In this episode, Clinical Supervisor ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kaitlyn Steel, LMFT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is joined by ⁠Rhiannon Vergundia, LPC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for a grounded conversation about authenticity, therapist identity, and the journey from residency to licensed practice. Together, they explore how early career therapists can navigate imposter syndrome, build confidence, and integrate their authentic selves into clinical work.

Kaitlyn and Rhiannon discuss trusting your clinical instincts, turning personal traits like shyness into therapeutic strengths, leaning into uncomfortable skills while maintaining authenticity, and the role of supervision in fostering growth. Through personal reflection and clinical insight, they emphasize self-awareness, authenticity, and reflective practice as essential for professional development and client connection. Listeners will gain insight into integrating their authentic self in sessions, learning from supervision, and managing early career anxiety.

Key Takeaways:• Navigating imposter syndrome as an early career therapist• Trusting your clinical instincts while maintaining authenticity• Using personal traits as therapeutic strengths• Learning uncomfortable skills in a way that aligns with your authentic self• The role of supervision in growth and reflective practice• Integrating authenticity in sessions to deepen client connection

Connect with us:Supervision: ⁠⁠⁠www.keystonetherapygroup.com/supervision/Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@TheUnmaskedTherapistEmail: ⁠⁠⁠Supervision@KeystoneTherapyGroup.com

If this episode was helpful, leave a five-star review and subscribe for more conversations about authentic, grounded, human-centered therapy.

Disclaimer:This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical supervision. All information shared represents our own opinions and should not be taken as legal or clinical direction.

#AuthenticTherapist #TherapistIdentity #EarlyCareerTherapist #ClinicalSupervision #HumanCenteredTherapy #TherapistGrowth #AuthenticityInTherapy #MentalHealthProfessionals

In this episode, Clinical Supervisor ⁠⁠⁠⁠Kaitlyn Steel, LMFT⁠⁠⁠⁠ is joined by Brianna Folkl, LPC for a grounded conversation about authenticity, therapist identity, and navigating burnout in sustainable ways. Together, they explore how therapists can better understand their own patterns, values, and energy demands in order to create work that feels aligned rather than depleting.

Kaitlyn and Brianna discuss how different therapeutic styles and client presentations require different types of emotional labor, the impact of people-pleasing and internal fears on burnout, and the importance of allowing your therapist identity to evolve over time. Through personal reflection and clinical insight, they emphasize permission, flexibility, and self-awareness as key components of long-term sustainability in the field. Listeners will gain insight into recognizing early signs of misalignment, navigating discomfort, and building practices that support both therapist well-being and effective client care.

Key Takeaways:• Understanding burnout through the lens of therapist identity• Recognizing how different client presentations impact energy• Aligning your work with your authentic therapist self• How people-pleasing and internal fears contribute to burnout• Giving yourself permission to evolve professionally• Creating sustainable, values-driven therapy practices

Connect with us:Supervision: ⁠⁠⁠www.keystonetherapygroup.com/supervision/⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@TheUnmaskedTherapist⁠⁠Email: ⁠⁠Supervision@KeystoneTherapyGroup.com⁠

If this episode was helpful, leave a five-star review and subscribe for more conversations about authentic, grounded, human-centered therapy.

Disclaimer:This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical supervision. All information shared represents our own opinions and should not be taken as legal or clinical direction.

#AuthenticTherapist #TherapistBurnout #TherapistIdentity #TherapistSelfCare #HumanCenteredTherapy #TherapistTraining #ClinicalSupervision #SustainableTherapy #MentalHealthProfessionals

In this episode, Clinical Supervisors ⁠⁠⁠Kim Rippy, LPC⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Kaitlyn Steel, LMFT⁠ continue their two-part series on therapist burnout. Picking up where Part 1 left off, they dive into what to do once you’ve identified your personal patterns of burnout, how to interpret what these patterns mean for your work and values, and strategies for responding before burnout escalates.

Kim and Kaitlyn explore the energy demands of different client presentations, the importance of aligning your work with your authentic therapist self, and how core beliefs and internal fears can intensify burnout if left unchecked. They offer actionable steps for adjusting schedules, communicating with supervisors, and incorporating self-care alongside deep self-reflection. Listeners will gain insight into recognizing early signs, navigating discomfort, and creating sustainable, healthy practices that support both therapist and client.

Key Takeaways:

How to identify patterns of burnout and what they reveal• Understanding the energy demands of different client presentations• Aligning your work with your values and authentic therapist self• Addressing internal fears and core beliefs that amplify burnout• Actionable strategies for schedule management and self-care• Reflective practices for sustainable, grounded therapy

Connect with us:

Supervision: ⁠⁠www.keystonetherapygroup.com/supervision/⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠@TheUnmaskedTherapist⁠

Email: ⁠Supervision@KeystoneTherapyGroup.com

If this episode was helpful, leave a five-star review and subscribe for more conversations about authentic, grounded, human-centered therapy.

