The Therapist Thrival Guide

Latest Episodes:

87. DBT for New Clinicians: Mastering Dialectical Behavioral Therapy with Shelby Finley Feb 19, 2025

Show notes

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

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:

00:16 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

86. Creative Ways to Mix Up Group Supervision Time (Part 2) Feb 12, 2025

Show notes

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!

OUR HOST:

TIMESTAMPS:

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

85. Myths, Benefits, and Best Practices as a Group Supervisor (Part 1) Feb 05, 2025

Show notes

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.

OUR HOST:

TIMESTAMPS:

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

84. Borderline Personality Disorder & Complex Trauma: Navigating Diagnosis and Treatment Jan 29, 2025

Show notes

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.

OUR HOST:

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

83. Narcissism, Co-Parenting, and Therapy with Erin Pash Jan 22, 2025

Show notes

Join Miranda Barker, LICSW, and Erin Pash, LMFT, the 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.

OUR HOST:

TIMESTAMPS:00:20 Understanding Narcissism: Common Misconceptions01:11 Narcissism in High Conflict Co-Parenting05:59 Clinical Symptoms of Narcissism09:01 Covert vs. Overt Narcissism10:19 Gender Differences in Narcissism13:04 Narcissism in Couples Therapy23:25 Therapists' Strategies for Handling Narcissistic Clients28:46 Working with a Manipulative Parent33:23 Therapist's Role in High Conflict Cases33:48 Parental Accountability and Personal Values42:34 Therapist's Perspective on Narcissistic Clients50:38 Concluding Thoughts

82. Dance Movement Therapy Jan 15, 2025

Show notes

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!

OUR HOST:

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

81. Everyone Can Use Motivational Interviewing Jan 08, 2025

Show notes

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:

The OARS technique (Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflections, Summaries)
Identifying change talk versus sustain talk
Aligning therapeutic goals with client values

Practical tips and real-life examples are shared to help clinicians incorporate MI into their practice effectively.

OUR HOST:

Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction02:42 Motivational Interviewing Overview05:21 Practical Applications and Examples07:07 The Spirit of Motivational Interviewing16:19 Skills and Techniques in Motivational Interviewing26:00 Understanding Anhedonia and Open-Ended Questions27:49 Affirmations: Challenges and Examples33:32 Reflections: Simple, Complex, and Amplified37:11 Summarizing: Crafting the Perfect Bouquet41:30 Exploring Ambivalence and Change Talk43:22 Tools and Techniques: Change Ruler and Value Sort Cards45:41 Engagement and Focusing in MI49:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

80. Intro to Addiction (& Preventing Addiction Issues in Adolescents) for Therapists Dec 18, 2024

Show notes

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!

OUR HOST:

Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to the Therapist Thrival Guide00:17 Meet Dr. Sarah Polley: Psychiatrist and Addiction Specialist00:53 Diving into Addiction01:52 Dr. Polley's Journey: From Medical School to Addiction Medicine04:52 Understanding Addiction as a Pediatric Onset Illness07:41 Prevention Strategies: Starting Before Birth13:08 Navigating Substance Use in Therapy19:00 Substance Use Disorder Assessments and Treatment Levels25:05 Forced Treatment: Legal and Ethical Considerations27:30 Evidence-Based Treatments for Addiction29:57 Therapeutic Techniques for Substance Use31:55 Addressing Co-Occurring Disorders40:14 Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)45:47 Suboxone and Methadone Explained50:45 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

79. All of the Self Care Tips for Therapists Dec 11, 2024

Show notes

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!

OUR HOST:

TIMESTAMPS:

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

78. Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) with Allison Affolter Dec 04, 2024

Show notes

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.

OUR HOST:

TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:05 Overview of Therapy Modalities02:19 Introduction to Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)03:26 How ART Works and Its Benefits05:46 Comparing ART with EMDR11:19 Applications and Effectiveness of ART30:34 ART Training and Certification40:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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