What Would Dr. Meyers Do?

The stigma of mental illness is reflected in Regina, a social worker who contends with her own mental illness diagnosis and its implications for working in the field. Having been let go from a few jobs, she raises the ethical dilemma of disclosure: the pathologizing impact vs. the potential for accomodations. Where is the boundary or adaptation in the social work profession regarding embracing employees who may be struggling with the same disorders as those we treat? Regina shares her personal experience navigating her BiPolar II disorder and calls to action the need for societal awareness and social work advocacy.

Making the move to private practice requires several considerations: When is the right time? Will I be financially stable? What is the cost/benefit ratio? Am I prepared personally and professionally? What is needed to be successful? Barbara Murphy, a seasoned professional, discusses her own trajectory to private practice and along the way, answers some common questions and anxieties about making the transition. She also provides an invaluable resource to support private and agency practitioners.

A sibling sexual abuse survivor and a mother of a SSA survivor and perpetrator share their experiences in the hope of coming to terms with "how did this happen?!". Their stories help each other try to make sense of each other's lens and what evolves is an empathic development for each other's plight. A very enlightening conversation ensues about how to disclose this assault to parents and what victims and survivors want and need.

It may be challenging to consider how there is joy in working with ill youth, and even chronically and terminally medically ill children. To her own surprise, Cloe Southard, LMSW has certainly found that joy. She gives us a new perspective about this work and engages in conversation about ethical dilemmas including the debateable issue of sustaining life vs. quality of life. She also is quite transparent about her countertransferential challenges.

There are many ways to treat trauma from psychotherapy to CBT, Ketamine, and EMDR. Dr. Meyers is interested in exploring it all. This week she is joined by Dr. Kammer, an expert on EMDR who discusses the use of it as a method to reprocess painful memories by reformulationg negative beliefs. She explains how eye movement desensitization and reprocessing works. Both complicated and fascinating, we delve into how trauma is processed by the brain and because it is overwhelming, there can be an inability to process it. As a result, the trauma remains stored in the limbic system. By following the therapist's hand movements or a moving light, listening to audio stimulation, or tapping on their shoulders, the therapist helps the client reprocess the natural information that occurs during REM sleep. How is this done? Tune in to find out.

Kellyanne Brady, PhD is pregnant. How might this impact her treatment? Transference is likely to occur. How might her clients' feelings be overtly or subtly communicated, or not revealed at all? How does Dr. Brady's countertransference come into play? What happens when a therapist is going through their own major life transition? These are questions anyone can relate to regarding how to remain present and how much to share or self-disclose.

From the last podcast episode on sibling abuse, my guest, Lorene Stanwick wanted to ensure that she communicated specific aspects of her experience. In a follow-up conversation, she focuses on the insidious nature of abuse and her road towards healing. She discusses the catharctic aspect of writing a play on sibling abuse and her desire to be the voice for others. Many folks can relate to feeling you may have left out important things during a conversations. But perhaps for Lorene, the desire to revisit our conversation conveys the deep need to be heard and understood, something a sibling abuse victim never had.

Not being believed when someone has been abused magnifies the experience of trauma. What happens when ones own family doesn't acknowledge the abuse from parents to siblings to perpetrators? Lorene Stanwick, an adult survivor of sibling abuse talks about these implications and the profound impact this has had on her. In this episode, Lorene shares her truth and shares her processing around losing her family, and her ultimate decision to choose herself.

Meet Alma, a BSW student who is just beginning her social work education. In spite of how astute, insightful, and self-aware she is, she still contends with feelings of insecurity and finding her voice. Dr. Meyers strives to normalize Alma's feelings and in doing so, addresses areas of anxiety and concerns most practicing professionals grapple with. Along the way, they have some important lessons to ease the discomfort of doing the work.

In this episode you are sure to gain a better understanding of what is at the root of most couple conflict; the need to focus on the underlying feelings that are raised for each member of the pair; and the path towards empathy for the other's perspective. Dr. Meyers' guest, Sindee Gozansky emphasizes the discord and upset found in couples conflict that usually originates in historical, early and familial relationships. She offers her own challenges in working with couples, and the necessity of balancing alignment with both individuals.

