In this episode, Clinical Supervisors ⁠⁠⁠⁠Kim Rippy, LPC⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Kaitlyn Steel, LMFT⁠⁠⁠⁠ explore one of the most subtle and challenging dynamics in clinical work: the difference between being pulled outside of your role as a therapist and practicing outside of your scope of competence. While these can appear similar on the surface, they stem from very different places — and recognizing the distinction is essential for ethical, sustainable care.

Sparked by a powerful conversation in their clinical supervision group, Kim and Kaitlyn unpack the emotional cues that often signal role drift: confusion, over-functioning, stress, and the urge to “do more” for a client. They reflect on the protector instinct that can emerge when we see pain coming before our clients do, and the discomfort clinicians feel when sitting with suffering without trying to fix it.

Together, they examine how over-identifying with the outcome, predicting consequences, or stepping into action too quickly can quietly shift the therapeutic relationship. Through practical examples and honest reflection, this episode invites clinicians to reconsider the role of discomfort in growth — for both therapist and client.

This conversation is a reminder that we are not here to rescue, predict, or protect clients from their lives — we are here to help them build the capacity to navigate it themselves.

Key Takeaways:• The difference between acting outside your role vs. outside your scope of practice• Emotional signs you may be over-functioning for a client• Why the urge to “do more” can signal role confusion• Understanding the therapist’s protector instinct• How discomfort supports growth rather than undermines it• Why sustainable therapy means resisting the urge to rescue

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 #ClinicalSupervision #TherapistGrowth #TherapistIdentity #ScopeOfPractice #EthicalPractice #TherapistSupport #MentalHealthProfessionals #TherapistLife #HumanCenteredTherapy

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

In this episode, Clinical Supervisor ⁠⁠⁠⁠Kaitlyn Steel, LMFT⁠⁠⁠⁠ is joined by Brianna Folkl for a grounded conversation about authenticity, therapist identity, and navigating burnout in sustainable ways. Together, they explore how therapists can better understand their own patterns, values, and energy demands in order to create work that feels aligned rather than depleting.

Kaitlyn and Brianna discuss how different therapeutic styles and client presentations require different types of emotional labor, the impact of people-pleasing and internal fears on burnout, and the importance of allowing your therapist identity to evolve over time. Through personal reflection and clinical insight, they emphasize permission, flexibility, and self-awareness as key components of long-term sustainability in the field. Listeners will gain insight into recognizing early signs of misalignment, navigating discomfort, and building practices that support both therapist well-being and effective client care.

Key Takeaways:• Understanding burnout through the lens of therapist identity• Recognizing how different client presentations impact energy• Aligning your work with your authentic therapist self• How people-pleasing and internal fears contribute to burnout• Giving yourself permission to evolve professionally• Creating sustainable, values-driven therapy practices

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 #TherapistBurnout #TherapistIdentity #TherapistSelfCare #HumanCenteredTherapy #TherapistTraining #ClinicalSupervision #SustainableTherapy #MentalHealthProfessionals

In this episode, Clinical Supervisors ⁠⁠⁠Kim Rippy, LPC⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Kaitlyn Steel, LMFT⁠ continue their two-part series on therapist burnout. Picking up where Part 1 left off, they dive into what to do once you’ve identified your personal patterns of burnout, how to interpret what these patterns mean for your work and values, and strategies for responding before burnout escalates.

Kim and Kaitlyn explore the energy demands of different client presentations, the importance of aligning your work with your authentic therapist self, and how core beliefs and internal fears can intensify burnout if left unchecked. They offer actionable steps for adjusting schedules, communicating with supervisors, and incorporating self-care alongside deep self-reflection. Listeners will gain insight into recognizing early signs, navigating discomfort, and creating sustainable, healthy practices that support both therapist and client.

Key Takeaways:

How to identify patterns of burnout and what they reveal• Understanding the energy demands of different client presentations• Aligning your work with your values and authentic therapist self• Addressing internal fears and core beliefs that amplify burnout• Actionable strategies for schedule management and self-care• Reflective practices for sustainable, grounded therapy

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 #TherapistBurnout #TherapistSelfCare #TherapistAuthenticity #HumanCenteredTherapy #TherapistTraining #NewTherapistSupport #ClinicalSupervision #SustainableTherapy #MentalHealthProfessionals

In this episode, Clinical Supervisors ⁠⁠Kim Rippy, LPC⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Kaitlyn Steel, LMFT dive into the complex topic of therapist burnout in the first part of a two-part series. They explore what burnout really looks like, how to recognize early warning signs, and how it can show up differently for each clinician. Kim and Kaitlyn discuss the spectrum of burnout, the “opposite of burnout,” and how external stressors—like parenting or life outside of work—interact with professional responsibilities. Listeners are invited to reflect on their own patterns of burnout and consider it as a fluid experience rather than a binary state.

Kim and Kaitlyn share practical reflections and metaphors, such as comparing emotional energy to a tank or a computer battery, to help therapists understand when their own resources are running low. They emphasize the importance of recognizing apathy, disengagement, and shifts in motivation, and highlight how even small moments of awareness can guide more intentional self-care and professional growth.

Key Takeaways:
• Understanding burnout as a spectrum, not a binary state
• Identifying personal warning signs and patterns of burnout
• Exploring the “opposite of burnout”: feeling inspired, safe, and energized
• Recognizing the influence of external stressors on professional energy
• Reflecting on emotional energy and capacity for authentic engagement
• Preparing to apply these insights in Part 2 with practical strategies

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 #TherapistBurnout #TherapistSelfCare #ClinicalSupervision #HumanCenteredTherapy #TherapistTraining #NewTherapistSupport #TherapistReflection #TherapistGrowth #MentalHealthProfessionals

In this episode, Clinical Supervisors ⁠⁠Kim Rippy, LPC⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Kaitlyn Steel, LMFT dive into the delicate balance of helping clients sit with discomfort in therapy. They explore how to recognize when a client is experiencing healthy versus unhealthy discomfort, how to gauge your own role as a therapist in these moments, and how authenticity and attunement can serve as anchors for both therapist and client.

Kim and Kaitlyn share practical strategies for identifying nonverbal cues, checking in with clients, and pacing sessions to encourage growth without overstepping boundaries. They also discuss the importance of trust, co-regulation, and guiding clients to confront challenges safely, even when it feels uncomfortable for the therapist. Listeners will gain insight into using their authentic self to create a safe, supportive space where meaningful growth can happen.

Key Takeaways:

• How to identify healthy vs. unhealthy client discomfort

• Using authenticity and attunement as anchors

• Recognizing verbal and nonverbal signs of discomfort

• Balancing client-led vs. therapist-led exploration

• Strategies for supporting clients through challenging topics

• Preparing for repair when discomfort leads to minor ruptures

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 #TherapistBoundaries #ClientDiscomfort #Attunement #TherapistAuthenticity #ClinicalSupervision #HumanCenteredTherapy #TherapistTraining #NewTherapistSupport #TherapistSelfCare