Podcasts about lcsw

Is Medication Right for Your OCD? A Psychiatrist Breaks Down SSRIs, Dosing, and What Actually WorksIf you've ever wondered whether medication could help your OCD or anxiety, or you've tried an SSRI and felt like "nothing worked," this episode is for you. Matt Codde, LCSW sits down with Dr. Melissa Quinn, a triple board certified psychiatrist who specializes in OCD treatment, for a full breakdown of how medication actually works, why so many people are underdosed, and how medication and therapy work together rather than against each other.Dr. Quinn walks through SSRIs, clomipramine, augmentation strategies, and common myths (including the cannabis conversation you don't want to miss), while Matt reframes ERP through the Restored Minds lens of emotional integration rather than symptom elimination.

Episode 115 - 4 Trans Guys is a candid podcast exploring trans wisdom, wellness, resilience and community. Hosts Megan Rohrer, Zander Keig and jj Dollarhide share honest conversations on identity, healing and joy.Disclaimer: Please note that all information and content on the UK Health Radio Network, all its radio broadcasts and podcasts are provided by the authors, producers, presenters and companies themselves and is only intended as additional information to your general knowledge. As a service to our listeners/readers our programs/content are for general information and entertainment only.  The UK Health Radio Network does not recommend, endorse, or object to the views, products or topics expressed or discussed by show hosts or their guests, authors and interviewees.  We suggest you always consult with your own professional – personal, medical, financial or legal advisor. So please do not delay or disregard any professional – personal, medical, financial or legal advice received due to something you have heard or read on the UK Health Radio Network.

In this episode, I speak with Sharon Martin, LCSW, about her clinical work with adults navigating family estrangement and the complex process of deciding whether to limit or cut off contact with parents. Sharon, a psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience, specializes in working with adult children of alcoholics and individuals from dysfunctional family systems. Her work focuses on helping clients process the long term effects of developmental trauma and build healthier, more authentic lives. Sharon explains that many individuals seeking therapy may initially present with concerns such as anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties, only to discover underlying patterns rooted in early family dynamics. These experiences often include chronic shame, hypervigilance, perfectionism, and a reliance on external validation, factors that can make navigating family relationships particularly challenging in adulthood. A central focus of the conversation is the decision-making process around estrangement. Sharon emphasizes that, contrary to common portrayals, estrangement is rarely a single, definitive event. Instead, it often involves cycles of limited contact, attempts at repair, and periods of withdrawal, as individuals grapple with both the desire for connection and the need for self protection. She highlights the emotional complexity of this process and the importance of allowing clients to determine what level of contact feels appropriate for them. We also discuss the role of boundaries, including how individuals can begin to define what constitutes a healthy relationship, often for the first time. Sharon discusses the importance of recognizing and naming harmful or abusive patterns, while also addressing the internalized beliefs that can make it difficult for individuals to prioritize their own needs. Building self trust, self worth, and a clearer sense of identity are key components of this work. The conversation further examines broader systemic and cultural influences, including family expectations, caregiving roles, financial dependence, and cultural norms around filial responsibility. Sharon acknowledges the additional layers of guilt and pressure that can arise in collectivist contexts or when aging parents require care, and she encourages a more flexible, individualized approach to navigating these responsibilities. Sharon also shares insights from her book, Cutting Ties with Your Parents, which is designed to support individuals who are considering or have already made the decision to distance themselves from their families. The book outlines a three part process: making peace with the decision, healing from both developmental trauma and estrangement related wounds, and moving forward by cultivating healthy relationships and a more authentic sense of self. Finally, we discuss important considerations for clinicians working with this population. Sharon highlights the lack of formal training in this area and underscores the importance of therapists examining their own biases, particularly the tendency to prioritize reconciliation. She emphasizes the need to support client autonomy, respect the pace of the decision making process, and create a space that is validating rather than prescriptive. Sharon Martin, DSW, LCSW, is a licensed psychotherapist, writer, and speaker with over 25 years of clinical experience. She specializes in working with adult children of alcoholics and individuals from dysfunctional family systems, helping them heal from developmental trauma and build healthier relationships. Sharon is the author of Cutting Ties with Your Parents, a therapeutic guide designed to support adults navigating family estrangement. Her work integrates a range of approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems theory, and trauma informed care, with an emphasis on self compassion and empowerment.

When your partner shuts down in the middle of a hard conversation, it's easy to read it as punishment — as coldness, stubbornness, or not caring. What if that's almost never what's actually happening?In this episode, Todd Creager — Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 35 years of experience — takes a closer look at stonewalling, one of the patterns John and Julie Gottman identified as a serious warning sign in relationships. Todd offers a different way to understand it, one rooted in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and the way protective parts of us learned to manage emotional danger long before our current relationship existed.He explains that stonewalling isn't cruelty. It's a manager — a protective part that decided somewhere along the way that silence was safer than speech. That part didn't develop in response to your spouse. It developed in response to what happened much earlier: a child who was dismissed when they spoke up, shamed when they were vulnerable, or simply never had anyone attuned enough to make expression feel safe.Todd walks through real examples from his practice, including the client who remembers being met with anger as a child for expressing a normal feeling — and the client who has no clear memories of meanness, only an absence of attunement. In both cases, the outcome was the same: the body learned to go quiet.The shift Todd describes — from "why are you doing this to me?" to "what does that part of you need so we can come back to each other?" — is where real repair begins. Not just of the current conflict, but of older wounds the relationship has quietly been carrying.If you or your partner stonewalls, this episode gives you a new framework for understanding what's actually happening, and a starting point for approaching it with less blame and more curiosity.Listen now — and if this work is resonating, visit toddcreager.com to learn more about individual and couples therapy, or explore his self-guided programs. If this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who could benefit and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more couples who are ready to transform their lives.Check out my complete program "From Bickering & Escalating to Connecting & Loving" for more in-depth guidance: https://www.toddcreagertraining.com/loving-connecting-masterclassTodd Creager, LCSW, LMFTTodd is a sex expert and therapist in Huntington Beach.  He provides relationship coaching to couples throughout the world and in Orange County including Irvine, Newport Beach, Corona del Mar, Laguna Beach, Seal Beach and Long Beach.  (714) 848-2288.You can find more tips and resources from Todd Creager at:  https://toddcreager.com  HELPFUL LINKS:Get your FREE copy of Healing Infidelity From The Inside Out https://www.toddcreagertraining.com/heal-infidelity Secrets to a Sexy Marriage:  https://toddcreager.kartra.com/page/sexy-marriage-secrets7 Ways to Divorce Proof Your Marriage: https://toddcreager.kartra.com/page/optin-DPYMBe...

ANN BIASETTI, PHD, LCSW, C-IAYT, is a transpersonal psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, and certified yoga therapist. She specializes in helping individuals heal their relationships with their bodies, food, and sense of self through somatic therapy, yoga therapy, and embodied self-compassion.   Dr. Biasetti is the creator of the Befriending Your Body Program, a somatic, self-compassion-based recovery program for disordered eating, and the author of Befriending Your Body: A Self-Compassionate Approach to Freeing Yourself from Disordered Eating and The Awakening Self-Compassion Card Deck: 52 Practices for Self-Care, Healing, and Growth. She contributed the chapter "The Process of Self-Compassion in Eating Disorder Recovery" to Grounding Psychotherapy in Self-Compassion.   Dr. Biasetti consults and lectures extensively on somatic psychotherapy, embodiment, polyvagal theory, and interoceptive awareness in the context of disordered eating and eating-disorder recovery. Additionally, she serves as an instructor with the Center for Mindful Body Awareness and the Self-Compassion in Psychotherapy (SCIP) Program. A featured Professional Education Systems Institute (PESI) presenter, Dr. Biasetti has appeared on multiple podcasts and trains professionals through the Befriending Your Body (BFYB) somatic certification training program.   Dr. Biasetti maintains a private therapy and consultation practice based in Saratoga Springs, New York, where she integrates mind-body modalities to facilitate holistic healing and personal growth. On any given day you can find her practicing and teaching yoga and meditation in her community and enjoying her family, friends, nature, animals, music, and embodied living.  Latest Book: "Your Body Never Meant You Any Harm"   Websites: www.anembodiedlife.com www.befriendingyourbody.com  

