It's All Relational

WAMFT is turning 50 — and we're marking this milestone with one of the most significant organizational changes in our history. In this episode, we reflect on half a century of advancing the marriage and family therapy profession in Washington State before turning our attention to the future: our transition from a 501(c)(6) trade association to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.I'm joined by WAMFT Treasurer Rochelle Pope, who walks us through the reasoning behind this change, the process of making it happen, and what members can expect going forward. We discuss how this shift affects membership structure, the implications for charitable giving, and why this transition represents a meaningful step in WAMFT's ongoing commitment to the therapists and communities we serve.Whether you've been part of the WAMFT community for years or are just beginning your journey as a marriage and family therapist in Washington, this conversation offers an important look at how our organization is positioning itself for the next 50 years.

In this Member Spotlight episode, we sit down with Dr. Laura Gambrel, PhD, LMFT, to explore her professional journey and her deep commitment to relational work.Laura began her career working with children, where she developed a strong foundation in understanding family systems and early attachment. That early experience sparked a desire to zoom out and look at the larger relational contexts shaping people’s lives. She went on to earn her PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy, where she discovered a profound passion for working with couples and strengthening intimate partnerships.Over the years, Laura has built a rich and varied career across community mental health, academia, and group practice. She shares what she learned in each setting—from the urgency and accessibility of community-based care, to mentoring and training emerging therapists, to refining her clinical voice in group practice. Throughout it all, one thread has remained constant: her dedication to relational healing.Now, Laura is launching her solo private practice, Relational Mindfulness, in Bellingham, Washington. In this episode, she talks about what inspired the transition to solo work, how mindfulness informs her approach to couples therapy, and why she believes training and supervision are essential to the future of our field.This conversation is a thoughtful look at professional evolution, staying connected to your “why,” and building a career that reflects your deepest clinical values. Whether you’re early in your journey or considering a shift in your own practice, Laura’s story offers insight, encouragement, and inspiration.Learn more about her practice at https://www.relational-mindfulness.org/

On this episode of It’s All Relational, we’re giving you a preview of the WAMFT Spring Ethics Series: MFT Mythbusters — a five-week exploration of some of the most persistent (and limiting) myths about Marriage and Family Therapists. Ethics chair Katie Jo Glaves joins to discuss what we have on deck this year.Each episode highlights one of the upcoming ethics sessions:5/1 – What Can an MFT Diagnose and Treat?We clarify scope of practice, breaking down what MFTs are trained and ethically positioned to diagnose and treat in accordance with Washington Rules and Regulations.5/8 – How MFTs Interface with CPSA grounded conversation about mandated reporting, documentation, and maintaining therapeutic alliance when Child Protective Services enters the system.5/15 – Ethics and Business DevelopmentWe challenge the myth that caring about money is unethical. This episode explores how building a sustainable practice aligns with ethical responsibility — and how identifying your personal “North Star” can guide business decisions.5/22 – Panel: Can I Treat XYZ?From art therapy and play therapy to sex therapy and other niche areas, we unpack what it really means to specialize as an MFT and what you can treat without advanced training. How do you ethically incorporate creative or modality-specific approaches? When does additional training become necessary? And how do you determine competence while staying within scope?5/29 – AI, Equity, and Clinical RiskWe close with a timely dialogue on artificial intelligence in clinical work — documentation tools, bias, confidentiality, access, and how emerging technology intersects with systemic ethics.Whether you’re a student, associate, supervisor, or seasoned clinician, this series invites you to question assumptions, deepen ethical clarity, and practice with greater confidence. Ready to bust some myths? Register now for the Spring Ethics Series on our website and secure your spot.

In this State of the Union episode, we’re joined by WAMFT President Billie Tyler for an in-depth conversation about the direction of the association and what’s ahead for members in the coming months. We cover key updates, opportunities for engagement, and important initiatives shaping the year ahead.Topics include:Legislative advocacy goals and current priorities at the state levelHow members can get involved in advocacy and policy effortsHighlights and exciting updates about the Annual Conference, including the new venueWhat to expect from the upcoming Spring Ethics seriesAdditional WAMFT updates and initiatives supporting clinicians across WashingtonThis episode offers a clear snapshot of where WAMFT is now, where it’s going, and how members can stay connected and involved.

