The Modern Therapist's Survival Guide with Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy

Curt Widhalm, LMFT and Katie Vernoy, LMFT
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The Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide: Where Therapists Live, Breathe, and Practice as Human Beings It’s time to reimagine therapy and what it means to be a therapist. We are human beings who can now present ourselves as whole people, with authenticity, purpose, and connection. Especially now, when clinicians must develop a personal brand to market their private practices, and are connecting over social media, engaging in social activism, pushing back against mental health stigma, and facing a whole new style of entrepreneurship. To support you as a whole person, a business owner, and a therapist, your hosts, Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy talk about how to approach the role of therapist in the modern age.

  1. When Good Moms Feel Bad: Supporting Mothers in Therapy with IFS and the Mom Parts Method – An Interview with Jessica Tomich Sorci, LMFT

    3D AGO

    When Good Moms Feel Bad: Supporting Mothers in Therapy with IFS and the Mom Parts Method – An Interview with Jessica Tomich Sorci, LMFT

    When Good Moms Feel Bad: Supporting Mothers in Therapy with IFS and the Mom Parts Method – An Interview with Jessica Tomich Sorci, LMFT Jessica Tomich Sorci, LMFT, creator of the Mom Parts Method, on IFS, maternal mental health, mom shame, and why "bad mom" parts are protectors, not problems. Curt and Katie talk with Jessica Tomich Sorci, LMFT about what therapists often miss when working with mothers, and how Internal Family Systems (IFS) can be adapted for the real conditions of motherhood. Jessica is the creator of the Mom Parts Method and author of When Good Moms Feel Bad: An Empowering Guide for Transforming Guilt, Anxiety and Anger into Compassion, Confidence and Connectedness (Balance, 2026). Drawing on more than fifteen years of clinical work in maternal mental health, Jessica translates IFS into accessible, motherhood-native language. The Mom Parts Method gives mothers simple tools to identify their parts, access their Inner Mom, and approach guilt, grief, rage, and overwhelm with curiosity instead of correction. This is a useful conversation for therapists working with mothers, perinatal mental health clinicians, and anyone interested in more affirming, non-pathologizing approaches to maternal mental health. In this episode, we discuss: What therapists often get wrong when working with mothers How the Mom Parts Method translates IFS into motherhood-native language The role of patriarchy, under-resourcing, and matrescence in maternal distress Why "bad mom" parts (rage, panic, perfectionism, the inner critic) are protectors The five-step Mom Parts Method, from triggering event to remedy How therapists' own parts show up in this work Why healing in maternal mental health is wholeness, not elimination Full show notes and transcript: mtsgpodcast.com Timestamps: 03:30 - What therapists get wrong with mothers 04:47 - Shame and the "bad mom" taboo 10:45 - Patriarchy, matrescence, and the systemic context 17:42 - The five-step Mom Parts Method 29:56 - Healing is wholeness, not elimination 33:48 - When to bring parts work into session 35:27 - When Good Moms Feel Bad and Mothercentered training Guest Bio: Jessica Tomich Sorci, LMFT is a Level 3 Certified IFS Therapist, IFSI Approved Clinical Consultant, and a Certified Perinatal Mental Health therapist (PMH-C) with advanced training in IFIO. She is the creator of the Mom Parts Method and author of When Good Moms Feel Bad (Balance, 2026). She trains clinicians through her Mothercentered certification program. Learn more at www.momparts.com. Join the Modern Therapist Community Podcast: mtsgpodcast.com Patreon: patreon.com/c/mtsgpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/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/

    44 min
  2. Why Fixing Teens Doesn’t Work and What Actually Helps Youth Mental Health: An Interview with Dr. Will Dobud

    6D AGO

    Why Fixing Teens Doesn’t Work and What Actually Helps Youth Mental Health: An Interview with Dr. Will Dobud

