Explore every episode of the podcast The Therapist Thrival Guide
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 103. Erotic Blueprints: A Tool for Couples Therapy Work | 11 Jun 2025 | 00:26:39 | |
In this episode of the Therapist Thrival Guide, Miranda is joined by Hana, a licensed associate marriage and family therapist and one of the newest content creators at Ellie Mental Health. Together, we dive into the world of Erotic Blueprints—a framework that explores the different ways people experience and connect with pleasure. We break down the five blueprint types: energetic, sensual, sexual, kinky, and shapeshifter, and talk about how understanding these “pleasure languages” can support deeper connection, improved communication, and a more fulfilling intimate life—both individually and in relationships. Whether you're new to the concept or already familiar, Hana shares how this model can be a powerful tool in therapy and self-reflection. We also touch on practical ways to explore your own blueprint (like taking the quiz), what to do when you hit sexual blocks, and how to incorporate this work into self-care and healing. If you’re curious about expanding your understanding of desire, intimacy, and how to bring more intention to pleasure—this one’s for you. Episode Breakdown (with Timestamps):00:27 – What Are Erotic Blueprints?01:34 – The Five Blueprint Types Explained04:42 – Using Blueprints in the Therapy Room11:22 – Navigating Blocks and Barriers24:52 – Training & Certification in Erotic Blueprint Work27:06 – Self-Care Through the Lens of Erotic Blueprints 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. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for over three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Director of Content and Production at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. The Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy | |||
| 102. Writing Effective Treatment Plans (Without the Guesswork) | 04 Jun 2025 | 00:43:09 | |
In this episode, Alexa (our go-to Director of Compliance), and Emily Kohler Hanson (one of our amazing Clinical Operations Directors) team up to unpack everything you need to know about treatment planning. We’re diving into what makes a solid treatment plan—from understanding the difference between goals and objectives to using the SMART format to write ones that actually work. We’ll walk you through how to keep plans client-centered, compliant, and connected to your clinical work using the “golden thread.” You’ll also get practical strategies for writing measurable goals, choosing effective interventions, and navigating documentation, signatures, and updates. If you’ve ever felt unsure about what a “good” treatment plan really looks like, this one’s for you. Here’s what we cover (and timestamps):00:37 – What makes up a strong treatment plan01:06 – Why treatment planning actually matters02:45 – Keeping plans client-centered while meeting compliance needs06:18 – What the heck is the “golden thread”?12:41 – How to write SMART goals that make sense17:19 – Tips for effective, actionable plans20:10 – Setting goals that feel realistic (and helpful!)21:25 – Examples: writing SMART goals for depression22:50 – Using the PHQ-9 to guide goals24:10 – How to document context and progress27:55 – Making objectives measurable30:08 – Interactive complexity + care coordination32:48 – Matching interventions to goals36:47 – Who signs what, and when39:17 – Reviewing and updating treatment plans 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. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for over three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Director of Content and Production at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. The Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy | |||
| 93. Geek Therapy and Therapeutic Dungeons & Dragons with Kailah Tuttle, LPC | 02 Apr 2025 | 00:36:11 | |
In this episode, Miranda interviews Kailah Tuttle, LPC, a certified geek therapist, about the innovative field of geek therapy. They discuss how incorporating elements of geek culture, such as anime, video games, roleplaying games, and superheroes, can enhance therapeutic practices. Kayla shares her experiences with therapeutic Dungeon Master training and how geek therapy helps clients connect with their passions, process experiences, and learn skills through relatable characters and stories. They also touch on the importance of play and staying connected to one's inner child. Whether you're a therapist looking to expand your toolkit or simply interested in the intersection of mental health and geek culture, this episode offers a fascinating insight into an emerging approach to therapy. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:25 Diving into Geek Therapy 02:00 Therapeutic Dungeon Master Training 02:41 Play Therapy and Geek Therapy 04:36 Certification and Competency in Geek Therapy 07:27 Practical Applications of Geek Therapy 08:29 Therapeutic Dungeons and Dragons 15:59 Finding Your Niche as a Therapist 19:13 Exploring Art and Geek Therapy 19:24 Narrative Therapy and Superhero Stories 20:09 Creative Activities in Therapy 21:35 Geek Therapy in Practice 22:29 Integrating Geek Culture in Talk Therapy 23:54 Building Rapport Through Shared Interests 28:06 Geek Therapy as a Therapeutic Lens 31:02 Practical Interventions and Techniques 33:58 Connecting with the Inner Child 35:10 Final Thoughts and Resources 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. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for over three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Director of Content and Production at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. The Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy | |||
| 4. Navigating Tragedies with Clients and as a Therapist | 30 Nov 2022 | 00:52:36 | |
In this podcast episode, we are joined by Kyle Ross, LPCC to discuss navigating tragedies with clients as a therapist and in our personal lives. Therapy is an environment intended to solicit the disclosure of people’s most painful experiences, but tragedies don’t always occur prior to the first session. How do therapists manage an acute tragedy that happened in the off-week of therapy? More so, how do therapists manage tragedies in their personal lives that may likely challenge their ability to stay present with clients? This episode breaks down the complexity of tragedy across aspects of the therapeutic process. Find the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/@therapistTHRIVALguide The Therapist Thrival Guide is a podcast from Ellie Mental Health. We want to take therapists from just surviving to thriving. This is everything you didn't learn in graduate school! This podcast is hosted by Miranda Barker, MSW LICSW and Dr. Lucas Volini, LMFT. We'll have a different therapist guest for each episode to talk about what they've learned and what they want to teach other therapists. This series will be covering topics like burn-out, client retention, session structure, and balancing professional relationships. Dr. Lucas Volini, LMFT, has been practicing as a marriage and family therapist for over ten years. He has worked as a couple's therapist, a graduate and undergraduate professor, researcher, author, and now as the Senior Director of Innovation at Ellie Mental Health...But he mostly sees himself as a professional recreational golfer. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for a little over a year. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Executive Producer at Ellie Mental Health and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. Therapist THRIVAL Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. Ellie is an outpatient mental health clinic that began in St. Paul, Minnesota and has continued to expand to over 20 clinics in Minnesota and a growing number of franchises across the country (we'll be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide in the near future!!). | |||
| 3. How to Find Your Therapy Niche: Generalization vs. Specialization | 16 Nov 2022 | 00:33:20 | |
When do you find yourself in the "therapy flow" (i.e. when the work doesn't feel like work)? In this podcast episode, we are joined by Tamara Statz, LMFT to discuss how to go about finding your niche and if therapists should generalize or specialize. Find the video version on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE1KQgI5Dc4Kkjvlzm1GtuA The Therapist Thrival Guide is a podcast from Ellie Mental Health. We want to take therapists from just surviving to thriving. This is everything you didn't learn in graduate school! This podcast is hosted by Miranda Barker, MSW LICSW and Dr. Lucas Volini, LMFT. We'll have a different therapist guest for each episode to talk about what they've learned and what they want to teach other therapists. This series will be covering topics like burn-out, client retention, session structure, and balancing professional relationships. Dr. Lucas Volini, LMFT, has been practicing as a marriage and family therapist for over ten years. He has worked as a couple's therapist, a graduate and undergraduate professor, researcher, author, and now as the Senior Director of Innovation at Ellie Mental Health...But he mostly sees himself as a professional recreational golfer. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for a little over a year. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Executive Producer at Ellie Mental Health and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. Therapist THRIVAL Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. Ellie is an outpatient mental health clinic that began in St. Paul, Minnesota and has continued to expand to over 20 clinics in Minnesota and a growing number of franchises across the country (we'll be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide in the near future!!). | |||
| 2. For Everyone That's Been Accused of "Therapizing" Their Friends | 04 Nov 2022 | 00:54:11 | |
The Therapist Thrival Guide is a podcast from Ellie Mental Health. We want to take therapists from just surviving to thriving. This is everything you didn't learn in graduate school! This podcast is hosted by Miranda Barker, MSW LICSW and Dr. Lucas Volini, LMFT. We'll have a different therapist guest for each episode to talk about what they've learned and what they want to teach other therapists. This series will be covering topics like burn-out, client retention, session structure, and balancing professional relationships. In this podcast episode, we are joined by Heather Reidinger, LMFT and Gina Young, LICSW to how therapists can balancing professional practice with personal relationships. Navigating typical social encounters can become complicated once folks learn we are trained professionals!! They will ask you if you’re analyzing them, and even worse, your significant others can reduce every complaint you voice as an attempt to “therapize” them. Noting that therapists can have disproportionately higher divorce rates when compared to other professions, this episode provides a framework for navigating your social relationships while assuming your new role as a mental health professional. Dr. Lucas Volini, LMFT, has been practicing as a marriage and family therapist for over ten years. He has worked as a couple's therapist, a graduate and undergraduate professor, researcher, author, and now as the Senior Director of Innovation at Ellie Mental Health...But he mostly sees himself as a professional recreational golfer. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for a little over a year. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Executive Producer at Ellie Mental Health and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. Therapist THRIVAL Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. Ellie is an outpatient mental health clinic that began in St. Paul, Minnesota and has continued to expand to over 20 clinics in Minnesota and a growing number of franchises across the country (we'll be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide in the near future!!). | |||
