In this episode of The Unmasked Therapist Podcast, Clinical Supervisors ⁠⁠Kim Rippy⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Kaitlyn Steel⁠⁠ continue their series on therapist identity development by exploring one of the biggest questions early clinicians face: “What is my model?”

Rather than encouraging therapists to rush into choosing a theoretical orientation based on popularity, supervision expectations, or graduate school pressure, Kim and Kaitlyn unpack how a therapist’s model often develops through deeper self-awareness, lived experience, and clinical curiosity. They discuss how understanding your own values, emotional responses, relational patterns, and clinical instincts can guide you toward approaches that genuinely align with who you are as a therapist.

Through conversations about EFT, CBT, trauma work, attachment, supervision, and the process of “dating” different therapeutic models, this episode examines how clinicians can begin identifying the theories and interventions that feel authentic rather than performative. Kim and Kaitlyn also explore the importance of hypothesis-building, clinical curiosity, and using supervision as a space to intentionally reflect on what naturally stands out to you in the therapy room.

This episode invites therapists to move away from trying to force themselves into a model and instead begin discovering the approaches that already reflect how they naturally conceptualize and connect with clients.

In this episode, we discuss:
• Why many early clinicians feel pressure to “pick a model”
• How therapist identity influences theoretical orientation
• The difference between learning skills and developing clinical authenticity
• Why self-awareness helps therapists recognize aligned approaches
• How attachment, values, trauma, and relationships shape conceptualization
• The process of exploring and “dating” therapeutic models
• Using curiosity and supervision to clarify your clinical direction
• Why confidence grows when interventions align with who you are as a therapist

Connect with us:
Supervision: ⁠www.keystonetherapygroup.com/supervision/⁠
Instagram: @TheUnmaskedTherapist
Email: ⁠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 #TherapistConversations

In this episode of The Unmasked Therapist Podcast, Clinical Supervisors ⁠Kim Rippy⁠ and ⁠Kaitlyn Steel⁠ introduce the first part of a new series focused on one of the most underdeveloped but essential aspects of becoming a clinician: developing your therapist identity.

They explore the “person of the therapist” model and why supervision in the early stages of training often overemphasizes skills while leaving little room for deeper reflection on who the therapist actually is. Kim and Kaitlyn discuss how understanding yourself as a person—your values, emotional patterns, life experiences, and internal world—directly shapes how you show up in the therapy room.

Through honest reflection and real clinical insight, they unpack the idea that therapists cannot separate personal growth from professional development. They also discuss how experiential awareness, supervision, and self-reflection help clinicians move beyond scripted interventions and into more grounded, authentic clinical presence.

This episode sets the foundation for the series by inviting therapists to begin examining how their own lived experience informs their work, and why this integration is key to long-term clinical effectiveness and sustainability.

In this episode, we discuss:• What the “person of the therapist” model is in clinical supervision• Why therapist identity development is often missing in early training• The limits of skill-based supervision without self-reflection• How personal experience shapes clinical perception and intervention• The connection between therapist authenticity and nervous system regulation• Why ongoing self-awareness is essential for effective therapy• How experiential understanding deepens clinical work

Connect with us:Supervision: www.keystonetherapygroup.com/supervision/Instagram: @TheUnmaskedTherapistEmail: 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.

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In this episode of the Unmasked Therapist Podcast, ⁠Kaitlyn Steel, LMFT⁠, continues her conversation with Michelle Vaughn, LPC—practice owner of Truth and Grace Counseling in Arizona—for part two of this two-part series.

Picking up where they left off, Kaitlyn and Michelle dive deeper into Michelle’s clinical work, with a focus on trauma and the modalities that shape her approach. Michelle shares how working from an attachment-focused lens informs her understanding of clients, emphasizing the importance of looking beyond presenting symptoms to uncover the deeper roots of distress.

The conversation explores the integration of EMDR and Michelle’s growing use of Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR), a newer trauma modality that works at a lower level of brain processing. Michelle explains how DBR can be especially helpful for clients with complex trauma or dissociative tendencies, offering a slower, more accessible way to process experiences without becoming overwhelmed.

As the episode continues, the discussion shifts into the importance of consultation and community in clinical work. Kaitlyn and Michelle highlight how seeking support from other clinicians can expand perspective, improve client care, and introduce therapists to new approaches they may not have otherwise considered.

The final portion of the conversation focuses on Michelle’s journey as a supervisor and private practice owner. She shares insights on building a practice rooted in autonomy, flexibility, and client-centered values, while also encouraging early career clinicians to think intentionally about their own needs, boundaries, and long-term sustainability in the field.

