Therapy Chat | Psychotherapy | Mindfulness | Trauma | Attachment | Worthiness | Self Care | Parenting

This week's episode of Therapy Chat is on a topic which we've covered before - religious trauma. This week's guest, SC Nealy (they/she) discusses the impact of religious trauma and offers additional perspective into the harm it can cause for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Our conversation was fascinating to me, and I hope you'll find many valuable insights through listening to our discussion. With over 15 years in the mental health field, SC Nealy is a queer, gender fluid psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, and group practice owner in Arlington, VA. SC operates a team of all gay and trans-identifying therapists with the focus of bringing clinicians with lived experiences to the queer community and their families. They also work locally and nationally to advocate for queer rights, accessible mental health care, and bringing more awareness to the needs of the queer community. Their upcoming book published by Bloomsbury Academics, Healing Sacred Wounds, focuses on giving folx a guide map for

How can therapists learn to see countertransference as a gift, rather than a problem? This week's guest is Stefanie Klein, LCSW. Stefanie, an SEP and NARM Master Therapist, is the Assistant Training Director for the Complex Trauma Training Center where she is also a consultant and faculty in the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) and the new SPACE program for psychotherapists. Our conversation was about how can feel more effective in their work with clients, while also experiencing more ease and fulfillment in their professional roles through the SPACE program Stefanie co-created with Brad Kammer of NARM (a previous Therapy Chat guest). Stefanie has 30 years of experience practicing psychotherapy with adults in her Los Angeles private practice, where she has specialized in treating trauma and anxiety for the past 20 years. Learn more about the Complex Trauma Training Center and the SPACE Program here.Therapists and mental health professionals: I created a FREE video to help you feel more confident in

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! In this episode, my guest is Dr. Dan Siegel. In this deep conversation, we explored themes of grief, connection, the quantum realm, integration in a biological sense, the work of Joanna Macy, losing our parents and staying connected with them, and the shared humanity that binds us all together, while also addressing the challenges we face in today's world and how we can find new ways of living. Dr. Dan Siegel is the Founder and Director of Education of the Mindsight Institute and founding co-director of the Mindful Awareness Research Center at UCLA, where he was also Co-Principal Investigator of the Center for Culture, Brain and Development and Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the School of Medicine. An award-winning educator, Dan is the author of five New York Times bestsellers and over fifteen other books which have been translated into over forty languages. As the founding editor of the Norton Professional Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology (“IPNB”), Dan has overseen

This week's guest is Vanessa Bennett, LMFT, author of the new book "The Motherhood Myth: A Depth Therapist's Guide to Redefine Parenting, Reimagine Intimacy, and Reclaim the Self." In this soulful conversation, through the lens of depth psychology, Vanessa Bennett explores themes of motherhood, and some of the archetypal wounds that women carry, including the mother wound, sister wound, witch wound, and father wound. We discuss societal myths surrounding motherhood and the importance of reclaiming one's self and intuition after becoming a parent. I shared about my mother wound. Vanessa Bennett, LMFT, is a licensed depth psychotherapist, author, and facilitator known for her no-nonsense yet compassionate approach to personal growth and healing. She is the coauthor of the bestselling relationship book It’s Not Me, It’s You with her partner John Kim and co-hosts the Cheaper Than Therapy podcast. A former New Yorker now based in Los Angeles, Vanessa leads transformational retreats and workshop

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week, I’m sharing an incredibly rich and soul-stirring conversation with psychotherapist and author, Francis Weller. Recently retired after 43 years in practice, Francis shares profound insights from his fieldwork—sitting with grieving people for over four decades to understand what the individual and collective psyche are trying to express through symptoms and suffering. We delve into how grief saturates almost every human experience, from addiction to childhood wounds, and how our culture often teaches us to avoid it.This episode explores the concept of "soul work" and how indigenous traditions offer profound wisdom on community, ritual, and the "primary satisfactions" that keep us strong and fluid. Francis illuminates how Western individualism has ripped apart these vital connections and what it has cost us. We also discuss his new book, In the Absence of the Ordinary, Soul Work for Times of Uncertainty, and how it couldn't be more timely for the times

