The AAMFT Podcast

Episode 103: Don Posner Jan 12, 2024

In the first installment of 2024 and the beginning of Season 6 of the AAMFT Podcast, Eli speaks with sleep expert, Donn Posner. Dr. Posner is one of the leaders in the field of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), and the founder and President of Sleepwell Consultants.

AAMFT Podcast Episode #121: Fertility Counseling with Couples Feb 14, 2025

In this episode, Eli sits down with Dr. Kristy Koser for a discussion about helping couples navigating complex decisions while maintaining their relationship after a diagnosis of infertility and pursuing fertility treatments.

Episode 120: Ron Levant Jan 24, 2025

In this episode, Eli sits down with Dr. Ronald Levant to discuss normative male alexithymia and how he uses Alexithymia Reduction Treatment (ART) to support his clients in their therapy journey.

Episode 119: Randy Heller Jan 10, 2025

In this episode Eli sits down with Dr. Randy Heller to discuss the similarities and differences between collaborative divorce and traditional divorce mediation.

Episode: 118 Devin Hussong Dec 13, 2024

In this episode, Eli sits down with Dr. Devin Hussong to talk about integrating humor into the practice of systemic therapy.

Episode: 117 Kristina S. Brown Nov 08, 2024

In this episode, Eli is joined by the AAMFT Systemic Ethics Textbook editor, Kristina S. Brown, Ph.D., LMFT, to discuss the book and current developments shaping systemic therapy's ethical practice.

Episode: 116 Kat Hertlein Oct 25, 2024

During this episode, Eli sits down with Dr. Kat Hertlein for a discussion about using AI tools to supplement systemic therapy. Tune in to hear Dr. Hertlein explore the benefits and risks of using AI in mental health, including potential data privacy and security issues.

Episode: 115 Rebecca A. Cobb Oct 11, 2024

In this episode, Eli sits down with Dr. Rebecca A. Cobb, the editor of the new book -The Therapist’s Notebook for Systemic Teletherapy: Creative Interventions for Effective Online Therapy – to explore innovative strategies and ways to adapt in-person therapy interventions for telehealth.

Episode 114: Shay Thomas DMFT, LMFT and Paul Hokemeyer J.D., Ph.D. Sep 27, 2024

In this engaging episode, Eli hosts a discussion with Dr. Paul Hokemeyer and Shay Thomas, DMFT, LMFT. They delve into the ways in which marriage and family therapists negotiate and make use of various media opportunities.

Episode 113: Janina Fisher Sep 13, 2024

In this episode, Eli and Dr. Janina Fisher discuss a new way of thinking about shame from a neurobiological perspective—as a survival strategy driving somatic responses of automatic obedience and total submission.

Episode 112: Christie Eppler Aug 23, 2024

In this episode, Eli sits down with Christie Eppler, PhD, LMFT, to talk about her new book, “Cultivating Systemic Resilience in Therapy.”During this conversation, theydiscuss how to foster resilience in clinical treatment with individual and relational clients, supervisees, and in the therapist’s own life.

Episode 111: Max Zubatsky, PhD, LMFT, Tai Mendenhall, PhD, LMFT, & Jessica Goodman, PhD, LMFT Aug 09, 2024

In this episode, Eli sits down with Dr. Max Zubatsky, Dr. Tai Mendenhall, and Dr.Jessica Goodman to discuss their perspectives and experiences as supervisors of systemic therapists at all levels of training.

MFT License Portability Jul 12, 2024

In this episode, Eli interviews AAMFT's very own Chief Advocacy Officer, Roger Smith, to discuss AAMFT's efforts in developing a model of MFT license portability in order to promote more objectivity in assessing qualifications, as well as standardization between states in our increasingly mobile society.

Episode 109: Dafna Lender Jun 14, 2024

On this episode of the AAMFT Podcast, Dafna Lender, LCSW, speaks to Eli about secure attachment of children with their caregivers, and the importance of playfulness and rupture repair in the parent-child relationship.

Episode 108: Sue Johnson, Jim Furrow & Gail Palmer May 24, 2024

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Sue Johnson on April 23, 2024. In this very special tribute episode, we hear from Sue in her own words about her childhood and professional legacy. Sue was also a cherished friend whose warmth and wisdom profoundly touched all who knew her. Two of those friends and leaders in the EFT Movement, Gail Palmer & Jim Furrow, join Eli to share their memories and emotional last conversations with their mentor.

Episode 107: Barry McCarthy Apr 26, 2024

In this episode, we confront the traditional male-female power struggle over intercourse frequency and replace it with a new understanding in which both women and men value affectionate, sensual, playful, and erotic touch.

Episode 106: Martha Kauppi Mar 22, 2024

In this episode, LMFT Martha Kauppi, sits down with Eli to explore polyamory from a systemic therapist's perspective. Martha is a therapist, author, speaker, and educator specializing in complex relational therapy, sex issues, and alternative family structures.

Episode 105: Ramani Durvasula Feb 23, 2024

In this episode week's episode, Eli sits down with Dr. Durvasulais to explore the telltale behavioral patterns of narcissism and techniques that you can use with your client to encourage healing and growth.

Episode 104: Harville Hendrix & Helen LaKelly Hunt Feb 09, 2024

In this episode, Eli sits down with married couple's therapists Harville Hendrix and Helen Lakelly Hunt, to discuss the unique challenges of approaching relationships with mindfulness and empathy. Their renowned Imago Relationship Therapy model, now being taught internationally, focuses on healing the inner self and utilizing needs-focused dialogue to heal the couple.

Episode 102: Bill Pinsof Dec 08, 2023

In one of the most personal and revealing interviews in AAMFT Podcast history, Eli explores with Bill his origin story and both his successes and challenges throughout his pioneering journey into systemic therapy integration.

Episode 101: Steven Porges Nov 10, 2023

In this episode, Eli sits down with Dr. Porges to talk about his latest book aimed at the general public. It definitively presents how Polyvagal Theory can be understandable to all and demonstrates how its practical principles are applicable to anyone looking to live their safest, best, healthiest, and happiest life.

Episode 100: Deb Dana Oct 27, 2023

In this episode, Deb and Eli discuss practical Polyvagal skills and how we can use Polyvagal Theory to transform the way we navigate our professional and personal relationships.

Episode 99: Dr. Doug Snyder Sep 22, 2023

In this episode, Eli dives deep with Dr. Doug Snyder into a proven, research-based approach for treating couples impacted by the trauma of infidelity to learn the clinical skills that will empower your couples to recover after significant breaches of trust.

Episode 98: Dr. Karen Gail Lewis Sep 08, 2023

In this episode, Eli sits down with Dr. Lewis to discuss the four components of sibling ghosts: frozen images, crystalized roles, unhealthy loyalty, and sibling transference.

Episode 97: Sara Reed Aug 25, 2023

In this episode, Eli talks with a MFT leader in this area, Sara Reed. Sara is a mental health futurist and has spent her early career reimagining effective mental health care in the medical system.

Episode:96 Dr. Ellyn Bader Jul 28, 2023

In this interview, Dr. Ellyn Bader sits down with Eli to describe the evolution of her work as a couples therapist. She also recalls how she and her therapist husband, Dr. Peter Pearson, founded the Couples Institute and the Developmental Model of Couples Therapy, a model that teaches therapists how to diagnose, intervene and significantly help troubled relationships.

Episode 95: Dr. Chris Habben Jun 23, 2023

In this episode of the AAMFT Podcast, Eli has a thought-provoking conversation with AAMFT Past President & current Chair of the Spirituality in Clinical Practice (SICP) Topical Interest Network - Dr. Chris Habben.

