Episode 146: Shattering the Status Quo on How NOT to be the Typical Psychotherapist
Podcast: Private Practice Startup
Hosts: Dr. Kate Campbell & Katie Lemieux
Guests: Ernesto Segismundo Jr., LMFT & Talia Bombola, AMFT
Release Date: July 27, 2019
Overview
This episode is a vibrant, honest discussion about redefining what it means to be a psychotherapist in today’s world. Hosts Kate and Katie are joined by returning guest Ernesto Segismundo Jr. and first-timer Talia Bombola for an energetic and laughter-filled conversation on breaking away from traditional norms, choosing authenticity, and building community within the mental health field. Using their experiences from the "Not Your Typical Psychotherapist Summit," they explore how clinicians can embrace their unique selves, challenge the status quo, and support each other’s growth in business and personal development.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
The Origin of "Not Your Typical Psychotherapist" (04:07–07:09)
- Authenticity and Creativity: Ernesto shares how clients recognized him as "not the typical counselor" due to his direct style, openness about side ventures (like videography and teaching), and authentic self-expression—even swearing in sessions.
- Community Celebration: The Not Your Typical Psychotherapist movement and summit were created to foster a community where clinicians celebrate ethical and legal practice while also embracing their individuality.
- Quote: “We are going to be ethical and legal, but we’re also going to be ourselves and not afraid of the status quo.” — Ernesto (05:35)
- Entrepreneurial Insomnia: The group jokes about the phenomenon of being kept awake by big, creative ideas (07:09).
Talia’s Journey: Shattering her Own Status Quo (07:22–11:46)
- Background Shift: Talia initially intended to enter law enforcement because she craved challenge and wanted to stand out. She ultimately realized she could have a big impact as an authentic therapist.
- Quote: “I realized that I could protect people in society by being more authentic as a therapist.” — Talia (09:00)
- Practicing Differently: During her training, Talia maintained a high client load, ran groups, juggled multiple jobs, and consistently broke limits others placed on her.
- Building a Brand: Talia now operates an e-commerce business, hosts podcasts, and mentors grads—all as a pre-licensed therapist.
Vulnerability and Support as Keys to Growth (12:13–13:02)
- Talia’s Advice: She recommends self-therapy, learning to ask for help, and vulnerability, especially when shattering stigmas or pushing beyond comfort zones.
- Quote: “You are enough and you are worth it to try, and even if you fail, you just figured out another way that doesn’t work.” — Talia (12:46)
Mentorship and Navigating Success (13:07–16:28)
- Mentor-Mentee Relationship: Ernesto describes the emotional complexity of watching mentees succeed—wanting to protect them from negativity, but also knowing it’s part of growth.
- Quote: “As you shine brighter, people are going to come after you…” — Ernesto (15:15)
- Guiding the Next Generation: He emphasizes pushing new clinicians to break molds and create their personal paths.
Defining "Not So Typical Psychotherapist" (16:40–17:39)
- Authenticity in Practice: Talia refuses to “wear a different hat” in the therapy room, prioritizing being “herself” with clients over putting on a clinical persona.
- Quote: “It’s the authenticity and having the confidence ... being yourself ... not afraid to show that to clients, because that’s what clients need.” — Talia (16:51)
Rethinking Supervision and the Value of Authenticity (19:54–22:10)
- Beyond Cases and Diagnoses: The hosts and guests stress the importance of supervisors addressing clinicians’ humanity, not just case details. Personal development is essential for effective practice and business.
- Quote: “To be a well-rounded therapist ... we need to talk about other things. Sometimes that’s private practice, sometimes it’s marketing, sometimes it’s the self.” — Katie (19:54)
The Role of Branding from an Authentic Place (22:10–22:17)
- Digging Deeper: Ernesto highlights the importance of self-awareness and working from one’s "shadow side" to achieve genuine authenticity in therapy and business branding.
Impact of Authenticity: From Summit to Community (25:44–34:08)
- Summit Design: Ernesto explains his intent for the Not Your Typical Psychotherapist Summit—to create a connected, “level playing field” community where doctors, seasoned clinicians, and students interact as equals.