You created the rule.You explained the reason.Your teen may have even agreed to it.But now they are still scrolling after bedtime, refusing to stop gaming, bypassing parental controls, or sneaking the phone back into their bedroom.Many parents respond by repeating themselves, raising their voice, or creating a major punishment in the middle of the conflict. Unfortunately, that can turn one broken phone rule into a much larger power struggle.In this episode of the Single Parenting Reset Podcast, Tess Connolly explains how to respond with calm, predictable follow-through instead of an angry punishment.You will learn:The difference between punishment and logical follow-throughWhy consequences should be decided before the rule is brokenWhat to say when your teenager refuses to get off their phoneHow to respond when your teen argues that the rule is unfairWhat to do when your teenager bypasses screen time controlsWhy repeated rule-breaking may mean your plan needs more structureHow to repair after yelling without removing the boundaryHow to reset the next day and give your teen another opportunityHow to manage different technology rules across two homesTess also shares practical scripts, including:“The rule was clear. This is not a punishment. This is the follow-through we already agreed on.”“You can be upset. I'm not going to argue about this tonight.”“Tomorrow we'll reset. Tonight, the phone is done.”The goal is not to control your teen's technology forever.The goal is to help your teen build the ability to manage screens, protect their sleep, tolerate stopping, and make responsible decisions as they become more independent.⭐Got screen time problems at home? Get the Tech Reset Agreement here

While we often hear about triggers in everyday conversation, what does it really mean to be "triggered"? Why do certain people or situations spark such intense emotional reactions? And what's actually happening in your brain and body in those moments? We sat down again with Lia Love Avellino, LCSW, modern love therapist and community organizer, to unpack what triggers are, why they happen, and how to reframe them with curiosity instead of judgment. She shares practical techniques to regulate your nervous system, shift from asking "What's wrong with me?" to "What's happening for me right now?," and strengthen your relationships through deeper self-awareness and genuine human connection. Learn how to respond with intention – even when every instinct tells you to react. Credits Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers Show Notes: Lauren Summers Guest: Lia Love Avellino, LCSW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode of the podcast, I speak with Gabrielle Juliano-Villani, LCSW, about taking Medicaid & Medicare in private practice, & why it's not as terrifying (or as poorly paying) as you might think. We bust some big misconceptions: the rates are actually decent in a lot of states, the clients are great (let's stop blaming a population for systemic issues), & compliance is very doable with good systems in place. We also cover what community mental health got wrong, the extra codes you may be able to bill, & why these clients might be exactly who fills that 10am Wednesday spot you've been staring at. If you've written off Medicaid & Medicare, this conversation might open your eyes.  Learn more at medicareconsultingfortherapists.com, instagram.com/gjvconsulting, and gabriellejulianovillani.com. Sponsored by TherapyNotes®: Looking to switch EHRs? Try TherapyNotes® for 2 months free by using promo code ABUNDANT at therapynotes.com. Need help building and filling your practice? Check out the Abundance Party. For only $345, you'll get access to on-demand courses, trainings, scripts, templates, plus monthly group calls and 1:1 opportunities: https://www.abundancepracticebuilding.com/party  

Arguing for Your Limitations: 9 Self-Limiting Beliefs Keeping You Stuck in OCD, Anxiety & FearIf you feel like you've been "trying to heal" for years but keep landing in the same place, this episode is for you. Matt Codde, LCSW breaks down the most common ways we unconsciously build a case for why we can't change, grow, or heal, and why admitting "I was wrong" might be the most powerful phrase in your recovery.This isn't about blame. It's about awareness. Matt walks through nine self-limiting beliefs he's seen (and lived through himself) that keep people trapped in OCD, anxiety, fear loops, and chronic suffering, from blaming time and money to hiding behind personality, family, and spirituality.If you or someone you love has been stuck in the OCD or anxiety cycle and can't figure out why nothing seems to stick, this conversation will help you see what's really in the way.

You ask your teenager to put down the phone, start their homework, walk the dog, or get ready to leave.They do not respond.You ask again.And again.Before long, you are yelling, your teen is defensive, and a basic request has become a full argument.When teenagers appear to ignore their parents, the answer is not usually a longer explanation or a louder voice.Your teen may not have shifted their attention toward you. They may be struggling to transition away from what they are doing. They may disagree with the request—or they may have learned that they do not need to respond until you have asked several times.In this episode, Tess explains how parents can interrupt this pattern without becoming passive or controlling.You will learn:Why your teen may not respond the first timeHow repeated reminders accidentally become part of the problemHow to get your teenager's attention before giving a directionFive practical scripts for common parent-teen conflictsHow to validate feelings without changing the boundaryWhat calm follow-through looks likeWhen withdrawal or unresponsiveness may indicate a larger concernThe five scripts“Pause for a second. I need your attention.”“I'm not going to keep repeating this. I'll come back in five minutes.”“You don't have to like this, but I do need you to follow through.”“I'm going to stay calm, and we're still going to handle this.”“We can talk about the feeling, but the expectation still stands.”Follow or subscribe to the Single Parenting Reset Podcast for practical parenting support for the tween and teen years.Join the family through the link below for parenting tools, updates, and upcoming resources.For individualized support with communication problems, screen battles, family conflict, or challenging teen behavior, schedule a Parent Reset Strategy Session.⭐Got screen time problems at home? Get the Tech Reset Agreement here

What happens when decades of clinical experience meet lived experience?In this episode of Mental Health News Radio, Kristin sits down with licensed clinical social worker and educator David Glick for an expansive conversation about late autism diagnosis, ADHD, masking, personality disorders, police psychology, trauma, psychotherapy, and why movies often teach us as much about human behavior as textbooks do.Dave shares stories from over 30 years in clinical practice, his work training law enforcement across the country, and how his own neurodivergent journey shaped the way he approaches therapy today. Together, Kristen and Dave explore why so many adults—especially women—are finally discovering they're autistic, how personality disorders are often misunderstood, and why curiosity always beats certainty.They also discuss their work on Holmes Cinema Clues, where psychology, neurodiversity, and film intersect to reveal hidden layers inside the stories we love.Learn more about Dave Glick and Triad Psych:https://triadpsych.orgExplore Holmes Cinema Clues:https://holmescinemaclues.substack.com/Topics include:• Late-diagnosed autism and ADHD• Masking and identity• Personality disorders vs. neurodivergence• Police psychology• Pop culture as therapy• Richard Jewell, Jaws, Rocky, Speechless, and What's Eating Gilbert Grape• Why trends in mental health deserve careful examination• Grace, curiosity, and meaningful human connectionIf you enjoy conversations that go beyond labels and into genuine understanding, be sure to subscribe.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mental-health-news-radio--3082057/support.

When your teen is struggling, the natural instinct is to rush in and fix it. But constantly bailing them out can actually push them further away. True support isn't about steering the car for them, it's about having the courage to let them safely scrape their knees so they can learn how to heal and grow. In this episode, host Peter Fenger sits down with Sophia Vale Galano, a California-based psychotherapist with over a decade of experience supporting teenagers and families. Sophia holds a Master's degree in Social Work from NYU and brings a deeply holistic lens to mental health, integrating advanced training in sex therapy, animal-assisted therapy, yoga, and Reiki into her thriving practice. Together, Peter and Sophia dive into the practical roadmap laid out in her new book, “Calming Teenage Anxiety: A Parent's Guide to Helping Your Teenager Cope with Worry”. They explore how parents can move past fear and confusion to build a home rooted in confidence, connection, and emotional resilience.   To learn more about “Calming Teenage Anxiety: A Parent's Guide to Helping Your Teenager Cope with Worry” by Sophia Galano, LCSW, please visit: https://sophiagalano.com/book/ For more information about the audio book version of “Calming Teenage Anxiety”, please visit: https://www.audible.com/pd/Calming-Teenage-Anxiety-Audiobook/B0G21TFB9H For more information about Sophia Galano, please visit: https://sophiagalano.com Connect with Sophia on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/sophiavale_galano/ Connect with Sophia on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiavalegalano/

What if the problem isn't that you're not working hard enough at all…What if the problem is that you've built a business that no longer feels like you?As part of our Summer Replay Series, I'm bringing back one of my favorite conversations — and it is just as powerful today as it was when we first recorded it.Maira Holzmann is a somatic therapist, group practice owner, and business coach whose approach to business is refreshingly different.Rather than chasing someone else's definition of success, she set out to build a business that reflected her deepest values, honored her strengths, and supported the life she actually wanted to live.Please — if you ever feel like you're having to sacrifice your Self in order to build your business — listen to this.Because in this episode, you'll hear...Why alignment matters just as much as strategy when growing your business.How Maira found the courage to rebuild even when nothing felt like it was working…The oh-so-powerful mindset shifts that helped her stop playing small. Period.What it means to build a business from the inside out.See here's the thing.Your success will feel completely different if it's rooted in your values instead of your ego, when you make decisions, take action, and craft your practice in the way that feels deeply true to who you are.Deeply true to who you are…And you'll still make good money, have a life, and feel wonderful about the work you do.Doesn't get any better than that, does it?So check it out. And let me know how this lands for you.If this conversation resonates, I'd love to hear what stood out most. And if someone comes to mind who needs this reminder right now, share the episode with them!  Not to sound over the top - but really - you could change someone's life.~WendyP.S. One of my favorite moments in this conversation comes near the very end, when I asked Maira what one last bit of wisdom she felt called to share. What she said has stayed with me ever since. I hope it stays with you, too. And if you know someone else who needs to hear this, please share it with them._____________TODAY'S GUEST: MAIRA HOLZMANNMaira Holzmann, LCSW passionately works at the intersection of being a seasoned therapist running a growing group practice and a business coach for soul-aligned therapists who want to stop feeling overworked, underpaid and unappreciated. With her extensive training in empowered somatics, healing trauma, and nurturing resilience Maira is dedicated to helping psychotherapists do good, live large and thrive more.You can find her at: www.SomaticTherapyPartners.com_____________MENTIONEDEpisode 39: Why Closing Her Group Practice was One of the Best Things She Ever Did: An Interview with Ali BoehmEpisode 42: Thinking Big: How to Grow and Manage a Large Group Practice with Amanda LandryEpisode 43: What I Got Right as a Group Practice Owner, and a Few Things I Missed_____________LET's CONNECT:Want to be a Guest on Ideal Practice™? Submit your application here.Follow me on Facebook or LinkedIn. Support the showWendy Pitts Reeves, LCSWHost, Ideal PracticePrivate Practice Coach and Mentorwww.WendyPittsReeves.comWendy@WendyPittsReeves.com