Disclaimer:
This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical supervision. All information shared represents our own opinions and should not be taken as legal or clinical direction.

#AuthenticTherapist #TherapistBurnout #TherapistSelfCare #TherapistAuthenticity #HumanCenteredTherapy #TherapistTraining #NewTherapistSupport #ClinicalSupervision #SustainableTherapy #MentalHealthProfessionals

In this episode, Clinical Supervisors ⁠⁠Kim Rippy, LPC⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Kaitlyn Steel, LMFT dive into the complex topic of therapist burnout in the first part of a two-part series. They explore what burnout really looks like, how to recognize early warning signs, and how it can show up differently for each clinician. Kim and Kaitlyn discuss the spectrum of burnout, the “opposite of burnout,” and how external stressors—like parenting or life outside of work—interact with professional responsibilities. Listeners are invited to reflect on their own patterns of burnout and consider it as a fluid experience rather than a binary state.

Kim and Kaitlyn share practical reflections and metaphors, such as comparing emotional energy to a tank or a computer battery, to help therapists understand when their own resources are running low. They emphasize the importance of recognizing apathy, disengagement, and shifts in motivation, and highlight how even small moments of awareness can guide more intentional self-care and professional growth.

Key Takeaways:
• Understanding burnout as a spectrum, not a binary state
• Identifying personal warning signs and patterns of burnout
• Exploring the “opposite of burnout”: feeling inspired, safe, and energized
• Recognizing the influence of external stressors on professional energy
• Reflecting on emotional energy and capacity for authentic engagement
• Preparing to apply these insights in Part 2 with practical strategies

Connect with us:

Supervision: ⁠⁠www.keystonetherapygroup.com/supervision/⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠@TheUnmaskedTherapist⁠

Email: ⁠Supervision@KeystoneTherapyGroup.com

If this episode was helpful, leave a five-star review and subscribe for more conversations about authentic, grounded, human-centered therapy.

Disclaimer:
This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical supervision. All information shared represents our own opinions and should not be taken as legal or clinical direction.

#AuthenticTherapist #TherapistBurnout #TherapistSelfCare #ClinicalSupervision #HumanCenteredTherapy #TherapistTraining #NewTherapistSupport #TherapistReflection #TherapistGrowth #MentalHealthProfessionals

In this episode, Clinical Supervisors ⁠⁠Kim Rippy, LPC⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Kaitlyn Steel, LMFT dive into the delicate balance of helping clients sit with discomfort in therapy. They explore how to recognize when a client is experiencing healthy versus unhealthy discomfort, how to gauge your own role as a therapist in these moments, and how authenticity and attunement can serve as anchors for both therapist and client.

Kim and Kaitlyn share practical strategies for identifying nonverbal cues, checking in with clients, and pacing sessions to encourage growth without overstepping boundaries. They also discuss the importance of trust, co-regulation, and guiding clients to confront challenges safely, even when it feels uncomfortable for the therapist. Listeners will gain insight into using their authentic self to create a safe, supportive space where meaningful growth can happen.

Key Takeaways:

• How to identify healthy vs. unhealthy client discomfort

• Using authenticity and attunement as anchors

• Recognizing verbal and nonverbal signs of discomfort

• Balancing client-led vs. therapist-led exploration

• Strategies for supporting clients through challenging topics

• Preparing for repair when discomfort leads to minor ruptures

Connect with us:

Supervision: ⁠www.keystonetherapygroup.com/supervision/⁠

Instagram: ⁠@TheUnmaskedTherapist

Email: Supervision@KeystoneTherapyGroup.com

If this episode was helpful, leave a five-star review and subscribe for more conversations about authentic, grounded, human-centered therapy.

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical supervision. All information shared represents our own opinions and should not be taken as legal or clinical direction.

#AuthenticTherapist #TherapistBoundaries #ClientDiscomfort #Attunement #TherapistAuthenticity #ClinicalSupervision #HumanCenteredTherapy #TherapistTraining #NewTherapistSupport #TherapistSelfCare

In this episode, Clinical Supervisors ⁠⁠Kim Rippy, LPC⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Kaitlyn Steel, LMFT explore the concept of a “vulnerability hangover” - the emotional aftermath therapists can experience after self-disclosing personal experiences with clients. They discuss why these feelings of self-doubt, overanalyzing, and heightened emotional reactions happen, how to recognize them, and strategies to process them without guilt.

Kaitlyn and Kim share practical guidance on reflecting on your own experiences, using supervision to navigate complex moments, and maintaining healthy boundaries while staying authentic and connected with clients. Listeners will learn how to honor their emotional responses, integrate lessons into future sessions, and continue showing up as grounded, human-centered therapists.

