The Place for Therapists to Grow

In this conversation, Alyssa and Monica explore the complexities of parenting children who have experienced trauma. They discuss the various forms of trauma, the importance of family dynamics in healing, and the role of attunement in fostering connection. They also address the challenges parents face, including feelings of shame and the necessity of personal growth. The conversation emphasizes the significance of repairing relationships and building trust between parents and children as a means of supporting healing.A Hub For Counselors We equip therapists, pastors, coaches, and other helping professionals with Life Model-informed training that integrates neuroscience, spiritual maturity, emotional resilience, and relational healing.Our mission is to make this powerful framework practical, accessible, and CE-accredited — so you can grow personally, lead with clarity, and transform lives with confidence.Whether you're just discovering the Life Model or deepening your practice, you're not alone. Welcome to a community of professionals committed to lasting change.

In this conversation, Monica and Alyssa explore the complexities of marital conflict, emphasizing the influence of attachment styles and the nervous system on relationships. They discuss the importance of therapists in helping couples reconnect and navigate their conflicts, utilizing frameworks like the Life Model and Emotionally Focused Therapy. The conversation highlights the need for joy, connection, and tenderness in relationships, as well as practical strategies for couples to improve their communication and emotional intimacy.A Hub For Counselors We equip therapists, pastors, coaches, and other helping professionals with Life Model-informed training that integrates neuroscience, spiritual maturity, emotional resilience, and relational healing.Our mission is to make this powerful framework practical, accessible, and CE-accredited — so you can grow personally, lead with clarity, and transform lives with confidence.Whether you're just discovering the Life Model or deepening your practice, you're not alone. Welcome to a community of professionals committed to lasting change.

In this episode, Monica Mouer discusses the importance of multi-generational community as a pillar of life model therapy. She explores what multi-generational community is, the consequences of lacking such a community, and how to apply this concept in therapeutic practices. The conversation emphasizes the need for diverse relationships to foster emotional and psychological growth, highlighting that relationships should take precedence over problems.A Hub For Counselors

Why do some clients loop around the same issues for years while others break through? The answer often lies in what's missing at the foundation.In this episode, Monica and Alyssa unpack the Life Model's Five to Thrive — the five things every human needs to live fully alive: belonging, receiving and giving, healing, maturing, and living from true identity. They explore why the order matters (you can't heal what isn't attached), how to spot developmental trauma vs. single-incident trauma, and the uncomfortable question every therapist needs to ask: Where am I triggered?If you've ever felt frustrated with a client and didn't know why, this episode is for you.

In this episode, Monica Mouer explores the concept of a human response to God's redemptive plan , discussing the importance of understanding this in the context of through the lens of the Life Model Informed Therapy. She emphasizes the need for connection with God and others to overcome trauma and addiction, and highlights the role of joy in healing. The conversation also touches on personal stories of redemption and the importance of grace in therapy, encouraging mental health professionals to guide their clients towards a hopeful perspective.

In this conversation, Monica and Sharon explore the profound lessons learned from equine therapy, emphasizing the importance of healing trauma, building authentic relationships, and experiencing God's presence through the care of animals. They discuss the metaphor of mucking out horse stalls as a representation of addressing unhealed trauma, the significance of community in healing, and the lessons horses teach about presence and authenticity.

In this episode, Monica Mouer explores the concept of love from a Life Model perspective, emphasizing its depth, attachment, and the importance of God's model of love in counseling and community building. She discusses how love is often misunderstood in culture and highlights the significance of steadfast love, attachment pain, and the need for unconditional positive regard in therapeutic settings. The conversation encourages listeners to reflect on their own capacity to love and the transformative power of God's love in their relationships and practices.

In this episode, Monica Mouer explores the concept of 'suffering well' through the lens of the Life Model Informed Therapy. She discusses the importance of secure attachments in processing pain and how suffering can lead to wisdom when we are not alone. The conversation also delves into the consequences of not suffering well, including the development of trauma disorders, and emphasizes the need for joy and connection in overcoming life's difficulties. Finally, practical applications for both personal and professional contexts are provided, highlighting the role of mental health professionals in fostering secure attachments and resilience in their clients.

In this conversation, Monica and Christy Cole delve into the intricacies of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), exploring its foundational principles, the societal implications of over-control, and the importance of emotional regulation. They discuss the differences between healthy emotional responses and toxic positivity, the three states of mind, and the role of distress tolerance in managing self-destructive behaviors. The conversation also highlights the intersection of DBT with the Life Model, emphasizing how these frameworks can enhance therapeutic practices and foster authentic connections in relationships.

