Clinician to Clinician with Lara Effland

Join us in this month's discussion with one of our Clinician Development Collective members, Portia Bajwa, a clinical social worker who draws on the cyclical concept of 'samsara' from Sanskrit tradition, representing evolution and rebirth in our lives. Portia's practice at Sansara Counseling delves deep into understanding and altering life's patterns to foster transformative healing. Learn how Portia uses her extensive training in mindfulness, somatic, and attachment-based modalities, coupled with her multicultural experiences, to guide clients through self-discovery and change.Join us over at the Clinician Development Collective and sign up for our weekly newsletter for tips, resources, and insights sent straight to your inbox to support you on your therapist journey!Follow us over on Instagram!Subscribe to our YouTube channel!Check out our blog for all the latest professional development resources!Ready to uplevel your clinician practice? Check out The Clinician Vision Program today to learn key skills and frameworks to build a successful mental health career!

Winter is upon us, and with it comes shorter days, colder temperatures, and often, a general sense of malaise. In Scandinavia, however, there is a concept called hygge (pronounced hoo-guh) that encapsulates the pursuit of joy and coziness, even in the darkest and coldest of times. As the rest of nature slows down and hibernates during winter, embracing hygge can provide a balm to our souls, as we take the time to rest, reflect, and recharge.As mental health therapists, we can embrace this concept not only for ourselves but for our clients as well.Join Lara as she discusses how to embrace this concept during the winter season and how we can use it to provide a safe, warm, and welcoming space for our clients!Join us over at the Clinician Development Collective and sign up for our weekly newsletter for tips, resources, and insights sent straight to your inbox to support you on your therapist journey!Follow us over on Instagram!Subscribe to our YouTube channel!Check out our blog for all the latest professional development resources!Ready to uplevel your clinician practice? Check out The Clinician Vision Program today to learn key skills and frameworks to build a successful mental health career!

Are you ready to conquer the imposter monster lurking within? Join us in this eye-opening podcast episode as we explore powerful strategies to help mental health professionals overcome self-doubt, build imposter tolerance, and gain unwavering confidence in their careers. Discover how to transform that pesky inner critic into an empowering ally, ensuring your growth and success in the mental health field. Tune in and unleash your true potential today!

Audrey Grunst, LCSW is currently the CEO of Simply Bee Treatment Centers located in Vernon Hills, IL and Northbrook, IL. Simply Bee offers outpatient therapy for ages 5+ as well as Intensive Outpatient & Partial Hospitalization Programs for adolescents with eating disorders and mood disorders.Audrey is a mission-centered leader who places a strong emphasis on delivering high-quality mental health services to all people. Audrey is an expert and professional keynote on the topic of mental resilience and is the author of 5 Ways To Grow A Resilient Mind and host of the Well, Not Perfect podcast. Audrey empowers individuals and teams to prioritize their mental health and build a life worth living. Her vision is a world where people can “simply bee” themselves. Throughout her career, she has spoken to over a hundred school districts as well as at several national conferences. Additionally, Audrey has experience as a Kappa Kappa Gamma Philanthropy Consultant, Northwestern Women's Volleyball Mental Performance Coach and presently serves as co-chair of the D128 Mental Health Committee.Audrey Grunst is most recently known for her leadership efforts after the Highland Park Parade Shooting on July 4, 2022 and was honored as an Illinois State Senate Awardee. Audrey organized and led 700 therapists who spent their days counseling thousands of community members at Highland Park High School. Since then, Audrey has visited Washington D.C. alongside survivors and advocacy groups to fight for safer schools and communities.Resources:5 Steps to Grow a Resilient Mind (book)Simply Bee Counseling WebsiteSimply Bee Counseling on InstagramConnect with the Clinician Development Collective:https://cliniciandevelopmentcollective.com/

As a newly graduated or early-career therapist, you know just how important clinical supervision can be for your growth and development. But finding the right supervisor can be a daunting task, especially when you are looking for someone who can offer you the expertise and guidance you need to excel in your field. In this blog post, we will discuss three clear signs you have found an expert mental health provider who can offer high-quality clinical supervision. Don't settle for pseudovision and make sure to put in the work to ask questions, research, and know what kind of supervision you are getting.In this episode, we talk about the top three traits of a super supervisor!Connect with the Clinician Development Collective:https://cliniciandevelopmentcollective.com/