Many of us have some form of body dysmorphia, and so we can all relate to this episode. Societal pressures make it almost impossible not to contend with a disorted perspective of our personal appearance. Ruth Kalai, LCSW works with young professionals whose bodily perceptions often indicate a representation of some other aspect of unhappiness, anxiety, or failure. Learn a cognitive-behavioral technique that can ease the suffering that comes with this disorder. Ruth also shares her personal struggles with body perception and normalizes the "obsession" we share with physical appearance. Check out more about Ruthie at Ruthiekalai.com

Dr. Meyers has a pointed, open and honest conversation with two racially different professors who co-teach a course on diversity. As they engage in processing their differences and making decisions about how to navigate the course, they and their student model how to optimize discussions on racial differences and positions of power, privilege, and oppression. In the midst of this socially and politically stressful time, let's accept discomfort as we pave a path towards self-awareness, openness to others, and bridging the biases that can divide us.

Join Dr. Meyers as she celebrates her 100th episode with some reflections on her favorite episodes, responses to listener's questions about therapy and podcasting, and banter with her guest on topics of self-care and of all things, cursing.

There are some challenges facing the field of social work and education. COVID exacerbated issues already plaguing the field in terms of staffing and burnout; staff and supervisors are overwhelmed with caseloads and supervisors vary in their ability to provide quality supervision. As gatekeepers, three field directors chat about the state of the social work field and its impact on the provision of educational experiences for students. They also discuss the shifts that needs to happen for students, field instructors and higher education personnel to meet the needs of each and subsequently client populations.

Whether you enjoy the holidays or not, they can still be a source of expectation, stress, and pressure. Dr. Meyers identifies some of those challenging aspects and offers a few tips on successful navigation.

Join my guest, Lilach Koch, LMSW a professional and personal expert on autism spectrum disorder and intellectual and developmental disabilities as she genuinely discusses her journey with her own daughter. Her patience and commitment has also come u with challenges as she strives to facilitate her daughter's social-emotional development and advocate for community awareness and resources. Email Lilach at kotchlmsw2022@gmail.com

In the second part of Diane's story of sibling sexual abuse, Diane shares more about her sibling dynamics, generational abuse, and her relationship with her abusive brother throughout the years. https://dianetarantini.com/ facebook.com/DianeTarantiniAuthor diane@dianetarantini.com

A passionate advocate for child safety education and a sibling sexual abuse surivor, Diane Tarantini shares her family dynamics and experience on which her memoir is based. She discusses her parents' ineffective intervention and how she forgave them and her brother. She models reilience and hope through her wisdom, work, and vibrant personality. Site: https://www.dianetarantini.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/DianeTarantiniAuthor Email: diane@dianetarantini.com

Transitioning from student to practitioner is challenging and raises questions about one's capability. It is disarming and scary. Seasoned clinicians claim these feelings as well. Newbie Montana Aquino, LCSW shares when her anxiety is activated and how her personal boundaries have been tested. She shares her work and management of one client who crosses the therapeutic boundary with his sexualized behavior.

We can all identify with the feeling of not feeling capable in the workplace. Maybe you even experience fear that you will be "found out". Those who experience imposter syndrome are very capable, intelligent people. It's the perfectionism or fear of failure that create unrealistic self-imposed expectations. Dr. Meyers speaks with Dr. Gabriella McBride, a seasoned professional who works in higher education and shares her vulnerability with imposter syndrome. She shares her emerging and shifting roles and identity in the social work profession, and along the way, her and Dr. Meyers offer tips and tools for shifting our doubting self-perceptions.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder creates an intrusion on thoughts and actions. Join Lauren Wolfe, MS, LPC as she discusses the ways in which OCD shows up. We may be able to identify ourselves with some aspects of this anxiety-driven obsession. In a very relatable manner, Lauren shares her experiences with clients and offers cognitive-behavioral and calming techniques to to help ease its intensity and provide a sense of safety.

Dr. Meyers shares her experience with a friend battling catatonic depression and reflects about the societal perception of mental illness and challenges us to consider the stereotypes as to whom it effects. Depression doesn't discriminate.

In the first sibling abuse series focused on sibling sexual abuse, learn about its prevalence, characteristics, signs, family context and the short and long-term impacts. Dr. Whitworth guests in an informative episode offering important information and a resource bringing awareness and policy needs to protect children. https://www.unh.edu/ccrc/saara UNH.SAARA@unh.edu Phone: (603) 862-0936Facebook: SAARA InitiativeInstagram: SAARA Initiative

How do our relational styles of attachment get programmed from earlier caregiver figures? What is healthy attachment? We tend to repeat what is familiar despite wanting something better or different. Join Dr. Meyers and Dr. Bott as they offer their perspectives and banter on fears, desires, and needs that create challenges in relationships. Knowing your own pattern and needs is essential towards obtaining it.

