Episode 16: When Therapists Start Over-Functioning

In this episode, Clinical Supervisors ⁠⁠⁠⁠Kim Rippy, LPC⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Kaitlyn Steel, LMFT⁠⁠⁠⁠ explore one of the most subtle and challenging dynamics in clinical work: the difference between being pulled outside of your role as a therapist and practicing outside of your scope of competence. While these can appear similar on the surface, they stem from very different places — and recognizing the distinction is essential for ethical, sustainable care.Sparked by a powerful conversation in their clinical supervision group, Kim and Kaitlyn unpack the emotional cues that often signal role drift: confusion, over-functioning, stress, and the urge to “do more” for a client. They reflect on the protector instinct that can emerge when we see pain coming before our clients do, and the discomfort clinicians feel when sitting with suffering without trying to fix it.Together, they examine how over-identifying with the outcome, predicting consequences, or stepping into action too quickly can quietly shift the therapeutic relationship. Through practical examples and honest reflection, this episode invites clinicians to reconsider the role of discomfort in growth — for both therapist and client.This conversation is a reminder that we are not here to rescue, predict, or protect clients from their lives — we are here to help them build the capacity to navigate it themselves.Key Takeaways:• The difference between acting outside your role vs. outside your scope of practice• Emotional signs you may be over-functioning for a client• Why the urge to “do more” can signal role confusion• Understanding the therapist’s protector instinct• How discomfort supports growth rather than undermines it• Why sustainable therapy means resisting the urge to rescueConnect with us:Supervision: ⁠⁠⁠www.keystonetherapygroup.com/supervision/⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@TheUnmaskedTherapist⁠⁠Email: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠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.#AuthenticTherapist #ClinicalSupervision #TherapistGrowth #TherapistIdentity #ScopeOfPractice #EthicalPractice #TherapistSupport #MentalHealthProfessionals #TherapistLife #HumanCenteredTherapy