New York Marriage and Family Therapy Network Podcast

Plans for 2026 include more virtual workshops and student leadership involvement.GuestsIna Qema, MFT, LP is the Chair of the New York Marriage and Family Therapy Network and a Marriage and Family Therapist practicing with a focus on relational systems, community engagement, and professional leadership. Her work centers on strengthening connections across the MFT community, advocating for the profession, and fostering spaces where clinicians can grow, lead, and collaborate. Ina’s leadership is grounded in building community, elevating student voices, and creating opportunities for relational and professional development.Dina Johnson, MS, MFT-LP is the Co-Chair of the New York Marriage and Family Therapy Network and a Marriage and Family Therapist with experience in clinical practice, mentorship, and organizational engagement. Dina champions collaborative leadership, workforce development, and inclusive community building. Her dedication to advancing the MFT profession in New York is reflected in her commitment to advocacy, professional networking, and supporting clinicians at every stage of their career.SummaryIn this episode, Kelli-Ann Henry, along with chair Ina Qema and co-chair Dina Johnson, reflect on the achievements and growth of the New York Marriage and Family Therapy Network in 2025. They discuss the importance of community, networking, and the fight for diagnostic privilege. Looking ahead to 2026, they share plans for more virtual workshops, student leadership involvement, and opportunities for engagement within the network. The conversation emphasizes the need for in-person connections, the value of collective leadership, and the importance of maintaining a positive perspective as they move forward together.Follow us on social media for updates and events @nymftnetworkMusic by AudioCoffee: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.audiocoffee.net/

SummaryIn this episode, Kelli-Ann Henry speaks with Jennifer Nunez about her work in advocacy for the older adult population and the challenges faced by concerned persons seeking support. They discuss Jennifer's role as a bilingual Elder Abuse Helpline clinician at Weill Cornell Medicine, the importance of collaboration across disciplines, and the dynamics of family caregiving. Jennifer shares insights from her experiences, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding in this field. The conversation concludes with advice for aspiring therapists and a hopeful outlook on the future of care for older adults.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Advocacy for Older Adults03:40 Understanding the Center for Elder Abuse Solutions05:42 Role of MFT with Older Adults07:54 Challenges Faced by Older Adults09:07 Collaboration Across Disciplines11:01 Family Dynamics and Care for Older Adults13:25 Learning from Calls: Caregiving Insights15:51 Advice for Emerging Therapists17:36 Hope in Older Adult Advocacy19:06 Resources and Contact Information21:56 OutroGuest: Jennifer Nunez, LMFTJennifer Nunez, LMFT is the Clinician for the Elder Abuse Helpline at the Center for Elder Abuse Solutions (CEASe) at Weill Cornell Medicine, where she supports the older adult population and their families through safety concerns, relational conflict, and systemic navigation. Featured Resource: The Center for Elder Abuse Solutions at Weill Cornell Medicinehttps://elderabuse.weill.cornell.edu/ For Concerned Persons: Call the New York State Elder Abuse Helpline for Concerned Persons: 844-746-6905 For Professionals: Connect with the Weill Cornell Medicine/CEASe team at [email protected] below to join the New York Marriage and Family Therapy Network today!https://www.nymftherapistnetwork.com/Music by AudioCoffee: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.audiocoffee.net/

SummaryIn this episode, Kelli-Ann Henry hosts Dr. Carol Podgorski and Denise Murphy McGraw to discuss the current advocacy efforts for Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) in New York State. They explore the challenges posed by the diagnostic privilege law, the impact of legislation on MFTs' ability to serve clients, and the ongoing mental health crisis in the state. The conversation emphasizes the importance of advocacy, awareness, and collaboration with legislators to improve access to care and support the MFT profession.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Advocacy Updates03:49 Legislative Impact on MFTs09:15 Challenges of Diagnostic Privilege19:12 The Mental Health Crisis and Access to Care24:19 Advocacy and Awareness for MFTs29:13 Next Steps in Advocacy35:49 ClosingGuests:Carol Podgorski, PhD, MPH, LMFTDr. Carol Podgorski is a medical family therapist and serves as a Professor and Associate Chair of Faculty Affairs in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Rochester. She is also the Director of the Finger Lakes Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease. Her academic interests focus on family therapy in dementia, medical family therapy approaches to caregiving, and the development of family systems and relationally oriented models of dementia care. Dr. Podgorski completed her doctoral degree in sociology and holds master’s degrees in Public Health and Marriage and Family Therapy.  Denise Murphy McGraw, CAEDenise Murphy McGraw is a partner at Hill, Gosdeck, McGraw & Nemeth (HGMN), where she specializes in advocating for professional attention to legislative and regulatory matters. She previously served as the legislative director for a majority member of the New York State Assembly and as the executive director of the Chamber of Commerce Alliance of New York State. Denise manages a diverse client portfolio and is actively involved in various local, state, and national not-for-profit organizations. Her areas of expertise include higher education, healthcare, and policy governance.Click below to join the New York Marriage and Family Therapy Network today!https://www.nymftherapistnetwork.com/Music by AudioCoffee: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.audiocoffee.net/