Episode 94: Barbara McCrady Jun 09, 2023

In this episode of the AAMFT Podcast, Eli and leading scientist-practitioner, Barbara McCrady, review the historical and conceptual underpinnings of ABCT, as well as the specific treatment elements and structure.

Episode 93: Jim Furrow May 26, 2023

On this installment of the AAMFT Podcast, Eli interviews EEFT innovator, Jim Furrow, Ph.D. They discuss how to confidently lead family members through distress and past injuries to create new relational patterns, bond with each other, and experience a fuller sense of security.

Episode 92: Teresa McDowell, Carmen Knudson-Martin, and Maria Bermudez May 12, 2023

On this episode of the AAMFT Podcast, Eli sits down with the authors ofSocioculturally Attuned Family Therapy - Teresa McDowell, Carmen Knudson-Martin & Maria Bermudez – for a thoughtful dialogue on the need for marriage and family therapists to engage in socially responsible practice by infusing diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout theory and clinical practice. They explore why sociocultural attunement and equity matter, providing clinicians with integrative, equity-based family therapy guidelines. It is a valuable listen for any systemic practitioner wanting to apply a critical consciousness to their work.

Episode 91:Chris Michaels Apr 28, 2023

In this episode, Eli sits down with AAMFT CEO, Chris Michaels, to discuss these findings and other important developments impacting all practicing MFTs. Download the 2022 MFT Industry Workforce Study for insight into these as well as anticipated challenges and trends facing the profession in the coming years at aamft.org.

Episode 89: Ryan Seedall and Tony Rousmaniere Mar 24, 2023

Helping families/systems to achieve their goals is one of the most rewarding (and challenging!) clinical tasks. While therapists usually receive excellent training in theoretical underpinnings coupled with many hours of therapy and a high standard of supervision (often delivered by live or video review).

There still remain too few avenues for practice and to achieve competency in core Systemic Family Therapy (SFT) skills.

In this episode, Eli talks to Tony & Ryan about adopting deliberate practice methods to support experiential — “learn by doing” — training.

Episode 88: Jessica ChenFeng Feb 24, 2023

Jessica ChenFeng Ph.D, LMFT- Currently holds position as Associate Director of Physician Vitality and Professor of Medical Education at Loma Linda University. In this podcast Jessica discusses her background as a second generation Taiwanese American, and how her personal and surveyed experiences within her community influenced her career path. Eli and Jessica dive into some of the racial and cultural considerations practitioners should keep in mind when working with Asian and Asian American clients. Along with reasons why members of certain communities might seek out therapy at lower rates, and how the landscape of therapy for these communities is shifting with more culturally informed practices.

Episode 87: Dr. Bill Miller Feb 10, 2023

In this episode Dr. Bill Miller, Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry may be best known for his framework on motivational interviewing.

Dr. Miller shares a bit of his path as a clinician and how he finds his work at the intersection of psychology and spirituality.

He and Eli discuss his most recent work with ambivalent clients, and client systems. Which utilizes techniques such as rolling with resistance and changing how systemic therapists can reframe the concept of low motivation by engaging with empathy and alliance.

Episode 86: Dr. Pauline Boss Dec 09, 2022

Dr. Pauline Boss is a clinician, educator, and principal theorist on the concept of ambiguous loss. In this episode, Pauline talks about her research, work with grieving communities, and how we are all impacted by ambiguous loss. This experience can be defined by the way we handle major life transitions, psychological loss, or unfulfilled expectations. Dr. Boss delves into the lack of attention grief receives in educational realms, due to our culture’s fear and rejection of pain, along with the myth of closure. Finally, she discusses how she hopes her body of work impacts future clinicians and the way our culture handles the nuances of loss.

Episode 78: Graham Danzer Jun 10, 2022

Graham Danzer is a research-informed forensic psychologist and author of the book: Therapist Self-Disclosure: An Evidence-Based Guide for Practitioners. Graham sits down with Eli to discuss the benefits and challenges of navigating self-disclosure with various populations, the importance of making disclosures brief and relevant and of lower intimacy content, and the balancing self-disclosure in marketing materials like websites. Finally, they discuss the importance of developing a policy on personal disclosure.

Episode 76: David Kessler May 13, 2022

David Kessler is one of the world's foremost experts on loss, the founder of Grief.com, and coauthored two books with Louise Hay and Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. He sits down with Eli to discuss his journey to find his own healing, his work and relationship with Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, and common misconception about the five stages of dying. Finally he discusses the non-linear, observational nature of the stages, describing them as descriptive rather than prescriptive.

Episode 75: Andrea Wittenborn and Kendal Holtrop Apr 29, 2022

This week’s episode is a special show featuring the co-editors of the JMFT Special Anniversary Issue: Andrea Wittenborn and Kendal Holtrop. Dr. Andrea Wittenborn is Professor of Human Development and Family Studies. She also holds an appointment in the Division of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at Michigan State University. Dr. Kendal Holtrop is an Associate Professor of Human Development and family studies. She obtained her PhD from Michigan State University in 2011, served on the faculty at Florida State University for six years, and then returned to MSU in 2017. In this episode, they discuss topics and interventions from the special issue, the importance of consuming research and staying up-to-date, and the move in research toward focusing on external validity. Finally, they ask: what are conditions relevant to stakeholder groups, and how do we make the research highly relevant to public health?

Teneo is AAMFT’s online education platform and provides clinical training with a focus on systems and relational therapies. Teneo courses are all online and can be accessed anywhere in the world. Courses can be started, paused, and completed at any time to accommodate busy mental health professionals’ schedules. Teneo course are approved by many state regulatory boards to provide Continuing Education credit hours, and cover such diverse topics as: Marketing your Practice, Eldercare, Working with LGBTQ Clients, and Ethics. Explore the course catalog at www.aamft.org/learning and use code TENEO10 for 10% off your purchase.

Episode 72: Mona Fishbane Mar 11, 2022

Mona Fishbane, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist licensed in Illinois and New Jersey, is the past director of the Couple Therapy Training Program at the Chicago Center for Family Health. Mona specializes in treating couples and adult individuals. Her particular focus is on integrating "news from neuroscience" with a systemic approach to therapy. She sits down with Eli for the first of a two-episode focus on neurobiology and couple functioning. She discusses how to empower couples and therapists by understanding neurobiology, top-down and bottom-up techniques for emotional regulation, and the importance of affect labeling or naming one’s feelings. Finally, she discusses neuroplasticity and ways to regulate emotions so that we can live according to our higher values.

Teneo is AAMFT’s online education platform and provides clinical training on various topics with a focus on systems and relational therapies, offering continuing education credits for mental health professionals. Explore our course catalog at www.aamft.org/learning and use code TENEO10 for 10% off your purchase.

Episode 71: Chelsea Spencer Feb 25, 2022

Dr Chelsea Spencer is an Assistant Research Professor at Kansas State University and has extensively studied Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and conjoint couple treatment for IPV. Dr Spencer sits down with Eli to discuss her early life and education working with Dr Sandra Stith, factors in determining which couples may and may not be good candidate for conjoint treatment, and techniques for assessing the level of violence happening in relationships. She further discusses the difference between situational violence and intimate terrorism and risk factors of spousal homicide.