| 1. What Does It Mean to Be a Mental Health Therapist? | 28 Oct 2022 | 00:48:26 | |
The Therapist Thrival Guide is a podcast from Ellie Mental Health. We want to take therapists from just surviving to thriving. This is everything you didn't learn in graduate school! This podcast is hosted by Miranda Barker, MSW LICSW and Dr. Lucas Volini, LMFT. We'll have a different therapist guest for each episode to talk about what they've learned and what they want to teach other therapists. This series will be covering topics like burn-out, client retention, session structure, and balancing professional relationships. In this episode we are joined with Xoel Gonzalez, LPCC to introduce the podcast and to answer the questions: Why do therapists choose this career path? What does it say about who we are as individuals, and what are the implication of such a peculiar profession on the therapist’s personal life and relationships? Dr. Lucas Volini, LMFT has been practicing as a marriage and family therapist for over ten years. He has worked as a couple's therapist, a graduate and undergraduate professor, researcher, author, and now as the Senior Director of Innovation at Ellie Mental Health. He likes to say that he's a professional recreational golfer. Miranda Barker, MSW LICSW has been practicing as a therapist for a little over a year. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Executive Producer at Ellie Mental Health and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. This show is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. Ellie is an outpatient mental health clinic that began in St. Paul, Minnesota and has continued to expand to over 20 clinics in Minnesota and a growing number of franchises across the country (we'll be opening over 400 locations in communities nationwide in the near future!!). More about us here: https://elliementalhealth.com/about/ | |||
| 92. Reviewing "Attached" book by Amir Levine & Rachel S.F. Heller | 26 Mar 2025 | 00:26:08 | |
In this episode, licensed clinical social workers Miranda, Gina and Letisha, discuss 'Attached' by Amir Levine and Rachel S.F. Heller. They explore the book's insights on attachment styles—secure, anxious, and avoidant—while noting its omission of disorganized attachment. The episode touches on how these styles influence relationships, offers critiques on the book's approach, and provides practical advice on communication and self-awareness in relationships. Listener questions enhance the discussion with real-world applications and experiences.00:00 Introduction and Host Introductions00:55 Discussion on 'Attached' by Amir Levine and Rachel S. F. Heller02:27 Attachment Styles and Their Implications05:08 Critiques and Personal Insights on the Book14:27 Q&A Session: Listener Questions25:09 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks Link to book: https://amzn.to/41yJBYd 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. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for over three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Director of Content and Production at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. The Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy | |||
| 91. Firsthand Experience with Secondary Traumatic Stress | 19 Mar 2025 | 01:05:46 | |
In this episode, therapists Miranda Barker and Karna Boynton share an in-depth conversation about secondary traumatic stress (STS). Karna, an experienced clinician and licensed marriage family therapist, opens up about her personal experience with STS, describing how the compounded stress from her professional and personal life led her to encounter PTSD-like symptoms. We're discussing the distinctions between burnout, compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, and secondary traumatic stress, emphasizing the need for mental health professionals to prioritize self-care and seek support when needed. Karna offers valuable advice on recognizing warning signs, setting boundaries, and finding coping mechanisms that work. This episode aims to shed light on the significant impact of STS on therapists and the importance of acknowledging and addressing this often-overlooked issue. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Meet the Guest 00:24 Karna's Career Journey 02:06 Understanding Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) 03:24 Burnout vs. Compassion Fatigue 07:14 Vicarious Trauma Explained 11:49 Personal Experiences and Warning Signs 24:55 The Pressure Cooker: Personal and Professional Struggles 33:09 The Breaking Point: Recognizing the Signs 33:21 Physical Manifestations of Stress 34:12 Therapeutic Modalities and Their Impact 35:40 The Emotional Toll of Trauma Work 36:28 Navigating Client-Therapist Boundaries 39:40 Assessment and Realization 41:56 Experiencing Secondary Trauma 48:45 Steps Towards Recovery 51:49 Reevaluating and Rebuilding 53:26 Sharing the Journey 58:36 Final Reflections and Advice 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. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for over three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Director of Content and Production at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. The Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy | |||
| 90. Prescribers & Therapists: Integrating Mental and Physical Health | 12 Mar 2025 | 00:50:01 | |
Heather Olsson, LCPC and Matthew Toman, APRN, both at Ellie Mental Health in Naperville, IL, join this episode to explore how some physical illnesses or issues can mask as mental health problems. Heather and Matt share their experiences and insights on how to best support clients and the huge benefits of interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare. They also discuss the impact of physical health on mental well-being and the role of lab tests in diagnosing and treating various conditions. This conversation aims to empower therapists and healthcare professionals to better support their clients by understanding the connection between physical and mental health and collaborating with physicians. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to the Therapist Thrival Guide 00:31 Meet the Guests: Heather and Matt 01:27 The Importance of Medication Management 02:07 Personal and Professional Collaboration 05:13 Bridging the Gap Between Mental and Physical Health 05:40 Understanding the Role of Lab Work 11:05 The Impact of Thyroid Function on Mental Health 17:12 GeneSight Testing and Medication Management 24:18 Starting SSRIs and SNRIs: What to Expect 24:38 Overlap of PCOS and Mental Health Symptoms 25:45 Empowering Clients and Treatment Teams 26:01 Key Lab Tests for Mental Health 28:03 Alcohol's Impact on Mental and Physical Health 30:20 SSRIs and Sexual Dysfunction 37:39 Exploring Medication Alternatives 41:45 Final Thoughts and Takeaways 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. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for over three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Director of Content and Production at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care.The Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy | |||
| 89. Therapists React to Severance & The Psychology of Emotional Escape | 05 Mar 2025 | 00:30:19 | |
What if you could separate your work and personal life—along with all the emotions tied to them? In this episode of The Therapist Thrival Guide, therapists Miranda and Lucas unpack the psychological and philosophical themes of Apple TV+’s Severance.They explore dissociation, compartmentalization, and the human desire to escape suffering, connecting these ideas to real-life therapy. How does avoiding discomfort affect mental health? Is the pursuit of happiness overrated? And what can Severance teach us about meaning and fulfillment? Timestamps: 00:00 Intro & Welcome 00:29 Severance Themes & Psychological Concepts 03:27 Dissociation, Compartmentalization & Therapy Insights 06:59 Escaping Suffering vs. Finding Meaning 15:42 Is Happiness the Goal? 26:20 Final Reflections & Practical Takeaways 💬 Would you sever uncomfortable emotions if you could? Share your thoughts in the comments! Subscribe for more deep dives into psychology, therapy, and pop culture. 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. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for over three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Director of Content and Production at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. The Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy #Severance #TherapistReact #MentalHealth #Dissociation #Compartmentalization #Philosophy #Happiness #TheTherapistThrivalGuide | |||
| 88. Is It Really ODD? Understanding What's Beneath the Behavior | 26 Feb 2025 | 00:45:44 | |
In this episode of the Therapist Thrival Guide, join Miranda, a licensed clinical social worker, alongside Letisha and Gina, as they candidly discuss Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). The discussion covers the DSM-5 criteria for ODD, its symptoms, and the stigma associated with the diagnosis. They explore alternative diagnoses, underlying issues like trauma, ADHD, and autism, and talk about effective treatment strategies including parent management training and cognitive-behavioral therapy. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of seeing each child through a fresh and unbiased lens. Timestamps: 02:32 Symptoms and Diagnostic Criteria of ODD 05:02 Challenges and Controversies in Diagnosing ODD 06:01 Personal Experiences and Case Studies 08:49 The Impact of Labels and Diagnoses on Children 21:59 Differential Diagnoses and Overlapping Conditions 23:42 Understanding ODD and ADHD Differences 24:09 Trauma and Its Impact on ODD 25:15 Foster Care and ODD Diagnoses 28:49 Mood Disorders and Autism in Relation to ODD 31:19 The Unique Aspect of Vindictiveness in ODD 34:06 Challenges in Diagnosing and Treating ODD 38:02 Effective Strategies for Managing ODD 44:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 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. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for over three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Director of Content and Production at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care.