In this re-launch of one of Dr. Meyers' favorite episodes, Mara, a seasoned client is back for a second round of questions about all things therapy. She probes to learn more about what therapists really think but don't say or let on to their clients. Dr. Meyers shares her own personal responses to Mara's fears about how her therapist may truly perceive her. The genuine exchange offers an affirming look into the mind of a therapist and the human aspect of the therapist-client relationship.

What does it truly mean to take an authentic approach with both supervisees and clients? Dr. Andrew Dahlstrom shares the meaningfulness and impact of authenticity and its necessity towards developing trusting and growth producing clinical and interpersonal relationships. Dr. Dahlstrom's approach is rooted in his own introspection and reflection of the personal path of healing that positioned him well to do the work of a therapist. A theme emerges about shared suffering amongst therapists, supervisees, and clients. Dr. Dahlstrom cultivation of trust with his clients and supervisees moves them to showing their vulnerability; a precedent to growth.

There seem to be similarities and even some overlap between social workers and teachers in regard to their perspectives and how we conceptualize the importance of interpersonal relations and work towards developing those skills. Social-Emotional Learning is an educational concept being taught in school curriculum. It's about individual learning and application of a set of social, emotional, and related skills, behaviors, and values that enable students to succeed in school. How might we, as adults develop our own ability to connect with others and grow emotionally and socially?

What is the difference between constructive and deconstructive patterns between siblings? What is the role of the parent in creating expectations of relations between sibling and intervening when there is unacceptable behavior? Dr. Corinna Tucker takes on these aspects of detecting sibling abuse, preventing its occurrence and developing socio-emotional learning in children towards cultivating empathy and healthy sibling relationships.

Be a fly on the wall to a clinical case discussion about working with a domestic violence victim and the countertransference that ensues. Stephanie Blackwell shares her identification with the client's self-esteem and victimization as her own past experience parallels that of her client. Working with victims of any kind of abuse can raise a plethora of emotions for the therapist whether closely identified or as someone bearing witness.

Join Kina Wolfenstein, LMSW, expert on complex trauma as she discusses the symptoms of complext trauma, the lived experience of shame and emotional disregulation, the impact on attachment styles and interpersonal relationships, and the treatment intervention of somatic experiencing. You can access her "Complex trauma recovery" podcast at linktr.ee/cptsdtherapist

A therapist with an inclination towards rationalization, intellectualization and detachment takes on the world of interpersonal relationships. Dr. Dahlstrom faces his vulnerability as he addresses his sense of shame, passion about being authentic, and identification with the population whom he works. He takes a deep dive into his countertransference, particulary when he found himself attracted to his client.

Confronting others is often feared and not always easy, but it does not have to be equated with conflict or hostility. It is a necessary aspect of communication that can result in getting your needs met. Dr. Meyers offers an empowering perspective and elements of delivery that facilitates the ability to communicate effectively.

A story of emotional and physical abuse from an adult who experienced a fearful sibling relationship and her process towards self-care and self-preservation. Rachael cut off her abusive brother and shares her path towards reunification and repair. She shares her experience through childhood and adulthood and her ability to heal through shifting her perspective of her sibling as someone who needed help.

There are long-term implications of being raised by Holocaust survivors. Gloria LeBeaux, LCSW reflects on her challenges around vulnerability, safety, and caregiving in her youth. She addresses how she has shifted her identity from being a child of a Holocaust survivors and all that entails to being so much more: a social worker, friend, and mother. The events of October 7th present new challenges to living in a world where safety feels compromised.

Finding a therapist can feel daunting. What is important when seeking therapy? Dr. Meyers and Dr. Brady discuss typical anxieties about starting therapy, and considerations for choosing the right therapist. They address types of therapy and approaches, and the training and credentials that one should consider when entering treatment. Do you want to know what a good fit looks like between a client and a therapist? Tune in to find out and ease the experience of choosing the right therapist for you.

Frustrated with not being able to help his physically ill client feel better, my guest contends with his own history of helplessness with his father who died at a young age. Understanding his countertransference helps the clinician get grounded and set realistic expectations for himself and subsequently his client.

Are you overwhelmed with work, even if you love it? Do you find it hard to balance work and personal life? Is it our human right to disconnect from and NOT engage in work-related electronic communications during non-work hours? How can you create a boundary to advance your personal needs? Join Dr. Meyers and her guests in a lively discussion about the Right to Disconnect Laws. It's time for the U.S. to adopt Euopean laws that protect the well-being of employees.

There are long-term implications of being raised by Holocaust survivors. Gloria LeBeaux, LCSW reflects on her challenges around vulnerability, safety, and caregiving in her youth. She addresses how she has shifted her identity from being a child of a Holocaust survivors and all that entails to being so much more: a social worker, friend, and mother. The events of October 7th present new challenges to living in a world where safety feels compromised.

