We’re therapists. We’re human. Let’s talk about both.

Let’s Talk About It

Welcome to The Unmasked Therapist, a podcast where we take off the professional mask and have honest conversations about what it really means to be a therapist.

Because here’s the thing: You can know all the theories, practice all the interventions, and follow all the ethical guidelines – and still wonder whether you’re doing this whole therapist thing right.

We’re here to talk about that.

What We’re Unpacking

What Happens When Therapists Take Off the Mask?

Somewhere between graduate school, clinical training, and sitting across from our first clients, many of us develop an idea of what a good therapist is supposed to look like.

Calm. Confident. Unshakable. Always knowing the right thing to say.

But what happens when the person behind the therapist doesn’t fit neatly into that picture?

That’s where The Unmasked Therapist Podcast comes in.

Hosted by clinical supervisors Kim Rippy, LPC, and Kaitlyn Steel, LMFT, of Keystone Therapy Group, this podcast creates space for conversations about authenticity, vulnerability, professional growth, and the human experiences that shape us as clinicians.

We’re especially passionate about helping graduate students, residents, and early-career therapists discover that becoming an effective clinician isn’t about becoming someone else. It’s about learning to bring more of yourself into the therapy room—thoughtfully, ethically, and intentionally.

And while we may be clinical supervisors, we’re still learning, growing, and figuring things out ourselves.

A Little Preview of What’s Ahead

In this short introduction, we share the heart behind The Unmasked Therapist and what you can expect from the conversations to come.

Meet the therapists behind the microphones. Get introduced to Kim and Kaitlyn, two clinical supervisors who believe the person behind the therapist matters just as much as the techniques they use.

Authenticity isn’t the opposite of professionalism. Explore why showing up as your genuine self, within appropriate ethical boundaries, can strengthen therapeutic relationships.

Vulnerability has a place in clinical growth. Becoming a therapist means confronting uncertainty, recognizing your own emotional responses, and giving yourself permission to keep learning.

You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Through honest conversations and professional reflection, we hope to make the journey from graduate student to confident clinician feel a little less isolating.

Meet Your Hosts

Kim Rippy, LPC, MA

Kim is a Licensed Professional Counselor, clinical supervisor, and owner of Keystone Therapy Group in Burke, Virginia. Her approach to therapy and supervision emphasizes authenticity, self-awareness, and understanding the person behind the clinician.

Kaitlyn Steel, LMFT, MS

Kaitlyn is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and clinical supervisor at Keystone Therapy Group. She brings a relational, attachment-informed perspective to conversations about therapist development, meaningful connection, and the complexities of clinical work.

Together, we’re challenging the idea that therapists have to hide their humanity to be effective.

Keep the Conversation Going

The trailer is just the beginning.

Join us as we explore the questions, contradictions, insecurities, and experiences that don’t always make it into textbooks or supervision notes.

Whether you’re still in graduate school, navigating residency, newly licensed, or years into your career, there’s room for you in this conversation.

You don’t have to have it all figured out to be a good therapist.

[Explore All Podcast Episodes]

New conversations every Monday. Follow The Unmasked Therapist wherever you listen to podcasts.

Resources & Ways to Connect

Interested in clinical supervision or professional growth?

Explore Clinical Supervision at Keystone Therapy Group.

Follow the conversation

Instagram: @TheUnmaskedTherapist

Email: Supervision@KeystoneTherapyGroup.com

Disclaimer: The Unmasked Therapist Podcast is intended for educational purposes only and does not replace clinical supervision. The views shared reflect the hosts’ individual perspectives and should not be interpreted as legal or clinical directives.