SummaryIn this episode, Kelli-Ann Henry, LMFT and Jennifer Uhrlass, LMFT discuss the significance of healing interactions within family dynamics. They explore the impact of stress on relationships, the importance of self-care, and the role of effective communication in fostering supportive environments. The conversation emphasizes recognizing warning signs of unmanaged stress, creating routines for healing conversations, and the necessity of self-compassion in personal development. Through practical advice and insights, the episode aims to equip listeners with tools to enhance their relational experiences at home.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Healing Interactions03:19 Understanding Stress in Family Dynamics07:08 The Impact of Unmanaged Stress10:55 Cultural and Financial Pressures on Family Stress11:56 Navigating Boundaries and Self-Care15:40 Creating Healing Conversations18:22 Establishing Routines for Healing Interactions21:10 Micro Habits for Well-Being24:57 The Role of Tone and Body Language28:32 Key Takeaways for Healing Interactions30:56 ClosingAbout Jennifer Uhrlass, LMFTJennifer Uhrlass is a licensed marriage and family therapist and owner of Modern Marriage & Family Therapy, PLLC, a NYC-based private practice with a focus on relationship health & emotional well-being. She specializes in helping individuals and couples to recover from family of origin wounds and cultivate more caring, responsive, and mutually fulfilling relationships in their adult lives. Jennifer holds a Master’s degree from Syracuse University. She completed advanced clinical training in Emotionally Focused Therapy, the Gottman Method, and postgraduate education at the Ackerman Institute for the Family in NewYork City. Jennifer has practiced in NYC since 2014 and is licensed in NY, NJ, CT, and FL. Contact our Guest: Jennifer Uhrlass, LMFTWebsite: https://www.modernmft.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernmft/Featured Blog: Healing Interactions in Relationships: How to Repair and Strengthen Your Closest ConnectionsClick⁠ here ⁠to connect with the New York Marriage and Family Therapy Network today!Music by AudioCoffee: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.audiocoffee.net/

SummaryIn this episode of the New York Marriage and Family Therapy Network podcast, host Kelli-Ann Henry, LMFT and guest co-host Ina Qema LAMFT, NYMFTN Chair sit down with the Program Director, Dr. Christiana Awosan, PhD., LMFT, and Clinical Director, Marc Fernandez, LMFT from Iona University's Marriage and Family Therapy program. They discuss the program's recent ranking as the top MFT program in New York, the importance of diversity and representation in training, and the curriculum redesign aimed at enhancing student learning and meeting accreditation standards. The conversation also explores the integration of AI in therapy training, the new Bronxville campus, and the essential skills and ethical considerations for emerging therapists. The panelists share proud moments and the supportive community that defines the Iona MFT experience.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Leaders in MFT02:13 Iona's Top Ranking in MFT Education10:17 Curriculum Redesign and Its Impact18:45 The New Campus and Clinical Experience22:37 Preparing for Diagnostic Privilege26:12 Essential Skills for Modern Therapists27:49 The Impact of AI on Progress Notes30:03 Ethical Training for Mental Health Professionals32:39 Navigating AI in Education35:44 AI's Role in Mental Health Therapy38:55 Integrating AI into Family Therapy41:45 Proud Moments in Training Future Clinicians51:47 OutroIona University MFT Program SpotlightIona University Marriage and Family Therapy Program Ranked #1 in New York for 2025Iona University MFT Program DetailsClick here to connect with the New York Marriage and Family Therapy Network today!Music by AudioCoffee: ⁠https://www.audiocoffee.net/

SummaryIn this episode, Kelli-Ann Henry, LMFT interviews Cheryl Donald, LMFT about betrayal trauma and its impact on relationships. They discuss the nuances of trust restoration, the signs and symptoms of betrayal trauma, and the importance of cultural sensitivity in therapy. Cheryl shares insights on the unique journeys of clients dealing with betrayal, the significance of the stages of grief in the healing process, and offers guidance for emerging therapists. The conversation emphasizes the need for flexibility and understanding in therapeutic relationships, as well as the importance of defining success on an individual basis.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Betrayal Trauma03:57 Defining Betrayal Trauma05:32 Impact of COVID-19 on Relationships07:59 Signs and Emotional Responses to Betrayal Trauma10:49 Identifying Betrayal Trauma in Clients12:45 Common Issues in Intimate Relationships15:08 Understanding Betrayal in Intimate Relationships19:39 The Process of Trust Restoration24:29 Cultural Sensitivity in Therapy28:38 Success Stories in Healing32:24 Navigating Grief and Loss of Trust34:09 Guidance for Emerging Therapists37:19 The Evolution of Marriage and Family Therapy45:24 Closure SummaryContact our Guest: Cheryl Donald, LMFTWebsite: https://www.brooklynmft.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooklynmft/Music by AudioCoffee: ⁠⁠https://www.audiocoffee.net/

