The Therapist Thrival Guide
Episodes
117. Working with Kids Under Five in Therapy
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Therapist Thrival Guide, licensed clinical social worker Miranda Barker sits down with Kaleigh Boysen-Quinata, LMFT, and Steph...
116. Understanding and Treating Bipolar Disorder
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bipolar disorder can be one of the most challenging diagnoses for clinicians to understand and treat—so in this episode of the Therapist Thrival Gui...
115. Involving Parents in Their Child's Therapy Treatment: How Jessie Colter, LICSW Does It
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Miranda Barker, LICSW, sits down with Jessie Colter, LICSW, to explore the essential role of parent coaching in child therapy. Togeth...
114. AI & Mental Health: A Conversation with Dr. Rachel Wood
27 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Miranda Barker, LICSW, and Dr. Rachel Wood, a licensed counselor with a PhD in cyber psychology, dive into the fascinating intersecti...
113. Therapeutic Writing with Clients
20 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we are joined by licensed professional counselor DeeAnna Nagel to talk about one of her favorite creative tools—therapeutic writing...
112. Chronic Trauma and EMDR
13 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Therapist Thrival Guide, we're sitting down with Christy Gunter, LMSW to unpack the complexities of chronic trauma—what i...
111. Dealing with Insomnia with Therapy
06 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Therapist Thrival Guide, Miranda is joined by Emily Turcotte, LICSW, a therapist with deep expertise in trauma, anxiety, and de...
110. Trauma, Panic, and the Power of Belief as Therapists – with Therapist Roxi
30 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Therapist Thrival Guide, Miranda is joined by Roxanne (Roxi), one of our trauma therapists based out of the Woodbury office. Roxi b...
109. Treating Survivors of Domestic Violence
23 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Need a deeper understanding of intimate partner violence—and how to support those impacted by it?In this episode of The Therapist Thrival Guide, we ...
108. 'Set Boundaries, Find Peace' — A Therapist Review
16 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Therapist Thrival Guide, Miranda is joined by Letisha and Madison for a thoughtful, honest conversation about Set Boundaries, F...
107. What to Do When the Clinic Culture Is Off
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Miranda sits down with Jean Hoarder, a therapist and the Clinic Director at in Pittsburgh. Jean works closely with franchise owners Fr...
106. ADHD in Women with Dr. Jennifer Dall
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Therapist Thrival Guide, we sit down with Dr. Jennifer Dall—former educator, now ADHD coach and consultant—to talk about so...
105. "It Shouldn't Be This Way" Book Review by Therapists
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Therapist Thrival Guide, I’m joined by the insightful Letisha Harris to talk through It Shouldn’t Be This Way by Janina Sca...
104. Partnering with Occupational Therapy with Heather Dunlap, LPC & OT
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Therapist Thrival Guide, Miranda sits down with Heather Dunlap, a licensed professional counselor and occupational therapist, t...
103. Erotic Blueprints: A Tool for Couples Therapy Work
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Therapist Thrival Guide, Miranda is joined by Hannah, a licensed associate marriage and family therapist and one of the newest ...
102. Writing Effective Treatment Plans (Without the Guesswork)
04 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Alexa (Director of Compliance), and Emily Kohler Hanson team up to unpack everything you need to know about treatment planning.We’r...
101. School-Based Therapy 101: Balancing Confidentiality, Crisis, & Care in Schools
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Therapist Thrival Guide, Miranda sits down with Sam Griggs, a licensed professional counselor and clinic director, to unpack th...
100. AI in the Therapy Room: What’s Helpful, What’s Ethical, and What’s Next
21 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In our 100th episode, Miranda is joined by Steve Drzewoszewski, LCSW, LCADC, CCS, CSC, a therapist and clinic director from New Jersey who’s been ex...
99. Mind-Body Strategies for Therapy, Schools, and Crisis
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Miranda sits down with Kathy Flamino, founder and CEO of Move Mindfully, and Chrissy Mignogna, their lead trainer and director of edu...