    Why Fixing Teens Doesn’t Work and What Actually Helps Youth Mental Health: An Interview with Dr. Will Dobud Curt and Katie talk with Dr. Will Dobud about what therapists often get wrong when working with teens, why adolescent behavior is so often overpathologized, and how connection, play, risk, and mastery can better support youth mental health. They also explore the so-called youth mental health crisis, the impact of overmanagement and disconnection, and what therapists can do to better engage young people in meaningful, developmentally appropriate ways. About Our GuestDr. Will Dobud is a social worker, researcher, and educator who has worked with adolescents and families in the United States, Australia, and Norway. He is a Senior Lecturer in Social Work at Charles Sturt University and an award-winning researcher focused on improving therapy outcomes for teenagers and promoting safe, ethical practices. His work has also examined America’s Troubled Teen Industry, especially wilderness therapy. Key Takeaways Teens are often overpathologized when they may be showing developmentally normal behavior. Youth therapy should focus on engagement, interaction, play, and doing things together, not just sitting and talking. Social disconnection, fewer third spaces, and less unstructured play may be contributing to youth distress. Young people will seek connection wherever they can find it, including online and through AI relationships. Therapists can help teens build resilience by supporting autonomy, mastery, and meaningful participation. Find the full show notes and transcript at mtsgpodcast.com. Join the Modern Therapist Community: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/mtsgpodcast Podcast Homepage: https://mtsgpodcast.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/therapyreimagined 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/

    47 min
  3. The Burden of Potential: Therapy for Gifted Adults Navigating Burnout, Identity, and 2e Considerations

    APR 27

    The Burden of Potential: Therapy for Gifted Adults Navigating Burnout, Identity, and 2e Considerations

    The Burden of Potential: Therapy for Gifted Adults Navigating Burnout, Identity, and 2e Considerations Gifted adults do not usually come to therapy naming giftedness as the issue. More often, they present with burnout, anxiety, depression, underperformance, identity confusion, relationship strain, or existential distress. In this continuing education episode, Katie Vernoy and Curt Widhalm explore how gifted adults show up in therapy, how to distinguish giftedness from high achievement, and how 2e considerations can complicate assessment and treatment. Curt and Katie discuss the hidden cost of success, including masking, perfectionism, chronic overfunctioning, executive functioning workarounds, code-switching, and the pressure of living up to potential. They also look at what helps in therapy: deeper assessment, intellectual attunement, self-compassion, sustainability, accommodations, and values-aligned treatment. In this podcast episode, we discuss: common presenting concerns for gifted adults in therapy the difference between giftedness, achievement, and eminence burnout, perfectionism, and chronic overfunctioning masking, self-editing, and existential loneliness 2e considerations and hidden neurodivergence treatment strategies that go beyond basic coping skills This episode is eligible for 1 CE credit through the Modern Therapist Learning Community. To receive CE credit, listen to the episode, register for your free profile at moderntherapistcommunity.com, purchase the course, pass the post-test, and complete the evaluation. Full show notes, transcript, and episode resources will be available at mtsgpodcast.com. Join the Modern Therapist Community: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/mtsgpodcast Podcast Homepage: https://www.mtsgpodcast.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/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/

    1h 15m
  4. How Therapists Can Help Clients With IBS, Chronic Nausea, and Gut-Brain Disorders: An Interview with Dr. Ali Navidi

    APR 23

    How Therapists Can Help Clients With IBS, Chronic Nausea, and Gut-Brain Disorders: An Interview with Dr. Ali Navidi

    How Therapists Can Help Clients With IBS, Chronic Nausea, and Gut-Brain Disorders: An Interview with Dr. Ali Navidi, PsyD Curt and Katie talk with Dr. Ali Navidi, PsyD about disorders of gut-brain interaction, including IBS, chronic nausea, and other GI conditions that therapists may see more often than they realize. They explore how the gut-brain axis works, which clients may be more likely to struggle with these concerns, how therapists can stay within scope, and why specialized behavioral health treatment can directly improve symptoms rather than only helping clients cope with them. About Our GuestDr. Ali Navidi, PsyD is a licensed clinical psychologist and co-founder of GI Psychology, a national telehealth practice specializing in the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and chronic pain. In addition to providing patient care, Dr. Navidi oversees clinical training and outreach initiatives at the practice. He has presented on GI disorders and chronic pain to organizations across the country, including the American College of Gastroenterology, UNC School of Medicine, George Mason University, Georgetown University (Grand Rounds), INOVA, as well as through podcasts, television appearances, and multiple State Academies of Nutrition and Dietetics. Key Takeaways Therapists are in a strong position to notice GI issues, especially in clients with anxiety, trauma histories, autism, or eating disorders. Disorders of gut-brain interaction are not just “in someone’s head.” The pain and symptoms are real, even when there is no visible structural problem. Therapists should encourage appropriate medical evaluation and collaborate with gastroenterologists rather than trying to diagnose IBS or other GI disorders on their own. Specialized CBT and clinical hypnosis can directly treat gut-brain disorders, not just the anxiety that surrounds them. Dr. Navidi, PsyD describes a treatment model focused on hypervigilance, catastrophizing, and visceral hypersensitivity. When diet questions come up, therapists should be cautious and refer to GI-focused dietitians when appropriate. Therapists should also be careful about overconfident claims related to the microbiome, SIBO, and other popular gut-health conversations. For full show notes and the transcript for this episode, visit mtsgpodcast.com. Join the Modern Therapist Community Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/mtsgpodcast Podcast Homepage: mtsgpodcast.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/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/