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| 87. DBT for New Clinicians: Mastering Dialectical Behavioral Therapy with Shelby Finley | 19 Feb 2025 | 00:47:26 | |
This week we are joined by Shelby Finley, a Clinic Director for Ellie Mental Health in Kansas City. Shelby shares her expertise on Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), a modality that is especially useful for newer clinicians. The conversation covers the foundational components of DBT, including mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotional regulation. Shelby explains why DBT is beneficial for new therapists and how it can be applied to various diagnoses beyond Borderline Personality Disorder. The episode also explores practical skills like TIPP (Temperature change, Intense exercise, Paced breathing, and Progressive muscle relaxation) and the importance of recognizing and managing emotions for effective therapy. Miranda and Shelby discuss the integration of DBT with other therapeutic modalities and the transformative impacts it can have on both clients and therapists. Tune in to learn how you can implement these DBT strategies into your practice. LINKS: Marsha Linehan's book: https://amzn.to/4hJmvVH PMR Recording: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7jTsJbdEh7SOR0OOwnORBP?si=3809c5b2cb5e4439 00:16 Meet Shelby Finley: Clinic Director and Therapist 00:58 Why DBT is Essential for New Clinicians 03:58 The Foundations of DBT 06:16 Applying DBT Skills in Therapy 12:29 Distress Tolerance: Handling Crisis Moments 13:19 The TIPP Skill: Temperature, Intense Exercise, and More 19:35 Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Paced Breathing 24:54 Practicing Skills in Therapy 26:44 Interpersonal Effectiveness 34:48 Emotional Regulation and Wise Mind 38:47 Integrating EMDR with DBT 42:09 Resources and Training for DBT 45:59 Conclusion and Future Discussions 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, clinical interests, and personal experiences of being a therapist. This podcast will be covering topics like burn-out, self of therapist, cultural considerations, client retention, session structure, advancing clinical skills, innovations in therapy, and balancing professional relationships with our personal lives. Every now and then, we'll even cover the happenings of how therapists are portrayed in pop culture. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for over three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Director of Content and Production at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care.
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| 86. Creative Ways to Mix Up Group Supervision Time (Part 2) | 12 Feb 2025 | 00:54:35 | |
This second episode of a two-part series features Karna Boynton, LMFT and Gina Young, LICSW, both board-approved supervisors. We're talking about how to structure group supervision, some creative ideas for your groups, and how to be a kick-@$% group supervisor! 00:00 Introduction to Group Supervision Series 00:52 Common Group Ruptures and Attendance Policies 07:12 Introducing New Group Members 11:11 Managing External Distractions and Humor in Groups 16:16 Enhancing Group Supervision with Creative Resources 18:53 Diverse Learning Methods in Group Supervision 20:34 Test Preparation and Continuous Learning 27:22 Flexibility and Continuous Improvement in Group Supervision 28:11 Sharing Training Experiences 28:23 Creative Self-Care Ideas for Therapists 29:17 Feedback and Evaluation in Group Sessions 30:09 Structuring Group Consultations 31:00 Creating and Sharing Agendas 33:54 Welcoming New Group Members 35:12 Establishing Group Norms 36:35 Identifying Group Goals 37:26 Brainstorming Topics and Content 38:13 Effective Case Consultations 46:05 Documenting Group Sessions 49:36 Best Practices for Virtual Groups 51:28 Handling Challenging Group Members 53:51 Q&A and Conclusion 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, clinical interests, and personal experiences of being a therapist. This podcast will be covering topics like burn-out, self of therapist, cultural considerations, client retention, session structure, advancing clinical skills, innovations in therapy, and balancing professional relationships with our personal lives. Every now and then, we'll even cover the happenings of how therapists are portrayed in pop culture. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for over three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Director of Content and Production at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. The Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy #mentalhealth | |||
| 85. Myths, Benefits, and Best Practices as a Group Supervisor (Part 1) | 05 Feb 2025 | 00:40:26 | |
This first of a two-part series features Karna Boynton, LMFT and Gina Young, LICSW, both board-approved supervisors, who jump into the theory, benefits, dynamics, and common myths about group supervision.... and how you can be a kick-@$& group supervisor! Learn how group settings can enhance clinical skills, reduce isolation, and improve personal well-being. Discover practical tips for managing group cohesion, addressing ruptures, and understanding legal and ethical considerations. Tune in next week for part two! 00:37 Meet Your Presenters: Karna and Gina 01:24 Learning Objectives and Common Myths 03:42 Group Dynamics and Time Management 16:39 The Benefits of Group Supervision 22:52 Enhancing Presentation Skills Through Group Work 24:56 The Importance of Group Cohesion 26:28 Creating a Brave Space for Authenticity 27:17 Fostering Equitable Group Dynamics 27:58 Addressing Ruptures and Repairs in Groups 29:50 Supervisors' Role in Group Dynamics 33:14 Building on Individual and Collective Strengths 36:50 Conclusion and Next Steps 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, clinical interests, and personal experiences of being a therapist. This podcast will be covering topics like burn-out, self of therapist, cultural considerations, client retention, session structure, advancing clinical skills, innovations in therapy, and balancing professional relationships with our personal lives. Every now and then, we'll even cover the happenings of how therapists are portrayed in pop culture. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for over three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Director of Content and Production at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. The Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy #mentalhealth | |||
| 84. Borderline Personality Disorder & Complex Trauma: Navigating Diagnosis and Treatment | 29 Jan 2025 | 00:41:36 | |
In this episode of the Therapist Thrival Guide, we are diving into the complexities of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and complex trauma (C-PTSD). We're discussing the stigma surrounding BPD, the challenges clinicians face in diagnosing and treating it, and the overlap with complex PTSD. Kielyr Luthi, LICSW, PMH-C, R-PLC explains her approach to treatment, emphasizing trauma-informed care and discussing various therapeutic modalities such as EMDR, brain spotting, and trauma-focused CBT (TF-CBT). The conversation also covers the importance of treating symptoms over labels and the benefits of certain diagnoses. Essential listening for clinicians and anyone interested in understanding BPD and complex trauma. GUEST BIO: Kielyr Luthi, MSW, LICSW, PMH-C, R-PLC is a group private practice owner licensed in several states. She specializes in perinatal mental health and trauma. She is an EMDR trainer and certified in several evidence-based trauma treatment modalities. Her passions include supporting individuals overcome childhood trauma, supporting parents through new life transitions, and supporting with pregnancy and postpartum. 00:48 Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder and Complex Trauma 04:33 Symptoms and Traits of Borderline Personality Disorder 09:04 Differentiating BPD from Complex PTSD 13:05 Exploring Trauma-Focused Modalities 21:30 Challenges in Diagnosing and Treating BPD 33:26 The Importance of Accurate Diagnoses 40:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 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, MSW, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise, clinical interests, and personal experiences of being a therapist. This podcast will be covering topics like burn-out, self of therapist, cultural considerations, client retention, session structure, advancing clinical skills, innovations in therapy, and balancing professional relationships with our personal lives. Every now and then, we'll even cover the happenings of how therapists are portrayed in pop culture. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's still a bit new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's the Director of Content and Production at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. The Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy #mentalhealth | |||
| 101. School-Based Therapy 101: Balancing Confidentiality, Crisis, & Care in Schools | 28 May 2025 | 00:31:23 | |
In this episode of The Therapist Thrival Guide, Miranda sits down with Sam Griggs, a licensed professional counselor and clinic director, to unpack the real-world challenges and rewards of providing mental health services in school settings. Sam shares what it’s really like to support students' mental health within the structure of a school day-- from navigating school expectations to managing crises in real time. Together, they explore how to balance confidentiality, connect with parents, and build trust with students—all while juggling the fast pace and unpredictability of school-based work. Whether you’re currently working in a school, considering it, or just curious about what school-based therapy actually looks like, this episode offers practical insight, honest reflections, and creative strategies to help you thrive in this unique setting. Timestamps:00:18 – Meet Sam: Licensed Professional Counselor & Clinic Director01:04 – What Are School-Based Mental Health Services?03:01 – Common Challenges in School-Based Therapy05:03 – Navigating School Expectations as a Clinician06:44 – Confidentiality & Handling Crisis Situations10:14 – A Day in the Life of a School-Based Therapist12:27 – Group Therapy in School Settings17:24 – How to Engage Parents and Caregivers22:16 – Creative Solutions for School-Based Barriers30:20 – Final Thoughts & Encouragement for School-Based Clinicians 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. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for over three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Director of Content and Production at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. The Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy | |||
| 83. Narcissism, Co-Parenting, and Therapy with Erin Pash | 22 Jan 2025 | 00:53:08 | |
