The Therapist Thrival Guide

In this episode, we are discussing the balance between passion and financial stability in the mental health profession. We're delving into the misconceptions and challenges therapists face regarding financial struggles and martyrdom, and emphasize the importance of self-care, professional development, and valuing one’s own services.

Amity shares her unique journey combining therapy with business, coining the term 'theraprenuer,' and highlights the need for therapists to adopt a mindset shift, leverage business skills, and embrace new technologies to thrive in their careers.

OUR HOST:

Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for several years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, case manager, and the Director of Brand Content at Ellie Mental Health. Follow her on⁠ LinkedIn.⁠

The Therapist Thrival Guide is a podcast by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellie Mental Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We want to move therapists beyond surviving and into the realm of thriving by covering all the things that graduate school didn't teach you! This mental health podcast is hosted by Miranda Barker, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise to help us learn how to thrive as therapists.⁠⁠

Ellie is a national mental health brand organized around community-based outpatient mental health clinics. It all began with a single office in St. Paul, Minnesota back in 2015, and has expanded to an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

LINKS:

Sign up for Do This First Bootcamp from Amity

"Trauma Stewardship" Book

Financial Conversations Episode

OUR GUEST:

Amity Cooper is a seasoned entrepreneur, trained mental health professional, and entrepreneurial coach.

For over 20 years, Amity has run a variety of businesses, from designing handbags to making and manufacturing gourmet chocolates, which has given her the knowledge and experience to help others start and run their own businesses. Now, as a trained therapist, equine-assisted psychotherapist, and Lifebook facilitator, she is focused on empowering other mental and behavioral health professionals to serve their clients without burning themselves out by becoming what she calls “therapreneurs.”

She does this through her professional development company Clinical Career Collective (C3) and her Do This First 7-Day Bootcamp by not only teaching therapreneurs how to run their own businesses, but also how to embrace new, emerging technology in this post-pandemic world so they can better help the people they serve.

A lover of travel, Amity splits her time between Denver, Colorado and San Diego, California with her husband, two kids, two horses, and their English Shepherd, Beau.

OUR HOST:

Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for several years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, case manager, and the Director of Brand Content at Ellie Mental Health. Follow her on⁠ LinkedIn.⁠

The Therapist Thrival Guide is a podcast by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellie Mental Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We want to move therapists beyond surviving and into the realm of thriving by covering all the things that graduate school didn't teach you! This mental health podcast is hosted by Miranda Barker, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise to help us learn how to thrive as therapists.⁠⁠

Ellie is a national mental health brand organized around community-based outpatient mental health clinics. It all began with a single office in St. Paul, Minnesota back in 2015, and has expanded to an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Robyn Janssen and Tiffany Farrar, a certified eating disorder specialist and owner of Confluence Counseling.

The discussion revolves around:

- Recognizing the symptoms of disordered eating and eating disorders including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and ARFID, and effective treatment modalities.

- Insights on family-based treatment and the importance of collaboration with dietitians and other healthcare providers.

- Practical advice for therapists on approaching clients with disordered eating patterns is also discussed.

The Therapist Thrival Guide is a podcast by Ellie Mental Health. We want to move therapists beyond surviving and into the realm of THRIVING by covering all the things that graduate school didn't teach you!

OUR GUESTS

Dr. Robyn Janssen PsyD, LP, has over 20 years experience in the mental health field. She has extensive clinical experience in outpatient, intensive programming, residential and inpatient levels of care. Dr. Janssen is a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and a National Registered Health Service Psychologist. Her clinical interests are anxiety disorders, eating disorders and OCD. Dr. Janssen is certified in Exposure Response Prevention by the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety. She also is passionate about leadership development, teaching, facilitating trainings and CEUs, and program development.

Tiffany Farrar, LPCC has over thirteen years of experience in the mental health field working with adolescents and adults in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Tiffany earned her bachelor’s degree in Community Sports and Recreation, and has a Master's of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, both from Henderson State University.  Additionally, she has a Master’s in Applied Sport Psychology at Adams State University with the goal of becoming a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC).  Tiffany has a passion for working with athletes of all types on developing mental strength.  She is also available to work collaboratively with teams on mental performance and building mental strength.