SummaryIn this episode, Kelli-Ann Henry and Dr. Diane Gehart discuss essential strategies for passing the national exam for marriage and family therapy licensure. They explore three key areas: mastering content knowledge, developing effective exam strategies, and managing test anxiety. Dr. Gehart emphasizes the importance of viewing the exam as a joyful rite of passage and shares insights from her course, 'Laugh Your Way to Licensure,' which aims to make the exam preparation process supportive and uplifting.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Exam Discussion01:18 Navigating the National Exam Landscape01:22 Keys to Exam Success: Content Mastery08:22 Exam Strategies: Decoding Questions12:09 Managing Test Anxiety21:28 Laugh Your Way to Licensure: A Supportive Approach26:54 Closure Summary Featured Test Prep Course: Laugh Your Way to Licensurehttps://www.therapythatworksinstitute.com/laugh-to-licensure-mftMusic by AudioCoffee: ⁠https://www.audiocoffee.net/

SummaryIn this episode, Kelli-Ann Henry and Dr. Diane Gehart PhD, LMFT discuss the findings of a recent study on the Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) exam, exploring the factors that influence passing rates. They delve into demographics, educational backgrounds, and the impact of online programs on exam success. The conversation highlights significant disparities related to age and race, as well as the challenges posed by the exam's structure and content. Dr. Gehart offers recommendations for improving the exam process to better support candidates.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Exam Discussion02:23 Research Study Insights on Exam Passing Rates06:13 Key Factors Influencing Exam Success11:10 Correlations and Non-Correlations in Exam Passing17:07 The Impact of Age and Race on Exam Outcomes24:24 Language and Class Variables in Exam Performance26:34 Recommendations for Exam Improvements28:13 Navigating the National Exam Landscape29:58 Laugh Your Way to Licensure: A Supportive Approach30:07 Closure Summary and Insight to the Next EpisodeFeatured Research Article:Licensing Exam Pass Rate Disparities in Marriage and Family Therapy: Using an Analysis of Predictive Factors to Inform a More Equitable Licensing Exam ProcessMusic by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

In this year-end episode, host Kelli-Ann Henry sits down with Rosemary Powell and Ina Qema to reflect on the highlights of the past year for the New York Marriage and Family Therapy Network (NYMFTN). From exciting updates to important milestones, this conversation covers the growth of the network, the initiatives that have made an impact on the community, and what’s on the horizon for 2024.Rosemary and Ina share their perspectives on the challenges faced by the MFT community, how the network has evolved, and the critical goals for the coming year. Whether you’re a seasoned therapist or just starting out in the field, this episode provides valuable insights into how NYMFTN plans to continue supporting marriage and family therapists across New York.GUESTS:Rosemary Powell, MS, LMFT Rosemary Powell is the owner of Comfort Circle MFT. Comfort Circle is a Virtual Private Practice established in 2020, during the rise of COVID-19. The impact COVID-19 had on families and individuals cannot be overemphasized, Rosemary saw a problem and was dedicated to solving this problem with her expertise.Ina Qema, LAMFTIna Qema is a LAMFT in NY where her work focuses more on couples and families. She is the co-chair for NYMFTN, an Interest Network Group of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), which advances the profession and the practice of marriage and family therapy.JOIN NYMFTN:Visit ⁠https://nymftherapistnetwork.com/⁠ for more information about our team and to join the New York Marriage and Family Therapy Network.

