The Therapist Thrival Guide

Latest Episodes:

107. What to Do When the Clinic Culture Is Off Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

In this episode Miranda sits down with Jean Hoarder, a therapist and the Clinic Director at in Pittsburgh. Jean works closely with franchise owners Fred and Sharon (who are mentioned, but not a part of this episode).

Jean gets real about what it was like stepping into a clinic environment that wasn’t working—and how she helped turn things around. We talk about the importance of consistent leadership, honest communication, and celebrating wins. Jean shares the intentional ways she worked to rebuild trust, create a supportive team vibe, and make the clinic a place people actually want to work. If you're a clinic director or in any kind of leadership role, this one’s packed with insight and encouragement.

OUR HOST:

Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for several years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, case manager, and the Director of Brand Content at Ellie Mental Health. Follow her on⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn.⁠⁠⁠

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.⁠⁠

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 has expanded to an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Timestamps

00:21 – Meet Jean: Background and Role

00:30 – Walking into a toxic culture

02:08 – What positive change actually looks like

05:25 – Building trust and communication

09:54 – Doubts and growing through challenges

16:30 – Jean’s advice for clinic directors

18:42 – Wrapping it up

106. ADHD in Women with Dr. Jennifer Dall Jul 02, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Therapist Thrival Guide, we sit down with Dr. Jennifer Dall—former educator, now ADHD coach and consultant—to talk about something we both care deeply about: what ADHD actually looks like in women. Spoiler alert: it’s often overlooked, misdiagnosed, or misunderstood.

We get into our own stories, the emotional toll of masking, and what it means to get a diagnosis later in life. Plus, we share practical tools like the Pomodoro Technique, body doubling, and ways to build structure that actually work with your brain, not against it.

This episode is full of honesty, insight, and encouragement—especially for those navigating ADHD in themselves or supporting someone who is.

OUR GUEST:

Dr. Jennifer Dall is a Grief-Informed Neurodivergence Specialist and the founder of ADHD Holistically, where she empowers individuals with ADHD to transform daily struggles into opportunities for growth and self-discovery. With over 25 years of experience as an educator and a background in ADHD coaching, yoga instruction, and grief education, Dr. Jennife offers a holistic, deeply personal approach to helping neurodivergent individuals thrive.

Diagnosed with ADHD in her 50s after years of being told she "couldn’t possibly have it," Dr. Jennifer knows firsthand the challenges of navigating misinformation and masking symptoms—especially for women diagnosed later in life. Now, she specializes in helping women identify what truly works for them, focusing on practical, quick-fix strategies that simplify daily life without relying on medication or a one-size-fits-all approach.

Through her courses, workshops, and speaking engagements, Dr. Jennifer equips women—and those who support them—to reframe their ADHD narratives and unlock their full potential. Her work also extends to therapists, life coaches, and HR professionals, offering comprehensive training to better support neurodivergent clients and employees.

Website: ⁠https://adhdholistically.com/

OUR HOST:

Here’s what we cover:

01:22 – What ADHD can look like in women

03:16 – Personal stories + early signs

08:44 – Diagnosis, misconceptions, and being missed

22:05 – Masking + why it’s so exhausting

26:23 – Burnout in ADHD and autism

27:18 – Identity struggles that come with masking

28:40 – Podcast rec: Climbing the Walls

29:48 – Realizing your own ADHD through your kids

32:21 – Why everyday stuff can feel impossible

38:01 – Pomodoro, body doubling + other tools that help

42:40 – What Dr. Dall is creating next

105. "It Shouldn't Be This Way" Book Review by Therapists Jun 25, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Therapist Thrival Guide, I’m joined by the insightful Letisha Harris to talk through It Shouldn’t Be This Way by Janina Scarlet: a book rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy that blends practical tools with a compassionate approach to healing.

We unpack themes like rewriting your origin story, navigating the difference between acceptance and enabling, and using metaphor and movement to support growth. Letisha shares what stood out most to her and how she’s using the book’s strategies with clients in real life. Whether you’re a mental health professional or just someone who’s been through some tough chapters, there’s something here for you.