Join Miranda Barker, LICSW, and Erin Pash, LMFT, the CEO and founder of Ellie Mental Health, as they delve into the complex topic of narcissism. They discuss the clinical aspects, treatment approaches, and challenges therapists face when working with narcissistic clients. Drawing from personal experiences and cases, they also explore the dynamics of high-conflict co-parenting and provide insights on recognizing narcissistic traits. This episode is a quick guide for mental health professionals seeking to understand and navigate the intricacies of narcissistic behavior in therapeutic settings. 00:20 Understanding Narcissism: Common Misconceptions 01:11 Narcissism in High Conflict Co-Parenting 05:59 Clinical Symptoms of Narcissism 09:01 Covert vs. Overt Narcissism 10:19 Gender Differences in Narcissism 13:04 Narcissism in Couples Therapy 23:25 Therapists' Strategies for Handling Narcissistic Clients 28:46 Working with a Manipulative Parent 33:23 Therapist's Role in High Conflict Cases 33:48 Parental Accountability and Personal Values 42:34 Therapist's Perspective on Narcissistic Clients 50:38 Concluding Thoughts 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, MSW, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise, clinical interests, and personal experiences of being a therapist. This podcast will be covering topics like burn-out, self of therapist, cultural considerations, client retention, session structure, advancing clinical skills, innovations in therapy, and balancing professional relationships with our personal lives. Every now and then, we'll even cover the happenings of how therapists are portrayed in pop culture. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for over three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Director of Content and Production at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. The Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy | |||
| 82. Dance Movement Therapy | 15 Jan 2025 | 00:40:23 | |
We are joined by dance movement therapist Shelby Turner, RMHCI from Ellie Mental Health- St. Petersburg, FL! In this episode, Shelby talks about her unique qualification in dance movement therapy, how she integrates this approach with psychotherapy, and the impact it has on her clients. She also shares her personal journey into the profession and elaborates on various techniques used in dance movement therapy, catering to diverse age groups and mental health challenges. Tune in to learn about the fascinating world of dance movement therapy and how it can be a powerful tool for emotional and psychological healing! Timestamps: 00:15 Meet Shelby: A Dance Movement Therapist 04:00 Shelby's Personal Journey and Inspiration 07:01 Understanding Dance Movement Therapy 09:14 Practical Applications and Client Experiences 17:26 Role of Music in Dance Movement Therapy 20:01 Free Flow vs. Choreographed Dance Therapy 21:29 Therapist's Role in Dance Movement Therapy 22:26 Mirroring and Trauma in Dance Therapy 23:42 Body Mapping Techniques 26:18 Client Demographics and Adaptability 30:42 Group Dance Movement Therapy 34:28 Advice for Therapists Incorporating Dance 40:26 The Evolving Field of Dance Movement Therapy 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, MSW, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise, clinical interests, and personal experiences of being a therapist. This podcast will be covering topics like burn-out, self of therapist, cultural considerations, client retention, session structure, advancing clinical skills, innovations in therapy, and balancing professional relationships with our personal lives. Every now and then, we'll even cover the happenings of how therapists are portrayed in pop culture. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for over three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Director of Content and Production at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. The Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy | |||
| 81. Everyone Can Use Motivational Interviewing | 08 Jan 2025 | 00:47:46 | |
In this episode of Therapist Thrival Guide, host Miranda, a licensed clinical social worker, is joined by Dr. Sara Polley, Chief Medical Officer at Ellie Mental Health and a psychiatrist specialized in addiction medicine. The duo discuss the principles and practices of Motivational Interviewing (MI), a therapeutic style aimed at evoking change talk and addressing ambivalence in clients. They explore the history, key concepts, and practical applications of MI. The conversation includes:
Practical tips and real-life examples are shared to help clinicians incorporate MI into their practice effectively. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 02:42 Motivational Interviewing Overview 05:21 Practical Applications and Examples 07:07 The Spirit of Motivational Interviewing 16:19 Skills and Techniques in Motivational Interviewing 26:00 Understanding Anhedonia and Open-Ended Questions 27:49 Affirmations: Challenges and Examples 33:32 Reflections: Simple, Complex, and Amplified 37:11 Summarizing: Crafting the Perfect Bouquet 41:30 Exploring Ambivalence and Change Talk 43:22 Tools and Techniques: Change Ruler and Value Sort Cards 45:41 Engagement and Focusing in MI 49:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 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, MSW, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise, clinical interests, and personal experiences of being a therapist. This podcast will be covering topics like burn-out, self of therapist, cultural considerations, client retention, session structure, advancing clinical skills, innovations in therapy, and balancing professional relationships with our personal lives. Every now and then, we'll even cover the happenings of how therapists are portrayed in pop culture.
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| 80. Intro to Addiction (& Preventing Addiction Issues in Adolescents) for Therapists | 18 Dec 2024 | 00:51:32 | |
In this episode of the Therapist Thrival Guide, Dr. Sara Polley, Ellie's Chief Medical Officer and a psychiatrist specializing in addiction medicine, talks about the complexities of addiction. We're discussing key topics like when to refer clients for specialized addiction treatment, evidence-based treatments, the role of family in prevention and recovery, medicated assisted treatment, and co-occurring disorders. Dr. Polley emphasizes the importance of breaking the stigma around addiction and the need for more comprehensive training for mental health professionals in substance use disorders. Stay tuned for an in-depth discussion in the next episode on motivational interviewing as a therapeutic approach! Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to the Therapist Thrival Guide 00:17 Meet Dr. Sarah Polley: Psychiatrist and Addiction Specialist 00:53 Diving into Addiction 01:52 Dr. Polley's Journey: From Medical School to Addiction Medicine 04:52 Understanding Addiction as a Pediatric Onset Illness 07:41 Prevention Strategies: Starting Before Birth 13:08 Navigating Substance Use in Therapy 19:00 Substance Use Disorder Assessments and Treatment Levels 25:05 Forced Treatment: Legal and Ethical Considerations 27:30 Evidence-Based Treatments for Addiction 29:57 Therapeutic Techniques for Substance Use 31:55 Addressing Co-Occurring Disorders 40:14 Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) 45:47 Suboxone and Methadone Explained 50:45 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview 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, MSW, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise, clinical interests, and personal experiences of being a therapist. This podcast will be covering topics like burn-out, self of therapist, cultural considerations, client retention, session structure, advancing clinical skills, innovations in therapy, and balancing professional relationships with our personal lives. Every now and then, we'll even cover the happenings of how therapists are portrayed in pop culture. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for over three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Director of Content and Production at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. The Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy #mentalhealth | |||
| 79. All of the Self Care Tips for Therapists | 11 Dec 2024 | 00:43:34 | |
This episode covers an array of self-care tips, recognizing warning signs of burnout, and essential strategies to maintain personal well-being. We're also discussing the importance of setting boundaries, utilizing tools like the ProQol survey, and integrating daily rituals to ensure therapists can continue to provide the best care for their clients..... and when it's time to find a new job. Thank you to our amazing guests Taylor Magruder, PLPC and Shelby Finley, LPC, CCTP for joining! 00:00 Introduction and Host Introductions 02:46 Recognizing Burnout and Setting Boundaries 06:39 Personal Experiences with Burnout 13:03 Effective Self-Care Strategies 16:33 Balancing Social and Alone Time 18:49 Decompression and Preventative Self-Care 23:16 Creating a Comfortable Work Environment 26:40 Setting Boundaries and Ending Sessions on Time 28:26 Positive Self-Talk and Decompression 29:40 The Commute: Transitioning from Work to Home 32:32 Recognizing When It's Time to Change Jobs 35:45 Using the ProQol for Self-Assessment 38:38 Helpful Tools and Apps for Self-Care 41:40 The Importance of Therapists Having Therapists 42:48 Final Thoughts and Takeaways 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, MSW, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise, clinical interests, and personal experiences of being a therapist. This podcast will be covering topics like burn-out, self of therapist, cultural considerations, client retention, session structure, advancing clinical skills, innovations in therapy, and balancing professional relationships with our personal lives. Every now and then, we'll even cover the happenings of how therapists are portrayed in pop culture. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for over three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Director of Content and Production at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. The Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy #mentalhealth | |||
| 78. Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) with Allison Affolter | 04 Dec 2024 | 00:42:11 | |
We're diving into the transformative world of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). In this episode of the Therapist Thrival Guide, Allison, who specializes in trauma, grief, and anxiety, explains the fundamentals of ART, its similarities and differences with EMDR, and its applications for various mental health issues. They discuss the structured yet creative nature of ART, the importance of proper training, and share insightful anecdotes about the therapy's effectiveness. Whether you're a mental health professional, a student, or someone interested in innovative therapy techniques, this episode provides a comprehensive overview of ART and its potential benefits. Link to Allison's episode on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:05 Overview of Therapy Modalities 02:19 Introduction to Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) 03:26 How ART Works and Its Benefits 05:46 Comparing ART with EMDR 11:19 Applications and Effectiveness of ART 30:34 ART Training and Certification 40:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 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, MSW, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise, clinical interests, and personal experiences of being a therapist. This podcast will be covering topics like burn-out, self of therapist, cultural considerations, client retention, session structure, advancing clinical skills, innovations in therapy, and balancing professional relationships with our personal lives. Every now and then, we'll even cover the happenings of how therapists are portrayed in pop culture. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for over three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Director of Content and Production at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. The Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy #mentalhealth | |||
