When Your Clients are Wealthy and Well Known: An interview with Dr. Holly Daniels, LMFT

Curt and Katie interview Dr. Holly Daniels about working with high profile clients. We talk about the lifestyle factors (like isolation and dehumanization) that come with celebrity as well as the differences when working with famous and powerful people who bring in more common concerns like relationship challenges. We also explore the skills and trustworthiness required to be able to succeed with these clients.

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

In this podcast episode, we talk about what it’s like to work with the rich and famous

Curt and Katie asked Dr. Holly Daniels to talk about her work as a therapist, relationship coach, and consultant for the wealthy and well-known.

 What is it like working as a therapist or a coach with the wealthy and well-known?

·      Seeing the isolation and the reality of their lives

·      Making sure to avoid being swept up in the fame

·      Understanding the countertransference tendencies (to agree, to be critical)

·      Don’t get sucked into aligning with them if it isn’t in their best interest (everyone around them agrees with them)

·      Don’t join the power struggle when clients become very dismissive

·      Therapists must be emotionally very boundaried and logistically very flexible

·      When people are this wealthy or well-known, they have to be very cautious and they have a very high bar related to trust – therapists need to know how the difficulty with trust impacts the relationship

·      Allow the client to bring the public information into the session, don’t assume their response to what is in the news

How can therapists support clients who have an influential public persona?

·      Separating your personal self from your public persona

·      Looking at these two selves as related, but not the same

·      Helping clients to let go of public approval or hate as related to who you are

·      The commodity is the public persona, not you

What are the family systems and relationship concerns that come with fame?

·      There is a closed, isolated bubble where there can be a lot of enmeshment

·      There are different challenges and dynamics unique to being part of a famous person’s life

·      Looking at the full family system, including the kids

·      Feeling guilty for having mental health concerns because they have so much

·      It is important for therapists not to bring in their own political or social agenda

·      People dehumanize famous people

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

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

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

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When Your Client is a Little Bit Famous: The unique needs and perspectives for working with content creators in therapy

Curt and Katie chat about the unique needs that content creators (youtubers, podcasters, onlyfans performers) bring to session. We look at the development stages of being a creator, what exactly a “content creator” is, pros and cons (for mental health) of being a content creator, and how therapists can work more effectively with these folks. We also talk about the safety concerns and ways that therapist scan support content creators in protecting themselves. This is a continuing education podcourse.

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

In this podcast episode we talk about therapy with content creators

Content creators and influencers have their own sets of mental health challenges. Therapists working with content creators have many factors to consider when it comes to the particularly unique influences that this occupation has on a person’s mental health. This workshop explores how content creation, streaming, and parasocial relationships affect the mental health and worldview of creators in ways that are both similar and different to other types of performers.

Receive Continuing Education for this Episode of the Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide

You can find this full course (including handouts and resources) here: https://moderntherapistcommunity.com/podcourse/

Continuing Education Approvals:

Continuing Education Information including grievance and refund policies.

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

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 Power and the Peril of Pop Psychology

Curt and Katie chat about pop psychology. We look at what it is, how it influences society, the dangers of leaving it unchecked, and how therapists can support their clients in navigating through all the different self-help content. We also challenge the use of Enneagram and Myers Briggs as “identity” and talk about using pop psychology as a starting point for conversation rather than taking it all at face value.

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

In this podcast episode we talk about the dangers of pop psychology

Curt has had a bee in his bonnet about pop psychology and the potential harms of watering down psychology for the public. We decided we’d take a critical look at what’s out there, including self-help, business, and news content that may be harming the public.

What is pop psychology?

·      Researchers sharing their findings through popular media using lay language

·      Applied psychology – practical self-help created by psychology practitioners geared toward improving your life

·      Targeting people with mental health concerns to decrease suffering – may be created by people with lived experience and is self-help in the place of therapy

·      Applying psychology to other realms (like business or sales, spirituality)

What are concerns with pop psychology?

·      Overemphasizing the importance of specific pop psychology principles and claiming these things as identity

·      Not going back to the evidence base or looking at who the authors are (is it their research or is it a good storyteller who is extrapolating)

·      The impact of the audience on which stories or psychological findings are shared

How does Malcolm Gladwell fit into this conversation about the dangers of pop psychology?