Connie Palmer, LCSW offers a powerful conversation about shame - what it is, how it differs from guilt, and why it can become such a deeply rooted emotional experience.She distinguishes between the feeling that “I am bad" to "I did something bad,” exploring how shame shapes identity, relationships, self-worth, and mental health. The conversation examines how shame operates beneath the surface, why it can be so difficult to release, and how many people carry toxic shame without even realizing it.Through reflection, insight, and practical perspective shifts, Dr. Meyers and Connie discuss ways to challenge shame-based thinking, cultivate self-compassion, and begin separating behavior from identity. This episode offers an honest and relatable look at one of the most painful, and most human, emotional experiences we face.Whether you struggle with self-criticism, perfectionism, people-pleasing, or feeling “not enough,” this conversation invites you to rethink the stories shame tells us and consider what healing might look like.Connie Palmer, LVSW, is an experienced teacher, presenter, therapist, and school counselor who has spent more than thirty years working with children, youth, and families. She is the owner of Therapeutic Learning Connections which offers social, emotional learning workshops to mental health professionals, community organizations, schools, and workplaces. She is also a Grief Education Consultant for Imagine, a Center for Coping with Loss in Mountainside, NJ which offers grief support groups and grief education. She can be reached at Connie@TLConnections.org.

What if you treated your mental health with the same consistency, care, and intention as your training plan? In this episode of Dear Runner Bod, I'm joined by Sarah Strong, a licensed clinical social worker and performance coach known as The Trail Therapist. Sarah blends movement, trail-based therapy, and mental health support for athletes across Colorado's Front Range and beyond. We dive into her journey from runner to therapist and how her work sits at the intersection of performance and mental well-being. Together, we unpack why mental health is still often treated as optional… while physical health gets all the structure, metrics, and attention. Sarah shares: Subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs your mental health might need support Why runners are especially vulnerable to ignoring these signals How perfectionism, identity, and performance can blur the line between discipline and distress Practical ways to build mental health habits that actually stick This episode is your reminder that feeling strong isn't just about your splits, your pace, or your race day performance… it's about your capacity to show up fully in your life. Follow Sarah on Instagram @the_trail_therapist. You can check out her website www.thetrailtherapist.com. This episode originally aired November 6, 2023. If you would like to feel stronger and more supported on your runs and actually enjoy your strength training routine, you can try ANDA App for free for 7 days and 20% off your subscription with my code SERENA Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @runnergirldietitian

Episode 114 - Raegan Swanson is the Executive Director of The ArQuives, one of the largest independent 2SLGBTQIA+ archives in the world, has a mandate to safeguard that history.Disclaimer: Please note that all information and content on the UK Health Radio Network, all its radio broadcasts and podcasts are provided by the authors, producers, presenters and companies themselves and is only intended as additional information to your general knowledge. As a service to our listeners/readers our programs/content are for general information and entertainment only.  The UK Health Radio Network does not recommend, endorse, or object to the views, products or topics expressed or discussed by show hosts or their guests, authors and interviewees.  We suggest you always consult with your own professional – personal, medical, financial or legal advisor. So please do not delay or disregard any professional – personal, medical, financial or legal advice received due to something you have heard or read on the UK Health Radio Network.

When we transition into becoming a mother, it is one of the most beautiful seasons and yet can also be a complex time as we begin to shift in our identity and lose a part of ourselves. If you are a Mom longing for a reset and wanting to understand more about your identity in this season of life, today's episode is for you! My guest, Olivia Bergeron, LCSW, PMH-C, is a therapist, parent coach, and founder of Mommy Groove Therapy & Parent Coaching.  She specializes in maternal mental health, helping moms break generational patterns through her frameworks Stop/Soften/See and the Loyalty Bind. She has been featured in The New York Times, HuffPost, Self Magazine, ABC News, and Parents Magazine. She specializes in maternal mental health, helping moms break generational patterns through her frameworks Stop/Soften/See and the Loyalty Bind. Olivia recently launched the Good Mom Reset Session — a 75-minute 1:1 session where we take one specific recurring pattern and build a personalized action plan around it. Not generic advice, but a real plan for that mom's specific child, specific trigger, and specific moment.   Connect with Olivia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mommygroove.nyc/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mommygroove Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MommyGrooveTherapy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-bergeron-mommy-groove YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@oliviabergeron   CONNECT WITH DEBI Website – https://www.debironca.com Instagram - @debironca Email – info@debironca.com Free Group Coaching - https://debi.sequoiatransitioncoaching.com/group-coaching YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@DebiRoncaOfficial   Check out my online course! Your Story's Changing, Finding Purpose in Life's Transitionshttps://course.sequoiatransitioncoaching.com/8-week-program The Family Letter by Debi Ronca – International Best Sellerhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SSJFXBD Free Clarity Call: https://calendly.com/debironca/free-clarity-call

What if the fight you keep having with your spouse isn't really about dishes, money, or who said what last Tuesday? What if the two of you aren't even fighting each other at all?In this solo episode, Todd Creager — licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and relationship coach with over 30 years of experience working with couples — walks you through a framework he uses with couples every day: the three internal parts that show up in virtually every relationship conflict. Once you can see them, the whole fight starts to make sense.Todd breaks down the Firefighter — the part that attacks, raises its voice, and catalogues every grievance from the last six months. It looks strong, but it's actually operating from fear. Then there's the Manager — the part that goes quiet, pulls back, or tries to smooth everything over. From the outside it looks calm, but inside it's just trying to survive the moment. Underneath both of those protective parts lives what Todd calls the wounded or exiled part — the younger, more vulnerable self that feels unseen, unimportant, unsafe, or like it doesn't belong.Todd shares a real couple he's working with right now: a wife who grew up in a loud household where no one really listened, and a husband who was told as a child he should never have been born. Their fights look like her escalating and him withdrawing — but what's really happening is two wounded parts trying desperately to protect themselves. As Todd puts it, their protective parts are actually making things worse for each other, even when that's the last thing either of them wants.The shift happens when couples stop seeing each other as enemies and start recognizing the parts driving the conflict. That awareness — paired with compassion for your own internal experience — is what makes real repair possible.If you and your partner keep getting stuck in the same cycles, this episode gives you a clear, honest way to look at what's actually going on beneath the surface.Todd works with couples navigating communication breakdowns, intimacy issues, infidelity recovery, and long-standing patterns that feel impossible to move through. If you're ready to work with him directly, visit toddcreager.com to learn more about his couples therapy and coaching services. If this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who could benefit and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more couples who are ready to transform their lives.Check out my complete program "From Bickering & Escalating to Connecting & Loving" for more in-depth guidance: https://www.toddcreagertraining.com/loving-connecting-masterclassTodd Creager, LCSW, LMFTTodd is a sex expert and therapist in Huntington Beach.  He provides relationship coaching to couples throughout the world and in Orange County including Irvine, Newport Beach, Corona del Mar, Laguna Beach, Seal Beach and Long Beach.  (714) 848-2288.You can find more tips and resources from Todd Creager at:  https://toddcreager.com  HELPFUL LINKS:Get your FREE copy of Healing Infidelity From The Inside Out https://www.toddcreagertraining.com/heal-infidelity Secrets to a Sexy Marriage:  https://toddcreager.kartra.com/page/sexy-marriage-secrets7 Ways to Divorce Proof Your Marriage: https://toddcreager.kartra.com/page/optin-DPYMBe...

