Very Bad Therapy
Very Bad Therapy is a closer look at what goes wrong in the counseling room - and how it could go better - as told by the clients who survived.
info_outline
147. Termination Session
09/18/2023
147. Termination Session
Thank you for listening!
/episode/index/show/verybadtherapy/id/27991968
info_outline
146. Patreon Selects: Carrie-Ben Therapy (aka CBT 2.0)
09/04/2023
146. Patreon Selects: Carrie-Ben Therapy (aka CBT 2.0)
Carrie and Ben create their own model of therapy. Goal setting! Psychoeducation! Exploitation and worrisome sales tactics! What does it say about psychotherapy when our progressively cynical efforts to develop a modality end up mirroring some of the norms in our field? This episode is evidence-based and supported by neuroscience. Thank you for listening. To support the show and receive access to regular bonus episodes, check out the . Introduction: 0:00 – 5:13 Part One: 5:13 – 1:08:54 Part Two: 1:08:54 – 1:11:44 Very Bad Therapy: / / / Show Notes:
/episode/index/show/verybadtherapy/id/27674574
info_outline
145. Patreon Selects: Book Review - All Therapy Books
08/21/2023
145. Patreon Selects: Book Review - All Therapy Books
All therapy books have an oddly similar message: *This* form of therapy is the one that truly matters, and *this* science/philosophy/whatever is the key to understanding how human psychology actually works. These narratives can’t all be true, so are they all simply bullshit instead? We read through Scott Alexander’s legendary blog post, Book Review: All Therapy Books, and discuss whether therapy gurus really believe the answers they are selling. Thank you for listening. To support the show and receive access to regular bonus episodes, check out the . Introduction: 0:00 – 10:36 Part One: 10:36 – 1:29:35 Part Two: 1:29:35 – 1:31:55 Very Bad Therapy: / / / Show Notes:
/episode/index/show/verybadtherapy/id/27674523
info_outline
143. Patreon Selects: Fun With the Psychology Today Profile Generator
07/24/2023
143. Patreon Selects: Fun With the Psychology Today Profile Generator
Life can be hard at times. Do you want to feel more visible and important in your relationships? Are you curious about why every Psychology Today profile looks the same? We get silly with the incredible Therapist Generator and learn all about treating sunroof addition with truckload therapy and registered turtleneck therapy. The therapist profiles are fake, but our desire to meet you where you are on your journey is very real. Thank you for listening. To support the show and receive access to regular bonus episodes, check out the . Today’s episode is sponsored by – high-quality, low-fee online therapy in California with immediate availability for new clients. Introduction: 0:00 – 26:05 Part One: 26:05 – 1:14:55 Part Two: 1:14:55 – 1:17:35 Very Bad Therapy: / / / Show Notes:
/episode/index/show/verybadtherapy/id/27425568
info_outline
142. VBT Study Hall: Client Testimonials and Reviews
07/17/2023
142. VBT Study Hall: Client Testimonials and Reviews
Social proof has become a crucial element of consumer decision making in the Internet era. So why don’t the vast majority of therapists ask their clients to give testimonials or leave reviews? We ponder the frustrating tension between psychotherapy ethics codes and literature on marketing in the 21st century, and we do our best to advise therapists about what to do in response to a bad online review. Thank you for listening. To support the show and receive access to regular bonus episodes, check out the . Today’s episode is sponsored by – high-quality, low-fee online therapy in California with immediate availability for new clients. Very Bad Therapy: / / / Show Notes:
/episode/index/show/verybadtherapy/id/27425481
info_outline
141. “Not All Christians…” (with Josh Foster, LCPC)
07/03/2023
141. “Not All Christians…” (with Josh Foster, LCPC)
What is religious trauma, and why do some therapists refuse to work with clients who use that language? In today’s episode, Jeremy speaks about his experiences with therapists who felt the need to defend their faith in session, and we are joined by Josh Foster, LCPC to discuss the complicated intersection between evangelical Christianity and ethical psychotherapy. Thank you for listening. To support the show and receive access to regular bonus episodes, check out the . Today’s episode is sponsored by – training, advocacy, books, and additional resources for counselors and therapists. Today’s episode is also sponsored by – high-quality, low-fee online therapy in California with immediate availability for new clients. Introduction: 0:00 – 11:11 Part One: 11:11 – 50:09 Part Two: 50:09 – 1:28:44 Very Bad Therapy: / / / Show Notes: Jeremy Magin: Josh Foster: /
