In this episode of Beyond the Chair, I sit down with my longtime colleague and friend, Lluliana Flores, LCSW, to talk about decolonizing therapy, community mental health, supervision, and therapist burnout.

Together, we reflect on what it means to practice in systems that shape us and sometimes exhaust us. We explore cultural humility in the therapy room, the limitations of diagnosis, the realities of early-career supervision, and how many of us built our identities around productivity and the letters behind our names.

But underneath it all is a deeper question:

Who are we outside of the job?

This conversation is about reclaiming identity, remembering our history, reconnecting with our roots, and finding sustainable ways to remain in this field without losing ourselves in it.

If you’ve ever wondered whether burnout is about more than just workload, this one’s for you.

In this episode of Beyond the Chair, we dive into the often-overlooked topic of therapist anxiety. Whether you're a new therapist or a seasoned pro, anxiety can show up in surprising ways, especially around first-time experiences like meeting a new client, running your first group, or stepping into a new modality. Sonya reflects on her own moments of self-doubt, sharing stories that will resonate with anyone who's felt the pressure of being "perfect" in this field. She also touches on the importance of normalizing these feelings, acknowledging that they’re part of the journey for all therapists.

The episode we briefly discuss the upcoming deep dive into the documentary Evil Influencer: The Jody Hildebrandt Story. Make sure to check out the discussion questions for that at @thetherapistcompanion on Instagram.

As always: Beyond the Chair is intended for informational purposes only. The content shared in this podcast is not a substitute for supervision, professional advice, or counseling. Listeners are encouraged to seek supervision and adhere to ethical guidelines in their practice. The goal of this podcast is to spark thoughtful conversation and provide insights, but it should not be used as a replacement for individualized clinical support. Always prioritize the well-being of your clients and stay aligned with the ethical standards of your profession.

This special episode explores social justice through the lens of counseling ethics, current events, and clinician responsibility. She reflects on the current political and social climate, discusses how systemic harm and fear impact clients and communities, and challenges counselors to show up ethically, compassionately, and consistently—regardless of personal beliefs. The episode also offers practical ways therapists can support clients, engage in advocacy, and care for themselves during unprecedented times.

• (00:00:01) - Sonia Anderson Hale on Her Voice
• (00:01:58) - Counseling Ethics
• (00:04:58) - Counselors Speak Out About ICE and Protests in Minnesota
• (00:14:37) - What Do We Do If Our Clients Strike?