Grounded in both clinical insight and real-world experience, this episode offers a thoughtful look at trauma work, professional growth, and what it means to show up authentically—not just for clients, but for yourself as a therapist.

In this episode, we discuss:• Using an attachment-focused lens in trauma work• How EMDR and Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) are used in practice• Working with complex trauma and dissociation• The importance of consultation and building a professional network• Lessons from supervision and transitioning into private practice• Balancing clinician needs with client care

This is part two of a two-part conversation. Be sure to check out last week’s episode for the beginning of this discussion.

Connect with us:Supervision: ⁠www.keystonetherapygroup.com/supervision/⁠Instagram: @TheUnmaskedTherapistEmail: ⁠⁠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.

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In this episode of the Unmasked Therapist Podcast, Kaitlyn Steel, LMFT, is joined by special guest Michelle Vaughn, LPC—practice owner of Truth and Grace Counseling in Arizona and a seasoned clinician with a unique path into the field.

Kaitlyn begins by sharing her long-standing personal connection with Michelle, who has been a meaningful presence in her life for decades. From there, the conversation shifts into Michelle’s journey of returning to school later in life and building a career in counseling, offering a perspective that challenges the idea of a “traditional” path into the field.

Together, they explore the realities of licensure across states, unpacking the differences in supervision requirements, diagnostic privileges, and the often frustrating barriers clinicians face when trying to maintain continuity of care with clients who move. Through their discussion, they highlight how these systemic differences impact both therapists and the clients they serve.

As the episode unfolds, the conversation turns toward clinical work and one of the most important lessons for new therapists: the value of authenticity in the therapy room. Michelle shares powerful examples of how showing up as a genuine, real person can deepen connection and create a sense of safety for clients—often more than any specific modality or technique.

Drawing from their own experiences in practice and supervision, this episode offers both practical insight and honest reflection on what it means to grow as a clinician while navigating the complexities of the field.

In this episode, we discuss:• Michelle’s nontraditional path into becoming a therapist• Key differences in licensure requirements across states• Challenges with client continuity when clients move• The impact of COVID on early clinical experiences and telehealth• What new therapists are taught vs. what is actually useful in practice• The importance of authenticity in building therapeutic relationships

This is part one of a two-part conversation. Be sure to tune in next week as Michelle shares more about her trauma-focused work and the modalities she uses in practice.

Connect with us:Supervision: ⁠www.keystonetherapygroup.com/supervision/⁠Instagram: @TheUnmaskedTherapistEmail: ⁠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.

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In this re-release of Episode 4, Clinical Supervisors Kim Rippy, LPC and Kaitlyn Steel, LMFT revisit one of the most nuanced topics in therapy: self-disclosure. When does it help, when does it harm, and how can therapists use authenticity in a way that truly supports the client?

Together, they explore authenticity from the client’s perspective and how showing up as a real human can deepen trust, safety, and connection in the therapy room. They unpack the tension many clinicians feel—especially early in their careers—between being taught to avoid self-disclosure and recognizing the moments when it can be clinically meaningful.

Kim and Kaitlyn reflect on their own experiences navigating this balance, highlighting the difference between intentional, client-centered sharing and oversharing that shifts the focus away from the client. They also discuss how supervision serves as a parallel process, modeling how therapists can thoughtfully respond to client vulnerability and authenticity.

Whether you’re a new clinician or a seasoned therapist, this episode offers grounded, practical insight into using authenticity with purpose.

Key Takeaways:
• How authentic presence strengthens client safety and trust
• Understanding self-disclosure without centering yourself
• When to share, when to hold back, and how to repair if you overshare
• Why supervision mirrors the therapeutic relationship
• Using authenticity to create deeper therapeutic connection

Connect with us:
Supervision: www.keystonetherapygroup.com/supervision/
Instagram: @TheUnmaskedTherapist
Email: Supervision@KeystoneTherapyGroup.com

If this episode was helpful, 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. All therapy skills discussed should be used within the scope of your experience and with appropriate clinical supervision.

Hashtags: #AuthenticTherapist #TherapyConnection #SelfDisclosure #TherapistBoundaries #ClinicalSupervision #TherapyTraining #TherapistLife #MentalHealthProfessionals #AuthenticityInTherapy #HumanCenteredTherapy

In this episode of the Unmasked Therapist Podcast, Clinical Supervisors ⁠⁠Kim Rippy, LPC⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Kaitlyn Steel, LMFT⁠⁠ continue their conversation with Keystone Therapy Group’s admin, ⁠Maeve Englehart⁠, for Part 2 of this behind-the-scenes look at the role that keeps a practice running smoothly.