Martin McGovern is a Career Therapist and Coach who specializes in helping individuals manage stress and anxiety during their job search and career development.As the founder of Career Therapy, he helps people overcome imposter syndrome, build career confidence, and define their professional brands. Martin's coaching focuses on various topics, including job search strategy, networking, elevator pitch, personal brand, mock interviews, negotiation techniques, resumes, and cover letters. He also partners with education organizations to provide Career and Professional Development services, including workshops, coach training, resume reviews, and content creation. Martin primarily works with organizations in the fields of User Experience, Web Development, Data Science, Cyber Security, Sales, Marketing, and the Creative Arts.Resources:Trauma Treatment: Through a Dialectical Behavior Therapy Lens (Lara Effland via ADAA)Lara Effland on Martin's Podcast: #126 The Beauty of ImperfectionConnect with the Clinician Development Collective:https://cliniciandevelopmentcollective.com/

Join me for another excellent podcast interview, this time interviewing a therapist who has become a leadership coach and trainer.  Read below to learn more about Julianne Guinasso, LMFT (she/her) and Level Up Leaders, Inc. Courage, curiosity, and service are the leading values that drive me at all times. I find that I am most alive and aligned with my values when I take time to come back to center and nurture myself.  I hold a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and am a licensed practitioner (LMFT 79601). I oversaw large teams of providers and leaders in community mental health for over 6 years. As a co-founder of Level Up Leaders Inc., I help you be equipped with effective strategies and feel confident and fulfilled in your work. I believe that by focusing on the energetics of relational trust in the workplace and by leading with emotional fluency, your employees can provide the highest clinical care.Resources:Leadership Archetypes: https://www.levelupleaders.org/free-leadership-assessmentConnect with the Clinician Development Collective:https://cliniciandevelopmentcollective.com/

Mental health therapists often struggle to make the most of their clinical careers, feeling stuck and unsure of how to move forward. It can be difficult to identify your strengths and turn them into tangible outcomes that will help you reach your goals. Even when you know what they are, it's hard to figure out where to start or who can provide guidance on how best to use them. This podcast will explore practical approaches for unlocking and exploring personal strengths in order to open up incredible opportunities for growth. Discover the power within you and take the first steps toward leveraging your strengths!Connect with the Clinician Development Collective:https://cliniciandevelopmentcollective.com/

Dr. Jeni Wahlig is a transformational relationship coach, licensed couple & family therapist, AAMFT Approved supervisor, public speaker, and entrepreneur. She identifies as gay sexual queer, genderqueer-femme, polyamorous, white, & a parent.Jeni has dedicated her career to studying relationships & supporting the LGBTQIA+ communities through service, education, writing, & advocacy. Dr. Wahlig believes that all relationships can grow and transform through "Empowered Accountability."  Listen to the podcast to learn more about this groundbreaking approach to relationship building and healing.  She is co-owner of a mental health group therapy practice that primarily serves queer, trans, & CNM clients. In her relationship coaching business, Jeni works alongside her partner to empower couples to move beyond their repeating struggles and create extraordinary relationships.Resources:Dr. Jeni Wahlig on LinkedInConnect with the Clinician Development Collective:https://cliniciandevelopmentcollective.com/

Learning is an essential part of life and growth, but it can be difficult to find the balance between honoring mistakes and celebrating successes. Too often we focus on our failures without taking the time to recognize our accomplishments. This blog post will explore how to embrace both aspects of learning in order to continue growing throughout your clinical career. We'll look at why it's important to honor mistakes and celebrate successes, as well as practical strategies for finding this balance so that you can make the most out of every experience.Connect with the Clinician Development Collective:https://cliniciandevelopmentcollective.com/

Geries Shaheen is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor operating in and around St. Louis Missouri. Geries holds his MA in Professional Counseling from Lindenwood University, BA in Intercultural Studies from Lincoln Christian University, and holds a certificate in Life Coaching, Geries provides life coaching services to clients online globally.Resources:Geries on LinkedInOn Being a TherapistMan's Search For MeaningThe Search for SignificanceThe First Five Years of MarriageThe Body Keeps the ScoreConnect with the Clinician Development Collective:https://cliniciandevelopmentcollective.com/

As a cornerstone value of the Clinician Development Collective, Honesty is something that requires the utmost attention and integrity. I deemed this to be the first solo podcast topic for 2023 because I believe that honesty is especially important topic for leaders, clinicians and mentors.Leaders, clinicians, and mentors are always striving not only to verbalize facts but intentional words which are tailored depending on the circumstance or relationship at hand – all while considering how honesty can promote growth in ourselves and those around us. When we truly practice the value of honesty as a clinician, leader, or mentor it can be such an incredible asset in relationship building, supporting others, and taking care of ourselves.Connect with the Clinician Development Collective:https://cliniciandevelopmentcollective.com/

