Podcasts about lmft

"We should not be listening to things outside of us. Your body is telling you what you need." In this episode, Heather and Corey Colwell explore what happens when life forces you to stop long enough to hear the messages your body has been trying to communicate all along. Through a remarkable story that begins with a coyote bite at two years old and winds through years of health challenges, motherhood, overachievement, and a profound near-death experience, this conversation invites you into the space where intuition, healing, and purpose converge. At its heart, this episode is about learning to listen, not to the endless noise outside of us, but to the wisdom already living within our bodies, our souls, and the quiet nudges that keep trying to guide us back toward alignment, vitality, and a life that feels deeply alive. What to listen for:  ☑️ How getting bitten by a coyote at two years old shaped her passion in later life ☑️ Busyness and constantly moving forward keep you from listening to my body ☑️ The near-death experience that helped Corey choose to be in this life   "When people say fighting for your life, you have to recruit everything to get alive again. And so I fought my way back from that moment." ☑️ The importance of listening to that intuitive primal knowing when it comes up ☑️ What it feels like when your soul fully aligns with your body and human experience ☑️ Why it wasn't enough to just be alive and in bed, and what helped turn things around   "I was alive, and everyone's like, 'Great, just stay in bed.' And what happened is I started to experience an intellectual and passion death because my entire why is to solve problems and innovate." ☑️ How to start answering the question of what your body actually needs to thrive ☑️ Why we try to control the outcomes in our children's lives rather than surrendering ☑️ We shouldn't be listening to things outside of us; we should be leaning in   *** About Corey Colwell: Corey Colwell doesn't study problems. She solves them.  She is the person you call when you're stuck — not because she'll tell you why you got there, but because she'll already see three ways out. A licensed psychotherapist (LMFT), published author, and innovation strategist, Corey has spent nearly three decades finding patterns across health, sustainability, media, education, and beyond — and building the bridges to turn those patterns into real, lasting change. Her ideas have reached millions through outlets like Good Morning America, NPR, and CNN, and her collaborators have included Whole Foods, HGTV, and the Non-GMO Project. As founding COO of SNiP Nutrigenomics (snipnutrition.com), she's now helping reshape the future of health through genetic intelligence and hyper-personalized nutrition.  Corey is a recent empty-nest mom and lives in Seattle with her soulmate husband and infinitely amusing rescue dogs. Connect with Corey: www.snipnutrition.com  www.linkedin.com/in/coreycolwell/  *** For those of you who are ready to stop feeling drained, overextended, and out of alignment… join me inside the Energetic Time Management Accelerator, a focused experience designed to help high-achieving women uncover what's draining them, clarify what truly matters, and create a simple plan that fits their life. We'll pinpoint your biggest time + energy leaks, identify the top areas to focus on for quick momentum, and map out exactly what to let go of so you can reclaim your energy, your time, and your joy. Ready to make your time work for you without adding more to your plate? Join the Energetic Time Management Accelerator: www.heatherchauvin.com/time Explore the top episodes listeners come back to when they're stuck, burned out, or standing at the edge of a big shift: www.heatherchauvin.com/10 Follow Heather on Instagram: www.instagram.com/heatherchauvin_

Hoy en este segmento, conversé con Jennifer León Salinas sobre los impactos emocionales y físicos que las políticas hostiles y el discurso público tienen en la salud mental de las personas indocumentadas. Exploramos de cerca el bienestar de vivir sin un estatus migratorio dentro de los sistemas sociales actuales de Estados Unidos. También hablamos sobre cómo Jennifer acompaña a las personas a enfrentar las realidades de la aplicación de las leyes migratorias y el impacto de la hostilidad social hacia las comunidades inmigrantes. Jennifer compartió la historia migratoria de su familia y su experiencia creciendo como una niña indocumentada, brindándonos un contexto de cómo el clima político puede afectar profundamente la salud mental de las personas indocumentadas a largo plazo. Sobre nuestra invitada de hoy: Jennifer es terapeuta matrimonial y familiar licenciada (LMFT), bilingüe y radicada en Los Ángeles. También es profesora adjunta de posgrado y una inmigrante indocumentada con DACA, de primera generación, originaria de Michoacán, México. Su trabajo aborda el trauma desde una perspectiva de liberación y justicia social. Además, es la fundadora de MujeresxPsych, una plataforma reconocida a nivel nacional dedicada a aumentar la representación y el acceso en el campo de la psicología. Acepta clientes en el estado de California. Sigue a Jennifer: https://www.instagram.com/mujeresxpsych/ http://instagram.com/undocu.traumatherapist Recurso mencionados en el episodio: https://www.inmigranteinformado.com/   

Trish Yonker, LCPC, explores how foster care, family separation, instability, and disrupted relationships can affect children and the people who care for them. She offers practical guidance for pacing trauma treatment, building emotional and physiological safety, supporting overwhelmed caregivers, responding to behavioral and developmental needs, and creating flexible, relationship-centered care for foster and adoptive families. 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.

I went back through some of my favorite conversations to bring you the best dating and relationship advice, all in one episode. From heartbreak and attachment styles to boundaries, self-worth, communication, and building healthier relationships, these are the lessons everyone needs to hear. I wish this episode had existed when I was in my early 20s...it could've saved me years of therapy, lol.Listen to each full episode:Amy Chan — bestselling author of Breakup Bootcamp and UnsingleSabrina Zohar — relationship coach and host of The Sabrina Zohar ShowKati Morton, LMFT — licensed marriage and family therapist, author of Are u ok? and Why Do I Keep Doing This?, and host of Ask Kati AnythingJaci Marie Smith — co-host of the What We Said podcastJessica Baum, LMHC — psychotherapist and author of Anxiously Attached and SAFEFollow the pod on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Chloe on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠

Shame Attacking: A Surprising Cure for Social Anxiety Hosts: Kevin Cornelius, LMFT Dr. David Burns Episode Summary Many people believe social anxiety is caused by low self-esteem, poor social skills, or awkwardness. But what if the real culprit is shame? In this episode, Dr. David Burns and Kevin Cornelius explore one of the most powerful—and unconventional—tools for overcoming social anxiety: Shame Attacking Exercises. Drawing from Dr. Burns' recent Psychology Today article, Shame Attacking: Overcoming a Lifetime of Social Anxiety, they tell the remarkable story of Martin, a handsome young man whose intense shame about excessive sweating had left him isolated and unable to connect with others. Through a series of courageous shame-attacking exercises, Martin discovered something life-changing: the world was far kinder and less judgmental than he imagined. Along the way, David shares how he first learned shame-attacking exercises from followers of psychologist Albert Ellis and describes his own unforgettable experience of asking strangers in a crowded New York restaurant if he could sample their food. The episode highlights how bringing our perceived flaws into the open often causes shame to evaporate—much like a vampire exposed to sunlight. In This Episode The Origins of Shame Attacking Exercises David's introduction to Albert Ellis's famous technique Why therapists should never ask patients to do something they wouldn't do themselves The surprising results of David's first shame-attacking exercise in a crowded Chinese restaurant Martin's Story A young man whose fear of sweating kept him trapped in loneliness How shame—not sweating—was the real problem A therapy session unlike any other: jogging through Philadelphia, getting intentionally soaked, and publicly announcing his "flaw" What Happened When Martin Stopped Hiding Why strangers responded with warmth instead of ridicule How exposing his greatest fear challenged years of distorted beliefs The unexpected encounter that changed his social life forever Shame Is Like a Vampire David introduces a memorable metaphor: Shame survives in darkness and secrecy. When exposed to the light, it shrivels up and dies. The discussion explores how openly acknowledging our imperfections can dramatically reduce anxiety and self-consciousness. The Hidden Cost of Taking Ourselves Too Seriously David and Kevin discuss: Why humor can be a powerful antidote to social anxiety The value of becoming more playful and less self-focused How social anxiety often convinces us that everyone is watching and judging us when they're usually not Guidelines for Shame Attacking Exercises David emphasizes that shame-attacking exercises are powerful but should be used thoughtfully. Some important principles include: Be Respectful Exercises should never disrupt places where people deserve peace and privacy, such as hospitals, churches, or synagogues. Be Playful, Not Aggressive The goal is to laugh at yourself, not make others uncomfortable or upset. Don't Wait Until You're Ready The breakthrough often comes when you act despite feeling anxious. Therapists Must Lead by Example If therapists want patients to challenge shame, they should be willing to challenge their own shame as well. Memorable Takeaways The problem is rarely the flaw itself—it's the hiding. Most people are far less judgmental than we imagine. Courage grows through action, not waiting for fear to disappear. Humor and playfulness can dissolve shame. Vulnerability often creates connection rather than rejection. The world may be much friendlier than your anxiety predicts. Featured Article This episode is based on Dr. David Burns' Psychology Today article: "Shame Attacking: Overcoming a Lifetime of Social Anxiety" The article explores Martin's story in greater detail and illustrates how shame-attacking exercises can transform social anxiety by challenging both self-criticism and fears of rejection. We'd Love Your Feedback As with TEAM-CBT therapy, feedback helps us improve. Please take a few minutes to complete the episode feedback survey linked here. Your responses help us create better episodes and continue exploring the topics that matter most to you. Until next time, remember: the things you're most afraid to reveal about yourself may be the very things that set you free. Contact Information Kevin Cornelius, LMFT is a Level 5 Certified Master TEAM-CBT Therapist and Trainer and the Clinical Director of Feeling Good Institute--Silicon Valley. He specializes in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship problems and insomnia. You can reach Kevin at kevin@feelinggoodinstitute.com and visit his website at www.tools4change.me. You can reach Dr. Burns at david@feelinggood.com. Feeling down in these turbulent times? Take a ride on our Feeling Great app. Feeling Great feels wonderful! You owe it to yourself to feel GREAT! Give the Greatest Gifts of ALL--Love and Happiness!

When Clients Bring AI to Therapy: Working with ChatGPT, Sycophancy, and the New Third Wheel in the Room Clients are bringing AI into therapy, from ChatGPT chat logs handed over as homework to AI companions that never disagree, and therapists need a clinical response. Curt Widhalm, LMFT, and Katie Vernoy, LMFT dig into what happens when clients bring their own AI into the therapy room. The profession built ethics guidance for when therapists send clients toward AI, but it largely sidestepped the reality already showing up in sessions: clients processing the same issues with ChatGPT between appointments, using chatbots to interpret and respond to relationships, and increasingly offloading their social and dating lives onto AI companions. Drawing on emerging research about chatbot use, loneliness, emotional dependence, and sycophancy, Curt and Katie make the case that concern is more useful than alarm. Clients are already using these tools, so the clinical task is to assess how and why they are using them, provide psychoeducation on sycophancy, confidentiality, and safety, and separate the healthy, adaptive uses from the problematic ones. They also share concrete in-session moves: entering the opposite position to expose how a chatbot validates any side, reframing how clients use AI for medical and diagnostic questions, and recognizing when AI has become a client's primary support system, along with how to begin weaning a client back toward real-world connection. In this episode, we discuss: - The three main ways clients are bringing AI into the therapy room - Why a client's AI use can be a clinical opportunity, not only a risk - How to assess the function and pattern of a client's AI use - What the research suggests about chatbot use, loneliness, and sycophancy - How to teach critical thinking and protect client confidentiality - What to do when a client has become dependent on AI Timestamps: 00:15 - AI as the new "third wheel" in the therapy room 04:15 - Three ways AI is showing up in clients' lives 05:55 - What the research suggests: loneliness, dependence, and sycophancy 10:24 - Why client AI use can be a clinical opportunity 13:24 - Assessing use and treating chatbots as public spaces 18:17 - Explaining AI's mechanics: it is not an objective third party 20:14 - A critical-thinking exercise: enter the opposite position 24:47 - Using AI for medical and diagnostic questions 30:53 - When a client is already dependent on AI Full show notes and resources: mtsgpodcast.com Join the Modern Therapist Community Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/mtsgpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/therapyreimagined Modern Therapist's Survival Guide Creative Credits Voice Over by DW McCann: https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/ Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano: https://groomsymusic.com/

What if the biggest thing holding your private practice back isn't your marketing strategy but your mindset? In this episode, I'm joined by Tyana Tavakol to talk about the beliefs that shape the way we build our practices. We explore scarcity versus abundance, the value of finding your niche, and why trying to appeal to everyone often keeps you from connecting with the clients who need you most. We also dive into building an online practice, creating meaningful professional relationships, and learning to trust your own expertise instead of comparing yourself to everyone else. If you've ever questioned whether you're doing enough or wondered why private practice feels harder than it should, I think you'll find this conversation both encouraging and practical. Resources Mentioned In This Episode  Subscribe to YouTube Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Consulting with Gordon The PsychCraft Network Follow us on Instagram Meet Tyana Tavakol (she/her), LMFT Tyana Tavakol is an LMFT licensed in CA & FL specializing in anxiety, trauma, and late-diagnosed autistic adults. She is passionate about helping people move beyond self-criticism, unmask, and better understand themselves through a neurodiversity-affirming lens. Her work focuses on helping clients reconnect with who they are beneath years of people-pleasing, perfectionism, and the belief that something is "wrong" with them. Through therapy, education, and online content, Tyana is committed to making conversations about autism, mental health, and healing more accessible, compassionate, and empowering. Website Instagram

