Mental Health Quest: The therapists office and beyond!

You're adventuring through the wilds of your therapeutic practice when the DM asks you to make a “COUPLE'S THERAPY CHECK” and you're not sure you've got enough ranks in that skill… …we discuss the importance of getting proper training when working with couples and children, figuring out your environment, and how to be therapist in this second part of our special episode with Hannah Espinoza & Brittany Brownfield of Popcorn Psychology https://www.instagram.com/popcornpsychology/ https://www.instagram.com/mhqpodcast/

So you're not sure what type of therapy you want to try, so you ask the DM. “MAKE A THERAPY CHECK,” they respond. You roll the d20 and it lands on… …a special two-part episode with Hannah Espinoza & Brittany Brownfield of Popcorn Psychology where we dive into various therapeutic modalities and their applications. Popcorn Psychology's IG Mental Health Quest's IG

You see it's terrible claws… Swishing tail in the darkness… and that terrible, blood-curdling sound… “Meow!”  So, okay. Let's say you want to get over your fear of kittens. Special guest Dr. Yoni Sobin explains how exposure therapy can help!  Follow Dr. Sobin on IG @nerd_therapist & at https://www.sobinpsychology.com/ 

You've been working on changing some habits and have been making good progress. You settle in, when suddenly… EXTINCTION BURST APPEARS, threatening to derail your progress. Never fear! Special guest Dr. Isaac Taitz tags in to help you defeat this psychological mini boss and offers insight into Image Rehearsal Therapy (IRT), intention setting, sleep hygiene, and lucid dreaming. Learn more about Isaac @All Mind Health on all of the socials and at https://allmindhealth.com

Roll a Nat. 20 for your mental health using therapeutically-applied roleplaying games! Super Special Secret "Guest" *and regular host* Charlene MacPherson specializes in combining roleplaying games like Dungeons & Dragons with therapy. In this episode, she explains how this works and how it can help you navigate tricky situations in your life. 

Hey, what's up with Boromir? What's going on with Hobbit families? Why IS Gandalf grey? Listen and find out!  This special episode features a panel Benjamin hosted at Los Angeles Comic Con about psychology and mental health in the Lord of the Rings.  The panel features guests Dr. Isaac Taitz (All Mind Health), Justine Mastin LMFT (Starship Therapise & Dark Side of the Mat), Larissa Garski LMFT (Starship Therapise), and Dr. Scott Jordan (Dark Loops Productions). You can watch the video of this panel here!

Dr. Janina Scarlet is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, an award-winning author, TEDx speaker, and a creativity coach. She immigrated to the United States from Ukraine at the age of 12 with her family and later, inspired by the X-Men, developed Superhero Therapy to help patients with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Dr. Scarlet is the recipient of the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award by the United Nations Association for her work on Superhero Therapy.  Her work has been featured on Yahoo, BBC, NPR, Sunday Times, CNN, CW, ABC, The New York Times, Forbes, and many other outlets. She regularly consults on books and television shows, including HBO's The Young Justice. She was also portrayed as a comic book character in Gail Simone's Seven Days graphic novel. Dr. Scarlet currently works at the Trauma and PTSD Healing Center in San Diego. Superhero Therapy http://www.superhero-therapy.com/ Josue Cardona ____ Geek Therapy https://geektherapy.org/

Patricia Elizarraraz is a licensed clinical social worker. She has over 15 years of social work experience across hospital, community, and private practice settings. Drawn to the field of mental health early on, Ms. Elizarraraz completed her Bachelor of science in Human services at cal state university Fullerton in 2006. She then obtained her Masters of Social Work from cal state university Fullerton in 2009.  She has experience working with schizophrenic clients in a hospital and mental health setting for over 10 years. She has gone on to complete additional training in a wide variety of areas, including trauma focused behavioral cognitive therapy, parent child interaction therapy and functional family therapy.  When she's not seeing patients, Ms. Elizarraraz enjoys hiking, dancing, and travelling as often as possible. As always thank you to our Audio Editor Natalie Jones! You can find her portfolio at natjonesdesigner.com

Natalie is an Associate Clinical Social Worker with a Masters in Social Work from California State University, Fullerton. She works from a non-judgemental, collaborative, trauma-informed, attachment based lens. She has experience working with individuals who suffer from depression, anxiety, substance abuse issues, co-dependency, relationship issues, survivors of trauma bonds/abusive relationships, parenting challenges, anger, low self-esteem, grief, ADHD, PTSD, and complex PTSD. Natalie uses an open, integrative form of psychotherapy that adapts to the unique needs of each specific client.   Follow her on Instagram @therapy.with.natalie_   As always thank you to our Audio Editor Natalie Jones! You can find her portfolio at natjonesdesigner.com

