Instead of waiting for clinical distress or pathology to surface, Dr. Blakey shares how clinicians can use Behavioral Activation (BA) as a proactive super-tool for wellness promotion. Tune in to discover how to help Veterans build an internal "compass," translate rigid military strengths into civilian life, and navigate the unexpected identity shifts of life after service.

Shannon Blakey, PhD, is a Research Clinical Psychologist at RTI International and co-

founder of Redstart Psychological Services, PLLC. Dr. Blakey’s research focuses on the

nature, prevention, and treatment of mental health problems and suicide risk, especially

among military and veteran populations. Her research has been supported by the

National Institutes of Health and U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), including an

ongoing DoD-funded project to adapt Behavioral Activation strategies into an upstream

well-being promotion and suicide prevention program for use during the military-to-

civilian transition. Dr. Blakey has published over 100 scientific articles and book

chapters and serves on multiple journal editorial boards. She is a North Carolina

Licensed Psychologist and maintains an active clinical practice delivering evidence-

based psychotherapies to veterans and service members.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Blakey, S. M., et al (2026, September 16). How to improve military transition outcomes through values-based activities.

• Blakey, S. M., et al (2025). Bringing veteran mental health promotion and suicide prevention efforts upstream: The THRiVE study protocol. Contemporary Clinical Trials, 158, 108100.
• Castro, C. A., & Dursun, S. (Eds.). (2019). Military veteran reintegration: Approach, management, and assessment of military veterans transitioning to civilian life. Academic Press.
• Lejuez, C. W., et. al (2011). Ten year revision of the brief behavioral activation treatment for depression: Revised treatment manual. Behavior Modification, 35(2), 111–161.

Calls-to-action:

• Share your impactful moment in the comments or via https://www.speakpipe.com/cdpp4p
• Subscribe to the Practical for Your Practice Podcast
• Subscribe to The Center for Deployment Psychology Monthly Email

Clinical work with clients at high risk for suicide can make providers feel they are on a conveyor belt. One reason for this is that, sadly, so many people are struggling with crises and safety concerns; the demand for services seems never-ending. But another reason is more insidious: the risk of provider burnout. On today’s episode, Dr. Erin Frick shares her perspective from working as a clinician and educator in the field of suicide prevention. Listen in as she encourages us to remain hopeful and connected with the “humanness” behind the crises. And if you have thoughts about how to “redefine the ‘wins’ “ in this work, share them with us.

Erin Frick, Psy.D., is a clinical psychologist and an Associate Director at the Consortium for Defense Psychology (CDP), located at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.. At CDP, Dr. Frick leads the VA-Safeguard Suicide Prevention Project, where her team works to identify and implement best practices for suicide prevention among special veteran populations by leveraging evidence-based psychotherapies and VA standards of care. She also leads the DoD Child Collaboratory, a team dedicated to researching and implementing training and best practices for utilizing telehealth and digital tools to enhance healthcare and support for military youth and families.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Therapeutic Risk Management Tool, available on the Rocky Mountain MIRECC website: https://www.mirecc.va.gov/visn19/trm/
• The benefits of mindfulness for stress reduction: Ameli R, Sinaii N, West CP, Luna MJ, Panahi S, Zoosman M, Rusch HL, Berger A. Effect of a Brief Mindfulness-Based Program on Stress in Health Care Professionals at a US Biomedical Research Hospital: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2020 Aug 3;3(8):e2013424. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.13424. PMID: 32840621; PMCID: PMC7448827.
• CDP’s CBT for Suicide Prevention workshops: https://cdp.usuhs.edu/training-schedule

Calls-to-action: For example:

• Attend CDP’s CBT for Suicide Prevention (CBT-SP) training
• Regularly implement self-care
• Share your impactful moment in the comments or via https://www.speakpipe.com/cdpp4p
• Subscribe to the Practical for Your Practice Podcast
• Subscribe to The Center for Deployment Psychology Monthly Email

In this episode, hosts Drs. Jenna Ermold and Carin Lefkowitz sit down with clinical psychologist and national pain management expert Dr. Jennifer Murphy to dismantle the traditional, "find it, fix it" biomedical approach to chronic pain. Drawing from her extensive background, including five years as the National Director of Pain Management for the VA, Dr. Murphy highlights why addressing persistent pain is a critical piece of mental health advocacy, particularly for Veterans.

The conversation explores the complex intersections of chronic pain with PTSD, sleep disturbances, and elevated suicide risk. While providers often feel ill-equipped to ask about pain, Dr. Murphy demystifies the treatment process, revealing that evidence-based protocols (like CBT for Chronic Pain) rely heavily on foundational behavioral health skills clinicians already possess.

Because military-connected clients can often be more comfortable entering care to address physical versus behavioral health symptoms, treating a patient’s pain can act as a pivotal therapeutic gateway to addressing trauma and PTSD down the road. Ultimately, validating a patient's lived experience is the first step toward restoring autonomy and opening the door to deeper clinical healing. There is no wrong door and the most important thing we can do as providers is keep as many of them open as possible.

Did this episode spark your interest in expanding your chronic pain practice toolkit? Did it bring up a question or underscore an impactful moment you experienced? Reach out to us via email or leave us a message on Speakpipe. And remember to stay curious and mind your EBPs!

