In this episode of the Unmasked Therapist Podcast, Kaitlyn Steel, LMFT, is joined by special guest Michelle Vaughn, LPC—practice owner of Truth and Grace Counseling in Arizona and a seasoned clinician with a unique path into the field.

Kaitlyn begins by sharing her long-standing personal connection with Michelle, who has been a meaningful presence in her life for decades. From there, the conversation shifts into Michelle’s journey of returning to school later in life and building a career in counseling, offering a perspective that challenges the idea of a “traditional” path into the field.

Together, they explore the realities of licensure across states, unpacking the differences in supervision requirements, diagnostic privileges, and the often frustrating barriers clinicians face when trying to maintain continuity of care with clients who move. Through their discussion, they highlight how these systemic differences impact both therapists and the clients they serve.

As the episode unfolds, the conversation turns toward clinical work and one of the most important lessons for new therapists: the value of authenticity in the therapy room. Michelle shares powerful examples of how showing up as a genuine, real person can deepen connection and create a sense of safety for clients—often more than any specific modality or technique.

Drawing from their own experiences in practice and supervision, this episode offers both practical insight and honest reflection on what it means to grow as a clinician while navigating the complexities of the field.

In this episode, we discuss:• Michelle’s nontraditional path into becoming a therapist• Key differences in licensure requirements across states• Challenges with client continuity when clients move• The impact of COVID on early clinical experiences and telehealth• What new therapists are taught vs. what is actually useful in practice• The importance of authenticity in building therapeutic relationships

This is part one of a two-part conversation. Be sure to tune in next week as Michelle shares more about her trauma-focused work and the modalities she uses in practice.

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 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.

#TheUnmaskedTherapist #UnmaskedTherapist #TherapistPodcast #MentalHealthPodcast #TherapistConversations