    40 min
  5. What Therapists Need to Know About Neurodivergent Clients and Families: An Interview with David Smith, LCSW

    APR 20

    What Therapists Need to Know About Neurodivergent Clients and Families: An Interview with David Smith, LCSW

    What Therapists Need to Know About Neurodivergent Clients and Families: An Interview with David Smith, LCSW Curt and Katie talk with David Smith about neurodiversity-affirming therapy, autism, ADHD, PDA, family systems, and burnout for neurodivergent therapists. David shares both clinical expertise and lived experience as an autistic therapist, offering practical guidance for working more effectively with neurodivergent clients and the families around them. About Our Guest: K. David Smith, LCSW K. David Smith, LCSW, is an autistic therapist who provides neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed therapy online in 5 states (Oregon, California, Idaho, Vermont, and Florida). He also provides clinical supervision for therapists working toward LCSW or LPC licensure in Oregon, particularly those who are neurodivergent themselves or who are passionate about supporting neurodivergent clients. In addition, he provides consultation, training, and workshops for medical practices and professionals, other therapists, employers, and school districts about ways to become more neurodiversity-affirming and supportive of neurodivergent people. Key Takeaways - Therapists often miss neurodivergence entirely and may treat anxiety, depression, or “thought errors” without considering whether a client is struggling in environments that were not built for their nervous system. - Neurotypical therapists can work well with neurodivergent clients when they lead with curiosity, attunement, flexibility, and a willingness to adapt how therapy is structured. - PDA can look like defiance, but David reframes it as an anxiety- and threat-based response to demands. Traditional rewards and consequences may backfire. - Neurodivergence in families is often intergenerational, with different neurotypes shaping attachment, communication, expectations, and family roles. - Neurodivergent therapists need more than generic self-care. Sustainable practice may require reducing demands, grounding, rest, and nervous-system-informed regulation. Full show notes and transcript will be available at mtsgpodcast.com. Join the Modern Therapist Community: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/mtsgpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/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/

    51 min
  6. How Clients Experience Therapy: From First Inquiry to the Waiting Room: An Interview with Michael Ashford

    APR 16

    How Clients Experience Therapy: From First Inquiry to the Waiting Room: An Interview with Michael Ashford

    How Clients Experience Therapy: From First Inquiry to the Waiting Room: An Interview with Michael Ashford Curt and Katie talk with Michael Ashford about how clients experience therapy before the clinical work even begins. They explore what therapists can learn from customer service, communication, and marketing to create a smoother, more supportive experience from first inquiry through intake, onboarding, waiting room logistics, and practice policies. This conversation looks at how clarity, thoughtful systems, and strong boundaries can improve client experience while also supporting therapists. About the Guest Michael Ashford is the Senior Director of Marketing at Sign In Solutions and has spent the past decade building and leading marketing teams at companies large and small. Michael is a former award-winning journalist, a two-time TEDx speaker, and holds a Master’s degree in Communication from Kansas State University. Michael’s approach to marketing focuses on scaling companies through the power of effective communication, storytelling, and humanizing brands. Key Takeaways Client experience starts before the first session Clear expectations reduce client stress and confusion Website messaging, intake, and onboarding should feel seamless Waiting room and check-in systems matter more than many therapists realize Good customer service includes strong boundaries around time, fees, and cancellations Full show notes and transcript: mtsgpodcast.com Join the Modern Therapist Community: Podcast Homepage: https://mtsgpodcast.com/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/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/