Throwback Thursday to Episode 117 — featuring Rob Cox, LMFT, an ex-Mormon therapist whose perspective brought a deeper, more human layer to this conversation than expected.In this episode, we explored how church decisions don't just stay abstract or institutional — they affect real people in real communities. From proposed LDS temple developments and how they can fracture local communities, to questions surrounding Ensign Peak and the Church's financial transparency, Rob brings a grounded clinical lens to topics that are often discussed only at a surface level.The full conversation runs about 90 minutes, but this video highlights the most impactful moments so you can get straight to the core ideas without the full watch.If you haven't seen Episode 117 before, this is a great entry point into one of the more thoughtful and layered discussions on the channel.Enjoy the throwback.Please consider making a donation by joining our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/MormonNewsRoundup Email: kolob@mormonnewsroundup.org Website: https://mormonnewsroundup.org/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonnewsroundup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormon_news_roundup/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093511869924 X: https://twitter.com/NewsMormon New episodes LIVE every Sunday and Monday nights at 9:30PM ESTPlease like and subscribe and hit the notifications bell. Remember remember, no unhallowed hand can stop this podcast from progressing!The Mormon News Roundup is NOT affilated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Today in this segment, I talked with Jennifer León Salinas, about the emotional and physical impacts hostile policies and public discourse have on undocumented mental health, where we look closely at the well-being of living undocumented within our current American societal systems. We explored how Jennifer helps individuals navigate the realities of immigrant enforcement stemming from societal hostility. Jennifer shared her family's migration story and surviving as an undocumented child, giving us context how deeply our political climate impacts long-term undocumented mental health.   About today's guest: Jennifer is a bilingual LMFT based in Los Angeles, adjunct graduate professor, and a first generation, undocumented/DACAmented immigrant from Michoacan Mexico who approaches trauma through a liberation and social justice lens. She is also the founder of MujeresxPsych, a nationally recognized platform dedicated to increasing representation and access in the field of psychology. Jennifer is accepting clients in the state of California!  Follow Jennifer:  https://msha.ke/mujeresxpsych/  https://www.instagram.com/mujeresxpsych/  http://instagram.com/undocu.traumatherapist  Resources:  https://www.informedimmigrant.com/  https://immigrantsrising.org/what-we-do-mental-health/ 

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Joy Berkheimer, Phd, LMFT, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Dating Coach, author, speaker, and Chief Sexologist at The Sexual Wellness Awards. We get into the nitty gritty of relationships, intimacy, sensuality, sex, and the mental load and emotional labour so many women carry in their relationships. I truly loved this juicy conversation, enjoy queens! What we cover: What sensual yoga entails and looks like in practiceWhy women specifically are so often disconnected from their sensualityHow a woman eases into connectionWhat "goddess status" isThe impacts of the mental load and emotional labour women carry in relationshipsAdvice for people who stay too long or who have the same relationship patternWhat intimacy is and what healthy intimacy really looks and feels likeWhy women struggle to enjoy sex even with someone they loveHot, practical tips around sex and intimacyThe exploration of tantric and chakra workConnect with Dr Joy:Instagram: @glowyourgoddessYouTube: Dear Dr JoyWebsite: www.joyberkheimer.comConnect with me:Instagram: @beccnichollsTiktok: @beccanichollsWebsite: www.beccanicholls.comSubscribe to my email listYouTube: BECCAIt would mean the world to me if you would subscribe, rate and review this podcast to help support the show. If you enjoy this podcast, share it on your stories and tag me or share it with a friend. Let's build this community, together! ⚡️

What I Discussed With Dr. Jenn Kennedy...- The two problems that bring most couples over 50 into sex therapy, and why embarrassment keeps them away for so long.- Why an unreliable erection doesn't mean the end of pleasure, and what "pivoting" actually looks like in bed.- The surprising sensitivity of a soft penis, and why porn has left us all badly under-educated.- Why sex that "feels like sandpaper" is so common after menopause, and the fixes that work within weeks.- The generational reason women over 50 feel funny about keeping lube by the bed.- Why the low-desire partner usually doesn't dislike sex. She dislikes the sex she's having.- How pressure turns desire into obligation, and what brings real desire back instead.- The two words that reignite relationships after decades together.Show NotesIs it okay to say things aren't working in the bedroom? That's the question, according to my guest, that couples are silently asking as they walk into her office. Erections that have become unreliable. Sex that hurts. Desire that seems to have packed up and left. Most people wait years before saying any of it out loud.In this episode, I'm joined by Dr Jenn Kennedy, clinical sexologist, licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of The Pleasure Project in Santa Barbara. Jenn works with couples and individuals in their 50s, 60s and beyond, and she's refreshingly frank about what she sees: bodies that change with age, partners drowning in shame about it, and simple fixes that nobody has bothered to tell them exist.What I love about this conversation is how practical it gets. We talk about what to do in the actual moment an erection doesn't arrive. We talk about vaginal estrogen, the treatment that clears up painful sex in weeks, and why so many women have never heard of it. And we land on Jenn's most freeing insight: the partner who has "gone off sex" usually hasn't gone off sex at all. She's gone off sex where her pleasure comes last.Whether you're partnered, dating or somewhere in between, this episode is full of things you can actually use. Including, for the men, the simplest question in the entire universe. Ask it daily. Then listen to the answer.Listen, learn and enjoy.Key Takeaways- Dysfunction and dissatisfaction are the two main reasons couples over 50 seek sex therapy.- Pivoting to what feels good keeps shame out of the room, and often brings things back.- Sensitivity doesn't disappear with an erection.- Painful sex after menopause is common, treatable and nothing to be ashamed of.- Lube is not a failure.- Vaginal estrogen can transform painful sex in weeks, yet many women are never told about it.- Pressuring a low-desire partner creates obligation, not desire.- The low-desire partner often enjoys sex.- Desire lives in play, curiosity and banter, not in routine.About the GuestDr. Jenn Kennedy is a clinical sexologist and LMFT specialising in sex and couples. In 2023, Dr. Jenn launched The Pleasure Project, which is dedicated to helping us all have a better sex life.  She hosts a podcast called Pleasure Project: Sex & Relationships and offers small group intensives for women and couples. She recently launched a self-guided intimacy course for women and owns a 9-person group therapy practice called Riviera Therapy. Dr Jenn has been quoted in Redbook, Reader's Digest, Forbes Health, DailyOm, Shondaland, Parade, Allure, Yahoo!, and others. She is often tapped to discuss intimacy and sexuality for therapists and physicians.About SuzanneSuzanne Noble is a sex and relationship expert, author, and host of the Sex Advice for Seniors podcast—one of the top-rated shows empowering people 50+ to embrace confident, joyful intimacy. Known for her candid, warm, and often humorous approach, Suzanne challenges age-related taboos, misinformation, and awkward conversations about sex after 50. She helps millions around the world navigate their sexual lives with pleasure, connection, and self-assurance. Because life is too short for bad sex... or silence about it.Connect With SuzanneInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sexadviceforseniorsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sexadviceforseniorsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sexadviceforseniorsSubstack: https://www.sexadviceforseniors.comWant More?Visit the Website: https://sexadviceforseniors.com — includes FREE guides and resources for better sex at any age.Free Downloadable Guide: 10 Most Overlooked Secrets to Better Sex PDF: https://subscribepage.io/suzannenoblefreebieSign Up for My FREE Newsletter: https://sexadviceforseniors.comOvercome Erectile Dysfunction & Stay Firm: https://www.stayfirmprogram.comCheck Out My Storefront for Better Sex: https://zaap.bio/stayfirmInterested in 1:1 Coaching or Custom Sex Advice for Seniors Sessions? https://tidycal.com/suzannenoble/30-minute-mentoringRelated EpisodesWhy Long-Term Couples Drift Apart, and the Simple Habit That Brings Them Back: https://www.sexadviceforseniors.com/p/why-couples-lose-the-spark-and-howThe Simple Practice That Brought Intimacy Back After 20 Years: https://www.sexadviceforseniors.com/p/why-waiting-to-feel-in-the-mood-doesntBonus Live: The Relationship Lesson That Ends So Much Conflict: https://www.sexadviceforseniors.com/p/bonus-live-the-relationship-lesson This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sexadviceforseniors.com/subscribe

HOT RELATIONSHIP TIP: fighting isn't a bad thing… but you do need to learn how to fight fair. Emmalee Bierly, LMFT and Jennifer Chaiken, LMFT of Shrink Chicks are back and this time they're sharing their expert tips on how to fight. We cover: -Why fighting is actually a part of a healthy relationship -How to fight fair -How to regulate your emotions during a fight -Scripts for expressing your feelings and apologizing -What resentment can look like and how it manifests in our relationships -The grief that comes along with committing to a long term relationship EVERYONE who signs up wins a FREE Rose suction toy with their order!https://www.bboutique.co/vibe/honeydewme-pod Learn more about 1:1 coaching HERE!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get Honeydew Me Merch HERE!⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feeling disconnected, burned out, or wondering why success can still feel lonely? You are not the only one. In this honest and deeply relatable episode of Normalize The Conversation, Francesca sits down with licensed therapist Jessica Vickers to talk about burnout, friendship changes in adulthood, self-care that actually helps, and how to stop feeling so alone in hard seasons of life.Jessica Vickers is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in trauma therapy, EMDR, and perinatal mental health. Together, we explore what it means to be human in today's overwhelming world from emotional exhaustion and therapist burnout to navigating relationships, social media comparison, and finding support when life feels heavy.This episode is for anyone who has:Felt isolated from friends as life changesStruggled with burnout or emotional exhaustionWondered if therapy can actually helpFelt hurt when support from others doesn't look the way they hopedNeeded permission to slow down, rest, and reconnect with joyFrancesca and Jessica also discuss the pressure to seek validation from others, why adult friendships shift, and how misunderstandings—not rejection—may be behind some relationship struggles. They dive into practical ways to support your mental health, including building community, spending time alone without loneliness, and finding small moments of joy through hobbies, books, travel, or even nostalgic places like Disney.You'll also hear an honest conversation about therapy, emotional wellness, and why finding the right therapist matters. Jessica shares thoughtful insight into self-disclosure in therapy, emotional safety, and how therapists balance boundaries while still showing up as humans.If you've been feeling emotionally overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure how to care for yourself in difficult seasons, this conversation will remind you that healing doesn't have to happen alone.Listen now, and if this episode resonates with you, follow Normalize The Conversation and share it with someone who may need a reminder that they're not alone.

What if the therapy that was supposed to help actually made things worse?For many survivors of coercive control, couples therapy doesn't bring clarity, it deepens confusion, self-doubt, and shame.In this episode, I'm joined by licensed marriage and family therapist Frances Russell to talk about why traditional couples therapy can be harmful when coercive control or domestic violence is present. We discuss what survivors should know, what therapists often miss, and why understanding patterns of power and control—not just isolated incidents—is essential.Whether you're a survivor wondering why couples therapy didn't work or a mental health professional wanting to better recognize coercive control, this conversation offers practical insights and compassionate validation.In this episode, we discuss:Why couples therapy can unintentionally reinforce coercive control.How neutrality can cause harm when abuse is present.The subtle signs therapists should be watching for.Why assessment for coercive control is an ongoing process—not a one-time intake questionnaire.The difference between incident-based and pattern-based thinking.What survivors can do if they're looking back and realizing therapy caused additional harm.Considerations for therapists when ending couples therapy due to safety concerns.What to know about therapy notes, confidentiality, and family court.About Frances: Frances works as a therapist for both individuals and couples, and specializes in trauma recovery, helping people rebuild trust in themselves, others and life after experiences that have shattered it. She works with clients who want to process childhood abuse and neglect as well as others who come in to process recent, traumatic experiences between themselves and their partner. She primarily uses Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) with couples and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) with individuals. In addition to being a therapist, Frances is a trauma-informed yoga instructor with Comeback Yoga, an organization that supports veterans and their families. Frances also teaches graduate students at Regis University and her courses include Crisis, Trauma and Loss and Human Growth and Development.In her free time, Frances enjoys staying active and getting outdoors through running, backpacking and skiing. She is also always on the lookout for new restaurants and recipes.Register for the Free Webinar Series - Why Co-Parenting Feels Like a Trap  here - https://mailchi.mp/risingbeyondpc/coparentingPlease leave us a review or rating and follow/subscribe to the show. This helps the show get out to more people.If you want to chat more about this topic I would love to continue our conversation over on Instagram! @risingbeyondpcIf you want to support the show you may do so here at, Buy Me A Coffee. Thank you! We love being able to make this information accessible to you and your community.If you've been looking for a supportive community of women going through the topics we cover, head over to our website to learn more about the Rising Beyond Community. - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/Where to find more from Rising Beyond:Rising Beyond FacebookRising Beyond LinkedInRising Beyond Pinterest If you're interested in guesting on the show please fill out this form - https://forms.gle/CSvLWWyZxmJ8GGQu7Enjoy some of our freebies!Choosing Your Battles FreebieCanned Responses FreebieMic Drop Moments Freebie...