In this conversation, I interviewed Yudit Maros, LMFT, founder of Authenticity Therapy. Yudit led the retreat I attended earlier this year in Italy, which was a powerful experiential training in her method. Authenticity Therapy is a form of inner child work which helps identify unmet emotional needs, emphasizing the importance of self-love and our relationship to ourselves. Yudit shares her journey of developing this therapy model, the significance of body awareness, and the process she teaches to guide individuals in responding to their feelings. I talked about my experience in the training. Yudit Maros is an LMFT and Certified Hypnotherapist in private practice in Ridgefield, CT, with 32 years of clinical experience. She is an AAMFT Approved Supervisor, and an international trainer of psychotherapists in Authenticity Therapy© and Brief, Solution Oriented Trauma Resolution. She is author of „Apple of My I: The Four Practices of Self-Love”, and the originator of Authenticity Therapy©, a new integration in the

In this week's episode of Therapy Chat, I interviewed Michelle Chalfant, a licensed therapist and coach, about her journey from anxiety and self-hatred to self-love and healing. She describes her Adult Chair model, which includes understanding the ways the energy of our child parts, adolescent parts and adult parts show up in our lives. Her recent book, The Adult Chair: Get Unstuck, Claim Your Power, and Transform Your Life, teaches readers about how these energies feel and how to work with them. Michelle shares insights on working with triggers and the role of the body in emotional healing, emphasizing that everyone has the potential to transform their lives with the right tools and support. In this warm, engaging and funny conversation with Michelle, you'll gain insight into how her Adult Chair method can help transform our lives as we learn to meet the unmet needs of our child parts. I love this book and have been recommending it to so many clients and friends!Michelle Chalfant, MS, LPC, is a licen

In this episode of Therapy Chat, I interviewed returning guest Deb Dana, LCSW. We explored the profound impact of Polyvagal Theory on emotional regulation and connection. We discussed the importance of co-regulation, the role of nature in fostering a sense of safety, and the significance of recognizing micro-moments of joy and connection in our daily lives. We talked about the current trend of regulation "hacks" and challenged the idea that our goal is to be regulated. We also touchedthe power of glimmers as reminders of safety and connection. We talked about how we can move forward when things seem dark and discouraging. Ultimately, this conversation offers hope and practical insights for fostering emotional well-being in a dysregulated world, through the power of connection.Deb Dana, LCSW, is a clinician, consultant, author and speaker. Deb’s work delves into the intricacies of how understanding and befriending the nervous system can change the way we navigate our daily lives. She is well known for

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week, we're talking about a subject that many people are curious about lately, GLP-1's the diabetes medications that are being used by non-diabetics for weight loss. Therapists need to know about these medications, because clients are exploring them. I sat down with Dr. Vanessa Scaringi and Kathryn Garland, two therapists who specialize in eating disorders, to hear their perspective on whether these medications are helpful or harmful. Our conversation took us many places I wasn't expecting and challenged so many biases I had about these medications - some I wasn't aware of until we started talking. We went into diet culture, various eating disorders, why people are using GLP-1's and what they're experiencing. Their perspective was much more nuanced than I expected and I'm grateful to them for educating me! Whether you're someone considering GLP-1's, or a therapist whose clients may be curious about these meds, you'll find a lot to thin

Welcome back to `Therapy Chat! This week, I interviewed Michelle Renee of Cuddlist about cuddle therapy. Michelle and I discussed what cuddle therapy is, what it can do and who can benefit from it. Our conversation brought up many thoughts about loneliness, platonic touch, consent, boundaries, attachment and much more. Michelle Renee (she/her) is a human connection coach based in San Diego, California, dedicated to helping individuals overcome challenges related to emotional and physical connection. As a Cuddlist certified relational-based touch practitioner, she offers platonic nurturing touch in a safe and supportive environment, and she works collaboratively with licensed talk therapists to help clients address deeper issues surrounding trust, vulnerability, and connection. Michelle is deeply passionate about supporting individuals with a history of trauma, guiding them toward building safety within themselves and their relationships. In addition to her coaching and therapy work, Michelle is the Co-Owner a