98. Therapy Book Clubs & Virtual Groups with Erin Stevens, LPC-S
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Miranda is joined by Erin Stevens, LPC-S from New Orleans, for a conversation about a powerful and creative idea that emerged during ...
97. Borderline Personality Disorder: Deep Dive with a Psychologist
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Miranda Barker, LICSW, and Dr. Robyn Janssen, licensed psychologist, for a deep dive into the realities of working with Borderline Personality Di...
96. Letter Writing Tips for Therapists
23 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Miranda is joined by Jennifer Keehn, LPCC, to unpack all things therapeutic letter writing. We’re talking emotional support animal ...
95. Social Anxiety in Kids and Adults: Real Talk + Helpful Tools
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this short but meaningful episode, Miranda (a licensed clinical social worker) is joined by fellow therapists Letisha and Gina for a real conversat...
94. Treating Dissociation: How Trauma Shows Up & What Helps
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Therapist Thrival Guide, Miranda is joined by trauma therapist Amy Wilkerson, LICSW, for a conversation that many of us need but do...
93. Geek Therapy and Therapeutic Dungeons & Dragons with Kailah Tuttle, LPC
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Miranda interviews Kailah Tuttle, LPC, a certified geek therapist, about the innovative field of geek therapy. They discuss how incor...
92. Reviewing "Attached" book by Amir Levine & Rachel S.F. Heller
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, licensed clinical social workers Miranda, Gina and Letisha, discuss 'Attached' by Amir Levine and Rachel S.F. Heller. They ex...
91. Firsthand Experience with Secondary Traumatic Stress
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, therapists Miranda Barker and Karna Boynton share an in-depth conversation about secondary traumatic stress (STS). Karna, an experien...
90. Prescribers & Therapists: Integrating Mental and Physical Health
12 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Heather Olsson, LCPC and Matthew Toman, APRN, both at Ellie Mental Health in Naperville, IL, join this episode to explore how some physical illnesses ...
89. Therapists React to Severance & The Psychology of Emotional Escape
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if you could separate your work and personal life—along with all the emotions tied to them? In this episode of The Therapist Thrival Guide, the...
88. Is It Really ODD? Understanding What's Beneath the Behavior
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Therapist Thrival Guide, join Miranda, a licensed clinical social worker, alongside Letisha and Gina, as they candidly discuss ...
87. DBT for New Clinicians: Mastering Dialectical Behavioral Therapy with Shelby Finley
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are joined by Shelby Finley, a Clinic Director for Ellie Mental Health in Kansas City. Shelby shares her expertise on Dialectical Behavio...
86. Creative Ways to Mix Up Group Supervision Time (Part 2)
12 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This second episode of a two-part series features Karna Boynton, LMFT and Gina Young, LICSW, both board-approved supervisors. We're talking about ...
85. Myths, Benefits, and Best Practices as a Group Supervisor (Part 1)
05 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This first of a two-part series features Karna Boynton, LMFT and Gina Young, LICSW, both board-approved supervisors, who jump into the theory, benefit...
84. Borderline Personality Disorder & Complex Trauma: Navigating Diagnosis and Treatment
29 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Therapist Thrival Guide, we are diving into the complexities of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and complex trauma (C-PTS...
83. Narcissism, Co-Parenting, and Therapy with Erin Pash
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
82. Dance Movement Therapy
15 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We are joined by dance movement therapist Shelby Turner, RMHCI from Ellie Mental Health- St. Petersburg, FL!In this episode, Shelby talks about her un...
81. Everyone Can Use Motivational Interviewing
08 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Therapist Thrival Guide, host Miranda, a licensed clinical social worker, is joined by Dr. Sara Polley, Chief Medical Officer at El...
80. Intro to Addiction (& Preventing Addiction Issues in Adolescents) for Therapists
18 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Therapist Thrival Guide, Dr. Sara Polley, Ellie's Chief Medical Officer and a psychiatrist specializing in addiction medici...
