New York Marriage and Family Therapy Network Podcast

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/]

Season 2 Episode 4: Empire State of MFT: Inside Iona University’s #1 Program (Dr. Christiana Awosan, PhD., LMFT, Marc Fernandez, LMFT, Ina Qema LAMFT)

Summary In this episode of the New York Marriage and Family Therapy Network podcast, host Kelli-Ann Henry, LMFT and guest co-host Ina Qema LAMFT, NYMFTN Chair sit down with the Program Director, Dr. Christiana Awosan, PhD., LMFT, and Clinical Director, Marc Fernandez, LMFT from Iona University's Marriage and Family Therapy program. They discuss the program's recent ranking as the top MFT program in New York, the importance of diversity and representation in training, and the curriculum redesign aimed at enhancing student learning and meeting accreditation standards. The conversation also explores the integration of AI in therapy training, the new Bronxville campus, and the essential skills and ethical considerations for emerging therapists. The panelists share proud moments and the supportive community that defines the Iona MFT experience. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Leaders in MFT 02:13 Iona's Top Ranking in MFT Education 10:17 Curriculum Redesign and Its Impact 18:45 The New Campus and Clinical Experience 22:37 Preparing for Diagnostic Privilege 26:12 Essential Skills for Modern Therapists 27:49 The Impact of AI on Progress Notes 30:03 Ethical Training for Mental Health Professionals 32:39 Navigating AI in Education 35:44 AI's Role in Mental Health Therapy 38:55 Integrating AI into Family Therapy 41:45 Proud Moments in Training Future Clinicians 51:47 Outro Iona University MFT Program Spotlight * Iona University Marriage and Family Therapy Program Ranked #1 in New York for 2025 [https://www.iona.edu/news/iona-university-marriage-and-family-therapy-program-ranked-1-new-york-2025] * Iona University MFT Program Details [https://www.iona.edu/academics/explore-majors-programs/marriage-and-family-therapy-ms-degree] 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/]