Welcome back to `Therapy Chat! This week's guest, Eugene Ellis, is a UK-based therapist with a background in systems theory, play therapy and adoption work who identifies as a Buddhist and is helping people talk about race through his recent book, "Transforming Race Conversations - A Healing Guide for Us All," which was previously released in 2021 as "The Race Conversation". Eugene's book delves into the story of race, exploring its historical and social construction, the language of race, the impact of race trauma on the body, and how intergenerational race trauma continues to impact us today. For the past 22 years, he has been the director and founder of the Black, African and Asian Therapy Network, the UK's largest independent organisation to specialise in working therapeutically with Black, African, Caribbean and Asian people. We talked about the importance of supportive communities in helping us stay connected in mind, body and spirit through the tumultuous times we're liv

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week's guest is Dr. Sabrina N'Diaye, a wise and deep clinician, author, teacher, speaker and leader. We had a heartfelt conversation about showing up authentically as a therapist. Not "trying to show up authentically," but living and working as our authentic selves. Sabrina speaks about how spirituality fits in with the process of reclaiming your authenticity. This was a beautiful and inspiring conversation which I hope you will enjoy.Dr. Sabrina N'Diaye is a thought leader in integrating spirituality with psychotherapy. As an integrative therapist, author, and peacebuilder, she blends ancient spiritual practices with the latest scientific research and wisdom to guide others on their healing journeys. She is affectionately referred to as, “Sister Sabrina” in the communities that she serves.Dr. Sabrina holds a PhD in Mind-Body Medicine from Saybrook University, where her research focused on the use of guided imagery as a healing tool for African-American w

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week I'm talking with Pam Conboy and Dr. Leah Linder, co-founders of Setas Seminary. Pam, whose background is in biology, was trained as a clinical laboratorian and is currently a doctoral student in naturopathic medicine. She is an IIN certified health coach, trained psychedelic facilitator, medical marketing|business development entrepreneur, and ordained minister.With a background in biochemistry and emergency medicine, Leah is a naturopathic physician trained in psychedelic assisted therapy with deep expertise in natural supplement formulation and manufacture and an ordained minister. We spoke about micro- and macro-dosing psilocybin mushrooms - why people do it, how it may help, and the importance of ceremony when using these medicines. Many people are micro- and macro-dosing psilocybin, so this information is valuable for clinicians and those considering using psilocybin therapeutically. Learn more about Setas Seminary via their website.Therapists, visit the new Fo

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week we are talking about a newly coined term, "high functioning codependency," which was defined by our guest, Terri Cole. Terri Cole is a licensed psychotherapist and global relationship and empowerment expert who authored two books, Boundary Boss and her newest, book, Too Much, which we discuss in this week's episode. For over 20 years, Terri has worked with a diverse group of clients that includes everyone from stay-at-home moms to celebrities and Fortune 500 CEOs. She has a gift for making complex psychological concepts accessible and actionable so that clients and students achieve sustainable change - and she's hilarious, in my opinion.She inspires over a million people weekly through her blog, social media platform, signature courses, and her popular podcast, The Terri Cole Show. You'll hear us discuss how HSP's and narcissists go together like peanut butter and jelly, why, and what can be done about it. I couldn't put her book down - it op

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week, continuing the discussion of the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), we have a new interview with my colleague, teacher and friend Paula Scatoloni, LCSW. Paula Scatoloni is a Licensed Social Worker and a Healing Arts Practitioner in NC blending transpersonal psychology, somatics, and sound with the principles of traditional wisdom and earth-based spirituality. Paula created Transformative Harmonics as a bridge to help individuals shift their frequency into safety, connection, and empowerment so they can begin live a more purpose-driven life. We talked about the importance of embodiment for practitioners who are delivering the SSP. Paula spoke about how we can work with our nervous systems for co-regulation and much more. Find Paula's website with all of her offerings at: www.paulascatoloni.comFind the Polyvagal Institute website here.Purchase Safe and Sound: A polyvagal approach for connection, change and healing here.Therapists, visit the new For Therapists page on the

