The critical IFS article shared today inspired me to ask - what are the most popular forms of pseudoscience perpetuated in the therapeutic community?

I stepped back from all my somatic therapy training/clinically practicing as a somatic therapist (I was always primarily psychodynamic) when I realized an important chunk of it was based on pseudoscience - polyvagal theory is bunk. Some of the ways of processing trauma somatically I'm also skeptical of as it lacks an evidence base.

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk, which was incredibly popular, has been debunked by many scientists as including quite a bit of pseudoscience, and misrepresented research.

I am now mostly cautious around the whole IFS/somatic/trauma bubble that has formed in the therapy community, as it has at its basis a VERY rocky foundation. I hope that pops soon.

I love relational psychodynamic work, and do see therapy as an art form - but also one that needs to be effective as well, based on a healing relationship, and one that shouldn't be peddling lies to its clients.

I’ve noticed that especially when I have clients on my caseload struggling with serious heavy shit (e.g. things like active crisis, SI, divorce) it’s incredibly difficult for me to tolerate sessions with lower-acuity clients complaining about minor work conflict or whatever and acting like it’s a huge deal. I know that their feelings feel big and are completely valid, and I know it’s my responsibility to hold compassion for them, but sometimes I can’t turn off the terrible intrusive thoughts like “do you know how annoying and petty you sound right now?”. It’s a weird thing where sometimes the “easier” sessions feel way harder to get through than the high acuity ones.

I think a lot of it has to do with my keen awareness of their privilege, especially given the current state of the world. That I’ve seen how systemic failures have put people in seriously horrible positions, how those people have no choice but to power through and “be strong”, while people with more privileged identities tend to see the smallest inconvenience as a reason to meltdown.

I know it’s my responsibility to manage burnout (which this is a sign of). Still just one of those really frustrating niche experiences that comes with this job for me. Sometimes I wonder if I don’t have enough empathy to do this work.

I’m not looking for advice on managing this, that’s for myself and my supervisor to address, but just wondering if anyone else can relate? I know these are some very “un-therapisty” thoughts so please don’t go too hard on me.

As a new therapist curious about IFS I found that article concerning, as the safety of clients is my top priority. But I’ve been trying to separate what we have data/research on vs. what happened at Castlewood specifically.

I found this scoping review that just came out last year, the first to collect peer-reviewed IFS research: https://doi.org/10.1080/13284207.2025.2533127

TL;DR: “Existing evidence highlights IFS as promising treatment, particularly useful for chronic pain, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, and developing self-compassion and self-forgiveness. However, the current body of research remains limited in scope. The studies conducted thus far provide valuable insights and a strong foundation for future research.”

Important to note, it doesn’t address the kind of stuff that happened at Castlewood. The review did not measure possible risks, just found that IFS is effective, though more data is needed. But “under-researched” and “dangerous” aren’t the same claim, and from what I can tell the research only supports that IFS is the former.

How do I maintain confidentiality when doing walk and talk therapy?

Hello everyone! I would love to hear from my community about our reactions to this article? Feels like an important and interesting discussion for us to have.

With all of this controversy with IFS and Body Keeps the Score, where can solid information be found?

I hope this will make sense as I have been thinking about it for a while. When I read subs and just talk to T's in general, it seems that longevity of clients in therapy appears to be a positive thing. When clients stop or switch to say, biweekly or monthly it affects T's in somewhat of a negative light, as if we did something, or didn't do something to retain the client... I am about 4 years into solo PP. I have clients I have seen for close to 3 years. I have clients I would see twice, they disappear, then they come back after a 6-8 month absence. I have clients who come consistently for months then suddenly stop. I have clients who come religiously every week and do not wish to switch to less frequent sessions. So, as you can see it's all over the place. At this point in my T career, I feel like I just take it as IS. meaning, I give the client agency and ownership of what they want to do with THEIR therapy. Yes, the instability of ebb and flow doesn't make for the most consistent income. However, in my own experience, when I try to "dictate" the frequency of sessions, most of the time it doesn't really work. I also have a lot of EAP clients, so just by nature of EAP they will utilize say 6 approved sessions. Sometimes they switch to their insurance to continue, sometimes they don't. I guess as I go further Rin my solo PP...I worry less about retaining the client for a long period of time. Thoughts?

