The AAMFT Podcast

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

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 individuals, couples, and families.

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

In this episode, AAMFT Leadership Symposium keynote speaker Dr. Laurelle Myhra joins Eli to discuss both the benefits and challenges of conducting systemic therapy with indigenous populations within predominantly Western mental health systems.

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

In this episode, Eli sits down with Dr. Kristy Koser for a discussion about helping couples navigating complex decisions while maintaining their relationship after a diagnosis of infertility and pursuing fertility treatments.

In this episode, Eli sits down with Dr. Ronald Levant to discuss normative male alexithymia and how he uses Alexithymia Reduction Treatment (ART) to support his clients in their therapy journey.

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

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

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 developments shaping systemic therapy's ethical practice.

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. Hertlein explore the benefits and risks of using AI in mental health, including potential data privacy and security issues.

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 Interventions for Effective Online Therapy – to explore innovative strategies and ways to adapt in-person therapy interventions for telehealth.

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 family therapists negotiate and make use of various media opportunities.

In this episode, Eli and Dr. Janina Fisher discuss a new way of thinking about shame from a neurobiological perspective—as a survival strategy driving somatic responses of automatic obedience and total submission.

In this episode, Eli sits down with Christie Eppler, PhD, LMFT, to talk about her new book, “Cultivating Systemic Resilience in Therapy.” During this conversation, they discuss how to foster resilience in clinical treatment with individual and relational clients, supervisees, and in the therapist's own life.

In this episode, Eli sits down with three experienced physicians (Max Zubatsky, Tai Mendenhall, and Jessica Goodman), who are also MedFT supervisors, to discuss their perspectives and experiences as supervisors of systemic therapists at all levels of training.

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 portability in order to promote more objectivity in assessing qualifications, as well as standardization between states in our increasingly mobile society.

On this episode of the AAMFT Podcast, Dafna Lender, LCSW, speaks to Eli about secure attachment of children with their caregivers, and the importance of playfulness and rupture repair in the parent-child relationship.

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 in her own words about her childhood and professional legacy. Sue was also a cherished friend whose warmth and wisdom profoundly touched all who knew her. Two of those friends and leaders in the EFT Movement, Gail Palmer & Jim Furrow, join Eli to share their memories and emotional last conversations with their mentor.

In this episode, we confront the traditional male-female power struggle over intercourse frequency and replace it with a new understanding in which both women and men value affectionate, sensual, playful, and erotic touch.

In this episode, LMFT Martha Kauppi, sits down with Eli to explore polyamory from a systemic therapist's perspective. Martha is a therapist, author, speaker, and educator specializing in complex relational therapy, sex issues, and alternative family structures.

In this episode week's episode, Eli sits down with Dr. Durvasulais to explore the telltale behavioral patterns of narcissism and techniques that you can use with your client to encourage healing and growth.

In this episode, Eli sits down with married couple's therapists Harville Hendrix and Helen Lakelly Hunt, to discuss the unique challenges of approaching relationships with mindfulness and empathy. Their renowned Imago Relationship Therapy model, now being taught internationally, focuses on healing the inner self and utilizing needs-focused dialogue to heal the couple.

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 the leaders in the field of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), and the founder and President of Sleepwell Consultants.

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 challenges throughout his pioneering journey into systemic therapy integration.

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 Theory can be understandable to all and demonstrates how its practical principles are applicable to anyone looking to live their safest, best, healthiest, and happiest life.

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 and personal relationships.

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 to learn the clinical skills that will empower your couples to recover after significant breaches of trust.

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

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 effective mental health care in the medical system.

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 therapist husband, Dr. Peter Pearson, founded the Couples Institute and the Developmental Model of Couples Therapy, a model that teaches therapists how to diagnose, intervene and significantly help troubled relationships.

In this episode of the AAMFT Podcast, Eli has a thought-provoking conversation with AAMFT Past President & current Chair of the Spirituality in Clinical Practice (SICP) Topical Interest Network - Dr. Chris Habben.

In this episode of the AAMFT Podcast, Eli and leading scientist-practitioner, Barbara McCrady, review the historical and conceptual underpinnings of ABCT, as well as the specific treatment elements and structure.

On this installment of the AAMFT Podcast, Eli interviews EEFT innovator, Jim Furrow, Ph.D. They discuss how to confidently lead family members through distress and past injuries to create new relational patterns, bond with each other, and experience a fuller sense of security.