Conquering Social Anxiety: The Courage to Reach Out Hosts: Kevin Cornelius, LMFT Dr. David Burns In this deeply moving episode, Dr. David Burns and Kevin Cornelius explore one of the most painful and misunderstood forms of anxiety: social anxiety. David shares a remarkable true story about a wealthy and highly successful businessman whose severe social anxiety left him feeling isolated, ashamed, and unable to connect even with his own family. Despite his power, wealth, and accomplishments, he secretly believed there was something deeply wrong with him because he felt anxious around people. Through an unforgettable exposure exercise involving radical self-disclosure on a public train, David illustrates how shame loses its power when it is brought into the open—and how genuine human connection can emerge when we stop hiding our perceived flaws. This episode explores: Why shame—not low self-esteem—is often at the core of social anxiety How secrecy fuels anxiety and emotional suffering The healing power of vulnerability and authenticity Why exposure exercises can create rapid breakthroughs How therapists can unintentionally reinforce hopelessness The difference between treating a diagnosis and treating a human being The surprising warmth and compassion people often receive when they stop pretending to be "special" David and Kevin also discuss: Why TEAM-CBT is never a "cookie-cutter" approach The importance of courage in overcoming fear "Reverse hypnosis" and how anxious thoughts persuade people they are incapable Why meaningful change often requires stepping directly into discomfort How human connection—not status or achievement—creates joy One especially memorable takeaway from the episode:"When I give up my need to be special, then life can be special." Key Themes Social Anxiety Shame and Vulnerability Exposure Therapy TEAM-CBT Self-Disclosure Human Connection Courage and Emotional Healing Memorable Moments David describing the businessman arriving at a modest hospital in a limousine with bodyguards The patient's emotional transformation after talking openly with strangers The realization that most people respond with kindness rather than judgment David's reflection that "magic is available to most of us most of the time" Kevin's observation that the patient "had everything—and yet nothing" About the Next Episode Next week, David and Kevin explore another powerful treatment for social anxiety inspired by Albert Ellis: Shame Attacking Exercises—a bold and often life-changing approach to overcoming fear of judgment. Resources Mentioned David Burns' articles on Psychology Today Let Us Know What You Think of This Episode Please use this link to take a very brief survey and share your opinion with us about this episode Contact Information Kevin Cornelius, LMFT is a Level 5 Certified Master TEAM-CBT Therapist and Trainer and the Clinical Director of Feeling Good Institute--Silicon Valley. He specializes in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship problems and insomnia. You can reach Kevin at kevin@feelinggoodinstitute.com and visit his website at www.tools4change.me. You can reach Dr. Burns at david@feelinggood.com. Feeling down in these turbulent times? Take a ride on our Feeling Great app. Feeling Great feels wonderful! You owe it to yourself to feel GREAT! Give the Greatest Gifts of ALL--Love and Happiness!

What if the stories you've been told about yourself aren't the whole story? In this episode of Perspectives Podcast, Rev. Hannah and licensed marriage and family therapist Sheilah Cameron, LMFT, explore the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4) and what it teaches us about shame, identity, worth, and belonging. Drawing on both Scripture and therapeutic insight, this conversation explores how shame, exclusion, and internalized beliefs affect our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. And how Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman offers a picture of being fully known without being shamed. This is Episode 5 of our five-part series, Taking Care of Mind, Body, and Spirit, featuring the female pastors of First United Methodist Church of San Diego and Sheilah Cameron, Director of New Life Counseling Center. Inspired by John 4:7-19 and 27-29, the episode includes: Why the Samaritan woman’s story continues to resonate today How shame becomes a part of our internal narrative The connection between trauma, belonging, and identity Why compassion is more transformative than judgment Healing through safe relationships and authentic connection Releasing identities built around shame and survival Practicing vulnerability with ourselves, others, and the Sacred Finding a deeper sense of worth beyond labels and expectations What the story in John 4 offers people seeking healing today Reflection Questions: What labels have you carried for so long that you've mistaken them for your identity? Are you spending more energy protecting your reputation than nurturing your identity? What would change if you truly believed you are fully known and fully loved? Continue the Conversation Whether you identify as Christian, progressive Christian, spiritual but not religious, are deconstructing faith, or are simply curious about spirituality and mental health, we'd love to continue the conversation. Convergence discussion group (Sundays at 12 PM) Join our online Patreon community Please note: This conversation is intended for reflection and encouragement and is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you're struggling with your mental health, consider reaching out to a licensed mental health professional or a trusted support person, such as the New Life Counseling Center, a mental health ministry of First United Methodist Church of San Diego. Timestamps 00:00 What Happens When Someone Truly Sees You? 01:21 The Samaritan Woman at the Well (John 4) 04:01 Jesus Crosses Boundaries with Compassion 05:37 Identity, Belonging, and Mental Health 10:20 Trauma, Shame, and the Stories We Tell Ourselves 17:55 Healing Through Safe Relationships 19:17 Leaving the Water Jar: A New Story Emerges 20:36 What Healing and Integration Look Like 22:01 Personal Stories of Identity and Belonging 25:03 Questions for Reflection

In this groundbreaking episode, Dr. Eli brings together female sports legend Danica Patrick and esteemed LMFT, Vienna Pharaon, for an intimate conversation about the transformative power of systemic therapy. Together, they delve into Danica's journey of healing from an emotionally abusive relationship, exploring the courage it takes to confront personal patterns and break generational cycles. This episode offers profound insights into systemic therapy's role in fostering resilience and repairing important bonds. Join us as we uncover stories of vulnerability, strength, and the deep human connection at the heart of therapy.

In this episode, Anna sits down with Kati Morton, LMFT, bestselling author and one of the internet's most trusted mental-health educators. Kati has spent more than a decade helping millions of people understand their emotions, navigate trauma, and break unhealthy patterns. Her latest book, Why Do I Keep Doing This?, unpacks the emotional habits we fall into — and what it actually takes to change them from the inside out.In this episode, we explore:• What inspired her new bookHow Kati sees “doing this” — the patterns, habits, and emotional cycles we repeat — showing up in her own life and in her clients.• The truth that even therapists get stuckWhy mental-health professionals aren't immune to autopilot patterns… and the early signs Kati looks for in herself when she's drifting away from alignment.• Burnout cycles & nervous-system loopsEspecially for sensitive creatives, caretakers, and over-functioners:o why burnout often comes from emotional over-responsibilityo how chronic self-abandonment masquerades as “being capable”o the biological and psychological loops that keep people stucko how to tell the difference between capacity and compulsion• What it means to shift safelyKati shares the gentlest places to begin — including micro-bids for rest, nervous-system resets, interrupting old narratives, and slowly rebuilding trust with yourself so change doesn't feel threatening.• Why shame blocks every kind of healingAnd what happens when we bring curiosity instead of self-criticism to our patterns.• Practical tools for coming back to yourselfFrom checking in with your body before your to-do list, to noticing emotional “flare alerts,” to using supportive structure without falling into perfectionism.This conversation is validating, clarifying, honest, and deeply hopeful.If you're tired of your own loops, this one's for you. Connect with Kati• Website: https://www.katimorton.com/• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/katimorton• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katimorton/• Her books, including Why Do I Keep Doing This?, Are U OK?, and Traumatized Connect with Anna• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anna_holtzman/• Website: https://www.annaholtzman.com/• Free workshop — Let Yourself Be Seen: https://www.annaholtzman.com/beseen

Mercedes Coffman, LMFT, is a seasoned Marriage and Family Therapist known for her insightful, compassionate approach to emotional healing and relational growth.  Today on the show we discuss how inconsistency can make relationships feel addictive, why chemistry is not always the same as compatibility, how love bombing and emotional highs can dysregulate your nervous system, the difference between emotional unavailability and manipulation, why childhood wounds can cause people to chase the wrong partners, how trauma bonds actually work, why safe love can feel boring at first, and how to rebuild self-trust so you can choose healthier relationships. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if your life first fee isn't just about earning more — but about creating a practice that can truly support your life?In this podcast takeover episode, Linzy hands the mic to her biz bestie, Tiffany McLain — founder of The Lean In. MAKE BANK. Academy and host of The Money Sessions — for a bold conversation about what it really takes to build a life first fee practice.Tiffany speaks honestly and unapologetically to the therapist who knows they want a more sustainable practice, but still finds themselves pulled back into lower fees, insurance dependence, inconsistent referrals, or marketing that does not seem to bring in the clients they actually want to work with.She names the shift many therapists are feeling right now: the private practice landscape has changed, and the old ways of filling a caseload are not working the way they once did. But instead of responding by working more, charging less, or trying to compete with therapy platforms and AI, Tiffany points toward a different path.This episode invites you to think differently about your fee, your positioning, your clinical authority, and the kind of practice that can actually take care of you while you take care of your clients.If you have your life first fee written down somewhere, but are not yet living it in your practice, this conversation is for you.Timestamps:00:34 - Linzy Introduces the Podcast Takeover02:36 - Tiffany's Life First Fee Practice Framework04:22 - Why Referrals Feel Different Now05:14 - The Private Practice Landscape Before the Pandemic06:15 - What Changed When Therapy Moved Online07:14 - Big Tech, Therapy Platforms, and Cheap Labor09:01 - The Pressure of Lower Reimbursement Rates10:25 - AI, Burnout, and the Race to the Bottom13:00 - Why Life First Fees Are a Different Path15:46 - Why Therapists Cannot Compete with Big Tech16:49 - Returning to Deep Human Work17:32 - Marketing Beyond the Scaled Online Game18:58 - Start by Knowing Your Life First Fee20:55 - The “R to the Third” Client: Resourced, Ready, Recognized25:00 - How Specificity Helps Clients Find Themselves in Your Work27:19 - Where Life First Fee Clients Come From29:18 - Stepping Into Professional Authority31:04 - Linzy's Final Reflection and Community InvitationConnect with Tiffany McLain:Tiffany McLain, LMFT is a clinical fee strategist for therapists in private practice. Her mantra is, “Full fees are the new black.” Via her program, The Lean In. MAKE BANK. Academy, she helps therapists ethically earn significantly more per month while seeing fewer clients and doing BETTER clinical work.The Lean In. MAKE BANK. Academy is a program that addresses the underlying money mindset stories that keep therapists broke so they can become THAT therapist who charges premium fees, cash pay. With the LIMB 4-step framework to make BANK, regular coaching calls to help you go to the next level, a phenomenal community of funny and intelligent therapists, be ready to get real raw and real rich.Website: https://leaninmakebank.comLife First Fee Calculator: https://leaninmakebank.com/fee-calculator/Email: hey@leaninmakebank.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/leaninmakebank/For other episodes with Tiffany, check out:Episode 204 - Breaking the Martyr Cycle: Therapists, Money Shame, and Self-Care with Tiffany McLainEpisode 200 - Seasons of Entrepreneurship: Growth, Contraction, and the Truth About BusinessEpisode 100 - A Look at Our Financial Origin Stories with Tiffany McLain & Maegan MegginsonEpisode 60 - Raising Fees and Showing Up Differently with Tiffany McLainEpisode 15 - Charging an Appropriate Fee to Match Your Money Goals with Tiffany McLainAbout Linzy Bonham:Linzy Bonham is a therapist turned money coach who helps private practice owners and health professionals feel calm, confident, and in control of their finances through her podcast, free workshops and comprehensive programs: Money Skills for Therapists and Money Skills for Group Practice Owners.It all started when she saw her extremely skilled colleagues struggle with the money side of business. Some had even left private practice, or were avoiding starting one, because managing finances was just too stressful.So Linzy set out to support helpers and healers with developing peace of mind about their money. Since so many were never taught money skills, she focuses on the “how” of making the business side of private practice doable — and even super satisfying.You can learn more here: https://moneyskillsfortherapists.com/aboutAnd you can follow along on social media:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linzybonham/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneyskillsfortherapists/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneynutsandboltsWant to feel more calm and confident about your money? Join one of Linzy's free online workshops for private practice owners who want practical support with money mindset, avoidance, and the technical side of managing business finances.Explore upcoming workshops and save your spot or register to get the replay: https://moneyskillsfortherapists.com/workshopsYou can also join the new private WhatsApp community to connect with other therapists, health practitioners, and podcast listeners. Email hello@moneynutsandbolts.com for an invite.

When Trauma Still Hurts: Memory Rescripting Hosts: Kevin Cornelius, LMFT Dr. David Burns Content Note This episode includes discussion of trauma, including sexual abuse and violence, which may be distressing for some listeners. What Is Memory Rescripting? Memory rescripting is a therapeutic technique that helps people transform how they experience painful memories. Instead of simply revisiting trauma, clients: Re-enter the memory vividly (often with eyes closed) Experience the emotions fully Then actively change the outcome of the scene The key idea:Many trauma victims, see themselves, still, as the helpless little child, the victim, and every time they re-experience the trauma, they re-enforced those brain circuits. Memory Rescripting allows patients to establish new brain circuits and new ways of seeing themselves. Clients often: Step into the scene as a powerful adult self Protect their younger self Confront or stop the perpetrator Create a new, empowering ending A Powerful Case Example David shares a striking case of a young woman struggling with: Severe anxiety Agoraphobia (fear of leaving home, especially public transportation) What wasn't working: Cognitive therapy helped overall mood But she refused exposure to public transportation Breakthrough moment: She revealed a childhood trauma: A babysitter repeatedly sexually abused her The Memory Rescripting Process During a guided session: She vividly re-experienced the traumatic memory At peak emotional intensity, she: Entered the scene as a strong adult Physically stopped the perpetrator (in imagination) Enacted intense revenge fantasies She continued reshaping the scene until: She felt relief and empowerment Surprising Outcome After the session: She voluntarily booked a solo international flight Completed 21 hours of travel alone Reported: Zero anxiety Ability to neutralize fear using spontaneous rescripting She ended therapy shortly after—fully recovered from her presenting issue Key Insight Memory rescripting may work by: Shifting identity: From helpless victim → powerful protector Allowing expression of: Suppressed anger Emotional truth Rewriting emotional memory—not just recalling it Important Caveat This technique is not for everyone David notes: He has used it rarely in decades of practice Most patients improve with standard cognitive and exposure methods Relapse Prevention for Anxiety A crucial takeaway: Recovery is maintained through continued exposure—not avoidance. Key principles: Face your fears regularly Don't become complacent If fear returns: It does not mean failure It means it's time to re-engage the tools Normalizing Setbacks Negative thoughts and feelings will return at times This is part of being human—not a sign something is wrong You can reuse the same tools that worked before Core Takeaways 1. Thoughts create feelings Changing distorted thoughts can eliminate emotional suffering. 2. There is no one-size-fits-all method Different techniques work for different people. 3. Don't give in to hopelessness Even long-standing anxiety can be overcome. 4. Avoid rigid "schools" of therapy Flexibility and multiple tools are key. 5. Memory Rescripting is one powerful method that could help When the patient rewrites the script on a traumatic memory, new brain circuits are created and the patient is freed from the pain of the traumatic event. "100% vs 200% Cure" 100% Cure: Fear disappears completely 200% Cure: You come to enjoy what you once feared Resources Mentioned When Panic Attacks by Dr. David Burns Feeling Good by Dr. David Burns Feeling Great by Dr. David Burns Feeling Great App (free at www.feelinggreat.com) Free anxiety resources and classes available at www.feelinggood.com Let Us Know What You Think of This Episode Please use this link to take a very brief survey and share your opinion with us about this episode Contact Information Kevin Cornelius, LMFT is a Level 5 Certified Master TEAM-CBT Therapist and Trainer and the Clinical Director of Feeling Good Institute--Silicon Valley. He specializes in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship problems and insomnia. You can reach Kevin at kevin@feelinggoodinstitute.com and visit his website at www.tools4change.me. You can reach Dr. Burns at david@feelinggood.com. Feeling down in these turbulent times? Take a ride on our Feeling Great app. Feeling Great feels wonderful! You owe it to yourself to feel GREAT! Give the Greatest Gifts of ALL--Love and Happiness!