In this first episode of the Zoom Out series, reproductive therapist, researcher, and author Lisa Schuman, LCSW unpacks the most important question almost no one asks about egg freezing. Lisa explains why “How many eggs can I freeze?” is only part of the story, and why you also need to understand how many cycles and eggs you're likely to need for the kind of family you actually want in the future. She introduces her Zoom Out Theory – a simple framework to help you step back from panic, manage stress, and make clearer decisions about your fertility. Drawing on decades of clinical experience and research, Lisa also shares surprising data about non‑genetic parenthood options: how many egg freezing patients are open to donor eggs, embryos, or other paths if needed, and why that matters for how aggressively you pursue more cycles now. You'll learn: The critical egg freezing question almost no one thinks to ask Why freezing “as many eggs as possible” isn't always necessary – or helpful How your emotional state can quietly distort your fertility decisions What Lisa's research reveals about patients' real openness to non‑genetic options A practical way to zoom out and plan for your long‑term family, not just the next cycle If you're considering egg freezing – or you've already frozen eggs and are wondering what comes next – this episode will help you balance facts and feelings so you can move forward with more confidence. #eggfreezing #fertility #ivfjourney #fertilitypreservation #reproductivehealth #ttc #familybuilding #donorconception

Join us on Wednesday, Wednesday, July 8th at 7:00 PM ET for our free webinar on Trail Running with Confidence: Facing Fears with Focus. In this webinar, The Trail Therapist Sarah Strong, LCSW, will guide you through exploring your trail fears and developing strategies to manage them effectively. We'll work with the circle of control to focus on what we can influence and learn how to distinguish between actionable tasks and what is best to let go. This webinar is ideal for runners who want to build confidence, reduce anxiety, and approach their training and adventures with a clearer, calmer mindset. https://www.thetrailtherapist.com/https://www.instagram.com/the_trail_therapist/

Is screen time the battle that keeps showing up in your home?Maybe your teen is on their phone late at night. Maybe gaming turns into an argument every time you ask them to stop. Maybe social media, YouTube, texting, or endless scrolling have started to affect sleep, mood, homework, motivation, or connection.And if you are a single parent, this can feel even more exhausting because you may be the only one holding the line.In this episode of the Single Parenting Reset Show, Tess Connolly, LCSW, talks about how to limit screen time for teenagers in a way that is firm, realistic, and relationship-centered.This episode is not about shaming teens or pretending technology is going away. Teenagers are growing up in a world where phones, schoolwork, friendships, entertainment, gaming, and identity are all tangled together.The real question is:How do we help teens build healthier limits with screens without creating constant conflict at home?In this episode, you'll learn:Why screen time with teens is different than screen time with tweensWhy sleep should be the first screen time boundary parents protectHow to separate school screens from entertainment screensWhy screens often become a coping tool for teensHow to talk to your teen about screen time outside the heat of the momentHow to create a teen screen time agreement that is clear, calm, and realisticWhat to do if your teen says, “Everyone else is allowed”How single parents can hold screen time boundaries even when the other home has different rulesThe goal is not to control your teen forever. The goal is to help your teen slowly build internal regulation, responsibility, and healthier habits with technology.If your family needs a clearer starting point, grab Tess's Tech Reset Agreement through the link in the show notes.⭐Got screen time problems at home? Get the Tech Reset Agreement here

Nervous System Hijacked by Approval: Approval Addiction, Chronic Self Abandonment, and Chasing ControlIn this episode, Matt Codde, LCSW, explores what happens when your nervous system is hijacked by approval and you slowly slip into chronic self abandonment. He breaks down how approval addiction and tolerance for destruction quietly erode your sense of safety, shrink your world, and create the loss of authentic relationships—even while you look like “the good person” on the outside.Matt then turns to control, describing how we end up chasing a phantom called certainty and living in the illusion of playing God. He shows how fear convinces you that control equals safety, while in reality it leads to the erosion of creativity and spontaneity and a growing tolerance for destruction in your relationships, experiences, and everyday life.If you're stuck in OCD, anxiety, people pleasing, or constant worry about what others think, this conversation will help you see the deeper fear loops behind your symptoms. It's an invitation to stop abandoning yourself for approval and control, and begin living from authenticity, trust, and genuine connection.

Is screen time already becoming a daily battle in your home?If your 10-, 11-, or 12-year-old argues every time screens end, asks constantly for more time, sneaks devices, or says “everyone else gets to,” you are not alone.The tween years are a key window for building healthy screen habits before the teen years bring more complicated challenges like smartphones, social media, group chats, gaming, and late-night scrolling.In this episode of the Single Parenting Reset Show, Tess Connolly, LCSW, talks about how to limit screen time for tweens without turning every day into a power struggle.This is not about making screens the enemy.It is about helping your tween learn balance, responsibility, emotional regulation, and healthy device habits while you remain the steady parent, guide, and coach.Tweens are old enough to want more independence, but they are still young enough to need clear structure, support, repetition, and limits.In this episode, you'll learn:Why screen time feels so hard during the tween yearsWhy vague rules like “not too much screen time” often create more argumentsHow to create screen time limits that support sleep, school, movement, and family connectionWhy devices should not be in bedrooms overnightHow to talk to your tween about screens without shaming or lecturingHow to create a simple family screen time plan togetherWhat to do if your tween gets angry when screen time endsWhy parental controls can help, but cannot replace parentingIf you want help getting started, grab my Tech Reset Agreement through the link in the show notes. It will help you create clearer expectations around devices, screen time, bedtime, and family agreements so you are not trying to make rules in the heat of the moment.And if screen time has become a bigger battle in your family, or you need more support setting up a plan that actually works for your tween and your home, you can also schedule a free Parent Reset Strategy Call through the link in the show notes.⭐Got screen time problems at home? Get the Tech Reset Agreement here

Are We Already Dating Robots? LCSW Jet Setting Jasmine on AI, Intimacy & the FutureToday on Diversified Game, Kellen sits down with Jet Setting Jasmine — a licensed clinical social worker in four states who is also an adult-industry director, performer, and educator. This episode covers how she holds both licenses and identities without conflict, what her code of ethics actually says versus what people assume it says, how the adult industry's testing protocols compare to standard healthcare screening, her research project studying kink and desire across Black and BIPOC communities, and her take on AI companionship and synthetic relationships as a clinician.Topics covered:Balancing an LCSW license with adult-industry work, and what the ethics code really requiresNavigating licensing board scrutiny as a Black professional in a non-traditional fieldSTI testing standards and disclosure practices in the adult industryBuilding a referral network of professionals who serve sex workers without judgmentThe Unveiling Desires research project and what over 1,200 anonymous survey responses revealedAI companionship, synthetic relationships, and where the humanoid-partner conversation is really headedConnect with Jet Setting Jasmine:

Send us Fan MailThe Peace & Prosperity Podcast is a bi-weekly conversation with Dr. Jason Phillips, LCSW, licensed therapist and confidence expert in Raleigh, NC, discussing all things related to self-love and self-confidence, and how we can improve ourselves personally and professionally.For many high achievers, rest feels unproductive—and that's exactly why burnout often goes unnoticed. In this episode, Dr. Jason Phillips, licensed therapist and confidence coach, explores the five hidden reasons successful people struggle to slow down, including tying your identity to productivity, feeling uncomfortable with rest, overextending yourself, losing touch with what brings you joy, and believing that slowing down will cost you everything you've built.If you're constantly exhausted despite your success, this conversation will help you understand why—and how to begin protecting your peace without sacrificing your goals.Plus, remember to join our podcast community—like, share, subscribe, and let us know what topics you want us to cover next. Engage with us, send a DM, or leave a review. Let's continue this journey towards peace and prosperity together.To stay connected with Jason and learn about coaching, connect with Jason on social media:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jphillipsmsw/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jphillipsmswVisit Jason's website for a consultation:Website -https://www.jasonlphillips.comTo book Jason to speak to your team or organization:https://peaceprosperitycoaching.hbportal.co/public/660d8068c9d2d600253b215b/1-InquirySupport the show

What if anxiety and depression aren't always the problem—but symptoms of something deeper?In this conversation, I sit down with psychotherapist and founder of The Collective, Courtney Grimes, LCSW, to explore a dimension of healing that our mental health system often overlooks: social health.We talk about why so many people make tremendous progress in therapy, only to "face plant" when they return to their everyday lives. Healing isn't just about understanding yourself—it's about learning how to thrive in relationships, families, workplaces, and communities that don't revolve around you.Together, we explore:Why loneliness may be one of the biggest drivers of anxiety and depression.The difference between mental health and social health.Why therapy should prepare us for real life—not just the therapy room.How to build resilience without living in an echo chamber.Why disagreement isn't the same thing as danger.The growing problem of emotional cutoffs, polarization, and tribal thinking.How healthy boundaries allow us to stay connected without losing ourselves.Why true resilience requires agency, adaptability, and the courage to engage with people who see the world differently.If you've ever wondered why healing sometimes feels incomplete, this episode offers a compelling answer: we don't just heal as individuals—we heal as members of a community.The work of being human isn't simply becoming healthier ourselves. It's learning how to be healthy with other people.Have a show idea? Send us an email! admin@vanessabentley.co

