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

Curt Widhalm, LMFT and Katie Vernoy, LMFT
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  • ALTERNATIVE HEALTH
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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. The Licensing Racket: Therapist Licensing, Discipline, and Access to Care – An Interview with Rebecca Haw Allensworth

    2D AGO

    The Licensing Racket: Therapist Licensing, Discipline, and Access to Care – An Interview with Rebecca Haw Allensworth

    The Licensing Racket: Therapist Licensing, Discipline, and Access to Care – An Interview with Rebecca Haw Allensworth Who does licensing protect - the public or the profession? Curt and Katie talk with Rebecca Haw Allensworth, law professor and author of The Licensing Racket, about how professional licensing boards actually function, and what that means for therapists, discipline, and access to care. After attending licensing board meetings across professions and states, Rebecca identified a troubling pattern: entry requirements that continually “ratchet up,” while discipline decisions can lean toward giving professionals the benefit of the doubt. The result? Higher barriers to entry, workforce shortages, and inconsistent public protection. This episode explores therapist licensing reform, self-regulation, professional turf wars, board funding structures, and the tension between prestige, professional identity, and public safety. About Our Guest:Rebecca Haw Allensworth is the David Daniels Allen Professor of Law at Vanderbilt Law School and author of The Licensing Racket: How We Decide Who Is Allowed to Work and Why It Goes Wrong. Her research focuses on antitrust and professional licensing and has been cited by the U.S. Supreme Court. Key Takeaways: • Why licensing requirements tend to increase over time • How self-regulation can create blind spots in discipline • The impact of licensing barriers on workforce shortages and access to care • Why complaints about unlicensed practice may be prioritized over client complaints • How professional identity and funding structures shape board decisions Full show notes and resources: mtsgpodcast.com Join our community: Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/therapyreimagined Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/mtsgpodcast 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/

    49 min
  2. Training Therapists in the Age of AI: Preventing Deskilling and Teaching Clinical Judgment

    FEB 23

    Training Therapists in the Age of AI: Preventing Deskilling and Teaching Clinical Judgment

    Training Therapists in the Age of AI: Preventing Deskilling and Teaching Clinical Judgment As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in mental health care, therapists, supervisors, and educators face a critical responsibility: integrating AI tools without eroding clinical judgment, reasoning, and skill development. In this continuing education episode of the Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide, Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy examine how AI can create the illusion of competence while quietly undermining the processes therapists rely on to learn how to think clinically. They explore therapist deskilling as a systemic issue shaped by training models, supervision practices, and productivity pressures rather than individual failure. This episode focuses on how supervisors, educators, and clinicians can preserve clinical mastery while using AI responsibly, emphasizing learning science, supervision ethics, and the importance of maintaining human judgment in an automated world. In this episode, we discuss: How AI can mask gaps in clinical reasoning The competence paradox and automation bias in therapy Why struggle and ambiguity are essential for learning The role of supervisors and educators in preventing deskilling How to use AI without outsourcing clinical judgment Continuing Education: This episode is eligible for 1 unit of continuing education (CE). To earn CE credit, go to moderntherapistcommunity.com, register for a free profile, purchase the course, complete the post-test and evaluation, and download your certificate. Full show notes, transcript, and course details are available at mtsgpodcast.com. Join the Modern Therapist Community: Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/therapyreimagined Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/mtsgpodcast Podcast Home: https://mtsgpodcast.com Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits: Voice Over by DW McCannhttps://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/ Music by Crystal Grooms Manganohttps://groomsymusic.com/

    1h 14m
  3. Why Food Anxiety Is Not Always About Dieting: Understanding ARFID and Intuitive Eating An interview with Robyn L. Goldberg, RDN, CEDS-C

    FEB 16

    Why Food Anxiety Is Not Always About Dieting: Understanding ARFID and Intuitive Eating An interview with Robyn L. Goldberg, RDN, CEDS-C

