What Therapists Need to Know About Immigration: An interview with Andy Strait

Curt and Katie chat with Andy R. Strait, Esq., about immigration policies, mental health, and the role of therapists in supporting immigrant clients. They explore legal challenges, asylum cases, and the impact of fear-driven policies on mental health. Strait emphasizes the importance of legal representation, knowing one’s immigration status, and providing accurate resources. Therapists can help by offering pro bono evaluations, connecting clients with legal aid, and creating safe spaces for immigrant communities.

Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!

In this podcast episode, we talk about what therapists need to know about immigration

Immigration policies directly impact the mental health of both therapists and their clients. We asked Andy Strait, an immigration attorney and former public advocate, about the challenges immigrants face in the U.S. legal system, the role of therapists in supporting their clients, and practical steps therapists can take to provide assistance.

What do therapists need to know about immigration policies?

How Therapists Can Support Clients Facing Immigration Challenges

Understanding the Realities of the Immigration System

Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:

Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined

Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:

Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/

Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/

Reacting to Regime Change: How Therapists Can Advocate for our Clients and Communities

Curt and Katie chat about how the United States has shifted since the inauguration of President Trump. We look at how therapists can advocate for their clients and the communities they serve and/or live in. We look at strategies for therapists to stay informed, provide vetted resources, and be present for clients who may be struggling with the changes.

 Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!

In this podcast episode we talk about the impact of political shifts on mental health care

With ongoing changes in healthcare policy, therapists must navigate how legislative decisions impact their clients and their own practice. In this episode, Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy discuss the Trump administration’s influence on mental health care, the importance of accurate information and advocacy, and strategies for balancing personal well-being with professional responsibilities.

What do therapists need to know about political changes in healthcare?

How Therapists Can Take Action to Protect Healthcare Access

The Emotional Toll of Advocacy and How to Manage It

The Role of Therapists in Community Support

Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:

Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined

Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:

Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/

Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/

When Your Client Dies By Suicide: An interview with Dr. Nina Gutin

Curt and Katie chat with Nina J. Gutin, Ph.D. about to discuss the emotional, professional, and systemic impact of client suicide on clinicians. We break down the common reactions of guilt and blame, highlight the importance of postvention support, and explore strategies to navigate grief and maintain clinical confidence.

Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!

In this podcast episode, we talk about the impact of client suicide on clinicians

Losing a client to suicide is a devastating and often isolating experience for mental health professionals. We asked suicide expert, Dr. Nina Gutin to join us to talk about how therapists can take care of themselves when they have a client die by suicide.

What do therapists need to know about client suicide and its impact on clinicians?

Processing Guilt and Self-Blame After a Client Suicide

The Professional and Emotional Toll of Client Suicide on Therapists

Resources and Support for Clinicians

Breaking the Stigma and Advocating for Systemic Support

Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:

Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined

Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:

Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/

Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/

 

Stop Wasting Your Time on Awareness Campaigns

Curt and Katie chat about the limitations of performative awareness campaigns and the need for action-oriented advocacy. Inspired by the article Stop Raising Awareness Already by Ann Christiano and Annie Niemand, they critique viral campaigns like Kony 2012 and the CDC’s zombie apocalypse campaign, highlighting the importance of targeting the right audiences, crafting compelling messages, and developing a theory of change.

 Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!

In this podcast episode we talk about the limitations of awareness campaigns

Curt and Katie talk about what to do instead of focusing precious time, energy, and resources on advocacy that is solely about awareness. We look at what has worked in the past and how to implement that now.

Why Awareness Alone Isn’t Enough

The Importance of Targeted Advocacy

Developing a Theory of Change

Practical Steps for Effective Advocacy:

·      Move beyond awareness—advocate for policy changes, funding, and direct action.

·      Target specific audiences (lawmakers, healthcare providers, educators).

·      Craft messages that resonate—ensure they lead to measurable change.

·      Develop a theory of change—plan advocacy efforts with long-term impact in mind.

Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:

Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined

Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:

Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/

Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/

MFTs Providing Therapy Across State Lines Through License Portability in the United States: An interview with Roger Smith

Curt and Katie chat with Roger Smith, Chief Advocacy Officer and General Counsel for American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, about the challenges and progress in licensure portability for Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs). He explains why AAMFT opted for an endorsement model over interstate compacts, the success of the Access MFTs initiative, and what’s next for portability efforts in 2025.

Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!

In this podcast episode, we talk with Roger Smith about LMFT License Portability

As more and more therapy is happening online, therapists have an opportunity to work with clients from all over the world. In the United States, there have been efforts by social workers, mental health counselors, and psychologists to create inter-state compacts to help regulate these therapists (and provide opportunities to deliver care legally in other states). Marriage and Family Therapists have been left behind and are now seeking a different path (reciprocity or portability) due to the unique characteristics of the LMFT profession. We reached out to Roger Smith of AAMFT to help us understand why this decision was made as well as what it means for MFTs.

Why AAMFT Chose the Endorsement Model Over Compacts

·      Interstate compacts were considered but ultimately deemed too costly and unsustainable.

·      Large states like California and New York have not adopted ANY healthcare compacts, limiting effectiveness.

·      Endorsement model: Allows MFTs to practice in other states if they hold an unencumbered license—without having to meet initial requirements again.

Success of the "Access MFTs" Model

·      In 2024, 7 out of 10 targeted states passed the Access MFTs model law.

·      States that adopted the model include Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Tennessee, and Virginia.

·      Efforts continue in Kentucky and North Carolina for 2025.

Future of MFT Portability & Barriers

Member Interest & Cost Considerations for MFTs seeking to practice across state lines

National Licensure for therapists: Why It’s Not an Option

Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:

Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined

Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:

Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/

Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/

The Advances in Artificial Intelligence for Mental Health: An interview with Dr. Alyssa Dietz

Curt and Katie chat with Dr. Alyssa Dietz, a clinical psychologist and digital mental health expert, about the evolving role of AI in therapy. Dr. Dietz discusses how AI can enhance therapy by delivering evidence-based care, particularly in structured approaches like CBT, while acknowledging its limitations with complex, multi-diagnosis cases. She emphasizes the need for collaboration between therapists and AI developers to ensure ethical, patient-centered innovation in digital mental health.

Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!

In this podcast episode, we talk with Dr. Alyssa Dietz about Advances in AI for Therapy

Artificial Intelligence has already come for mental healthcare. The question is, what should therapists be doing about it? We dig into what AI therapy looks like from the inside, from a clinician’s perspective.

AI’s Growing Role in Therapy

How AI is Changing the Therapist’s Role

Evaluating AI’s Effectiveness & Ethical Considerations

AI and Complex Diagnoses

How Therapists Can Adapt to AI in Mental Health

Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:

Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined

Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:

Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/

Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/

Exploring Systemic Trauma and Relational Privilege with BIPOC and LGBTQI Couples: An interview with Akilah Riley-Richardson

Curt and Katie chat with Akilah Riley Richardson, MSW about the challenges therapists face when working with BIPOC and LGBTQI couples. Akilah discusses the impact of systemic trauma, how it affects relationships, and the importance of creating therapeutic models tailored to marginalized communities. She introduces The PRIDE Model for therapy and The BIOME Stance for therapists, offering actionable strategies for inclusive, trauma-informed care.

Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!

In this podcast episode, we talk with Akilah Riley-Richardson about what therapists get wrong when working with BIPOC and LGBTQI couples

Too often, couples counselors take traditional models and make slight tweaks for couples from marginalized backgrounds, with little success. Akilah Riley-Richardson has developed a stance and a new model to help support therapists in doing more effective work with these couples.  

Understanding Systemic Trauma in Therapy

Defining systemic trauma: Chronic, unpredictable, and disenfranchised trauma caused by systemic forces (education, legal, and healthcare systems).

Examples of systemic trauma: Microaggressions, mispronounced names, assumptions about authority roles, and misgendering.