Key Takeaways:
• What a vulnerability hangover is and why it happens
• How to recognize and process self-doubt and anxious reactions
• Reflecting on disclosure: what surprised you and why
• Using supervision and peer support to navigate challenging emotions
• Maintaining boundaries while staying authentic and empathetic
• Practicing self-compassion and forgiveness as a therapist

Connect with us:

Supervision: ⁠⁠www.keystonetherapygroup.com/supervision/⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠@TheUnmaskedTherapist⁠

Email: ⁠Supervision@KeystoneTherapyGroup.com

If this episode was helpful, leave a five-star review and subscribe for more conversations about authentic, grounded, human-centered therapy.

Disclaimer:
This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical supervision. All information shared represents our own opinions and should not be taken as legal or clinical direction. All therapy skills discussed should be used within the scope of your experience and with appropriate clinical supervision.

#AuthenticTherapist #TherapistBoundaries #SelfDisclosure #VulnerabilityHangover #ClinicalSupervision #HumanCenteredTherapy #TherapistTraining #NewTherapistSupport #TherapistSelfCare #AuthenticityInTherapy

In this episode, Clinical Supervisors ⁠⁠Kim Rippy, LPC⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Kaitlyn Steel, LMFT continue their series on authentically showing up as a therapist, focusing on the challenges of late cancellations, frequent reschedules, and repeated no-shows. They explore how to hold boundaries while staying compassionate, clinically effective, and human.

Kaitlyn and Kim share strategies for navigating these situations, including how to balance flexibility with accountability, when and how to apply fees, and how to approach conversations with clients in ways that are respectful, empathic, and professional. They discuss how patterns of missed sessions can communicate important clinical information and why maintaining consistency supports therapeutic progress for both clients and therapists.

Key Takeaways:
• How to differentiate between late cancellations, frequent reschedules, and no-shows
• Understanding when flexibility is appropriate and when to hold boundaries
• Communicating scheduling expectations clearly from the first session
• Using missed sessions as an opportunity to explore client needs and engagement
• Balancing therapist self-care and empathy while maintaining professional structure
• How supervision can support boundary-setting, accountability, and clinical reasoning

Connect with us:

Supervision: ⁠⁠www.keystonetherapygroup.com/supervision/⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠@TheUnmaskedTherapist⁠

Email: ⁠Supervision@KeystoneTherapyGroup.com

If this episode was helpful, leave a five-star review and subscribe for more conversations about authentic, grounded, human-centered therapy.

Disclaimer:
This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical supervision. All information shared represents our own opinions and should not be taken as legal or clinical direction. All therapy skills discussed should be used within the scope of your experience and with appropriate clinical supervision.

#AuthenticTherapist #TherapistBoundaries #LateCancels #NoShows #TherapyBusiness #ClinicalSupervision #TherapistTraining #HumanCenteredTherapy #ClientEngagement #NewTherapistSupport

In this episode, Clinical Supervisors ⁠⁠Kim Rippy, LPC⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Kaitlyn Steel, LMFT talk about one of the most challenging and confusing parts of early clinical work: cancellations, no-shows, and inconsistent attendance. These moments bring up questions about boundaries, financial policies, client investment, and the balance between being human and being a clinician. We break down the differences between each type of missed session, how they impact the therapeutic relationship, and why your approach matters both clinically and ethically.

Kaitlyn and Kim share how these situations show up in real sessions, why new clinicians often feel guilty or unsure about charging fees, and how to understand the clinical meaning behind patterns of missed appointments. They discuss the tension between being flexible and maintaining structure, how to navigate conversations about attendance with authenticity, and why consistency is foundational to therapeutic progress. You will also hear how supervision can support you in handling these moments without slipping into performance mode or abandoning your boundaries.

Key Takeaways:
• The clinical differences between no-shows, late cancellations, and inconsistent attendance
• Why charging for missed sessions exists and how to understand client investment
• How to hold boundaries without losing authenticity or compassion
• What missed appointments can communicate clinically
• The role of supervision in navigating guilt, uncertainty, and boundary-setting
• How consistency and structure support safety in the therapeutic relationship

Connect with us:

Supervision: ⁠⁠www.keystonetherapygroup.com/supervision/⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠@TheUnmaskedTherapist⁠

Email: ⁠Supervision@KeystoneTherapyGroup.com

If this episode was helpful, leave a five-star review and subscribe for more conversations about authentic, grounded, human-centered therapy.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical supervision. All information shared represents our own opinions and should not be taken as legal or clinical direction. All therapy skills discussed should be used within the scope of your experience and with appropriate clinical supervision.

#AuthenticTherapist #TherapistBoundaries #NoShows #TherapyBusiness #ClinicalSupervision #TherapistTraining #HumanCenteredTherapy #ClientEngagement #NewTherapistSupport