| 77. Self-Imposed Martyrdom: Why Struggling in Your Work Doesn’t Do Anyone Any Good | 27 Nov 2024 | 00:39:49 | |
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. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 02:02 Empowerment and Financial Stability in Therapy 04:04 Challenges in the Therapy Profession 12:11 Professional Development and Self-Care 19:00 Financial Conversations and Value Perception 26:20 Industry Challenges and Technological Disruption 35:47 Conclusion and Resources LINKS: Sign up for Do This First Bootcamp from Amity "Trauma Stewardship" Book Financial Conversations Episode 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. 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, MSW, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise, clinical interests, and personal experiences of being a therapist. This podcast will be covering topics like burn-out, self of therapist, cultural considerations, client retention, session structure, advancing clinical skills, innovations in therapy, and balancing professional relationships with our personal lives. Every now and then, we'll even cover the happenings of how therapists are portrayed in pop culture. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for over three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Director of Content and Production at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. The Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy #mentalhealth | |||
| 76. Eating Disorders: Myths, Realities, and Treatment Approaches | 20 Nov 2024 | 00:40:25 | |
In this episode, we welcome Dr. Robyn Janssen, Vice President of Clinical Programs at Ellie, and guest 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. This mental health podcast is hosted by Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise, clinical interests, and personal experiences of being a therapist. This podcast will be covering topics like burn-out, self of therapist, cultural considerations, client retention, session structure, advancing clinical skills, innovations in therapy, and balancing professional relationships with our personal lives. Every now and then, we'll even cover the happenings of how therapists are portrayed in pop culture. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's still a bit new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's the Director of Content and Production at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. The Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. Ellie is a national mental health brand organized around community-based outpatient mental health clinics. It all began with an office in St. Paul, Minnesota in 2015, and since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy #mentalhealth | |||
| 75. Financial & Billing Conversations in Therapy: Expert Tips from Jordan and Steve | 13 Nov 2024 | 00:44:31 | |
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. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 02:34 Billing and Balances: An Essential Discussion 03:24 Navigating Insurance and Administrative Tasks 08:28 Therapists' Worth and Financial Conversations 16:24 Clinic Policies and Client Communication 22:36 Navigating Insurance Challenges with New Clients 23:03 Proactive Communication Strategies 24:07 Importance of Early Insurance Verification 25:58 Handling High Deductible Plans 26:18 Approaching Difficult Conversations 27:12 End-of-Year Reviews and Insurance Changes 28:49 Supporting Therapists in Financial Discussions 31:16 Practical Tips for Financial Conversations 40:06 Final Thoughts and Encouragement 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, MSW, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise, clinical interests, and personal experiences of being a therapist. This podcast will be covering topics like burn-out, self of therapist, cultural considerations, client retention, session structure, advancing clinical skills, innovations in therapy, and balancing professional relationships with our personal lives. Every now and then, we'll even cover the happenings of how therapists are portrayed in pop culture. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's still a bit new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's the Director of Content and Production at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. The Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy #mentalhealth | |||
| 74. The Science of Gratitude: How It Transforms Mental Health | 06 Nov 2024 | 00:24:02 | |
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:
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 Watch this interview on Youtube 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, MSW, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise, clinical interests, and personal experiences of being a therapist. This podcast will be covering topics like burn-out, self of therapist, cultural considerations, client retention, session structure, advancing clinical skills, innovations in therapy, and balancing professional relationships with our personal lives. Every now and then, we'll even cover the happenings of how therapists are portrayed in pop culture. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for over three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life and at Ellie. She's the Director of Content and Production at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. The Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy #mentalhealth | |||
| 100. AI in the Therapy Room: What’s Helpful, What’s Ethical, and What’s Next | 21 May 2025 | 00:46:16 | |
In our 100th episode, Miranda is joined by Steve Drzewoszewski, LCSW, LCADC, CCS, CSC, a therapist and clinic director from New Jersey who’s been exploring the growing role of AI in the mental health world. We get into all the big questions—Is AI actually useful for therapists? What are the risks? And how do we use it responsibly without losing the heart of the work? We talk through how tools like Cloud AI and Therapro AI are already helping clinicians with documentation, note-taking, and even generating treatment plans, all while staying HIPAA-compliant. But we don’t shy away from the concerns, either. We unpack the ethical gray areas, the importance of client consent, and the general uneasiness that some folks feel about AI’s presence in such a human-centered field. Some highlights:
Whether you're a full-blown tech nerd or someone who side-eyes every new app, this episode has something for you. It’s not about replacing therapists—it’s about how we can use tools wisely to support the work we already love doing. 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. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for over three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Director of Content and Production at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. The Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy | |||
| 73. Murder Confessions, Confidentiality, and the Menendez Brothers Case | 30 Oct 2024 | 00:44:00 | |
It's a true crime crossover episode! We brought on our attorney, Suzette Schommer, to discuss the Menendez brothers episode and what the therapist in this case did wrong, plus:
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, MSW, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise, clinical interests, and personal experiences of being a therapist. This podcast will be covering topics like burn-out, self of therapist, cultural considerations, client retention, session structure, advancing clinical skills, innovations in therapy, and balancing professional relationships with our personal lives. Every now and then, we'll even cover the happenings of how therapists are portrayed in pop culture. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for nearly three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life and at Ellie. She's currently the Director of Content and Production at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. The Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy #mentalhealth | |||
| 72. Passing Down More Than Memories: Let's Talk About Transgenerational Trauma | 23 Oct 2024 | 00:43:52 | |
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. Therapist Thrival Guide is a podcast by Ellie Mental Health. The intention is 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, MSW, LICSW and a team of rotating therapist co-hosts. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise, clinical interests, and personal experiences of being a therapist. This podcast will be covering topics like burn-out, self of therapist, cultural considerations, client retention, session structure, advancing clinical skills, innovations in therapy, and balancing professional relationships with our personal lives. Every now and then, we'll even cover the happenings of how therapists are portrayed in pop culture. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for two years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Executive Producer at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. Therapist THRIVAL Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy #mentalhealth 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. | |||
| 71. Your First Five Years as a Therapist | 16 Oct 2024 | 00:44:57 | |
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 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, MSW, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise, clinical interests, and personal experiences of being a therapist. This podcast will be covering topics like burn-out, self of therapist, cultural considerations, client retention, session structure, advancing clinical skills, innovations in therapy, and balancing professional relationships with our personal lives. Every now and then, we'll even cover the happenings of how therapists are portrayed in pop culture. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for nearly three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Director of Content and Production at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. The Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy #mentalhealth | |||
| 70. Supervision Doesn't Have to be Scary (& What to Do if You Don't Like Your Supervisor) | 07 Oct 2024 | 00:12:47 | |