AI Ethics Codes for Therapists: What CAMFT, APA, NASW, and AAMFT Now Require How the CAMFT, APA, NASW, and AAMFT ethics codes now regulate AI in therapy: a CE podcourse on competence, informed consent, data privacy, bias, and human accountability. Curt Widhalm, LMFT, and Katie Vernoy, LMFT, walk through the recent artificial intelligence updates to the major mental health ethics codes. Centering on the new CAMFT updates and cross-referencing the APA, NASW, ACA, and AAMFT codes, they turn the new language into a practical roadmap for everyday clinical work. The conversation covers what competence with AI actually requires (closer to safely driving a car than building one), the three CAMFT obligations that travel together (disclosure, informed consent, and informed decision making), and a client's right to opt out. They get specific on data privacy, including business associate agreements and why "HIPAA compliant" is a marketing claim rather than a certification, on spotting demographic and medical-model bias in AI output, and on why the human in the loop still owns and is accountable for anything signed under their name. This continuing education podcourse is for therapists, supervisors, and clinical educators who want to use AI tools ethically and stay accountable in an automated world. In this episode, we discuss: - Why the codes aim for broad, durable AI principles instead of tool-specific rules - What competence with AI actually requires of a clinician - The three CAMFT obligations: disclosure, informed consent, and informed decision making - How to vet data privacy, including BAAs and why "HIPAA compliant" is only marketing - How to catch demographic and medical-model bias in AI output - Why the clinician remains responsible for anything produced under their name Timestamps: - 0:55 - Why the ethics codes are updating for AI - 3:30 - Defining artificial intelligence (California AB 2885) - 9:49 - The four Beauchamp and Childress principles - 12:28 - Timeline: CAMFT, APA, NASW, and AAMFT updates - 16:11 - Competence and the "driving a car" metaphor - 21:09 - Disclosure, informed consent, and the right to opt out - 33:18 - Data privacy, BAAs, and "HIPAA compliant" as marketing - 41:20 - Bias, social justice, and reading the output - 44:52 - The human in the loop and accountability - 53:12 - Is AI right for this client? - 1:00:59 - Supervision, education, and the AI vetting guide 1 CE unit is available through the Modern Therapist Learning Community: moderntherapistcommunity.com Full show notes and transcript: mtsgpodcast.com Join the Modern Therapist Community Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/mtsgpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/therapyreimagined Modern Therapist's Survival Guide Creative Credits Voice Over by DW McCann: https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/ Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano: https://groomsymusic.com/

In episode 621, depth psychotherapist and astrologer Shawna McGrath, LMFT (she/her) shares about the planetary archetypes of Jupiter, Pluto, and Chiron and how from a depth psychological perspective these symbolically represent themes of power, authority, dignity, oppression/oppressor, child/adult, wounded/caregiver, privilege/marginalization, and a call to heal our relationship with wounding, power, and trauma.

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.

Welcome to the Leading Edge in Emotionally Focused Therapy, hosted by Drs. James Hawkins, Ph.D., LPC, and Ryan Rana, Ph.D., LMFT, LPC—Renowned ICEEFT Therapists, Supervisors, and Trainers. We're thrilled to have you with us. We believe this podcast, a valuable resource, will empower you to push the boundaries in your work, helping individuals and couples connect more deeply with themselves and each other. In this episode, Dr. James Hawkins and Dr. Ryan Reyna walk into the heart of Stage 2 EFT and ask a hard question: How do you get the most out of YOU when every path forward involves pain? Drawing on stories from haunted houses, combat medicine, and oncology surgery, they unpack what it means to be the stronger, wiser other—not as a top-down expert, but as a steady, emotionally present guide when clients' eyes are begging, “Please don't make me go there.” You'll hear how to: Stay confident and regulated in deep Stage 2 work Use your own limbic system, intensity, and presence in service of healing Avoid “over-validating” clients out of depth Become relentless but attuned when working with shame, trauma, and withdrawer re-engagement Here are the top 10 points from the episode in bullet format, tailored for therapists: Therapist consistency is heroic work Therapists, like elite athletes or Navy SEALs, show up and train relentlessly—session after session—often without recognition, but this consistency is what makes deep Stage 2 work possible. You are the “stronger, wiser other” in Stage 2 Borrowing from Bowlby, the therapist's role is to be a grounded, slightly leading presence—not hierarchical, but a steady guide who believes in the clients' capacity to go deeper. Clients need your confidence more than your explanations In Stage 2, detailed EFT mapping is less helpful than a calm, “I know where we're going; we can do this together” energy. Tone matters: gentle, invitational, and regulated—not pushy or detached. Every real option involves pain—but not the same kind of pain If you back away when clients say “don't make me do this,” you protect them now but leave unregulated pain to hurt them later. If you stay with them in the fear and shame, you create constructive, healing pain that opens the door to new patterns. Self-coaching: what do YOU need to hear in the chair? Therapists need internal scripts/mantras (e.g., “No one gets left behind on the battlefield”). Drawing on mentors, attachment figures, faith, or personal values can help you stay present when you want to retreat. Use your own limbic system—and the partner's—to share the load Strategic use of “we” (“We'll go there together,” “We can face this”) helps clients feel they're not alone. The therapist can consciously bring their own emotional presence and the partner's caregiving energy to bear on the hardest moments. Relentless, attuned fighting for the client Ryan names his intensity and even competitiveness as assets: he refuses to let the cycle “win.” Clients often experience this as, “You fought for us more than we fought for ourselves,” which becomes contagious and regulating—as long as it stays tethered to alliance and repair. Validation and celebration must be timed and dosed well Over-validating or celebrating too soon can pull clients out of depth, like doing a cold plunge right after a hard muscle-building workout. Validation should support staying with the core emotion, not remove the heat from the room prematurely. Withdrawer re-engagement is “drip by drip” work Ryan uses the oncologic surgery metaphor: you don't want to close up while leaving “half the tumor” (unworked shame, trauma, negative self-views) inside. Stage 2 requires repetition and reps—going back into the “torture chamber” scenes multiple times so the body learns, “I don't have to do this alone anymore.” Homework: study your A-game and your use of self Notice what you do when you're at your best: your presence, nonverbals, timing, intensity, or way of breathing/pausing. Ask: How am I regulating me? How am I using me as the tool? Then intentionally amplify those strengths and clarify what needs adjustment (e.g., less rescuing, more tolerating pain, smarter use of validation). We aim to equip therapists with practical tools and encouragement for addressing relational distress. We're also excited to be part of the team behind Success in Vulnerability (SV)—your premier online education platform. SV offers innovative instruction to enhance your therapeutic effectiveness through exclusive modules and in-depth clinical examples.    Stay connected with us: Facebook: Follow our page @pushtheleadingedge Ryan: Follow @ryanranaprofessionaltraining on Facebook and visit his website James: Follow @dochawklpc on Facebook and Instagram, or visit his website at dochawklpc.com George Faller: Visit georgefaller.com If you like the concepts discussed on this podcast you can explore our online training program, Success in Vulnerability (SV). Thank you for being part of our community. Let's push the leading edge together!

It seems like everybody is talking about polycules right now -- but what are they actually? How do polycules work? What makes a polcule appeal to people? DB talks to the incredible Rachel Wright about everything polycules, from busting myths to talking about the joy of love outside of the framework of monogamy. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Rachel Wright, MA, LMFT (she/her) is a licensed psychotherapist, speaker, and educator specializing in modern relationships, mental health, and sex, known for translating clinical insight into practical, relatable guidance. She has worked with thousands of clients worldwide and brings an empathetic, humor-forward approach to therapy, teaching, and media that resonates with both audiences and professionals. Rachel is the host of The Wright Conversations, a podcast with over 100,000 downloads, has created widely attended sex and relationship education programs, and is the in-house sex educator for Zumio. TAKE OUR SMUT QUIZ: Find your page-turning turn-on with our new SMUT QUIZ! In just 5 questions, you'll get right to the good stuff with curated pages, poems, and audios. No slow burn. No fluff. Just pleasure.; Take the quiz here: https://sexedwithdb.fillout.com/smutquiz  ASK AN ANONYMOUS SEX ED QUESTION: Fill out our anonymous form to ask your sex ed question. ABOUT SEX ED WITH DB: Sex Ed with DB is your go-to podcast for smart, science-backed sex education — delivering trusted insights from top experts on sex, sexuality, and pleasure. Empowering, inclusive, and grounded in real science, it's the sex ed you've always wanted. Season 14 of Sex Ed with DB is ALL ABOUT PLEASURE! Solo pleasure. Partnered pleasure. Orgasms. Porn. Queer joy. Kinks, sex toys, fantasies -- you name it. We're here to help you feel more informed, more empowered, and a whole lot more turned on to help YOU have the best sex. GET IN TOUCH: Email: sexedwithdb@gmail.com CONNECT WITH US: Instagram: @sexedwithdbpodcast; TikTok: @sexedwithdb; Threads: @sexedwithdbpodcast; YouTube: Sex Ed with DB; X: @sexedwithdb SEX ED WITH DB SEASON 14 SPONSORS: Uberlube, Magic Wand, Nancy, and Happy V. Get discounts on all of DB's favorite things here! DISCOVER SEX POSITIVE EVENTS IN YOUR CITY: Subscribe to our newsletter for S.E.X I.R.L: your curated monthly list of sex-positive events, spaces, and experiences happening in person across major cities. FOR SEXUAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS: Check out DB's workshop: "Building A Profitable Online Sexual Health Brand" SEASON 14 TEAM: Creator, Host & Executive Producer: Danielle Bezalel (DB) (she/her); Producer and Growth Marketing Manager: Wil Williams (they/them); Social Media & Communications Manager: Iva Markicevic Daley (she/her) MUSIC: Intro theme music: Hook Sounds; Background music: Bright State by Ketsa; Ad music: Soul Sync by Ketsa, Always Faithful by Ketsa, and Soul Epic by Ketsa.; Thank you Ketsa!

Most people believe financial transformation starts with motivation. ⁠Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™⁠ and ⁠Dr. Matt Morris, LMFT⁠ argue the opposite: motivation fades, but habits compound. In this episode, they explain why relying on bursts of inspiration or willpower almost always leads to inconsistency — especially when it comes to money. Using stories from fitness, personal finance, and everyday life, they break down how systems and routines quietly shape long-term outcomes. From automating savings and debt payments to separating spending accounts and reducing decision fatigue, listeners learn practical ways to create financial habits that work even when emotions and motivation disappear. This episode reinforces one of the core themes of the series: long-term financial success is behavioral more than intellectual. Episode Highlights: Erik explains why motivation is a poor long-term financial strategy. (04:41) Dr. Matt shares that habits and systems are the real answer to lasting financial change. (05:49) Erik connects accountability and environment-building to showing up consistently, using his gym experience as an example. (08:27) Automating savings removes the need to make the same decision repeatedly. (09:14) Dollar cost averaging is explained and how automated investing helps combat emotional reactions to market swings. (10:42) Automating debt payments eliminates willpower battles when tempting expenses arise. (12:48) A one-week waiting rule is shared as a practical way to curb stress-driven impulse shopping. (13:52) Erik walks through his budgeting system of separating fixed expenses from variable spending into different accounts. (15:31) Dr. Matt reflects on how good financial systems become boring in the best way, eliminating repeated emotional decision-making. (17:26) Erik recommends keeping savings at a different bank to create friction and reduce the urge to raid savings impulsively. (19:00) Building systems tailored to your own tendencies works better than following generic budgeting advice. (20:01) Dr. Matt closes by reinforcing that willpower has limits and lasting financial progress comes from habits and systems. (21:09) Key Quotes: “Motivation deals with willpower, and generally speaking, we have willpower to do things in bursts, but anything that takes energy is really, really, really hard to sustain.” - Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™ “You need habits. You need patterns. You will not rise to the level of your financial intentions. You will fall to the level of your financial systems.” - Dr. Dr. Matt Morris, LMFT “It really helps to have a disinterested third party to help you think. We have blind spots, and oftentimes we don't know what we need to do.” - Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™ Resources Mentioned: ⁠Dr. Matt Morris, LMFT⁠ ⁠Dr. Matt Morris & Associates⁠ ⁠Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™⁠ ⁠Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC⁠ ⁠Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors⁠

