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

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C expresses gratitude to Melvin Varghese, PhD, who recently interviewed her on his podcast, Selling the Couch. That interview goes live in September, 2021. Be prepared to hear Laura getting all choked up while sharing about the process of creating the new website Trauma Therapist Network. Laura also thanked Katie Vernoy, LMFT and Curt Widhalm, LMFT for interviewing her on their podcast, The Modern Therapist's Survival Guide. Laura talked about how her frustration with the lack of awareness about trauma and trauma therapy, despite the data that is out there on its long term impact, led her to create the Trauma Therapist Network. Laura also celebrated the first 5000 downloads of Trauma Chat Podcast and welcomed the newest member of the Trauma Therapist Network family, Mary Sue McCarthy, LCPC of Hunt Valley, MD. Mary Sue is Certified in EMDR and also uses Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Equine Therapies in her practice, where she specializes in t

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C celebrates the show's 6th birthday - August 15, 2015 is Therapy Chat's date of birth, plus 4,101,000 downloads and 291 episodes! Laura thanks the newest members of the Trauma Therapist Network family, Debbie Duquette, LICSW, in Madison, AL; Gwendolyn Blake, LPC in Clinton, NJ; Catherine Fries, LCSW in Philadelphia, PA - all three of whom offer virtual therapy; and Robyn Brickel, LMFT, who is based in Virginia but also licensed in Washington DC and Connecticut, offering virtual therapy in all states where she is licensed. Laura mentions Robyn is a past guest on Therapy Chat (episode 154) and will be on again in the near future to speak about top down and bottom up therapy methods for trauma.  Laura thanks the listeners over the years and all the sponsors whose support has allowed Therapy Chat to keep going consistently - weekly -  for 6 years!! It is not easy to make time to record the show on top of running a group practice and having a

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! In this week's episode, host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C announces that her new project, Trauma Therapist Network is now live and shares details and gratitude. Next, listen in on a fascinating interview with Kristen D. Boice, LMFT, an EMDR and Brainspotting therapist who is the owner of a trauma-focused group practice called Pathways to Healing in Noblesville, Indiana. In response to listener requests, Laura invited Kristen to Therapy Chat to discuss EMDR - what it is and how it helps; and Brainspotting - what it is and how it helps -- and how they are similar and different. This was a fascinating discussion which will be followed up next week with an interview with Curt Widhalm, LMFT about using EMDR with adolescents. Guest's Bio: Kristen D. Boice is a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 20 years experience and owner of a group private counseling practice, Pathways to Healing Counseling. She’s also the host of the Close the Chapter Podcast and a sought-after intern

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week, host Laura Reagan LCSW-C interviews returning guest Dr. Kat Kaeni, who is a perinatal mental health therapist and the host of the awesome Mom & Mind podcast. She's also the author of the new book, The Pregnancy Workbook: Managing anxiety and worry with CBT and mindfulness techniques. In this episode you'll hear: What trauma can feel like when it shows up during pregnancy (even if you don't identify with having a trauma history) How birth can be traumatic even when you've made a birth plan How a history of sexual trauma can be activated during the birthing process The importance of empowerment and consent during the birthing process The effects of a traumatic birth, particularly when your child experiences trauma during birth How attachment wounds can sneak up on us when we become parents The cyclical nature of trauma and attachment wounds That seeking out therapy for perinatal mental health is brave The importance of learning to nurture yourself if

Welcome back to Therapy Chat Podcast! In this week's episode, host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C interviews guest Dr. Rosie Kuhn, an author, podcaster and coach offering training in transpersonal coaching. Laura and Rosie discussed trauma, recovery and spirituality within the context of transpersonal coaching. Learn more about Dr. Rosie Kuhn:  Dr. Rosie Kuhn is the principal of The Paradigm Shifts Coaching Group, a boutique coaching firm that focuses on personal and spiritual development in oneself, in relationships and in the workplace. She is the author of 13 books including, ‘Self-Empowerment 101,’ and ‘I’ve Arrived! Well, Sort Of'. She has been training individuals to become Transformational Coaches since 2001. She has a number of podcasts: spiritual immersion.podbean.com, and Aging Like a Guru. She can also be found on YouTube - Dr. Rosie Kuhn and her website is: https://www.theparadigmshifts.com/. Thank you to Sunset Lake CBD for sponsoring this week's episode! Sunset Lake CBD is created on a small