·      He was enamored with the “Broken Windows” theory of policing and his writings influenced the use type of policing in New York (including Stop and Frisk)

·      He ignored the criticism of these policies, like the racial bias that was seen

·      He chose not to write about policies that were working to decrease the over prescribing opioids

·      He has not recognized the influence on those who read his work

What role can therapists play in supporting our clients around pop psychology?

·      Talk with our clients about what they are reading and use it as a starting point

·      Bring the evidence-based science into the conversation

·      Help them to create a unique, tailored plan for your client to use what works for them

·      Correcting misinformation (e.g., the stages of grief)

·      Putting out content that is accurate

·      Staying current on what is being talked about in popular media

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/

Is AI Really Ready for Therapists? An interview with Dr. Maelisa McCaffrey

Curt and Katie interview Dr. Maelisa McCaffrey of QA Prep about her assessment of the AI tools available for therapists. We chat about the high expectations many clinicians have for note writing tools (and whether these expectations are really reasonable right now). We also look at what therapists are getting wrong when starting to use these tools, exploring some concerns related to HIPAA compliance and who is actually putting together these tech tools.

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

In this podcast episode, we talk about the development of AI tools for therapists

Curt and Katie asked Dr. Maelisa McCaffrey to come on and talk about what she thinks about AI for documentation.

What are therapists getting wrong about AI?

·      Therapists believe that AI can do their notes, but it is often a lot of work and/or is an expensive application is required

·      There is a choice when using a free platform and/or an untrusted platform is that you are either writing an insufficient note or adding PHI, which causes you to break HIPAA

·      AI for notes takes a very long time due to how slowly they process the information as well as your need to review and edit each note

·       Some platforms are claiming to be HIPAA compliant and are not

What are the different ways that AI works to provide documentation?

·      AI listens to the session and/or you upload the recording or a transcript

·      You enter the information on what happened in the session and AI writes the formal notes

What do therapists need to know about an AI platform before using it?

·      Checking for actual HIPAA compliance versus a false statement about HIPAA compliance

·      Understand how it is telling you to use the software

·      Do they give you a BAA?

·      The pricing is relatively similar to an EHR - $10-$40 per month

·      This is not an electronic health record or practice management system

·      Some of the AI applications do not have access to the diagnosis, assessment, treatment plans, so you will have to insure that you prove medical necessity and demonstrate the clinical loop

Are these AI platforms really ready for therapists?

·      The tech experts are taking care of data security

·      Many companies are still figuring these things out

·      All of the platforms Maelisa tested created fake elements of sessions (i.e., put things in the notes that did not happen)

What else can therapists use AI for?

·      Creating templates for progress notes (i.e., not for a specific client, no PHI)

·      Creating resources for clients

What do therapists need to do for their clients if they are using AI?

·      You must inform your client that you are using AI (informed consent)

·      AI is experimental, so it must be optional for your clients to opt in

·      You must insure that the platform is actually secure and HIPAA compliant

·      Ethics codes aren’t really saying anything, but some statements could be coming out soon on the ethics of how to use AI with or for clients

What do therapists need to know about AI?

·      It is very new and changing constantly

·      This is going to happen, so we need to understand and participate in this transition

·      New resources will be created through AI

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/

Are Therapists to Blame for Ineffective Workplace Wellness Programs?

Curt and Katie chat about a recent New York Times article that claims that individual mental health interventions are not effective in the workplace. We explore that and other studies on workplace wellness programs, looking at what is ineffective, what actually works, and what roles therapists can play in improving outcomes for employees (and employers). We also take a quick look at the ethical or moral questions therapists face when being paid to do these programs.

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

In this podcast episode we talk about a recent study on workplace wellness programs

In a recent New York Times article, they talked about a study that shows little efficacy of workplace wellness programs in the UK. We decided to dig deeper into the research and see what therapists need to know when signing on to provide these programs.

What does the research say about workplace wellness or individual-level mental health interventions on outcomes for employees and employers?

·      People in these programs are not better off than people who are not

·      Some desired outcomes (health markers, absenteeism, job performance) are not significantly better

·      Some positive clinical and employment outcomes from actual mental health programs

·      Individual solutions don’t solve systemic problems

What are the dynamics at play in employee well-being?