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week we have another new episode, which I've been super excited to share with you! I had a powerful experience with the SSP myself, over the last couple of years, and prior to that I had been interested in its potential since first hearing about it around 2017. The challenge I found was in understanding - and then explaining - how it can benefit those who participate in the protocol! My guests today understand all the ins and outs of the protocol. In fact, they literally wrote the book! The new book, Safe and Sound: A polyvagal approach for connection, change and healing, is out now! It covers the research on SSP, gives many case examples, and covers some important factors in the delivery of the method.Stephen W. Porges, PhD, is author of The Polyvagal Theory and creator of SSP. He is professor of psychiatry at the University of North Carolina and Distinguished University Scientist at Indiana University, where he is founding director of the Traumatic Stress Research Cons

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week I'm sharing a new interview with Dr. Hillary McBride, a clinician, teacher, author, speaker, trainer, and host of "Other People's Problems" podcast on CBC. One of the things I wanted to discuss with her is how they ensure ethics and consent from the clients featured in the therapy sessions shared on the show. I loved her answer!We also discussed spiritual abuse, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, the research on the COVID pandemic as a transformative experience and more! Hillary writes about embodiment, trauma, eating disorders, mental health and spirituality; her bestselling book The Wisdom Of Your Body was released in 2021, Practices for Embodied Living was released in 2024, and her most recent book "Holy Hurt: understanding spiritual trauma and the process of healing" was released April 2025. Her award-winning CBC podcast Other People's Problems was mentioned in the Wall Street Journal and New York Times as essential listening, and she is

This week's episode of Therapy Chat features the creator of Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY), David Emerson. In this replay episode which originally aired in 2017, you'll hear David explaining how trauma-sensitive yoga can be brought into psychotherapy. He discusses some of the benefits of trauma-sensitive yoga on mental health and talks about his book, Trauma Sensitive Yoga in Therapy: Bringing the Body Into Treatment. I also highly recommend his other book, Overcoming Trauma Through Yoga: Reclaiming Your Body. I really appreciate how the authors explain why yoga is beneficial in healing trauma. Visit the Trauma Sensitive Yoga website, where you can find trainings as well as David Emerson's books and more.Therapists, visit the new For Therapists page on the Trauma Therapist Network website for discounts on training, recommended resources and more. On behalf of our friends at Unyte Health, we are pleased to share this Trauma RecoveryToolkit, a free resource aimed to support you as you w

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! I recently returned from Austin, Texas, where I completed level 1 of the Trauma Conscious Yoga Method, founded by this week's guest, Nityda Gessel.This week's episode is a part two replay of my interview with Nityda about the differences between psychotherapeutic yoga, used in clinical practice, and yoga therapy, which can be offered by yoga instructors with specialised training. Whether you're a therapist considering training in yoga to add to your clinical practice, a yoga instructor or yoga therapist, or anyone who is considering adding yoga to their healing toolkit, this is an informative episode!Nityda Gessel Onlinehttps://traumaconsciousyoga.comhttps://traumaconsciousyoga.comTherapists can get the lowest prices on selected PESI trainings, featuring past and future Therapy Chat guests by going to this link: https://pesi.com/therapychatThank you to TherapyNotes for sponsoring this week’s episode! TherapyNotes makes billing, scheduling, notetaking, and telehealth i

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! I recently returned from Austin, Texas, where I completed level 1 of the Trauma Conscious Yoga Method, founded by this week's guest, Nityda Gessel. This week's episode is a replay of my interview with Nityda about the differences between psychotherapeutic yoga, used in clinical practice, and yoga therapy, which can be offered by yoga instructors with specialised training. Whether you're a therapist considering training in yoga to add to your clinical practice, a yoga instructor or yoga therapist, or anyone who is considering adding yoga to their healing toolkit, this is an informative episode!Nityda Gessel Onlinehttps://traumaconsciousyoga.comhttps://traumaconsciousyoga.comTherapists can get the lowest prices on selected PESI trainings, featuring past and future Therapy Chat guests by going to this link: https://pesi.com/therapychatThank you to TherapyNotes for sponsoring this week’s episode! TherapyNotes makes billing, scheduling, notetaking, and telehealth incredibl