It's All Relational

Before she became one of the most influential voices in psychotherapy, Dr. Diane Gehart was a University of Washington student who almost ended up at the CIA! 👀 In this keynote preview episode, Dr. Gehart joins us to talk about her journey and the work she has dedicated her career to: a Unifying Framework for Psychotherapy that brings together over 500 recognized psychotherapy theories into somet...

The 2026 WAMFT Annual Conference is coming and we're getting a sneak peek. I sat down with Claudia Johnson to talk all things Roots of Connection: Deepening Systemic Practice in Changing Times , happening September 25–26 at Great Wolf Lodge and virtually across Washington. From the three conference tracks to what makes this year's gathering especially meaningful, this episode is your insid...

WAMFT's own foreign correspondent checks in from Bergen, Norway. In this episode, we send our regards overseas as Henry Phillips brings us a firsthand dispatch from the International Family Therapy Association World Congress in Bergen, Norway. As WAMFT's unofficial correspondent on the ground, Henry sat in the rooms where the global conversation about family therapy is happening, and he's here to...

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...

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 shapi...

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 Diag...

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 level How members c...

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 prom...

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...

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 l...

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 i...

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 a...

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 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...

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, e...

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...

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...

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. F...

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...

We’re thrilled to introduce It’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 profession So hit that follow button, stay tuned for our first full episode, an...