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! In this week's episode host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C interviews returning guest Heather Tuba, who is a writer and advocate for partners and families of trauma survivors. In this conversation you will hear: Why it can be difficult for trauma survivors to find a therapist to meet their needs; How gaps in resources and services for partners and family members of trauma survivors create barriers to healing for survivors and their loved ones; Heather shares her personal experience attempting to find trauma-competent help for a family member; Important considerations for therapists when serving trauma survivors and their families; and more! Heather Tuba is a writer and educator who specializes in psychoeducational resources for loved ones of persons with complex trauma and mental health challenges. Heather has been a leading voice in highlighting the need for more understanding and better support for families. Her writing includes articles on her website, a guidebook on building emot

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! In this week's episode host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C interviews author and coach Melody Wilding, LMSW about her new book, "Trust Yourself: Stop Overthinking and Channel Your Emotions for Success At Work." You will hear Melody explain the concept of sensitive striving and how Sensitive Strivers can harness their superpowers to achieve success.  Melody Wilding, LMSW is an executive coach for smart, sensitive high-achievers and author of TRUST YOURSELF: STOP OVERTHINKING AND CHANNEL YOUR EMOTIONS FOR SUCCESS AT WORK. Recently named one of Business Insider’s Most Innovative Coaches for her groundbreaking work on “Sensitive Strivers”, her clients include CEOs, C-level executives, and managers at top Fortune 500 companies such as Google, HP, Facebook, Netflix, Twitter, IBM, Citibank, JP Morgan, and others. Melody has been featured on The New York Times, The Oprah Magazine, NBC News, and spoken at Stanford University, Walmart, Adweek, Burberry and more. She’s here to help you br

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C interviews author Jennifer Louden on creativity, imposter syndrome and the inner critic.  JENNIFER LOUDEN is a personal growth pioneer who helped launch the concept of self-care with her first bestseller, The Woman’s Comfort Book. Since then, she’s written six additional books on wellbeing and whole living, including The Woman’s Retreat Book and The Life Organizer, with close to a million copies of her books in print in nine languages. Jennifer has spoken around the U.S., Canada, and Europe, and has written a national magazine column for a Martha Stewart magazine.  Plus, she’s been profiled or quoted in dozens of major magazines; two of Brené Brown’s books, Daring Greatly and Dare to Lead; and has appeared on hundreds of TVprograms, radio shows, and podcasts—even on Oprah.  Jennifer has been teaching women’s retreats since 1992 and creating vibrant online communities and innovative learning experiences since 1999. She writes weekly to her email

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! In this week's episode host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C interviews Michelle Farris, LMFT about codependent relational dynamics. Michelle describes the dynamics of codependency within relationships, talks about how these patterns develop and how people who lose themselves within relationships can build a stronger sense of self. Michelle Farris is a licensed psychotherapist and anger management specialist. She helps others build healthy relationships without sacrificing themselves while using her own recovery to provide hope for creating a happier life. She has written three e-books and has created several online courses to support private learning. Her articles have been featured in several online publications including Psych Central, Bustle, Your Tango, The Good Men Project and The Daily Positive. In her private practice Michelle found her sweet spot in teaching relationship skills that are easy to implement quickly. Her guilty pleasure is a Vente latte from Starbucks! Learn more ab

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! In this week's episode, host Laura Reagan LCSW-C interviews Dr. Kristin Neff, the researcher and author who has made Self Compassion a familiar concept. Dr. Neff has a new book out this week called Fierce Self Compassion: How Women Can Harness Kindness to Speak Up, Claim Their Power and Thrive. In this conversation you will hear: How Fierce Self Compassion differs from the tender Self Compassion we are more familiar with How both fierce and tender Self Compassion are needed Why it is uncomfortable for many women to tap into the fierce energy inside us  Guest bio: Kristin Neff is currently an Associate Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. She is a pioneer in the field of self-compassion research, conducting the first empirical studies on self-compassion almost twenty years ago. In addition to writing numerous academic articles and book chapters on the topic, she is author of the book Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Your