Stephanie Sarmiento, MA, LMFT (she/her/hers) Stephanie is dual licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Clinical Counselor based in Southern California. She received her Master's in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine GSEP and proudly serves her alma mater as an Adjunct Professor. She worked in Applied Behavior Analysis for five years before discovering her passion for working in trauma and addiction. She is a certified Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapist and yoga teacher, and incorporates her experiences in mind-body practices throughout her therapeutic work. Stephanie finds it especially important to explore the influence of the social injustices, intergenerationality, and cultural and socioeconomic complexities of the human experience to address a big picture perspective on her client's adversities. Her current work focuses on an integrative, collaborative approach that highlights her client's unique set of gifts to recovery, healing and self-agency. When she's not connecting with family and friends, she connects back to herself by soaking up the sun, getting lost in books and new cities, and teaching her pup all the silliest tricks!   As always thank you to our Audio Editor Natalie Jones! You can find her portfolio at natjonesdesigner.com

Aliyah is a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist in Orange County currently finishing up her doctoral degree (PsyD). She enjoys supporting her clients in stepping into their power and taking back their autonomy from trauma saturated stories. She recently has been certified as an Autism disorder clinical Specialist. What inspired her to step into this work is that she recently discovered that she is autistic and has found so much healing and validation from acknowledging her neurodivergence and finding ways to gently support her mind and body in ways that actually work for her. She now is able to support her clients in a similar way and learn from them as Autistic individuals are all unique and always the expert of their own healing journey.   As always thank you to our Audio Editor Natalie Jones! You can find her portfolio at natjonesdesigner.com

Dr. Isaac Y. Taitz is a clinical psychologist, published author, researcher, and speaker who treats a wide variety of issues, with specialties in sleep treatment and solution-focused therapy for patients of all ages. He earned his Ph.D. and M.S. in Clinical Psychology from Palo Alto University and his B.S. with honors in Human Development from Cornell University. He treats patients struggling with depression, anxiety, inattention, impulsivity, pain, concussion, bereavement, relationships, and autism spectrum behaviors.   Dr. Taitz specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i; the gold standard for insomnia treatment), Imagery Rehearsal Therapy (empirically proven for nightmare reduction), and Lucid Dreaming Therapy (a new treatment using your awareness of being in a dream).    Dr. Taitz uses solution-focused therapy to build on all clients' strengths with empathy and occasionally humor. He connects with youth through their favorite media and pop culture to develop creative solutions for personal and interpersonal success.    As always thank you to our Audio Editor Natalie Jones! You can find her portfolio at natjonesdesigner.com

Quite fitting for the current times! Join Charlene MacPherson LCSWC, Benjamin Taitz Registered Psychological Assistant, and our special expert guest Dr. Nicole Hassler as we talk about borderline personality symptoms and treatments.   Dr. Hassler is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist hailing from Buffalo, NY. She is trained in multiple therapy modalities, specifically Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.  Dr. Hassler received her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Medalille College in December of 2018; however, has been treating patients since 2013 in various settings such as schools, psychiatric hospitals, private practices, and state and private agencies for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her focus is mainly on treating children and adolescents struggling with anxiety, depression, and trauma; however, does work with adults struggling with similar disorders as well as personality disorders. Dr. Hassler identifies herself as a full-time geek whose heart has been claimed by all things Batman. In addition, she enjoys all things Marvel and has a penchant for building Lego. Dr. Hassler currently works in private practice incorporating all things geeky into her therapy. GO BILLS!!   As always thank you to our Audio Editor Natalie Jones! You can find her portfolio at natjonesdesigner.com  

