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The twin therapists explore the concept of outgrowing your therapist and when it's appropriate to end a therapeutic relationship despite feelings of loyalty.

• Distinguishing between dependency and loyalty in the therapeutic relationship
• Recognizing when clients have achieved their therapeutic goals and are ready to move on
• The responsibility therapists have to acknowledge when they can no longer facilitate further growth
• Drawing parallels between the loyalty to barbers and loyalty to therapists
• The importance of "warm handoffs" when transitioning clients to new therapists
• How difficult it can be for therapists to initiate the end of a therapeutic relationship
• Why successful therapy ultimately leads to the client no longer needing the therapist

If you have questions for us, reach out to thetwintheapist@gmail.com. Stay until the end of the episode to hear a special message from our grandpa – the last voicemail he left before he passed away.

If you have any questions about any counseling related topics or would like the twins to share their thoughts about a particular counseling case - reach out with the info below:

https://thetwintherapists.com/

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Twin therapists Jude and Julius Austin share a candid, humor-filled conversation about finding peace, love, and self-care in the counseling profession while staying true to your authentic self.

• Peace in counseling isn't about perfection but creating structures that allow for freedom and authenticity
• Jude finds peace through session structure while Julius finds it through permission to be real
• Treating counseling as your "second relationship" helps maintain realistic expectations
• Differentiation from the profession is essential – get value and purpose from multiple life areas
• Self-care evolves developmentally throughout your career beyond basic "drink water" advice
• Client expectations have changed – today's clients want authentic therapists, not just techniques
• Taking care of yourself includes charging what you're worth and setting appropriate boundaries
• The real relationship with clients requires being your true self, not a sanitized professional facade
• Creating contracts with fellow professionals to genuinely care for each other throughout careers
• Finding a balance between structure and authenticity allows for deeper therapeutic connections

Come see us at ACA 2026 where we'll be presenting and signing our books. Look for our upcoming book "The Business of Counseling" – the business class we wish we had in graduate school!

If you have any questions about any counseling related topics or would like the twins to share their thoughts about a particular counseling case - reach out with the info below:

https://thetwintherapists.com/

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Contact: thetwintherapists@gmail.com

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The hosts return to discuss AI's growing role in mental health therapy and what makes human therapists irreplaceable despite technological advances.

• The rising trend of AI applications in clinical psychology beyond administrative tasks
• A UK startup called Limbic developing AI "agents" for intake, triage, and therapy delivery
• How AI therapy could make mental health support more accessible and affordable
• The "technician" therapists who follow rigid protocols may be more vulnerable to AI replacement
• What human therapists uniquely offer: instinct, timing, authentic connection, and lived experience
• Why mastering the "art" of therapy rather than just the technical aspects protects against obsolescence
• The importance of student initiative and self-challenge in clinical training programs
• Personal stories highlighting the unpredictable human elements of both parenting and therapy

Check back next week as we continue our exploration of therapy evolution and practice challenges in our regular weekly episodes!

If you have any questions about any counseling related topics or would like the twins to share their thoughts about a particular counseling case - reach out with the info below:

https://thetwintherapists.com/

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Contact: thetwintherapists@gmail.com

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We catch up after months away, discussing our completed book "Mind Your Business: Merging Meaningful Work with Financial Wisdom" and sharing stories about our rapidly growing children. Our conversation explores the delicate balance between challenging clients to grow and respecting their boundaries.

• Julius and Jude share updates about family life and their unusually tall, deep-voiced children
• We discuss the completion of our book and how our writing process has evolved
• Reflections on our second year in academia and changes in counseling education approaches
• Exploration of "the two-way street" - different approaches to pushing clients toward growth
• Analysis of the difference between resilience and fragility in mental health
• Discussion of a viral video suggesting mental health isn't something to protect but to use
• Consideration of how boundaries can sometimes become avoidance strategies

If you have thoughts about what we discussed or suggestions for future topics, reach out to us at thetwintherapist@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you!