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week, host Laura Reagan LCSW-C interviews nervous system expert and somatic practitioner Irene Lyon about her work using many bottom-up methods to help individuals with nervous system dysregulation due to trauma.  In this conversation you'll hear: how trauma responses show up in the body how those responses can be shifted when they're stuck how to pace the process what nervous system regulation is the beliefs that arise from our threat response systems and much more! Irene Lyon, MSC. and nervous system expert, teaches people around the world how to work with the nervous system to transform trauma, heal body and mind, and live full, creative lives. To date, her online programs have reached over 4000 people in over 60 countries. Irene has a Master’s Degree in Biomedical and Health Science and also has a knack for making complex info easy for ALL of us to understand and apply to our lives. She has extensively studied and practices the works of Dr. Moshé Feldenkrais, P

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! In this Bonus Episode host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C interviews internationally known author and teacher Dr. Shefali, whose most recent book, A Radical Awakening, was recently released. In this brief bonus episode you will hear Laura and Dr. Shefali discussing the inner power that is within all of us and how it makes a difference for us individually and culturally to awaken and break the chains of culture that tell us to stay small. DR. SHEFALI received her doctorate in clinical psychology from Columbia University. Specializing in the integration of Western psychology and Eastern philosophy, she brings together the best of both worlds for her clients. She is an expert in family dynamics and personal development, teaching courses around the globe. Dr. Shefali has written four books, including the award-winning, New York Times bestsellers The Conscious Parent and The Awakened Family. She's been featured prominently on Oprah Winfrey's platforms, Good Morning America, the Today Sh

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! In this week's episode, host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C interviews Dr. Karol Darsa, author of The Trauma Map: Five Steps to Reconnect with Yourself.  She discusses her book and her trauma-informed Intensive Outpatient Center, Reconnect Center. Guest Bio: Dr. Darsa is a licensed psychologist, an author, creator of RITTM, and founder of Reconnect. She has more than 20 years of clinical and administrative experience in trauma and mental health disorders. Dr. Darsa began her career in 1998 as a foster care social worker and continued her work with abused children and their families and adults abused as children. In 2002, Dr. Darsa began studying with Christine Schenk, founder of the CHRIS-Technique, a unique energy work focused on teaching clients how to ground themselves in their bodies. Dr. Darsa has completed numerous evidence-based trainings in the treatment of trauma and mental health disorders, including Level III in Brainspotting, Level I and II trainings in EMDR, and Somatic Ex

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C interviews author, podcaster and Jungian Analyst Lisa Marchiano, LCSW. Lisa’s book Motherhood: Facing and Finding Yourself uses myths and fairy tales to explore motherhood as a catalyst for personal growth. In this conversation, Lisa explained the journey of motherhood through a Jungian perspective. Tune in to this fascinating discussion! Guest's Bio: Lisa Marchiano is a writer, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and a certified Jungian analyst in private practice in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She received her MSW from New York University and completed analytic training at the Inter-Regional Society of Jungian Analysts. Lisa is on the faculty of the Philadelphia Jung Institute, where she teaches regularly. She has presented on Jungian topics across the US as well as in Europe. Her writings have appeared in Quillette, the journal Psychological Perspectives and Areo Magazine. Since 2018, Lisa has been co-hosting the popular podcast This Jungia

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! In today's episode, host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C speaks with returning guest Sarah Peyton, who is a neuroscience educator, author and coach. Sarah has a new book coming out May 25 entitled "Your Resonant Self Workbook," which is a companion to her other book, "Your Resonant Self."  In this episode, you will hear Sarah explain what neuroscience is and how it is important in our relationships with one another and our world. She explains how to find a therapist that is a good fit based on inner resonance. She talks about Polyvagal Theory, neuroception of safety and unconscious contracts. Listen in to hear this and so much more in another fascinating discussion with Sarah Peyton! Guest's bio: Sarah Peyton, Certified Trainer of Nonviolent Communication, constellation facilitator and neuroscience educator, integrates brain science and the use of resonant language to heal trauma and nourish self-warmth with exquisite gentleness. She teaches and lectures internationa