On this episode of the AAMFT Podcast, Eli sits down with the authors ofSocioculturally Attuned Family Therapy - Teresa McDowell, Carmen Knudson-Martin & Maria Bermudez – for a thoughtful dialogue on the need for marriage and family therapists to engage in socially responsible practice by infusing diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout theory and clinical practice. They explore why sociocultural attunement and equity matter, providing clinicians with integrative, equity-based family therapy guidelines. It is a valuable listen for any systemic practitioner wanting to apply a critical consciousness to their work.

In this episode, Eli sits down with AAMFT CEO, Chris Michaels, to discuss these findings and other important developments impacting all practicing MFTs. Download the 2022 MFT Industry Workforce Study for insight into these as well as anticipated challenges and trends facing the profession in the coming years at aamft.org.

Vienna Pharaon is a licensed marriage and family therapist and one of New York City's most sought-after relationship therapists. Vienna is the creator of @mindfulMFT on Instagram where she's helping over 600K people around the world heal their wounds. She has been featured in The Economist, Vice, and Motherly, and has led workshops for Peloton and Netflix, among others. Her latest book, The Origins of You, unlocks a healing process to help our clients understand their own family of origin—and examine what worked (and didn't) in that system. In this episode, Eli sits down with Vienna to explore the importance of continuing to do your own family origin work throughout your life course as a systemic therapist.

Helping families/systems to achieve their goals is one of the most rewarding (and challenging!) clinical tasks. While therapists usually receive excellent training in theoretical underpinnings coupled with many hours of therapy and a high standard of supervision (often delivered by live or video review).There still remain too few avenues for practice and to achieve competency in core Systemic Family Therapy (SFT) skills.In this episode, Eli talks to Tony & Ryan about adopting deliberate practice methods to support experiential — “learn by doing” — training.

Jessica ChenFeng Ph.D, LMFT- Currently holds position as Associate Director of Physician Vitality and Professor of Medical Education at Loma Linda University. In this podcast Jessica discusses her background as a second generation Taiwanese American, and how her personal and surveyed experiences within her community influenced her career path. Eli and Jessica dive into some of the racial and cultural considerations practitioners should keep in mind when working with Asian and Asian American clients. Along with reasons why members of certain communities might seek out therapy at lower rates, and how the landscape of therapy for these communities is shifting with more culturally informed practices.

In this episode Dr. Bill Miller, Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry may be best known for his framework on motivational interviewing.Dr. Miller shares a bit of his path as a clinician and how he finds his work at the intersection of psychology and spirituality.He and Eli discuss his most recent work with ambivalent clients, and client systems. Which utilizes techniques such as rolling with resistance and changing how systemic therapists can reframe the concept of low motivation by engaging with empathy and alliance.

Dr. Pauline Boss is a clinician, educator, and principal theorist on the concept of ambiguous loss. In this episode, Pauline talks about her research, work with grieving communities, and how we are all impacted by ambiguous loss. This experience can be defined by the way we handle major life transitions, psychological loss, or unfulfilled expectations. Dr. Boss delves into the lack of attention grief receives in educational realms, due to our culture's fear and rejection of pain, along with the myth of closure. Finally, she discusses how she hopes her body of work impacts future clinicians and the way our culture handles the nuances of loss.

This week's episode features collegial debate between two colleagues who are proponents of two schools of thought: Attachment or EFT Theory, and Differentiation or Crucible Theory. The two schools are substantially different in how they view aspects of adult development, and we have two guests who will walk us through the differences and similarities. We are joined this week by Adam Fisher and Nathan Hardy. Dr. Fisher is an assistant clinical professor at Brigham Young University, with a joint appointment between Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), and the department of Counseling Psychology and Special Education (CPSE). Dr Hardy is an Associate Professor and graduate of the COAMFTE accredited Ph.D. program at Kansas State University. Dr. Hardy came to OSU in 2016. Dr. Hardy serves as the MFT Program Director and is an AAMFT Approved Supervisor and Clinical Fellow of AAMFT. This week they sit down with Eli to discuss their early education and influences, similarities and differences between Attachment and Differentiation, the type of therapist and client each model works best for, and more.