    Why Food Anxiety Is Not Always About Dieting: Understanding ARFID and Intuitive Eating - An interview with Robyn L. Goldberg, RDN, CEDS-C Diet culture often dominates conversations about eating disorders, but not all struggles with food are driven by weight, body image, or dieting. In this episode, Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy talk with registered dietitian nutritionist and certified eating disorder specialist Robyn L. Goldberg about Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), intuitive eating, and how therapists can recognize when food anxiety requires a different clinical approach. Robyn explains how ARFID differs from more familiar eating disorders, why it is often mislabeled as “picky eating,” and when intuitive eating principles need to be adapted or set aside. This conversation offers therapists practical guidance for assessment, referral, and collaboration with eating-disorder-informed dietitians. Key Takeaways ARFID is not driven by weight or body image concerns and is often rooted in sensory sensitivities, trauma, or fear of aversive consequences Intuitive eating is not a one-size-fits-all model and may require significant structure for some clients Rigid food rules and avoidance can be protective for clients but may also limit functioning and quality of life Exposure-based approaches are often central to ARFID treatment and require specialized training Therapists should refer to eating-disorder-informed dietitians when food restriction significantly impacts health or daily life Guest Bio Robyn L. Goldberg, RDN, CEDS-C, is a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified eating disorder dietitian and consultant with over twenty-eight years of experience. She is the author of The Eating Disorder Trap, host of The Eating Disorder Trap Podcast, and a nationally recognized expert featured in major media outlets. Full Show NotesRead the full show notes and resources at: https://www.mtsgpodcast.com Community and SupportJoin our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/therapyreimaginedSupport the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/mtsgpodcast Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits Voiceover by DW McCannhttps://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/ Music by Crystal Grooms Manganohttps://groomsymusic.com/

    38 min
  4. The Epstein Files Fallout: Navigating Client Trauma, Justice Fatigue, and Clinical Responsibility

    FEB 12

    The Epstein Files Fallout: Navigating Client Trauma, Justice Fatigue, and Clinical Responsibility

    The Epstein Files Fallout: Navigating Client Trauma, Justice Fatigue, and Clinical Responsibility In this episode of the Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide, Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy explore the emotional and clinical fallout following the release of the Epstein files. Rather than reacting to breaking news, they focus on what happens after the headlines fade—when trauma resurfaces, justice feels out of reach, and both clients and therapists are left carrying the weight. This conversation examines how trauma responses show up in the therapy room, how therapists can avoid minimization or burnout, and what clinical responsibility looks like when systems fail and outrage turns into numbness. Key takeaways for therapists: How public disclosures can retraumatize survivors and trigger moral injury Why clients may experience numbness, irritability, or hopelessness instead of anger How to ethically hold space without rushing clients toward resolution Ways therapists can manage their own exposure and remain grounded The importance of containment, validation, and agency during collective trauma Full show notes and resources available at:https://mtsgpodcast.com Join the Modern Therapist Community: Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/therapyreimagined Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/mtsgpodcast Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits Voice Over by DW McCannhttps://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/ Music by Crystal Grooms Manganohttps://groomsymusic.com/

    44 min
  5. Why the Math Doesn’t Work: How Student Loan Debt Hits Therapists Harder Than Other Professions – An Interview with Mick MacLaverty

    FEB 9

    Why the Math Doesn’t Work: How Student Loan Debt Hits Therapists Harder Than Other Professions – An Interview with Mick MacLaverty

    Why the Math Doesn’t Work: How Student Loan Debt Hits Therapists Harder Than Other Professions – An Interview with Mick MacLaverty Student loan debt affects nearly every corner of the mental health field, but for therapists, the numbers often don’t add up. In this episode, Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy talk with student loan expert Mick MacLaverty about why therapists carry disproportionately high debt, how inconsistent income makes repayment especially difficult, and the structural factors in higher education and healthcare that created this imbalance. Mick explains how federal student loan policies have evolved, why forgiveness programs have become politically volatile, and what therapists need to understand about repayment options, refinancing, and employer-based student loan benefits. This conversation offers clarity on an issue that directly impacts career sustainability, burnout, and long-term financial health. About the guest:Mick MacLaverty is the CEO and co-founder of Highway Benefits, a company that helps employers offer student loan repayment as a benefit. He has spent thousands of hours researching the student debt crisis and works closely with healthcare and therapy-adjacent organizations to help employees reduce long-term loan burden. Key takeaways for therapists: Therapists often graduate with significantly more student loan debt than the average worker. Income instability makes consistent monthly repayment especially challenging. Student loan debt is driven by structural issues in education and healthcare, not individual failure. Federal loan policies and forgiveness programs can be confusing and politically driven. Employer-based student loan repayment benefits can meaningfully reduce debt and interest over time. Full show notes and transcript:https://mtsgpodcast.com Join the community: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/mtsgpodcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/therapyreimagined Credits: Voice Over by DW McCann Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano

    42 min
  6. Special Series: Becoming a Therapist - Starting Out After Graduate School: Team-Based Care, Stability, and Early Career Decisions - An Interview with Eden Lathem

    FEB 5

    Special Series: Becoming a Therapist - Starting Out After Graduate School: Team-Based Care, Stability, and Early Career Decisions - An Interview with Eden Lathem

