Love, Happiness, and Success For Therapists – Details, episodes & analysis

🔥 Is Your Mental Health EHR Software SABOTAGING Your Therapy Practice? 🔥

Hey there, fabulous therapists! 

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably poured your heart and soul into building your therapy private practice. And let’s face it, managing the business side of things isn’t exactly why we got into this field. But what if I told you that the very tool you rely on for efficient practice management might actually be working against you?

It all started with a seemingly innocent email from a colleague. “Hey Lisa, have you checked out the new terms of service for our mental health EHR system?” they asked. Intrigued and a little concerned, I decided to dive in. What I found left me absolutely gobsmacked.

I spent hours wading through 97 pages of legal jargon, and what I discovered was alarming.

I recorded a podcast on what happened next and released this in July, BUT since the first version was released I've gained visibility into some new information... and some new developments have unfolded. I am in the process of updating this podcast and video, and will be re-releasing it soon. 

Chapters:- 

00:00 The Shocking Discovery 

01:39 Terms of Service Panic

02:39 Deep Dive into the Agreement

04:47 Exploitation Uncovered

11:43 The Fake Client Test

15:15 The Migration Nightmare

16:20 Legal Battles and New Beginnings

18:32 Sharing the Experience

22:23 Collective Power of Therapists

27:13 Resources and Final Thoughts

Stay connected with me so I can let you know that this has been posted. Join my weekly newsletter for therapists to get notified about new podcasts that will support you, and help you flourish and thrive in our shared profession. 👇

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Your partner in outrage ✊

Lisa Marie Bobby

Could your next therapy client be a mystery shopper on a secret spy mission? Yes, it’s a real thing—surprise! 🤯

When I found out someone was secretly in therapy to review my practice for an article, I didn’t know whether to laugh, cry, or check if I’d entered an episode of Black Mirror. But here’s the deal: therapy mystery shoppers are real, and it’s something every therapist needs to know about.

In this podcast, I’m sharing the full story—what happened to me, why it matters to your practice, and, most importantly, how you can protect yourself and your clients. We’ll talk ethics, trust, and practical strategies so you can handle anything with professionalism and confidence. 💪

Chapters:

00:00 Hook: What if your client is secretly reviewing you?
02:55 When it happened to me: The full story
05:03 The trust shake-up: Why this feels so unsettling
06:39 Why every therapist should care (even if it hasn’t happened to you yet)
15:42 Red flags: How to spot a mystery shopper
18:47 Protect your practice: Actionable strategies
22:02 Growth mindset: Turning surprises into opportunities
24:51 Wrap-up: Keeping your practice strong and confident

Weird stuff happens—trust me, I’ve faced it all. From therapy mystery shoppers to scams targeting therapists, if you want to protect your practice, I’ve got you covered. When you sign up for my 8 Scams Targeting Therapists email series, I’ll share my personal experiences with you and lay out clear, actionable steps you can implement today to keep your practice safe. You don’t have to figure this out on your own.

If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button for more tips to protect, grow, and thrive in your practice. And please share this podcast with your professional community—because the best way we protect ourselves is by looking out for each other.

Xoxo

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

www.growingself.com

P.S. Let’s connect! Join our amazing therapist community over on LinkedIn. I’d love to hear your thoughts, stories, and questions!

Ever feel like something’s “off” in your therapeutic relationships but can’t quite put your finger on it? The answer might lie in hidden power dynamics that could be impacting your clients in ways you didn’t realize.

In today’s episode, *The Hidden Power Dynamics in Therapy*, I’m diving into the subtle, often unnoticed imbalances that naturally occur between therapist and client—and more importantly, what you can do to manage them effectively so that they don't sabotage the work.

I’ll walk you through practical strategies to create more equitable relationships, promote client autonomy, and avoid the common pitfalls of disempowerment and dependency.

With over 50 therapists under my supervision, I’ve seen firsthand how even well-meaning professionals can fall into these traps. I’ll also be sharing personal insights and tools you can start using in your next session.

Join me for this vital conversation and let’s work together to ensure we’re empowering our clients in every way possible AND avoiding the pitfalls that can ruin therapy (and even get you in hot water as a therapist).

What You’ll Learn:

03:24:Why Power Differentials Are Unavoidable

11:21: The Consequences of Unmanaged Power Dynamics

22:26: Strategies for Reducing Imbalances in Your Sessions

25:00: How to Collaborate and Be Transparent with Clients 

32:11: Final Thoughts & Free Resources for Therapists 

I can’t wait for you to tune in!

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

And don’t forget! I have a *FREE* 2-part training just for therapists, where I’ll show you how to get clear about your professional trajectory, and integrate coaching techniques into your practice for even more effective results. You can access it at growingself.com/coaching

Do you talk about yourself too much in therapy??

Therapists, we’ve all been there. You want to connect with your client, show empathy, and maybe even share a bit of your own story to create that bond. But could your personal anecdotes be doing more harm than good? In today's episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists, we’re diving into the delicate balance of self-disclosure in therapy. How much is too much, and how do we ensure our personal shares are actually helping, not hurting, our clients' progress?

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering where to draw the line between therapeutic empathy and oversharing, this episode is for you. We'll explore real-life examples where well-meaning therapists let their personal stories take center stage—leading to client disengagement, boundary issues, and even professional consequences.

In this episode, I’ll guide you through:

00:53: The ‘Let’s Talk About Me’ Scenario
When a therapist’s own grief overshadows their client’s healing process—where the session turns from support to storytelling.

02:51: The Fitness Enthusiast's Misstep
How a seemingly helpful share about personal fitness goals left a client feeling inadequate, anxious, and ultimately disconnected.

04:31: Validation Gone Wrong
The dangers of seeking client approval—when a therapist inadvertently puts the focus on their own choices rather than the client’s growth.

05:59: Family Drama in Therapy
What happens when a therapist's overshare about their own relationship problems creates discomfort and confusion for the client.

07:40: The Rise of Life Coaches and Boundaries
How the 'tell-all' culture in amateur coaching differs from the professional standards we as therapists must adhere to.

08:22: Boundaries and Ethical Guidelines: Keeping It Professional
A look at the strict ethical codes (APA, ACA) governing self-disclosure and how to use them to maintain your integrity in practice.

11:37: Potential Pitfalls and Client Retention
Wondering why clients are ghosting or disengaging? It could be your oversharing. Learn how to spot red flags in your own practice.

17:08: Best Practices for Therapists
From seeking consultation to structuring sessions for client feedback, I’ll share actionable steps to ensure your self-disclosure is always in service of the client.

Whether you’re a seasoned therapist or just starting out, maintaining clear, professional boundaries is essential for both client outcomes and your own career longevity. Let’s make sure we’re always showing up in the most helpful, effective way for the people who trust us with their growth.

Want more? Head over to GrowingSelf.com/therapists for articles, podcasts, and resources to keep you at the top of your game. And hey, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast to get notified when there's a new episode chock full of perspective and tips to support your personal and professional wellbeing as a therapist. 

xo, 

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

P.S. Have we connected yet on Linkedin? If not, join the conversation! https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlisabobby/

Something that we are all vulnerable to as therapists can be moving too fast with our clients, or in some cases, moving too slow. 

We want to help our therapy clients experience results: healthier relationships, higher self-esteem, more success in their careers, and more contentment in their lives. But when we push them into the deep end of the personal growth pool before they're ready, their progress stalls. 

So how can you know if you're moving too fast with a client? And, what are some signs that your client is ready for more of a challenge? That's what we're talking about on this episode of Love, Happiness and Success for Therapists.

I hope it helps you set the pace that's just right for you and your clients. That's when the magic happens! 

xoxo, 

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby 

P.S. — In this episode we talked about how using evidence-based coaching psychology techniques can help you find that sweet spot. If you want to learn more about coaching certification for therapists, take this totally FREE two part training to find out what it is, how it works, and whether or not it's for you: https://www.growingself.com/coach

"Is Your Practice a Legal Time Bomb?"

As ethical, caring therapists with the best of intentions, we never set out to cross boundaries or make missteps in our practice. But the truth is, even the most well-meaning therapists can stumble into dangerous territory and even serious ethical violations—often for things we never thought would be an issue… until it’s too late.

We both know you’re a fantastic therapist, but I’d love for you to take a moment and reflect: could there be something in your current process that has the potential to get you in trouble down the road?