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. Ann Steiner. Dr. Steiner is a licensed as a Marriage and Family Child Counselor and maintains a private practice in Lafayette, CA. She and Eli discuss early influences and what drew her to the profession, what a professional will is, why it's important to have one in place, practical advice on how to set one up, and the importance of choosing your own “emergency response team.” Finally, they discuss the challenges people face when attempting to set up a professional will, some strategies to overcome them, and more.

This week on the podcast we're talking leadership with outgoing AAMFT President Shelley Hanson and AAMFT President-elect Silvia Kaminsky. Shelley and Silvia sit down with Eli to discuss their early-career influences and beginnings of their leadership journey. They also discuss the importance of systemic thinking to leadership, the benefits of having diverse people in positions of leadership, imposter syndrome, and how to look for opportunities to serve where your passion takes you. Finally, they discuss programs such as AAMFT's Leadership Symposium, and how these programs can benefit emerging leaders.

What does it mean to be an integrative systemic therapist? This week on the podcast we're sitting down with Doug Breunlin and Bill Russell. Doug Breunlin has practiced individual, couple and family therapy. He has served as a consultant for Cook County Hospital's Departments of Pediatrics and Family Practice for 12 years, in addition to providing consultation to mental health centers, special education programs and residential facilities, and is co-author of Metaframeworks: Transcending the Models of Family Therapy. Bill Russel has practiced systemic psychotherapy, developed and administered mental health service programs, and trained and supervised therapists. He has worked in academic institutions, community agencies, a private practice, a therapeutic school and the Veterans Administration. For the past twenty-six years Mr. Russell has worked at The Family Institute at Northwestern University. Bill and David chat with Eli about the meaning of integrative systemic therapy, their early work and career influences, the importance of introducing the client to the model rather than the other way around, their work at institutions such as the Institute for Juvenile Research and The Family Institute at University of South Wales, and more.

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 Families Navigate Illness and Disability. Dr. Rolland is an AAMFT approved clinical supervisor and serves on the Editorial Boards of several journals. In this episode Dr Rolland sits down with Eli to discuss early inspirations and what sparked his interest in family systems, the difficulty of integrating the pathology driven medical model with the strength and health model of family therapy, and his Family Systems Illness Model. Dr Rolland also discusses the need for psychoeducation to give families the beginnings of a map they can use to get through the experience of illness.

Deb Coolhart, Associate Professor at Syracuse University, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, with a private practice in Fayetteville, NY. She is a Clinical Fellow of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy and an AAMFT-approved supervisor. Under her leadership, the Gender Expansive Support Team was created and continues to provide services in the Central New York community. In this episode, Deb sits down with Eli to discuss her early career and research interests and influences, the need for inclusive, affirming language, the need to acknowledge the pervasive experience of mistreatment that trans people face, the different ways clients may experience dysphoria, and much more.

Evan Imber-Black, PhD, is currently Professor and Program Director of the Marriage and Family Therapy Masters Program at Mercy College, and was a professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx. Evan was a longtime faculty member at the Ackerman Institute and former Director of Ackerman's Center for Families and Health. In this episode, she sits down with Eli to discuss her early career influences and why she became a therapist, her proudest memories from her time as editor of Family Process, and the concepts of family rituals and family secrets. Eli and Evan discuss what makes a good family ritual, how to create family rituals, and finally the delicate balance between the need for privacy and the impact of family secrets.

Graham Danzer is a research-informed forensic psychologist and author of the book: Therapist Self-Disclosure: An Evidence-Based Guide for Practitioners. Graham sits down with Eli to discuss the benefits and challenges of navigating self-disclosure with various populations, the importance of making disclosures brief and relevant and of lower intimacy content, and the balancing self-disclosure in marketing materials like websites. Finally, they discuss the importance of developing a policy on personal disclosure.

Renee Rienecke, PhD, FAED, is a clinical psychologist and Director of Research for Eating Recovery Center/Pathlight Mood and Anxiety Centers and Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Northwestern University. This week Eli sits down with her to discuss eating disorders, and their effect on individuals and families. They discuss the categories of eating disorders, therapeutic techniques, such as family-based therapy (FBT) and the Maudsley Method, and the importance of evidence-based treatment. Finally they discuss the important role parents play in family-based treatment.

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-Ross. He sits down with Eli to discuss his journey to find his own healing, his work and relationship with Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, and common misconception about the five stages of dying. Finally he discusses the non-linear, observational nature of the stages, describing them as descriptive rather than prescriptive.