Building on Part 1, this episode dives deeper into the relational and operational impact of having administrative support within a therapy practice. The conversation shifts from what admins do to why their role is so essential—not just for efficiency, but for protecting the therapeutic relationship and creating a seamless client experience.

Kim shares her philosophy on separating billing from clinical work, highlighting how this boundary preserves both the integrity of the therapist-client relationship and the sustainability of the business. Maeve offers her perspective from the admin side, reflecting on how managing communication, billing, and first client contact shapes how supported and understood clients feel from the very beginning.

Together, they explore how responsiveness, consistency, and authenticity extend beyond the therapy room—and how even small interactions can significantly impact whether a client follows through with care.

In Part 2, we discuss:• Why separating billing from clinical work protects the therapeutic relationship• The role of admin support in maintaining ethical and sustainable business practices• How first impressions and responsiveness impact client follow-through• What clients are really looking for when they first reach out for therapy• The importance of consistency and communication across a practice• Common ways therapists unintentionally impact client experience outside of sessions• How authenticity and connection start from the very first point of contact

Connect with us:Supervision: ⁠www.keystonetherapygroup.com/supervision/⁠Instagram: @TheUnmaskedTherapistEmail: ⁠⁠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 #TherapistConversations

In this episode of the Unmasked Therapist Podcast, Clinical Supervisors ⁠Kim Rippy, LPC⁠ and ⁠Kaitlyn Steel, LMFT⁠ are joined by Keystone Therapy Group’s admin, Maeve Englehart, for a behind-the-scenes look at the role that keeps a practice running smoothly.

This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation, with Part 2 releasing next Monday.

Together, they explore the often unseen but essential work of administrative support in a therapy practice. Kim and Kaitlyn share their experiences building Keystone from the ground up, including the moment when managing everything alone became unsustainable and the decision to bring on an admin became necessary for both client care and clinician well-being.

Maeve offers insight into her unique path into the role, from her background in psychology and inpatient psychiatric work to her current experience supporting both clients and clinicians. She reflects on how working behind the scenes in a collaborative practice has deepened her understanding of therapy and reinforced the importance of connection at every level of care.

Through candid and engaging conversation, this episode highlights how administrative roles are not just logistical, but relational—shaping first impressions, supporting therapeutic relationships, and allowing clinicians to focus more fully on their clients.

In Part 1, we discuss:
• The transition from solo practice to a growing group practice
• How burnout can signal the need for additional support
• What to look for when hiring an admin beyond just technical skills
• Maeve’s background and journey into the role
• The value of curiosity, adaptability, and collaboration in a clinical setting
• Why admin work is a crucial part of client care, not just operations

Connect with us:
Supervision: ⁠www.keystonetherapygroup.com/supervision/⁠
Instagram: @TheUnmaskedTherapist
Email: ⁠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 #TherapistConversations

In this episode of the Unmasked Therapist Podcast, Clinical Supervisors Kim Rippy and Kaitlyn Steel explore an often overlooked but deeply impactful part of clinical work: the physical and psychological space therapists practice in—especially in virtual and hybrid settings.

They reflect on how a therapist’s environment influences not only client perception, but also the clinician’s own mindset, presence, and emotional boundaries. From working in shared spaces during COVID to building more intentional home offices, Kim and Kaitlyn share their evolving experiences and the small but meaningful changes that help them shift into “therapist mode.”

Through candid conversation, they highlight the importance of creating rituals that signal the transition into work, whether that’s getting dressed for the day, adjusting lighting and background, or simply closing a door. They also explore how therapists can adapt their environment to fit their real lives, rather than striving for perfection.

Drawing from their own clinical work and supervision conversations, this episode offers practical and relatable ways therapists can create spaces that support both effective therapy and personal well-being.

In this episode, we discuss:• How your physical environment impacts your clinical presence• Navigating virtual therapy while working from home• Creating psychological separation between work and personal life• Simple rituals that help shift into “therapist mode”• Adapting your space to fit your real life, not an ideal standard• The role of intentionality in maintaining boundaries and focus

Connect with us:Supervision: www.keystonetherapygroup.com/supervision/Instagram: @TheUnmaskedTherapistEmail: 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 #TherapistConversations