Effects on individuals and relationships: Reduced sense of safety, rejection sensitivity, emotional disconnect, and difficulty setting boundaries.

Challenges in Therapy with BIPOC and LGBTQI Couples

The PRIDE Model & The BIOME Stance from Akilah Riley-Richardson

Relational curiosity: Actively exploring the client's lived experiences.

Setting intentions: Creating space for safety and vulnerability.

Trauma work: Addressing systemic trauma's long-term impact on relationships.

Bravery: Facing discomfort in recognizing privilege.

Intimacy: Fostering deep emotional connections.

Openness: Being receptive to client experiences.

Micro-liberatory movements: Small but impactful actions toward social justice.

Epistemic embracing: Validating client knowledge and lived experiences.

How Therapists Can Engage Clients in Systemic Trauma Work

Transparency in therapy: Clearly communicating the goal of liberation.

Allowing resistance: Accepting client pushback as an assertion of power.

Embracing uncertainty: Being comfortable with not having all the answers.

Participating in decolonization conversations: Learning through community engagement and allyship.

Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:

Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined

Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:

Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/

Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/

 

How Therapists Can Truly Help After a Disaster

Curt and Katie chat about the impact of the recent Los Angeles wild fires on therapists, their clients, and communities. We explore the importance of self-assessment, responsible crisis response, and balancing personal care with providing support. From donating (and marketing) services ethically to understanding trauma timelines, Curt and Katie provide practical advice for therapists navigating community-wide disasters.

Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!

In this podcast episode we talk through how therapists can help during and after crises

Curt and Katie live in Los Angeles, which was recently ravaged by wild fires. We decided it would be important to reflect on our experience and provide support to other therapists seeking ways they may be able to help their own communities.

Self-Assessment and Prioritizing Personal Care during a Natural Disaster or Community Crisis

How to Market Therapy during a crisis without feeling like an ambulance chaser

Recognizing Individual Needs and Trauma Timelines for disaster survivors

How Therapists can balance Caretaking and Personal Needs during a disaster

Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:

Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined

Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:

Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/

Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/

Helping Parents Become What They Needed as a Child: An interview with Bryana Kappadakunnel, LMFT

Curt and Katie chat with Bryana Kappakunnel, LMFT about conscious parenting, discussing how self-awareness, emotional regulation, and healing personal triggers can help parents foster healthier and more connected relationships with their children. With a background in infant and early childhood mental health and her upcoming book Parent Yourself First, Bryana offers valuable insights for therapists and parents alike.

Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!

In this podcast episode, we talk with Bryana Kappadakunnel about Conscious Parenting

We invited friend of the show, Bryana Kappadakunnel, LMFT to talk about her work, including her new book, Parent Yourself First.  

What is Conscious Parenting?

Common Pushback and Misconceptions for Conscious Parenting

How to Help Parents Navigate Challenging Parenting Scenarios

How Conscious Parenting Helps Kids

Bryana’s Online Presence and Upcoming Book

Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:

Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined

Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:

Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/

Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/

Identifying the Graduate Program for the Career You Want – Special Series Becoming a Therapist: An interview with Eden Lathem

In this new series, Curt and Katie interview graduate students and will follow them on their journey to becoming a therapist. Our final interview is with Eden Lathem, a second-year Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) student at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee. Eden shares her path from working in prison education and with individuals with disabilities to finding her passion for systemic thinking and family therapy. She candidly discusses the challenges of grad school, balancing internships, and navigating financial constraints while exploring her future career aspirations. She also talks through how she did due diligence to find the “right” graduate program.

Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!

In this podcast episode, we meet Eden Lathem, an aspiring therapist

We continue our new series on becoming a therapist, with Eden Lathem, who is a first career professional who has done a lot of due diligence and strategic thinking to plan her trajectory as a therapist and professional.  

Eden’s Background and Path to Therapy

Grad School Expectations vs. Reality

Balancing Dual Internships and Financial Challenges

Advice for Prospective Therapy Students

Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:

Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined

Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:

Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/

Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/