Episode 70: Howard Liddle Feb 11, 2022

This week Eli sits down with Dr Howard Liddle. Dr Liddle is a professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences, and Director of the Center for Treatment Research on Adolescent Drug Abuse at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Dr. Liddle's research focus is on the development, testing, implementation, and dissemination of family-based treatment for adolescent substance abuse and delinquency. The discussion touches on a breadth of topics including his early inspirations working with family therapy and youth, how his ideas developed under mentors like Mnuchin and Haley, and the importance of sponsoring the technique and idea of change in psychotherapy. Finally they discuss the origins of Multi-dimensional Family Therapy, how it pays homage to traditional models, and how it moves the profession forward in terms of empirical support.

Episode 69: Frank Anderson Jan 28, 2022

Frank Anderson, MD, is both a psychiatrist and psychotherapist who specializes in the treatment of trauma and dissociation. Franks sits down with Eli to discuss the current state of psychopharmacology, and how medicine and talk therapy can work hand in hand to drive client results. He discusses strategies for therapists to stay on top of the latest treatments and therapies, when and how to make a referral, and how to get buy-in from skeptical clients on the issue of psychopharmacology. Finally, he talks about the importance of empowering clients to make their own medication decisions by providing them access to information about when to realistically expect relief, how levels can be tested and evaluated, drug interactions and more.

Episode 68: Ellen Wachtel Jan 14, 2022

Dr. Ellen Wachtel is a renowned couples’ therapist and author of the book The Heart of Couple Therapy. She sits down with Eli to discuss the core ingredients of effective couples’ therapy, the importance of hopefulness to the therapeutic process, and how a person’s legacy issues can impact their current relationship. She also shares examples of her unique use of the geneogram, and ways in which couples can work together to address communication and trust issues rather than trying to solve problems alone.

Episode 67: Constance Ahrons Dec 17, 2021

Constance Ahrons was a ground-breaking systemic therapist who challenged negative stereotypes about divorce and was an early advocate for collaborative divorce. She was the author of The Good Divorce and participated in groundbreaking longitudinal research on the effects of divorce on children. In this episode she discusses her early career and influences including working with Carl Whitaker, her pioneering research on predicting adjustment of children of divorce by quality of the co-parenting relationship, and her work with binuclear families. Finally, she describes the kinship system of working with divorced co-parents and the unique classification system she uses to describe them.

Episode 66: Patrick and Stefanie Carnes Dec 10, 2021

Patrick Carnes, PhD, and Stefanie Carnes, PhD, LMFT are the founder and president, respectively, of the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals. In this episode, they discuss the unique nature of being a father and daughter team in the field, their treatment approach to compulsive sexual behaviors, and the impact of these behaviors on couple and individual functioning in order to achieve a sex life that is fun, erotic, intimate, and healthy.

Episode 65: Jay Lappin and Jorge Colapinto Nov 19, 2021

Jay Lappin trained in the relational architecture of Structural Family Therapy with Dr. Salvador Minuchin. He currently maintains a private practice, teaches at Drexel and the University of Pennsylvania, leads workshops and work as an independent consultant. Jorge Colapinto has written and lectured both nationally and internationally on structural family therapy and currently teaches at the Drexel University’s Marriage and Family Program. Jay and Jorge sit down with Eli to remember the legendary Dr. Sal Minuchin and discuss Structural Family Therapy. They discuss the importance of working “outside to inside” from context to individual, Structural Family Therapy as a way of being rather than just a set of techniques, and the importance of adaptability to changing times.

Episode 64: Mary Jo Barrett Nov 12, 2021

Mary Jo Barrett is an author and the Executive Director and co-founder of The Center for Contextual Change, Ltd. She holds a master’s in social work from the University of Illinois Jane Addams School of Social Work and is currently on the faculties of University of Chicago, School of Social Service Administration, The Chicago Center For Family Health, and the Family Institute of Northwestern University. She discusses the origins of her career and interest in trauma and the family system. She also discusses the importance of remembering the intergenerational when working with individuals with trauma, the importance of trying to find the good even in people who may have done monstrous things, and transparency in the therapeutic process.

Episode 63: Kaethe Weingarten Oct 22, 2021

Kaethe Weingarten, Ph.D., directs the Witness to Witness (W2W) program, a nonprofit organization that consults to individuals, families, and communities locally, nationally, and internationally to transform toxic witnessing of violence and violation to active compassionate witnessing with others, for the Migrant Clinicians Network. She discusses her early life experiences and the origins of the Witnessing Project, the importance of witnessing to move people into empowered positions, and balancing sharing your own experiences vs witnessing. She finishes by discussing methods for fighting "compassion fatigue" or burnout and sharing stories of resilience.

Registration is open for the Systemic Family Therapy Conference 2021, sponsored by the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. Reserve your spot today! www.aamft.org/conference

Episode 62: Megan McCoy Oct 08, 2021

This week’s guest is Megan McCoy, LMFT, PhD an adjunct faculty member at Kansas State University where she teaches courses for the Financial Therapy Certificate Program. An expert on financial therapy and healing financial infidelity, Her research interests truly focus on how to create more empirical evidence to support work that she has seen change so many lives in her clinical experiences. She discusses strategies to help couples overcome the challenges and stigma around money issues, the role of money in couples’ power dynamics and breaking maladaptive patterns of behavior by working together against the problem. Finally she discusses the importance of understanding one’s partner’s history of handling money concerns and how this can affect current relationships, as well as strategies for maximizing the rewards of “retail therapy” while avoiding pitfalls like regret or disappointment.

Registration is open for the Systemic Family Therapy Conference 2021, sponsored by the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. Reserve your spot today! www.aamft.org/conference

Episode 61: Dr. Ian Kerner Sep 24, 2021

Ian Kerner, PhD, LMFT, is a licensed psychotherapist, NYT bestselling author, and nationally recognized sexuality counselor who specializes in sex therapy, couples therapy and working with individuals on a range of relational issues that often lead to distress. He discusses negative associations with pornography and erotica and how these can be overcome, the move away from a language of addiction and towards a language of positive sexual health in sex research, and ways that erotica can be a solution or enhancement rather than a detriment to couples’ sexual health. He also describes how ethical production and consumption of pornography can depatholigize pornography and allow couples to practice mind-based arousal.

Episode 60: Laura Frey and Quintin Hunt Sep 03, 2021

Dr. Laura Frey is the principal investigator for a grant funded by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention that examines the effect of parental expressed emotion on adolescent disclosure of suicide ideation and a professor at the University of Louisville where she heads up the Couples and Family Therapy program. Dr. Quintin Hunt is a professor at Brigham Young University. His research interests include understanding and preventing suicide in folks at indicated risk of suicide and family and relational-based interventions. They discuss barriers to clients sharing thoughts of suicidal ideation, the benefits of mobilizing family in treatment, and overcoming stigma associated with suicidal thoughts.

Episode 59: Melissa Orlov Aug 27, 2021

The symptoms of adult ADHD can be particularly damaging in close relationships, especially if those symptoms have never been diagnosed or treated. Melissa Orlov has been working and speaking on the topic of adult ADHD since 2007 and wrote The ADHD Effect on Marriage. Her interview focuses on difficulties faced by adults with ADHD, from getting diagnosed, to overcoming shame and stigma, and chromic stress in personal relationships. She also discusses coping and support strategies for non-ADHD partners, as well as ways to disrupt unhelpful patterns of interaction and promote healthy relationships.

Episode 58: Karlin J. Tichenor and Corey E. Yeager Aug 13, 2021

Karlin J. Tichenor and Corey E. Yeager are co-authors of the chapter "Letters to the Field" in the Handbook of Systemic Family Therapy. In this episode, they define historical trauma and its influence on African American client systems. They discuss the importance of story-telling as a belief system that indigenous Africans and African-Americans have passed down intra- and inter-generationally, and how MFTs can integrate cultural sensitivity into clinical training and practice with African American client systems.

