Therapy Unboxed

Removing the stigma and increasing transparency around relapse helps bolster long-term recovery and can save lives. In this special recording with a live audience of clients and staff at All Points North Lodge, Lana talks with Lead Therapist, Dustin Straight, LAC, about why relapse happens, relapse behaviors and warning signs, and how we can remove ego and shame to uncover the lessons within cravings and relapse. They also discuss the disease model of addiction, the differences between process addiction and substance use relapse, reclaiming the holidays in recovery, and how to create functional rituals in sobriety. After the show, they host a Q+A with APN clients. Follow APN on Instagram Learn More

Sex is so much more than a biological function, and we cannot approach sexuality and sex therapy without nuance and cultural awareness. In this episode, Lana talks with the Chief Clinical Officer of All Points North Lodge, Dr. Philip Hemphill, LCSW, about the history of sex therapy, what it takes to become a sex therapist, common barriers for clients, and treatment options. They also discuss sex positivity, sex work, vulnerability, and what people can gain from feeling empowered in their sexual expression. Subscribe on Spotify Follow APN on Instagram Learn More  

How do I know if I have depression or if I am just sad? What is bipolar disorder? Are these disorders purely chemical or caused by environment? Lana welcomes back Dr. Kathleen Daly, Medical Director of Interventional Psychiatry at Plus by APN. In this episode, they dive into what is going under the surface with these two mood disorders chemically and environmentally as well as the impact of COVID on an increase in depression. Dr. Daly breaks down criteria, symptoms, treatments, and ways we can help manage these moods when they come up. Dr. Daly and Lana discuss what mania and hypo-mania look like and how hypo-mania can often be missed. They get deep into severe forms of these disorders that can include psychotic symptoms as well as less severe forms that are still very challenging but are considered “sub-clinical”. Subscribe on Spotify Follow APN on Instagram Learn More

Self-care is an essential part of treatment and recovery — we all need a practice that makes us feel safe and centered. In this episode, Lana talks with APN Lodge Spa Manager, Annie Richards, about energy healing, how to feel safe receiving bodywork after trauma, and how movement benefits the work we do in talk therapy. They also discuss how energy work teaches us to self-regulate, embrace the messy side of life, and access our inner strength, vulnerability, calm, and empowerment. Subscribe on Spotify Follow APN on Instagram Learn More

TW: Today we're exploring a topic that may be triggering to some listeners. While psychedelic-assisted therapy can be a great option for some people, this discussion may be triggering. If you're struggling with substance use now or in the past, or even if you've had a loved one who's struggled with substances, I want to make sure everyone's prepared before we dive in. If there's even a chance that this topic could trigger you, skip it, and we'll reconnect on the next episode. How effective is psychedelic therapy? Are psychedelics safe for someone with PTSD or a history of addiction? In this episode, Lana talks with Anthony Gonzalez, LCSW, about the history of psychedelic use in a clinical setting, how LSD, MDMA, and psilocybin have evolved to treat mental health issues, and the different applications for PTSD, trauma, and addiction. They also discuss how psychedelic-assisted therapy differs from indigenous ceremonial medicines, the metaphysical component, and how pop culture can contribute to stigma, cultural appropriation, and greater awareness. Subscribe on Spotify Follow APN on Instagram Learn More

TW: Today we're exploring a topic that may be triggering to some listeners. While ketamine-assisted therapy can be a great option for treating depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and even postpartum depression, this discussion may be triggering if you've struggled with substance use in the past. I want to make sure that everyone is prepared before we dive in -- if there's even a chance that this topic could trigger you, skip it, and we'll reconnect on the next episode. Is ketamine-assisted therapy safe? Can everyone benefit from ketamine treatments? In this episode, Lana talks with Dr. Kate Daly, the Medical Director of Plus by APN. They discuss the combat origins of ketamine therapy, how ketamine has evolved to treat depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, pain, trauma, and more, plus possible side effects and common misconceptions. They clarify the differences between ketamine as a drug of misuse versus therapeutic applications in a clinical environment and share more about the treatment options and what to expect from ketamine-assisted therapy. Subscribe on Spotify Follow APN on Instagram Learn More

We can all relate to having a little bit of anxiety because it's part of the human experience, but anxiety disorders create a never-ending loop with very real physical and emotional consequences. In this episode, Lana talks with APN Nurse Practitioner, Joanna Kluender, about the biological sensations of anxiety, where anxiety and phobias come from, what they can mean, and how we can find relief with professional support. They discuss related disorders and possible genetic links, plus techniques that can help us pause and ground ourselves in high-stress situations. Subscribe on Spotify Follow APN on Instagram Learn More

Sometimes we experience trauma that needs a deeper level of healing. In this episode, Lana talks with APN Telehealth Therapist, Arlene Story, about how psychodrama can help clients undo harmful core beliefs, unlock self-compassion and empathy, and heal. Psychodrama can be helpful for clients struggling with anxiety, depression, shame, fear, grief, family conflict, substance use, process addictions, trauma, and more. They discuss the differences between psychodrama and other therapeutic techniques plus how to facilitate the best outcomes for clients. Subscribe on Spotify Follow APN on Instagram Learn More

We all have a biological need to be seen and heard. In this episode, Lana talks with APN Primary Therapist, Laura Tucker, about the importance of being present with clients, the challenges of co-regulation, and what it truly means to hold an open, safe, contained therapeutic space. They discuss requirements and actionable steps therapists can take to create trust with clients, plus how to establish boundaries and practice grounding so we can show up for ourselves and our loved ones. Subscribe on Spotify Follow APN on Instagram Learn More

Are you burnt out but feel like you don't "deserve" rest? Many of us equate our value with our ability to overwork ourselves. In this episode, Lana shares some of the signs and symptoms of burnout, clears up common misconceptions, and discusses the difference between burnout and stress. She offers actionable steps that we can take to heal from burnout, prevent future episodes, and get more comfortable with embracing rest. Subscribe on Spotify Follow APN on Instagram Learn More

Our families play a huge role in how we develop our attachment and communication styles, form our identities, and set boundaries. In this episode, Lana talks with APN's Director of Family Programming, Karri Francisco, to explore how family systems therapy cuts through individual perceptions to offer insight into negative patterns. From this place, we can find greater awareness, understand the impacts of our relationships and environment, and overcome unhealthy cycles for better connection. Subscribe on Spotify Follow APN on Instagram Learn More

Creating LGBTQIA+ safe spaces in therapy goes beyond respecting someone's gender identity and sexual orientation. In this episode, Lana talks with APN's Clinical Supervisor of Admissions, John Hardman, about what it truly means to embody an LGBTQ-affirming approach to therapy. Lana and John review common barriers, misconceptions, and shortcomings, acknowledge the importance of recognizing and understanding LGBTQ culture and community, and identify actionable steps clinicians can take to establish safety and meet the needs of individuals across all sexual orientations and genders. Subscribe on Spotify Follow APN on Instagram Learn More

Welcome to Therapy Unboxed with Lana Seiler. In this first episode, Lana unboxes trauma. Pain is a natural response to emotional and physical wounds, and trauma happens when these wounds are left untended. Our relationship with trauma is relative to our individual life experiences and development. When we learn to process and cope, we can heal from trauma and create a relationship that becomes more manageable. Subscribe on Spotify Follow APN on Instagram Learn More