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! In today's episode host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C details some exciting things that are coming up in the near future including: the next training Laura is pursuing... podcast episode transcripts are coming! Therapy Chat is getting a new website that will have all podcast episodes, including transcripts, and more! Laura is creating a new offering to help everyone learn about trauma that is launching 6/15/21! To celebrate, in today's episode Laura shared the 10 most popular episodes of Therapy Chat on the topics of trauma, attachment and dissociation. Links to each episode are below! Lastly, Laura shared that she has an even bigger project coming up at the end of the summer that she can't wait for you to know about (psst - you'll get a hint if you go to www.traumachatpod.com and sign up to be notified)! Top 10 Therapy Chat Episodes on Trauma, Attachment & Dissociation: 10. Episode 144: How Does Our Attachment Style Affect Our Relationships? With Stuart Fensterheim

In this week's episode of Therapy Chat, host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C interviews returning guest Tim Ambrose Desmond. Tim is the author of Self Compassion in Psychotherapy; "the Self Compassion Workbook"; and his most recent book, "How to Stay Human in A F*cked Up World." He is a student of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh and the co-founder of Morning Sun Mindfulness Center in New Hampshire. His most recent project is Peer Collective. In our conversation, you will hear Tim talk about the need for accessible support and counseling and how he developed Peer Collective. He also speaks about how this program works to provide empathic support to individuals who are struggling with various concerns.  Guest's bio:  Tim Desmond is a psychotherapist, author, Distinguished Faculty Scholar at Antioch University New England, and student of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. Founder of Peer Collective, and co-founder of Morning Sun Mindfulness Center, he lives in Alstead, NH, and teaches mindfulness and self-compa

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week host Laura Reagan interviews teacher and author Zulma Reyo. Zulma wrote the book "Inner Alchemy," which has recently been updated and re-released. In today's episode you will hear a conversation about consciousness and inner alchemy, and connecting with the "still, small voice" within.  About today's guest: Zulma Reyo is a native of Puerto Rico educated in the U.S.A. She holds an M.A. in Education from New York University. She has lived in the U.K. and spent a decade of research in India incorporating energetic, yogic and psychotherapeutic methods as well as developing her own variety based on her experience and keen perception of the human energetic structure. Zulma is an intense and vital speaker who has delved deeply into sources of wisdom to reveal the very essence of the human being and the nexus that embraces extremes, considered by her to form part of a unique and indivisible reality. Creator of various methods of meditation and human deve

In this week's episode, host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C interviews two guests on a topic that is infrequently discussed in Western culture: the trauma of miscarriage and pregnancy loss. Today you will hear Laura talking with friends Dr. Huong Diep, a trauma-focused psychologist in California, and author Kim Hooper, who co-wrote a new book entitled "All the Love: Healing Your Heart and Finding Meaning After Pregnancy Loss" together with Meredith Resnick.  Kim shares her own experience with miscarriages and the loss of her son, and Huong talks about how pregnancy losses are often overlooked as traumatic experiences, and how they can impact partners and relationships among a diverse spectrum of identities. Huong Diep is a trilingual (English/Spanish/Vietnamese) board-certified psychologist specializing in global mental health utilizing a culturally sensitive, trauma-informed model that promotes strength and resiliency. She graduated from UCLA and the University of Denver with an emphasis in International D

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C interviews guest Dr. Mona Delahooke, a child psychologist, blogger and author who is spreading the message that the behavioral approach to understanding children's behavior is missing two important pieces. In her book and her blog she shares how children's behavior reflects their internal experience and their attempts to get their needs met, including the primary need for safety and attachment and sensory needs.  Mona M. Delahooke, Ph.D. is a clinical child psychologist with a passion for supporting families and children. She has worked widely with multi- disciplinary teams in the area of developmental and emotional differences for over 20 years. She is a senior faculty member of the Profectum Foundation and is a trainer and consultant to schools, public/private agencies and parents. Her blog and award winning book, Beyond Behaviors: Using Brain Science and Compassion to Understand and Solve Children’s Behavioral Challenges explains a n