Episode 57: Mudita Rastogi Jul 23, 2021

Mudita Rastogi is an LMFT, grant consultant, coach, and educator. She is the associate co-editor of the Handbook of Systemic Family Therapy and author of the chapter, "Systemic Conceptualization of Interventions." In this episode, she discusses systems thinking in a global framework, effective interventions with underserved populations, and the psychological and relational effects of oppression and power imbalance on client systems.

Episode 56: Janice Abrahms Spring Jul 09, 2021

Janice Abrahms Spring is a clinical psychologist and nationally acclaimed expert on issues of trust, intimacy, and forgiveness and author of multiple books on infidelity including a radical model for when not to forgive. In this episode, she discusses how to help couples come to an agreed definition of infidelity, what couples need to realistically rebuild their relationship and manage triggers, and the powerful role that MFTs play in healing broken bonds and restoring trust.

Episode 55: Laurie Charlés and Saliha Bava Jun 25, 2021

Laurie Charlés and Saliha Bava are the authors of a chapter in the Handbook of Systemic Family Therapy titled "Systemic Therapy & Global Mental Health." During this episode, they reflect on their experience with professional development and training within global mental health, specifically the necessary skills and relational process when family therapy is taken outside of our borders, the language of global mental health, and integrating "respectful curiosity” into clinical training and practice.

Episode 54: Howard Markman and Scott Stanley Jun 11, 2021

Howard Markman and Scott Stanley are internationally recognized researchers who have authored over 100 publications and whose work has spanned over four decades. During this episode, they talk about their many years of collaboration including the development of the PREP® curricula for relationship education and enhancement. Reflecting on the clinically relevant findings from 40 years of the program, they also discuss the future possibilities for couples therapy.

Episode 53: Gwyn Daniel May 28, 2021

Gwyn Daniel is a systemic psychotherapist and trainer at the Tavistock Institute in London. She is the author of the chapter "Families in Chronically Unsafe Community Environments" in the Handbook of Systemic Therapy. In this episode, she discusses the impacts of trauma, political violence, and dislocation on family life, particularly for Palestinian families. Interventions are shared that aim to strengthen family and community connections and sustain hope in contexts of extreme suffering and despair.

Episode 52: Sean Davis May 14, 2021

Sean Davis is a professor at Alliant International University and the author of seven books including a widely used textbook in the field. In this episode, he talks about the often overlooked skill of writing: for therapeutic effect, for self-care, for your practice. He discusses the advantages of writing to complement clinical skills, including critical thinking and persuasive abilities, and shares tips on developing good writing habits, how to get feedback on your writing, and what he has learned from other prolific writers.

Episode 51: Lori Gottlieb Apr 23, 2021

Lori Gottlieb is a psychotherapist and author of the NYT bestseller Maybe You Should Talk to Someone. which is currently being adapted as a television series. In addition to her clinical practice, she writes The Atlantic’s weekly “Dear Therapist” advice column. In this episode, she shares her non-traditional path to become an MFT. She discusses how her column provides a window into how therapists think about everyday dilemmas, helping to normalize getting help and prioritizing mental health.

Episode 50: Eliana Gil Apr 09, 2021

Eliana Gil is the founding partner of the Gil Instititue for Trauma Recovery and Education. A play therapy pioneer, Gil talks about integrating family therapy and play therapy and finding ways to invite children into the adult world through alternate ways of expression. She talks about how to feel comfortable in working with kids and enliven a process that many struggle with verbally. Finally, she shares that playfulness is for everyone, and has the ability to change energy and make people more present, often leading adults to rediscover their creativity and imagination.

Episode 49: Ben Fineman and Caroline Wiita Mar 26, 2021

Ben Fineman is an associate MFT and Caroline Wiita is a marriage and family therapist in training. Together they host the podcast Very Bad Therapy, which talks about what goes wrong in the therapy room and how it could go better, interviewing both clients who have had bad experiences and experts who share insight from their years of experience. In this episode, they discuss the need for young professionals to normalize asking for help, learning from mistakes, and self-reflection to improve client outcomes.

The AAMFT Podcast is going live! Featuring interviews with authors from the Handbook of Systemic Family Therapy, a ground-breaking reference work on both the profession and the practice of systemic family therapy, guests discuss global mental health and other topics.

See https://www.aamft.org/podcastlive for upcoming free, live episodes.

Episode 48: Markie Twist Mar 12, 2021

Dr. Markie Twist is an award-winning sexuality educator and sexologist. In this episode, she discusses attachment and sexuality in the digital age and the need for MFTs to treat technology as a growing, changing member of the relational system. The Couple and Family Technology framework she co-developed is explained, as well as assessment and four essential micro-skills in addressing technology. Finally, she talks about the pandemic’s impact on digital intimacy.

The AAMFT Podcast is going live! Featuring interviews with authors from the Handbook of Systemic Family Therapy, a ground-breaking reference work on both the profession and the practice of systemic family therapy, guests discuss global mental health and other topics.

See https://www.aamft.org/podcastlive for upcoming free, live episodes.

Episode 47: Celia Falicov Feb 26, 2021

Celia Falicov is a family therapist, author, teacher, and clinician, internationally known for her work with Latino and immigrant populations. In this episode, she shares how she was shaped by her upbringing in Argentina, and later as she migrated to the US and studied in London. She discusses the differentiation between cultural diversity and social justice and reflects on the biggest changes she’s seen in cultural competency in the field along with the specific skills MFTs can use to increase cultural awareness.

Now, see The AAMFT Podcast interviews in real time! Join us for The AAMFT Podcast Live Series, featuring interviews with authors from the Handbook of Systemic Family Therapy, a ground-breaking reference work on both the profession and the practice of systemic family therapy. Each session is free and offers one hour of continuing education. Register here for the first event with Gwyn Daniel on March 5.

Episode 46: Michael Yapko Feb 12, 2021

Michael Yapko is a clinical psychologist and marriage and family therapist, internationally recognized for his work in developing strategic outcome focused psychotherapists and advancing the clinical applications of hypnosis. In this episode, he shares stories of the pioneers in the field that influenced him, and his own work in applying systemic thinking to hypnosis and strategic therapy. He dispels myths about hypnosis and discusses the nature of suggestion imbedded in all therapy, and how he merges it into the treatment of depression.

Episode 45: Jose Szapocznik Jan 22, 2021

Jose Szapocznik, of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, is the developer of Brief Strategic Family Therapy and one of the nation’s leading family therapists specializing in Hispanic families. In this episode, he discusses how he provides therapy consistent with Hispanic culture and using the family’s language. He shares how BSFT uses techniques from structural family therapy; transforming interactions from problematic to constructive using the family’s underlying strengths to heighten the human bond, and how it is kept brief by cultivating a highly participatory, governing coalition among the family.

Episode 44: Frank Dattilio Jan 08, 2021

Frank Dattilio, PhD, ABPP, is a leading figure in systemic therapy and clinical and forensic psychology, pioneering the integration of cognitive behavioral therapy with family systems. In this episode, he shares how his family of origin built resilience and shaped his career pursuits and gives practical insight into how CBT is used in a systems context. Frank reflects on the state of the profession and his desire to have his model and techniques used by future generations of MFTs.

Episode 43: Harlene Anderson Dec 11, 2020

Dr. Harlene Anderson is a founding member of the Houston Galveston Institute, and a cofounder for the Postmodern Collaborative Approach to therapy. With a psychology background, family therapy gave Anderson the systemic language and vocabulary to collaborate with clients as co-constructor. She discusses how speaking the family’s language models a listening/speaking process for families to use with one another, and allows the therapist to form a collaborative relationship that provides space for self-directed change.

