Season 2 Episode 6: Navigating Advocacy for MFTs in New York (Carol Podgorski, PhD, MPH, LMFT and Denise Murphy McGraw, CAE)

Season 3 Episode 2: Building Community and Change: NYMFT Advocacy (Amos Wolff, LMFT)

Community support and shared experiences among clinicians and strategies for legislative advocacy and professional unity. Summary In this episode, host Kelli-Ann Henry, LMFT, welcomes Amos Wolff, LMFT, for a conversation about the origins of New York's Diagnostic Privilege Community Hub and the growing movement to support Marriage and Family Therapists through advocacy, connection, and shared learning. Dr. Carol A. Podgorski also joins for a brief segment to provide updates on the latest developments surrounding diagnostic privilege in New York. Although the community discussion was not recorded to protect participant privacy, this episode offers valuable context, reflections, and resources for MFTs looking to stay informed and engaged. Guest Amos Wolff, LMFT is the founder of Kingfisher Marriage and Family Therapy, where he provides relational therapy, clinical supervision, and mentorship. A therapist, educator, and advocate, Amos is passionate about strengthening the Marriage and Family Therapy profession through community building and collaboration. He facilitates monthly Diagnostic Privilege Community Meetings for New York MFTs and launched the Diagnostic Privilege Community Hub on Slack to foster ongoing connection, resource sharing, and peer support. In recognition of his leadership and contributions to the field, Amos received the 2026 American Family Therapy Academy (AFTA) Early Career Contribution to Family Therapy Award. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and community overview 00:29 Grounding the work and community reflection 00:57 Amos shares his advocacy journey and involvement with NYMFT 01:27 The origins of advocacy work and community building in NYMFT 02:22 The impact of the pandemic on advocacy and online connection 03:16 Addressing diagnostic privilege and legislative challenges 04:13 The importance of sharing experiences and collective action 07:22 Legislative updates and efforts for grandfathering 08:40 Positive developments and ongoing advocacy efforts 10:17 The need for LMFT representation on the Board of Education 11:31 Clinicians' experiences and frustrations with diagnostic privilege 13:23 The role of Slack community in advocacy and support 14:11 Goals for clinicians in this space and next steps Resources Join the Slack NYMFT Community Hub! https://diagnosticprivilege.slack.com/signup#/domain-signup [https://diagnosticprivilege.slack.com/signup#/domain-signup] Join the New York Marriage and Family Therapy Network today! ⁠https://www.nymftherapistnetwork.com/ [https://www.nymftherapistnetwork.com/] Legislation on Diagnostic Privilege - Bill Details - https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8081 Connect with Amos: * King Fisher MFT - https://kingfishermft.com/ [https://kingfishermft.com/] * Instagram: @kingfishermft Music by AudioCoffee: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.audiocoffee.net/ [https://www.audiocoffee.net/]

Season 3 Episode 1: New York MFT Network 2026: Reflection, Vision & Leadership (Ina Qema, MFT LP & Dina Johnson, MS MFT-LP)

Plans for 2026 include more virtual workshops and student leadership involvement. Guests Ina Qema, MFT, LP is the Chair of the New York Marriage and Family Therapy Network and a Marriage and Family Therapist practicing with a focus on relational systems, community engagement, and professional leadership. Her work centers on strengthening connections across the MFT community, advocating for the profession, and fostering spaces where clinicians can grow, lead, and collaborate. Ina’s leadership is grounded in building community, elevating student voices, and creating opportunities for relational and professional development. Dina Johnson, MS, MFT-LP is the Co-Chair of the New York Marriage and Family Therapy Network and a Marriage and Family Therapist with experience in clinical practice, mentorship, and organizational engagement. Dina champions collaborative leadership, workforce development, and inclusive community building. Her dedication to advancing the MFT profession in New York is reflected in her commitment to advocacy, professional networking, and supporting clinicians at every stage of their career. Summary In this episode, Kelli-Ann Henry, along with chair Ina Qema and co-chair Dina Johnson, reflect on the achievements and growth of the New York Marriage and Family Therapy Network in 2025. They discuss the importance of community, networking, and the fight for diagnostic privilege. Looking ahead to 2026, they share plans for more virtual workshops, student leadership involvement, and opportunities for engagement within the network. The conversation emphasizes the need for in-person connections, the value of collective leadership, and the importance of maintaining a positive perspective as they move forward together. Follow us on social media for updates and events @nymftnetwork Music by AudioCoffee: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.audiocoffee.net/ [https://www.audiocoffee.net/]

Season 2 Episode 7: Advocacy & Safety for the Older Adult Population (Jennifer Nunez, LMFT)

