EP300: The Reflective Lens: Sharpening Your Authentic Self
Release Date: 08/18/2025
EP313: AI Client Simulation in Counselor Education: What do we know?
The Thoughtful Counselor
Dr. Rakesh Maurya shares research based practice guidance on how counselor educators can successfully utilize AI in client simulation training for students. For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode visit The Thoughtful Counselor is created in partnership with Palo Alto University’s Division of Continuing & Professional Studies. Learn more at
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EP312: Umoja Behavioral Health from Mind to Matter
The Thoughtful Counselor
In this episode, Kenneth Winfrey meets with Desa Karye Daniel to discuss his journey with mental health and the evolution of their shared clinical practice. He discusses the foundational origins of Umjoa, how remaining authentic fueled his work, and how curiosity became a core part of building community. They end by talking about how community-centered work can create spaces where everyone feels honored and valued. For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode visit The Thoughtful Counselor is created in partnership with Palo Alto...
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EP311: Becoming the Chair: Identity, Influence, and Impact in Counselor Education
The Thoughtful Counselor
Explore what it meant for Dr. Kara Carnes-Holt to step into the role of Department Chair and her leadership journey. How does one transition from peer to leader while maintaining an identity rooted in advocacy and empathy? In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of academic leadership within counseling programs. We explore the shift from the classroom to leadership development. Join us to understand what your potential leadership path can be! For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode visit The Thoughtful Counselor is created in...
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EP310: Working with Clients who Self-Diagnose
The Thoughtful Counselor
In this episode, we discuss client self diagnosis with Dr. Taylor Falardeau. Taylor shares how and why clients might engage in this process, and what this might mean for the counseling relationship. The focus is on counselor skills, and how the client's role as expert and building a strong counseling relationship are keys to success. For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode visit The Thoughtful Counselor is created in partnership with Palo Alto University’s Division of Continuing & Professional Studies. Learn more at
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EP309: The State of Counselor Educators: What Does the Research Tell Us?
The Thoughtful Counselor
Dr. Greg Hatchett shares findings from their research on counselor educator faculty experiences. These findings include where counselor education and supervision doctoral graduates find full time faculty employment, differences in research publications, and details on the kinds of counselor education programs. Dr. Hatchett shares their thoughts on how loan cap limits may impact doctoral counselor education and supervision enrollment and offers guidance to prospective counselor education and supervision students. For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this...
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EP308: Sexuality and Intimacy After Addiction and Trauma
The Thoughtful Counselor
In this episode, The Thoughtful Counselor welcomes Dr. Vanessa Carlisle to discuss their newest co-authored work, Awaken Your Sexuality: A Guide to Connection and Intimacy after Addiction and Trauma. Vanessa and contributing host Dr. Theo Burnes discuss the unique barriers for women and nonbinary people in recovery as they examine their sexualities. Topics addressed include tips and strategies for counselors working with people in recovery about their desires and sexual pleasure. Drs. Carlisle and Burnes also speak about the writing and publication process for authors interested in mental...
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EP307: Working Intergenerationally with Gen Z
The Thoughtful Counselor
In this episode, Margaret Lamar and Laura Rea dive into some of their research on Generation Z in classroom and counseling spaces. Learn some of the unique experiences that have shaped the development of our Gen Z students and clients, along with empathic and accessible ways of working with them. For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode visit The Thoughtful Counselor is created in partnership with Palo Alto University’s Division of Continuing & Professional Studies. Learn more at
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EP306: Collective Healing and Community Care
The Thoughtful Counselor
Dr. Roberto L. Abreu met with Dr. Desa Karye Daniel to discuss how his understanding of LGBTQ experiences within Latinx communities has evolved through his lived experiences. They reflected on how their research has influenced their perspectives on social justice issues, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based practices in advocating for marginalized groups. The conversation also highlighted the delicate balance between challenging systems of oppression and providing support to their communities and students. They shared strategies for maintaining this balance, such as engaging in open...
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EP305: Implications of the CACREP Complaint: Boundaries of Academic Freedom
The Thoughtful Counselor
Joined by Drs. Nathaniel Brown, Darius Green, and Frank Gorritz, the panel explores the implications of the civil rights complaint, boundaries of academic freedom, and whether CACREP standards are veering away from neutrality in counselor training. This conversation will challenge assumptions and invite deeper reflection on the future of counselor education. For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode visit The Thoughtful Counselor is created in partnership with Palo Alto University’s Division of Continuing & Professional Studies. Learn...
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EP304: Remediation in Counselor Education: Changing the Perspective from Punishment to Growth
The Thoughtful Counselor
In this episode Dr. Maddie Clark sits down with Dr. Lena Salpietro to discuss her research regarding remediation in counseling. They discuss best practices, concerns, and how counselor educators and students can best engage with an often difficult subject, gatekeeping and remediation. For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode visit The Thoughtful Counselor is created in partnership with Palo Alto University’s Division of Continuing & Professional Studies. Learn more at
info_outlineThis unstructured conversation explores the intentional shift towards ourselves. In environments and systems that reward achievement, Drs. Tapia and Spears examine how ongoing dynamic self-reflection attends to ourselves while simultaneously modeling wellness to others.
For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode visit https://concept.paloaltou.edu/resources/the-thoughtful-counselor-podcast
The Thoughtful Counselor is created in partnership with Palo Alto University’s Division of Continuing
& Professional Studies. Learn more at concept.paloaltou.edu