In her spare time, Tiffany is an avid trail runner, enjoys spending time with her dogs, and loves playing board games with her family.

OUR HOST:

Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for several years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, case manager, and the Director of Brand Content at Ellie Mental Health. Follow her on⁠ LinkedIn.⁠

The Therapist Thrival Guide is a podcast by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellie Mental Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We want to move therapists beyond surviving and into the realm of thriving by covering all the things that graduate school didn't teach you! This mental health podcast is hosted by Miranda Barker, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise to help us learn how to thrive as therapists.⁠⁠

Ellie is a national mental health brand organized around community-based outpatient mental health clinics. It all began with a single office in St. Paul, Minnesota back in 2015, and has expanded to an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Welcome to the Therapist Thrival Guide! In this episode we are joined by clinic directors Jordan Mealey, LPCC and Steve Drzewoszewski, LICSW.

Our guests share valuable insights on how therapists can comfortably handle financial discussions with clients, the importance of early and consistent communication, and tips for ensuring both therapist and client are on the same page.

Learn about effective strategies, the significance of understanding insurance plans, and how to navigate difficult conversations, ensuring financial clarity without compromising the therapeutic relationship.

OUR HOST:

Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for several years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, case manager, and the Director of Brand Content at Ellie Mental Health. Follow her on⁠ LinkedIn.⁠

The Therapist Thrival Guide is a podcast by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellie Mental Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We want to move therapists beyond surviving and into the realm of thriving by covering all the things that graduate school didn't teach you! This mental health podcast is hosted by Miranda Barker, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise to help us learn how to thrive as therapists.⁠⁠

Ellie is a national mental health brand organized around community-based outpatient mental health clinics. It all began with a single office in St. Paul, Minnesota back in 2015, and has expanded to an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

TIME STAMPS:00:00 Welcome and Introductions02:34 Billing and Balances: An Essential Discussion03:24 Navigating Insurance and Administrative Tasks08:28 Therapists' Worth and Financial Conversations16:24 Clinic Policies and Client Communication22:36 Navigating Insurance Challenges with New Clients23:03 Proactive Communication Strategies24:07 Importance of Early Insurance Verification25:58 Handling High Deductible Plans26:18 Approaching Difficult Conversations27:12 End-of-Year Reviews and Insurance Changes28:49 Supporting Therapists in Financial Discussions31:16 Practical Tips for Financial Conversations40:06 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode of Therapist Thrival Guide, therapists Miranda and Letisha delve into the science of gratitude. As Thanksgiving approaches, they discuss research studies that showcase the significant mental health benefits of gratitude practices, including:

• improved mood
• reduced anxiety and depression
• better sleep

We're sharing practical ways therapists can infuse gratitude into their sessions, and offer tips for families and individuals to incorporate gratitude into daily life. The episode highlights various gratitude exercises, journaling techniques, and meaningful activities to promote a positive mindset.

Links:

Gratitude is My Superpower Book

Gratitude Jar Book

Science of Gratitude Article

Watch this interview on Youtube

Gratitude 5 Senses Meditation

OUR HOST:

Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for several years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, case manager, and the Director of Brand Content at Ellie Mental Health. Follow her on⁠ LinkedIn.⁠

The Therapist Thrival Guide is a podcast by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellie Mental Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We want to move therapists beyond surviving and into the realm of thriving by covering all the things that graduate school didn't teach you! This mental health podcast is hosted by Miranda Barker, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise to help us learn how to thrive as therapists.⁠⁠

Ellie is a national mental health brand organized around community-based outpatient mental health clinics. It all began with a single office in St. Paul, Minnesota back in 2015, and has expanded to an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

It's a true crime crossover episode! We brought on attorney Suzette Schommer to discuss the Menendez brothers episode and what the therapist in this case did wrong, plus:

1. If a client confesses a murder (or another crime) to their therapist, is it true that the therapist bound by confidentiality and cannot tell anyone?
2. What does "duty to warn" mean-- who do you warn and in what situations must you do this? 
3. In the Monsters series (and in real life), the therapist breaks confidentiality by telling his girlfriend (and former client) about the confession. What should he have done instead?
4. Advice to therapists if they encounter this.