In this episode, we cover what is Bipolar, what are the different types of Bipolar, what the best treatment is, as well as combat the stigma surrounding the diagnosis. Come join Charlene MacPherson, LCSWC, Benjamin Taitz Registered Psychological Assistant, and our special expert guest Dr. Kristina Tyler, Licensed Psychologist as we explore Bipolar symptoms and treatment.    Dr. Kristina Tyler is licensed as a psychologist in California and in Texas. She works in full-time private practice, as both a clinical and a forensic psychologist.  Dr. Tyler's forensic work includes testifying as an expert in child development, domestic violence, child abuse, immigration, and trauma issues. She provides mental health and risk assessments in various settings. She has presented nationally and internationally on several topics. She worked for 5 years managing crisis teams, conducting and overseeing suicide and homicide risk assessments. She has taught psychology classes at the college level for 25 years. She has served as the President of the Orange County Psychological Association, the Ethics Committee Chair, and the Legislative Advocacy Chair. She has conducted more than 3000 clinical and forensic mental health evaluations and also testifies as an expert in psychological testing. Dr. Tyler's clinical work primarily involves working with difficult populations such as children and adolescents with behavior disorders, self-harm behaviors, and chronic suicidality, however, her primary clinical specialization is bipolar disorder, with children and adolescents as well as adults.   As always thank you to our Audio Editor Natalie Jones! You can find her portfolio at natjonesdesigner.com   Show Notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/104QExucDAujeDqmlFi0X5D4L2A9ht8IVG95dhbFbPOc/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode, we cover what Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is and what the best treatment is. Come join Charlene MacPherson, LCSWC, Benjamin Taitz Registered Psychological Assistant, and our special expert guest Dr. Janina Scarlett, Licenced Clinical Psychologist where we get extra nerdy talking about Superhero Therapy and how it helps clients process PTSD!   Bio for Dr. Janina Scarlett: Dr. Janina Scarlet is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, author, TEDx speaker, and a full-time geek. A Ukrainian-born refugee, she survived Chernobyl radiation and persecution. She immigrated to the United States at the age of 12 with her family and later, inspired by the X-Men, developed Superhero Therapy to help patients with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Dr. Scarlet is the recipient of the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award by the United Nations Association for her work on Superhero Therapy.  Her work has been featured on Yahoo, BBC, NPR, Sunday Times, CNN, CW, ABC, The New York Times, Forbes, and many other outlets. She regularly consults on books and television shows, including HBO's The Young Justice. She was also portrayed as a comic book character in Gail Simone's Seven Days graphic novel. Dr. Scarlet currently works at the Center for Stress and Anxiety Management in San Diego. As always thank you to our Audio Editor Natalie Jones! You can find her portfolio at natjonesdesigner.com Show notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dCAf_oCDWpbv3ncbYRBiHAWyvC_v8OtUrL6vSMfLELo/edit?usp=sharing

Come join Charlene MacPherson, LCSWC, Benjamin Taitz Registered Psychological Assistant, and our special expert guest Dr. Yoni Sobin in on our conversation about Anxiety! We discuss what anxiety is, what it feels like, what the different types of anxiety are, and what treatment is available right now! Get to know a little bit more about our special expert guest! Dr. Sobin is a licensed Clinical Psychologist trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), or science-talk for “let's look at your unhelpful thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and get you some more helpful ones.”   He received his doctoral degree from the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology in June of 2016 and has been providing care for patients since 2012. Dr. Sobin is a generalist, who focuses on treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Tourette's/Tic Disorders, ADHD, and generalized anxiety. In his spare time, Dr. Sobin is an avid nerd and loves Lord of the Rings and all things Marvel and DC. He also goes by the moniker "The Nerd Therapist in New York City". You can find Dr. Sobin @nerd_therapist on Instagram, @NerdPsychology on Facebook, and @nerdtherapist on Twitch! As always thank you to our Audio Editor Natalie Jones!    Show Notes! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dCAf_oCDWpbv3ncbYRBiHAWyvC_v8OtUrL6vSMfLELo/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode, come join Charlene MacPherson, LCSWC, Benjamin Taitz, Registered Psychological Assistant, and special guest expert Dr. Christine Lillja, PsyD, and LMFT as we discuss what depression is and what current treatments are available! Dr. Christine Lillja has lived in Orange County her entire life and loves the people and climate here. She is both a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, with expertise in trauma and severe depression. She has been married for 25 years and has two sons, ages 18 and 21, who keep her simultaneously young as well as turning her hair gray. In her spare time, she likes to play piano, write short stories/poetry, and take her 120-pound rescue dog for walks.   Show Notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OEE5BHXFv3KHOatNogj9_XGOOwyPlbiPkGGq0jAHDvk/edit?usp=sharing

Join Benjamin and Charlene on our voyage through different levels of therapeutic care! In this episode, we start with the least restrictive/lower levels of care and work our way up to the most restrictive/higher levels of care. We also cover some history about Mental Health Treatment in the USA!

Come join Charlene and Benjamin on our new episode on How therapy actually works! In this episode, we cover some common myths about therapy expectations(3:50), The ability to learn new things called Neuroplasticity (26:00), and why therapy feels is uncomfortable sometimes (37:10)!   And as promised NOTES!! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MGyitUBX27_0niNdtzeWJcdT6kTLEJUZnA6caaiRmd0/edit

Thanks so much for listening! In this episode, Benjamin and Charlene cover barriers to therapy and how you might overcome them(5:43). We also talk about what makes a good therapist (20:04) and what to do if your therapist isn't a good fit (48:10)!   Show Notes! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jImQgy7-SUiFpAl5dDnVp4lP1vqKR5GlMxs6TxTNMuk/edit?usp=sharing

Hello Everyone!    In this episode, we introduce ourselves to the world! We will talk about who we are, why we are starting this podcast, and who should listen!

In this episode, we discuss questions to ask that will help you decide if you need therapy (2:45). We also have a step-by-step guide on how to find a therapist in your area, how to narrow down your search, and how to find someone who takes your insurance(10:45). And lastly, we cover what to expect in an intake and questions to ask during your first session (44:25)!   As promised here are our show notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1slCE3dCcr7093chrY9Jm0G9TrR2sTYysAPtBibOuYlg/edit?usp=sharing