The AAMFT Podcast

Episode 139: AAMFT All-Star Panel Series Froma Walsh, Celia Falicov & Mary Jo Barrett

13 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this installment of the All-Star Panel Series, Eli is joined by Dr. Froma Walsh, Mary Jo Barrett, and Dr. Celia Falicov for a rich conversation on ...

Episode 138:All Star Panel Series Jill Freedman, Gene Combs & Diane Gehart

20 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this second installment of the All-Star Panel Series, Eli is joined by Jill Freedman, Gene Combs, and Diane Gehart for a conversation that will exp...

Episode 137: All-Star Panel Series

23 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In the first AAMFT Podcast episode of 2026, Eli introduces the All-Star Panel Series featuring Cloé Madanes and Frank Dattilio for an in-depth conver...

Episode 136: Loving Someone with Mental Illness

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Eli sits down with Dr. Michelle Sherman to explore the delicate balance between supportive love and codependency, the hidden struggle...

Episode 135: Classic MFT Models Through the Lens of BIPOC Therapists

14 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Eli is joined by Dr. Steve Harris and Dr. Ronald Asiimwe, who share insights on representation, mentorship, and making MFT more acces...

Episode 134: Early Career MFTs

24 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Eli hosts a roundtable of six MFTs who share their early career journeys navigating the transition from grad school to successfully o...

Episode 133: Socio-Emotional Relationship Therapy (SERT)

26 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the AAMFT Podcast, Eli is joined by Dr. Carmen Knudson-Martin for an in-depth discussion about Socio-Emotional Relationship Therapy...

Episode 132 - The Unspoken Experiences of Systemic Supervisors of Color

22 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Eli is joined by Dr. Anderson and Dr. Smith to discuss their research findings and emphasize the unique training needs for supervisor...

Episode 131: Ketamine Assisted Therapy with Couples

25 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Eli sits down with Dr. Tammy Nelson to discuss Ketamine Assisted Relational Psychotherapy (KARP) as a potential pathway to release ol...

Episode #130: The Evolution of Systemic Diagnosis

27 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Eli sits down with Dr. Priest to discuss the theory-driven assessment and the EPIC model for diagnosing the history, structure, ...

129: Personal Grief Rituals

13 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Eli sits down with Paul Martin to discuss a new model of mourning that honors the uniqueness of each loss.

Episode #128: The Importance of Therapist “Way of Being”

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the AAMFT Podcast, Dr. Eli sits down with Dr. Fife and Dr. Whiting to explore the therapist’s “way of being” as a meta-inter...

Episode 127: Managing Gaming and Social Media Habits

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Eli talks with Dr. Catherine Knibbs about how we use technology in everyday life. They also discuss how to identify when intervention...

Episode #126: Navigating Family Estrangement

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Eli sits down with systemic therapist Karl Melvin to discuss how clinicians can better support estranged adult clients using Karl...

Episode 125: Single Session Therapy

11 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Eli sits down with Dr. Michael Hoyt to discuss guidelines and methods to make a single therapy session efficient and effective for in...

Episode 124: Neurodiverse Couple Therapy

28 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Eli is joined by Kelli Murgado-Willard, who discusses assessing, treating, and integrating practical interventions with neurodivergen...

AAMFT Podcast Episode #123: Working with Native American & Indigenous Client Systems

14 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, AAMFT Leadership Symposium keynote speaker Dr. Laurelle Myhra joins Eli to discuss both the benefits and challenges of conducting sys...

AAMFT Podcast Episode #122: Family Therapy for Caregivers of Dementia

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Sara Qualls joins Eli to discuss how family therapy may help caregivers cope with symptoms of cognitive impairment while still meetin...

AAMFT Podcast Episode #121: Fertility Counseling with Couples

14 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Eli sits down with Dr. Kristy Koser for a discussion about helping couples navigating complex decisions while maintaining their relat...

Episode 120: Ron Levant

24 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Eli sits down with Dr. Ronald Levant to discuss normative male alexithymia and how he uses Alexithymia Reduction Treatment (ART) to s...

Episode 119: Collaborative Divorce

10 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Eli sits down with Dr. Randy Heller to discuss the similarities and differences between collaborative divorce and traditional divorce ...

Episode: 118 Devin Hussong

13 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Eli sits down with Dr. Devin Hussong to talk about integrating humor into the practice of systemic therapy.

Episode: 117 Kristina S. Brown

08 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Eli is joined by the AAMFT Systemic Ethics Textbook editor, Kristina S. Brown, Ph.D., LMFT, to discuss the book and current developme...

Episode: 116 Kat Hertlein

25 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

During this episode, Eli sits down with Dr. Kat Hertlein for a discussion about using AI tools to supplement systemic therapy. Tune in to hear Dr. Her...