/episode/index/show/verybadtherapy/id/27293445
info_outline
140. VBT Study Hall: What Does “Trauma-Informed” Mean?
06/19/2023
140. VBT Study Hall: What Does “Trauma-Informed” Mean?
Trauma-informed therapy is…what, exactly? And is trauma actually stored in the body, or is that just a clever narrative that a few enterprising gurus have used to sell books and trainings? We dig deep into the research on trauma to answer these questions and more, and Carrie introduces her breakthrough trauma-focused treatment: dog therapy. Thank you for listening. To support the show and receive access to regular bonus episodes, check out the . Today’s episode is sponsored by – high-quality, low-fee online therapy in California with immediate availability for new clients. Very Bad Therapy: / / / Show Notes:
/episode/index/show/verybadtherapy/id/27105588
info_outline
139. Politics in the Therapy Room (with Dr. Ben Caldwell)
06/05/2023
139. Politics in the Therapy Room (with Dr. Ben Caldwell)
Let’s get controversial! Is it a good idea for a therapist to project their own political views onto a client? For today’s guest Ruth, the answer is a resounding “no.” We hear her story of a therapist who took her political advocacy too far, and Dr. Ben Caldwell rejoins us to explore the ethics of discussing politics in therapy. Plus, how can therapists know if they are trauma-informed enough for their clients? Thank you for listening. To support the show and receive access to regular bonus episodes, check out the . Today’s episode is sponsored by . Introduction: 0:00 – 8:55 Part One: 8:55 – 44:33 Part Two: 44:33 – 1:24:21 Part Three: 1:24:21 – 1:27:42 Very Bad Therapy: / / / Show Notes:
/episode/index/show/verybadtherapy/id/27032070
info_outline
138. Patreon Selects: Is EMDR a Cultish Pyramid Scheme?
05/22/2023
138. Patreon Selects: Is EMDR a Cultish Pyramid Scheme?
No, EMDR is not a cultish pyramid scheme. With that out of the way, why is EMDR training so expensive when its theoretical foundations are supported by dubious (at best) research? In this clickbaity-titled episode, Angela Nauss, EMDRIA-certified LMFT, joins us to describe the experience of paying thousands of dollars to “watch the dumpster fire from inside the dumpster.” Please direct all angry emails to [email protected]. Thank you for listening. To support the show and receive access to regular bonus episodes, check out the . Today’s episode is sponsored by – high-quality, low-fee online therapy in California with immediate availability for new clients. Introduction: 0:00 – 9:40 Part One: 9:40 – 1:12:13 Very Bad Therapy: / / / Show Notes:
/episode/index/show/verybadtherapy/id/26834238
info_outline
137. VBT Study Hall: Evaluating Research
05/15/2023
137. VBT Study Hall: Evaluating Research
How do we know which psychotherapy research is trustworthy? Dr. Alex Williams and Dr. John Sakaluk help us search for evidence in all the logical places: the replication crisis, RCTs, qualitative studies, dolphin therapy, Canadian football, researchers fighting Connor McGregor, and of course, EMDR. This episode is brought to you by MR. BEAR (Meta-analysis, Registered, Big sample size, Experiment, Active control group, Replicated). Thank you for listening. To support the show and receive access to regular bonus episodes, check out the . Today’s episode is sponsored by – high-quality, low-fee online therapy in California with immediate availability for new clients. Very Bad Therapy: / / / Show Notes:
/episode/index/show/verybadtherapy/id/26831052
info_outline
136. Very Bad Group Therapy
05/01/2023
136. Very Bad Group Therapy
What makes for effective group therapy? Cohesion, expectation setting, and as today’s guest Thomas can attest to, not having the therapist give the middle finger to a group member. We try to make sense of Thomas’ experience by looking into research on group therapy, and we also try to make sense of our own experience of failing to find a single group therapy expert. Thank you for listening. To support the show and receive access to regular bonus episodes, check out the . Introduction: 0:00 – 9:57 Part One: 9:57 – 46:11 Part Two: 46:11 – 1:18:17 Very Bad Therapy: / / / Show Notes:
/episode/index/show/verybadtherapy/id/26340723
info_outline