Link to book: https://amzn.to/4ndfEah

Link to our previous episode about geek/superhero therapy: https://open.spotify.com/episode/68TYylJl9JwdbDKvfXIh12?si=hxvJACNBQ8WUqaadzANC8Q

OUR HOST:

104. Partnering with Occupational Therapy with Heather Dunlap, LPC & OT Jun 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Therapist Thrival Guide, Miranda sits down with Heather Dunlap, a licensed professional counselor and occupational therapist, to break down what occupational therapy (OT) really is—and how it complements the work we do in mental health.

Heather shares her unique perspective as a dual-licensed provider, offering insight into how OT supports clients across the lifespan in developing independence with daily activities, sensory regulation, and fine motor coordination. You’ll hear practical examples of how occupational therapy can benefit children struggling with sensory integration, and how therapists and OTs can collaborate to support clients more holistically.

We also dig into topics like:

The difference between OT and physical therapy
How OT helps with sensory issues, including feeding challenges
Overlaps between mental health counseling and OT
The medical model in OT, and where it sometimes falls short
The power of therapeutic listening and brain-body integration

Whether you're a therapist considering a referral, curious about how OT and mental health intersect, or just looking to expand your clinical toolkit—this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

OUR HOST:

Timestamps:

00:18 – Meet Heather Dunlap: LPC & Occupational Therapist

01:33 – What is Occupational Therapy?

03:24 – OT vs. Physical Therapy

05:49 – OT Support for Children

07:18 – Sensory Integration in Kids

12:50 – How OT Sets Goals and Tracks Progress

26:05 – OT and Autism Spectrum Support

29:39 – Sensory Seeking vs. Sensory Avoidance

31:04 – Feeding Therapy & Sensory Needs Around Food

35:26 – Medical Model in OT: Strengths and Limitations

41:32 – Building Bridges: Collaborating with OTs

103. Erotic Blueprints: A Tool for Couples Therapy Work Jun 11, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Therapist Thrival Guide, Miranda is joined by Hannah, 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.

Read Hannah's article here: https://elliementalhealth.com/discover-a-new-approach-to-combating-stress-through-pleasure-unlock-your-erotic-blueprint/

OUR HOST:

Episode Breakdown (with Timestamps):

00:27 – What Are Erotic Blueprints?

01:34 – The Five Blueprint Types Explained

04:42 – Using Blueprints in the Therapy Room

11:22 – Navigating Blocks and Barriers

24:52 – Training & Certification in Erotic Blueprint Work

27:06 – Self-Care Through the Lens of Erotic Blueprints

102. Writing Effective Treatment Plans (Without the Guesswork) Jun 04, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Alexa (Director of Compliance), and Emily Kohler Hanson 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.

OUR HOST:

101. School-Based Therapy 101: Balancing Confidentiality, Crisis, & Care in Schools May 28, 2025

Show notes

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.

OUR HOST:

100. AI in the Therapy Room: What’s Helpful, What’s Ethical, and What’s Next May 21, 2025

Show notes

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:

Real-life ways therapists are using AI (and where it helps)
How to talk to clients about AI and get informed consent
Where the line is between helpful tool and overreach
Using AI for non-clinical tasks like marketing, content, and admin work
Environmental impact, privacy risks, and what's on the horizon. Read more at this article.
Link to Good Place scene Miranda references: https://youtu.be/R8m_5HDZF7w?si=lnfrBCbbQoZU4lVm&t=108

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.

OUR HOST:

99. Mind-Body Strategies for Therapy, Schools, and Crisis May 14, 2025

Show notes

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:

Meeting people where they’re at, especially in crisis
Why movement matters in mental health care
How to introduce mind-body work to folks who are skeptical or shut down
Tools that work for kids, teens, and even stressed-out college students
Tips for therapists (because let’s be honest—we need regulation tools too)

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.

OUR HOST:

98. Therapy Book Clubs & Virtual Groups with Erin Stevens, LPC-S May 07, 2025

Show notes

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.

OUR HOST:

TIMESTAMPS:

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