Episode: 115 Rebecca A. Cobb

11 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Eli sits down with Dr. Rebecca A. Cobb, the editor of the new book -The Therapist’s Notebook for Systemic Teletherapy: Creative Int...

Episode 114: Shay Thomas DMFT, LMFT and Paul Hokemeyer J.D., Ph.D.

27 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this engaging episode, Eli hosts a discussion with Dr. Paul Hokemeyer and Shay Thomas, DMFT, LMFT. They delve into the ways in which marriage and f...

Episode 113: Janina Fisher

13 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Eli and Dr. Janina Fisher discuss a new way of thinking about shame from a neurobiological perspective—as a survival strategy drivi...

Episode 112: Christie Eppler

23 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Eli sits down with Christie Eppler, PhD, LMFT, to talk about her new book, “Cultivating Systemic Resilience in Therapy.” During t...

Episode 111: Max Zubatsky, PhD, LMFT, Tai Mendenhall, PhD, LMFT, & Jessica Goodman, PhD, LMFT

09 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Eli sits down with Dr. Max Zubatsky, Dr. Tai Mendenhall, and Dr.Jessica Goodman to discuss their perspectives and experiences as supe...

MFT License Portability

12 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Eli interviews AAMFT's very own Chief Advocacy Officer, Roger Smith, to discuss AAMFT's efforts in developing a model of MFT license ...

Episode 109: Dafna Lender

14 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the AAMFT Podcast, Dafna Lender, LCSW, speaks to Eli about secure attachment of children with their caregivers, and the importance ...

Episode 108: Sue Johnson, Jim Furrow & Gail Palmer

24 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Sue Johnson on April 23, 2024. In this very special tribute episode, we hear from Sue ...

Episode 107: Barry McCarthy

26 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we confront the traditional male-female power struggle over intercourse frequency and replace it with a new understanding in which bo...

Episode 106: Martha Kauppi

22 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, LMFT Martha Kauppi, sits down with Eli to explore polyamory from a systemic therapist's perspective. Martha is a therapist, author, s...

Episode 105: Ramani Durvasula

23 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode week's episode, Eli sits down with Dr. Durvasulais to explore the telltale behavioral patterns of narcissism and techniques that you ...

Episode 104: Harville Hendrix & Helen LaKelly Hunt

09 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Eli sits down with married couple's therapists Harville Hendrix and Helen Lakelly Hunt, to discuss the unique challenges of approachi...

Episode 103: Don Posner

12 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the first installment of 2024 and the beginning of Season 6 of the AAMFT Podcast, Eli speaks with sleep expert, Donn Posner. Dr. Posner is one of ...

Episode 102: Bill Pinsof

08 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In one of the most personal and revealing interviews in AAMFT Podcast history, Eli explores with Bill his origin story and both his successes and chal...

Episode 101: Steven Porges

10 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Eli sits down with Dr. Porges to talk about his latest book aimed at the general public. It definitively presents how Polyvagal Theor...

Episode 100: Deb Dana

27 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Deb and Eli discuss practical Polyvagal skills and how we can use Polyvagal Theory to transform the way we navigate our professional ...

Episode 99: Dr. Doug Snyder

22 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Eli dives deep with Dr. Doug Snyder into a proven, research-based approach for treating couples impacted by the trauma of infidelity ...

Episode 98: Dr. Karen Gail Lewis

08 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Eli sits down with Dr. Lewis to discuss the four components of sibling ghosts: frozen images, crystalized roles, unhealthy loyalty, a...

Episode 97: Sara Reed

25 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Eli talks with a MFT leader in this area, Sara Reed. Sara is a mental health futurist and has spent her early career reimagining effe...

Episode:96 Dr. Ellyn Bader

28 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this interview, Dr. Ellyn Bader sits down with Eli to describe the evolution of her work as a couples therapist. She also recalls how she and her t...

Episode 95: Dr. Chris Habben

23 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the AAMFT Podcast, Eli has a thought-provoking conversation with AAMFT Past President & current Chair of the Spirituality in Cl...

Episode 94: Barbara McCrady

09 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the AAMFT Podcast, Eli and leading scientist-practitioner, Barbara McCrady, review the historical and conceptual underpinnings of A...

Episode 93: Jim Furrow

26 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this installment of the AAMFT Podcast, Eli interviews EEFT innovator, Jim Furrow, Ph.D. They discuss how to confidently lead family members through...

Episode 92: Teresa McDowell, Carmen Knudson-Martin, and Maria Bermudez

12 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the AAMFT Podcast, Eli sits down with the authors ofSocioculturally Attuned Family Therapy - Teresa McDowell, Carmen Knudson-Martin...

Episode 91:Chris Michaels

28 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Eli sits down with AAMFT CEO, Chris Michaels, to discuss these findings and other important developments impacting all practicing MFT...