- Quote: “You are not typical. You are human first and then your business, your career, later.” — Ernesto (28:59)
- Emotional Impact: Both hosts and Talia share how the summit allowed them to be liberated, inspired, and “infused with energy.”
- Quote: “You liberated the whole room by showing up authentically as who you are…” — Katie (29:54)
- Community over Competition: The environment celebrated ideas and mutual support, rather than competition.
Overcoming External Critique and Haters (30:28–31:29)
- Owning the "Friend Summit": Ernesto shrugs off criticism that the event seemed like “just friends coming together”—deliberately fostering a supportive, positive community.
- Quote: “Do you want to have all the haters in one room? What the hell?” — Ernesto (31:07)
The Power of Networking and Restorative Processing (31:32–33:13)
- Talia on the Summit: The intense energy and meaningful connections at the summit left her needing hours to process, but the experience reinforced her commitment to doing things her way.
Looking Forward: Conference Expansion and Vision (34:19–38:44)
- Big Plans for 2020: Next year’s summit will feature even more content on systems and money—focusing on how therapists can make their businesses work for them, not the other way around. Keynote: Mike Michalowicz (author of Profit First & Clockwork).
- Quote: “We’re just gonna give more content … create systems that would not have you work so hard in your business, but letting your business work for you.” — Ernesto (35:08)
- More Inclusion: Presenters will include pre-licensed clinicians and established therapists together, highlighting all levels of professional development.
Talia’s Business: Swag for Therapy (41:25–42:01)
- E-commerce Growth: Talia proudly wears and sells shirts like "Setting boundaries like it’s my job," living her brand as a not-so-typical therapist.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
| Time | Speaker | Quote/Highlight | |:----:|:--------|:---------------| | 04:07 | Ernesto | “Not your typical psychotherapist is ... a celebration of community ... clinicians who are just doing things outside of the norm.” | | 12:46 | Talia | “You are enough and you are worth it to try, and even if you do fail, you just figured out another way that doesn’t work.” | | 15:15 | Ernesto | “As you shine brighter, people are going to come after you ... I want to cheer her on, but at the same time, it’s like, you’re going to have a lot of people going, I want what you have.” | | 16:51 | Talia | “It’s the authenticity and having the confidence ... not afraid to show that to clients, because that’s what clients need.” | | 28:59 | Ernesto | “You are not normal. You are not typical. You are human first and then your business, your career, later.” | | 29:54 | Katie | “You liberated the whole room by showing up authentically as who you are, which gave us permission to do the same.” | | 31:07 | Ernesto | “Do you want to have all the haters in one room? ... Of course [it] should feel like we are all friends in the room.” | | 35:08 | Ernesto | “We’re just gonna give more content that would help you create systems that would not have you work so hard in your business, but letting your business work for you.” | | 41:25 | Talia | Shirt: “Setting boundaries like it’s my job.” (She wears it with clients and sells it at therapywithtalia.com) |
Important Timestamps
- [04:07] Ernesto describes the birth of “Not Your Typical Psychotherapist.”
- [09:07] Talia’s turning point: choosing therapy over law enforcement.
- [12:13] Talia’s top three tools for breaking stigma.
- [16:40] Talia defines what it means to be an authentic, not-so-typical psychotherapist.
- [19:54] Discussion on expanding supervision to personal development.
- [25:44] Summit structure and intentionally building a safe, level community.
- [31:32] Talia reflects on the summit’s impact: “minute by minute transformation.”
- [34:49] Preview of Not Your Typical Psychotherapist Summit 2020: themes, location, keynote.
- [41:25] Talia showcases her therapy-branded e-commerce swag.
Final Thoughts
This episode offers an inspiring, honest look at how therapists—and those in training—can break the mold and create fulfilling careers that reflect their true selves. The synergy between the hosts and their guests, and the focus on authenticity, support, and celebration of individuality, make this a must-listen (and must-read!) for anyone feeling stifled by traditional norms in therapy or business. Erasing boundaries between “the professional” and “the personal,” they illustrate that true impact—and real success—comes from embracing every aspect of who you are.
Learn more about resources, paperwork, and the signature Not Your Typical Psychotherapist Summit at:
Skip the FOMO: Be there, be authentic, and join the movement!