Episode 42: Peter Fraenkel Nov 20, 2020

Peter Fraenkel is internationally recognized clinical psychologist, writer, and presenter who specializes in last chance couples therapy. In this episode, he discusses his origins in the field and how he uses an integrated systems approach to work with couples on the brink of divorce. He shares techniques for an action-oriented, empirical approach using principles that help couples generate new thoughts and feelings about each other.

Episode 41: Christopher Belous and Jackie Williams-Reade Nov 13, 2020

This week’s episode features chairs of AAMFT’s Topical Interest Networks to discuss emerging trends in their topic area and the benefits of being a member of the group.

Dr. Christopher Belous, chair of the Couples and Intimate Relationships topical interest network, is an associate professor and the clinical director of the family therapy program at Purdue University Northwest. He discusses the value that the network offers members through trainings, research, consultation groups, and the belonging found as part of this network.

Jackie Williams-Reade is chair of the Family Therapists in Healthcare network and professor at Loma Linda University. She talks about the integration of healthcare into mental health and how the TIN is addressing needs for MFTs who work in healthcare settings- both experienced and new to the field.

Learn more at www.aamft.org/TIN

Episode 40: Linda Hershman Oct 30, 2020

Linda Hershman has been in practice for more than twenty years and is a frequent presenter, educating public and practitioners on healthy divorce. As divorce trends towards older demographics, Linda breaks down the risk factors, demographics, emotional/economic fears, and the impact on adult children that accompany gray divorce. She discusses how therapy can help family systems navigate the decisions and aftereffects of gray divorce.

Episode 39: Norm Epstein and Don Baucom Oct 09, 2020

Norm Epstein and Don Baucom are the creators of the cognitive behavioral couples therapy model. In this episode, they recount their individual backgrounds as well as how they met and began collaborating. The discuss the emotional component of CBT and the critical understanding that it is not just a set of techniques, but requires a thoughtful and authentic therapist to relate to the couple. Norm shares his vision to adapt CBT for diverse cultures, and Don points to future projects of developing a comprehensive, integrated model of healthy couple relationships.

Episode 38: Bill O'Hanlon Sep 27, 2020

Bill O’Hanlon is a speaker and author, known for his work in developing Solution-Oriented Therapy. In this episode, he discusses the model as providing systemic, non-blame context to influence positive change in the present maintenance and future shift of problems. He talks about Milton Erickson’s impact on him, and the difference between the solution-focused and solution-oriented approaches. Finally, Bill shares his next project and performs a song he wrote.

Episode 37: Jay Lebow Sep 11, 2020

Jay Lebow is a Clinical Professor of Psychology at Northwestern University known for his contributions to the field of MFT and his work with high-conflict divorce. In this episode, he talks about assessment, offering communication structure and rules for couples while navigating messy divorce, and the importance of establishing a safe environment for all parties to move forward. Understanding the legal system, and self of therapist characteristics needed to manage the high conflict interface are also discussed.

Episode 36: John and Julie Gottman Aug 21, 2020

John and Julie Gottman are the co-founders of The Gottman Institute, a research-based approach to relationships and marital stability. The world-renowned Gottman Method combines John’s research with the application of Julie’s clinical work with couples. In this episode, they share the origins of the method, stories from their decades of work, and personal anecdotes from their marriage and professional collaboration.

Episode 35: Andy Christensen Aug 07, 2020

Dr. Andy Christensen is a professor of psychology at UCLA and the co-developer of integrated couples behavior therapy (ICBT). He has spent his career researching the effectiveness of evidence-based treatment for couples in distress. In this episode, Dr. Christensen discusses acceptance and tolerance techniques, the empirical support for the model, and a new online ICBT program for couples.

Episode 34: Jackie Williams-Reade Jul 24, 2020

Jackie Williams-Reade is an associate professor at Loma Linda University and a therapist, researcher, trainer, and speaker. In this episode, she discusses integrating spirituality into practice, defining religion versus spirituality, and normalizing these conversations in the classroom to become more comfortable with them in the therapy room. She talks through helping a client build spiritual resources when your own are low and recommends training and resources for integrating spirituality and a biopsychosocial-spiritual lens into your practice.

Episode 33: Navigating the Legal System Jul 10, 2020

Stefanie Frank, JD, former legal counsel for AAMFT, discusses common questions, gray areas, and ethical dilemmas about interfacing with the legal system as a systemic family therapist. She covers a wide berth of topics including best practices for expert witnesses, responding to subpoenas, HIPAA compliance, notetaking, and privilege, and termination as part of ethical practice.

Episode 32: Patricia Papernow Jun 26, 2020

Patricia Papernow is widely recognized as one of the world’s foremost experts on blended families. In this episode, she discusses what has and hasn’t changed over her four decades of researching and working with blended families. Dr. Papernow provides practical insight for couples, co-parenting, and integrating children into stepfamily dynamics.

Episode 31: Healing Racial Trauma Jun 05, 2020

This panel of LMFTs shares their perspectives in the classroom and beyond on healing from racial trauma. They discuss how to help Black clients and people of color name and understand symptoms and lived realities as historical, racial trauma, how systemic thinking can bridge the connection between dysfunction and healing, and how all people are racialized beings with internalized narratives. As academics, they talk about their approach to teaching, the importance of stating their social location, and how to create space to work towards dismantling a racialized system.

Episode 30: Froma Walsh May 22, 2020

Froma Walsh is an internationally respected leader in the field of MFT and the foremost authority on family resilience, developing a resilience-oriented, community-based approach to strengthen families in crisis. Go behind the model in this episode and learn about Dr. Walsh’s journey from the Peace Corps in Morocco, to finding a home in family therapy, to forming her resilience practice around lived experiences.

Episode 21: Kathleen Laundy: MFTs in Schools May 08, 2020

Kathleen Laundy, PsyD, LMFT has over 40 years’ experience in private practice and the collaborative educational system. She is the chair of the MFTs in Schools Topical Interest Network and is involved in the Oxford Symposium in School-Based Family Counseling. She discusses how systemic thinking has grown in school systems and how MFTs can produce effective change in schools.

Episode 28: Jill and David Scharff Apr 24, 2020

Jill and David Scharff are the founders of the International Psychotherapy Institute and collaborators on many books, most notably Object Relations Couple Therapy. They take us on the journey through their early careers, developing the object relations therapy technique and how it should be integrated into MFT training, starting the IPI, and what has driven them through their decades of work.

Episode 27: Cloe Madanes Apr 09, 2020

Cloe Madanes is a world-renowned teacher and innovator of strategic family therapy. In this episode, she discusses her origin story, her career journey, and her personal and professional relationship with Jay Haley. She shares a story about being hypnotized by Milton Erickson, as well as working with other pioneers of systemic therapy. Finally, she discusses her most recent project of partnering with Tony Robbins to train on strategic intervention.

Episode 26: Erica Hartwell, Queer and Trans Advocacy Network Mar 25, 2020

Erica Hartwell is an associate professor at Fairfield University, where she has launched a certificate program for working with sexual and gender minorities. She is the chair of the Queer and Trans Advocacy Network. In this episode, Erica discusses how to provide affirmative and effective care for clients with a different social identity than you, and how QTAN’s seat at the table can help the profession best support society.

Episode 25: Alexandra Solomon Mar 12, 2020

Dr. Alexandra Solomon is a licensed clinical psychologist at The Family Institute at Northwestern University. In this episode, she talks about therapists taking a holistic approach to help clients reclaim their sexuality and to communicate their desires to build satisfying relationships, and why it's important to train young MFTs to become more comfortable dealing with sexual issues in the therapy room.