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! 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, MSW, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise, clinical interests, and personal experiences of being a therapist. This podcast will be covering topics like burn-out, self of therapist, cultural considerations, client retention, session structure, advancing clinical skills, innovations in therapy, and balancing professional relationships with our personal lives. Every now and then, we'll even cover the happenings of how therapists are portrayed in pop culture. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for nearly three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Director of Content and Production at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. The Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy #mentalhealth | |||
| 69. Identity Matters: Therapeutic Approaches for the LGBTQIA+ Community | 02 Oct 2024 | 00:48:58 | |
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. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions 01:27 Importance of Discussing LGBTQ Issues 04:21 Therapeutic Relationships and Self-Disclosure 07:41 Challenges Faced by LGBTQ Individuals 11:11 Research Insights on LGBTQ Healthcare 13:17 Navigating Identity Exploration in Therapy 21:25 Gender Dysphoria Diagnosis Debate 27:06 Therapist's Role and Client Safety 34:48 Handling Bias and Safety in Therapy 39:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 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, MSW, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise, clinical interests, and personal experiences of being a therapist. This podcast covers topics like burn-out, self of therapist, cultural considerations, client retention, session structure, advancing clinical skills, innovations in therapy, and balancing professional relationships with our personal lives. Every now and then, we'll even cover the happenings of how therapists are portrayed in pop culture. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for over three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Director of Content and Production in Ellie Mental Health's marketing team and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. ABOUT US: The Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy #mentalhealth | |||
| 68. Therapy Modalities: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) | 25 Sep 2024 | 00:48:31 | |
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. 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 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, MSW, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise, clinical interests, and personal experiences of being a therapist. This podcast will be covering topics like burn-out, self of therapist, cultural considerations, client retention, session structure, advancing clinical skills, innovations in therapy, and balancing professional relationships with our personal lives. Every now and then, we'll even cover the happenings of how therapists are portrayed in pop culture. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for nearly three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Director of Content and Production at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. The Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy #mentalhealth | |||
| 67. Tapping into Better Mental Health: Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and Perinatal Mental Health | 18 Sep 2024 | 00:30:33 | |
Hey there, folks! Get ready for a heart-to-heart episode of the Therapist Thrival Guide, where we're diving into the world of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) tapping and how it can be a game-changer for those riding the perinatal rollercoaster. Pregnancy and postpartum life? Yeah, they're beautiful, but they can also throw some serious emotional curveballs. That's where EFT tapping comes in – it's like giving yourself a little mental massage to ease the stress and anxiety that can come with the territory. In this episode, we're chatting with Maria Yakimchuk– mom and EFT pro – who shares her story and spills the beans on how tapping has helped her navigate the ups and downs of the perinatal journey (and yes, you can do it to yourself!). LINKS: www.parentonboard.com www.instagram.com/parentonboardcoaching www.facebook.com/parentonboardcoaching www.tiktok.com/@parentonboardcoaching Radical Self-Care Mini Course for Moms - https://mariayakimchuk.podia.com/radical-self-care-for-moms 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, MSW, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise, clinical interests, and personal experiences of being a therapist. This podcast will be covering topics like burn-out, self of therapist, cultural considerations, client retention, session structure, advancing clinical skills, innovations in therapy, and balancing professional relationships with our personal lives. Every now and then, we'll even cover the happenings of how therapists are portrayed in pop culture. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for nearly three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Director of Content and Production at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Maria Yakimchuk is a Certified Transformational Master EFT Coach who empowers moms to Rise, Heal, and Thrive by embracing their authentic power and inner wisdom, deeply healing themselves and manifesting the motherhood of their dreams. With her unique coaching approach that blends EFT (Tapping), Self-Compassion work, and deep knowledge of maternal mental health, she helps moms heal their own childhood traumas, break free from dysfunctional familial patterns, and eliminate shame and guilt, so they can thrive in motherhood and create new healthy family norms for themselves and their children. She is also a mom of 2 very energetic, sensitive and strong willed boys, and an easy going dog. Maria is no stranger to struggling to find joy in the often busy and chaotic life as a mother. She is a PPD and PPA survivor, who has successfully healed her PPD, PPA, and PMDD, as well as debilitating migraines, with EFT tapping and self-compassion meditations. ABOUT US: The Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy #mentalhealth | |||
| 66. Navigating Parental Leave, Pregnancy, and Adoption as a Clinician | 11 Sep 2024 | 00:33:45 | |
This week we are doing things a little differently and talking about frequently asked questions we receive about parental/maternity leave from fellow clinicians: - How do therapists navigate maternity leave? - Do their clients take a break from therapy or see someone else in the interim? - When do I tell my clients that I'm pregnant? How do I tell them? - Dealing with morning sickness at the beginning of pregnancy - How to navigate unpredictable time frames like with adoption 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, MSW, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise, clinical interests, and personal experiences of being a therapist. This podcast will be covering topics like burn-out, self of therapist, cultural considerations, client retention, session structure, advancing clinical skills, innovations in therapy, and balancing professional relationships with our personal lives. Every now and then, we'll even cover the happenings of how therapists are portrayed in pop culture. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for nearly three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Director of Content and Production at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. The Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy #mentalhealth | |||
| 65. Autistic Therapists React to "Love on the Spectrum" | 04 Sep 2024 | 00:13:17 | |
Buckle up for a mini episode for a mini work-week! Amber Pearson, LICSW and Anna Trout, LMFT are joining the podcast to discuss the show "Love on the Spectrum" on Netflix. As Autistic therapists themselves, they had some thoughts including: - The mixed reviews their clients bring to them about this show - What they appreciated about the show and what struck a chord - What they didn't like and wished they could change about the show 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, MSW, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise, clinical interests, and personal experiences of being a therapist. This podcast will be covering topics like burn-out, self of therapist, cultural considerations, client retention, session structure, advancing clinical skills, innovations in therapy, and balancing professional relationships with our personal lives. Every now and then, we'll even cover the happenings of how therapists are portrayed in pop culture. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for nearly three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Director of Content and Production at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. The Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy #mentalhealth | |||
| 64. Strategies for Helping Kids Cope with Grief and Loss | 28 Aug 2024 | 00:38:03 | |
Today we're discussing the complexities of helping children cope with grief and loss, including:
Whether you're a therapist or a parent, this episode provides insightful tips and resources for guiding kids through the challenging emotions associated with loss. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to the Therapist's Guide 00:48 Understanding Grief in Children 02:59 Therapist's Personal Experience with Grief 05:06 Approaching Grief and Loss with Kids 07:48 Common Grief Symptoms Across Ages 12:19 Helping Families Cope with Grief 20:24 Expressive Arts and Memorialization 31:29 Addressing Death and Religion 35:55 Conclusion and Resources RESOURCES:
Therapist Thrival Guide is a podcast by Ellie Mental Health. The intention is 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, MSW, LICSW. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise, clinical interests, and personal experiences of being a therapist. This podcast will be covering topics like burn-out, self of therapist, cultural considerations, client retention, session structure, advancing clinical skills, innovations in therapy, and balancing professional relationships with our personal lives. Every now and then, we'll even cover the happenings of how therapists are portrayed in pop culture. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for nearly three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Executive Producer at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy #mentalhealth ABOUT OUR GUEST: Jordan is a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and Grief Recovery Specialist. She has supported people for 10+ years in different treatment settings including inpatient care, school-based counseling, intensive levels of outpatient programming, and private practice. She thrives to guide people to recognize their strengths through honest self-exploration, authenticity, and humor. A passion close to her heart is working with people through life transitions, including grief and loss. | |||
| 99. Mind-Body Strategies for Therapy, Schools, and Crisis | 14 May 2025 | 00:47:39 | |