Sometimes healing doesn't start in your head. It starts in your body. For 17 years, Erika Shershun did everything she was told she was supposed to do. She went to therapy. She named her depression. She worked on her thoughts. But the symptoms kept coming, and underneath them was a survival story her body had never been given the space to release. This conversation dives into what somatic psychotherapy actually is, why the body remembers trauma in ways the mind cannot, and the pivotal moment in a hands-on training when Erika's body finally interrupted years of silence. Erika opens up about surviving an attempted assault while running at dusk, the voice that told her she was not going to die, and the years of shame that came before and after. She also walks through what unhealed trauma looks like in everyday life, why so many survivors blame themselves for what their body did during an assault, and the simple daily practice she gives every client to begin feeling safe in their body again. Through fear, shame, fight responses, and decades of seeking answers, Erika's story is a powerful reminder that healing is possible at any age, that intuition is something to trust, and that the body always knows how to find its way home if you give it the right tools. Guest Bio Erika Shershun, MA, LMFT, is a somatic psychotherapist who specializes in helping trauma survivors reclaim the life they were meant to live. She's the author of the Healing Sexual Trauma Guided Journal: Writing and Somatic Practices to Help You Process, Heal, and Feel Safe, the Healing Sexual Trauma Workbook: Somatic Skills to Help You Feel Safe in Your Body, Create Boundaries & Live with Resilience, and the PESI Sexual Trauma Clinical Training. The workbook is available in Spanish (Tengo Un Trauma Corporal?), Polish, Russian, and Romanian, and the journal is available in Turkish. Her approach is trauma informed, rooted in somatic principles, drawing on neuroscience and integrative modalities such as EMDR, Brainspotting, energy psychology, mindfulness, self-compassion, and parts work. Erika values diversity, offers individual online therapy sessions in California, and provides coaching to clients outside of the state. You'll hear About What somatic psychotherapy is and why the body has to be part of healing How trauma is stored differently than ordinary memory Why 17 years of traditional therapy did not heal Erika's deepest symptoms The moment in a body work training that finally unlocked her healing Surviving an attempted assault and trusting the voice that came through Why so many sexual trauma survivors carry shame for what their body did How unhealed trauma shows up as digestive, autoimmune, and emotional symptoms The daily grounding and orienting practice Erika gives every client Why it is never too late to begin your healing journey Chapters 00:00 Welcome and Episode Introduction 01:15 Meet Erika Shershu 02:00 What Somatic Psychotherapy Really Is 05:00 Why the Body Holds Trauma Differently Than Memory 08:00 17 Years of Therapy and Still Searching 09:30 The Trigger Point Therapy Session That Changed Everything 12:00 Surviving the Assault While Running at Dusk 17:00 The Voice That Told Her She Was Going to Live 21:00 The Shame Most Survivors Carry in Silence 22:30 Finding Somatic Therapy and Beginning to Heal 24:30 How Unhealed Trauma Shows Up in the Body 30:00 Why Self-Medicating Quiets What the Body Is Trying to Say 33:30 Erika's Daily Practices for Safety and Healing 36:30 Where to Find the Workbook and Guided Journal 42:30 Erika's Message for Anyone Still Searching for Hope 45:00 Final Reflections and Key Takeaways Chuck's Challenge This week, take one small step toward listening to your body. Maybe that means pausing before you push through another long day. Maybe it means asking what the tight chest, the gut ache, or the restlessness has actually been trying to tell you. Maybe it means downloading the first chapter of Erika's book and sitting with one grounding practice instead of scrolling away from yourself. You don't have to name everything you're carrying. You don't have to fix it all this week. You just have to start by listening. Because as Erika shared, healing doesn't begin when life feels safe again. It begins the moment you give your body permission to be heard. Connect with Erika Website: https://healingsexualtrauma.com/ Therapy Website: https://erikashershuntherapy.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erikashershun/ Connect with Chuck Check out the website: https://www.thecompassionateconnection.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-thuss-a9aa044/ Follow on Instagram: @warriorsunmasked Join the Warriors Unmasked community by subscribing to the show. Together, we're breaking stigmas and shining a light on mental health, one story at a time.  

Episode 321 - “The Exhaustion of Always Explaining Yourself”Have you ever felt like you're constantly explaining, clarifying, or defending yourself just to be understood? In this episode, Michelle and Scott explore the emotional exhaustion that comes from over-explaining—why so many of us feel the need to justify our choices, boundaries, and feelings, and how the fear of being misunderstood can quietly wear us down. A conversation about self-trust, people pleasing, and learning that not everything about you requires an explanation.Keeping Your Sh*t Together in a Stressed World is a podcast hosted by Michelle Post, MA, LMFT and Scott Grossberg, JD, CLC, CCH, NLP, and is 30 minutes of raw, irreverent, and results-oriented discussion with one purpose in mind . . . to help you cope, thrive, and survive the craziness that's going on in the world.As a reminder, our “Get Your Sh*t Together” Home Retreat can be found here:http://thinkingmagically.com/retreatReplays of prior episodes can be found at:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scott-grossbergYou can also join our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/keepingystMichelle Post can be reached at michelle@postinternationalinc.com http://postinternationalinc.com
Scott Grossberg can be reached at sgrossberg@hotmail.com https://www.thinkingmagically.com© ℗ 2026 Scott Grossberg & Michelle Post. All rights reserved."Easy Lemon (60 second)" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0DISCLAIMER: MICHELLE IS A THERAPIST, BUT SHE IS NOT YOUR THERAPIST. SCOTT IS A RETIRED ATTORNEY, DOES NOT PRACTICE LAW, AND DOES NOT GIVE LEGAL ADVICE. AS SUCH, SCOTT IS NOT YOUR ATTORNEY. THE INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION THAT TAKES PLACE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT LEGAL, MEDICAL, NOR MENTAL HEALTH ADVICE. LISTENING TO THIS PODCAST DOES NOT CREATE AN ATTORNEY-CLIENT NOR THERAPIST-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP. MICHELLE AND SCOTT ARE NOT LIABLE FOR ANY LOSSES OR DAMAGES RELATED TO ACTIONS OR FAILURES TO ACT RELATED TO ANY OF THEIR PROGRAMS OR TRAINING. IF YOU NEED SPECIFIC LEGAL, MEDICAL, OR MENTAL HEALTH ADVICE OR HELP, CONSULT WITH A PROFESSIONAL WHO SPECIALIZES IN YOUR SUBJECT MATTER AND JURISDICTION. NEVER DISREGARD THE MEDICAL ADVICE OF A PSYCHOLOGIST, PHYSICIAN OR OTHER HEALTH PROFESSIONAL, OR DELAY IN SEEKING SUCH ADVICE, BECAUSE OF THE INFORMATION OFFERED OR PROVIDED WITHIN OR RELATED TO ANY OF MICHELLE'S OR SCOTT'S PROGRAMS OR TRAININGS. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY EITHER MICHELLE OR SCOTT OR BOTH OF THEM ARE OFFERED IN THEIR INDIVIDUAL CAPACITIES, OFFERED "AS-IS" AND NO REPRESENTATIONS ARE MADE THAT THE CONTENT OF ANY VIEWS ARE ERROR-FREE.MICHELLE'S AND SCOTT'S PROGRAMS AND TRAINING ARE NOT SUITED FOR EVERYONE. THEY DO NOT ASSUME, AND SHALL NOT HAVE, ANY LIABILITY TO USERS FOR INJURY OR LOSS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH. THEY MAKE NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY CONCERNING ANY TREATMENT OR ANY ACTION FOLLOWING THE INFORMATION OFFERED OR PROVIDED WITHIN OR THROUGH ANY PROGRAM, COACHING, CONSULTING OR STRATEGIC WORK SESSION.

What if the grind isn't the path to freedom — it's the thing keeping you from it? In this episode, Catholic therapist Adam Cross, LMFT (#116623) sits down with Dr. Tim White — psychology professor, researcher, and self-proclaimed workaholic — to explore what it actually means to rest in a culture that has forgotten how. Drawing on the theology of the 8th day of creation, Joseph Pieper's Leisure: The Basis of Culture, and the latest research in psychology and blue zone longevity, Adam and Tim make the case that leisure isn't a reward you earn through hard work. It's the foundation everything else is built on — including worship. Topics covered: • Why "work will set you free" is a lie from Auschwitz to Silicon Valley • The Genesis story and what was lost — and restored — through Christ • What real rest looks like (hint: it's not Netflix or a beach vacation) • Flow states, play, and why winners in sports look completely incoherent • Mindfulness with God as a secure attachment figure • "The opposite of sin is not virtue but praise" — and what that means practically • Blue zones, enjoyment, and why leisure-centred living actually helps you live longer • Practical steps for stepping out of the productivity trap and into Sabbath rest If you've been burning the candle at both ends and wondering why you still feel empty, this conversation is for you. Have questions? Visit my website: adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross, LMFT #116623

Most people believe financial transformation starts with motivation. Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™ and Dr. Matt Morris, LMFT argue the opposite: motivation fades, but habits compound. In this episode, they explain why relying on bursts of inspiration or willpower almost always leads to inconsistency — especially when it comes to money. Using stories from fitness, personal finance, and everyday life, they break down how systems and routines quietly shape long-term outcomes. From automating savings and debt payments to separating spending accounts and reducing decision fatigue, listeners learn practical ways to create financial habits that work even when emotions and motivation disappear. This episode reinforces one of the core themes of the series: long-term financial success is behavioral more than intellectual. Episode Highlights: Erik explains why motivation is a poor long-term financial strategy. (04:41) Dr. Matt shares that habits and systems are the real answer to lasting financial change. (05:49) Erik connects accountability and environment-building to showing up consistently, using his gym experience as an example. (08:27) Automating savings removes the need to make the same decision repeatedly. (09:14) Dollar cost averaging is explained and how automated investing helps combat emotional reactions to market swings. (10:42) Automating debt payments eliminates willpower battles when tempting expenses arise. (12:48) A one-week waiting rule is shared as a practical way to curb stress-driven impulse shopping. (13:52) Erik walks through his budgeting system of separating fixed expenses from variable spending into different accounts. (15:31) Dr. Matt reflects on how good financial systems become boring in the best way, eliminating repeated emotional decision-making. (17:26) Erik recommends keeping savings at a different bank to create friction and reduce the urge to raid savings impulsively. (19:00) Building systems tailored to your own tendencies works better than following generic budgeting advice. (20:01) Dr. Matt closes by reinforcing that willpower has limits and lasting financial progress comes from habits and systems. (21:09) Key Quotes: “Motivation deals with willpower, and generally speaking, we have willpower to do things in bursts, but anything that takes energy is really, really, really hard to sustain.” - Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™ “You need habits. You need patterns. You will not rise to the level of your financial intentions. You will fall to the level of your financial systems.” - Dr. Dr. Matt Morris, LMFT “It really helps to have a disinterested third party to help you think. We have blind spots, and oftentimes we don't know what we need to do.” - Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™ Resources Mentioned: Dr. Matt Morris, LMFT Dr. Matt Morris & Associates Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™ Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors

A New Model for Treating Trauma Do You Need to Revisit the Past to Heal Trauma? Episode Overview In this episode, David and Kevin explore a provocative idea: healing from trauma may not require revisiting the past at all. Drawing from decades of clinical experience and data-driven research, David challenges a core assumption in trauma therapy and explains why focusing on the present moment can lead to rapid and lasting change. Key Takeaways A Radical Shift in Trauma Treatment Traditional approaches often emphasize revisiting and "processing" past trauma. David argues that this may be unnecessary—and sometimes counterproductive. His clinical experience suggests trauma can often be resolved in a single session by focusing on current thoughts and feelings. The Power of the Present Moment Patients consistently want help with what's bothering them right now, not necessarily past events. Changing how someone feels in the present can dissolve the emotional impact of past trauma. "The past is embedded in the present"—shift the present, and the past loses its grip. The Cognitive Model at Work Emotional suffering is driven not by events, but by thoughts about those events. When distorted thoughts are identified and challenged, emotional distress can rapidly disappear. This applies to trauma, depression, anxiety, and more. Data-Driven Insights Statistical modeling of patient data revealed that past emotional history does not predict recovery. In fact, including past data made predictive models less effective. Present-moment variables fully explained improvement. Powerful Clinical Stories Anne's Story (Terminal Cancer Diagnosis) Faced with a devastating diagnosis, Anne experienced severe depression. In a single session, her distorted thoughts (self-blame, guilt) were challenged. Her depression dropped from severe to zero—and did not return over the next two years. Trauma Workshop Demonstrations Across dozens of live demonstrations, participants with severe trauma experienced complete symptom relief within hours. Most work focused on present concerns—not revisiting traumatic memories. Latvian Survivor's Story A woman who survived Nazi-era trauma attempted suicide decades later. Her distress was tied not to past trauma, but to a belief: "I am worthless." Challenging that thought led to rapid recovery. Key Concepts Healthy vs. Unhealthy Negative Emotions Healthy: sadness, grief, concern Unhealthy: shame, guilt, worthlessness Therapy aims to eliminate distorted, self-defeating emotions, not natural human feelings. Exposure Therapy—Used Selectively Exposure can be powerful, especially for anxiety. However, it's often not necessary for trauma recovery. David reports using it rarely in trauma cases. No One-Size-Fits-All Approach Effective therapy requires a toolbox of techniques, not rigid adherence to one method. TEAM-CBT emphasizes flexibility and rapid testing of what works. Practical Tools for Listeners Daily Mood Log: Identify and challenge negative thoughts in real time Cognitive Techniques: Learn to "crush" distorted thinking patterns Self-Help Resources: Feeling Good by Dr. David Burns When Panic Attacks Dr. David Burns Feeling Great Dr. David Burns Feeling Great App: Free tool to practice these methods interactively Memorable Quote "The moment you stop believing a distorted thought is the moment your negative feelings disappear." Final Thoughts This episode offers a hopeful and empowering message: You may not need to relive your past to heal from it. By changing how you think and feel today, meaningful recovery can happen faster than you might expect. What's Coming Next Next episode: A deeper dive into trauma treatment using memory rescripting, including when revisiting the past can be helpful. Thanks for listening—see you next time! Let Us Know What You Think of This Episode Please use this link to take a very brief survey and share your opinion with us about this episode Contact Information Kevin Cornelius, LMFT is a Level 5 Certified Master TEAM-CBT Therapist and Trainer and the Clinical Director of Feeling Good Institute--Silicon Valley. He specializes in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship problems and insomnia. You can reach Kevin at kevin@feelinggoodinstitute.com and visit his website at www.tools4change.me. You can reach Dr. Burns at david@feelinggood.com. Feeling down in these turbulent times? Take a ride on our Feeling Great app. Feeling Great feels wonderful! You owe it to yourself to feel GREAT! Give the Greatest Gifts of ALL--Love and Happiness!

