Bonus Episode! When Good Intentions Lead to Bad Policy: Why the BBS Needs Therapist Feedback – An Interview with Dr. Benjamin E. Caldwell, LMFT

When Good Intentions Lead to Bad Policy: Why the BBS Needs Therapist Feedback – An Interview with Dr. Benjamin E. Caldwell, LMFT Curt and Katie talk with Dr. Benjamin E. Caldwell about the California BBS’s new regulatory proposals and why several well-intended ideas may actually undermine therapist education and professional standards. We discuss the proposal to award CE hours simply for providing supervision, giving CE credit for passive activities, concerns about codifying the licensing exam vendor, and the surprising reason behind the upcoming four-year fee reduction. Ben breaks down what therapists need to know—and how to make their voices heard during the public comment period. About Our Guest: Dr. Benjamin E. Caldwell, PsyD, LMFT Benjamin E. Caldwell, PsyD is a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Adjunct Faculty for California State University Northridge. He is the author of Basics of California Law for LMFTs, LPCCs, and LCSWs and the lead author of AAMFT’s Best Practices in the Online Practice of Couple and Family Therapy. His company, High Pass Education, provides exam prep and continuing education for mental health professionals. Key Takeaways for Therapists • Why the BBS’s proposed changes matter for therapists in and beyond California • Concerns about awarding CE for providing supervision instead of structured learning • How CE requirements may shift toward passive or non-educational activities • Issues with naming Pearson VUE in regulation • Why BBS fees will be reduced for four years • How therapists can participate in the public comment period to influence policy Full show notes and transcript available at mtsgpodcast.com Join the Modern Therapist Community Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined Creative Credits Voice Over by DW McCann – https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/ Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano – https://groomsymusic.com/

How Therapists Can Help Clients Finally Sleep: An Interview with Jessica Fink, LCSW-S Curt and Katie interview sleep specialist Jessica Fink, LCSW-S, about what therapists often misunderstand about sleep—and what actually helps when clients are stuck in cycles of insomnia, nighttime anxiety, or maladaptive sleep behaviors. Jessica breaks down the limits of sleep hygiene, the fundamentals of CBT-I, what to do when clients wake up at 3 a.m. spiraling, how to distinguish tired vs. sleepy, and why wearables and blue light might be overrated concerns. She also shares how therapists can confidently assess sleep disorders and support behavioral sleep change without overmedicalizing the issue. About Our Guest: Jessica Fink, LCSW-S Jessica Fink, LCSW-S is a Texas-based therapist who specializes in sleep issues, PTSD, OCD, chronic pain and maladaptive overcontrol. As a CBT-oriented provider, Jessica uses structured, data-driven approaches combined with flexibility and creativity to create real, lasting change. Jessica values client independence, designing therapy to equip individuals with their own tools and coping strategies. Jessica's practice is entirely online and accessible to all Texas residents. Key Takeaways for Therapists Sleep hygiene is prevention—not treatment for insomnia. CBT-I is counterintuitive: don’t go to bed until sleepy, and get out of bed if awake too long. A consistent wake time matters more than bedtime. Blue light isn’t the enemy most people think it is. Wearables can increase anxiety and worsen sleep perfectionism (“orthosomnia”). Therapists play a crucial role even in medically driven sleep disorders like sleep apnea. Scheduled “constructive worry” times can reduce nighttime rumination. Full show notes and transcript available at:https://mtsgpodcast.com Join the Modern Therapist Community: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined Creative Credits Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano – https://groomsymusic.com/ Voiceover by DW McCann – https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/