Episode 24: Karen Wampler Feb 25, 2020

In a special edition of The AAMFT Podcast, Eli shares his interview with the late Dr. Karen Wampler, a major contributor to the field of marriage and family in the areas of academia and research. They discuss her role as editor-in-chief of the upcoming Handbook of Systemic Family Therapy, into which she poured her immense talents and vision to spearhead this work that will have an enduring impact on the profession.

Episode 23: Emerging Technology & the MFT with Katherine Hertlein Feb 14, 2020

Katherine Hertlein is a professor at UNLV whose research and publications have been recognized with multiple awards including a Fulbright Scholarship. In this episode, she discusses how technology influences couple and family therapy and how social media, online infidelity, and telehealth impact the delivery of services.

Episode 90: Vienna Pharaon Apr 14, 2023

Vienna Pharaon is a licensed marriage and family therapist and one of New York City’s most sought-after relationship therapists. Vienna is the creator of @mindfulMFT on Instagram where she’s helping over 600K people around the world heal their wounds. She has been featured in The Economist, Vice, and Motherly, and has led workshops for Peloton and Netflix, among others. Her latest book, The Origins of You, unlocks a healing process to help our clients understand their own family of origin—and examine what worked (and didn’t) in that system. In this episode, Eli sits down with Vienna to explore the importance of continuing to do your own family origin work throughout your life course as a systemic therapist.

Episode 85: Adam Fisher and Nathan Hardy Nov 11, 2022

This week’s episode features collegial debate between two colleagues who are proponents of two schools of thought: Attachment or EFT Theory, and Differentiation or Crucible Theory. The two schools are substantially different in how they view aspects of adult development, and we have two guests who will walk us through the differences and similarities. We are joined this week by Adam Fisher and Nathan Hardy. Dr. Fisher is an assistant clinical professor at Brigham Young University, with a joint appointment between Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), and the department of Counseling Psychology and Special Education (CPSE). Dr Hardy is an Associate Professor and graduate of the COAMFTE accredited Ph.D. program at Kansas State University. Dr. Hardy came to OSU in 2016. Dr. Hardy serves as the MFT Program Director and is an AAMFT Approved Supervisor and Clinical Fellow of AAMFT. This week they sit down with Eli to discuss their early education and influences, similarities and differences between Attachment and Differentiation, the type of therapist and client each model works best for, and more.

Episode 84: Ann Steiner Oct 28, 2022

What is a professional will, and do you need one? What would become of your practice in the event of an emergency? This week, Eli sits down with Dr. Ann Steiner. Dr. Steiner is a licensed as a Marriage and Family Child Counselor and maintains a private practice in Lafayette, CA. She and Eli discuss early influences and what drew her to the profession, what a professional will is, why it’s important to have one in place, practical advice on how to set one up, and the importance of choosing your own “emergency response team.” Finally, they discuss the challenges people face when attempting to set up a professional will, some strategies to overcome them, and more.

Episode 83: Shelley Hanson and Silvia Kaminsky Oct 14, 2022

This week on the podcast we’re talking leadership with outgoing AAMFT President Shelley Hanson and AAMFT President-elect Silvia Kaminsky. Shelley and Silvia sit down with Eli to discuss their early-career influences and beginnings of their leadership journey. They also discuss the importance of systemic thinking to leadership, the benefits of having diverse people in positions of leadership, imposter syndrome, and how to look for opportunities to serve where your passion takes you. Finally, they discuss programs such as AAMFT’s Leadership Symposium, and how these programs can benefit emerging leaders.

Episode 82: Doug Breunlin and Bill Russell. Sep 23, 2022

What does it mean to be an integrative systemic therapist? This week on the podcast we’re sitting down with Douglas C. Breunlin and William P. Russell. Doug Breunlin has practiced individual, couple and family therapy. He has served as a consultant for Cook County Hospital's Departments of Pediatrics and Family Practice for 12 years, in addition to providing consultation to mental health centers, special education programs and residential facilities, and is co-author of Metaframeworks: Transcending the Models of Family Therapy. Bill Russel has practiced systemic psychotherapy, developed and administered mental health service programs, and trained and supervised therapists. He has worked in academic institutions, community agencies, a private practice, a therapeutic school and the Veterans Administration. For the past twenty-six years Mr. Russell has worked at The Family Institute at Northwestern University. Bill and David chat with Eli about the meaning of integrative systemic therapy, their early work and career influences, the importance of introducing the client to the model rather than the other way around, their work at institutions such as the Institute for Juvenile Research and The Family Institute at University of South Wales, and more.

Episode 81: John Rolland Aug 26, 2022

John Rolland, MD, MPH, is Executive Co-Director and Co-Founder of the Chicago Center for Family Health and author of the book: Helping Couples and Families Navigate Illness and Disability. Dr. Rolland is an AAMFT approved clinical supervisor and serves on the Editorial Boards of several journals. In this episode Dr Rolland sits down with Eli to discuss early inspirations and what sparked his interest in family systems, the difficulty of integrating the pathology driven medical model with the strength and health model of family therapy, and his Family Systems Illness Model. Dr Rolland also discusses the need for psychoeducation to give families the beginnings of a map they can use to get through the experience of illness.

Episode 80: Deb Coolhart Aug 12, 2022

Deb Coolhart, Associate Professor at Syracuse University, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, with a private practice in Fayetteville, NY. She is a Clinical Fellow of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy and an AAMFT-approved supervisor. Under her leadership, the Gender Expansive Support Team was created and continues to provide services in the Central New York community. In this episode, Deb sits down with Eli to discuss her early career and research interests and influences, the need for inclusive, affirming language, the need to acknowledge the pervasive experience of mistreatment that trans people face, the different ways clients may experience dysphoria, and much more.

Episode 79: Evan Imber-Black Jul 15, 2022

Evan Imber-Black, PhD, is currently Professor and Program Director of the Marriage and Family Therapy Masters Program at Mercy College, and was a professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx. Evan was a longtime faculty member at the Ackerman Institute and former Director of Ackerman’s Center for Families and Health. In this episode, she sits down with Eli to discuss her early career influences and why she became a therapist, her proudest memories from her time as editor of Family Process, and the concepts of family rituals and family secrets. Eli and Evan discuss what makes a good family ritual, how to create family rituals, and finally the delicate balance between the need for privacy and the impact of family secrets.

Episode 77: Renee Rienecke May 27, 2022

Renee Rienecke, PhD, FAED, is a clinical psychologist and Director of Research for Eating Recovery Center/Pathlight Mood and Anxiety Centers and Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Northwestern University. This week Eli sits down with her to discuss eating disorders, and their effect on individuals and families. They discuss the categories of eating disorders, therapeutic techniques, such as family-based therapy (FBT) and the Maudsley Method, and the importance of evidence-based treatment. Finally they discuss the important role parents play in family-based treatment.

Episode 74: Jill Freedman and Gene Combs Apr 15, 2022

Jill Freedman and Gene Combs are Co-Directors of Evanston Family Therapy Center, as well as founding members of the Chicago Center for Family Health, an independent affiliate of the University of Chicago. In this episode they discuss the genesis of narrative therapy, remember Michael White and his many contributions to the field, and techniques and practices such as relational identity which have made a difference working with families. They also discuss the importance of the post-structuralist world view and narrative metaphor.

Teneo is AAMFT’s online education platform and provides clinical training on various topics with a focus on systems and relational therapies, offering continuing education credits for mental health professionals. Explore our course catalog at www.aamft.org/learning and use code TENEO10 for 10% off your purchase.