    Starting Out After Graduate School: Team-Based Care, Stability, and Early Career Decisions - An Interview with Eden LathemSpecial Series: Becoming a Therapist In this Becoming a Therapist special series episode, Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy welcome back Eden Lathem for a second-year check-in following her graduation from graduate school. Now working under temporary licensure, Eden shares what it has been like to enter the workforce in an intensive outpatient treatment setting, navigate supervision requirements, and make early career decisions focused on stability, learning, and sustainability. This conversation explores the realities of life after graduate school, including team-based care, financial considerations, and flexibility in building a therapy career. About the GuestEden Lathem is a Marriage and Family Therapist practicing under temporary licensure and working in an intensive outpatient treatment setting. She provides individual and group therapy as part of a multidisciplinary clinical team and works with individuals and families navigating caregiving stress, disability, trauma, anxiety, depression, identity shifts, and major life transitions. Eden is also completing training in Parent–Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), an evidence-based approach that uses live coaching and play to support parent-child connection. Key Takeaways • What the transition from graduate school to the workforce can actually look like • Why team-based treatment settings can offer stability and support early in a career • The financial and structural realities of supervision and licensure • How early career clinicians can stay flexible while working toward long-term goals • Choosing learning and sustainability over rushing into private practice Find the full show notes and resources for this episode at https://mtsgpodcast.com Join the Modern Therapist Community 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/

    37 min
  7. Special Series: Becoming a Therapist - Becoming a Therapist as a First-Generation Clinician-in-Training: An Interview with Marvin Vasquez

    FEB 2

    Special Series: Becoming a Therapist - Becoming a Therapist as a First-Generation Clinician-in-Training: An Interview with Marvin Vasquez

    Becoming a Therapist as a First-Generation Clinician-in-Training: An Interview with Marvin Vasquez Special Series: Becoming a Therapist In this Becoming a Therapist special series episode, Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy welcome back Marvin Vasquez for a second-year check-in as he moves into the clinical phase of his training. Marvin reflects on beginning direct client work as a first-generation clinician-in-training, providing therapy in both English and Spanish, and supporting members of his own community during a time of heightened systemic stress. This conversation explores practicum placement, supervision, self-doubt, and the emotional realities of becoming a therapist while holding personal, cultural, and professional identities at the same time. About the Guest Marvin Vasquez is a first-generation Marriage and Family Therapy graduate student at California State University, Northridge. He is currently completing his clinical training as an intern at Phoenix House, where he works with individuals and families impacted by mental health challenges and systemic barriers, with a focus on Latinx communities. Marvin provides bilingual therapy in English and Spanish and is committed to culturally responsive, strengths-based care and community advocacy. Key Takeaways • What it’s like to move from coursework into direct clinical work as a first-generation clinician • The emotional impact of serving your own community while still in training • How supportive supervision helps reduce self-doubt and “flailing” early in practice • Why bilingual and culturally responsive care can deepen trust and engagement • Navigating systemic stressors while developing confidence as a new therapist Find the full show notes and resources for this episode at https://mtsgpodcast.com Join the Modern Therapist Community 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/

    42 min
  8. Special Series: Becoming a Therapist - After Graduation: Starting a Therapy Career on a Nontraditional Path - An Interview with Derek Isetti

    JAN 29

    Special Series: Becoming a Therapist - After Graduation: Starting a Therapy Career on a Nontraditional Path - An Interview with Derek Isetti

    After Graduation: Starting a Therapy Career on a Nontraditional Path - An Interview with Derek Isetti In this Becoming a Therapist special series episode, Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy check back in with Derek Isetti one year after his first appearance on the podcast. Now graduated from his MSW program, Derek reflects on the prelicensed phase of the journey, including navigating post-graduation registration requirements, taking the Law and Ethics Exam, and searching for supervised clinical work while maintaining a full-time academic career. This conversation explores what it really looks like to start a therapy career on a nontraditional timeline and path. About the Guest Derek Isetti, MSW, PhD, CCC-SLP is an Associate Professor at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. With a background in the performing arts, Derek is both a speech-language pathologist and a social worker pursuing licensure as a psychotherapist. His professional work spans academia, healthcare, and clinical training, offering a unique perspective on early-career development and prelicensed practice. Key Takeaways • What the prelicensed phase looks like after graduating from a master’s program • Common challenges with registration, exams, and supervision requirements • Searching for supervised clinical work on a part-time or nontraditional timeline • Balancing another professional career while accumulating hours toward licensure • Why supervision quality and fit matter during the early stages of practice Find the full show notes and resources for this episode at https://mtsgpodcast.com Join the Modern Therapist Community 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/

    45 min
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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.

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