135. VBT Study Hall: Treatment Planning
04/17/2023
135. VBT Study Hall: Treatment Planning
What exactly is treatment planning and why do some therapists dread having to do it on a regular basis? This episode is Carrie’s love letter to treatment plans – why they are used, how they can improve therapy outcomes, and why Ben is wrong in his stubborn resistance to writing out a detailed plan for every client. Thank you for listening. To support the show and receive access to regular bonus episodes, check out the . Very Bad Therapy: / / / Show Notes:
/episode/index/show/verybadtherapy/id/26246055
info_outline
134. Neurodiversity and Diagnosis (with Halina Brooke, LAMFT)
04/03/2023
134. Neurodiversity and Diagnosis (with Halina Brooke, LAMFT)
What’s so important about a diagnosis? For neurodivergent clients, it can mean affirmation, community support, and access to much-needed services…if the diagnosis is correct. In today’s episode, we talk to Harley about her challenges in seeking diagnoses of autism and ADHD, and Halina Brooke rejoins us to discuss some of the best practices (and controversies) in supporting autistic clients. Thank you for listening. To support the show and receive access to regular bonus episodes, check out the . Introduction: 0:00 – 8:24 Part One: 8:24 – 49:54 Part Two: 49:54 – 1:27:20 Very Bad Therapy: / / / Show Notes:
/episode/index/show/verybadtherapy/id/26234754
info_outline
133. VBT Study Hall: Termination
03/20/2023
133. VBT Study Hall: Termination
Nothing lasts forever, including therapeutic relationships. Therapy can end in lots of different ways, but what constitutes a good goodbye? We dig into the research on termination and the related ethics codes and come away with a surprising conclusion: firing a client is almost always ethically acceptable. Thank you for listening. To support the show and receive access to regular bonus episodes, check out the . Very Bad Therapy: / / / Show Notes:
/episode/index/show/verybadtherapy/id/26171439
info_outline
132. Some Bad Parts (with Dr. Sheila Addison)
03/06/2023
132. Some Bad Parts (with Dr. Sheila Addison)
“No bad parts” is a common mantra in therapy – the various parts of ourselves are always working to serve some beneficial purpose. But what happens when a therapist communicates to a client that significant parts of who they are aren’t welcome in the therapy room? Today’s guest Adam describes having to compartmentalize aspects of his identity with his therapist, and Dr. Sheila Addison joins us to discuss how to provide affirming services to all parts of a client. Thank you for listening. To support the show and receive access to regular bonus episodes, check out the . Today’s episode is sponsored by . Introduction: 0:00 – 4:53 Part One: 4:53 – 41:18 Part Two: 41:18 – 1:23:05 Very Bad Therapy: / / / Show Notes: Dr. Sheila Addison: /
/episode/index/show/verybadtherapy/id/26123934
info_outline
131. VBT Study Hall: First Sessions
02/20/2023
131. VBT Study Hall: First Sessions
What happens in the first session of therapy? More importantly, why do one-third of clients not come back for the second session? We look for answers in the research on client expectations and consider some creative perspectives on increasing first session effectiveness, including a radical idea that clients dropping out of therapy might actually be a positive outcome. Thank you for listening. To support the show and receive access to regular bonus episodes, check out the . Today’s episode is sponsored by . Very Bad Therapy: / / / Show Notes:
/episode/index/show/verybadtherapy/id/25904604
info_outline
130. Gambling Therapy
02/06/2023
130. Gambling Therapy
Is good therapy as simple as whatever activity makes a client feel better? What if that activity is a singular focus on sports betting strategy? In today’s episode, we talk with Christine to learn from her experience of “gambling therapy” and answer the question of whether or not it’s a good thing to be friends with your therapist (spoiler: no, no it is not). Thank you for listening. To support the show and receive access to regular bonus episodes, check out the . Today’s episode is sponsored by . Introduction: 0:00 – 5:39 Part One: 5:39 – 46:05 Part Two: 46:05 – 1:23:37 Very Bad Therapy: / / / Show Notes:
/episode/index/show/verybadtherapy/id/25828035
info_outline
129. Patreon Selects: Will Carrie Ever Get Licensed?
01/23/2023
129. Patreon Selects: Will Carrie Ever Get Licensed?
Carrie hasn’t worked as a therapist in over a year. Will she ever get licensed, and how is her decision connected to the apparent reality that many therapists are actively trying to not see clients? We explore the interesting trend of therapists looking for side hustles, and Carrie forces Ben to confront his extreme aversion to participating in the real world (aka sales and marketing). Thank you for listening. To support the show and receive access to regular bonus episodes, check out the . Today’s episode is sponsored by – high-quality, low-fee online therapy in California with immediate availability for new clients. Introduction: 0:00 – 4:16 Part One: 4:16 – 1:09:53 Very Bad Therapy: / / /
/episode/index/show/verybadtherapy/id/25539633
info_outline
128. VBT Study Hall: The Therapeutic Alliance
01/16/2023
128. VBT Study Hall: The Therapeutic Alliance
You’ve already heard that the therapeutic alliance is important to client outcomes, but does anyone actually know why? We dig into the research to figure out if ruptures can be a good thing (yes!), what clients and therapists should know about the therapeutic alliance, and why this topic has been fervently researched over the last half-century. Thank you for listening. To support the show and receive access to regular bonus episodes, check out the . Today’s episode is sponsored by . Very Bad Therapy: / / / Show Notes:
/episode/index/show/verybadtherapy/id/25539573
info_outline
127. Enlightenment is Not a Treatment Goal (with Dr. Jim Jobin)
01/02/2023
127. Enlightenment is Not a Treatment Goal (with Dr. Jim Jobin)
Many clients want a spiritual component to their therapy, but what happens when a therapist acts more like a theologian than a mental health professional? Today’s guest Kelsey describes her experience of having spirituality weaponized against her in sessions, and Dr. Jim Jobin joins us to discuss how religion can be ethically and effectively incorporated into the therapeutic environment. Thank you for listening. To support the show and receive access to regular bonus episodes, check out the . Today’s episode is sponsored by – high-quality, low-fee online therapy in California with immediate availability for new clients. Introduction: 0:00 – 7:22 Part One: 7:22 – 37:54 Part Two: 37:54 – 1:23:15 Very Bad Therapy: / / / Show Notes: Effective Altruism Charity Resources: / /
/episode/index/show/verybadtherapy/id/25333152
info_outline
126. VBT Study Hall: Interventions
12/19/2022
126. VBT Study Hall: Interventions
It seems odd that most therapists – us included – aren’t 100% certain about what constitutes an intervention. Are interventions scripted in-session activities? What about the theoretical orientations themselves? There isn’t one single answer, but interventions aren’t that difficult to understand if you zoom out far enough…and get a little bit of help from ChatGPT. Thank you for listening. To support the show and receive access to regular bonus episodes, check out the . Today’s episode is sponsored by – high-quality, low-fee online therapy in California with immediate availability for new couples and individual clients. Very Bad Therapy: / / / Show Notes:
/episode/index/show/verybadtherapy/id/25308072
info_outline
125. So You’ve Stereotyped Your Client (with Deanna Fierman, LPC)
12/05/2022
125. So You’ve Stereotyped Your Client (with Deanna Fierman, LPC)