79. All of the Self Care Tips for Therapists
11 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode covers an array of self-care tips, recognizing warning signs of burnout, and essential strategies to maintain personal well-being. We'...
78. Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) with Allison Affolter
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're diving into the transformative world of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). In this episode of the Therapist Thrival Guide, Allison, who s...
77. Self-Imposed Martyrdom: Why Struggling in Your Work Doesn’t Do Anyone Any Good
27 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we are discussing the balance between passion and financial stability in the mental health profession. We're delving into the mis...
76. Eating Disorders: Myths, Realities, and Treatment Approaches
20 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we welcome Dr. Robyn Janssen and Tiffany Farrar, a certified eating disorder specialist and owner of Confluence Counseling. The discu...
75. Financial & Billing Conversations in Therapy: Expert Tips from Jordan and Steve
13 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the Therapist Thrival Guide! In this episode we are joined by clinic directors Jordan Mealey, LPCC and Steve Drzewoszewski, LICSW.Our guest...
74. The Science of Gratitude: How It Transforms Mental Health
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Therapist Thrival Guide, therapists Miranda and Letisha delve into the science of gratitude. As Thanksgiving approaches, they discu...
73. Do Therapists Need to Report Murder Confessions?
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's a true crime crossover episode! We brought on attorney Suzette Schommer to discuss the Menendez brothers episode and what the therapist in th...
72. Passing Down More Than Memories: Let's Talk About Transgenerational Trauma
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Hey there, podcast fam! Buckle up for a deep dive into something that affects us all more than we might realize: intergenerational trauma. It's li...
71. Your First Five Years as a Therapist
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, Zach Eichler, MS, LPCC is joining the podcast again to discuss and reflect on change over time as a therapist. Miranda and Zach discuss:- What ...
70. Supervision Doesn't Have to be Scary (& What to Do if You Don't Like Your Supervisor)
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, Zach Eichler, MS, LPCC is back on the podcast for a mini-episode about:- Supervision styles- What to do if you don't have a good clinical s...
69. Identity Matters: Therapeutic Approaches for the LGBTQIA+ Community
02 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join Miranda along with Dr. Sable McElveen and Amber Silva as they discuss the complexities and importance of working with the LGBTQIA+ community in t...
68. Therapy Modalities: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
25 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week guests Michael Atkinson and Alison Affalter join to discuss Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The episode covers: - ACT’s origins, ...
67. Tapping into Better Mental Health: Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and Perinatal Mental Health
18 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Hey there, folks! Get ready for a heart-to-heart episode of the Therapist Thrival Guide, where we're diving into the world of Emotional Freedom Te...
66. Navigating Parental Leave, Pregnancy, and Adoption as a Therapist
11 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are doing things a little differently and talking about frequently asked questions we receive about parental/maternity leave from fellow ...
65. Autistic Therapists React to "Love on the Spectrum"
04 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Buckle up for a mini episode for a mini work-week! Therapists Amber Pearson, LICSW and Anna Trout, LMFT are joining the podcast to discuss the show &q...
64. Strategies for Helping Kids Cope with Grief and Loss
28 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we're discussing the complexities of helping children cope with grief and loss, including:Common grief-related symptoms in children and adul...
63. Internal Family Systems Explained: A Guide to IFS Therapy
21 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, Alice Mills Mai, LPCC-S, NCC joins the podcast to talk all about a modality everyone is talking about: Internal Family Systems (IFS).The conver...
62. Therapy Modalities: Brainspotting
14 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ready to UNLOCK your brain? We are joined by Billie Ferguson, LMFT in this episode to discuss a new modality making waves in the therapy world: brains...
61. Intro to Grief Work
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The topic of grief can be difficult, but every therapist knows it’s something we all face at some point. In this episode, we’re diving into the me...
60. Navigating Political Anxiety in Therapy: Strategies for the Election Year
31 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Political seasons are like a rollercoaster of stress for many, with a whirlwind of info overload and social pressures hitting you from all angles. Whe...
