In this follow-up episode of the Unmasked Therapist podcast, Clinical Supervisors Kim Rippy and Kaitlyn Steel move beyond recognizing role drift to explore the next essential question: What do you do once you notice it?

Building on their previous discussion about the distinction between stepping outside your role and practicing outside your scope, Kim and Kaitlyn focus on the process of repair, reflection, and re-alignment. They examine how supervision can serve as a grounding first step, offering space to slow down, explore emotional reactions, and reconnect with clinical intention rather than urgency.

Through thoughtful dialogue and practical examples, this episode highlights the reality that role drift is not a failure but a moment of information. Kim and Kaitlyn discuss how clinicians can approach these moments with curiosity rather than shame, navigate conversations with clients transparently, and model flexibility without abandoning professional boundaries.

Together, they emphasize that ethical practice is not defined by perfection but by responsiveness — the willingness to pause, seek support, acknowledge missteps, and thoughtfully move forward. This conversation invites clinicians to view course correction as an integral part of authentic therapeutic work rather than something to avoid.

• Why noticing role drift is an opportunity for reflection rather than self-criticism• How clinical supervision supports ethical realignment and perspective-taking• Practical considerations for addressing role shifts with clients• The importance of transparency, humility, and modeling repair in therapy• Reframing course correction as a core clinical skill• How flexibility and boundaries can coexist in authentic therapeutic relationships

Connect with us:Supervision: www.keystonetherapygroup.com/supervision/Instagram: @TheUnmaskedTherapistEmail: Supervision@KeystoneTherapyGroup.com

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

In this episode, Clinical Supervisors ⁠⁠⁠⁠Kim Rippy, LPC⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Kaitlyn Steel, LMFT⁠⁠⁠⁠ explore one of the most subtle and challenging dynamics in clinical work: the difference between being pulled outside of your role as a therapist and practicing outside of your scope of competence. While these can appear similar on the surface, they stem from very different places — and recognizing the distinction is essential for ethical, sustainable care.

Sparked by a powerful conversation in their clinical supervision group, Kim and Kaitlyn unpack the emotional cues that often signal role drift: confusion, over-functioning, stress, and the urge to “do more” for a client. They reflect on the protector instinct that can emerge when we see pain coming before our clients do, and the discomfort clinicians feel when sitting with suffering without trying to fix it.

Together, they examine how over-identifying with the outcome, predicting consequences, or stepping into action too quickly can quietly shift the therapeutic relationship. Through practical examples and honest reflection, this episode invites clinicians to reconsider the role of discomfort in growth — for both therapist and client.

This conversation is a reminder that we are not here to rescue, predict, or protect clients from their lives — we are here to help them build the capacity to navigate it themselves.

Key Takeaways:• The difference between acting outside your role vs. outside your scope of practice• Emotional signs you may be over-functioning for a client• Why the urge to “do more” can signal role confusion• Understanding the therapist’s protector instinct• How discomfort supports growth rather than undermines it• Why sustainable therapy means resisting the urge to rescue

Connect with us:Supervision: ⁠⁠⁠www.keystonetherapygroup.com/supervision/⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@TheUnmaskedTherapist⁠⁠Email: ⁠⁠⁠Supervision@KeystoneTherapyGroup.com⁠⁠

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.

#AuthenticTherapist #ClinicalSupervision #TherapistGrowth #TherapistIdentity #ScopeOfPractice #EthicalPractice #TherapistSupport #MentalHealthProfessionals #TherapistLife #HumanCenteredTherapy

In this episode, Clinical Supervisors ⁠⁠⁠Kim Rippy, LPC⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Kaitlyn Steel, LMFT⁠ return to the mic for a more personal, reflective conversation about what it really means to show up as therapists when life feels heavy. After a difficult season and time away, Kim and Kaitlyn talk candidly about leaning on their support systems, giving themselves permission to step back, and navigating the emotional fatigue that can come from caring deeply for both clients and loved ones.

Together, they explore the difference between using work as avoidance versus engaging in therapy as a grounding, purpose-driven identity. They discuss how connection, community, and authenticity protect against burnout, and how subtle signs like fatigue, reduced attunement, or low capacity can signal the need for recalibration rather than retreat. Through honest storytelling and clinical reflection, this episode highlights the power of letting others show up for you and learning how to show up “good enough,” not perfectly.

This conversation is a reminder that therapists are human first—and that support, not self-sacrifice, sustains meaningful work.

Key Takeaways:
• Recognizing the difference between avoidance and purpose-driven engagement at work• Understanding emotional fatigue vs. burnout• Allowing yourself permission to step back without guilt• The importance of community, team support, and your “village”• Showing up authentically for clients while honoring your own limits• Reframing “good enough” care as ethical, sustainable care

Connect with us:Supervision: ⁠⁠⁠www.keystonetherapygroup.com/supervision/⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@TheUnmaskedTherapist⁠⁠Email: ⁠⁠Supervision@KeystoneTherapyGroup.com⁠

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.

#AuthenticTherapist #TherapistWellness #TherapistBurnout #ClinicalSupervision #HumanCenteredTherapy #TherapistSupport #MentalHealthProfessionals #TherapistLife #TherapistCommunity #SelfCompassion