In this episode, Alyssa and Monica dive deep into one of the most transformative concepts in the Life Model: relational circuits. Understanding this brain-based framework will completely change how you intervene in difficult moments with clients—and in your own life.In this episode, you'll learn:- What relational circuits are and the neuroscience behind them- How to recognize when relational circuits are offline (in yourself and your clients)- The 6-point relational circuits checklist you can use immediately- Why we act opposite of our true identity when relational circuits are off- The four indicators that relational circuits are ON (curiosity, appreciation, kindness, engagement)- What causes relational circuits to shut down (fatigue, hunger, attachment pain, trauma)- Practical tools to help clients get their relational circuits back online- Why quieting and appreciation are essential interventions in every session- How to stay relationally present with clients even when their story triggers you

In this conversation, Jessica Waters discusses the importance of understanding a child's true identity when addressing difficult behaviors. She emphasizes that such behaviors often stem from emotional wounds and that correction should come from a place of love and affirmation of the child's worth. This approach fosters a healthier self-identity and emotional well-being in children

In this conversation, Kimberly discusses her unique approach to healing that combines indigenous wisdom, spirituality, and modern psychological techniques. She emphasizes the importance of a holistic view of the individual, integrating practices like the medicine wheel, Internal Family Systems (IFS), breath work, and EMDR to promote balance and wholeness in mental health.

In this conversation, Alyssa and Monica explore the complex emotions surrounding loneliness during the holiday season. They discuss the societal expectations of joy and the reality of many individuals feeling isolated and disconnected. The discussion delves into different types of loneliness, the impact of grief, and the importance of therapists being present and empathetic with their clients. They emphasize the need for connection, joy, and identity in overcoming loneliness, and how therapists can help clients navigate these feelings during the holidays.

In this conversation, Alyssa Kyle and Monica explore the complex emotions surrounding loneliness during the holiday season. They discuss the societal expectations of joy and the reality of many individuals feeling isolated and disconnected. The discussion delves into different types of loneliness, the impact of grief, and the importance of therapists being present and empathetic with their clients. They emphasize the need for connection, joy, and identity in overcoming loneliness, and how therapists can help clients navigate these feelings during the holidays.

Monica Mouer, Geoff Holsclaw, and Cyd Holsclaw explore the intersection of healing, neurotheology, and the life model. They discuss the importance of secure attachment with God, the integration of psychology and theology, and the urgent need for healing within the church. The dialogue emphasizes the role of compassion, maturity, and community in the healing process, while also highlighting upcoming events that aim to foster these discussions further.

In this episode, Angie Richey, Monica Mouer and Alyssa Voglewede engage in a deep conversation w about the Life Model and its transformative impact on therapy and education. They explore the importance of attunement, the role of trauma in personal development, and how the Life Model provides a framework for healing and connection. Angie shares her journey as a therapist and educator, emphasizing the need for understanding human development and the power of Immanuel encounters in therapy.The discussion highlights the significance of integrating the Life Model into professional practice to foster personal growth and community healing.

In this conversation, Jesse Gill and Monica Mouer explore the integration of attachment theory with Christian faith, discussing its implications for marriage therapy, pastoral care, and personal flourishing. They emphasize the importance of secure attachments and the role of community in supporting mental health and emotional well-being. The discussion also highlights the work of Dr. Jim Wilder and Life Model Works, providing insights into how these concepts can be applied in therapeutic settings.

In this conversation, Gracy Bondy and Monica Mouer explore the intersection of therapy, art, and community healing through the lens of the Life Model. Gracy shares her journey from the mission field to becoming an art therapist, highlighting the transformative power of the Life Model principles in her personal and professional life. They discuss the importance of community, relational skills, and the Immanuel approach in fostering healing and transformation.

In this conversation, Michele Hardy and Monica Mouer, explore the principles of the Joy Center, a therapeutic practice rooted in the Life Model. They discuss the importance of personal healing in professional practice, the concept of attunement in therapy, and the significance of following one's heart in the journey of emotional wellness. The dialogue emphasizes the integration of personal experiences into therapeutic approaches and offers advice for aspiring therapists seeking to grow in their practice.

In this podcast episode, Alyssa Voglewede and Monica Mouer dive into how Life Model-informed therapy uniquely addresses key challenges in mental health care.This conversation sheds light on how a brain-based, relational approach can help both therapists and clients navigate trauma, maturity development, and emotional healing in a deeply integrated and transformative way.

