Episode 27: How to Discover Your Theoretical Orientation

In this episode of The Unmasked Therapist Podcast, Clinical Supervisors ⁠⁠Kim Rippy⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Kaitlyn Steel⁠⁠ continue their series on therapist identity development by exploring one of the biggest questions early clinicians face: “What is my model?”Rather than encouraging therapists to rush into choosing a theoretical orientation based on popularity, supervision expectations, or graduate school pressure, Kim and Kaitlyn unpack how a therapist’s model often develops through deeper self-awareness, lived experience, and clinical curiosity. They discuss how understanding your own values, emotional responses, relational patterns, and clinical instincts can guide you toward approaches that genuinely align with who you are as a therapist.Through conversations about EFT, CBT, trauma work, attachment, supervision, and the process of “dating” different therapeutic models, this episode examines how clinicians can begin identifying the theories and interventions that feel authentic rather than performative. Kim and Kaitlyn also explore the importance of hypothesis-building, clinical curiosity, and using supervision as a space to intentionally reflect on what naturally stands out to you in the therapy room.This episode invites therapists to move away from trying to force themselves into a model and instead begin discovering the approaches that already reflect how they naturally conceptualize and connect with clients.In this episode, we discuss:• Why many early clinicians feel pressure to “pick a model”• How therapist identity influences theoretical orientation• The difference between learning skills and developing clinical authenticity• Why self-awareness helps therapists recognize aligned approaches• How attachment, values, trauma, and relationships shape conceptualization• The process of exploring and “dating” therapeutic models• Using curiosity and supervision to clarify your clinical direction• Why confidence grows when interventions align with who you are as a therapistConnect 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.#TheUnmaskedTherapist #UnmaskedTherapist #TherapistPodcast #MentalHealthPodcast #TherapistConversations