Why do so many strong, accomplished women still struggle to speak up — in relationships, at work, and in leadership? In this episode of Inner Voice – A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan, Dr. Foojan Zeine sits down with renowned couples therapist, psychotherapist, and author Tonya Lester, author of “Push Back: Live, Love, and Work with Others Without Losing Yourself,” to unpack why women so often silence themselves despite being raised to be independent, confident, and capable. Tonya shares how women frequently become emotional “shock absorbers” in relationships — softening their needs, avoiding conflict, and shrinking their voice to keep the peace. Together, she and Dr. Foojan explore the hidden patterns that lead to resentment and disconnection, why healthy conflict is essential for real intimacy, and how emotional maturity changes the way we communicate — at home and in the workplace. In This Episode You'll Learn: ✔ Why successful women often lose their voice in relationships ✔ The hidden cost of people-pleasing and “shock absorbing” ✔ How to communicate assertively without anger or blame ✔ The difference between emotional maturity and emotional reactivity ✔ Why resentment grows when needs go unspoken ✔ How healthy conflict builds deeper love, trust, and intimacy ✔ Communication strategies for couples, leaders, and professionals ✔ How to set boundaries without damaging the relationship ✔ Why knowing your self-worth changes every conversation Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro: the pattern of “shock absorbing” in relationships 1:41 – About the International Awareness Integration Institute virtual clinic 2:54 – Foojan App update: flexible plans & AI-driven onboarding 4:22 – Welcome & introducing Tonya Lester and her book, Push Back 6:48 – Foojan App listener testimonial 7:22 – Mind-body & somatic services at Awareness Integration 8:44 – Interview begins: welcoming Tonya to the show 8:57 – Why Push Back focuses on women's patterns 9:22 – How Tonya discovered this pattern in herself and clients 10:40 – What “shock absorbing” really looks like 14:36 – What it means to “be an adult” in a relationship 17:16 – Getting clear, concise, and direct about your needs 19:02 – What to do when your partner pushes back or resists 22:30 – How to prepare yourself before a hard conversation 24:58 – When and how to push back in the moment 26:54 – Anger vs. true assertiveness 29:16 – Do women hold back at work the same way as at home? 31:22 – Being labeled “difficult” for speaking up 34:05 – Grappling issues vs. deal-breakers: when to stay or go 36:01 – Advice for more traditional or patriarchal relationship dynamics 38:41 – Final thoughts: why speaking up creates real intimacy 39:44 – Where to find Tonya Lester 40:12 – Become AIT certified: training for therapists & coaches About Tonya Lester: Tonya Lester, LCSW, is a Brooklyn-based couples therapist, psychotherapist, and author of “Push Back: Live, Love, and Work with Others Without Losing Yourself.” Her New York Times Modern Love essay “Couples Therapist, Heal Thyself” and her Psychology Today column “Staying Sane Inside Insanity” have made her a go-to voice on relationships and communication. Her work has been featured in The Guardian, Newsweek, Well+Good, HuffPost, Fatherly, and Bumble's The Buzz. Ready to find your own voice? Visit awarenessintegration.com to book a session with a licensed therapist or coach, or explore our psychotherapy, coaching, and mind-body services designed to help you feel seen, heard, and supported.

July is National Bereaved Parents Awareness Month. Twice a week, we are re-releasing past podcast episodes honoring a variety of families and circumstances in their grief. Trigger warning: this episode centers on infant loss and grief. In this episode, we visit with grief counselor Becca Van Tassel about the challenging work of navigating grief after the loss of a baby. We explore why grief can be so painful, how it differs from depression, and practical ways families can support one another through mourning, including coping with guilt, honoring a child's memory, and helping siblings process loss. Grounded in Worden's Four Tasks of Mourning, this conversation offers compassionate guidance and hope for bereaved NICU families seeking to understand and move through their grief.  

What if the thing you've been doing to fix your relationship is actually what's keeping it stuck?Most couples hit a wall. You've read the books, planned the date nights, promised to listen better — and somehow you're still in the same spot. More exhausted, more frustrated, and further apart than before. If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you.In this solo episode, Todd Creager — licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 30 years working with couples — explains why trying harder rarely works, and what's actually happening beneath the surface when your best efforts fall flat.Todd introduces a way of thinking that goes deeper than most couples therapy advice: the idea that we're made up of different parts — and that the real reason relationships stall isn't lack of effort. It's that one part of you is trying to fix things while another part — a wounded, scared, or quietly resentful part — isn't on board. No amount of willpower gets through to that part.He walks through a real couple he's currently working with: a woman who never felt seen as a child and erupts when her husband gets defensive, and a husband who grew up with an aggressive father and shuts down the moment conflict starts. Neither is the villain. Both are being driven by protective parts that took shape long before they ever met.What they're learning — and what Todd wants you to take away — is the difference between a protective relationship and a self-led relationship. A self-led relationship doesn't come from trying harder. It comes from getting curious about the parts of you that keep showing up in the same painful patterns, and learning to lead from a place of clarity, compassion, and genuine connection.This episode won't hand you a quick fix. It will give you a different way of seeing yourself, your partner, and the cycle you keep getting stuck in — and that shift is where real change in a relationship actually begins.If you're in a long-term relationship and feel like you've tried everything, start here.Subscribe to Todd's podcast for honest, practical guidance on the relationship challenges that matter most. If this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who could benefit and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more couples who are ready to transform their lives.Check out my complete program "From Bickering & Escalating to Connecting & Loving" for more in-depth guidance: https://www.toddcreagertraining.com/loving-connecting-masterclassTodd Creager, LCSW, LMFTTodd is a sex expert and therapist in Huntington Beach.  He provides relationship coaching to couples throughout the world and in Orange County including Irvine, Newport Beach, Corona del Mar, Laguna Beach, Seal Beach and Long Beach.  (714) 848-2288.You can find more tips and resources from Todd Creager at:  https://toddcreager.com  HELPFUL LINKS:Get your FREE copy of Healing Infidelity From The Inside Out https://www.toddcreagertraining.com/heal-infidelity Secrets to a Sexy Marriage:  https://toddcreager.kartra.com/page/sexy-marriage-secrets7 Ways to Divorce Proof Your Marriage: https://toddcreager.kartra.com/page/optin-DPYMBe...

In this episode of Building Your Family, Lisa Schuman, LCSW sits down with Dr. Jessica Gray, a physician who has lived through infertility, miscarriage, and the intense pressures of medical training on her way to motherhood. Jessica shares how a stressful childhood shaped her resilience, what it was like to face endometriosis and IVF as both a doctor and a patient, and how she coped when a long‑hoped‑for pregnancy ended in miscarriage. She talks candidly about binders of notes, hours of research, and the feeling of “doing everything right” and still not getting the outcome she hoped for. Together, Lisa and Jessica explore the emotional burden of infertility on both partners, the importance of support systems, and the small planning behaviors that can create a sense of control in an uncertain journey. Jessica reflects on how she now gives back to the infertility and parenting community, and what she would say to her younger self who was just starting down this road. If you've felt isolated, overwhelmed, or “not like yourself” during infertility or pregnancy, this conversation offers validation, practical coping ideas, and hope. Dr. Jessica Gray resources: Website: https://www.drjessicagraymd.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjessicagraymd #infertility #miscarriage #IVFjourney #endometriosis #ttccommunity #infertilitysupport #pregnancyloss #mentalhealth #familybuilding #fertilitytreatment #resilience #motherhood #medicaltraining #emotionalhealth #buildyourfamilypodcast 

The 5 Hidden Payoffs of Fear That Keep OCD and Anxiety Loops RunningMost people assume fear is just something that happens to them. In this episode, Matt Codde, LCSW and founder of Restored Minds, explains why part of the mind actually believes it's benefiting from staying afraid, and why that belief is what keeps the fear loop running.Matt breaks down 5 "secondary gains", the hidden payoffs of safety, control, identity, pain avoidance, and self-justification that quietly convince you fear is protecting you. He walks through real examples (driving anxiety, health anxiety, relationship fears, money fears) showing how fear often creates the exact outcome it claims to prevent.If you've ever wondered why you can't just "stop worrying," this episode explains the piece that usually gets missed: you can't let go of fear until you're willing to let go of what you believe it's giving you.

