Therapodcast

16 Episodes
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By: Dr Wesley and Dr Whittinghill

TheTheraPodcast is hosted by Dr. Martin Wesley and Dr. David Whittinghill. They are both veteran therapists and counseling professors. They both bring insight and commentary from the world of mental health treatment and higher education mixed with politics, religion and the latest research and breaking news. Their wisdom is mixed well with a dose of humor, empathy, and expertise.

Challenging the Status Quo: A Conversation with Aaron Kindsvatter on CACREP and Civil Rights
#116
06/23/2025

In this provocative episode, Dr. Martin Wesley and Dr. David Whittinghill, along with Dr. Gerald Juhnke, host Dr. Aaron Kindsvatter for a candid discussion about the recent civil rights complaint filed against CACREP, alleging ideological bias in counselor education. Dr. Kindsvatter, a vocal critic of what he sees as growing ideological conformity in the field, has sparked national conversation and controversy through his writings and recent activity on CESNET. Together, the panel explores the implications of the complaint, the boundaries of academic freedom, and whether CACREP’s standards are veering away from neutrality in counselor training. Whether you agree or...


Navigating Loss in Academia and Counseling
#115
03/03/2025

Welcome to Navigating Loss in Academia and Counseling, a podcast where we explore the personal and professional impact of loss within academic and counseling communities. In this episode, Dr. Martin Wesley and Dr. David Whittinghill are joined by special guests Dr. Laura Schmuldt, Dr. Jerry Juhnke, and Victoria Henderson for a deeply personal and insightful discussion on losing a colleague, faculty member, or student.

Loss is an inevitable yet profoundly challenging experience, especially within academic and counseling settings, where close relationships are formed between faculty, students, and colleagues. In this episode, we share our experiences of navigating...


DEI in Counseling and Counselor Education
#114
01/30/2025

In this episode, we explore Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Counseling and Counselor Education with special guests Dr. Rick Balkin, Dr. Laura Schmuldt, Dr. Lourdes Araujo, and Demetrius Jifunza. Our discussion examines the well-intended goals of DEI and the challenges it has faced in achieving its ideals. We also address the complexities of discussing DEI in today’s climate, where open conversations on the topic can be difficult and even professionally risky—an irony that contradicts the very purpose of engaging in meaningful dialogue. Additionally, we delve into the impact of DEI on faculty hiring and its influence on g...


Election Reflection for Counseling and Counselor Education
#113
12/11/2024

In this thought-provoking episode, we are joined by special guests Dr. Laura Schmuldt and Rob Lima for a candid discussion on the impact of political polarization—both in society and within the field of counseling. As the nation faces unprecedented divides, the role of counselors and counselor educators has never been more critical in fostering understanding and bridging gaps. Yet, even within our profession, differing political perspectives often hinder meaningful dialogue and collaboration.

Together, we explore the challenges that are fracturing our field, delve into the cultural and systemic forces driving division, and share practical strategies for cr...


Are We Training our Counselors for the Past or Future?
#112
09/25/2024

Counselor Education: Are we training our counselors for the job we had, or are we training them for the job they will get?

David and Marty are joined by a distinguished panel of counselor educators, including Dr. Carl Sheperis, Dr. Jill Duba Sauerheber, Dr. Rick Balkin, and Dr. Gerald Juhnke. In this podcast, these professors tackle some important issues about the future of counseling and counselor education, including the use of Artificial Intelligence in counseling and education.


The Latest from the Counseling Compact
#111
08/01/2024

In this edition of the TheraPodcast, Drs David Whittinghill and Martin Wesley interview Dr. Andrea Brooks, the Vice Chair for the Counseling Compact and Kentucky state representative. The purpose of the compact is discussed along with various ethical dilemmas and a timeline for its implementation. For more information about the Counseling Compact, visit https://counselingcompact.org/ 


Cop to Counselor Pt. 2: The Calm in the Chaos
#110
07/11/2024

This podcast continues to tell the story of two decorated police officers who decided to leave their profession for a new career as a licensed professional counselor. This podcast discusses how counselors can help first responders and the military in therapy.


Cop to Counselor: Crisis Point
#109
06/03/2024

This podcast tells the story of two decorated police officers who decided to leave their profession for a new career as a licensed professional counselor. This podcast discusses the events and the trauma that led to their career change.


Recap of Season One and plans for Season Two
#108
03/06/2024

In this short podcast, Drs Wesley and Whittinghill talk about the last season but give a sneak preview of the next season. The future will include interviews with therapists with stories about themselves and their work with clients.  It is our goal to be more entertaining and enjoyable while also providing insight into excellent mental health care. 


CESNET, Settled Science and Trans-Affirming Care
#107
01/03/2024

In this podcast, Drs Wesley and Whittinghill dive into recent posts on CESNET about trans-affirming care. They explore the need for civility on our professional platform and the need for free and open ideas. They express how science in the behavioral sciences is rarely settled, and we should avoid imposing our values on our clients. They also talk about trans-affirming care and our need to be open to political and scientific criticisms to better serve our clients. 


AI, Counseling Chatbots and the Therapeutic Alliance
#106
11/15/2023

In today's episode, Dr. Wesley and Dr. Whittinghill explore the world of artificial intelligence, counseling empathic chatbots, and the true nature of the counseling experience. They will explore the history of AI chatbots from its earliest beginning with Eliza, the Rogerian therapist, to modern-day counseling chatbots such as Woebot, Youper, Wysa, Replika, and others. 


Practicing Forgiveness. A discussion with Dr. Rick Balkin
#105
10/18/2023

In this episode, Dr Wesley and Whittinghill interview Dr. Rick Balkin. Dr. Balkin is a professor and chair at the University of Mississippi and is the recent author of Practicing Forgiveness: A Path Toward Healing, published by Oxford University Press.


David’s Personal Journey with Addiction
#104
10/04/2023

In this episode, Dr. David Whittinghill tells his personal journey of addiction and addiction treatment. Both hosts explore the etiology of addiction and ways to help those with addiction struggles. 


Travel Lessons and Counseling by Number
#103
09/26/2023

In this episode, Drs Wesley and Whittinghill talk about their recent journeys and the lessons they received along the way. They talk about life, multiculturalism, and even avoiding "Counseling-by-Number". They explain how counselors tend to go with "evidence-based-treatment, but they often miss out on the art of counseling. 


Gatekeeping in the Counseling Profession
#102
08/30/2023

In this episode of TheraPodcast, Drs Wesley and Whittinghill will explore the gatekeeping process in the counseling profession. What is Gatekeeping, and what are some challenges related to gatekeeping for counselor educators and counseling supervisors? This podcast was produced while Dr. Wesley and Dr. Whittinghill prepared for a hurricane approaching their Florida homes. 


Introduction to TheraPodcast
#101
08/15/2023

In this episode, Dr. Wesley and Dr. Whittinghill talk about their goals and topics to be discussed in the podcast. Topics include the counseling profession, addiction treatment, religion, and politics.