    45 min
  7. Adapting EMDR for Neurodivergent Clients: Parts Work, Attunement, and Affirming Trauma Therapy, An Interview with Cathy Hanville and Christine MacInnis

    APR 13

    Adapting EMDR for Neurodivergent Clients: Parts Work, Attunement, and Affirming Trauma Therapy, An Interview with Cathy Hanville and Christine MacInnis

    Adapting EMDR for Neurodivergent Clients: Parts Work, Attunement, and Affirming Trauma Therapy, An Interview with Cathy Hanville and Christine MacInnis Curt and Katie talk with Cathy Hanville and Christine MacInnis about how to adapt EMDR for autistic and ADHD clients with more flexibility, safety, and affirming care. They explore why standard protocols can miss important client needs, how parts work can support trauma treatment, and what therapists should consider when working with neurodivergent clients whose trauma is tied to masking, chronic correction, social rejection, and being misunderstood. In this episode, we talk about: Why EMDR often needs adaptation across all eight phases How parts work can support neurodivergent clients in trauma treatment The impact of masking, correction, and misunderstanding as trauma Sensory, communication, and processing differences therapists need to consider Moving away from compliance-based care toward attunement and collaboration About the guests Christine MacInnis, MSed, MS, LMFT owns Transcends Family Therapy in Torrance, California, specializing in neurodiversity and LGBTQIA+ affirming, trauma-informed care. She is additionally licensed in Arizona and Ohio, is an EMDRIA-approved consultant, and provides advanced training on neurodiversity-affirming EMDR, ADHD, and autism. Learn more at www.transcendstherapy.com. Cathy Hanville, LCSW (They/She) is a licensed clinical social worker in Pennsylvania and California, an EMDRIA-approved consultant, and a continuing education provider. They help therapists identify blind spots so they can provide gender- and neurodiversity-affirming care. Learn more at www.cathyhanville.com. Cathy and Christine are under contract with Norton Publishing to write Neurodivergent Paths to Healing: Affirming EMDR and Parts Work for Autistic and ADHD Clients, expected in early 2027. Key takeaways Therapists often need to adapt EMDR for every client, not just neurodivergent clients Neurodivergent-affirming EMDR requires flexibility, collaboration, and sensory awareness Parts work can help therapists better understand protection, shame, and responses often mislabeled as resistance Many neurodivergent clients carry trauma tied to masking, chronic correction, and social rejection Full show notes and transcript: https://mtsgpodcast.com Join our community Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/mtsgpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/therapyreimagined Podcast Homepage: https://mtsgpodcast.com 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/

    42 min
  8. When Clients Reject Your Diagnosis: How to Handle Pushback Without Losing the Therapeutic Alliance

    APR 6

    When Clients Reject Your Diagnosis: How to Handle Pushback Without Losing the Therapeutic Alliance

    When Clients Reject Your Diagnosis: How to Handle Pushback Without Losing the Therapeutic Alliance What do you do when your client doesn’t agree with your diagnosis? Whether it’s a parent resisting an autism or ADHD diagnosis, a client attached to a different label, or someone overwhelmed by what a diagnosis means for their identity, these conversations can feel high-stakes. In this episode, Curt and Katie explore why clients push back on diagnoses and how to navigate these conversations without damaging the therapeutic relationship. They break down the role of stigma, identity, and real-world consequences, and offer practical strategies for staying collaborative while still doing effective clinical work. Key Takeaways: Why clients resist diagnoses (stigma, identity, and real-world impact) How to respond without arguing or damaging the alliance When disagreement means your assessment isn’t finished How to focus on function and treatment instead of labels Navigating documentation, insurance, and cultural considerations Get the full show notes and resources at mtsgpodcast.com. 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/

    42 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

The Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide: Where Therapists Live, Breathe, and Practice as Human Beings It’s time to reimagine therapy and what it means to be a therapist. We are human beings who can now present ourselves as whole people, with authenticity, purpose, and connection. Especially now, when clinicians must develop a personal brand to market their private practices, and are connecting over social media, engaging in social activism, pushing back against mental health stigma, and facing a whole new style of entrepreneurship. To support you as a whole person, a business owner, and a therapist, your hosts, Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy talk about how to approach the role of therapist in the modern age.

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