Dr. Jennifer Murphy is a clinical psychologist who has specialized in pain management for twenty years. She is CEO of Pain Expert Consulting and Senior Clinical Strategist for Applied VR. From 2020-2025, Dr. Murphy served as the National Director of Pain Management for the Department of Veterans Affairs. She is lead author of the VA’s Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain Manual, a book entitled Chronic Pain and Opioid Management: Strategies for Integrated Treatment, as well as numerous peer-reviewed publications.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• AppliedVR: Explore immersive, FDA-authorized virtual reality healthcare technology designed to help patients manage chronic pain. Learn more at AppliedVR.
• Consortium for Defense Psychology (CDP) Training: CDP offers evidence-based protocol training in CBT for Chronic Pain (CBT-CP) multiple times a year. Check out the upcoming training schedule on our upcoming trainings page

Calls-to-action:

• Take a CBT for Chronic Pain (CBT-CP) workshop through CDP
• Share your impactful moment in the comments or via https://www.speakpipe.com/cdpp4p
• Subscribe to the Practical for Your Practice Podcast
• Subscribe to The Center for Deployment Psychology Monthly Email

In this episode of Practical for your Practice, hosts Dr. Kevin Holloway and Dr. Jenna Ermold dive into the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence in mental healthcare. They are joined by 1LT John Ray Roberts and 1LT Annie McConnon, rising graduate students in the clinical psychology program at the Uniformed Services University (USU).

Together, they explore how clients and clinicians are currently navigating AI - from automated note-taking to therapeutic chatbots - and discuss ongoing research tracking provider and patient perceptions. The conversation balances the exciting potential of AI as a resource extender with the indispensable, human elements of the therapeutic relationship. AI is already in the therapy room. Tune in to find out how you can participate in this vital research and ensure provider perspectives aren't left behind.

Annie Mcconnon, 1LT, USA is a rising 4th year clinical psychology doctoral candidate at the Uniformed Services University. She earned her master's degree in Clinical Counseling and Sport/Performance Psychology from Boston University. She is currently the Health Psychology Extern at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and an Operational Psychology Extern at the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group. Her research interests include performance psychology interventions and artificial intelligence.

John-Ray Roberts, 1LT, USA is a rising 3rd-year clinical psychology doctoral student at the Uniformed Services University. He earned his Master of Divinity (M.Div.) at Louisville Seminary in 2017. Prior to his time at USUHS, he served as a chaplain in the United States Army Reserve. His current research interests center on the intersection of artificial intelligence and human expertise, with particular attention to applications in clinical psychology.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Sentio University (AI and Mental Health Course): https://sentio.org/free-ai-course-therapists
• Stanford AI Index: https://hai.stanford.edu/ai-index/2026-ai-index-report
• Military Medicine Journal (2025): Ann D McConnon, Airyn J Nash, John Ray Roberts, Shmuel Z Juni, Ashley Derenbecker, Patrice Shanahan, Andrew J Waters, Incorporating AI Into Military Behavioral Health: A Narrative Review, Military Medicine, Volume 190, Issue 9-10, September/October 2025, Pages e1870–e1881, https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usaf162

Calls-to-action:

• Take the survey here: https://forms.gle/ZBiSDf4FwXK4RQqw6 (Questions? Contact [email protected])
• Share your impactful moment on our SpeakPipe at https://www.speakpipe.com/cdpp4p or via email [email protected]
• Subscribe to the Practical for Your Practice Podcast
• Subscribe to The Center for Deployment Psychology Monthly Email

“What signs did I miss?” “Are people judging me?” “Should I even be in this field?” The suicide of a loved one triggers many thoughts and emotions in survivors. When the survivor is a mental health professional, those thoughts and emotions can be even more complicated, leading them to question their own skills and capabilities. On this episode we are joined by Dr. Andrew Devendorf, a psychologist who is also a survivor of suicide loss. He and Carin share their experiences in coping with the suicide of a loved one, how it impacted their professional lives, and how silencing the stigma can be. Our Actionable Intel provides resources for healing and connection.

Andrew Devendorf, Ph.D., is a Military Behavioral Health Psychologist with the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine. He serves as a subject matter expert in suicide prevention for the VA SAFEGUARD project.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: www.afsp.org
• National Alliance for Mental Illness: www.nami.org
• My Brother Went Missing, And The Search For Him Turned My World Upside Down, an article by Andrew Devendorf: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/missing-brother-search_n_5d67e1a5e4b063c341fc2782
• Surviving the Impossible: Reflections on Suicide Loss, an article by Andrew Devendorf: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/deeper-mental-health/202502/surviving-the-impossible-reflections-on-suicide-loss
• The Hilliest Course I’ve Ever Run, a blog by Carin Lefkowitz: https://deploymentpsych.org/blog/staff-perspective-hilliest-course-i%E2%80%99ve-ever-run-coping-suicide-loved-one
• An Afterword to “The Hilliest Course I’ve Ever Run,” a blog by Carin Lefkowitz: https://deploymentpsych.org/blog/staff-perspective-afterword-%E2%80%9C-hilliest-course-i%E2%80%99ve-ever-run%E2%80%9D

Calls-to-action:

• Keep the conversation going. If you’re a survivor or suicide loss, reach out to trusted friends, colleagues, or organizations. Don’t grieve alone. If you know a survivor, reach out to them.
• Share your impactful moment in the comments or via https://www.speakpipe.com/cdpp4p
• Subscribe to the Practical for Your Practice Podcast
• Subscribe to The Center for Deployment Psychology Monthly Email