Welcome to the Leading Edge in Emotionally Focused Therapy, hosted by Drs. James Hawkins, Ph.D., LPC, and Ryan Rana, Ph.D., LMFT, LPC—Renowned ICEEFT Therapists, Supervisors, and Trainers. We're thrilled to have you with us. We believe this podcast, a valuable resource, will empower you to push the boundaries in your work, helping individuals and couples connect more deeply with themselves and each other. In this episode of The Leading Edge in Emotionally Focused Therapy, James and Ryan explore the “sequela” — the long-term fallout — of the burnout pursuer and how that shows up in both Stage 1 and Stage 2 EFT. They unpack what it means to truly witness a burned-out pursuer's journey instead of trying to “get them to move,” why holdouts are such a powerful (and costly) survival strategy, and how to work with the unique shame of someone who feels, “I hate myself for still loving you.” You'll hear practical ways to: Stay grounded with a pursuer who's done protesting and now just shows up with crossed arms Do the kind of historical witnessing that feels more like a series of emotional “massages” than a quick intervention Use hope scenes and the “big three” moments of failed hope in Stage 2 to create deep limbic revision Support re-engagement without accidentally reenacting the very patterns that burned them out in the first place Top 10 Points from the Episode “Sequela” as a frame: Ryan uses “sequela” (the long-term consequences) to describe what we're really dealing with in a burnout pursuer—not just current behavior, but the accumulated fallout of thousands of drops, failed bids, and unresolved pain. Burnout pursuer = mixed signals + survival strategy: Burnout pursuers send mixed messages to their partner, the therapist, and themselves. What looks like manipulation or a “power move” is actually an adaptive survival strategy to cope with feeling helpless and repeatedly dropped. Historical witnessing is non‑negotiable: Stage 1 work with burnout pursuers requires slow, repeated, historical witnessing—not “forget the past, let's start over.” The therapist invites them to tell the journey of how they got this burned out, and stays with the horror and grief of it instead of talking them out of it. The “holdout” dynamic: A burnout pursuer may show up in therapy with arms crossed, essentially saying, “I'm here, but I'm not moving until my partner proves it.” That holdout protects them, but also rigidly locks the cycle in place, sometimes even raising the bar as the withdrawer improves. Therapist stance: release the need to make them move: James names a crucial shift: the therapist must let go of the internal pressure to get the pursuer to move. The more the therapist pushes, the more the pursuer's nervous system feels pressured and unsafe. The work becomes: “James, just be with what is. Give witness to their journey.” Stage 1 as repeated “emotional massage”: Ryan likens the work to a series of massages—one session won't undo years of knots. The therapist returns multiple times to witnessing, validating, and grieving with the pursuer, even as this can be very hard on the withdrawer who's just starting to “get it.” Unique shame of the burnout pursuer: There's a specific shame: “Fool me once, shame on you; fool me thousands of times… shame on me.” Many burnout pursuers feel, “I love you, and I hate myself for the fact that I love you.” Without naming and working this shame, they can't risk hope again. Stage 2: asking them to care‑give again is huge: When the couple “dumps over” into Stage 2, the burnout pursuer is often asked to sit with and respond to their partner's vulnerability first. This can re-evoke the old experience: “Once again, it's not about me.” Naming how much is being asked of them is essential. The “big three” hope scenes as core Stage 2 work: Effective Stage 2 softening with burnout pursuers often requires revisiting 2–3 symbolic “big hope” moments (e.g., an elaborate romantic trip) where they risked, hoped, and were dropped. These hope scenes become key sites for deep grief, attachment injury work, and limbic revision—otherwise, it's like leaving a tumor behind and relapse risk stays high. From vision → witness → visual redemption (the “eye” theme): Pursuers are visionaries—they can see how good the relationship could be, but that visionary energy often works against them. They need: Witness in Stage 1 & early Stage 2: someone who really sees the journey of their drops and failed hopes. Visual redemption in late Stage 2: in Step 7, the re-engaged withdrawer looks at them and clearly names, how I see you—lovable, worth fighting for, beautiful, someone I want to be with. That attuned “I see you” becomes a redemptive corrective to years of being unseen and dropped. We aim to equip therapists with practical tools and encouragement for addressing relational distress. We're also excited to be part of the team behind Success in Vulnerability (SV)—your premier online education platform. SV offers innovative instruction to enhance your therapeutic effectiveness through exclusive modules and in-depth clinical examples.    Stay connected with us: Facebook: Follow our page @pushtheleadingedge Ryan: Follow @ryanranaprofessionaltraining on Facebook and visit his website James: Follow @dochawklpc on Facebook and Instagram, or visit his website at dochawklpc.com George Faller: Visit georgefaller.com If you like the concepts discussed on this podcast you can explore our online training program, Success in Vulnerability (SV). Thank you for being part of our community. Let's push the leading edge together!

According to WHO, 1 in 8 adults globally face mental health challenges. And yet, it remains a taboo topic in many communities. Join Rev. Dr. Brittany Juliette Hanlin and Sheilah Cameron, LMFT, as they unpack and challenge the stigmas associated with mental health – especially within faith communities – by looking at the experience of Ezekiel, one of the major prophets of the Old Testament. This is Episode 3 of "Taking Care of Mind, Body & Spirit," a five-part series exploring modern wellness challenges through the wisdom of Scripture. This conversation is for anyone struggling with isolation, depletion, shame, generational trauma, negative self-talk, and mental health challenges—as well as those who want to better understand the burdens others carry. Inspired by Ezekiel 4:1–8, this conversation explores Ezekiel’s experience of exile, embodied burden, and prophetic responsibility—and how those themes connect to mental health and emotional challenges today. Topics include: The isolation leaders and caregivers can feel when carrying responsibility for others Generational trauma and how inherited pain can shape stress responses The connection between shame, guilt, self-talk, and mental health Why suffering is not a badge of honor or shame The need for rest, boundaries, assertiveness, and self-advocacy Caring for yourself so you can continue caring for your community This series features conversations with the women pastors of First United Methodist Church of San Diego and Sheilah Cameron, Director of New Life Counseling Center. Join them over five weeks as they explore information overload, purpose fatigue, mental health, grief, and identity through the lens of biblical prophets. Reflection Questions How do you recognize when your responsibilities have become too heavy, and what signs tell you that you need rest or support? What healthy boundaries can you establish to care for yourself while still remaining compassionate toward others? How might God be inviting you to acknowledge pain honestly rather than carrying it in silence? Join the Conversation Whether you're a lifelong Christian, exploring progressive Christianity, deconstructing faith, or simply seeking a deeper spiritual foundation, we invite you to reflect alongside us: Convergence discussion group on Sundays at 12 PM Online Patreon community to connect with other listeners Timestamps 00:00 Introduction: Mental health, stigma, and the church00:53 Ezekiel 4,1-8 Bible Reading 02:38 Ezekiel, pressure, and chronic stress 06:29 Caregiving, leadership, and burnout 08:26 Generational trauma and the ACEs study 12:37 Trauma and the nervous system 15:47 Shame vs. guilt 18:09 Self-talk and mental health 29:42 Boundaries and community care 32:38:15 Final thoughts, reflection, and closing encouragement Please note: This conversation is for reflection and encouragement and is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you are struggling, consider reaching out to a licensed counselor, trusted support person, or crisis resource in your area, such as the New Life Counseling Center, a mental health ministry of First United Methodist Church of San Diego.

If you're a regular listener of the Ultimate Intimacy Podcast, you've probably heard Austin talk about the importance of becoming "one" in marriage. But what does that really mean, and why is it so important for creating a thriving relationship?In this episode, Austin dives deep into the concept of unity in marriage and explains why so many couples struggle to feel connected despite living under the same roof. In today's world, it's easy for spouses to become independent roommates—pursuing separate interests, managing their own lives, making individual decisions, and gradually drifting apart without even realizing it.While individuality is important, a strong marriage requires more than simply coexisting. It requires intentionally building a life together. Becoming "one" doesn't mean losing your identity; it means aligning your goals, priorities, decisions, and hearts so that you are moving in the same direction as a team.Austin shares practical insights on how couples can create greater unity, strengthen emotional and physical intimacy, improve communication, and avoid the subtle habits that create division within a marriage. He discusses what it looks like to truly partner with your spouse, make decisions together, support each other's dreams, and build a relationship where both partners feel connected, valued, and understood.

Send us Fan MailRelax and unwind with a guided meditation led by Patti Brown, LMFT. This meditation is designed to help you find peace and tranquility, releasing stress and embracing calm.Wellness Within is the realization of a dream for Patti. After 20 years in private practice as a psychotherapist, she decided to honor the tugging at her heart and open a grassroots organization to serve a community dealing with cancer and its aftermath.  It is her life's work to teach, support, and mobilize the body and mind for healing.  Learn more on our website at: www.wellnesswithin.org.Patti actively incorporates her training in mind-body medicine to support a community of people struggling with a cancer diagnosis. The Center's belief is based on honoring the integration of medical treatments with mind-body practices that enhance one's quality of life with dignity and hope.  As the founder of Wellness Within, she understands the profound impact a life-threatening illness brings, and the significance of pulling together a caring, loving community to provide support, comfort and healing.This podcast is offered freely to ensure everyone has access to these practices and conversations offered by Wellness Within Cancer Support Services. If you feel inspired to donate to support Wellness Within offerings, please visit www.wellnesswithin.org/giveSupport the showThis podcast offers health, wellness, fitness and nutritional information and is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have read on this site. The use of any information provided on this podcast is solely at your own risk.

Comments or feedback? Send us a text! What if dissociation isn't a disorder to be feared, but an extraordinary adaptation that once helped a child survive?In this episode of Thoughts on Record, Dr. Pete Kelly speaks with licensed marriage and family therapist Sally Maslansky about her memoir, A Brilliant Adaptation, and her remarkable journey of discovering that much of her childhood was inaccessible to memory. Together, they explore how developmental trauma can fragment identity, why dissociation emerges as a survival strategy, and what it takes to gradually integrate a life story that was once too overwhelming to remember.Drawing on attachment theory, interpersonal neurobiology, and her own lived experience, Sally discusses dissociative identity disorder through a compassionate, evidence-informed lens. The conversation examines concepts such as structural dissociation, "fear without solution," autobiographical memory, and the importance of pacing trauma work. They also explore the central role of the therapeutic relationship, curiosity, embodiment, and emotional safety in fostering healing and integration.Whether you're a mental health professional, someone living with the effects of trauma, or simply interested in how the mind protects itself under overwhelming circumstances, this conversation offers a thoughtful and deeply human perspective on trauma, resilience, and recovery.Guest: Sally Maslansky, LMFTLicensed Marriage and Family Therapist and author of A Brilliant Adaptation: A Therapist's Journey into the Hidden World of Dissociative Identity Disorder.

Financial therapist and licensed marriage and family therapist Christine Hargrove explores the complex relationship between ADHD, money, emotions, and relationships. She discusses why managing money is often more challenging for people with ADHD, the role of executive functioning in financial decision-making, and how emotional factors such as shame, avoidance, impulsivity, and financial trauma can affect financial well-being. The conversation also examines the impact of childhood messages about money, common challenges faced by couples when ADHD and finances intersect, and practical strategies for building healthier financial habits. Throughout the episode, she emphasizes that financial success is not simply about knowing what to do, but about creating systems, supports, and self-awareness that help turn good intentions into sustainable action.   Christine Hargrove, PhD, LMFT, is clinical assistant professor and assistant director of the Love and Money Center in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist and a certified financial therapist. Her expertise has been featured in the Journal of Financial Counseling and Planning, the Journal of Financial Service Professionals, Family Relations, Attention magazine, USA Today, NerdWallet, Fidelity.com, the Globe and Mail, the XY Planning Network, and many more, and she regularly presents at national, international, and virtual conferences. Dr. Hargrove currently serves as president-elect of the Financial Therapy Association.