Get ready for a night of connection, celebration, and cinematic sparkle! In this special preview episode, we’re sharing what’s in store for WAMFT’s upcoming Holiday Party on December 13th, themed Holiday Movie Magic. From festive attire inspired by beloved holiday films to opportunities to mingle with fellow members, enjoy seasonal treats, and celebrate the year’s accomplishments, this event promises an evening full of warmth and whimsy. Tune in for all the details and why you won’t want to miss this magical night with the WAMFT community.

In this episode, I sit down with Amanda Darnley, Chief Strategic Officer at AAMFT, to discuss the evolving landscape of marriage and family therapy and what lies ahead for our profession. We cover some of the most pressing topics shaping the field today — including license portability and its impact on clinical mobility, the upcoming 2025 Workforce Study and what it means for the next generation of therapists, and the role of AI in mental health care. Amanda also shares insights into AAMFT’s Family TEAM and advocacy initiatives, offering practical ways for members to get involved and influence policy that supports MFTs nationwide.Whether you’re a student, clinician, or educator, this conversation is packed with valuable information about where our profession is headed — and how you can help shape its future.

In this episode, we sit down with Commissioner Patty Kuderer and her team from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner to discuss how their office supports Marriage and Family Therapists in Washington State.Together, we explore the challenges therapists face with insurance reimbursement, the ongoing fight for mental health parity, and how legislative advocacy can help create a more equitable landscape for providers and clients alike. This conversation highlights the power of collaboration between policymakers and mental health professionals to improve access to care across Washington.

New Member Spotlight episode of It’s All Relational In this episode, we sit down with Amisha Gandhi, creator of the brand-new podcast Let’s Chai and Chat, launching Wednesday, October 8th. Amisha shares the vision behind her show, which dives into relational issues within the South Asian community and beyond, creating space for conversations that are often overlooked.Together, we explore what it means to feel like an “other” in spaces where you’re expected to belong, and how these experiences shape our relationships, identities, and sense of connection.Tune in for an inspiring conversation about building bridges, amplifying diverse voices, and redefining belonging through dialogue.

Get ready for our Annual Conference with our Mega-Pod preview!First, I am joined by President-Elect Claudia Johnson to discuss the Conference Theme and everything she has done to make this a dynamic educational and professional experience.Then, I am joined by Keynote speaker Dr. Katie Gordon who talks about her talk  "How to Spark Hope in Hard Times" where she discusses her expertise around suicide prevention and how to implement these tools with our clients.Finally, I have a discussion with Kini Chang and Dr. Arash Daneshzadeh. Kini will be giving a keynote titled "Intergenerational Trauma, Resilience, and Collective Healing" and Arash will be giving a talk called "The Miseducation of our Healing: A Love Letter to our Collective Recovery" and talk all about how this is going to be a challenging and hopeful experiential talk inviting therapists to a broader scope of vision when it comes to systemic thinking.Head over to wamft.org to get your tickets and register today!

Anyone in our field knows about the horrors of "The Test". The AMFTRB Licensure Exam is an essential stepping stone for the licensure process. However, it is a daunting obstacle for many and can be hard to prepare for.Our pre-clinical committee chair devrim özkan joins us today to discuss how WAMFT is helping to prepare members for the exam. She is also asking anyone that is interested in resources to reach out to her and help co-create programming to help people pass the exam.Dr. Anthony Pennant also joins to discuss his experience with test-prep as a neurodivergent individual as well as how he structured the Graduate Program at Antioch to prepare students for the exam.Download, Subscribe, Listen!

In this episode of It's All Relational, we sit down with marketing expert for therapists Sydney Shufelt to talk about how therapists can find and connect with their ideal clients. Sydney shares actionable strategies for building an authentic online presence, refining your niche without feeling boxed in, and creating marketing content that builds trusts with clients from the start. Whether you're launching a private practice or looking to freshen up your web presence during a summer slump, this conversation will help you clarify who you want to work with and how to reach them.