In this episode, Miranda sits down with Kathy Flamino, founder and CEO of Move Mindfully, and Chrissy Mignogna, their lead trainer and director of education. We dive into what it really looks like to integrate trauma-responsive, body-based practices into everyday spaces—therapy sessions, classrooms, hospitals, and even juvenile justice settings. Kathy and Chrissy are all about making these tools accessible and practical for the people who need them most. Whether you're a therapist, educator, or just someone trying to bring more regulation and grounding into your life (or your kid’s life), this episode is packed with ideas you can actually use. We talk about:
They also share some really powerful takeaways from their new book, I Am Safe, and walk through examples of portable, classroom-friendly coping strategies. If you’re curious about how to weave the mind-body connection into the work you already do—or if you're looking for new ways to support regulation and safety—this one’s worth a listen. 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. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for over three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Director of Content and Production at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. The Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy | |||
| 63. Internal Family Systems Explained: A Guide to IFS Therapy | 21 Aug 2024 | 00:46:07 | |
Today, Alice Mills Mai, LPCC-S, NCC joins the podcast to talk all about a modality everyone is talking about: Internal Family Systems (IFS). The conversation explores the origins, basic concepts, and therapeutic applications of IFS, including defining parts like managers, firefighters, and exiles. They also delve into the qualities of the self and how practitioners can guide clients through parts work and guided imagery. The experts share insights on integrating IFS with other modalities like EMDR, and discuss the significance of IFS training and certification. 00:00 Introduction to the Therapist Thrival Guide 00:27 Alice's Background and Introduction to IFS 01:23 Understanding Internal Family Systems (IFS) 02:40 The Development and Structure of IFS 05:10 Parts Work in IFS: Managers, Firefighters, and Exiles 14:03 Guided Imagery and Experiential Techniques in IFS 22:57 Introducing IFS to Clients 24:41 Training and Certification in IFS 26:45 Comparing IFS with Other Therapies 28:46 Understanding the Self in IFS 31:37 Applying IFS in Therapy 38:22 Final Thoughts on IFS 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, MSW, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise, clinical interests, and personal experiences of being a therapist. This podcast will be covering topics like burn-out, self of therapist, cultural considerations, client retention, session structure, advancing clinical skills, innovations in therapy, and balancing professional relationships with our personal lives. Every now and then, we'll even cover the happenings of how therapists are portrayed in pop culture. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Director of Content and Production at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. The Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy #mentalhealth ABOUT OUR GUEST: Alice is both a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC-S) and National Certified Counselor (NCC). Her mission is to create culturally affirming spaces that foster wholeness, accountability, and liberation where people (therapists and clients) can thrive, learn, and grow. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) and Internal family systems (IFS). Alice enjoys working with all of her clients, especially immigrants and children of immigrants, exploring trauma and its implications on our lives. She is the clinic director of Ellie Mental Health in Westerville, Ohio. | |||
| 62. Therapy Modalities: Brainspotting | 14 Aug 2024 | 00:40:22 | |
Ready to UNLOCK your brain? We are joined by Billie Ferguson, LMFT in this episode to discuss a new modality making waves in the therapy world: brainspotting. In this episode of the Therapist Thrival Guide, host Miranda welcomes Billie Ferguson, an LMFT based out of Oklahoma, to discuss the emerging therapeutic modality of brainspotting. They explore the origins of brainspotting, its connection to EMDR, and how it leverages eye positions to help process trauma. Billie shares valuable insights on how brainspotting works, its application in therapy, and its effectiveness for therapists healing from toxic work environments. This episode is a must-listen for new therapists seeking to learn about innovative practices in therapy. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:10 Exploring Brainspotting: An Overview 03:54 The Science Behind Brainspotting 05:23 Brainspotting Techniques and Applications 14:55 Self-Spotting: Brainspotting for Personal Use 21:51 Healing from Toxic Work Environments 37:52 Conclusion and Resources Watch the video podcast: https://youtu.be/KZL8Abx4zAo?si=zakPRSjlJDQ7aMD8 Therapist Thrival Guide is a podcast by Ellie Mental Health. The intention is 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, MSW, LICSW. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise, clinical interests, and personal experiences of being a therapist. This podcast will be covering topics like burn-out, self of therapist, cultural considerations, client retention, session structure, advancing clinical skills, innovations in therapy, and balancing professional relationships with our personal lives. Every now and then, we'll even cover the happenings of how therapists are portrayed in pop culture. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for nearly three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Executive Producer at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy #mentalhealth ABOUT OUR GUEST: Billie Ferguson is a licensed therapist in Oklahoma, and the owner of Ferguson Therapy. With over 10 years of therapy under her belt, Billie uses Brainspotting to help other entrepreneurs, therapists, coaches, and helpers to heal and grow from old beliefs, patterns, and emotional stuck points that are preventing them from building the life they can thrive in.Outside of the therapy room, Billie spends her time with her husband and 2 kids. From chasing them around tball field or heading off for a weekend of camping, there is always something going on! Check out Billie's upcoming cohort for therapists working to heal from harmful workplaces by taking a peek at her website or follow her on instagram. | |||
| 61. Intro to Grief Work | 07 Aug 2024 | 00:42:54 | |
The topic of grief can be difficult, but every therapist knows it’s something we all face at some point. In this episode, we’re diving into the messy, raw, and sometimes surprising world of grief-- through the Grief Recovery Method. Jordan Mealey, LPC, NCC, ACS, CGRS, CCTP joins to help us understand and explore how to support clients navigating their toughest moments. Join us as we unpack the complexities of loss with compassion, honesty, and always a little bit of humor. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:19 Jordan's Role and Responsibilities 01:47 The Importance of Grief and Loss in Therapy 02:34 Personal Journey into Grief Specialization 08:36 Understanding Different Types of Grief 10:33 Challenges in Discussing Grief 10:58 The Grief Recovery Method 17:16 Therapist's Role in Grief Counseling 32:37 Advice for Non-Specialist Therapists 39:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Therapist Thrival Guide is a podcast by Ellie Mental Health. The intention is 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, MSW, LICSW. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise, clinical interests, and personal experiences of being a therapist. This podcast will be covering topics like burn-out, self of therapist, cultural considerations, client retention, session structure, advancing clinical skills, innovations in therapy, and balancing professional relationships with our personal lives. Every now and then, we'll even cover the happenings of how therapists are portrayed in pop culture. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for nearly three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Executive Producer at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy #mentalhealth ABOUT OUR GUEST: Jordan is a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and Grief Recovery Specialist. She has supported people for 10+ years in different treatment settings including inpatient care, school-based counseling, intensive levels of outpatient programming, and private practice. She thrives to guide people to recognize their strengths through honest self-exploration, authenticity, and humor. A passion close to her heart is working with people through life transitions, including grief and loss. | |||
| 60. Navigating Political Anxiety in Therapy: Strategies for the Election Year | 31 Jul 2024 | 00:50:47 | |
Political seasons are like a rollercoaster of stress for many, with a whirlwind of info overload and social pressures hitting you from all angles. Whether you're sweating over elections or drowning in updates on laws, political anxiety is a real thing. Let's buckle up and steer through this wild ride while keeping our cool! In this episode of the Therapist Thrival Guide, Miranda and Lucas dive into the topic of politics and political anxiety, especially relevant during election years. The conversation covers the evolving nature of political identity, strategies for therapists to handle political discussions in sessions, and the importance of empathy and understanding in bridging divides. They also address how to balance staying informed without being overwhelmed and offer practical advice for therapists dealing with clients affected by political tensions. 00:00 Introduction to Political Anxiety 00:52 Lucas's Interest into Politics 02:47 The 2016 Election and Its Impact 06:24 Facilitating Political Conversations 08:59 Therapists Navigating Political Discussions 12:56 Balancing Personal Beliefs and Professionalism 20:49 Client Relationships and Political Differences 25:59 Exploring Personal Relationships Beyond Politics 27:15 Impact of Politics on Younger Generations 28:55 Humanizing the Other Side 29:34 The Privilege of Political Disengagement 30:45 Managing Political Anxiety 33:07 The Influence of Media Consumption 42:09 Empathy and Understanding in Political Discussions 43:34 Concluding Thoughts 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, MSW, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise, clinical interests, and personal experiences of being a therapist. This podcast will be covering topics like burn-out, self of therapist, cultural considerations, client retention, session structure, advancing clinical skills, innovations in therapy, and balancing professional relationships with our personal lives. Every now and then, we'll even cover the happenings of how therapists are portrayed in pop culture. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for nearly three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Director of Content and Production at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. The Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy #mentalhealth #politics | |||