If your child has ADHD or ADHD-like symptoms, you may feel like you are constantly managing meltdowns, screen battles, irritability, impulsivity, emotional explosions, or big reactions that seem to come out of nowhere.But what if your child's behavior is not only a discipline issue?What if their behavior is also communication?In this episode of the Single Parenting Reset Show, Tess Connolly, LCSW, talks with ADHD and nutrition expert Dana Kay about how gut health, inflammation, nutrition, sleep, screen time, and nervous system overload may affect ADHD behavior problems in kids.Many parents are taught to look at ADHD behavior through the lens of discipline, motivation, or compliance.But in this conversation, we look underneath the behavior.Dana explains that a child's nervous system may already be overloaded before the trigger happens. The iPad, homework, bedtime request, or morning routine may simply be the final stressor that causes the explosion.We talk about why ADHD behavior can be connected to:Gut healthInflammationPoor sleepBlood sugar crashesNutritionSensory overloadScreen timeNervous system dysregulationThis does not mean boundaries do not matter. They do.But it does mean parents can begin asking a more helpful question:What might my child's behavior be trying to tell me?In this episode, you will learn:Why behavior is communication, especially for kids with ADHD or ADHD-like symptomsHow gut health, nutrition, sleep, and inflammation may influence mood, focus, and emotional regulationWhy screen time can be so activating for children with ADHDHow to create screen-free pockets without needing a dramatic screen banWhy protein at breakfast and balanced snacks may support steadier moodsHow movement, sleep, and connection can help regulate the nervous systemWhere overwhelmed parents can start when they cannot change everything at onceThis episode is especially helpful if you are parenting a tween or teen who struggles with ADHD symptoms, emotional reactivity, screen transitions, poor frustration tolerance, or constant conflict at home.Listen to this episode if you want a more compassionate and practical way to understand ADHD behavior problems in kids.After listening, choose one small place to start:Add protein at breakfastCreate a screen-free morning pocketRemove devices from bedrooms overnightOffer movement before screens after schoolUse a timer and clear screen transition planProtect sleepAsk, “What might this behavior be communicating?”⭐Got screen time problems at home? Get the Tech Reset Agreement here

High conflict behavior at work rarely stays contained to one person or one incident — it spreads across teams, drains HR's time, and quietly drives turnover and burnout long before anyone names it as a pattern. The real question for most organizations isn't how to handle the next individual case. It's whether the organization itself is actually ready to prevent, assess, and respond to conflict at all.Bill Eddy, LCSW, JD, and Megan Hunter, MBA, close out this four-part workplace series — and the show's current season — with returning High Conflict Institute trainer Michael Lomax, JD. Together, they walk through the policies, training, and leadership role modeling it takes to move from case-by-case conflict response to a truly conflict-ready, conflict-smart, or even conflict-proof culture, including the real financial cost of leaving conflict unaddressed.It's All Your Fault is produced by TruStory FM. A new season starts in two weeks.Full Show Notes & ResourcesSubmit Questions | Bookstore | WebsiteWatch this episode on YouTubeImportant Notice: Our discussions focus on behavioral patterns rather than diagnoses. For specific legal or therapeutic guidance, please consult qualified professionals in your area. (00:00) - Welcome to It's All Your Fault (02:02) - Becoming Conflict-Proof (03:14) - Becoming an Organizational Problem (12:38) - Developing New Practices (17:29) - Role Modeling (20:34) - Training (25:05) - Helping Organizations (26:19) - Is It Possible? (31:32) - Wrap Up

Mara Sammartino, LCSW, explores how clinicians can support Hispanic and Latino/x/e clients with cultural humility, curiosity, and respect amid heightened fear and safety concerns. She offers practical guidance for building trust, addressing systemic stressors, and reducing barriers to care. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT.Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when a licensed clinical social worker walks into an improv class and discovers a powerful clinical tool? In this episode of The Therapy Show, I sit down with Dr. Juda Alcabes, also known as The Improv Therapist, to explore how improv comedy can be used therapeutically to treat anxiety, build intimacy, strengthen couples' connections, and help clients get out of their heads and into the present moment. Dr. Juda shares how taking an improv class on a mental health day eventually led him to develop a clinical framework for bringing improv into therapy sessions. Whether you're a clinician curious about adding more play and experiential work into your practice, or someone who has always wanted to try improv, this conversation is insightful, practical, and fun. In this episode, we discuss: How improv can support anxiety treatment Why play and spontaneity matter in therapy How improv helps clients move from overthinking to experiencing The connection between improv, intimacy, and relationships Why therapists don't need to be performers to benefit from improv How clinicians can thoughtfully integrate unique skills into their work Dr. Juda Alcabes, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker based in South Florida who specializes in sex and porn addiction. Known as The Improv Therapist, he integrates improv comedy into clinical work with individuals, couples, and groups. He is also a stand-up comedian and improv performer, and he offers consultation for therapists interested in incorporating improv into their own practice. Resources Mentioned: The Improv Therapist: theimprovtherapist.com Instagram/TikTok/YouTube: @theimprovtherapist Explore my 30+ NBCC-approved Podcourses: https://lisamustard.com/podcourses Get 50% off your first Podcourse here! Explore my other NBCC CE offerings: https://lisamustard.com/cecourses/ Try Berries AI and save $50 off your first month with code THERAPYSHOW50. Learn about Berries Annual Plan + FREE continuing education. FREE CE course! Earn 1.25 continuing education contact hours. The Promise of AI for Mental Health Professionals is available now. Free CE ChatGPT Tool: CE Course Builder for Mental Health CliniciansIf you're curious about teaching or continuing education but aren't ready to commit to creating a full course, this free tool is designed to help you explore ideas, clarify learning objectives, and think like an educator, without pressure or obligation. The Therapy Show with Lisa Mustard is for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace therapy, consultation, supervision, legal advice, or ethical decision-making. Connect with Lisa: Visit lisamustard.com to explore continuing education podcourses, join the CE membership, and access full show notes. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a colleague who could use a little more play in their practice.

The 2026 ASWB exam is shedding rote memorization in favor of real-world application. It's no longer about proving what you can remember it's about proving how you practice. In this episode, host Sharlee Dixon sits down with Robin Bartee, LCSW, an exam prep creator and social work expert within the Level Education Group family. Together, they break down the major 2026 ASWB exam overhaul and explore what this massive shift toward competency-based testing actually means for candidates. Robin brings over two decades of diverse field experience to the conversation. Based in Louisville, Kentucky, her career spans community education, non-profit leadership, therapy, and clinical supervision. After earning her master's degree in Bilingual/Bicultural Social Work from New Mexico Highlands University, she later returned to her alma mater as a contingent faculty member teaching social work ethics and research methods. Passionate about mentoring the next generation of professionals and building "self-sustaining healing systems," Robin lends her deep expertise to help candidates cut through the test anxiety, understand the new exam structure, and trust their clinical reasoning. Whether you're a recent graduate or a seasoned veteran in the field, this episode is your strategic roadmap to conquering the new exam layout.   For more information about the ASWB Exam, please visit: https://www.aswb.org/exam/ To download the ASWB Examination Guidebook, please visit: https://www.aswb.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-ASWB-Examination-Guidebook-Pearson-VUE.pdf For more information about AATBS Exam Prep, please visit: https://aatbs.com/social-work For more information about upcoming ASWB exam changes, please visit: https://aatbs.com/social-work/upcoming-social-work-exam-changes

Our son Jake Ostler (co-founder International Protection Alliance, master's degree in social work, certificate in anti-human trafficking, LCSW, working with sexual violence survivors worldwide, expert speaker on this subject) joins us talk about online safety for youth/teenagers/young adults. In this episode (for parents/anyone with responsibility for younger people) Jake talks about: Creating a safe environment in the home with open discussion about online safety/sextortion, and other online threats kids face How the bad guys connect with youth, gain their trust—with the goal of extorting teens for money and nude images How the bad guys isolate the youth for repeated financial gain—often causing the victim to be hopeless and consider suicide Parents and law enforcements roles before and after sextortion occurs This is a powerful episode on a critically important subject. I encourage parents, local religious/civic leaders, and concerned citizens to get more educated on topic by listening to this episode and sharing it with others. You may help save a life. Thank you Jake for your much needed work in our world. Honored to have you on the podcast. Mom and I love you and are proud of you! Links: NCMEC Education for parents and teens: https://www.missingkids.org/theissues/sextortion NCMEC Take it Down: https://takeitdown.ncmec.org/ NCMEC “No Escape Room" Sextortion Experience: https://noescaperoom.org/ International Protection Alliance Web Site: protectall.org International Protection Alliance Venmo: @protect_all Jake's email to request more information or invite a trainer: jacob@protectall.org International Protection Alliance Instagram: @intl.protect.all Facebook: www.facebook.com/ipa.protectall Jake's Utah Clinical Practice: healingandhopeutah.com Jake's LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-ostler-492716116 Jake's earlier episode (792): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-792-jacob-ostler-lcsw-therapist-founder-international/id1347971725?i=1000677732364

Stop waiting for OCD and anxiety to change before you do — here's why the shift has to come from within first.If you've been stuck in the loop of OCD or anxiety for a long time, there's a good chance something deeper is keeping you there: victim consciousness. In this episode, Matt Codde, LCSW breaks down why seeing yourself as a victim to OCD, anxiety, or fear keeps you perpetuating the very state you want to escape. Real recovery isn't about finding the right technique or waiting for symptoms to disappear. It's about a fundamental shift in how you see yourself and your role in your own healing.Whether you've been struggling for months or years, this episode will challenge you to look honestly at the paradigm you're operating from and explain why consciousness, not circumstance, is where lasting change begins. Matt draws from real-world examples and his own personal experience to walk you through what it actually means to move from victim to someone actively claiming their own recovery.