In this member spotlight, we’re joined by Kayla Moore, LMFT and founder of Reclaiming Stories Therapy. Kayla shares her mission to help women and couples heal from the grip of patriarchal narratives and reclaim a deeper, more connected relationship with their bodies, desires, and relational intimacy.Drawing from sacred feminine practices, Kayla empowers clients to move toward embodied pleasure, emotional freedom, and authentic connection. We explore how her work blends therapeutic insight with holistic practices that center personal agency and healing.Kayla also gives us a peek into what’s ahead—including her upcoming expansion into coaching and the release of her course this summer. Whether you’re a fellow therapist or someone passionate about reimagining the stories we carry, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.Learn more about her at https://reclaimingstoriestherapy.com/

On this episode of It's All Relational we are previewing our Spring Ethics Series! Katie Jo Glaves joins to talk about our exciting offerings of Ethics trainings every Friday in May from 9-11 am. Download and Listen, and then sign up on our website!

Did you know: WAMFT is launching a member directory on our website on 4/15!Join former WAMFT President Dr. Michelle Finley, Program Administrator Cary Ambler, and Technology Chair Trevor White as they discuss the long and winding road to the official WAMFT directory! After years of work, WAMFT is about to go live with its member directory! This will be a value addition to your membership, as you will be able to be listed on the WAMFT website and be able to find other MFT's to refer to, look for a potential Supervisor, and use to market your practice!Learn more today and then log on to the WAMFT website and complete your profile!

In this episode of It’s All Relational, we highlight WAMFT member Lisa Dale Miller! As a professional community, WAMFT recognizing that individual distress is often rooted in larger family, social, and cultural systems. Lisa’s journey, from artist to therapist, reflects this systemic perspective. Her early work with war survivors in Kosovo exposed her to the profound impact of collective trauma and the necessity of holistic healing. Now, as a therapist in Gig Harbor, she integrates Somatic Experiencing interventions with a systemic framework, helping clients not only process their personal experiences but also understand the broader forces shaping their emotional and relational lives. We discuss how systemic therapy offers a powerful lens for addressing the unique stressors of our time—whether it’s political polarization, intergenerational trauma, or the emotional toll of living in an era of one global crisis after another. Lisa shares how somatic experiencing can be an essential tool within systemic work, helping clients regulate their nervous systems so they can engage more fully in their relationships and communities. Tune in as we connect the dots between the power of systemic therapy, and Lisa’s inspiring work at the intersection of mind, body, and relational healing.Learn more about Lisa here: https://lisadalemiller.com/

In this episode of It's All Relational, we sit down with Ashley Lacy and Ashley Haynes-Gibson, co-chairs of WAMFT’s Legislative Committee, to break down the current legislative docket and its impact on marriage and family therapy in Washington State. We discuss the key bills WAMFT is actively supporting and opposing, with a primary focus on expanding access to high-quality systemic therapy. From reimbursement rates to licensure improvements and equity in mental health care, we explore how these legislative efforts could shape the future of our field. Tune in for an in-depth conversation on advocacy, policy, and the fight for more accessible and effective therapy for all Washingtonians.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of It's All Relational, the official WAMFT podcast!We’re kicking off our 30-Day Hill Climb with a powerful conversation with our legislative advocate, Amber Lewis. Amber shares her journey with WAMFT and her commitment to protecting the validity of our license during this legislative session. She’s driven by her mission to be a “voice for the voiceless” and expand access to systemic care across Washington.As members, we have a crucial role to play. This 30-Day Hill Climb will give you actionable ways to support Amber’s efforts and make a real impact in Olympia.Subscribe now and share this episode with your fellow MFTs in Washington and beyond!Interested in being featured on the podcast? Visit the WAMFT website to submit an interest form.Let’s make our voices heard—together!

We’re thrilled to introduceIt’s All Relational—the official WAMFT podcast! 🎙️✨This podcast is going to be your go-to source for:✅ Legislative advocacy updates impacting MFTs in Washington✅ Inspiring stories of members doing innovative work across the state✅ Practical ways WAMFT is supporting and advancing our professionSo hit that follow button, stay tuned for our first full episode, and remember—whether it’s advocacy, education, or the work we do every day as MFTs…It’s all relational.