Episode 37: Navigating Countertransference and Authenticity

Episode 37: Navigating Countertransference and Authenticity

In this episode of The Unmasked Therapist Podcast, Clinical Supervisors ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kim Rippy, LPC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://keystonetherapygroup.com/kim-rippy/], and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kaitlyn Steel, LMFT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, [https://keystonetherapygroup.com/kaitlyn-steel/] explore the challenging intersection of authenticity, countertransference, and ethics in the therapy room. They discuss what happens when a therapist’s own values, experiences, or reactions create a sticking point with a client—and how to determine what comes next. Kim and Kaitlyn explore the importance of recognizing personal reactions, seeking supervision and consultation, and doing the ongoing self-work required to show up ethically for clients. They discuss how therapists can distinguish between discomfort that requires reflection and situations where continuing the therapeutic relationship may no longer be appropriate. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize that authenticity does not mean bringing personal opinions into the therapy room—it means understanding yourself as the person behind the therapist role and taking responsibility for what you bring into the relationship. By examining our own biases, blind spots, and reactions, therapists can create stronger, more compassionate, and more ethical therapeutic connections. In this episode, we discuss: • The connection between authenticity, countertransference, and the person of the therapist • How therapists can identify personal “sticking points” with clients • The difference between discomfort, bias, and ethical concerns • The role of supervision, consultation, and personal reflection in clinical growth • How to determine when to continue working with a client versus when referral may be appropriate • Navigating client referrals and terminations with compassion and professionalism • Why therapists must continually examine their own reactions and blind spots • How self-awareness helps therapists provide more ethical and effective care Connect with us: Supervision: ⁠⁠www.keystonetherapygroup.com/supervision/⁠⁠ Instagram: @TheUnmaskedTherapist Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Supervision@KeystoneTherapyGroup.com [Supervision@KeystoneTherapyGroup.com]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If this episode resonated with you, leave a five-star review and subscribe for more conversations about authentic, grounded, human-centered therapy. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical supervision. All information shared represents our own opinions and should not be taken as legal or clinical direction. #TheUnmaskedTherapist #UnmaskedTherapist #TherapistPodcast #MentalHealthPodcast #ClinicalSupervision #Countertransference #PersonOfTheTherapist #TherapistIdentity #EthicalPractice #TherapistGrowth #ClinicalConsultation #TherapeuticRelationship #Authenticity #PrivatePractice #HumanCenteredTherapy

Episode 36: Consultation Calls That Build Trust

In this episode of The Unmasked Therapist Podcast, Clinical Supervisors ⁠⁠⁠⁠Kim Rippy, LPC [https://keystonetherapygroup.com/kim-rippy/]⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Kaitlyn Steel, LMFT [https://keystonetherapygroup.com/kaitlyn-steel/]⁠⁠⁠⁠, continue their conversation about consultation calls by exploring why authenticity is one of the most important factors in creating meaningful client connections. Building on last week's discussion of consultation structure and purpose, they examine how consultation calls serve as a therapist's first opportunity to demonstrate what working together will actually feel like. Kim and Kaitlyn discuss the growing shift toward clients being more intentional and selective when choosing a therapist, highlighting how consultation calls have become an important space for assessing relational fit. They explore why authenticity helps establish trust, creates safety, and allows both therapist and client to determine whether the therapeutic relationship is a good match. Through personal stories and examples from their own practices, they reflect on the risks of masking, over-performing, or presenting a version of yourself that clients won't encounter once therapy begins. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize that consultation calls are not simply a sales pitch—they are an opportunity to model transparency, consistency, and genuine human connection. By showing up authentically from the very first interaction, therapists can create a foundation of trust that supports deeper therapeutic work moving forward. In this episode, we discuss: • Why authenticity matters during consultation calls • How consultation calls set the tone for the therapeutic relationship • The growing trend of clients interviewing multiple therapists before choosing one • Avoiding the "bait and switch" effect of showing up differently after intake • How authenticity builds trust, safety, and confidence for clients • The impact of masking and over-performing on therapist effectiveness • Helping clients determine whether you are the right fit for their needs • Why consultation calls are an important part of informed decision-making • Creating consistency between your online presence and your in-session approach • Using authenticity to strengthen rapport from the very first interaction Connect with us: Supervision: ⁠⁠www.keystonetherapygroup.com/supervision/⁠⁠ Instagram: @TheUnmaskedTherapist Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Supervision@KeystoneTherapyGroup.com [Supervision@KeystoneTherapyGroup.com]⁠⁠⁠⁠ If this episode resonated with you, leave a five-star review and subscribe for more conversations about authentic, grounded, human-centered therapy. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical supervision. All information shared represents our own opinions and should not be taken as legal or clinical direction. #TheUnmaskedTherapist #UnmaskedTherapist #TherapistPodcast #MentalHealthPodcast #ClinicalSupervision #ConsultationCalls #Authenticity #PersonOfTheTherapist #TherapeuticRelationship #TherapistIdentity #PrivatePractice #ClientConnection #TherapistGrowth #TherapyPractice #HumanCenteredTherapy