·      Things that do work: more compensation, more say in how their work looks

·      The difference between convenience and work-place wellness

·      Typically, organizations are not assessing efficacy of their own wellness programs

What is the therapist role in workplace wellness?

·      We know that many of these programs are ineffective – should we still continue to do them?

·      How should consumers of these products and programs inquire about efficacy or even completion?

·      Should therapists be concerned about whether people complete their course or find benefit from it?

·      Understanding what resources are available (and being encouraged to use them) may help folks to better benefit from them (as extrapolated from Curt’s undergraduate research)

What can clinicians do to support actual workplace wellness?

·      Don’t co-sign on the idea that the onus is on the individual to fix the system

·      Provide actual mental health interventions for mental health needs

·      Facilitate conversations about systemic problems and solutions

·      Support positive interventions for individuals that are doable and effective

·      Exploring the ethics of providing these programs

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 is a Super Fan: Exploring parasocial relationships and their effects on mental health

Curt and Katie chat about parasocial relationships. We talk about what parasocial relationships (and break ups) are, who is most likely to engage in these relationships, and the positive and negative impacts of these one-sided relationships. We also look at how to use these relationships within therapy. This is a continuing education podcourse.

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

In this podcast episode we talk about parasocial relationships

People develop relationships with celebrities, TV personalities, and others in the public eye. But do therapists assess the impact these relationships have on their clients and their mental health? This episode explores the ways that clients interact in one-sided relationships, the mental health benefits and drawbacks to engaging in these relationships, and ways for therapists to assess the potential impacts on client mental health and behavior.

How can parasocial relationships show up (and be utilized) in therapy?

·      How to help clients identify appropriate role models

·      Using parasocial relationships as practice for social relationships

·      Ask what content clients are consuming to identify what messages they are receiving

·      Get very direct: ask about all of the content they regularly consume

·      Look especially at the content or influencers talking about things relevant to their presenting problems

·      Explore how clients with social anxiety are interacting with potential parasocial relationships

·      Staying abreast of news stories related to parasocial objects

·      Listening for certain types of unhealthy messages (like toxic masculinity)

·      Helping to expand your clients’ critical thinking and influences in their lives

·      Understanding why they are choosing these relationships and the meaning they are making from them

·      Using these relationships as practice or places to seek self-awareness and insight, especially related to identity and values

·      Grief work when there are parasocial breakups

Receive Continuing Education for this Episode of the Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Continuing Education Information including grievance and refund policies.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/

 

What Is It Like To Be a Medicare Therapist? An interview with Gabrielle Juliano-Villani, LCSW

Curt and Katie interview Gabrielle Juliano-Villani, LCSW, about what it looks like to take Medicare. We talk about common myths and what the actual experience is like. We also explore the business case for taking Medicare and why (and how) therapists can grow their practice by opting in as a Medicare provider.

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

In this podcast episode, we talk about taking Medicare as a therapist

Curt and Katie asked Gabrielle Juliano-Villani, LCSW to come in to talk about what it is like to take Medicare as a therapist.

 What is involved in being a Medicare provider?

·       Clientele on Medicare include elderly and disabled

·       There is a huge need to clinicians to take Medicare

·       You will get a lot of referrals – Gabrielle filled up her caseload and made 6 figures in her first year in private practice

What types of clinical expertise is necessary for therapists who take Medicare?

·       Loss of independence and aging issues

·       Grief and loss

·       Chronic health conditions and illnesses

·       Loss of mobility

·       Dementia and cognitive issues

·       Family dynamics and estrangement

·       Understanding later in life logistics

·       Caregiver concerns

What are the business or day-to-day elements of taking Medicare?