Single mom burnout is real, especially when you are raising tweens and teens through behavior problems, screen time battles, emotional ups and downs, curfews, money stress, and hard conversations that you may not feel ready to have.When you are parenting alone, every decision can feel heavier. Every boundary can feel like a battle. And when your teen pushes back, it can be easy to wonder, “Am I doing this wrong?”In this episode of the Single Parenting Reset Show, Tess Connolly, LCSW, is joined by life coach and fellow solo parent Carrie Spranzi for an honest conversation about single parenting, resilience, burnout, communication, and raising teens through difficult seasons.Carrie shares her experience becoming a single mom at a young age, navigating financial stress, parenting through major life challenges, and learning how to stay connected with her son through honesty, trust, and open communication.Together, Tess and Carrie talk about what it means to parent tweens and teens with both boundaries and humanity.In this episode, you'll learn:Why single mom burnout often shows up during the tween and teen yearsHow to stay grounded when your teen is pushing backWhy trust-based boundaries can work better than constant controlHow to talk honestly with your teen about money, curfews, sex, safety, and real-life limitsWhy showing your humanity as a parent can actually strengthen your relationshipHow to build communication that lasts beyond the teen yearsOne of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that your teen does not need you to be perfect. They need you to be honest, steady, respectful, and willing to keep showing up.If you are feeling burned out, overwhelmed, or unsure how to set boundaries with your tween or teen without constant conflict, this episode will help you reset.Listen to the full episode, then take one small step this week:Choose one boundary that needs more clarity.Have one honest conversation instead of avoiding it.Let your teen know what you need while still communicating trust.Remind yourself that connection and leadership can exist at the same time.⭐Got screen time problems at home? Get the Tech Reset Agreement here

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-trauma-therapist--5739761/support.---Thank you for listening!If you want to support the show, I've got three options and every bit helps.$5.00 PayPalhttps://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/NPKS32G8KVSN2$10.00 PayPalhttps://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/495AMDFXQFC3L$15.00 PayPalhttps://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/M7V5RREUKVD8JThank you to our Sponsors: Jane App - use code GUY1MO at https://janesoftware.partnerlinks.io/ngvcwcxqt2jx-4afv8i (https://jane.app/book_a_demo)Rebound - https://hellorebound.com/ttBeducated - Complete the quiz for one month free https://beduc.at/pd2629-traumatherapist

The best podcasts don't just inform you. They hold up a mirror.That's what happened the first time I listened to Ryan Wexelblatt, founder of ADHD Dude, licensed social worker, and one of the clearest voices on parenting I've ever encountered. I was ten minutes in before I started laughing at myself. Not because he was funny. Because he was right.I knew I had to get him on the Spiritual Frontier.Here's the reality: 1 in 9 American children, 7 million kids, are carrying an ADHD diagnosis. Behind that number are millions of parents who love their children fiercely and were never handed a map. That's not a failure. That's simply where we begin.Here's a number that stopped me cold: 40% of parents want to be the fun parent. Only 7% want to be seen as strict. But Ryan helped me see what I'd been missing. We've confused strictness with structure, and they are not the same thing. Strictness controls a child. Structure sets one free. For a child with ADHD, structure isn't a cage. It's the scaffolding they climb to become who they're capable of being.Ryan doesn't avoid the difficult. He explains and inspires. That's his gift. He trades guesswork for what the evidence actually shows: how to read your child's big emotions instead of fearing them, how to stop rescuing and start equipping, how to raise a child who learns they are capable rather than helpless.This is one of the most enjoyable, inspiring, and detailed episodes I've ever produced. Maybe the best yet. Not because it will make you feel you've gotten it wrong, but because you'll walk away believing you can get it right.Don't miss it.RYAN WEXELBLATT:Ryan Wexelblatt, LCSW, is a licensed social worker, ADHD specialist, and founder of ADHD Dude. An expert in behavior management and executive functioning, Ryan combines clinical expertise with his personal experience to help families replace daily chaos with structural discipline, resilience, and real-world independence.RYAN'S LINKS:​YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@ADHDDude​Podcast → https://open.spotify.com/show/7xATyVhNZU3abIejNIggvD?si=f06f32163dc04dcb​Website → https://www.adhddude.com/SUBSCRIBE TO THE SPIRITUAL FRONTIER:​Deep Spirituality → https://deepspirituality.com/the-spiritual-frontier/​Substack → https://spiritualfrontier.substack.com/CHAPTERS:​00:00 - Trailer00:51 - ADHD Is Not an Attention Problem04:12 - The #1 Mistake in Every ADHD Household08:38 - "Parental Accommodation" Is Making It Worse13:01 - Why Your ADHD Kid Ignores Lectures15:56 - Why Individual Therapy Alone Doesn't Work25:42 - Stop Making ADHD Their Identity28:56 - How to Build Real Confidence (Not Reassurance)36:04 - Scaffolding: Teaching Kids to Do It Themselves

Sandra Crespo, LCSW, is a sought-after speaker, executive coach, and mental health professional who helps organizations build workplaces where “neurospicy” talent can thrive. Her work sits at the intersection of mental health, systems thinking, and leadership development, reframing how ADHD shows up in high-performing environments beyond pathology or productivity fixes to real-world experiences like communication, burnout, creativity, and decision-making. She has spoken on major stages including AfroTech, created the S.P.I.C.Y. Framework to help organizations turn neurodiversity into a meaningful advantage, collaborates with the National Association of Social Workers, serves on the board of CHADD, and is pursuing doctoral research focused on ADHD.      

Episode 113 - Returning guest Aaron Kimberly discusses his new study - Experiences of Sexual Assault Among Transmen - A Feminist Narrative Inquiry.Disclaimer: Please note that all information and content on the UK Health Radio Network, all its radio broadcasts and podcasts are provided by the authors, producers, presenters and companies themselves and is only intended as additional information to your general knowledge. As a service to our listeners/readers our programs/content are for general information and entertainment only.  The UK Health Radio Network does not recommend, endorse, or object to the views, products or topics expressed or discussed by show hosts or their guests, authors and interviewees.  We suggest you always consult with your own professional – personal, medical, financial or legal advisor. So please do not delay or disregard any professional – personal, medical, financial or legal advice received due to something you have heard or read on the UK Health Radio Network.

Sixty percent of Medicare's mental health workforce is made up of clinical social workers — and they're being reimbursed at 75 cents on the dollar compared to clinical psychologists. That's not a footnote. That's a workforce crisis hiding in plain sight. In this episode, Jamie sits down with Dr. Jimmy Williamson — social worker, NASW Vice President, and seasoned Capitol Hill advocate — for one of the most practical, non-partisan conversations about politics and healthcare you'll hear anywhere. Jimmy just returned from a full day of lobbying on the Hill, and he breaks down exactly what that looks like, what's at stake, and why every healthcare employee — not just the C-suite — has a role to play. You'll hear: Why clinical social workers are fighting to move their Medicare reimbursement rate from 75% to 85% — and how it would actually save Medicare $420 million How the Department of Education's reclassification of nursing and social work is quietly capping the next generation's borrowing limits and shrinking the workforce pipeline The Farm Bill's Hot Foods Act and why a working single mother's ability to buy a rotisserie chicken at the grocery store is a healthcare issue Why politicians want to hear from constituents — and how to get your voice in front of the right people without spending hours doing it The first move anyone can make this week to stop being a bystander and start being a citizen This episode won't make you angry. It'll make you want to make a phone call. www.YourHealth.Org