Episode 73: Stan Tatkin Mar 25, 2022

In part two of this two-episode focus on neurobiology and couple functioning, Eli sits down with Stan Tatkin. Stan is the founder of the PACT Training Institute and the developer of PACT—A Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy and an Assistant Clinical Professor at UCLA’s David Geffen School Medicine. Stan sits down with Eli for a discussion on psychobiological approaches to couples therapy. Stan discusses his “origin story” of how he started working with couples, attachment theory as compliment to couples therapy, and strategies for self-soothing and autoregulation. Finally, he discusses interactive couples therapy, and how he uses state changes and movement to moderate fight or flight brain changes.

Teneo is AAMFT’s online education platform and provides clinical training with a focus on systems and relational therapies. Teneo courses are all online and can be accessed anywhere in the world. Courses can be started, paused, and completed at any time to accommodate busy mental health professionals’ schedules. Teneo course are approved by many state regulatory boards to provide Continuing Education credit hours, and cover such diverse topics as: Marketing your Practice, Eldercare, Working with LGBTQ Clients, and Ethics. Explore the course catalog at www.aamft.org/learning and use code TENEO10 for 10% off your purchase.

Episode 22: Richard Schwartz Jan 24, 2020

Richard “Dick” Schwartz, PhD, is the creator of the Internal Family Systems model and the founder of the Internal Family Systems Institute. He discusses how the model came together and overcoming the struggles of initial rejection from the field. In an authentic conversation, he reflects on his work and life.

Episode 21: MFT Minority Student Experience Jan 10, 2020

Leslie Anderson, LMFT, and Sheeza Mohsin, LMFT, talk about their experiences as MFT minority students and instructors. They discuss diversity, inclusion, and dialogues about race dynamics in the classroom, how majority groups can model inclusion and use privilege to benefit marginalized communities, and how the profession can attract more minority candidates. Finally, Jermaine Lowery, Director of AAMFT’s Minority Fellowship Program talks about opportunities and eligibility for the fellowship program.

Episode 20: Preparing for the MFT Licensure Exam Dec 13, 2019

In this episode, Eli sits down with Dr. Jaime Goff and Dr. Sara Blakeslee Salkil to discuss the MFT Licensure exam. Jaime holds a Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy from Michigan State University and a Certificate in Executive Coaching from Southern Methodist University. Sara is the program director of the online Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy program and Assistant Dean of Graduate Studies.First, they share some of the biggest fears and concerns students have surrounding the exam. Then they provide some background information on the exam. They share their best tips and tricks on how to prepare for the exam. If you are preparing to take the exam, this is the podcast for you!

Episode 19: Scott Sells: Treating the Traumatized Child Nov 22, 2019

Scott Sells holds a Ph.D. in both Marriage and Family Therapy and Social Work from Florida State University. He has over 20 publications and has authored three books including “Treating the Traumatized Child: A Step-by-Step Family Systems Approach.” Scott specializes in working with impossible or stuck cases whose families have not been successful with other counselors.First, Scott explains what first drew him to the field and how he started as an MFT. He then discusses how he induced the PLL model and the experiences that led to developing it. He gives valuable tips to young therapists including the importance of maintaining balance in your life. In the final moments, Scott gives details about the model and the techniques he uses in his sessions.

Episode 18: Fred Piercy Nov 08, 2019

Fred P. Piercy, PhD, is professor and head of the Department of Human Development at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Dr. Piercy has won both national and university teaching awards. He has written over 160 published articles, 5 books, and 35 funded grants. Dr. Piercy served as the editor of the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy from 2012-2017. In this episode, Dr. Piercy discusses how he first gained interest in the profession and what led him to be an MFT. He begins with his journey into Academia and his favorite thing he has ever written. Fred explains how research shaped the MFT field over the years and the future of doctoral education. Lastly, he talks about the many lessons that he has learned from his students.

Episode 17: Toni Zimmerman: Advances in MFT Profession Oct 25, 2019

Dr. Toni Zimmerman is an expert on all things AAMFT Supervision. She has directed the CSU Family Therapy program for almost 25 years. She has won many awards in her academic career and she is a staple in the Fundamentals of Supervision training program at AAMFT. Eli sits down with Toni to discuss the trends in MFT Supervision and her impact in the field. She first discusses her origin story and some of the biggest changes in the field since she started, including a discussion about video supervision. She gives advice to supervisees on how to have difficult conversations with their supervisor when there may be an issue. And she provides tips on how to interview potential Supervisors.Lastly, Toni goes into to details about the AAMFT Approved Supervisor Designation and how it excels over other programs.

Episode 16: Guy Diamond: Attachment Based Family Therapy Oct 11, 2019

Guy Diamond is the Professor Emeritus at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and Associate Professor at Drexel University in the College of Nursing and Health Professions. Along with his co-authors, Drs. Gary Diamond and Suzanne Levy, Dr. Diamond has written the first book on ABFT, Attachment-Based Family Therapy for Depressed Adolescents. In this episode, Eli chats with Guy about how he discovered attachment styles and how he would describe his own attachment style based on his family origin. Guy dives into the biggest eye openers and challenges that he faced when he began his career. He then discusses his research findings and how it has benefited the field. Lastly, Guy Diamond talks about his projects and what he hopes to contribute to the future of the field.

Episode 15: Terry Real Sep 27, 2019

Terry Real is the founder of the Relational Life Institute, a family therapist and teacher for 30 years, and an author of many popular books including his breakout book “I Don’t Want to Talk About It”. In this episode, Terry discusses how his family dynamics led him to pursue therapy and details how his father and other life experiences brought him to working with men specifically facing mental health issues. He also discusses the three types of narcissism that are attributed to men and the ways to disarm them. In the last moments, he discusses his shift to couples and where he thinks the field of couple therapy is headed. Finally, he discusses how he wants to be remembered in the field.

Episode 14: Ben Caldwell: Saving Psychotherapy Sep 12, 2019

Dr. Ben Caldwell is part of the faculty at California State Northridge, an author of five books, and the chair of the Legislative and Advocacy Committee for the California division of AAMFT.In a discussion about advocacy and his thoughts on the MFT profession, Eli and Ben talk about his origin story as an MFT and how he started his work in advocacy. He expresses why advocacy should be important to students and young professionals, and discusses how MFTs can help change the stigma of going to therapy. Lastly, he talks about the biggest changes and trends in the field.

Episode 13: Michele Weiner - Davis Aug 22, 2019

Michele Weiner-Davis is an internationally renowned relationship expert, best-selling author, and professional speaker that specializes in helping people change their lives and improve important relationships. Eli sits down with Michele and discusses her own struggles that made her a better therapist, parent, and spouse. She discusses her origin story and discusses who her biggest influences were in her career. Michele recalls her own personal experience with receiving therapy and the benefit that it had on her career. Lastly, Michele discusses some of the new programs and books she has coming out that address infidelity in couples.

Episode 12: Diane Gehart: Mindful MFT Aug 09, 2019

Diane Gehart is a professor of Marriage and Family Therapy at California State University Northridge and has practiced psychotherapy for over 15 years. Eli sits down with Diane to discuss mindfulness and the benefits it has in the MFT field. She discusses her career journey and how mindfulness played a part in her career. She provides her definition of mindfulness and differentiates it from other approaches like “flow”. Diane also discusses her approach to teaching mindfulness to her students and their reaction to this approach. Lastly, Diane talks about her thoughts on the future of mindfulness and how it should continue to be integrated in the field.

