Therapodcast

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 grief, both personally and in our roles as educators and counselors. We reflect on the lasting impact our colleagues and students had on us and discuss the ways we’ve helped our students and peers cope with these difficult moments. Dr. David Whittinghill shares his deeply personal story of loss—not only of a beloved colleague and wife but also his own near-death experience. His perspective sheds light on resilience, healing, and the intersection of personal and professional grief. Join us for this meaningful conversation on honoring those we’ve lost, supporting one another through grief, and finding ways to carry their legacy forward in our work and lives.

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.

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. 

In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Martin Wesley and Dr. David Whittinghill, along with guests Dr. Eric Beeson, Dr. Matt Buckley, Dr. Jerry Juhnke, Dr. Jill Sauerheber, and Dr. Giscard Petion, tackle the evolving challenges of assessing counseling students in a complex, people-centered profession. From video vignettes and AI simulations to the realities of gatekeeping, faculty dynamics, and accreditation hurdles, this conversation explores what's working and what needs to change. The group unpacks national testing redundancy, student quality concerns, and more, all while advocating for innovation, integrity, and diversity in counselor education.

In this timely and thought-provoking episode, Dr. Martin Wesley and Dr. David Whittinghill are joined by side hosts Dr. Laura Schmuldt, Dr. Gerald Juhnke, and Matthew Buckley for a deep dive into CACREP Policy A.2.e, the newly enforced requirement for in-person synchronous sessions in counseling programs. Their guest, Dr. Eric Beeson of Marshall University, shares his expertise and ongoing efforts to advocate for equitable, evidence-based accreditation standards that recognize the effectiveness of diverse digital learning models. Together, the group explores the unintended consequences of residency mandates on rural and online programs, including financial burdens on students and faculty, logistical hurdles, and the questionable research base behind the policy. They discuss creative solutions such as shared residency models, simulation learning, and data-driven assessment strategies, all while reflecting on the broader implications for counselor education and accreditation reform. Whether you’re a counselor educator, program administrator, or graduate student navigating these shifts, this episode offers a candid and constructive conversation about what’s at stake and what can be done.

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 disagree, this conversation will challenge assumptions and invite deeper reflection on the future of counselor education.

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 grant funding decisions.

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 creating open, respectful conversations across ideological lines. Whether you’re a practicing counselor, an educator, or simply curious about navigating polarization in your own life, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable tips for fostering unity and empathy in a divided world.

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/ 

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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.