Episode 90: Vienna Pharaon

14 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Vienna Pharaon is a licensed marriage and family therapist and one of New York City’s most sought-after relationship therapists. Vienna is the creat...

Episode 89: Ryan Seedall and Tony Rousmaniere

24 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Helping families/systems to achieve their goals is one of the most rewarding (and challenging!) clinical tasks. While therapists usually receive excel...

Episode 88: Jessica ChenFeng

24 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jessica ChenFeng Ph.D, LMFT- Currently holds position as Associate Director of Physician Vitality and Professor of Medical Education at Loma Linda Uni...

Episode 87: Dr. Bill Miller

10 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Dr. Bill Miller, Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry may be best known for his framework on motivational interviewing.Dr. Miller sh...

Episode 86: Dr. Pauline Boss

09 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Pauline Boss is a clinician, educator, and principal theorist on the concept of ambiguous loss. In this episode, Pauline talks about her research...

Episode 85: Adam Fisher and Nathan Hardy

11 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week’s episode features collegial debate between two colleagues who are proponents of two schools of thought: Attachment or EFT Theory, and Dif...

Episode 84: Ann Steiner

28 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What is a professional will, and do you need one? What would become of your practice in the event of an emergency? This week, Eli sits down with Dr. A...

Episode 83: Shelley Hanson and Silvia Kaminsky

14 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we’re talking leadership with outgoing AAMFT President Shelley Hanson and AAMFT President-elect Silvia Kaminsky. Shelley an...

Episode 82: Doug Breunlin and Bill Russell.

23 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What does it mean to be an integrative systemic therapist? This week on the podcast we’re sitting down with Douglas C. Breunlin and William P. Russe...

Episode 81: John Rolland

26 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

John Rolland, MD, MPH, is Executive Co-Director and Co-Founder of the Chicago Center for Family Health and author of the book: Helping Couples and Fam...

Episode 80: Deb Coolhart

12 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Deb Coolhart, Associate Professor at Syracuse University, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, with a private practice in Fayetteville, NY. Sh...

Episode 79: Evan Imber-Black

15 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Evan Imber-Black, PhD, is currently Professor and Program Director of the Marriage and Family Therapy Masters Program at Mercy College, and was a prof...

Episode 78: Graham Danzer

10 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Graham Danzer is a research-informed forensic psychologist and author of the book: Therapist Self-Disclosure: An Evidence-Based Guide for Practitioner...

Episode 77: Renee Rienecke

27 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Renee Rienecke, PhD, FAED, is a clinical psychologist and Director of Research for Eating Recovery Center/Pathlight Mood and Anxiety Centers and Adjun...

Episode 76: David Kessler

13 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

David Kessler is one of the world's foremost experts on loss, the founder of Grief.com, and coauthored two books with Louise Hay and Elisabeth Kübler...

Episode 75: Andrea Wittenborn and Kendal Holtrop

29 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week’s episode is a special show featuring the co-editors of the JMFT Special Anniversary Issue: Andrea Wittenborn and Kendal Holtrop. Dr. Andr...

Episode 74: Jill Freedman and Gene Combs

15 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jill Freedman and Gene Combs are Co-Directors of Evanston Family Therapy Center, as well as founding members of the Chicago Center for Family Health, ...

Episode 73: Stan Tatkin

25 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In part two of this two-episode focus on neurobiology and couple functioning, Eli sits down with Stan Tatkin. Stan is the founder of the PACT Training...

Episode 72: Mona Fishbane

11 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mona Fishbane, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist licensed in Illinois and New Jersey, is the past director of the Couple Therapy Training Program at the ...

Episode 71: Chelsea Spencer

25 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Chelsea Spencer is an Assistant Research Professor at Kansas State University and has extensively studied Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and conjo...

Episode 70: Howard Liddle

11 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week Eli sits down with Dr Howard Liddle. Dr Liddle is a professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences, and Director of the Center for Tr...

Episode 69: Frank Anderson

28 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Frank Anderson, MD, is both a psychiatrist and psychotherapist who specializes in the treatment of trauma and dissociation. Franks sits down with Eli ...

Episode 68: Ellen Wachtel

14 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Ellen Wachtel is a renowned couples’ therapist and author of the book The Heart of Couple Therapy. She sits down with Eli to discuss the core in...

Episode 67: Constance Ahrons

17 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Constance Ahrons was a ground-breaking systemic therapist who challenged negative stereotypes about divorce and was an early advocate for collaborativ...

Episode 66: Patrick and Stefanie Carnes

10 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Patrick Carnes, PhD, and Stefanie Carnes, PhD, LMFT are the founder and president, respectively, of the International Institute for Trauma and Addicti...