Krista Miles is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Expert Registered Yoga Teacher, and Sound Healer based out of Tampa FL. She has been working in the mental health field for over a decade where she has been able to help a wide variety of individuals, including dedicating the last 7 years to those struggling with eating disorders.Krista is currently working in private practice where she specializes in helping young adult women lead a more heart-centered life. She is extremely passionate about incorporating body-based and psychospiritual practices in order to help individuals receive a more holistic approach to wellness. When Krista isn't helping her clients, or leading a workshop, she enjoys traveling with loved ones and spending time in nature!Connect with the Clinician Development Collective:https://cliniciandevelopmentcollective.com/

Compassion is an important trait for mental health therapists, as it allows them to connect with their patients and provide support. However, it is important to remember that compassion is finite, and that therapists must take care of themselves in order to maintain their compassion.This can be done through self-care practices such as meditation or yoga, as well as by being mindful of how much time they spend with patients. It is also important for therapists to be present in order to experience compassion themselves, offer it to their patients, and witness it in their interactions.Connect with the Clinician Development Collective:https://cliniciandevelopmentcollective.com/

Today's guest is Kevin W. Condon, LCSW, BCDIn June of 2002, Kevin retired from the City of Coral Gables (FL) Police Department's (CGPD) as a lieutenant with over 25 years of service. At the time of his retirement, Kevin was serving as the Commander of the CGPD Crisis Management Team - Crisis Negotiation Team and Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT). He was also the CGPD Field Training Lieutenant. Kevin participated as a clinical member of a regional Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team for emergency responders serving Miami-Dade County.Following his retirement from CGPD, Kevin began a second career as a mental health professional. Since September of 2002, Kevin has worked in community, state residential, and university settings. In March of 2018, Kevin retired from the position of Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) after over 6 years with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Atlanta. In November of 2018, Kevin founded ‘Law Enforcement Response to Mental Health, LLC'. He provides training, consultation, contractual agreements, presentations, and individual therapy related to law enforcement and mental health.Kevin developed a Mental Health and Wellness Program for law enforcement agencies, based on a published article he authored. Focus areas of the program include reducing public safety deaths by suicide and eliminating the stigma associated with public safety personnel inquiring about and utilizing mental health services. Kevin works with agencies in the development and implementation of a Mental Health and Wellness Program modified to meet agency specific needs.Kevin is certified by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (P.O.S.T.) as a Guest Lecturer on the topics of Law Enforcement Response to People with a Mental Illness and Law Enforcement Mental Health and Self-Care. He is also a certified instructor for Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and has presented at several Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) trainings. Kevin is recognized as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on law enforcement and mental health by the Collaborative Reform Initiative-Technical Assistance Center (CRI-TAC). CRI-TAC is a partnership between the Department of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) and other leading law enforcement agencies.Contact Kevin:https://www.kwccounseling.com/706-318-4627                                                                                                              kcondon@leresponse.comResources:A Guide to Rational Living (book)Power Thought CardsConnect with the Clinician Development Collective:https://cliniciandevelopmentcollective.com/

Mindfulness meditation is a tool I have been practicing and using for the past 15 years.  It has helped me build a strong, intuitive, and empathic practice.  It is a tool that I believe is critical for mental health clinicians because the space we spend the most time in is the present.  The emotions and stories that we hear and experience from others are intense and full.  It takes a lot of practice and support to be effective with so much input and energy.  Come join me for a quick introduction to mindfulness meditation!  It will be a gift to yourself and your clients.https://cliniciandevelopmentcollective.com/

Shea began studying psychology in high school accidentally, at first, and never stopped.  While her undergraduate psychology degree was accompanied by additional majors in political science and women's studies, it was the psychology that kept infiltrating her professional life.  Despite spending a decade in the business world of marketing, advertising, operations and business development, she continued to feel the pull to return to the helping profession.When Shea hit thirty, she left her advertising job, got sober, and went to work on a new career.  After completing her certificate in Chemical Dependency, she entered the field as the counselor for a juvenile drug court.  The work she did with adolescents and families solidified her decision to pursue a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy.  The pervasiveness of co-occurring disorders and the impact that a comprehensive treatment team can have on the individual stuck with her.  Since completing her masters she has worked at all levels of care within addiction and mental health.  She has worked with teens, adults, families, and professionals.Experience & EducationBachelor or Arts in Psychology and Political Science – Southern Methodist UniversityMaster of Arts in Psychology at Brandman UniversityLicensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFTA) License #MG60885066Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) – License #CP60533951https://cliniciandevelopmentcollective.com/