Episode 35: Consultation Calls That Build Connection

In this episode of The Unmasked Therapist Podcast, Clinical Supervisors ⁠⁠⁠Kim Rippy, LPC [https://keystonetherapygroup.com/kim-rippy/]⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠Kaitlyn Steel, LMFT⁠⁠⁠ [https://keystonetherapygroup.com/kaitlyn-steel/], explore the purpose and power of consultation calls through the lens of authenticity and the Person of the Therapist model. Beginning with an honest conversation about recognizing and correcting blind spots, they model what it looks like to take accountability, learn publicly, and approach growth with humility and compassion. From there, Kim and Kaitlyn break down the consultation process itself, discussing how therapists can move beyond simply gathering information to creating an authentic first experience of therapy. They explore how consultation calls allow both therapist and client to assess goodness of fit, demonstrate intentionality, and begin building trust before the first official session. Drawing from both individual and couples therapy perspectives, they share practical examples of how they structure consultation calls while remaining true to their own therapeutic styles. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize that consultation calls are more than administrative conversations—they are an opportunity to model the type of therapeutic relationship clients can expect. By approaching these conversations with authenticity, clarity, and genuine curiosity, therapists can help clients feel seen, understood, and confident in taking the next step toward therapy. In this episode, we discuss: • Taking ownership of mistakes and modeling authentic accountability • Why consultation calls are about more than gathering information • Helping clients determine whether a therapist is the right fit • Creating a first experience that reflects your authentic therapeutic style • Balancing information gathering with genuine human connection • Structuring consultation calls for both individual and couples therapy • Demonstrating competence without sounding scripted or rehearsed • Helping clients understand what therapy with you will actually feel like • Setting appropriate boundaries while avoiding "doing therapy" during consultations • Building trust and hope before the first official session Connect with us: Supervision: ⁠⁠www.keystonetherapygroup.com/supervision/⁠⁠ Instagram: @TheUnmaskedTherapist Email: ⁠⁠⁠Supervision@KeystoneTherapyGroup.com [Supervision@KeystoneTherapyGroup.com]⁠⁠⁠ If this episode resonated with you, leave a five-star review and subscribe for more conversations about authentic, grounded, human-centered therapy. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical supervision. All information shared represents our own opinions and should not be taken as legal or clinical direction. #TheUnmaskedTherapist #UnmaskedTherapist #TherapistPodcast #MentalHealthPodcast #ClinicalSupervision #ConsultationCalls #PrivatePractice #TherapistIdentity #PersonOfTheTherapist #Authenticity #TherapistGrowth #ClientConnection #CouplesTherapy #IndividualTherapy #TherapyPractice