Navigating Client Crises When Your Own Life Hits Hard Curt and Katie talk about what therapists can do when client crises show up at the exact wrong time—during holidays, illness, personal stress, or overwhelming seasons of life. They explore capacity, boundaries, communication, safety planning, and how to ethically support clients without becoming a 24/7 crisis line. This is a practical, validating look at the realities therapists face when their own lives get complicated. Key Takeaways Therapists can assess capacity and complete a “busyness audit” to stay realistic about bandwidth. Clear communication about availability helps prevent crisis-time misunderstandings. Clients benefit from learning how to reach out with context so you can triage effectively. Safety plans and community resources reduce client over-reliance on the therapist. Therapists can hold boundaries while still supporting clients through crisis moments. Full show notes and transcript are available at mtsgpodcast.com. Join the Modern Therapist Community 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 Crisis Hits Home: How Therapists Can Survive and Support Each Other — An Interview with Jeanine Rousso Curt and Katie chat with Jeanine Rousso, a licensed counselor and supervisor in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina and founder of Therapist Resource Network, about how therapists can care for themselves when natural disasters or crises directly impact them. They discuss why therapists often push past their limits, how to assess capacity and step back ethically, and the importance of financial preparedness and peer support. About Our Guest:Jeanine Rousso is a licensed counselor and supervisor in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina. She founded the nonprofit organization Therapist Resource Network to provide emergency financial support, burnout prevention and recovery, and advocacy for mental health professionals. Key Takeaways for Therapists: Therapists often try to maintain pre-crisis workloads after disasters, leading to burnout. It’s essential to check your own capacity before showing up for clients. Build financial documentation and savings as a personal safety net. Disaster recovery requires both individual resilience and systemic advocacy. Full Show Notes: mtsgpodcast.com Join the Modern Therapist Community:Linktree | Patreon | Facebook Group Credits:Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano | Voiceover by DW McCann

Surviving Family Gatherings Without Becoming the Family Therapist: Emotional Boundaries for the Holidays Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy explore how therapists can navigate family gatherings without slipping into the role of “family therapist.” They discuss emotional boundaries, guilt, codependency, and the importance of authenticity during the holiday season. Learn how to recognize old family patterns, manage emotional triggers, and show up as a whole human (not just a clinician) when family dynamics get complicated. Key Takeaways for Therapists: Therapists often revert to caretaker or mediator roles during family gatherings. Emotional boundaries matter as much as physical ones: protect your energy. “JADE” doesn’t go to Thanksgiving: Don’t Justify, Argue, Defend, or Explain. It’s okay to have emotions and step away from unproductive conversations. Clarify your role (family member, not therapist) and engage authentically. Listen to the full episode and access resources:Full show notes at mtsgpodcast.com Join the Modern Therapist Community: Patreon Creative Credits: Voice Over by DW McCann Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano

Designing a Sustainable Therapy Career: Reflections on Burnout, Legacy, and Letting Go Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy reflect on what it takes to build and sustain a meaningful therapy career and how to leave the profession well. They explore professional identity, burnout, and how to stay connected to the work without losing yourself in it. Drawing from recent interviews with Lynn Grodzki, Margaret Wehrenberg, and Ofra Obejas, they share insights on sustainability, capacity, and creating a “good finish” for your therapy career. Key Takeaways for Therapists: Therapists need intentional career design. Sustainability doesn’t happen by accident. Burnout can distort your love for the work and your professional identity. Regular reflection helps ensure your career still aligns with your values and capacity. Building community and connection is essential to avoiding isolation in private practice. Planning early for closure allows for a more graceful and fulfilling finish. Link to Full Show Notes:https://mtsgpodcast.com Join the Modern Therapist Community: Linktree Creative Credits: Voice Over by DW McCann Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano

When Burnout Ends Your Therapy Career: An Interview with Ofra Obejas Curt and Katie speak with Ofra Obejas, LCSW (Retired), about what happens when even the most dedicated therapists reach their limits. After 20 years in practice, Ofra recognized she could no longer sustain the emotional and systemic demands of the work and chose to close her practice with integrity. She shares what burnout really looks like, how unrealistic professional expectations fuel it, and what therapists can do to protect themselves before it’s too late. About Our Guest: Ofra Obejas, LCSW (Retired) Ofra Obejas, LCSW Retired, has just closed her practice after 20 years and many letters after her name. Over her career, she provided individual and group therapy to thousands, was on the faculty of a university therapy training program, and presented CEs to hundreds. Despite this clear proof of her expertise, she feels like a failure, a fate she wishes to save newer therapists from. Key Takeaways for Therapists Burnout isn’t a personal weakness—it’s a mismatch between what therapy demands and what clinicians can sustainably give. “Self-care” can’t fix systemic overload or chronic emotional depletion. Therapists must honor their own limits and values to avoid running out of gas. Leaving the field can be an act of integrity, not failure. Listen to the full conversation and find resources at: mtsgpodcast.com Join the Modern Therapist Community Patreon Creative Credits Voice Over by DW McCann Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano

How Therapists Retire: Planning, Ethics, and Letting Go of the Work You Love – An Interview with Lynn Grodzki, LCSW and Margaret Wehrenberg, PsyD Curt and Katie talk with Lynn Grodzki and Margaret Wehrenberg about how therapists can plan for retirement with intention and integrity. They explore the emotional, ethical, and practical considerations of closing a practice, navigating readiness, and redefining identity after a lifetime of therapeutic work. About Our Guests Lynn Grodzki, LCSW-C, MCC is a pioneer in private practice development and the author of six influential books on therapy and coaching.Margaret Wehrenberg, Psy.D. is an internationally recognized expert on anxiety and depression and the author of 13 books, including The 10 Best-Ever Anxiety Management Techniques. Together, they offer a rare blend of clinical experience, practical strategies, and heartfelt compassion. Key Takeaways for Therapists Retirement is one of the most consequential transitions in a therapist’s professional life. Lynn and Margaret’s Readiness for Retirement Model helps therapists plan across four stages: pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, and action. Planning early supports ethical closure and a smoother emotional process for both therapist and client. Common barriers include guilt, grief, and identity shifts—as well as lack of business or financial planning. Creating a professional will and protecting intellectual property are essential parts of ending well. Therapists can honor their legacy by recognizing the lasting impact of their work and embracing new opportunities in retirement. For more information and full show notes Visit: mtsgpodcast.com Join the Modern Therapist Community Linktree Creative Credits Voice Over by DW McCann Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano

Modern Therapist’s Consumer Guide: SimplePractice Curt and Katie talk with Jonathan Seltzer, CEO of SimplePractice, about how the company continues to evolve to meet the needs of independent mental health professionals. They discuss SimplePractice’s mission to empower clinicians with intuitive tools, transparency around investors, and the responsible use of AI to reduce administrative burdens while maintaining clinical integrity. This episode is part of our Modern Therapist’s Consumer Guide series, where we explore tools and services that help therapists and their clients thrive. Guest Bio Jonathan Seltzer is the CEO of SimplePractice, a software platform built to empower private practice clinicians to run thriving, independent practices. He leads a team of over 550 people supporting more than 225,000 clinicians who use SimplePractice to provide care. Jonathan is passionate about helping therapists operate with greater confidence, ease, and connection to the broader healthcare ecosystem. Key Takeaways SimplePractice remains focused on empowering independent and small-group clinicians. The company prioritizes transparency and clinician trust in how it handles data, investment, and innovation. AI tools are designed to **augment—not replace—**therapists, with high clinical and ethical standards. 🔗 Full show notes: mtsgpodcast.com 🎁 Special Offer: Check out current SimplePractice offers at simplepractice.com Join the Modern Therapist Community Patreon Creative Credits Voice Over by DW McCann Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano

Protecting Clients Through Better Notes: An Interview with Dr. Maelisa McCaffrey Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy talk with Dr. Maelisa McCaffrey about how therapists can document ethically and protectively in a politically charged climate. They explore how to handle sensitive topics like gender identity, reproductive rights, and immigration status while keeping documentation accurate, ethical, and safe for clients. About Our Guest Dr. Maelisa McCaffrey is a licensed psychologist, nail design enthusiast, and author of the book, Stress-Free Documentation for Mental Health Therapists. Through her business QA Prep, she empowers therapists with training and consultation on clinical documentation. Maelisa focuses on the “why” behind the usual recommendations and encourages clinicians to think outside the box, while also keeping their ethics intact. Key Takeaways for Therapists Documentation can carry legal and ethical risks in today’s climate. Use clear but sensitive language when writing notes. Informed consent and collaboration with clients are essential. Focus on clinical themes rather than politically charged terms. Review your own forms and practices for unnecessary information. More Info and Full Show Notes Visit mtsgpodcast.com for the full show notes, transcripts, and resources from this episode. Join the Modern Therapist Community Linktree Creative Credits Voice Over by DW McCannMusic by Crystal Grooms Mangano