“Stop and smell the roses” is a familiar phrase, yet today's guest challenges us to make the “roses” our default mode rather than something we try to remember to do. Say What? So… If you feel like you're trying to stand still on ever-moving ground…Or perhaps, you feel like, on paper, what you've achieved should ‘feel more satisfying and less exhausting or lacking', or that you perhaps don't deserve to feel content or happy in today's world, and you find yourself worrying about ‘everything', then this show is a recommended prescription. I recently came across Joe DeNicholas, MBA, LCSW, whose work bridges the worlds of science, secular spirituality, and psychological healing. Joe believes it's not only possible but essential to cultivate and connect more often to our ‘ok-ness' and so he helps people to do that in his work every day and in his book Unbreakable Wellbeing. I felt truly challenged by the idea of even deserving to work on connecting to my ‘ok-ness' more often before my conversation with Joe; ‘whattabouting' all the things I find gravely unjust, and worried it would come across as spiritual bypassing to air a show like this, but it turns out: Joe's approach might just help us make the world a better place. We look at our personal barriers, frame ourselves within the big world without losing ourselves, and learn a couple of very simple exercises we can use to reconnect to a trust that we're ok. And that, my lovely listeners, is this week's show. I know we all need it. Take us for a walk and let yourself trust that you're ok. Alexx StuartYour HostFancy a few more podcasts we've done over the years, related to this one?Show #390 Somatics: How to Make your Journey Real and True with Irene Lyon, MSc.Show #408 What would it look like for you to be completely recovered? Thought Field Therapy with Dr Robert BrayShow #479. Feeling Fearful? Drained? Katie Hendricks Ph.D. is here to help with her 50+years of expertise.Want to learn more about this week's guest? LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-denicholas Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbreakable.wellbeing Website: www.unbreakableinc.com Thank you to this month's show partners for joining us to help you make your low tox swaps! @waterscofilters helps you take all the contaminants out + keep all the deeply hydrating minerals IN with 7-15 stages of filtration, depending on which water filter you choose. Head to waterscoaustralia.com.au > 15% off when you tick subscription on any new filter until 30th of June. That's 15% off the new filter + refills thereafter for the life of the subscription to the replacements.@ausclimate is our major partner giving you 10% off their range for the whole of 2026, with brilliant Winix Air Purifiers, the best Dehumidifiers I've ever used and their new energy-efficient heating, air-circulating and cooling range. code LOWTOXLIFE (also works over and above their sales - pro tip!) https://bit.ly/ShopAusclimateBe sure to join me on Instagram @lowtoxlife and tag me with your shares and AHAs if something resonated! I love to see your thoughts, genuinely! Want to support the Low Tox Life podcast? Free option: Leave a 5 star review wherever you listen to Low Tox Life - thanks SO much! Paid + Member PERKS: Join the Low Tox Club - monthly practitioner live masterclasses, a suite of low tox store discounts from around the world and the most supportive and lovely chat group on all low tox topics on the internet: Check it out and join here for just the price of a coffee per month! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trauma healing is evolving, and this week on Spaghetti on the Wall, we're joined by Katy Collins, LCSW, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in trauma-informed therapy, EMDR, somatic healing, grief work, and Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy. Tune in as we explore how modern therapeutic approaches help people heal, build resilience, and reconnect with their authentic selves.Connect with Katy CollinsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katy-collins-lcsw-62598559/Website: https://sagehealinghouston.com/

No one likes to throw up. But for some, the mere thought of vomiting is a Level 12 emergency that halts life in its tracks. Imagine avoiding bars, concerts, and even the grocery store because a stranger might look "pale." This is the reality of emetophobia—a debilitating fear of vomiting that often hides in the shadows of more common diagnoses like anxiety or eating disorders. In this episode, we peel back the layers of this misunderstood condition with ADAA member expert Ken Goodman, LCSW, and emetophobia sufferer Lorraine Leal. Ken breaks down why emetophobia is far more than a gross-out reaction; it is a complex anxiety disorder that forces sufferers to construct elaborate safety behaviors just to survive the day. Lorraine shares her raw, personal journey of living with a fear so intense she would rather die than vomit. She details the isolation of being labeled a bad friend for avoiding germ-filled social spaces and the crushing guilt of feeling like a burden on her family. Listener Takeaways Understanding that for many, the fear of others getting sick is just as paralyzing Learn how safety behaviors can actually fuel the phobia instead of preventing the danger Recognize why emetophobia is frequently mistaken for other disorders Learn what type of therapist to seek out to treat this unique disorder Tune in to dive into the overlap between emetophobia and OCD, the safety behaviors that keep sufferers trapped, and a surprising look at why treatment doesn't actually involve being forced to vomit. This episode has been sponsored by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA). "Some people would rather die than vomit, and that is something that most onlookers don't see." ~Lorraine Leal, Emetophobia Survivor Our guest, Lorraine Leal, is 42 and a lifelong emetophobia sufferer. Lorraine is from Long Island where she enjoys performing in local musical theater productions, nail art, and reading. Our guest, Ken Goodman, LCSW, specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders and OCD.  He is on the board of directors for the Anxiety and Depression Association of America and is Founding Director of QuietMindSolutions.com. He has authored and produced several self-help courses and books including “The Anxiety Solution Series,” a 12-hour audio course, “Break Free from Anxiety,” a coloring self-help book, and “The Health Anxiety Handbook.” He also wrote the top selling book on emetophobia, “The Emetophobia Manual,” and produced a pre-recorded emetophobia course. He lectures at universities and organizations across the country. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from UCLA and operates his online private practice in Los Angeles. Our host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author. Gabe is also the host of the "Inside Bipolar" podcast with Dr. Nicole Washington. Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can't imagine life without. To book Gabe for your next event or learn more about him, please visit gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

✅ Learn more about the course here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.agentsofchangeprep.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Meagan Mitchell, the founder of Agents of Change, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been providing individualized and group test prep for the ASWB for over 11 years. From all of this experience helping others pass their exams, she created a course to help you prepare for and pass the ASWB exam!Find more from Agents of Change here:► Agents of Change Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://agentsofchangeprep.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠► Facebook Group: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/aswbtestprep⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠► Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/agentsofchangeprep/

Zach sits down with Eli, a therapist, podcast host, and author, and his wife Ariella, a registered dietitian, for an honest look at what it actually takes to build a good marriage, not the sanitized version you'd expect from someone with a therapy practice and a book on relationships, but the real one. Seven weeks from welcoming their third child, living in Las Vegas with two kids already in tow, this couple brings both credentials and candor to a conversation about the daily, unglamorous work of staying close.The conversation covers the full terrain: how they define a good day versus a bad one, the specific argument that sent Ariella to two books in one week, the way Eli's ADHD reshapes how they communicate and how Ariella has had to rewire her instinct to simply fix or suppress conflict, and what they have learned after 11 years of marriage and counting. Eli is refreshingly unguarded about the fact that knowing everything about relationships professionally does not mean you execute perfectly at home. Ariella matches that candor, walking through her peacemaker wiring, her inherited anxiety around conflict, and the work she has had to do to give Eli the space to fully express himself instead of rushing toward resolution.What comes through most clearly is that the couple treats their marriage as a system they are actively tending, not a fixed state they arrived at. The "tank check," the "flash mode" codeword, the end-of-argument debrief, the habit of asking what kind of conversation this is before jumping in: none of this happened by accident. It came from arguments, mess-ups, therapy, books, and a genuine willingness to keep being curious about each other even when things get hard.Key TakeawaysKnowing the theory does not guarantee you live it. Even a therapist has bad days, snaps at his wife, and has to walk it back.Checking in on each other's "tank" before making requests can short-circuit a lot of unnecessary conflict."Don't go to bed angry" is not universal wisdom. Sometimes sleeping on it is the smarter move.ADHD in a marriage is not a dealbreaker. It requires over-communication, agreed-upon signals, and a partner who stays curious rather than just compensating.The "matching principle": knowing whether a conversation is logistical, emotional, or relational before jumping in prevents a lot of crossed wires.Repair matters more than a clean fight. What you do at the end of the argument, the debrief, the "what's our takeaway," is where growth actually lives.Accountability does not mean your partner gets to stay heated indefinitely. Both people have a job: one to express fully, one to stay present without shutting it down early.Keeping the effort you put in while dating, the check-ins, the curiosity, the showing up, does not stop being necessary just because the relationship became official.Guest InfoEli Weinstein, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker, therapist in private practice, and host of "The Dude Therapist" podcast. He is the author of From I Do to We Do: Navigating Marriage in the Parenting Years, an honest, humor-forward guide for couples working to stay connected through the chaos of raising kids. The book is available now via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop, and Books-A-Million.Website: eliweinsteinlcsw.comPersonal: @eliweinstein_lcswAriella is Eli's wife of 11 years, a registered dietitian, and a full-time working mom of two with a third on the way at time of recording. She is not currently active on social media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you have OCD or anxiety and you can't stop seeking reassurance, you are not alone and you are not broken. Whether it's Googling, calling loved ones, or mentally reviewing events over and over, reassurance seeking feels necessary in the moment. But it keeps you stuck. In this episode, Matt Codde, LCSW explains exactly why reassurance seeking is so hard to stop, and what you actually need to do instead.The problem is not willpower. The mistake most people make is trying to stop the behavior without addressing the inner emotional pressure that is driving it. When you just stop seeking reassurance without working on what is underneath, the anxiety doesn't go away. It shifts. You end up with a new theme, a new compulsion, or a new obsession, and the cycle continues.True recovery from OCD and anxiety means learning to confront and metabolize the emotions underneath the compulsion, not just stopping the behavior on the surface. This episode walks you through the core mindset shift that makes that possible.