If you have any questions about any counseling related topics or would like the twins to share their thoughts about a particular counseling case - reach out with the info below:

https://thetwintherapists.com/

Instagram: thetwintherapists

Contact: thetwintherapists@gmail.com

Send us a text

If you have any questions about any counseling related topics or would like the twins to share their thoughts about a particular counseling case - reach out with the info below:

https://thetwintherapists.com/

Instagram: thetwintherapists

Contact: thetwintherapists@gmail.com

Send us a text

Therapy isn't about perfection—it's about practice. Two seasoned counselor educators reunite to tackle one of the most profound challenges facing new therapists: finding authenticity in clinical work.

Breaking through the idealized image of the flawless therapist, we explore why students often hide behind passive, non-directive approaches rather than bringing their genuine selves into the therapy room. The conversation reveals how our own unmet relational needs inevitably emerge during sessions, creating opportunities for growth if we're willing to examine them honestly.

"You can't go into therapy perfect. You can't go into it healed. You can't go into it ready," we acknowledge, highlighting the transformative power of simply showing up and practicing the art of human connection. Through humorous anecdotes about everything from backyard trampolines to our days as young soccer players navigating cultural differences, we demonstrate the value of bringing your full, imperfect self to professional relationships.

The discussion particularly resonates for therapists approaching that crucial 700-hour mark, when confidence begins to emerge and the ability to confront unhealthy patterns becomes possible. We challenge the "helpfulness conundrum" that leads new therapists to judge sessions as "good" or "bad" based solely on immediate outcomes rather than relational depth.

Whether you're a counseling student terrified of making mistakes or a seasoned clinician looking to reconnect with your authentic voice, this candid conversation offers permission to practice, fail, repair, and grow—the true heart of therapeutic work.

If you have any questions about any counseling related topics or would like the twins to share their thoughts about a particular counseling case - reach out with the info below:

https://thetwintherapists.com/

Instagram: thetwintherapists

Contact: thetwintherapists@gmail.com

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Have you ever wondered if the chaos of academic life could lead you to the unexpected world of online toe picture sales? Join us on a laughter-filled journey as we discuss the hilarious mayhem of coordinating our packed schedules while playfully considering the end of our podcasting days. Balancing the demands of an associate dean, meetings with students and faculty, and the bittersweet anticipation of my tenure's end, we find joy and humor in the chaos. As I prepare to mentor one final cohort, the love for engaging with our academic community shines brightly. And who knew that a quirky business idea involving toe pics could be so amusing?

Take a nostalgic stroll down memory lane with us as we reminisce about the contrasting parenting styles of Mama and Daddy. Experience Mama's formidable discipline and Daddy's quiet authority through our vivid storytelling, laughter, and relatable childhood tales. We also explore the art of multitasking, featuring a quirky fundraising initiative, Juice Pinky Toe Pics, supporting my son's club team. The episode wraps with a lighthearted promise to reconnect soon, leaving listeners with a mix of laughter, reflection, and heartwarming family memories. Tune in for an amusing, heartfelt exploration of life's many roles!

If you have any questions about any counseling related topics or would like the twins to share their thoughts about a particular counseling case - reach out with the info below:

https://thetwintherapists.com/

Instagram: thetwintherapists

Contact: thetwintherapists@gmail.com

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On the education front, we're pulling back the curtain on generational shifts that are reshaping classrooms. Can AI be the secret ingredient that keeps Gen Z and Gen Alpha students engaged? From AI-generated mock clients to an in-depth chat about the necessity of evolving teaching methods, we're exploring why understanding the 'why' is crucial for today's learners. Listen as I recount my own journey as an educator, sharing personal insights and experiences from navigating the ever-changing academic landscape and bridging the gap between the generations.

If you have any questions about any counseling related topics or would like the twins to share their thoughts about a particular counseling case - reach out with the info below:

https://thetwintherapists.com/

Instagram: thetwintherapists

Contact: thetwintherapists@gmail.com