Guidance about sorting through countless theories to find one's style, grounded in research-based approaches

Interview-style, with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT

  • Course Description

    The field psychotherapy has at least 500 recognized theories. That’s a lot of theories. It should come as no surprise that many clinicians experience confusion about where to start. Even after receiving extensive training, many still say they suffer from imposter syndrome. In this course, award-winning mental health educator Dr. Diane Gehart talks about how clinicians can best approach their work with confidence and competence, all grounded in relatable research.

  • Learning Objectives

    Upon completing this course, participants will be able to: Explain the broader context for training in psychotherapy theories, relating to evidence-based practices, insurance billing, and the medical model; Define the term 'imposter syndrome' and describe why it is more prevalent for those training in the 21st century; Describe a realistic approach for how therapists can use theory to improve client outcomes


    Target Audience and Instructional Level
    This course is intended for psychologists, therapists, social workers, clinical counselors, and addiction counselors. Instructional level: Intermediate

  • How To Take This Course

    In order to receive a certificate of completion reflecting the associated CE credit hour, you must:
    #1: Have an active Clearly Clinical membership
    #2: Listen to the corresponding course podcast
    #3: Achieve a passing grade on the post-presentation test (the test has up to ten questions and you must earn a score of at least 80%; you are able to re-test)
    #4: Complete the required course evaluation.

    Course requirements (including the course audio, post-test, and course evaluation) can be completed on a computer or mobile device via your Clearly Clinical account.

  • Course Format

    This high-quality and interesting course contains a one-hour, non-interactive audio podcast interview which is available for free via Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or your other favorite podcast providers. You can also listen to and download the file via our course player.

  • Commercial Support

    There is no known commercial support or conflict of interest for this CE program, presenter, sponsor, instructor, or content.

  • Certificate Access Details

    Once you've completed the course, your certificate will automatically populate in the 'Certificate' section of your account; it will also be emailed to you. Access to completion certificate will expire 365 days after issuance. Course certificates will be on file for ten (10) years from date of course completion.

  • Accommodations

    If you have special needs or need an accommodation, please email us at info@clearlyclinical.com and we will do our best to assist you.

Interviewee and Interviewer

Diane Gehart, PhD, LMFT #35626

Theory, Mindfulness, and Family Therapy Expert

Dr. Diane Gehart has authored over 10 books translated into numerous languages, coordinates the Marriage and Family Therapy Program at California State University, Northridge, and maintains a private practice in the Los Angeles area. Her authored works include popular books such as Mindfulness for Chocolate Lovers: A Lighthearted Way to Stress Less and Savor More Each Day and professional titles such as Mastering Competencies in Family Therapy, Collaborative Therapy: Relationships and Conversations that Make a Difference.and Mindfulness and Acceptance in Couple and Family Therapy.

Elizabeth 'Beth' Irias, MS, LMFT

Interviewer & Clearly Clinical Founder

Elizabeth 'Beth' Irias (she/her) is a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and the Founder and President of Clearly Clinical. She has specializations in Clinical Documentation, Best Practice, and Utilization Review, and works closely with clinical teams across the US as a trainer and national conference presenter; Beth was formerly an adjunct professor at Pepperdine University in the Graduate Psychology and Education department. Licensed in California and Oregon, she provides therapy via her private practice to young adult and adult clients, members of the LGBTQ population, and those with addictive disorders. She has two young children, a super cool spouse who helps out with Clearly Clinical's tech, and a rescue dog.

See why we're the country's premier CE provider

  • CONVENIENT: All courses are 1-hour podcast episodes, available on Apple Podcasts, GooglePlay, and many others

  • AFFORDABLE: We offer quality CE courses through a reasonably-priced memberhship

  • SOCIALLY-RESPONSIBLE: We donate to The Trevor Project for LGBT youth suicide prevention

  • WOMEN-OWNED: We are founded and run by Elizabeth Irias, LMFT

  • DIVERSE: We highlight experts from historically-marginalized populations

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