In this podcast episode, Alyssa Voglewede and Monica Mouer discuss the importance of recognizing and addressing minority mental health issues, particularly focusing on the signs of mistreatment and abuse that clients may experience. They explore the role of therapists in identifying these issues, the impact of codependency, and the significance of validation in therapy. The conversation emphasizes the need for therapists to be aware of systemic harm and to help clients navigate their identities and realities in a supportive environment.

In this conversation (we) delve into the complexities of minority mental health, exploring themes of acceptance, rejection, and the importance of empathy in therapy. We share some personal stories and insights on how societal discrimination impacts mental health, emphasizing the need for a supportive community and the power of unconditional love. We discuss the role of therapists in validating experiences of mistreatment and fostering a sense of belonging, while also addressing the challenges of confronting discrimination and gaslighting. The conversation highlights the significance of building connections and understanding in creating a more inclusive society. We hope you enjoy.

In this conversation, trauma therapists Monica Mouer and Alyssa Voglewede discuss the significance of PTSD Awareness Month, exploring the complexities of PTSD, its impact on veterans and first responders, and the broader implications for various professions. They delve into the effects of PTSD on relationships, the importance of understanding and addressing the condition, and the various treatment modalities available. The conversation emphasizes hope and the potential for recovery, encouraging those affected by PTSD to seek help and support.

In this conversation, trauma therapists Monica Mouer and Alyssa Voglewede discuss the complexities of PTSD, the various types of trauma, and the critical role therapists play in supporting individuals through their healing journeys. They emphasize the importance of self-care for therapists and the need for connection and community in the therapeutic process.

In this conversation, we (Monica Mouer and Alyssa Voglewede) discuss the significance of PTSD Awareness Month, exploring the complexities of PTSD, its impact on veterans and first responders, and the broader implications for various professions. We delve into the effects of PTSD on relationships, the importance of understanding and addressing the condition, and the various treatment modalities available.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Karen Struble, a clinical psychologist whose work with children, families, and the Life Model spans decades. With dual degrees in psychology and theology from Fuller Seminary and five years of training under Dr. Jim Wilder at Shepherd's House Counseling Center, Dr. Struble brings a rare depth of insight to the intersection of emotional healing, relational health, and spiritual formation.She's not only been part of the Life Model since its inception—working alongside Dr. Wilder before Life Model Works was even founded—but has also witnessed firsthand how its principles radically transform both children and adults.Karen has also served as a scholarly consultant to our team in the creation of LMIT, offering invaluable guidance in reviewing our Life Model Informed Therapy curriculum on behalf of Life Model Works. Whether you're a clinician, a parent, or someone interested in relational neuroscience and healing, Karen's wisdom and warmth will leave you inspired and informed.

This week's episode is special—my friend and colleague Sharon DeVries joins me, someone I've known since 2006 when she and her husband served in youth ministry at our church. Years later, she pursued a second career in therapy, and I knew she'd be an incredible asset to our team.In this conversation, Sharon shares how we can heal the brain after trauma, activate the joy center, and reconnect with who we truly are through the Life Model. It's honest, hopeful, and packed with insight.You won't want to miss this conversation! Watch or listen to the new episode—out now!

Unpacking the Deep Connection Between Neuroscience and Scripture with Kyle FerlicI'm thrilled for you to watch this must-see episode featuring my longtime colleague, Kyle Ferlic! Kyle and I are private practice colleagues at the Center for Family Transformation in Davidson, NC, and he has been a part of the CFT Institute since its inception. He's witnessed the power of LMIT firsthand—both in his own life and in the lives of his clients.Through his journey, he has seen the profound connection between brain science and biblical wisdom come to life, transforming the way healing and personal growth unfold. You won't want to miss this conversation!

Is Your Joy Tank Running Low? As therapists, it's easy to pour into others while forgetting to refill our own joy. That's where the Life Model comes in—it's designed to help you grow your capacity, stay energized, and prevent burnout so you can continue making a difference. In this week's podcast, I dive into how the colder months can take a toll on our energy, increasing the risk of burnout and emotional fatigue. Our team understands how challenging this can be, and we're here to help you prevent it. Also, exciting news! Our Basic Training Package is officially LIVE!

In this episode of Therapists Growing Therapists, Monica sits down with Jen and Chris Coursey from THRIVEtoday to discuss their incredible journeys with the Life Model. Both Jen and Chris encountered the Life Model at pivotal moments in their personal lives, and learning its concepts has transformed them both personally and professionally. They now dedicate their work to teaching the 19 Brain Relational Skills, which are essential for healthy brain development and relational growth.Tune in to hear their powerful stories and how they're spreading hope and transformation through their work with THRIVEtoday!

