In this episode, Clinical Supervisors ⁠⁠⁠Kim Rippy, LPC⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Kaitlyn Steel, LMFT⁠ return to the mic for a more personal, reflective conversation about what it really means to show up as therapists when life feels heavy. After a difficult season and time away, Kim and Kaitlyn talk candidly about leaning on their support systems, giving themselves permission to step back, and navigating the emotional fatigue that can come from caring deeply for both clients and loved ones.

Together, they explore the difference between using work as avoidance versus engaging in therapy as a grounding, purpose-driven identity. They discuss how connection, community, and authenticity protect against burnout, and how subtle signs like fatigue, reduced attunement, or low capacity can signal the need for recalibration rather than retreat. Through honest storytelling and clinical reflection, this episode highlights the power of letting others show up for you and learning how to show up “good enough,” not perfectly.

This conversation is a reminder that therapists are human first—and that support, not self-sacrifice, sustains meaningful work.

Key Takeaways:
• Recognizing the difference between avoidance and purpose-driven engagement at work• Understanding emotional fatigue vs. burnout• Allowing yourself permission to step back without guilt• The importance of community, team support, and your “village”• Showing up authentically for clients while honoring your own limits• Reframing “good enough” care as ethical, sustainable care

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.

#AuthenticTherapist #TherapistWellness #TherapistBurnout #ClinicalSupervision #HumanCenteredTherapy #TherapistSupport #MentalHealthProfessionals #TherapistLife #TherapistCommunity #SelfCompassion

In this episode, Clinical Supervisor ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kaitlyn Steel, LMFT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is joined by ⁠⁠Essie Bent, MEd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a resident therapist at Keystone Therapy Group who specializes in working with LGBTQ+ and BIPOC clients across Virginia. Together, they explore the journey of residency, balancing multiple professional roles, and what it truly means to show up authentically as both a therapist and a human.

Essie shares her path into the field, her passion for breaking mental health stigma within marginalized communities, and how she navigates holding both strength and softness in the therapy room. Kaitlyn and Essie discuss embracing vulnerability, giving yourself grace while learning, integrating personal identity into clinical work, and how supportive supervision helps therapists grow with confidence and authenticity. Through honest reflection and lived experience, this conversation highlights the beauty of becoming—not just being—a therapist.

Listeners will gain insight into balancing life and residency, practicing self-compassion while developing skills, and bringing your full, authentic self into the therapy space.

Key Takeaways:

• Navigating residency while balancing multiple professional roles• Showing up authentically in the therapy room

• Integrating cultural identity and lived experience into clinical work

• Supporting LGBTQ+ and BIPOC clients with intention and care

• Embracing vulnerability and self-compassion as a therapist

• The power of supervision and community in professional growth

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.

#AuthenticTherapist #TherapistResidency #LGBTQTherapist #BIPOCTherapist #ClinicalSupervision #HumanCenteredTherapy #TherapistGrowth #AuthenticityInTherapy #MentalHealthProfessionals

In this episode, Clinical Supervisor ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kaitlyn Steel, LMFT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is joined by ⁠Rhiannon Vergundia, LPC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for a grounded conversation about authenticity, therapist identity, and the journey from residency to licensed practice. Together, they explore how early career therapists can navigate imposter syndrome, build confidence, and integrate their authentic selves into clinical work.

Kaitlyn and Rhiannon discuss trusting your clinical instincts, turning personal traits like shyness into therapeutic strengths, leaning into uncomfortable skills while maintaining authenticity, and the role of supervision in fostering growth. Through personal reflection and clinical insight, they emphasize self-awareness, authenticity, and reflective practice as essential for professional development and client connection. Listeners will gain insight into integrating their authentic self in sessions, learning from supervision, and managing early career anxiety.

Key Takeaways:• Navigating imposter syndrome as an early career therapist• Trusting your clinical instincts while maintaining authenticity• Using personal traits as therapeutic strengths• Learning uncomfortable skills in a way that aligns with your authentic self• The role of supervision in growth and reflective practice• Integrating authenticity in sessions to deepen client connection

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

#AuthenticTherapist #TherapistIdentity #EarlyCareerTherapist #ClinicalSupervision #HumanCenteredTherapy #TherapistGrowth #AuthenticityInTherapy #MentalHealthProfessionals