Episode 65: Jay Lappin and Jorge Colapinto

19 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jay Lappin trained in the relational architecture of Structural Family Therapy with Dr. Salvador Minuchin. He currently maintains a private practice, ...

Episode 64: Mary Jo Barrett

12 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Mary Jo Barrett is an author and the Executive Director and co-founder of The Center for Contextual Change, Ltd. She holds a master’s in social work...

Episode 63: Kaethe Weingarten

22 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Kaethe Weingarten, Ph.D., directs the Witness to Witness (W2W) program, a nonprofit organization that consults to individuals, families, and communiti...

Episode 62: Megan McCoy

08 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week’s guest is Megan McCoy, LMFT, PhD an adjunct faculty member at Kansas State University where she teaches courses for the Financial Therapy...

Episode 61: Dr. Ian Kerner

24 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ian Kerner, PhD, LMFT, is a licensed psychotherapist, NYT bestselling author, and nationally recognized sexuality counselor who specializes in sex the...

Episode 60: Laura Frey and Quintin Hunt

03 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Laura Frey is the principal investigator for a grant funded by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention that examines the effect of parental...

Episode 59: Melissa Orlov

27 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The symptoms of adult ADHD can be particularly damaging in close relationships, especially if those symptoms have never been diagnosed or treated. Mel...

Episode 58: Karlin J. Tichenor and Corey E. Yeager

13 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Karlin J. Tichenor and Corey E. Yeager are co-authors of the chapter "Letters to the Field" in the Handbook of Systemic Family Therapy. In this episod...

Episode 57: Mudita Rastogi

23 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Mudita Rastogi is an LMFT, grant consultant, coach, and educator. She is the associate co-editor of the Handbook of Systemic Family Therapy and author...

Episode 56: Janice Abrahms Spring

09 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Janice Abrahms Spring is a clinical psychologist and nationally acclaimed expert on issues of trust, intimacy, and forgiveness and author of multiple ...

Episode 55: Laurie Charlés and Saliha Bava

25 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Laurie Charlés and Saliha Bava are the authors of a chapter in the Handbook of Systemic Family Therapy titled "Systemic Therapy & Global Mental Healt...

Episode 54: Howard Markman and Scott Stanley

11 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Howard Markman and Scott Stanley are internationally recognized researchers who have authored over 100 publications and whose work has spanned over fo...

Episode 53: Gwyn Daniel

28 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Gwyn Daniel is a systemic psychotherapist and trainer at the Tavistock Institute in London. She is the author of the chapter "Families in Chronically ...

Episode 52: Sean Davis

14 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Sean Davis is a professor at Alliant International University and the author of seven books including a widely used textbook in the field. In this epi...

Episode 51: Lori Gottlieb

23 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Lori Gottlieb is a psychotherapist and author of the NYT bestseller Maybe You Should Talk to Someone. which is currently being adapted as a television...

Episode 50: Eliana Gil

09 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Eliana Gil is the founding partner of the Gil Instititue for Trauma Recovery and Education. A play therapy pioneer, Gil talks about integrating family...

Episode 49: Ben Fineman and Caroline Wiita

26 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ben Fineman is an associate MFT and Caroline Wiita is a marriage and family therapist in training. Together they host the podcast Very Bad Therapy, wh...

Episode 48: Markie Twist

12 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Markie Twist is an award-winning sexuality educator and sexologist. In this episode, she discusses attachment and sexuality in the digital age and...

Episode 47: Celia Falicov

26 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Celia Falicov is a family therapist, author, teacher, and clinician, internationally known for her work with Latino and immigrant populations. In this...

Episode 46: Michael Yapko

12 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Michael Yapko is a clinical psychologist and marriage and family therapist, internationally recognized for his work in developing strategic outcome fo...

Episode 45: Jose Szapocznik

22 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jose Szapocznik, of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, is the developer of Brief Strategic Family Therapy and one of the nation’s le...

Episode 44: Frank Dattilio

08 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Frank Dattilio, PhD, ABPP, is a leading figure in systemic therapy and clinical and forensic psychology, pioneering the integration of cognitive behav...

Episode 43: Harlene Anderson

11 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Harlene Anderson is a founding member of the Houston Galveston Institute, and a cofounder for the Postmodern Collaborative Approach to therapy. Wi...

Episode 42: Peter Fraenkel

20 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Peter Fraenkel is internationally recognized clinical psychologist, writer, and presenter who specializes in last chance couples therapy. In this epis...

Episode 41: Christopher Belous and Jackie Williams-Reade

13 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week’s episode features chairs of AAMFT’s Topical Interest Networks to discuss emerging trends in their topic area and the benefits of being ...

Episode 40: Linda Hershman

30 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Linda Hershman has been in practice for more than twenty years and is a frequent presenter, educating public and practitioners on healthy divorce. As ...