| 59. True Leadership & Meeting the Needs of Your Community | 24 Jul 2024 | 01:04:12 | |
What does the research say about authenticity, inclusion, and belonging in healthcare? Dr. Sable McElveen, DHA, LCSW-S joins the podcast this week to discuss her research on patient outcomes and strategies healthcare professionals can keep in mind. Dr. McElveen has a Doctorate in Health Administration and is a Licensed Clinical Social Work Supervisor. She works with teens (16+) and adults who represent historically marginalized communities, focusing on clients identifying as Black or LGBTQIA+. 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, MSW, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise, clinical interests, and personal experiences of being a therapist. This podcast will be covering topics like burn-out, self of therapist, cultural considerations, client retention, session structure, advancing clinical skills, innovations in therapy, and balancing professional relationships with our personal lives. Every now and then, we'll even cover the happenings of how therapists are portrayed in pop culture. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for nearly three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Director of Content and Production at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. The Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy #mentalhealth | |||
| 58. Outreach and Marketing for Therapy Clinics: Expert Q&A | 17 Jul 2024 | 00:51:51 | |
Q: What is outreach? A: It's all about building awareness for your clinic and services through community engagement and building relationships. Outreach activities can take all sorts of forms, including in-person events, social media campaigns, and partnerships with local organizations. The bottomline: it's building relationships within your community. In this episode, our outreach team (Marisa Negron and Madeline Matz) share their best practices when beginning outreach in your communities, including some tips, scripts, and examples that have worked for them. We’re cheering you on as you begin the journey of building long lasting relationships with your community! Watch the interview here: https://youtu.be/SlkyDYuvJP0 CHAPTERS: 00:00 Welcome to the Therapist Thrival Guide 00:09 Meet the Outreach Team 01:06 Understanding Outreach in Therapy 02:15 Building Genuine Relationships 06:40 Starting Your Outreach Journey 08:42 Effective Outreach Strategies 11:46 Collaborating with Other Therapists 17:58 Outreach in Schools and Healthcare 24:38 Navigating Conferences and Events 29:18 Community Events vs. Professional Conferences 30:26 Engaging Attendees at Events 31:28 Personal Experiences and Tips 33:40 Effective Giveaways and Engagement Strategies 36:44 Starting Conversations at Events 40:29 Nurturing Relationships Post-Event 46:21 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Therapist Thrival Guide is a podcast by Ellie Mental Health. The intention is 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, MSW, LICSW. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise, clinical interests, and personal experiences of being a therapist. This podcast will be covering topics like burn-out, self of therapist, cultural considerations, client retention, session structure, advancing clinical skills, innovations in therapy, and balancing professional relationships with our personal lives. Every now and then, we'll even cover the happenings of how therapists are portrayed in pop culture. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Director of Content and Production at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy #mentalhealth | |||
| Therapist Thrival Guide - Season 1 Teaser | 16 Jul 2024 | 00:00:20 | |
New podcast coming Fall of 2022 from Ellie Mental Health! | |||
| 57. Therapists React to INSIDE OUT 2 - Bonus Episode | 11 Jul 2024 | 00:37:57 | |
Curious what a therapist thinks about the new INSIDE OUT 2 movie? Letisha and Miranda are discussing it all in this BONUS episode! What we're talking about: - Teaching kids to name their emotions - How therapists can incorporate this into therapy sessions - Riley's panic attack and grounding exercises - Layered complexity of feelings - Our own experiences with the movie as parents Link to thermometer tool: https://www.therapistaid.com/therapy-... Link to Diane Abler's books: https://amzn.to/4cA3Qck 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:41 Discussing Inside Out 2 01:37 Personal Experiences with Inside Out 2 03:58 Therapist Perspective on Emotions 07:50 Analyzing Riley's Panic Attack 19:11 Connecting Emotions and Therapy Techniques 22:55 Practical Applications in Therapy 35:39 Final Thoughts and Recommendations 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, MSW, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise, clinical interests, and personal experiences of being a therapist. This podcast will be covering topics like burn-out, self of therapist, cultural considerations, client retention, session structure, advancing clinical skills, innovations in therapy, and balancing professional relationships with our personal lives. Every now and then, we'll even cover the happenings of how therapists are portrayed in pop culture. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for nearly three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Director of Content and Production at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. The Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy #mentalhealth | |||
| 56. Using Art in Therapy | 10 Jul 2024 | 00:31:51 | |
Chelsea Wire, MA LPC and Kailah Tuttle, LPC are two of our talented therapists at Ellie Mental Health that are passionate about the work they do and love educating other therapists about it! What we're covering: - How art therapy works and what it can be used for - Strategies and ideas for incorporating art and creativity into your therapy - How to become an art therapist 00:00 Introduction 00:13 Meet the Art Therapists: Chelsea and Kailah 01:04 Pathways to Becoming an Art Therapist 03:07 Understanding Art Therapy 06:13 Art Therapy Techniques and Tools 13:50 Art Therapy for Different Age Groups 20:02 Art Therapy for Trauma and Anxiety 25:40 Favorite Art Therapy Prompts and Tips 29:30 Final Thoughts and Takeaways 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, MSW, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise, clinical interests, and personal experiences of being a therapist. This podcast will be covering topics like burn-out, self of therapist, cultural considerations, client retention, session structure, advancing clinical skills, innovations in therapy, and balancing professional relationships with our personal lives. Every now and then, we'll even cover the happenings of how therapists are portrayed in pop culture. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for nearly three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Director of Content and Production at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. The Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy #mentalhealth | |||
| 55. Breaking Down EMDR in Therapy: Basics, Process, and Benefits | 03 Jul 2024 | 00:44:21 | |
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is like a superhero for your brain, using a unique blend of eye movements, sounds, and tactile stimulation to help process and heal from painful memories and experiences. In this episode, we're chatting with therapists who have experienced the transformative power of EMDR firsthand and are passionate about teaching others! Amber Silva, LLMSW and Gina Young, LICSW are therapists that are using EMDR in their practice with clients. In this episode: - Breaking down the science behind EMDR, exploring how it helps rewire the brain and create lasting positive change - Basics of the EMDR process, including the importance of creating a safe space and the various methods of bilateral stimulation used in therapy - Different ways EMDR can be used - The different types of traumas it can address - EMDR's application for both children and adults. Whether you're a therapist interested in training or someone curious about how EMDR can help, this episode offers valuable insights and practical information. Read the transcript: Read the transcript: https://elliementalhealth.com/understanding-emdr-therapy-basics-process-and-benefits/ Watch the video podcast: https://youtu.be/e4Ix5z60Js0 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, MSW, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise, clinical interests, and personal experiences of being a therapist. This podcast will be covering topics like burn-out, self of therapist, cultural considerations, client retention, session structure, advancing clinical skills, innovations in therapy, and balancing professional relationships with our personal lives. Every now and then, we'll even cover the happenings of how therapists are portrayed in pop culture. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for nearly three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Director of Content and Production at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. The Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy #mentalhealth | |||
| 98. Therapy Book Clubs & Virtual Groups with Erin Stevens, LPC-S | 07 May 2025 | 00:23:14 | |
In this episode, Miranda is joined by Erin Stevens, LPC-S from New Orleans, for a conversation about a powerful and creative idea that emerged during the height of the pandemic: a virtual book club for clients. Erin shares how she launched the group, the logistics behind keeping it running, and how reading books like The Body Keeps the Score helped participants process trauma and build meaningful connections. They dive into the practical considerations—like navigating confidentiality, managing group dynamics, and knowing when and how to bring a group to a close. Erin also reflects on how something as simple as a shared story can become a therapeutic tool. If you're a therapist looking for new ways to foster community and healing, this episode offers thoughtful inspiration. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:27 The Concept of a Therapy Book Club 02:20 First Book and Group Dynamics 05:07 Challenges and Logistics 12:04 Ending the Group and Reflections 14:15 Future Plans and Advice 22:33 Conclusion and Call to Action 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. Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for over three years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, and case manager. She's new to the therapy game and loves soaking up all of the knowledge from the expert therapists in her life. She's currently the Director of Content and Production at Ellie Mental Health's in-house creative agency and believes that creativity is an important aspect of mental health care. The Therapist Thrival Guide is one of many creative productions from Ellie Mental Health. 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 since then has expanded to over 24 clinics in Minnesota and an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. Ellie will be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide with new clinics opening each week. #therapy | |||