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.

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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.

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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.

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In this episode of the Unmasked Therapist Podcast, Clinical Supervisors Kim Rippy and Kaitlyn Steel explore one of the most nuanced challenges therapists face: working with clients whose beliefs, relationships, or life choices appear harmful from the outside.

They unpack the tension between clinical insight and client autonomy, reflecting on the moments when therapists recognize patterns that may be contributing to a client’s distress—but must navigate how and whether to address them. Through honest conversation, Kim and Kaitlyn discuss the importance of approaching these situations with curiosity rather than judgment, trusting the therapeutic process, and respecting each client’s capacity to arrive at their own understanding.

Together, they explore how treatment goals, relational dynamics, and therapist self-awareness can guide clinicians when deciding how much to challenge, when to step back, and how to avoid imposing personal beliefs in the therapy room.

Through clinical examples and reflections from their supervision work, this episode offers therapists a thoughtful framework for balancing compassion, curiosity, and ethical responsibility when navigating difficult or potentially harmful client dynamics.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Recognizing when a client’s beliefs or relationships may be contributing to distress• The tension between therapist insight and client autonomy• Using curiosity instead of criticism when exploring harmful dynamics• How treatment goals can guide when and how to challenge clients• Trusting the therapeutic process when clients aren’t ready for change• Navigating therapist bias, judgment, and self-awareness in the therapy room

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 and ⁠⁠Kaitlyn Steel⁠ ⁠explore what it really means to be a “good fit” as a therapist and why personality isn’t the measure. They dive into the nuances of clinical fit, examining how scope, experience, and theoretical approach shape whether a therapist can effectively meet a client’s needs.

Kim and Kaitlyn discuss early indicators that a therapeutic match may not be ideal, and how to navigate those moments with curiosity, authenticity, and professional integrity. They emphasize that being a good fit isn’t about changing who you are, it’s about showing up with your training, your approach, and your relational skills, while maintaining boundaries and self-awareness.

Through honest reflection and practical examples, this episode offers guidance for therapists seeking to define their niche, recognize when to refer a client, and cultivate authentic, effective therapeutic relationships. Listeners are invited to consider how being grounded in their own truth allows therapists to support clients without losing themselves in the process.

• Understanding “good fit” versus “best fit” in therapy• How clinical approach, scope, and experience shape fit• Early signs that a therapeutic match may need adjustment• Maintaining authenticity without compromising effectiveness• When and how to have conversations about fit with clients• Using self-awareness and supervision to navigate challenging matches

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 and ⁠Kaitlyn Steel⁠ explore what happens when adaptability turns into self-abandonment. Using the metaphor of the “chameleon,” they examine how people-pleasing often develops as a protective strategy and how it can quietly shape both personal identity and clinical presence.

Together, Kim and Kaitlyn unpack the difference between attunement and over-accommodation, reflecting on how many clinicians learned early on that adjusting, softening, and blending in kept them safe and connected. They discuss how this survival strategy can follow therapists into the therapy room, influencing everything from boundaries to niche development to the fear of not being liked.

Through honest dialogue and clinical reflection, this episode invites listeners to consider the role of discomfort in therapeutic work. Kim and Kaitlyn explore why therapists must learn to tolerate their own internal reactions in order to become a steady anchor for clients rather than an ever-shifting mirror. They also address the tension between authenticity and marketability, especially for clinicians building a practice and defining their professional identity.

This conversation reframes people-pleasing not as a flaw, but as information. When understood with curiosity rather than shame, it can become a doorway to deeper self-awareness and more grounded clinical work.

• How people-pleasing develops as a protective response
• The difference between attunement and over-accommodation
• Why discomfort tolerance is essential for clinical presence
• The concept of being an “anchor” rather than a mirror in therapy
• How chameleon tendencies influence niche-building and private practice decisions
• Moving from fear of rejection toward authentic therapeutic identity

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 follow-up episode of the Unmasked Therapist podcast, Clinical Supervisors Kim Rippy and Kaitlyn Steel move beyond recognizing role drift to explore the next essential question: What do you do once you notice it?

Building on their previous discussion about the distinction between stepping outside your role and practicing outside your scope, Kim and Kaitlyn focus on the process of repair, reflection, and re-alignment. They examine how supervision can serve as a grounding first step, offering space to slow down, explore emotional reactions, and reconnect with clinical intention rather than urgency.

Through thoughtful dialogue and practical examples, this episode highlights the reality that role drift is not a failure but a moment of information. Kim and Kaitlyn discuss how clinicians can approach these moments with curiosity rather than shame, navigate conversations with clients transparently, and model flexibility without abandoning professional boundaries.

Together, they emphasize that ethical practice is not defined by perfection but by responsiveness — the willingness to pause, seek support, acknowledge missteps, and thoughtfully move forward. This conversation invites clinicians to view course correction as an integral part of authentic therapeutic work rather than something to avoid.

• Why noticing role drift is an opportunity for reflection rather than self-criticism• How clinical supervision supports ethical realignment and perspective-taking• Practical considerations for addressing role shifts with clients• The importance of transparency, humility, and modeling repair in therapy• Reframing course correction as a core clinical skill• How flexibility and boundaries can coexist in authentic therapeutic relationships

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