Very Bad Therapy

Latest Episodes:

126. VBT Study Hall: Interventions Dec 19, 2022

Show notes

It seems odd that most therapists – us included – aren't 100% certain about what constitutes an intervention. Are interventions scripted in-session activities? What about the theoretical orientations themselves? There isn't one single answer, but interventions aren't that difficult to understand if you zoom out far enough…and get a little bit of help from ChatGPT.

Thank you for listening. To support the show and receive access to regular bonus episodes, check out the Very Bad Therapy Patreon community. Today's episode is sponsored by Sentio Counseling Center – high-quality, low-fee online therapy in California with immediate availability for new couples and individual clients.

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125. So You've Stereotyped Your Client (with Deanna Fierman, LPC) Dec 05, 2022

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Stereotypes aren't always a bad thing. That may not be true in therapy, especially when a client is made to feel like they are representing an entire group of people. That's what we explore with today's guest Jess, and we're also joined by Deanna Fierman, LPC, to talk about what therapists should do after their biases about identity lead to clinical errors. Plus, Ben finds a therapist and Carrie gets a mammogram.

Introduction: 0:00 – 18:09

Part One: 18:09 – 54:04

Part Two: 54:04 – 1:38:02

Part Three: 1:38:02 – 1:40:39

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124. VBT Study Hall: Theoretical Orientations Nov 21, 2022

Show notes

There are over 600 types of psychotherapy. What are they, where did they come from, and what makes them important? We dive deep (too deep, probably) into a $900 textbook in an attempt to make sense of the spectacularly confusing topic of theoretical orientations. This is an integrative episode – we integrate a lot of information with even more information.

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Bonus: Clinical Licensing Exams Don't Work (with Dr. Ben Caldwell) Nov 14, 2022

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In the United States, mental health professionals must pass a clinical exam to become licensed in their field. These exams appear to do nothing to make psychotherapy more effective or safe. They are, however, very efficient at furthering structural racism. Dr. Ben Caldwell joins us to make a very compelling, research-based argument for why these clinical exams should be abolished immediately.

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123. Catching Feelings (with Dr. Ben Caldwell) Nov 07, 2022

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It's not unusual for clients to develop feelings for their therapist. It's also not unusual for therapists to develop feelings for their clients. So why is it such a bad idea for a therapist to share (or act) on those feelings? Today's guest Kate shares a story that illustrates exactly why, and Dr. Ben Caldwell rejoins us to talk about what should happen when clients and therapists develop feelings for one another.

Thank you for listening. To support the show and receive access to regular bonus episodes, check out the Very Bad Therapy Patreon community. Today's episode is sponsored by The Organized Therapist – Social Media for Therapists and Sentio Counseling Center – high-quality, low-fee online therapy in California with immediate availability for new clients.

Introduction: 0:00 – 8:40

Part One: 8:40 – 44:35

Part Two: 44:35 – 1:30:32

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122. Patreon Selects: Degrees of Confusion (Part II) Oct 24, 2022

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Justin Norris rejoins us to conclude our conversation about the perplexing maze that is the application process for grad school. We use the California State University (CSU) system as a case study to illustrate why program requirements aren't always what they seem, and Carrie discusses which therapy programs do a great job of defining and providing quality to their students. Plus, Subaru gets lots of free advertising.

Introduction: 0:00 – 10:35

Part One: 10:35 – 1:10:11

Part Two: 1:10:11 – 1:13:21

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121. Patreon Selects: Degrees of Confusion (Part I) Oct 17, 2022

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Have you ever wondered why the process of applying to grad school is so unclear at times? In part one of two, we are joined by Justin Norris, an expert in systems of higher education, to talk about the surprisingly interesting topics of accreditation, for-profit vs. non-profit designations, and public vs. private universities. If you wanted to become a therapist but ended up in a sales funnel, this episode is for you.

Introduction: 0:00 – 19:21

Part One: 19:21 – 1:27:53

Part Two: 1:27:53 – 1:31:45

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120. Hard Conversations Oct 03, 2022

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What happens when a therapist doesn't want to work with a client? What should happen? Tom shares his experience with a therapist who chose avoidance over honesty, and we discuss ten types of hard conversations that frequently give therapists anxiety. Plus, is Steve Carrell a good enough TV therapist to avoid getting murdered?

Introduction: 0:00 – 11:00

Part One: 11:00 – 37:54

Part Two: 37:54 – 1:37:40

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119. Patreon Selects: The Intersections of Philosophy and Psychotherapy Sep 19, 2022

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Dr. Sally Gibbons is an Oxford-educated philosopher, professor of bioethics and philosophy at UCLA, and licensed professional clinical counselor. We discuss her academic background, what inspired her transition to a career in mental health, and how philosophical thinking informs her humility and curiosity with clients. We also explore the intersections between philosophy and psychotherapy and how this relates to questions about what it means to be a human being and what we owe each other. Plus, Dr. Gibbons shares her own experience of very bad solution-focused brief therapy.

Thank you for listening. To support the show and receive access to regular bonus episodes, check out the Very Bad Therapy Patreon community.

Introduction: 0:00 – 13:08

Part One: 13:08 – 1:11:38

Part Two: 1:11:38 – 1:16:26

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118. Testing Patients (with Rachel Simon, LCSW) Sep 05, 2022

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Psychological testing can be complicated. It shouldn't have to be hostile, even if the evaluation is not intended to be in a client's best interest. In today's episode, Jacob shares his experience of a truly ridiculous psych assessment, and we speak with Rachel Simon, LCSW MEd about how assessors can minimize the harmful impact of their own biases – and the biases built into the psych tests themselves.

Introduction: 0:00 – 6:49

Part One: 6:49 – 43:54

Part Two: 43:54 – 1:20:49

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Show Notes: