Burnout and Bullshit: Real Stories from the Mental Health Field
Burnout and Bullshit: Real Stories from the Mental Health Field
Podcast Description
Burnout & Bullshit is a therapist-powered podcast exposing what’s really happening in grad programs, internships, agencies, and private practice. Hosted by Kayla Schubert Wirth, LCSW, this show features real stories (anonymous or not), red flag breakdowns, and what ethical leadership actually looks like. If you’ve ever questioned the system—or yourself—you’re not alone. This is where we talk about it.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast tackles key issues like therapist burnout, toxic workplace culture, and ethical leadership. Episodes cover diverse topics such as the myths of 'toxicity from below', the financial realities of being a 1099 therapist, and the systemic failures in training new therapists, with specific examples shared by guests revealing harsh truths and personal stories.
Burnout & Bullshit is a therapist-powered podcast exposing what’s really happening in grad programs, internships, agencies, and private practice. Hosted by Kayla Schubert Wirth, LCSW, this show features real stories (anonymous or not), red flag breakdowns, and what ethical leadership actually looks like. If you’ve ever questioned the system—or yourself—you’re not alone. This is where we talk about it.
Title:
Supervision Lies, Noncompetes, and 1099 Scams: Red Flags New Therapists Need to Know
Description:
Tired of being told you're not ”supervisor material”? Burned out by unethical leadership and broken promises? This episode of Burnout & Bullshit is your unfiltered look at the red flags no one warned you about in grad school.
Host Kayla Schubert-Wirth, LCSW, sits down with Samantha Willi, LPCC-S, a licensed therapist and group practice owner in Ohio, to unpack the shady side of community mental health and private practice—including:
✅ Being denied supervision training with the excuse, “You’ll never be a supervisor.”
✅ Getting forced to stay late in pitch-black buildings—because “the schedule matters more.”
✅ Learning how many group practices misuse the 1099 contractor label (and why it’s a legal mess).
If you're a therapist navigating burnout, toxic work environments, or the confusing world of W2 vs. 1099 roles, this episode is a must-listen.
Key Topics:
- Therapist burnout and ethical supervision
- Noncompete clauses and legal red flags in private practice
- What every early-career therapist should know about contractor roles (1099 vs W2)
- How to advocate for yourself and build a values-driven career in mental health
- Creating safe, affirming, and authentic workplaces for therapists and clients
About the Guest:
Samantha Willi, LPCC-S, is the owner of CLE Counseling and Wellness Center, where she leads with transparency and authenticity. She supervises interns and licensed clinicians, fights against unethical systems, and helps build sustainable careers in the mental health field.
Website: counselinginthecle.com
🔹 Work with Kayla
Burned out by broken systems? Let’s build a practice that actually works for you.
👉 https://www.gritandgracepsychotherapy.com/coaching
💌 Be Part of the Show:
📝 Apply to be a guest:
https://forms.gle/fvm82tXdhRmpZ2TE7
🕵️♀️ Submit a story anonymously:
https://forms.gle/snoC3Qiz2WxCMKW57
📬 Join Kayla’s Email List for therapist support, raw stories, and no-BS biz tips:
https://kaylaschubertwirth.myflodesk.com/overit
📲 Tag us on Instagram @therapy_with_kayla
This podcast includes personal opinions and experiences shared by guests and anonymous contributors. All identifying details may be changed to protect confidentiality. These stories are intended for educational and storytelling purposes and are not meant to defame, accuse, or harm any person or organization. Any resemblance to real persons or entities is purely coincidental.
Disclaimer
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