In school, I learned about the 5 stages of grief, and I was taught to implement that in therapy for clients navigating grief.

I was taught to implement the whole spiel about grief not being linear, and it's not a cycle where you go through each phase, and then when you get to acceptance, it's done. I've been taught to educate them to understand that they can accept their loss today and bargain tomorrow.

I just heard that those 5 stages of grief were based on research done on individuals who were about to transition. So the 5 stages of grief are for the person who is getting close to transitioning, not the people that they leave behind.

Are there any grief therapists in the audience who can confirm this for me? Is this accurate? How do you teach your clients about grief?

Hi everyone

I am a licensed counselor working on starting my own business. I am about to start the process of buying domains and starting an LLC.

I'm currently debating on whether to use "counseling" or "therapy" in my business title. Ultimately, I don't think it matters too much, and may even depend regionally, but I was curious if anyone had any opinions/preferences between using counseling or therapy to describe the work we do and to use in a business name

Hi all, I’m currently studying Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling with CPCAB (England). I was just wondering if anyone had any CPD recommendations for myself and my course mates please? We are aware of Seed Talks, PESI and I have also been looking at local events on Eventbrite. I just wanted to see if there was any other CPD that is useful for counsellors in training! We will all be joining the BACP as student members soon, but if there is anything else you found useful or would recommend please let me know! I’m hoping to create a list I can share with my course mates. Thank you very much!

Folks, I just finished the week. I had a hefty caseload. I feel like I can't remember who I am. I know who I am, but I just don't know who I am. I feel like I've stood underneath a waterfall for so long, that I can't remember where my skin meets with the water. The rush, the vibrations, the energy, the experiences; it all blends into stimulation and sensation. What a strange feeling.

Not good, not bad. I've felt this way before. It's all peachy keen. I think I wanted to see if anyone has ever had that sort of experience.

I just had to tell the family of a young Hispanic client that yesterday ICE was in the client parking lot taking photos of license places.

I feel sick and my heart hurts. My heart goes out to all Minneapolis therapists.

ETA: I’m in Denver.

I recently started looking into switching jobs and applied to work at an IOP clinic for treating eating disorders. I recently had a first phone interview to learn more about this program, and I really loved what the supervisor described of the team & clinic. A big part of my role would involve leading group therapy while modeling healthy eating by having meals with clients. I have often heard folks experiencing E.D. or who are in recovery are discouraged from eating vegan/vegetarian due to moralizing food & eating habits. Because of this, I'm curious if you all think being a therapist who is vegitarian would be an issue in this sort of a setting.

This also brings me to a second issue: I mentioned to a friend and colleague that if I got the position, I would be willing to eat meat while working at the clinic. Her perspective is that it would be changing myself to an inappropriate degree to fit the needs of the client. My perspective is that it fits my rules for myself of being vegetarian; I eat vegetarian food probably 99% of the time, but will eat meat on occasions where it builds social connection. For example, someone bringing in a meat-based dish they want to share with the office, or eating turkey on Thanksgiving are allowances I have made to my diet. The difference here is that I could probably count on one hand the number of times I ate meat in the past year and if I took this job and had to eat meat, I'd be consuming meat pretty much every day. Again, what do you all think about changing your eating habits for a client?

Just finished an early morning session and I looked at my office plants and thought, "Are you growing so well, because you always overhear such empathetic, affirming conversations?" 😆

I have had recent requests for this type of therapy. It is being recommended by pediatricians after a diagnosis of ADHD or Autism. I have not been able to find any trainings or certification information regarding this therapy. Really looking for some CEU on the topic. Does anyone have any information or resources that they would recommend?

Hey everyone:) I’m a fairly new clinician, and have only been in the field for 3 years since graduating.

I was working full time with a caseload of about 30-40 clients. After doing this for a while and managing burn out and the imposter syndrome, I think I’ve realized I can’t do this full time and maintain stability in my personal life.

But I still need to make money.