Stereotypes aren’t always a bad thing. That may not be true in therapy, especially when a client is made to feel like they are representing an entire group of people. That’s what we explore with today’s guest Jess, and we’re also joined by Deanna Fierman, LPC, to talk about what therapists should do after their biases about identity lead to clinical errors. Plus, Ben finds a therapist and Carrie gets a mammogram. Thank you for listening. To support the show and receive access to regular bonus episodes, check out the . Today’s episode is sponsored by – high-quality, low-fee online therapy in California with immediate availability for new clients. Introduction: 0:00 – 18:09 Part One: 18:09 – 54:04 Part Two: 54:04 – 1:38:02 Part Three: 1:38:02 – 1:40:39 Very Bad Therapy: / / / Show Notes:
/episode/index/show/verybadtherapy/id/25212258
info_outline
124. VBT Study Hall: Theoretical Orientations
11/21/2022
124. VBT Study Hall: Theoretical Orientations
There are over 600 types of psychotherapy. What are they, where did they come from, and what makes them important? We dive deep (too deep, probably) into a $900 textbook in an attempt to make sense of the spectacularly confusing topic of theoretical orientations. This is an integrative episode – we integrate a lot of information with even more information. Thank you for listening. To support the show and receive access to regular bonus episodes, check out the . Today’s episode is sponsored by – high-quality, low-fee online therapy in California with immediate availability for new clients. Very Bad Therapy: / / / Show Notes:
/episode/index/show/verybadtherapy/id/25013496
info_outline
Bonus: Clinical Licensing Exams Don't Work (with Dr. Ben Caldwell)
11/14/2022
Bonus: Clinical Licensing Exams Don't Work (with Dr. Ben Caldwell)
In the United States, mental health professionals must pass a clinical exam to become licensed in their field. These exams appear to do nothing to make psychotherapy more effective or safe. They are, however, very efficient at furthering structural racism. Dr. Ben Caldwell joins us to make a very compelling, research-based argument for why these clinical exams should be abolished immediately. Thank you for listening. To support the show and receive access to regular bonus episodes, check out the . Today’s episode is sponsored by – high-quality, low-fee online therapy in California with immediate availability for new clients. Very Bad Therapy: / / / Show Notes: Ben Caldwell: / /
/episode/index/show/verybadtherapy/id/24976497
info_outline
123. Catching Feelings (with Dr. Ben Caldwell)
11/07/2022
123. Catching Feelings (with Dr. Ben Caldwell)
It’s not unusual for clients to develop feelings for their therapist. It’s also not unusual for therapists to develop feelings for their clients. So why is it such a bad idea for a therapist to share (or act) on those feelings? Today’s guest Kate shares a story that illustrates exactly why, and Dr. Ben Caldwell rejoins us to talk about what should happen when clients and therapists develop feelings for one another. Thank you for listening. To support the show and receive access to regular bonus episodes, check out the . Today’s episode is sponsored by and – high-quality, low-fee online therapy in California with immediate availability for new clients. Introduction: 0:00 – 8:40 Part One: 8:40 – 44:35 Part Two: 44:35 – 1:30:32 Very Bad Therapy: / / / Show Notes:
/episode/index/show/verybadtherapy/id/24932238
info_outline
122. Patreon Selects: Degrees of Confusion (Part II)
10/24/2022
122. Patreon Selects: Degrees of Confusion (Part II)
Justin Norris rejoins us to conclude our conversation about the perplexing maze that is the application process for grad school. We use the California State University (CSU) system as a case study to illustrate why program requirements aren’t always what they seem, and Carrie discusses which therapy programs do a great job of defining and providing quality to their students. Plus, Subaru gets lots of free advertising. Thank you for listening. To support the show and receive access to regular bonus episodes, check out the . Today’s episode is sponsored by – high-quality, low-fee online therapy in California with immediate availability for new clients. Introduction: 0:00 – 10:35 Part One: 10:35 – 1:10:11 Part Two: 1:10:11 – 1:13:21 Very Bad Therapy: / / / Show Notes:
/episode/index/show/verybadtherapy/id/24764454
info_outline
121. Patreon Selects: Degrees of Confusion (Part I)
10/17/2022
121. Patreon Selects: Degrees of Confusion (Part I)
Have you ever wondered why the process of applying to grad school is so unclear at times? In part one of two, we are joined by Justin Norris, an expert in systems of higher education, to talk about the surprisingly interesting topics of accreditation, for-profit vs. non-profit designations, and public vs. private universities. If you wanted to become a therapist but ended up in a sales funnel, this episode is for you. Thank you for listening. To support the show and receive access to regular bonus episodes, check out the . Today’s episode is sponsored by – high-quality, low-fee online therapy in California with immediate availability for new clients. Introduction: 0:00 – 19:21 Part One: 19:21 – 1:27:53 Part Two: 1:27:53 – 1:31:45 Very Bad Therapy: / / / Show Notes:
/episode/index/show/verybadtherapy/id/24698061
info_outline
120. Hard Conversations
10/03/2022
120. Hard Conversations
What happens when a therapist doesn’t want to work with a client? What should happen? Tom shares his experience with a therapist who chose avoidance over honesty, and we discuss ten types of hard conversations that frequently give therapists anxiety. Plus, is Steve Carrell a good enough TV therapist to avoid getting murdered? Thank you for listening. To support the show and receive access to regular bonus episodes, check out the . Today’s episode is sponsored by . Introduction: 0:00 – 11:00 Part One: 11:00 – 37:54 Part Two: 37:54 – 1:37:40 Very Bad Therapy: / / / Show Notes:
/episode/index/show/verybadtherapy/id/24549603
info_outline
119. Patreon Selects: The Intersections of Philosophy and Psychotherapy
09/19/2022
119. Patreon Selects: The Intersections of Philosophy and Psychotherapy
Dr. Sally Gibbons is an Oxford-educated philosopher, professor of bioethics and philosophy at UCLA, and licensed professional clinical counselor. We discuss her academic background, what inspired her transition to a career in mental health, and how philosophical thinking informs her humility and curiosity with clients. We also explore the intersections between philosophy and psychotherapy and how this relates to questions about what it means to be a human being and what we owe each other. Plus, Dr. Gibbons shares her own experience of very bad solution-focused brief therapy. Thank you for listening. To support the show and receive access to regular bonus episodes, check out the . Introduction: 0:00 – 13:08 Part One: 13:08 – 1:11:38 Part Two: 1:11:38 – 1:16:26 Very Bad Therapy: / / / Show Notes:
/episode/index/show/verybadtherapy/id/24336663
info_outline
118. Testing Patients (with Rachel Simon, LCSW)
09/05/2022
118. Testing Patients (with Rachel Simon, LCSW)
Psychological testing can be complicated. It shouldn’t have to be hostile, even if the evaluation is not intended to be in a client’s best interest. In today’s episode, Jacob shares his experience of a truly ridiculous psych assessment, and we speak with Rachel Simon, LCSW MEd about how assessors can minimize the harmful impact of their own biases – and the biases built into the psych tests themselves. Thank you for listening. To support the show and receive access to regular bonus episodes, check out the . Today’s episode is sponsored by . Introduction: 0:00 – 6:49 Part One: 6:49 – 43:54 Part Two: 43:54 – 1:20:49 Very Bad Therapy: / / / Show Notes:
/episode/index/show/verybadtherapy/id/24207144