59. Representation in the Therapy Room: Better Outcomes for BIPOC Clients
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What does the research say about authenticity, inclusion, and belonging in healthcare? Dr. Sable McElveen, DHA, LCSW-S joins the podcast this week to ...
58. Outreach and Marketing for Therapy Clinics: Expert Q&A
17 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What is outreach? It's all about building awareness for your clinic and services through community engagement and building relationships. Outreach...
Therapist Thrival Guide - Season 1 Teaser
16 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
New podcast coming Fall of 2022 from Ellie Mental Health!OUR HOST:Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for several years. Sh...
57. Therapists React to INSIDE OUT 2 - Bonus Episode
11 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Curious what a therapist thinks about the new INSIDE OUT 2 movie? Letisha and Miranda are discussing it all in this BONUS episode! What we're talk...
56. Using Art in Therapy
10 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chelsea Wire, MA LPC and Kailah Tuttle, LPC are two of our talented therapists that are passionate about the work they do and love educating other the...
55. Breaking Down EMDR in Therapy: Basics, Process, and Benefits
03 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is like a superhero for your brain, using a unique blend of eye movements, sounds, and tactile st...
54. What to know about ADHD: Medications + Strategies from Clinicians and Prescribers
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We are BACK with a whole new season of content! We are listening and focusing on topics you are asking for. To start things off, we are talking all ab...
53. Clinicians in Leadership - LIVE from Ellie's National Conference
20 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Hundreds of Ellie franchisees and clinicians from around the country came to Minnesota this fall for fun, learning, celebration, and community at our ...
52. Children's Books that Therapists Recommend
13 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode is a little unusual-- we brought Gina Young, LICSW back to discuss her favorite kids' books to use in therapy sessions with kids! We b...
51. Therapists Deserve to Be Compensated Well (+ Red Flag Employers)
06 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we have the incredible Megan Cornish, LICSW joining us to discuss "red flags" and "green flags" for clinicians to watch ...
50. Healing the Soul Wound Book Review (& Working with Native American/Indigenous Clients)
29 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Rose Joiner, LMFT has been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since November 2014 and a MN Board Approved Supervisor since 2018. Rose has been...
49. Family Dynamics and Holidays - Setting Boundaries & Expectations
22 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How do you cope with the holidays, expectations from your family, and setting boundaries? Lucas, Miranda, and Letisha discuss how to navigate the holi...
48. The Whole Brain Child Book Review
15 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we are discussing "The Whole Brain Child" book by Dr. Dan Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson. Link to the book: https://amzn.to/4...
47. Can Men Have Postpartum Depression?
08 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This month we are discussing men's mental health stigma, and in this episode we are specifically diving into postpartum depression in men. Subscri...
46. Discussing Men's Mental Health Stigma + Being a Male Therapist
01 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Over the next few weeks we are discussing men's mental health stigma: where this sigma comes from, what it's like to be a male therapist, and ...
45. Working with Polyamorous & Non-Monogamous Clients
25 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
All month we are discussing everything about couple's therapy: methods, research, skills, and tools. Subscribe for every episode! This week we are...
44. Couple's Therapy, Intimacy, and Communication
18 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
All month we are discussing everything about couple's therapy: methods, research, skills, and tools. Subscribe for every episode! Erin Pash, LMFT ...
43. Gottman's Research + Methods for Couple's Therapy
11 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
All month we are discussing everything about couple's therapy: methods, research, skills, and tools. Subscribe for every episode! This week we are...
42. How to Be a Kick-@$% Couple's Therapist
04 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Founder of Ellie Mental Health, Erin Pash, LMFT is back this week to discuss the nitty-gritty of couple's therapy and how to be a kick-@$# couple&...
41. Early Intervention, Suicide Loss, + Making Mental Health Care Accessible
27 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Saroni Kandu joins this episode to discuss how her difficult experiences with navigating the mental health system for her family and then the loss of ...
40. How to Talk About Suicide with Therapy Clients + Safety Plan (Rerun)
20 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is a re-release for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Suicide is a topic that can be difficult to talk about-- and sometimes it's e...