OUR HOST:

Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for several years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, case manager, and the Director of Brand Content at Ellie Mental Health. Follow her on⁠ LinkedIn.⁠

The Therapist Thrival Guide is a podcast by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellie Mental Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We want to move therapists beyond surviving and into the realm of thriving by covering all the things that graduate school didn't teach you! This mental health podcast is hosted by Miranda Barker, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise to help us learn how to thrive as therapists.⁠⁠

Ellie is a national mental health brand organized around community-based outpatient mental health clinics. It all began with a single office in St. Paul, Minnesota back in 2015, and has expanded to an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Hey there, podcast fam! Buckle up for a deep dive into something that affects us all more than we might realize: intergenerational trauma. It's like this invisible thread that weaves through families and communities, shaping our experiences in ways we might not even be aware of.

Terance Dawkins, LISW-CP shares his own stories of uncovering and dealing with this generational baggage, and how it has lit a desire for educating others in his professional career. It's powerful stuff, and we're diving into how understanding our past can help us heal in the present.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Terance Dawkins is a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Independent Social Worker-Clinical Practice (LISW-CP) from Spartanburg, South Carolina. Terance achieved both his Undergraduate and Masters Degrees in Social Work from Winthrop University, empowering him with the knowledge and skills to excel in his profession. He holds dual licenses as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in South Carolina and North Carolina. Terance is deeply connected to his roots, having grown up in the very community where he now operates his own private practice, Missing Pieces Counseling Services. Terance's aspirations reach beyond his private practice; he also works at the Counseling Center at Furman University, where he continues to touch lives and make a difference. Terance sits on the Advisory Board for Spartanburg Area Mental Health, South Carolina Society for Clinical Social Work, nonprofit entitled Wellness & Recover Retreats, and the Greater Spartanburg YMCA.

Terance recognizes the profound impact of family interactions and daily experiences on one's beliefs and life lessons. This realization sparked his interest in Transgenerational Trauma, inspiring him to explore its implications across multiple generations. Destigmatizing mental health is a core belief for Terance, and he aims to break down self-imposed-barriers that prevent individuals from seeking essential mental health services. 

OUR HOST:

Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for several years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, case manager, and the Director of Brand Content at Ellie Mental Health. Follow her on⁠ LinkedIn.⁠

The Therapist Thrival Guide is a podcast by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellie Mental Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We want to move therapists beyond surviving and into the realm of thriving by covering all the things that graduate school didn't teach you! This mental health podcast is hosted by Miranda Barker, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise to help us learn how to thrive as therapists.⁠⁠

Ellie is a national mental health brand organized around community-based outpatient mental health clinics. It all began with a single office in St. Paul, Minnesota back in 2015, and has expanded to an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Today, Zach Eichler, MS, LPCC is joining the podcast again to discuss and reflect on change over time as a therapist. Miranda and Zach discuss:

- What we thought being a therapist was going to be like when in graduate school

- How we navigated being a brand new therapist and

- How our niche and client type has changed over time

- Becoming more confident in yourself

- Diversifying your caseload and job through supervision or other creative pursuits

OUR HOST:

Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for several years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, case manager, and the Director of Brand Content at Ellie Mental Health. Follow her on⁠ LinkedIn.⁠

The Therapist Thrival Guide is a podcast by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellie Mental Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We want to move therapists beyond surviving and into the realm of thriving by covering all the things that graduate school didn't teach you! This mental health podcast is hosted by Miranda Barker, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise to help us learn how to thrive as therapists.⁠⁠

Ellie is a national mental health brand organized around community-based outpatient mental health clinics. It all began with a single office in St. Paul, Minnesota back in 2015, and has expanded to an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Today, Zach Eichler, MS, LPCC is back on the podcast for a mini-episode about:

- Supervision styles

- What to do if you don't have a good clinical supervisor match

- The first meeting and setting expectations with a supervisee

- Their experiences with bad supervision or bad supervisors

LINK TO BOOK: https://amzn.to/45RCnjJ

Stay tuned for next week as Zach joins to discuss what new therapists can expect in their first five years as a clinician!