Episode 34: Prioritizing Life Beyond the Therapy Room

In this episode of The Unmasked Therapist Podcast, Clinical Supervisors ⁠⁠Kim Rippy, LPC [https://keystonetherapygroup.com/kim-rippy/]⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠Kaitlyn Steel, LMFT⁠⁠ [https://keystonetherapygroup.com/kaitlyn-steel/], explore what it really means to put life before work. Building on their ongoing conversations about authenticity and the Person of the Therapist model, they discuss how therapists can identify their core values, prioritize the identities that matter most, and navigate the inevitable tension between caring for clients and caring for themselves and their families. Drawing from both personal and professional experiences—including recording the episode while balancing the realities of parenthood—Kim and Kaitlyn reflect on the challenges of maintaining a healthy life-work balance. They discuss the guilt therapists often feel when personal responsibilities interrupt clinical work, the importance of setting boundaries with clients, and how modeling authenticity and self-respect can strengthen the therapeutic relationship rather than diminish it. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize that therapists are people first. Whether the identity that grounds you is being a parent, partner, caregiver, friend, or something else entirely, honoring those values creates a more sustainable career and a more authentic therapeutic presence. Rather than striving to be everything for everyone, therapists can better serve their clients by remaining connected to the people they are outside of the therapy room. In this episode, we discuss: • Why life-work balance may be a healthier perspective than work-life balance • Identifying the personal identities and values that guide your life • Navigating guilt when family responsibilities conflict with client care • How supervisors and colleagues can reinforce healthy boundaries • Why authenticity sometimes means letting clients see your humanity • Modeling healthy priorities and self-respect within the therapeutic relationship • The connection between personal identity, burnout prevention, and therapist sustainability • Giving yourself permission to prioritize what matters most • Supporting therapists through seasons of changing identities and responsibilities • Building a career that aligns with your values rather than competing with them Connect with us: Supervision: ⁠⁠www.keystonetherapygroup.com/supervision/⁠⁠ Instagram: @TheUnmaskedTherapist Email: ⁠⁠Supervision@KeystoneTherapyGroup.com [Supervision@KeystoneTherapyGroup.com]⁠⁠ If this episode resonated with you, leave a five-star review and subscribe for more conversations about authentic, grounded, human-centered therapy. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical supervision. All information shared represents our own opinions and should not be taken as legal or clinical direction. #TheUnmaskedTherapist #UnmaskedTherapist #TherapistPodcast #MentalHealthPodcast #ClinicalSupervision #TherapistIdentity #PersonOfTheTherapist #LifeWorkBalance #TherapistBurnout #Authenticity #Boundaries #TherapistGrowth #PrivatePractice #WorkingParents #SelfCare

Episode 33: Navigating the Gap Between Graduation and Residency as a New Therapist

In this episode of The Unmasked Therapist Podcast, Clinical Supervisors ⁠Kim Rippy, LPC⁠ [https://keystonetherapygroup.com/kim-rippy/], and ⁠Kaitlyn Steel, LMFT⁠ [https://keystonetherapygroup.com/kaitlyn-steel/], explore the role of body awareness, attunement, and therapist self-awareness in the therapy room. Building on their ongoing conversations about authenticity and the Person of the Therapist model, they discuss how therapists can learn to distinguish between a genuine attunement to a client's experience, their own body memories, and countertransference. Drawing from personal and professional experiences, Kim and Kaitlyn examine how therapists' bodies often provide valuable information about what is happening in a session. They discuss how noticing physical sensations, emotional reactions, and internal shifts can deepen connection with clients when approached thoughtfully and ethically. At the same time, they explore the importance of recognizing when a therapist's own unresolved experiences may be influencing the therapeutic process. Throughout the conversation, they highlight the value of ongoing self-reflection, supervision, and personal growth, emphasizing that therapists do not need to be blank slates to be effective. Instead, meaningful therapeutic work often emerges when clinicians learn to honor their own experiences while remaining grounded in the client's reality. In this episode, we discuss:• What therapists mean when they talk about attunement and limbic system reactions• How body awareness can strengthen therapeutic connection• The difference between attunement, empathy, body memory, and countertransference• Why therapists often experience emotions before clients consciously recognize them• The role of the Person of the Therapist model in clinical work• Staying with emotion instead of moving too quickly into psychoeducation• How personal experiences can both support and interfere with therapeutic attunement• Recognizing when unresolved experiences may be impacting clinical work• Ethical considerations when therapists encounter emotionally activating client material• Using supervision and self-reflection to grow as a clinician Connect with us: Supervision: ⁠www.keystonetherapygroup.com/supervision/⁠ [http://www.keystonetherapygroup.com/supervision/]Instagram: @TheUnmaskedTherapistEmail: ⁠Supervision@KeystoneTherapyGroup.com⁠ [Supervision@KeystoneTherapyGroup.com] If this episode resonated with you, leave a five-star review and subscribe for more conversations about authentic, grounded, human-centered therapy. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical supervision. All information shared represents our own opinions and should not be taken as legal or clinical direction. #TheUnmaskedTherapist #UnmaskedTherapist #TherapistPodcast #MentalHealthPodcast #ClinicalSupervision #TherapistIdentity #PersonOfTheTherapist #Countertransference #TherapistGrowth #BodyAwareness #Attunement #EFTTherapy #ClinicalDevelopment #TherapeuticRelationship #Authenticity