In this week's episode of Therapists Growing Therapists, Monica sits down with Amy Glaser, a highly respected leader in the Life Model community and author of several Life Model books. Amy shares her insights on the transformative power of the Life Model and how its principles can guide therapists toward personal and professional growth. Don't miss this deep dive into healing, transformation, and ministry with one of the foremost voices in the Life Model world!

In this week's episode of Therapists Growing Therapists, Monica is joined by heart healers Cathy Little and Melinda Wilson. Together, they dive into the transformative power of brain science-backed tools to accelerate personal breakthroughs. Hear their inspiring journeys and discover how they equip others to walk in their true design and heal hearts with practical, life-changing skills. Whether you're a therapist or on your own healing journey, this episode is filled with insights to empower your work and life.

The Joy-Anxiety Connection: Exploring Right-Brain Psychotherapy with LMIT

Exciting news for therapists!

In this special episode, Monica announces some exciting news – Module One of our Life Model Informed Therapy curriculum is officially ready to launch on September 9th, 2024!

How to Become an LMIT & Start Using These Skills Now! Ready to elevate your practice and make a deeper impact? In this episode, we break down the steps to becoming a Life Model Informed Therapist (LMIT) and how you can start applying these transformative skills right away. Learn how to integrate the Life Model's powerful tools into your sessions, foster deeper connections, and guide your clients toward healing and growth. Whether you're just getting started or looking to enhance your current approach, this episode is your roadmap to becoming an LMIT and changing lives today!

In this week's episode of Therapists Growing Therapists, Monica sits down with Wayne and Marilyn Gray, a dynamic couple dedicated to marriage restoration and spiritual healing. With affiliations to John Eldridge's Wild at Heart ministry and ongoing training in deliverance and healing, the Grays have experienced profound miracles in their own marriage. Now, they share their journey and insights through retreats, workshops, and online ministry, helping couples everywhere connect deeper with each other and with God. Tune in to hear their incredible story and how they're equipping others to bring transformation to their relationships and communities.

Exciting News!

In this week's episode of Therapists Growing Therapists, Monica sits down with Sungshim and John Loppnow, authors of Joyful Journey. As Marriage & Family Therapists, they specialize in integrating spirituality and brain science to help individuals and couples heal and grow. They discuss their unique approach, which combines nervous system awareness, somatic intelligence, and parts work to foster strength, hope, and peace in relationships. Learn how they empower clients with skills that connect faith and mental health. Don't miss this insightful conversation! For more information, visit their websites at Loppnow Relationship Center and Presence and Practice.

If you've been around here at The Place Therapists Grow for a while, you've heard of our NEW podcast series called  Therapists Growing Therapists In this series, CFT Founder Monica Mouer has the privilege of sitting down each week with fellow Life Model Informed Therapists to explore their personal journeys and discoveries of how the concepts of Life Model Works have transformed both their personal and professional lives. Whether you're a therapist, counselor, or mentalhealthprofessional, this series is designed just for you. Tune in and get inspired by the stories of growth and transformation from therapists around the world.

Ever wonder what's SO SPECIAL about the Life Model for therapists? We all know it's a valuable tool for personal healing and growth but what does it look like when we take the concepts of the Life Model and apply them in the room with our clients?  THAT'S THE SECRET SAUCE to the transformational work we do every day.  Want a taste of it yourself?  Learn how therapists all over the globe are finding to be so sweet about applying the Life Model in their personal lives but also in their practice!

In this week's episode of "Therapists Growing Therapists," Monica sits down with Josh Spurlock Josh Spurlock is a seasoned mental health professional with a passion for integrating faith and mental health care. Josh, who is a licensed professional counselor, certified sex therapist, and ordained minister, shares his insights on how to elevate mental health professionalism within the body of Christ. Together, they discuss practical ways to equip local churches and Christian mental health professionals around the globe with higher levels of care, utilizing the Neuroscience Informed Christian Counseling® model developed by Josh's company, MyCounselor.Online and the Original Life Model Works DREAM.  Tune in for an enlightening conversation that bridges faith and mental health in transformative ways.

NOW INTRODUCING The Life Model Info Graphic! This graphic is a tool we have developed for therapists that encapsulates our extensive study, experience, and knowledge of applying the Life Model concepts as a therapeutic modality. After presenting our infographic and observing a surge of interest, we decided to make it accessible to anyone who wishes to use this valuable resource for personal growth and with clients in their practice. You can order a hard copy or download a digital template of the copyrighted document from our website by clicking the graphic below!