Terry Real's Couple Experiential: Five Lessons For Therapists

January 13, 2022 Ili Rivera Walter, PhD, LMFT

Recently, I attended a Terry Real Couple Experiential. The Couple Experiential is a two-day couple therapeutic experience that involves five couples--each receiving therapy from Terry Real, in the presence of the other four couples, as well as therapist observers.

Terry works intensely, for at least one hour, with each couple throughout the two days. He also answers therapists’ questions two hours per day: during a lunch hour, and for one hour at the end of the couple therapy time.

How to Find and Live The Refreshed Therapist Life

October 27, 2021 Ili Rivera Walter, PhD, LMFT

As a clinical supervisor and consultant to therapists, I meet many clinicians who find themselves burned out, bored, or numb after years of showing up for their clients, and neglecting, to some degree, to show up for themselves. The reality of our work is that in order to sustain and enjoy it, we must intentionally deal with the nuances of what it means to function as a therapist inside and outside the therapy room.

As therapists, we have the opportunity to be vocal about the ways we live out the intersection of life and work. Our voices generate more expansive and encouraging conversations that can lead to a sense of flow in navigating our personal and therapist selves.

How To Address Therapy Clients' "Undercurrents" and Stress In Therapy

September 1, 2021 Ili Rivera Walter, PhD, LMFT

Feeling confident when offering therapy to families is a goal for many therapists and counselors. When we face the limitations of an individual perspective on treatment, we are left to wonder, “What theory, or techniques, can help this client comprehensively?”

Dr. Scott Sells explains two techniques from the Family Systems Trauma Model (FST) that will reframe family problems and help lead to second-order change. FST is applicable to your work whether you see individuals, couples, or families.

How To Engage In Social Media Self Care: Eight Steps For Therapists

August 17, 2021 Ili Rivera Walter, PhD, LMFT

Social media posting is a must if you’re a therapist marketing a private practice. Even if you’re not a business owner, you may find that your social media is taking up more time than you’d prefer (gentle nudge: How’s your screen time report looking this week?).

Hey—like therapy, this is a judgment-free zone. It is also a “let’s be our best selves” zone. And, to show up as our best selves, self care is essential.