Episode 11: Monica McGoldrick Jul 26, 2019

Dr. Monica McGoldrick is the Co-Founder and Director of the Multicultural Family Institute. She is also the author of many popular books, including “Genograms: Assessment and Intervention,” and "Women in Families," just to name a few!

In this episode, Eli sits down with Monica to discuss her life, her journey, and her many accomplishments as a family therapist.

Listen in as Monica discusses her career journey, from finishing her degree in Russian Studies to being known as a pioneer in the field. She also discusses her process of writing her widely popular Genogram book and her collaboration on expanding the Family Life Cycle framework. Finally, Monica will discuss her views on the evolution of the field and how she views her personal legacy.

Episode 10: Manijeh Daneshpour: Culturally Competent MFT Jul 12, 2019

Dr. Manijeh Daneshpour is an LMFT with over 20 years of academic research and clinical experience centered around multiculturalism, social justice, premarital and marital relationships of Muslim family dynamics. Eli sits down with Manijeh as she tells powerful stories about her family of origin and her work with clients as it pertains to multiculturalism and cultural diversity. She discusses how being the only girl in an all-boys school has shaped her for her future. She defines what a third-wave feminist is and how it shaped her approach to the classic models of therapy. Lastly, she discusses what factors are important for the field to move forward in cultural competency.

Episode 9: Steve Harris and Tim Dwyer Jun 27, 2019

In this episode, Eli interviews Tim Dwyer, President of AAMFT, and Steve Harris, Editor of JMFT about their background and journey through the field. They discuss their visions for the future of AAMFT and the Journal, and how their work benefits the members of AAMFT and the field of marriage and family therapy.

First to be interviewed is, Dr. Steve Harris. He discusses the topics he would like to add to the JMFT catalog and the excitement of the upcoming edition of effectiveness. He provides ways for members to get more involved in the journal especially students. Later, Dr. Tim Dwyer describes his trajectory of leadership under AAMFT and the leadership qualities that he brings to the table. He goes into detail about what he does as the president of AAMFT and the things he is excited to see in the future. Get to know more about these two leaders in the field.

Episode 8: Harry Aponte Jun 13, 2019

Harry Aponte is a clinical associate professor in Drexel University’s Couple & Family Therapy Department. Eli chats with Harry as he reflects on his career journey, including how his upbringing in the Bronx prepared him for community work. He discusses his work with person of the therapist, advising therapists that their personal skills are what make techniques work. He talks about how his program created a safe environment for students to share their personal experiences while understanding how these experiences can both help and hinder the client process. He offers essential advice on resonating with people through one’s own brokenness. Harry reveals his reaction to receiving overdue validation on his work from Salvador Minuchin. Finally, he contemplates what he most wants to be remembered for in his professional legacy.

Episode 7: Medical Family Therapy May 10, 2019

Host Dr. Eli Karam sits with two of the leading therapists in the field of Medical Family Therapy, Dr. Angela Lamson and Dr. Jennifer Hodgson. Medical Family Therapy is a field that has its own set of competencies and interventions, with its own unique skills and training. It looks at health from a biopsychosocial/spiritual framework. In other words, it looks at health, loss, trauma, and death in the context of family and how that interfaces with different systems. Drs. Lamson and Hodgson share stories of how they first got into the field and how they first connected with each other. They give insight on the skills needed to work in Medical Family Therapy, different training opportunities, and the future of the field. Finally, they provide insight on how to expand the scope of your practice within Medical Family Therapy.

Episode 7: Medical Family Therapy May 10, 2019

Host Dr. Eli Karam sits with two of the leading therapists in the field of Medical Family Therapy, Dr. Angela Lamson and Dr. Jennifer Hodgson. Medical Family Therapy is a field that has its own set of competencies and interventions, with its own unique skills and training. It looks at health from a biopsychosocial/spiritual framework. In other words, it looks at health, loss, trauma, and death in the context of family and how that interfaces with different systems. Drs. Lamson and Hodgson share stories of how they first got into the field and how they first connected with each other. They give insight on the skills needed to work in Medical Family Therapy, different training opportunities, and the future of the field. Finally, they provide insight on how to expand the scope of your practice within Medical Family Therapy.

Episode 6: Bill Doherty Apr 26, 2019

Bill Doherty is an educator, researcher, therapist, speaker, author, consultant, and community organizer. In this episode, he recounts with Eli his experience in the Catholic church and how circumstances including “failed celibacy” led him to leave the priesthood. He shares how his extensive work doing community presentations led to years of interaction with judges and lawyers, eventually creating the discernment counseling model. Bill contemplates the positive directions the field is taking, and some of the necessary downsides including a crucial turning point of the field and an unexpected consequence of the relational, systemic approach. Eli asks a question that gives Bill goosebumps as he contemplates his boundary-pushing career. Finally, he shares a story about a small but significant detail his mom noticed during his appearance on Oprah.

Episode 5: Online Therapy Apr 05, 2019

In this episode, Dr. Eli Karam sits down with Shelly Smith and Jennifer Labanowski to discuss Online Therapy. Online Therapy is one of the most requested topics for discussion in the MFT profession. In this podcast, you will find out the factors that led Shelly and Jennifer to pursue this career after first being skeptical of this type of therapy. They will discuss the four areas of research to know before starting your own online therapy practice like stating up to date on state regulations and some of the ethical implications associated with online therapy . Find out why clients seek out this form of therapy over face to face and what might lead a therapist to choose this form of therapy. Eli dives in to find out more information about online therapy from experts in the field.

Episode 4: Tracy Todd Mar 22, 2019

This episode’s guest is Dr. Tracy Todd. With years of experience as an MFT and the current CEO of AAMFT, Tracy and Eli discuss the future of AAMFT and the new programs we are introducing to benefit the advancement of the profession. He describes how MFTs can benefit from mixed-reality simulation training, new Topical Interest Networks, future-building events like the Leadership Symposium, and the Disruptive Innovation Challenge. Tracy shares how AAMFT’s new initiatives allow us to stay current and continuously evolve within the growing field, and highlights the significance of providing opportunities for members to become involved and engaged with their profession.

Episode 3: David Schnarch Mar 07, 2019

David Schnarch is a world-renown sex and marital therapist. Eli sits down with David and talks about his career and influence on the field. He discusses how failures led him to come up with the crucible approach, and the revolutionary idea that sexual problems are predictable and normal. He considers the essential qualities a therapist should have to effectively practice sex therapy, touching on how his own openness enables his work. David shares his biggest influences and makes a surprising prediction of the path of the next innovation in systemic therapy. Finally, he talks about his next project of utilizing brain-based therapy with high-risk couples.

Episode 2: Sue Johnson, Part 2 Feb 21, 2019

In the second part of Eli's interview with Dr. Sue Johnson, they continue their discussion of the "person behind the model." Sue talks about the lessons learned from her first marriage and reflects on 30 years of marriage with her second husband. She shares the epiphany that led to the development of EFT, and tells a story of a time when two-thirds of the room walked out of her conference presentation at the mention of it. Later, she contemplates what she wants EFT to accomplish and how she'd like MFTs to use their societal influence to educate the public on understanding love relationships.

Episode 1: Sue Johnson, Part 1 Jan 28, 2019

Sue Johnson is the creator of Emotionally Focused Couples and Family Therapy. In part one of Eli’s interview, Sue recalls how her upbringing in an English pub affected her relationships with her parents and community, and established her comfort level with interpersonal drama and emotion. Sue explains her mother and father’s stark differences in parenting and the effect her mother’s preference that she become a hairdresser had on her eventual career choice. Sue shares the secret for working with aggressive people

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