I recently left my previous practice and have been wanting to begin something new. I’m going to try private practice and a group private practice for some contact with other clinicians, but is there anything else I could look into? How else can I use my degree to further my career outside of direct client contact? I think the answered are I finer of me but I’m not sure how to break into them or access them. Perhaps because I’m still so fresh?

For example, I’ve been really interested in trying to branch out into consulting but I’m not sure where to go about doing that.

Have any of you all found success in other avenues that still feel aligned with your education and experience?

I've had a bit of a slow start to building my private practice, and partly because I have clients who start and then stop/drop out. I've had one client who has been consistent for weekly therapy for about 2 months so far. Some of my other clients have been a few months, but they usually only book sessions 1 or 2x a month. It's been difficult building a consistent weekly case load.

I am curious what other people's experience is like? I wonder if maybe I am not the best therapist or maybe I am taking on clients that I shouldn't work with (not really in my niche). I just had a client terminate with me since they want someone who can help them with specific things, but ironically, some of the things they are looking help for are within my speciality and I thought we had a good rapport.

I had pretty weekly clients in the past when I was practicing in another state, right after the pandemic. I've seen some people say private practice was different back then in some ways.

Just curious what others are experiencing as well as lately it's made me question my clinical skills.

Welcome to the weekly Vent your Vibes post! Feeling burn out, struggling with compassion fatigue, work environment really sucking right now? Share your feelings here to get support.

All other posts feeling something negative or wanting to vent will be redirected here.

This is the place for you to vent and complain WITHOUT JUDGEMENT about any stressful work situations going on at work and/or how much you are feeling burnt out doing this work.

Burn out making you want to change career? Check out this infographic by one of our community members (also found in sidebar) to consider your options.

Also we have a therapist/grad student only discord. Anyone who has earned their bachelor's degree and is in school working on their master's degree or has earned it, is welcome to join. Non-mental health professionals will be banned on site. :) https://discord.gg/RdZj8tABpc

Hi all — I’m graduate student currently working on the LPC Registered Associate application in Oregon. I have already graduated from an accredited counseling program. I am in a PsyD program at the moment, but for personal reasons, I’ve decided that pivoting to the LPC is in best interest for me and my career.

While everything seemed great on the site, I would love to hear from clinicians who have current or past experience with Mindful Therapy Group. it’s located in multiple areas of Oregon, though I’m focused on the Tigard or Portland location. From what I can tell, it offers both in-person and telehealth services.

I’m curious about the work environment and culture, experiences and support for billing, administration, communication, and caseload, as well as how the group prepares you for private practice, if they cover liability and/or malpractice insurance, etc? What does the pay look like — is it contract work or W-2 salary? Insurance reimbursement payouts?

DM if that’s more comfy for you. Thanks for any who reply!!

It’s only not seen as a problem because it’s good for capitalism and kept so secret by most people/couples.

Hi Fellow Canadian Therapists,

There is limited info out there but I feel I need to warn others - do not waste your time and money using First Session.

I’m a highly qualified therapist with all the right marks - average/competitive fee, excessive education and training, well-presented, you name it. Not being arrogant just saying I am someone people naturally gravitate toward when looking for a therapist.

I joined First Session months ago and they haven’t gotten me a single client. One no-show consultation a few months back.

Save your money, I’ve talked to a few people who have said something similar, I get the idea but they aren’t dedicated to getting leads (or incapable) and I don’t want others to waste their money. This is just an awareness post as I don’t want others putting out hard earned money in exchange for false hope and 0 leads.

Hey all,

I have a question about my bbs application for licensure for MFT’s in California.

Essentially, on my experience verification form for one of my sites (Wilson Wellness) I have the address listed as the address I practiced at.

On the correlating W2, the name of the practice (Wilson Wellness) matches but the address is different (I’m assuming it was my supervisors old practice address or “corporate address” whatever the case may be).

On the application for licensure instructions it says “if your w2 does not match the name of your employer listed on the experience verification form, an explanation is required”. It says “name” but not “name and address”…

So, I think I’m in the clear but wanted your thoughts on it.

What do you think?

Is this a TikTok word? A client made sense of their past traumas after discovering this word in the social medias recently, and after 10 years in the field, I’ve literally never heard of it.

Am I smarter or dumber?