In this episode, Kelli-Ann Henry interviews Dr. Diane Gehart, a pioneer in the field of psychotherapy, about her transformative framework, Therapy that Works® - The Unifying Framework for Family Therapy. Dr. Gehart’s approach provides an integrative and evidence-informed model that is comprehensive enough to work with all clients.During the conversation, Dr. Gehart explains how The Unifying Framework for Family Therapy goes beyond traditional, one-size-fits-all therapy methods. This framework allows therapists to customize their approaches based on each client’s unique needs, life circumstances, and cultural context. She discusses the six elements of the Therapy that Works Unifying Framework for Family Therapy, offering insights on how to apply these elements in practice. Additionally, she highlights the four levels for conceptualizing interactional cycles related to both the “problem” and “solution” in family therapy, enabling therapists to view challenges and resolutions from multiple perspectives.Dr. Gehart also shares practical strategies for therapists to connect with clients in ways that minimize bias and foster greater understanding. She emphasizes the significance of entering the client’s worldview and meaning-making system.Kelli-Ann Henry and Dr. Diane Gehart conclude the episode by discussing the five Pillars of Wellness, which support both clinicians and clients in adopting healthy strategies that can positively enhance the therapeutic process.GUEST: Dr. Diane Gehart, PhD, LMFTDr. Diane Gehart is a Professor in the Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling Programs at California State University, Northridge, and the Director of the Institute for Therapy that Works. She has authored numerous titles including Mastering Competencies in Family Therapy, Theory and Treatment Planning in Counseling and Psychotherapy, Mindfulness for Chocolate Lovers: A Lighthearted Way to Stress Less and Savor More Each Day, and Mindfulness and Acceptance in Couple and Family Therapy, and has co-edited with Harlene Anderson Collaborative Therapy: Relationships and Conversations that Make a Difference and Collaborative-Dialogic Practice: Relationships and Conversations Across Contexts and Cultures.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: ⁠Therapy That Works Institute: https://www.therapythatworksinstitute.com/therapythatworksJOIN NYMFTN: Visit ⁠⁠https://nymftherapistnetwork.com/⁠⁠ for more information about our team and to join the New York Marriage and Family Therapy Network.

Join host Kelli-Ann Henry as she dives into the transformative updates in marriage and family therapy, highlighting the exciting expansion of diagnostic privileges for MFTs and their eligibility as Medicare providers. In this anticipated episode, New York State advocates Carol Podgorski, PhD, MPH, LMFT, and Denise Murphy McGraw, CAE, share important updates that impact MFTs.The discussion uncovers vital topics such as Medicare eligibility, diagnostic privileges, and supervision requirements. To engage listeners and spark curiosity, Kelli-Ann invites everyone to play a game of True or False, shedding light on common misconceptions. Carol Podgorski and Denise Murphy McGraw provide expert guidance, empowering MFTs to confidently navigate these significant changes.Tune in to uncover the profound implications of marriage and family therapy and discover resources that can elevate your practice. This episode is tailored for emerging MFTs and professionals eager to embrace the latest developments and inspire positive change in their field.GUESTS:Carol Podgorski, PhD, MPH, LMFTDr. Carol Podgorski is a medical family therapist and serves as a Professor and Associate Chair of Faculty Affairs in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Rochester. She is also the Director of the Finger Lakes Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease. Her academic interests focus on family therapy in dementia, medical family therapy approaches to caregiving, and the development of family systems and relationally oriented models of dementia care. Dr. Podgorski completed her doctoral degree in sociology and holds master’s degrees in Public Health and Marriage and Family Therapy.  Denise Murphy McGraw, CAEDenise Murphy McGraw is a partner at Hill, Gosdeck, McGraw & Nemeth (HGMN), where she specializes in advocating for professional attention to legislative and regulatory matters. She previously served as the legislative director for a majority member of the New York State Assembly and as the executive director of the Chamber of Commerce Alliance of New York State. Denise manages a diverse client portfolio and is actively involved in various local, state, and national not-for-profit organizations. Her areas of expertise include higher education, healthcare, and policy governance.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: MFTs in Medicare (AAMFT) Diagnostic Privilege for Certain Mental Health Practitioners (NYS Education Department)JOIN NYMFTN:Visit ⁠https://nymftherapistnetwork.com/⁠ for more information about our team and to join the New York Marriage and Family Therapy Network.

In our premiere episode, "Introducing NYMFTN," host Kelli-Ann Henry explores the valuable membership benefits of the New York Marriage and Family Therapy Network alongside guests Rosemary Powell MS, LMFT (Chair Elect), and Ina Qema, LAMFT (Co-chair). The episode reveals the new NYMFTN website through an engaging pop quiz-style discussion. Whether you're a first-year MFT student, an emerging therapist, or an experienced clinician, this episode offers something for everyone! Tune in to uncover the exciting upcoming events and opportunities that NYMFTN has in store. Discover how you can engage and become part of our community of systemic thinkers!GUESTS:Rosemary Powell, MS, LMFT Rosemary Powell is the owner of Comfort Circle MFT. Comfort Circle is a Virtual Private Practice established in 2020, during the rise of COVID-19. The impact COVID-19 had on families and individuals cannot be overemphasized, Rosemary saw a problem and was dedicated to solving this problem with her expertise.Ina Qema, LAMFTIna Qema is a LAMFT in NY where her work focuses more on couples and families. She is the co-chair for NYMFTN, an Interest Network Group of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), which advances the profession and the practice of marriage and family therapy.JOIN NYMFTN:Visit https://nymftherapistnetwork.com/ for more information about our team and to join the New York Marriage and Family Therapy Network.