Do you find networking to be daunting and anxiety provoking?  Well you are not alone!  This podcast is dedicated to helping mental health clinicians gain some confidence and empowerment when approaching their next professional event.  Networking is a wonderful way to get to know others, build long lasting relationships, and build your business.  I will give you quick takeaways and hacks to make your next networking event a success!  Come join me!https://cliniciandevelopmentcollective.com/

We are facing a critical mass of people in need of mental health care, however, there are not enough clinicians available to help.  One reason may be that we are taxed.  We are being asked to do more as a provider in an organization or we are being inundated with clients, when we are used to a feast or famine small business model.  Let's focus on ourselves first and check in with four ways to help ourselves manage the mental health boom.https://cliniciandevelopmentcollective.com/

Stephanie is a Licensed Clinical Independent Social Worker in Washington State. She received her master's degree in Social Work from Savannah State University and her bachelor's degree is in Special Education from the University of Mississippi. Stephanie's professional background involves working in an outpatient setting with homeless adults and youths with severe and persistent mental illnesses, as well as working in her own private practice working with children ages 3- 12 years old. For 3 years, Stephanie also worked and managed a psychiatrist residential treatment facility for children and adolescents. Stephanie previously was the Clinical Manager of Child and Adolescent Services at Eating Recovery Center working with adolescents, teens, and families with eating disorders. She is currently working within the Issaquah School District as a School Based Mental Health Therapist through Swedish Hospital. Stephanie has received postgraduate training in Play Therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), EFFT (Emotion Focused Family Therapy), crisis management, Family Based Therapy, as well as anxiety and depression management. She also has 2.5 years of studies with behavior management and Applied Behavior Analysis.Stephanie is passionate about walking alongside individuals in the recovery process and empowering them to take steps towards healing. Stephanie is well versed and trained in several therapeutic techniques and has a compassionate and approachable demeanor. She specializes in trauma, attachment, and significant behavior challenges. Stephanie frequently draws from play therapy and takes on a collaborative role with her clients to investigate and discover the role in which cultural, familial, and personal narratives are having in one's life. She is driven by her focus on building each client's strength, as well as giving her clients firm guidelines, routine, and dependability to foster self-determination, all within a trauma informed care scope.https://cliniciandevelopmentcollective.com/

Bonnie Brennan is a compassionate and mission-driven clinician.  She brings her knowledge and leadership in the fields of addiction, eating disorders, and mental health to her therapy services in Colorado as well as to support families and caregivers using evidenced-based interventions, groups, workshops, and continuing care models nationwide.Her advanced training in Emotion-Focused Family Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, as well as her experience supporting thousands of clients and their families at all levels of care, makes her uniquely suited to transform the landscape of support for those seeking recovery.Bonnie is the founder of Eating Disorder Intervention and Bonnie Brennan Counseling and Education, LLC.  Bonnie is a former leader of a large mental health care system for eating disorders, has been a licensed clinician for over 20 years, and is an engaging and compelling speaker. https://cliniciandevelopmentcollective.com/

Lee Schuster, LCSW, BCBA: Trauma and PTSD, Substance Abuse and Dual Diagnosis, Grief and Loss and much more. I use an eclectic model of healing from a person-centered, strengths-based perspective that is Anti-Racist and Anti- Systems of Oppression in its foundation.To allow oneself to show up as our best selves in and out of the therapy room. Each person brings a multi-faceted expression of their true selves to therapy that can be unlocked with strength, courage, and the acknowledgment of one's right to self-determination and self-efficacy.Anti- racism work is at the center. I have done therapeutic work in many multi-cultural settings in the Bay Area and around the world; Vietnam, Thailand, and Germany. I have worked with Native American peoples in California, Wisconsin and Canada in rural and urban communities. And active/ retired military and their families pre and post-deployment.https://cliniciandevelopmentcollective.com/

This is the Clinician to Clinician podcast, I'm your host Lara Effland, LICSW with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field.  Clinician to Clinician is a place where mental health clinicians, therapists, and counselors share their professional stories, successes, challenges, and insights.  As clinicians our professional work is rarely public.  We want to change that and build a more transparent, supportive, and honest community.  Join us twice monthly!https://cliniciandevelopmentcollective.com/