In the latest Love, Happiness & Success for Therapists podcast, I’m breaking down the ethical landmines that blow up in therapists’ faces all the time. You may think you’re covering your bases, but these hidden aspects could be the ones that catch you off guard.

👇 Here’s what you think you know—but with a twist 👇

• You know you shouldn’t abandon clients… but are you unintentionally doing it in ways you’ve never considered?

• You know your caseload needs managing… but what hidden oversights in documentation could cause a massive issue?

• You know about boundaries… but what about the subtle boundary crossings that might not seem like a big deal—until they are?

• You know dual relationships are a no-no… but do you know the sneaky ways these can happen without even realizing it?

• You’re confident in your scope of competence… but how can you be sure you’re not accidentally stepping out of it without knowing?

💡 Why this matters: No one plans on being grieved or losing their license, but the smallest oversights can create the biggest problems. This episode is about uncovering those hidden risks and making sure you’re truly protected.

If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast so you never miss out on more tips for growing your practice and protecting your career. And hey, if you know other therapists who could use some help dodging those ethical landmines, share this episode with them!

Xo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

P.S. Let’s keep this conversation going! Connect with me on LinkedIn here to connect with me and be part of an amazing community of like-minded professionals.

Therapists aren't psychics, but they can seem that way. Why? The best of the best never stop assessing!

Think you truly know your long-term clients? What if I told you there’s a key you’re missing to unlock their next breakthrough? Staying comfortable with your clients could be the one thing holding them back—let’s change that.

As therapists, we love building deep, meaningful relationships with our clients over time—but staying comfortable with your clients could be the one thing holding them back. Complacency in therapy is more common than you think, and the biggest mistake seasoned therapists make is getting too comfortable. Here’s how to avoid it and keep your clients growing.

In today’s episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists, I’m diving into why ongoing assessment is the key to unlocking deeper growth for your clients—and, more importantly, for you. If you’ve stopped assessing your long-term clients, you’re missing the hidden layers of growth that could transform their journey.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

• [00:00] The power of long-term client relationships—and the hidden risks they carry.

• [00:56] Why continuous assessment is crucial for staying in tune with your clients' evolving needs.

• [02:17] Strategies to avoid getting complacent and stay connected to your clients’ goals.

• [06:15] The ethical responsibility we have as therapists to assess whether we’re still truly helping our clients.

• [18:16] How to spot—and address—client dependency before it becomes unhealthy.

• [21:01] Monitoring shifts in your clients' identity, values, and goals so you can keep the work relevant and effective.

• [23:02] The critical importance of addressing addictive behaviors that may surface over time.

This episode is packed with actionable insights that will help you stay sharp, ethical, and deeply connected to your clients as they grow and change. Discover how continuous assessment keeps your clients (and you) thriving. If you want to continue being the transformative guide your clients need, hit play now.

This isn’t just about helping them—it’s about making sure you continue to love, enjoy, and grow in your work too.

Let’s dive in!

Warmly,
Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

P.S. Are we connected yet on Linkedin? Join the conversation!

Unfortunatly, feeling like a fraud sometimes is part of the experience of being a therapist. Even a good, competent, highly effective therapist! 

If that anxious whisper of “Am I even helping anyone?” has floated through your mind, 1) you're not alone and 2) I'm so glad you're here today for this conversation!

 In this episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists, I’m diving deep into therapist imposter syndrome—that sneaky self-doubt that makes you question your competence and wonder if you're doing enough for your clients.

Here’s the thing: Imposter syndrome isn’t a reflection of your abilities; it’s a sign of how much you care about your work. And guess what? If you felt completely confident all the time, you’d stop growing, and your clients might not get the best version of you.

In this episode, we’re breaking it all down: where imposter syndrome comes from, why it's so common in our profession, and—most importantly—how you can manage it and use it as a tool for your own professional evolution. I’m sharing actionable strategies that help turn imposter syndrome into an engine for growth, so you can show up for your clients with renewed confidence and authenticity.