·       Referral sources are medical doctors, care managers, and other therapists

·       Website content designed with caregiver or family member in mind (who would be searching for the services)

·       Sorting through Medicare and Medicare Advantage (i.e., commercial insurance Medicare replacement) plans – clients don’t know the difference between Medicare and Medicare Advantage

·       Ask to see all of their insurance cards to identify what coverage they have:

o  Bill Medicare directly for patients with Medicare – you are a Part B provider (outpatient) – you will get 80% from Medicare and the other 20% from the patient, a supplemental plan, or Medicaid

o  Bill the commercial insurance plan for Medicare Advantage patients (like regular insurance billing)

·       Audits are not common and are navigable with good notes and ability to make corrections

·       Audits are more likely if you’re doing unusual billing practices

·       The application process is probably the most challenging part of taking Medicare

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/

What Can Therapists Do When They Get a Life-Threatening Diagnosis? An interview with Patricia Ravitz, LMFT

Curt and Katie interview Patricia Ravitz, LMFT, on how she navigated her pancreatic cancer diagnosis as a therapist. We talk about what happens when a therapist must take time away from their practice without notice, what therapists can do to navigate seeing clients while in treatment, and how you and your clinical work can change when you’re facing mortality. We also talk about support and resources. 

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

In this podcast episode, we talk about how therapists can manage their practice when facing a potentially life-threatening diagnosis

Curt and Katie asked their dear friend, Patricia Ravitz, LMFT to come talk about how she handled her practice after getting a cancer diagnosis. 

What happens when a therapist must suddenly take time away from their practice for medical treatment?

What can therapists do to continue to see clients while in chemotherapy?

How might your clinical work change when you’re facing mortality as a therapist?

What kind of support or resources should therapists use when facing a challenging diagnosis?

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/

Want to Fix Mental Health Workforce Shortages? Speed up the Licensing Boards: An interview with Dr. Ben Caldwell

Curt and Katie interview Benjamin E. Caldwell, PsyD, about licensing board inefficiencies leading to incredible delays in folks getting licensed. We talk about the impacts of paperwork processing delays as well the inadequate infrastructure of most licensing boards. We also explore policy and individual options to mitigate or address these problems.

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

In this podcast episode, we talk about how the mental health workforce shortages are exacerbated by licensing boards

Curt and Katie decided to invite Dr. Ben Caldwell back onto the podcast to talk about how licensing board inefficiencies are exacerbating mental health workforce shortages.

Impacts of delays of paperwork processing on clients and clinicians

·   Delays of folks increasing income as a licensed clinician

·   Lack of mental health clinicians in the work force

·   Prospective clinicians dropping out of the process to become licensed due to the time and financial burden

Licensing board infrastructure is often inadequate to get individuals licensed timely

·   Computer systems that licensing boards use are not typically modern

·   The contracts for streamlining processes are often restrictive to specific systems or to how quickly these improvements can move

·   There is little that is automated, but rather includes manual entry which is inefficient and introduces opportunities for error

What are potential solutions for the pervasive inefficiency found in licensing boards?

·   Scanning and using optical recognition software for applications and counting hours

·   Contracting with private technology companies that are already gathering this data

·   Finding automated systems that are set up properly from the beginning to minimize training needs

·   Legislation to put pressure on state licensing boards to update computer systems

·   Hiring more people to take on these tasks

·   Using financial reserves to improve systems

·   Mitigating the effects of the delays on the workers (i.e., being able to take required exams for licensure while accruing your hours)

·   Simplifying processes wherever possible (i.e., less buckets of hours with minimum and maximum hours that need to be met)

·   Simplifying applications to make them more understandable for both applicants and reviewers

·   Policy analysis related to the rules – boards make the inaccurate assumption that if a rule exists it must be good

·   Using the legislative process to hold licensing boards accountable for not getting through applications timely and potentially even giving folks provisional licenses while waiting for the application to be reviewed

What can individual therapists do to address the delays in processing licensing paperwork?

·   Be as clear as possible in applications and communication to the board to decrease confusion

·   Don’t apply for licensure early (i.e., before requirements are completed)

·   Show up to board meetings and let the licensing board know that delays are a huge problem

·   Advocate with your professional org and/or to your legislators

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/

REPLAY - Structuring Self-Care

 We’re still on vacation, but wanted to share another one of our favorite episodes with all of you. We start with a quick reflection on the episode and what we’ve learned since it originally aired. Today’s replay is of Episode 141: Structuring Self-Care. We talk about structuring self-care into your business practices. We look at how to incorporate self-care best practices into the way you build your work day. We also talk about common challenges to taking this advice. You can find the original show notes and transcripts here: Structuring Self-Care.