We all find ourselves surprised by how ANGRY our kids can make us.  Nothing can trigger our nervous systems quite like those moments where our kids push our buttons.  Maybe your patience disappears, your heart starts racing, or you find yourself caught in a cycle of parenting stress and reactive parenting.  You are not alone, friend.In this episode of Sustainable Parenting, I'm joined by my old camp friend, and trauma-informed marriage and family therapist Rachael Votah, LMFT (of the Apricot Oak Podcast), to talk about practical self-regulation tools that can help when parenting triggers show up. Together, we explore how our bodies signal stress, why it can be so hard to stay calm in the moment, and simple ways to reconnect with ourselves before reacting.Rachel shares easy, accessible strategies including breathwork, body awareness, and emotion labeling that can support calm parenting and parenting without yelling. These tools can help you move from reacting on autopilot to responding with greater intention, even during difficult parenting challenges.In this episode, you'll learn:• How to recognize the body's early signs of stress and dysregulation• A simple breathing technique to help calm your nervous system• Why body awareness is an important part of gentle parenting• How labeling emotions can reduce overwhelm and create space for choice• Small daily practices that can help you become a dependable calm presence for your familyIf parenting burnout and dysregulation, parenting stress, or parenting triggers have been making it harder to show up the way you'd like, this conversation offers simple tools and encouraging reminders you can begin using today.

Mastering the Daily Mood Log Small Details, Life-Changing Results Episode Summary The Daily Mood Log might seem simple—even boring—but its impact can be profound. In this episode, David and Kevin break down how to use this powerful CBT tool effectively, highlighting the most common mistakes people make and how to avoid them. They explain why focusing on a single specific moment is the key to emotional transformation, how to accurately identify feelings, and how to uncover the exact thoughts driving distress. This practical deep dive shows how small shifts in technique can lead to dramatic improvements in mood, confidence, and even what David calls "enlightenment." Step 1: Upsetting Event / Moment Identify one specific moment in time (not a general problem). Include details: Where were you? Who was there? What exactly happened? Common Mistakes: ❌ Being too vague: "My life is a mess" ❌ Writing thoughts instead of events: "I'm not good enough" ❌ Describing ongoing situations instead of a moment Example: ✔️ "At 3pm today, my boss criticized my report in a meeting." Step 2: Emotions Circle or list all emotions you felt Rate each from 0–100% intensity Examples: Sad / Down – 60% Anxious / Nervous – 70% Ashamed – 50% Common Mistakes: ❌ Skipping this step ❌ Not rating intensity ❌ Thinking feelings can't be measured Why It Matters: Helps track progress Improves emotional awareness Increases accuracy and empathy Step 3: Negative Thoughts Write short, specific thoughts (1 sentence each) Focus on what you were telling yourself Examples: "I'm a failure." "There's something wrong with me." "I'll never succeed." Common Mistakes: ❌ Writing long paragraphs ❌ Including events ("She rejected me") ❌ Including feelings ("I feel terrible") ❌ Writing questions ("Why am I like this?" → convert to statement) Tip: Work through emotions one at a time: "What thought caused my sadness?" "What thought caused my anxiety?" Step 4: Positive Thoughts Generate thoughts that: ✅ Are 100% true ✅ Reduce belief in the negative thought Examples: "I made a mistake in that meeting, but that doesn't define my entire ability." "One criticism doesn't mean I'm a failure." Common Mistakes: ❌ Cheerleading ("I'm awesome no matter what") ❌ Irrelevant truths ("At least I can cook") ❌ Statements you don't fully believe Key Insight: Truth alone isn't enough—it must directly challenge the negative belief. Step 5: Re-evaluate Belief in Negative Thought After generating positive thoughts, re-rate how much you believe the original thought Example: "I'm a failure" Before: 90% After: 0% Goal: Reduce belief as much as possible (ideally close to 0%) Why It Matters: Emotional change happens when belief in negative thoughts decreases The greater the reduction, the greater the relief Core Principle Change one moment → understand the pattern → apply it everywhere. Memorable Quotes "We're not fishing for small improvements—we're going after the big fish." "I can't help you with your whole life, but I can help you with one moment." "The truth—not positive thinking—is what sets you free." "Without measuring feelings, therapists are mostly guessing." Practical Exercise Try this today: (Download a blank Daily Mood Log at this link) Write down one upsetting moment Rate your feelings (0–100%) List 3–5 short negative thoughts Challenge one thought with a 100% true alternative Who This Episode Is For Therapists using CBT or TEAM-CBT Anyone struggling with anxiety, depression, or self-doubt Listeners who want practical, structured tools for change Connect & Learn More Read Dr. Burns' latest articles on Psychology Today Explore more tools and resources at FeelingGood.com Learn about TEAM-CBT training and techniques If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, sharing the podcast, or leaving a review. It helps more people discover tools for overcoming depression and anxiety. Let Us Know What You Think of This Episode Please use this link to take a very brief survey and share your opinion with us about this episode Contact Information Kevin Cornelius, LMFT is a Level 5 Certified Master TEAM-CBT Therapist and Trainer and the Clinical Director of Feeling Good Institute--Silicon Valley. He specializes in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship problems and insomnia. You can reach Kevin at kevin@feelinggoodinstitute.com and visit his website at www.tools4change.me. You can reach Dr. Burns at david@feelinggood.com. Feeling down in these turbulent times? Take a ride on our Feeling Great app. Feeling Great feels wonderful! You owe it to yourself to feel GREAT! Give the Greatest Gifts of ALL--Love and Happiness!

Should Conversion Therapy Be Protected Speech? What Chiles v. Salazar Means for Conversion Therapy Bans and the Future of the Profession In Chiles v. Salazar, the Supreme Court ruled 8 to 1 that a therapist's talk therapy is protected speech, putting state conversion therapy bans at risk. Curt Widhalm, LMFT, and Katie Vernoy, LMFT break down what the March 31, 2026 decision actually says, what it does not say, and what it means for therapists who work with LGBTQ+ clients. The Court did not call conversion therapy safe, effective, or ethical, and it did not make the practice mandatory. It treated talk therapy as speech rather than regulable conduct, and sent Colorado's ban back to the lower courts for stricter First Amendment review. Curt and Katie walk through the strict scrutiny test at the center of the case, the Kagan and Sotomayor concurrence, and Justice Jackson's dissent, then sit with the harder question: what happens to the profession when the state can no longer set a guardrail on harmful practice before harm has occurred. Released during Pride Month, this is a candid, values-forward conversation about protecting LGBTQ+ clients and practicing affirming, anti-conversion-therapy care out loud. In this episode, we discuss: - What the Chiles v. Salazar ruling does, and does not, change about conversion therapy bans - Why the Court treated talk therapy as protected speech instead of medical treatment - How the strict scrutiny test decided the case - Where the concurrence and the dissent point the profession next - Concrete ways to signal affirming, anti-conversion-therapy care in your practice Full show notes and resources: mtsgpodcast.com Join the Modern Therapist Community Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/mtsgpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/therapyreimagined Modern Therapist's Survival Guide Creative Credits Voice Over by DW McCann: https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/ Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano: https://groomsymusic.com/

Whenever I talk about intuitive eating, women tell me the same thing: "I love the idea, but I don't trust myself around food." And when I talk to dietitians who help people shift from a weight-centric to weight-neutral or inclusive practice, they find it hard to communicate the idea of self-trust. If you can relate to either of these,  this conversation is exactly what you need!This week I'm joined by Fiona Sutherland, an accredited practicing dietitian, author, and mentor from Melbourne, and one of the most thoughtful  and experienced voices in the world of nutrition. Together we explore why self-trust feels so hard in midlife, especially when your body, hunger, and energy seem to be changing overnight.Fiona and I unpack how years of dieting can chip away at your confidence, why outsourcing your food decisions to a plan feels safer (and what it costs you), and what gently rebuilding trust actually looks like, starting with curiosity instead of control. We also talk about why reaching for support is a sign of courage, and the surprising ingredient Fiona believes most of us are missing in midlife.If you've ever wondered whether you can trust yourself again, I think you'll leave this one feeling a little more hopeful. Listen now.Connect with Fiona: Website: https://www.themindfuldietitian.com.au/ Instagram: @the.mindfuldietitianIf this episode resonated with you, come join us inside The Midlife Feast Community. It's where women in midlife come for evidence-based menopause nutrition, intuitive eating support, live coaching, and a community that understands what this season of life is really like. I'd love to welcome you there. Learn more: The Midlife Feast Community: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/themidlifefeastcommunityRelated Episodes:#197 Menopause and Body Image: How to Accept Your Changing Body with Alli Spotts-De-Lazzer, LMFT, CEDS-C#147 How to Stop the Cycle of "Starting Over" Every Monday #154 How to Appreciate Your Changing Menopause Body with Dr. Charlotte Ord What did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!

Dating after divorce reshapes far more than your love life, it affects your children, your co-parenting dynamic, and the emotional foundation of your next chapter.In this continuation of the Family Disappeared conversation, Lawrence Joss and family systems practitioner Stephanie Sternes, LMFT, LCPC, NCC explore what it really takes to begin dating again with awareness of its impact on children and family systems. They unpack how children of different ages respond to new relationships, why loyalty conflicts can surface even in stable homes, and the importance of slow, intentional integration when new partners enter the picture. The discussion also touches on the role of step-parents, the value of communication, and when additional support like therapy can help families adjust in healthier ways.This conversation offers grounded insight for anyone navigating dating after separation, blending families, or rebuilding life after divorce, where emotional awareness matters as much as new beginnings.KEY TAKEAWAYS Multiple household family systemsLoyalty versus love in family relationshipsThe role of therapy and outside resourcesStep-parenting best practices and challengesImpact of conflict and high tension on childrenDevelopmental stages and attachment in stepfamiliesWedding day and family transition challengesLong-term attachment and family cohesionCHAPTERS00:00 - Navigating Complex Family Dynamics04:01 - Understanding Loyalty vs. Love in Families08:43 - The Role of Step Parents in Co-Parenting16:11 - The Impact of Childhood Trauma on Family Dynamics22:10 - The Love Loyalty Paradox28:04 - The Journey of Step Parenting and Building RelationshipsSupport & Community:Parental Alienation Anonymous (PAA): Join our free 12-step support group with 16 online meetings weekly for parents, grandparents, family members, and previously alienated individuals seeking healing and recovery.PA-A.org: Parental Alienation Advocates is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to fostering education, advocacy, and support for individuals grappling with the distressing impact of parental alienation, estrangement, erasure, and family disconnection.All our services are free and sustained by grants and community donations. Your support helps us continue offering these vital resources.Donate here: https://pa-a.mykajabi.com/donations-for-the-12-step-programConnect with Us:Email your questions or insights: familydisappeared@gmail.comLike, share, and comment to help us reach more families in need.If you wish to connect with Lawrence Joss or any of the PA-A community members who have appeared as guests on the podcast:  Email - familydisappeared@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lawrencejoss(All links mentioned in the podcast are available in Linktree)To learn more or connect with Stephanie, you can visit:https://www.stephsternes.comThis podcast is made possible by the Family Disappeared Team:Anna Johnson- Editor/Contributor/Activist/Co-hostGlaze Gonzales- Podcast ManagerConnect with Lawrence Joss:Website: https://parentalalienationanonymous.com/Email-         familydisappeared@gmail.com

In this episode, we interview Christina King! She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Manhattan Beach, California. She specializes in supporting children, teens, individuals, and families as they navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges. Her approach is practical, compassionate, and tailored to each client. Website: https://www.christinakingfamilytherapy.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinakinglmft/ CultivaTeen Roots helps parents of tweens and teens navigate adolescence with confidence and connection. Through courses, resources, and community support, we give parents practical tools to understand their child's development, set healthy boundaries, and strengthen relationships during these transformative years. Check out our website for more information, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cultivateenroots.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow us on Instagram @cultivateenroots and Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/cultivateenroots⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow YourTeen Mag online: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://yourteenmag.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/YourTeen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/yourteenmag

Boris Kiselev, MD, explores how cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship can affect patients and the people who care for them. He offers practical guidance for addressing anxiety, grief, trauma, treatment-related mental health symptoms, caregiver stress, fear of recurrence, and the need for coordinated, multidisciplinary support. 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 does it really take to build a lasting ministry without sacrificing your marriage, family, or personal well-being along the way? JD and Lori Pearring pull back the curtain on the hidden challenges many leaders face from blind spots and burnout to finances, calling, and emotional health. Resources: Excel Leadership Network https://excelnetwork.org/blog LoriPearringLMFT@gmail.com Dear Young Married Couple Book Tour: https://www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com/marriage-toolbox-tour Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's time to redefine commitment in relationships, especially in midlife and beyond. My guests, Dr. Dana McNeil, PsyD, LMFT and Jeffrey Young are partners in life and work. They specialize in working with modern relationships, helping individuals and couples navigate connection, commitment, and emotional safety in today's dating landscape.In this episode:Why it's important to redefine commitment in today's modern relationshipsWhat tends to go off course in relationships when there aren't clear definitions of commitmentSome early signs people often miss that a relationship is going off courseHow to rebuild trust when people don't follow through on commitmentsHow to find out early on in dating if you're compatibleFollow Jeffrey and Dana:Websites: www.sdrelationshipplace.com  and www.danamcneil.com  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrDanaMcNeil IG: @sdrelationshipplace and @drdanamcneil►Please subscribe/rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts http://bit.ly/lastfirstdateradio or Spotify https://tinyurl.com/lfdradio ►If you're feeling stuck in dating and relationships and would like to find your last first date, apply for a complimentary 30-minute breakthrough session with me https://lastfirstdate.com/application ►Free Facebook for women https://facebook.com/groups/yourlastfirstdate ►Get my books, Becoming a Woman of Value; How to Thrive in Life and Love https://bit.ly/womanofvaluebook , Choice Points in Dating https://amzn.to/3jTFQe9 and Love at Last https://amzn.to/4erpj7C ►Apply for FREE coaching on the podcast! https://bit.ly/LFDradiocoaching ►Submit your dating dilemma to be answered on my podcast https://tinyurl.com/datingdilemma ►Group Coaching: https://lastfirstdate.com/the-woman-of-value-club/ ►Website → https://lastfirstdate.com/ ► Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/lastfirstdate1/ ► TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@lastfirstdate1 ►Get Amazon Music Unlimited FREE for 30 days at https://getamazonmusic.com/lastfirstdate  