Summary In this episode, Kelli-Ann Henry speaks with Jennifer Nunez about her work in advocacy for the older adult population and the challenges faced by concerned persons seeking support. They discuss Jennifer's role as a bilingual Elder Abuse Helpline clinician at Weill Cornell Medicine, the importance of collaboration across disciplines, and the dynamics of family caregiving. Jennifer shares insights from her experiences, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding in this field. The conversation concludes with advice for aspiring therapists and a hopeful outlook on the future of care for older adults. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Advocacy for Older Adults 03:40 Understanding the Center for Elder Abuse Solutions 05:42 Role of MFT with Older Adults 07:54 Challenges Faced by Older Adults 09:07 Collaboration Across Disciplines 11:01 Family Dynamics and Care for Older Adults 13:25 Learning from Calls: Caregiving Insights 15:51 Advice for Emerging Therapists 17:36 Hope in Older Adult Advocacy 19:06 Resources and Contact Information 21:56 Outro Guest: Jennifer Nunez, LMFT Jennifer Nunez, LMFT is the Clinician for the Elder Abuse Helpline at the Center for Elder Abuse Solutions (CEASe) at Weill Cornell Medicine, where she supports the older adult population and their families through safety concerns, relational conflict, and systemic navigation. Featured Resource: The Center for Elder Abuse Solutions at Weill Cornell Medicine https://elderabuse.weill.cornell.edu/ [https://elderabuse.weill.cornell.edu/ ] For Concerned Persons: Call the New York State Elder Abuse Helpline for Concerned Persons: 844-746-6905  For Professionals: Connect with the Weill Cornell Medicine/CEASe team at cease_caseconsultation@med.cornell.edu Click below to join the New York Marriage and Family Therapy Network today! https://www.nymftherapistnetwork.com/ [https://www.nymftherapistnetwork.com/] Music by AudioCoffee: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.audiocoffee.net/ [https://www.audiocoffee.net/]

Season 2 Episode 6: Navigating Advocacy for MFTs in New York (Carol Podgorski, PhD, MPH, LMFT and Denise Murphy McGraw, CAE)

Summary In this episode, Kelli-Ann Henry hosts Dr. Carol Podgorski and Denise Murphy McGraw to discuss the current advocacy efforts for Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) in New York State. They explore the challenges posed by the diagnostic privilege law, the impact of legislation on MFTs' ability to serve clients, and the ongoing mental health crisis in the state. The conversation emphasizes the importance of advocacy, awareness, and collaboration with legislators to improve access to care and support the MFT profession. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Advocacy Updates 03:49 Legislative Impact on MFTs 09:15 Challenges of Diagnostic Privilege 19:12 The Mental Health Crisis and Access to Care 24:19 Advocacy and Awareness for MFTs 29:13 Next Steps in Advocacy 35:49 Closing Guests: Carol Podgorski, PhD, MPH, LMFT Dr. Carol Podgorski is a medical family therapist and serves as a Professor and Associate Chair of Faculty Affairs in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Rochester. She is also the Director of the Finger Lakes Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease. Her academic interests focus on family therapy in dementia, medical family therapy approaches to caregiving, and the development of family systems and relationally oriented models of dementia care. Dr. Podgorski completed her doctoral degree in sociology and holds master’s degrees in Public Health and Marriage and Family Therapy.  Denise Murphy McGraw, CAE Denise Murphy McGraw is a partner at Hill, Gosdeck, McGraw & Nemeth (HGMN), where she specializes in advocating for professional attention to legislative and regulatory matters. She previously served as the legislative director for a majority member of the New York State Assembly and as the executive director of the Chamber of Commerce Alliance of New York State. Denise manages a diverse client portfolio and is actively involved in various local, state, and national not-for-profit organizations. Her areas of expertise include higher education, healthcare, and policy governance. Click below to join the New York Marriage and Family Therapy Network today! https://www.nymftherapistnetwork.com/ Music by AudioCoffee: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.audiocoffee.net/ [https://www.audiocoffee.net/]

Season 2 Episode 5: Healing Interactions (Jennifer Uhrlass, LMFT)

Summary In this episode, Kelli-Ann Henry, LMFT and Jennifer Uhrlass, LMFT discuss the significance of healing interactions within family dynamics. They explore the impact of stress on relationships, the importance of self-care, and the role of effective communication in fostering supportive environments. The conversation emphasizes recognizing warning signs of unmanaged stress, creating routines for healing conversations, and the necessity of self-compassion in personal development. Through practical advice and insights, the episode aims to equip listeners with tools to enhance their relational experiences at home. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Healing Interactions 03:19 Understanding Stress in Family Dynamics 07:08 The Impact of Unmanaged Stress 10:55 Cultural and Financial Pressures on Family Stress 11:56 Navigating Boundaries and Self-Care 15:40 Creating Healing Conversations 18:22 Establishing Routines for Healing Interactions 21:10 Micro Habits for Well-Being 24:57 The Role of Tone and Body Language 28:32 Key Takeaways for Healing Interactions 30:56 Closing About Jennifer Uhrlass, LMFT Jennifer Uhrlass is a licensed marriage and family therapist and owner of Modern Marriage & Family Therapy, PLLC, a NYC-based private practice with a focus on relationship health & emotional well-being. She specializes in helping individuals and couples to recover from family of origin wounds and cultivate more caring, responsive, and mutually fulfilling relationships in their adult lives. Jennifer holds a Master’s degree from Syracuse University. She completed advanced clinical training in Emotionally Focused Therapy, the Gottman Method, and postgraduate education at the Ackerman Institute for the Family in NewYork City. Jennifer has practiced in NYC since 2014 and is licensed in NY, NJ, CT, and FL.  Contact our Guest: Jennifer Uhrlass, LMFT Website: https://www.modernmft.com/ [https://www.modernmft.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernmft/ [https://www.instagram.com/modernmft/?igsh=ems4ZDI0M2c2Y3hh] Featured Blog: Healing Interactions in Relationships: How to Repair and Strengthen Your Closest Connections [https://www.modernmft.com/healing-interactions-in-relationships/] Click⁠ here ⁠ [https://nymftherapistnetwork.com/]to connect with the New York Marriage and Family Therapy Network today! Music by AudioCoffee: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.audiocoffee.net/ [https://www.audiocoffee.net/]