OUR HOST:

Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for several years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, case manager, and the Director of Brand Content at Ellie Mental Health. Follow her on⁠ LinkedIn.⁠

The Therapist Thrival Guide is a podcast by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellie Mental Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We want to move therapists beyond surviving and into the realm of thriving by covering all the things that graduate school didn't teach you! This mental health podcast is hosted by Miranda Barker, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise to help us learn how to thrive as therapists.⁠⁠

Ellie is a national mental health brand organized around community-based outpatient mental health clinics. It all began with a single office in St. Paul, Minnesota back in 2015, and has expanded to an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join Miranda along with Dr. Sable McElveen and Amber Silva as they discuss the complexities and importance of working with the LGBTQIA+ community in therapy.

This episode covers key topics such as self-disclosure, creating safe environments, addressing the diagnosis of gender dysphoria, and handling biases both from therapists and clients.

Learn essential approaches to foster trust and support for queer clients, all while maintaining therapist safety and ethical standards. This episode is perfect for therapists eager to deepen their understanding and practice in serving diverse populations.

OUR HOST:

Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for several years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, case manager, and the Director of Brand Content at Ellie Mental Health. Follow her on⁠ LinkedIn.⁠

The Therapist Thrival Guide is a podcast by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellie Mental Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We want to move therapists beyond surviving and into the realm of thriving by covering all the things that graduate school didn't teach you! This mental health podcast is hosted by Miranda Barker, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise to help us learn how to thrive as therapists.⁠⁠

Ellie is a national mental health brand organized around community-based outpatient mental health clinics. It all began with a single office in St. Paul, Minnesota back in 2015, and has expanded to an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions01:27 Importance of Discussing LGBTQ Issues04:21 Therapeutic Relationships and Self-Disclosure07:41 Challenges Faced by LGBTQ Individuals11:11 Research Insights on LGBTQ Healthcare13:17 Navigating Identity Exploration in Therapy21:25 Gender Dysphoria Diagnosis Debate27:06 Therapist's Role and Client Safety34:48 Handling Bias and Safety in Therapy39:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This week guests Michael Atkinson and Alison Affalter join to discuss Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

The episode covers:

- ACT’s origins, key principles, and practical applications

- How clients can live a meaningful life aligned with personal values while accepting inevitable hardships

- ACT's six core principles aimed at enhancing psychological flexibility: acceptance, cognitive defusion, self as context, contact with the present moment, values, and committed action.

The guests share insights on applying ACT in therapy and personal life, and how it can be integrated with other therapeutic modalities to support clients dealing with various issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions.

OUR HOST:

Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for several years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, case manager, and the Director of Brand Content at Ellie Mental Health. Follow her on⁠ LinkedIn.⁠

The Therapist Thrival Guide is a podcast by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellie Mental Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We want to move therapists beyond surviving and into the realm of thriving by covering all the things that graduate school didn't teach you! This mental health podcast is hosted by Miranda Barker, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise to help us learn how to thrive as therapists.⁠⁠

Ellie is a national mental health brand organized around community-based outpatient mental health clinics. It all began with a single office in St. Paul, Minnesota back in 2015, and has expanded to an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction & Meet the Experts: Michael and Allison

01:25 Diving into ACT: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

03:30 Core Principles of ACT

17:54 Applying ACT in Therapy and Life

22:06 Therapist Tools and Initial Experiences

22:46 Integrating ACT with Other Modalities

25:21 Learning and Training in ACT

29:20 ACT for Various Diagnoses and Situations

34:16 Mindfulness Techniques in ACT

41:41 Final Thoughts and Resources