🔑 Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Why every thoughtful therapist experiences imposter syndrome

• How to reframe those self-doubts into something positive

• Building a growth mindset that keeps you evolving as a therapist

• The importance of community, mentorship, and reflection in managing imposter syndrome

• Practical tips you can start using right now to manage those nagging thoughts

Don’t let imposter syndrome paralyze you—let it push you to grow. Tune in to learn how to navigate this common struggle, find your confidence, and keep showing up for your clients in the best possible way.

👉 For more therapist resources and tips, visit growingself.com/therapists and let’s definitely connect on LinkedIn!

xoxo, 

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

#TherapistLife #ImposterSyndrome #MentalHealthProfessionals #TherapistGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #TherapyCareer

Did you know that our healthy, appropriate therapeutic boundaries have the potential to cause hurt feelings, emotional barriers, and even ruptures in our relationships with clients? 😬 It’s true! Even though these boundaries are vital for ethical practice, they can leave clients feeling hurt, frustrated, or confused if we’re not handling them with care and intention.

In this episode, I’m diving deep into how therapeutic boundaries for therapists—from declining social media requests to maintaining client autonomy—can unintentionally create emotional distance if we’re not communicating about them properly. I’m sharing strategies to prevent these ruptures by being proactive and transparent about why we set boundaries and how they protect both us and our clients. 💡

By addressing these moments head-on, you can turn potential ruptures into opportunities for connection, trust, and growth. 🙌

👇 Timestamps 👇
00:00 Understanding Client Perceptions
01:02 Introduction to Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby
02:12 Common Therapist Boundaries
02:40 Navigating Social Media and Public Encounters
03:45 Proactive Communication and Transparency
07:14 The Role of Silence in Therapy
08:24 Dual Relationships and Boundaries
10:36 The Importance of Not Giving Direct Advice
12:32 Coaching vs. Therapy
17:14 Respecting Client Autonomy
17:56 Addressing Potential Ruptures
20:35 Final Thoughts and Resources

This episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you handle therapeutic boundaries for therapists intentionally, ensuring they don’t become the source of misunderstandings or ruptures. You’ll learn how to maintain strong, trusting relationships with your clients while holding firm to ethical practices.

Let’s talk about how to turn these “weird” moments into opportunities for growth and connection. Listen now! 🔥

Xoxo, 

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

PS: Let’s stick together and be friends on Linkedin!

PPS: Have you FOLLOWED Love, Happiness, and Success For Therapists on your podcast player yet? Do it now so you don't miss an episode! 

Ever found yourself feeling personally triggered by your clients, or silently (perhaps guiltily) feeling judgmental about their values or life choices? Perhaps your client is having an affair, or engaged in criminal activity, or is behaving in ways that are destructive to others. It's normal to have feelings about this!

You're not alone—and this episode will change the way you handle it.

In this episode of Love, Happiness, and Success For Therapist, we’re diving into a topic that’s so essential to our work: how to remain non-judgmental when your clients’ values conflict with your own. I know it can feel challenging sometimes—believe me, we’ve all been there! But here’s the thing: when you really dig into this work, it not only makes you a better therapist, but it also helps you grow emotionally and personally in ways you didn’t expect. 🌱

The magic of practicing unconditional positive regard is that it stretches you. It makes you more tolerant, more accepting, and honestly, more compassionate in your personal relationships, too. This episode is all about leaning into that discomfort, embracing your clients’ unique journeys, and using it as a tool for your own growth.

Let’s explore together how mastering non-judgmental support can foster deeper empathy and help you build stronger relationships in both your professional and personal life. Ready to level up? Let’s dive in!

Timestamps: 

00:00 – How Values Conflicts Impact Therapists AND Clients

05:05 - Therapists Are Human!

12:30 - The First Step: Self Awareness

14:55 - Authentic Curiosity

18:15 - Working Within Cognitive Dissonance

23:18 - Professional Path Choices

33:03 – Practical Tips for Counselors

33:14 – Supporting Clients on Their Journey

33:26 – Embracing Non-Judgmental Support

33:54 – Personal Growth Through Professional Practice

34:28 – Fostering Tolerance and Perspective

Hit play, get comfy, and let's grow together! 🌟 #TherapistLife #UnconditionalPositiveRegard #PersonalGrowth #Empathy #TherapyJourney

Xo, 

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

PS: We therapists need to stick together. Let’s be friends on Linkedin!