Join us for another very personal account of sibling abuse as Dr. Meyers speaks with Jennifer, a survivor of sibling abuse. In this poignant episode, learn about how Jennifer navigated her early experience with her brother, how it impacted her intimate relationships, and how she continues to try to grapple with her sibling relationship.

What would you want in a therapist? What does it mean to be a modern therapist? Dr. Meyers speaks with with two dynamic, flexible, and innovative therapists who embrace genuiness in their work and recognize the need to be adaptive in their approach given the world we're living in. If you think therapy should incorporate the trends of our times and acclimate to the needs of a new generation of clients, then tune in! They also cover the very real experience of burnout across all professions and offer practical, sustainable advice on living a more manageable, restorative lifestyle.

How is it for you to provide or receive feedback? So many of us have difficulty doing this: we don't want to create hurt feelings or have hurt feelings. However, feedback is essential to growth. Feedback Informed Treatment (FIT) is an evidence-based practice that involves routinely soliciting constructive feedback from clients about the treatment and their experience of the clinician. This week, Elizabeth Irias, an expert in FIT will discuss how this process works, her experience with client responses, and how she manages countertransference.

There is a lot of pressure these days to be "woke"; to be culturally sensitive, culturally competent, and culturally humble. What does this look like as a clinician? Join Dr. Meyers in an exploration of self-awareness and self-reflection and a few simple tools to work towards inclusion and culturally humble practice.

We hear how important self-care is, but how do you take the first steps towards making sure you take care of YOU? Self-care leads to self-compassion, even though you may think that self-care requires self-compassion! A true practitioner of self-care, Alina Haitz, had to become an expert in this area to address her mental health diagnosis, and along the way, she learned self-acceptance and self-love. Who doesn't want that for themselves?!

Being a target of sibling abuse certainly takes its toll. But there are contributing factors that help to mitigate the long-lasting effects. What are they? Some of these protective factors occur during childhood and some require survivors to be pro-active in adulthood to regain their sense of self. There is hope. Take a listen to feed yourself or nourish your clients or friends.

Dr. Steve Burghardt, LCSW, an activist and professor of social work talks about his committment to valuing social workers. He shares his thoughts fueling his book The End of Social Work and challenges the expectation that social workers labor under intolerable working conditions and financial strain. Dr. Burghardt advocates for the increased pay of social workers and addresses the leadership failures that create a culture in which they should handle burnout through self-care rather than collective action.

We are facing a mental health crisis. Children are plagued with anxiety, depression and chronic school absenteeism. This is resulting in social and emotional delays in addition to academic issues. The pandemic has increased social anxiety. Social pressure is allayed by, yet increases social isolation. Dr. Carrie Sollin talks about the short-term and long-term impact of this crisis and offers individual tools, familial, and school-based approaches to shift a generation of troubled youth.

Hajrah Beig, first generation Pakistani-American embraces her heritage but can find it tricky bridging the culture she identifies with at home and the culture she finds at school and the greater environment. As she talks about family norms and expectations, contending with oppression, and her experiences navigating bias we can all learn to be more culturally humble.

Most of us are aware of the stereotypes associated with the child welfare system and the realities of this system's limitations. Two BSW graduates discuss their experiences navigating the demonstrated lack of professionalism, engagement failures, and interventions that contradicted the social work values they were learning in the classroom. Contending with a punitive approach to family management, they worked to adapt and thrive in that environment, with a few lessons to offer along the way.

Sibling aggression and abuse are the most common forms of family violence yet these impacting and traumatic experiences are still not being wholly addressed through policy, advocacy, and systemic change. There is hope! Learn about an Initiative (SAARA) that is breaking ground in the realm of sibling abuse awareness and change. If you have experienced sibling abuse this episode is sure to resonate with you. If you are in need of resources to address sibling abuse, this episode is for you. If you want to learn more about the impact of sibling relationships, especially when there is non-normative conflict, this episode is for you. And, if you want to learn more about what is being done to advance this social issue and what what you can do, you will learn how.

Dr. Meyers discusses the state of, and fear of vulnerability in a way that most anyone can relate. She makes the case that allowing oneself to be vulnerable is imperative to growth. Social workers also must experience vulnerability to develop professionally and also to be aligned with clients.

Are you in co-parenting distress? Do you work with someone who has major conflict with their partner around parenting choices. Separation and divorce create complications for children. Brook Olsen, a high-conflict divorce expert talks about processes to help navigate stressful and destructive communication and cultivate a healthier environment for the children involved.