39. Complicated Grief and Suicide Loss
13 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and we are highlighting this important topic throughout the podcast this month. As we work together t...
38. How to Cope When You Lose a Client or Supervisee to Suicide
06 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and we are highlighting this important topic throughout the podcast this month. As we work together t...
37. Sand Tray Therapy with Kids and Adults
30 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We are continuing our children's mental health series this week by discussing sand tray therapy! We are joined by Neal Petersen, LPCC, RPT and Jen...
36. Principles of Building Attachment
23 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We are continuing our children's mental health series this week by discussing attachment-building strategies for therapists and parents! Sara Feld...
35. Working with Teenagers
16 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sara Livingston-Burke, LPCC and Emily Weidenbacher, BA, MA join the podcast today to talk all about building rapport with teenagers, issues that teens...
34. Using Play Therapy with Kids
08 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We are BACK with a whole new season and all-new content! This month we are focusing on children's mental health and bringing on therapists that sp...
33. Talking About Culture in Therapy (Rerun for BIPOC Mental Health Month)
11 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month, so we are re-sharing one of our favorite episodes!How much did graduate school *actually* teach you abou...
32. Using To Treat Kids' Mental Health Issues - Interview with Mightier
28 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Earlier this season we discussed how technology can be used in therapy and as an intervention for kids struggling with ADHD, ASD, or anger. As a conti...
31. Therapy Modalities: Somatic Experiencing
21 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We have had numerous listeners ask that we begin covering more therapy modalities in depth, so we are starting off with a trauma therapy called Somati...
30. We Don't Treat Autism Spectrum Disorder
14 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We want to be clear -- as therapists we don't seek to treat the ASD as much as we treat the SYMPTOMS of neurodivergence that create DISTRESS for t...
29. Working with Court-Involved Families with Deb Link, LMFT
07 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Deb Link, LMFT is back to talk about working with couples and families that are in high conflict divorces or navigating the family court system. She d...
28. Levels of Care in Mental Health Treatment (IOPs, PHPs, Outpatient, Inpatient, etc.)
31 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What are all of the different levels of care in mental health treatment, and how do I know if my client is in the right level for them? There are PHPs...
27. Understanding Perinatal & Postpartum Mental Health Disorders
24 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode we are covering perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, including postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis, postpartum anx...
26. Miscarriage and Infant Loss: Supporting Clients & Loved Ones
17 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Most of us have loved ones or clients that have experienced miscarriage or infant loss. In honor of Maternal Mental Health Month, we invited Laura Lam...
25. Infertility and Mental Health: Support and Advice for Therapists
10 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is for therapists that are experiencing infertility themselves or supporting loved ones or clients that are walking through infertility. ...
24. Why Ellie Mental Health is Franchising: Episode with Founder & CEO Erin Pash
03 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Founder and CEO of Ellie Mental Health, Erin Pash, LMFT joins the episode this week to discuss Ellie's rapid growth and how they are filling gaps ...
23. Best Practices for Clinical Licensure Supervision
26 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Every therapist has to do clinical supervision when they first enter the field, but not every therapist has a great supervisor. This can make all the ...
22. Therapists React to "Shrinking" Part 2: What We Can Learn About Grief, Boundaries, and the Duty to Warn
19 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We promised a part two, so here it is! Lucas and Miranda are back to discuss and review the show that is making a splash in the therapy (and non-thera...
21. Can Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders Be Cured?
12 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today we are bringing Dr. Suzanne Jasberg back to the podcast today with Claire McGinn, LCSW to talk about symptoms of psychotic episodes, schizophren...
20. How to Treat Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
05 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Robyn Janssen, PsyD and Dr. Justin Gerstner, MD join the podcast this week to discuss one of their favorite topics: how to treat OCD. They describ...
19. Family Systems Therapy
29 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's common for students in Marriage and Family Therapy programs or other types of counseling programs to learn about the importance of family the...