Michael R. Whitehead, PhD, LMFT

03/19/2026

📢 Calling all Mental Health Professionals (Trainees to Retirees)
I have been incredibly fortunate in my career to have never experienced exploitative training or employment practices. However, as I’ve supervised new professionals and hired providers for my own practice, I have been both appalled and surprised by the stories they share about their past experiences.

It has become clear that many practices our field considers "normal", like "pay-to-work" schemes to unmanageable caseloads, are actually deeply exploitative.

I am developing a training titled "Beyond the 'Rite of Passage': Ethical Boundaries Against Clinician Exploitation" to help others identify these red flags and protect their careers.

I would LOVE your help: I am looking to gather real-life experiences from providers.

Note: I am not looking for the names of specific clinics or practices. I am seeking general descriptions of the types of experiences you've had.

This survey is completely anonymous. Your stories will help me create a training that challenges the status quo and protects the next generation of therapists.

🔗 Share your experience here:

I'm trying to gather Real Life experiences of therapists/counselors who believe that they have experienced exploitation in their career. This information is completely anonymous. Only provide your email address at the end if you would like to receive a link to the recorded presentation. The first se...

03/11/2026

Don’t get locked out! 🚨

Advanced registration for my upcoming training goes live to our email community this Friday. Because we prioritize a high-impact learning environment, spots are strictly limited and are expected to fill quickly.

If you aren’t on the list, you risk missing the opportunity to join us. Sign up now to get the link first.

Here is the link to sign up: https://www.aspengrovetherapy.com/2026-play-therapy-ces/

02/28/2026

🗓️ 2026 Play Therapy Training Dates are LOCKED!

Hi everyone! I’ve officially finalized my training schedule for the upcoming year, and I couldn't be more excited. I have over 60 contact hours of Play Therapy CEs planned, and the dates are now 100% set.

I am fully committed to this schedule, so you can add these dates to your calendar with total confidence. Because space is limited for each session, I’m offering a "heads-up" list for those who want to secure their spot before the general public.

✨ Early Access Opportunity
Want to beat the rush? Sign up on the website to receive a one-week notification before registration links go public.

👉 https://www.aspengrovetherapy.com/2026-play-therapy-ces/

What’s Next?
Pricing and specific course details will be posted on the website shortly as they are finalized. In the meantime, please save the dates and let me know if you have any questions in the comments!

Thanks,

Dr. Whitehead

02/22/2026

In addition to my book on ISPT, I have had the privilege to work on a chapter in another important book for therapists! Thank you Dr. Cobb for the invite to contribute to this important volume!

It is full of great resources. Be sure to grab yourself a copy!

https://www.amazon.com/Therapists-Notebook-Teletherapy-Children-Adolescents/dp/1032362405

01/23/2026

New Offering: The Relationship Mini-Marathon ⏱️❤️

Is an hour a week not cutting it? I’m now booking 3-4 hour intensive sessions for couples who want to make significant progress in a single afternoon.

The best part? I’m offering these at a short-term discount as I wrap up my final Gottman Certification credentials.

✅ PhD-level expertise ✅ Research-based Gottman interventions ✅ 4 hours of focused, systemic work ✅ Limited-time certification pricing

Appointment options:
- Thursdays: 3pm to 8pm or
- Saturdays: 10am to 2pm

Contact me here to reserve your spot: https://www.aspengrovetherapy.com/marathon-couple-therapy-interest-form/

12/18/2025

Recently received feedback from my PESI presentation! Check them out (along with other feedback received)!

12/13/2025

Register now to not miss out on this important conference!

Here is the link: https://my.pesi.partners/78BBGDM/2SWXXJN/

10/30/2025

If you haven't had a chance to read my book yet, now is the time to get it. It is currently topping the Amazon Best Sellers lists for the following categories:

#1: Counseling Children
#2: Adolescent Counseling

And is #1 as a new release in the following categories:

- Counseling
- Adolescent Counseling
- Mental Illness
- Adolescent Psychology

10/28/2025

Today, I presented for the Systemic Family Therapy Conference on my approach (ISPT). I recorded a similar presentation and turned it into a free intro course to my book and my approach.

I encourage anyone interested in the book to take a chance to explore the recording.

This recorded workshop introduces clinicians to ISPT, and the contents of my book, Treating Children with Disruptive Behavior Disorders: An Integrative Play

10/27/2025

Only 1 day left before this book is available to the public!

If you work with or have children who express oppositional, defiant, aggressive, or violent behaviors, discover the hope, healing, and transformation that is possible from using Integrative Systemic Play Therapy!

Order here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1683738675

10/27/2025

The AAMFT Virtual Systemic Family Therapy Conference is tomorrow!

So excited for this presentation and the official release of my book on ISPT.

During my presentation I will provide an overview of Integrative Systemic Play Therapy. Join me to see how each phase of ISPT is specifically designed to reverse systemic changes that take place in families who experience children with Disruptive Behavior Disorders.

10/26/2025

Only 2 days left before this book is available to the public!

If you work with or have children who express oppositional, defiant, aggressive, or violent behaviors, don't miss out on the opportunity to "see, hear, and understand" who these wonderful human beings are.

Order here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1683738675