Good Enough, Safe Enough: Affirming LGBTQ+ Clients When You're Not a Specialist Affirming LGBTQ+ clients when you are not a specialist: Curt Widhalm, LMFT, and Katie Vernoy, LMFT on being a good enough, safe enough therapist when you cannot refer out. Curt and Katie take on a question therapists often avoid: what do you do when an LGBTQ+ client needs care, you are not a specialist, and referring out is not possible, not safe, or not honest? In this Pride Month episode, they make the case that you can be a good enough, safe enough therapist for LGBTQ+ clients even when affirming care is not your declared specialty. Mental health deserts, narrow insurance panels, long specialist wait lists, and unsafe home environments mean referral is not always available, and sometimes referring out is closer to abandonment than care. Curt and Katie argue that scope of competence is too often used as polite cover for therapist discomfort, and that most clinical work with LGBTQ+ clients is the same work you already do well. Affirming care is the container, not a separate specialty. They also get practical about being a safe enough stopgap therapist: building a just in time consultation kit, doing the cultural humility work, and reckoning with the invisible labor and consultation tax of allyship, including why you should never bill a client to research their own identity. And they name the specific moments when referring an LGBTQ+ client out is still the right and ethical call. This is a useful conversation for generalist therapists, rural and solo clinicians, insurance-based practices, and anyone doing the ongoing work of affirming, culturally humble care. In this episode, we discuss: - Why "refer out" can be avoidance dressed as ethics, and when it is genuinely the right call - How to tell a true scope of competence limit from your own discomfort - What it means to be a good enough, safe enough therapist for LGBTQ+ clients - How to build a just in time kit so an LGBTQ+ client never lands on you cold - Why the invisible labor and consultation tax of allyship is yours to carry, not your client's to fund - The specific signs that mean you should refer out anyway Timestamps: 00:15 - Why a Pride Month episode on being good enough, not a specialist 02:56 - "Just refer out": sound advice or avoidance? 05:05 - Scope of competence versus therapist discomfort 13:08 - The good enough therapist, and when referral becomes abandonment 16:55 - Meeting clients where they are until specialist care opens up 19:03 - Building a just in time kit for your practice 24:44 - The invisible labor and consultation tax of allyship 32:10 - When you should refer out anyway Full show notes and transcript: mtsgpodcast.com Join the Modern Therapist Community Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/mtsgpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/therapyreimagined Modern Therapist's Survival Guide Creative Credits Voice Over by DW McCann: https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/ Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano: https://groomsymusic.com/

Joseph Contorer, MA, LMFT, is a California and Oregon-based psychotherapist and author, with over 30 years of experience. He specializes in helping clients with relationships, mental health challenges, and personal empowerment through a holistic approach. His book, You've Been Blocked, The Search for Gay Male Perfection, explores how gay men are often restricted from their true selves during childhood, leading to lifelong "blocking" that impacts their adult lives and relationships.  We discuss topics including: What is "blocking"? Understanding "straight normal" and "gay normal" Gay children and gay adults will act a certain way due to being blocked What is "The M-Ranking"? Internalized homophobia   SHOW NOTES: www.theblockedbook.com https://www.instagram.com/theblockedbook ____________________________________________ If you have any questions regarding the topics discussed on this podcast, please reach out to Robyn directly via email: rlgrd@askaboutfood.com You can also connect with Robyn on social media by following her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review on iTunes and subscribe. Visit Robyn's private practice website where you can subscribe to her free monthly insight newsletter, and receive your FREE GUIDE "Maximizing Your Time with Those Struggling with an Eating Disorder". Your Recovery Resource, Robyn's new online course for navigating your loved one's eating disorder, is available now! For more information on Robyn's book "The Eating Disorder Trap", please visit the Official "The Eating Disorder Trap" Website. "The Eating Disorder Trap" is also available for purchase on Amazon.

Live Work with Ruben: Part 1 of 2 Working with Performance Anxiety in Real Time Hosts: Kevin Cornelius, LMFT Dr. David Burns Guests: Dr. Jill Levitt Ruben Land In this live work from a recent Tuesday Group, we had the opportunity to work with Ruben, a highly capable and thoughtful clinician, who brought a struggle that many therapists quietly share: intense performance anxiety in evaluative situations, especially in the presence of authority figures or people he deeply admires. What made this work especially powerful is that Ruben was actively experiencing anxiety in the moment, allowing us to "get in the car with him" rather than talk about the problem abstractly. We began, as always in TEAM-CBT, with Testing. Ruben had completed a Brief Mood Survey, which showed relatively low baseline symptoms—just mild anxiety and minimal depression or anger. However, when we reviewed his Daily Mood Log, anchored to a specific situation (leading a group under supervision), we saw a very different picture: anxiety at 70%, feelings of inferiority and defectiveness at 80%, embarrassment at 70%. This contrast highlights a core principle: symptoms are often situational and state-dependent, and without anchoring in a specific moment, we risk missing the true intensity of the problem. From there, we moved into Empathy, where Jill did a beautiful job modeling the Five Secrets of Effective Communication. She captured Ruben's internal experience with precision: the pressure to perform, the fear of saying the wrong thing, the spiral of anxiety leading to cognitive blanking, and the secondary anxiety about appearing anxious. She also identified both the internal loop ("I'm anxious about being anxious") and the interpersonal fears ("they'll think I'm a fraud," "I'm wasting their time"). David complemented this with curiosity and gentle inquiry, helping to deepen the conceptualization without getting lost in theory. Importantly, we conducted an empathy check, asking Ruben to grade us on thought empathy, feeling empathy, and warmth. He gave A+ ratings across the board, with a slight adjustment on thought empathy when he introduced an additional element: a compulsive need to check and recheck, suggesting a subtle OCD-like process. This moment is critical—without the empathy check, we would have missed an important maintaining factor. Only after strong empathy did we move into Agenda Setting, which is often the most counterintuitive and transformative part of TEAM-CBT. David began with the Invitation, asking whether Ruben wanted help or more support. Ruben was ready to "roll up his sleeves," which is essential—no imposed agenda. Then we used the Miracle Question to clarify goals: Ruben wanted to feel less anxious, maintain fluency, and stay present in high-stakes situations. Next came the Magic Button, targeting outcome resistance. When asked if he would eliminate all his negative feelings, Ruben said no—he wanted to keep some anxiety. This is exactly what we hope for. It opens the door to Positive Reframing, where we honor the symptoms rather than pathologize them. Together, we identified numerous positive values and benefits of his anxiety and self-doubt: Anxiety motivates preparation and effort It enhances connection through vulnerability It reflects caring deeply about others and their time Feelings of inadequacy keep him humble and growth-oriented Fear of judgment protects him and signals high standards Even the thought "I might be a fraud" reflects a desire to be authentic and competent At one point, Ruben articulated that his anxiety shows he values others and wants to contribute meaningfully—this is a profound reframe. Jill and David reinforced these insights, helping him see that his "symptoms" are actually expressions of his values system in action. We also explored a key factor: his anxiety is amplified in performative, evaluative contexts, especially with authority figures, and is less intense in vulnerable, non-evaluative settings. This distinction is clinically crucial and guides both conceptualization and intervention. Another powerful moment came when Ruben acknowledged that self-disclosure reduces his anxiety, supporting the idea that "shame requires secrecy." When he hides his anxiety, it intensifies; when he shares it, it softens. This is both a therapeutic tool and a treatment target. After thoroughly addressing resistance, we moved into Goal Setting, asking Ruben not what he wants to eliminate, but what he wants to dial down. This is a hallmark of TEAM: Anxiety: 70 → 30 Shame: 30 → 20 Inadequacy: 80 → 30 Embarrassment: 70 → 20 We then transitioned into Methods, targeting the thought: "My speech is too slow, and I sound foolish, ignorant, and boring." Jill began with a classic but essential step: identify the distortions. Ruben quickly identified all-or-nothing thinking, overgeneralization, mental filter, discounting positives, mind reading, fortune telling, labeling, self-blame, and hidden "shoulds." This is an important teaching point: when a thought contains nearly all distortions, it's not a problem—it's a goldmine. From there, rather than staying intellectual, we offered multiple method pathways—Externalization of Voices, Feared Fantasy, Be Specific, and Double Standard—modeling flexibility and collaboration. Ruben chose Externalization of Voices, which became the central method. David stepped in as the Negative Ruben, delivering the attack clearly and forcefully. This is essential—the more vivid the critic, the more powerful the response. Ruben responded using a blend of acceptance ("it's true I sometimes pause"), self-defense, and realism (some people may not like it, and that's okay). He won "big," but not "huge," which is a key TEAM moment—we don't settle for partial wins. They then moved into role reversal, and this is where things deepened. When Ruben played the critic and David responded, David modeled a powerful combination of self-acceptance, counterattack, and refusal to buy into the critic's frame. He highlighted that the real problem wasn't slow speech—it was the constant inner criticism. Ruben immediately recognized this as a "huge" win. Ruben then practiced again, this time integrating acceptance, values ("my heart is in the right place"), and counterattack ("the bigger problem is your nagging voice"). This time it felt huge. Next, they targeted a different thought: "If I screw up, David will be disgusted and see I'm a worthless, selfish fraud." This brought up more anxiety, and Ruben got stuck. Jill did something very important here—she paused the method and returned to empathy, naming the pressure to "do it right" and the performance anxiety happening inside the exercise itself. After empathy, they resumed. Jill modeled a powerful response in role reversal that included radical acceptance of imperfection ("I expect to screw up"), a growth mindset ("that's why I collect feedback"), and a reframe of failure as essential to learning. She also gently challenged the distortion of David as a harsh authority figure and emphasized choosing supportive learning environments. Ruben then extended this insight even further, saying, "the more I fail, the better… the more vulnerable I am, the less I appear like a fraud." This was a genuine shift. They then moved into Feared Fantasy, with David playing "David from Hell," saying things like "you're incompetent," "you're worthless," and "you should find another profession." Ruben responded by using Be Specific, asking what exactly he had done wrong. When the answer became "you paused," the entire structure of the criticism collapsed. Ruben saw the absurdity and described the experience as a weight lifting. This is a classic TEAM moment—when global, harsh judgments are reduced to specific, manageable behaviors, they lose their power. They extended this further with the thought "I'm wasting people's time." Through additional role plays, Ruben practiced self-defense and purpose clarification, David used humor and counterattack, and Jill demonstrated Be Specific in a very precise way—asking exactly how long a pause should be, exposing the irrationality of the standard. The work then expanded to include the group. Participants used Externalization of Voices to challenge Ruben's thoughts, and Ruben responded with increasing strength and clarity, using self-acceptance and reversal of beliefs (for example, recognizing that vulnerability actually increases connection). David then introduced the Survey Technique, asking Ruben to directly check his assumptions with the group. The responses were striking—people reported never noticing pauses, experiencing him as thoughtful and engaging, and feeling more connected because of his style. This directly disconfirmed his mind reading and labeling. At the end, they returned to Testing. Anxiety went from 70 to 0, shame from 30 to 0, inadequacy from 80 to 10, embarrassment from 70 to 0, rejection from 40 to 0, and frustration from 30 to 0. Ruben reported that the change felt real and that his belief in the negative thoughts had dropped dramatically. When asked what created the breakthrough, Ruben identified two key moments. First, a deep emotional realization that the goal is actually to make mistakes—that failure is not something to avoid but something to embrace. Second, a shift in how he saw authority figures—recognizing that the perceived gap between himself and others was distorted. As that sense of separation dissolved, so did much of the anxiety. David highlighted that much of our suffering comes from that artificial separation—seeing others as powerful and ourselves as deficient. Jill added an important layer: when we assume others are harsh, judgmental, and critical, we are also distorting them, not just ourselves. Some key clinical takeaways: Externalization of Voices becomes especially powerful when it includes emotion, repetition, and role reversal. Feared Fantasy works best when the criticism becomes specific and even a bit absurd. The Survey Technique is extremely effective for dismantling mind-reading. And often, breakthrough comes when patients fully embrace failure and let go of perfectionism. Let Us Know What You Think of This Episode Please use this link to take a very brief survey and share your opinion with us about this episode Contact Information You can reach Jill Levitt, PhD Jill Levitt . Jill is cofounder and Director of Clinical Training at The Feeling Good Institute (www.feelinggoodinstitute.com) in Mountain View, California.  Ruben Land is an Associate Social Worker at Feeling Good Institute. He provides psychotherapy, using TEAM-CBT, and is available to work with clients in California. You can reach Ruben at ruben@feelinggoodinstitute.com and visit him online at this link. Kevin Cornelius, LMFT is a Level 5 Certified Master TEAM-CBT Therapist and Trainer and the Clinical Director of Feeling Good Institute--Silicon Valley. He specializes in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship problems and insomnia. You can reach Kevin at kevin@feelinggoodinstitute.com and visit his website at www.tools4change.me. You can reach Dr. Burns at david@feelinggood.com. Feeling down in these turbulent times? Take a ride on our Feeling Great app. Feeling Great feels wonderful! You owe it to yourself to feel GREAT! Give the Greatest Gifts of ALL--Love and Happiness!