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

Welcome to this episode. Our topic is Mother’s Day and why it can be tough for some people. In fact, some people hate Mother’s Day because of a history of childhood emotional neglect, abuse, or trauma. Know that you’re not alone and that many people have mixed feelings about this holiday. Let’s discuss it! What you’ll hear in this episode:I hear four reasons from clients as to why Mother’s Day can be tough:  “My mom isn’t here and I miss her.” Solution: Find ways to honor your feelings and her memory. “I’m dealing with infertility.” Solution: Celebrate however YOU want, even if it’s unconventional. “My childhood included neglect, abuse, or trauma.” Solution: Do what makes you feel special and nurtured. “I’m a single mom who is unsupported EVERY day of the year.” Solution: Reach out to a friend who is also a single mom. I have two recommendations that might help deal with a difficult Mother’s Day: Avoid social media on Mother’s Day and the day after. Try a little self-nurturing lovingkindness med

This is Part 2 of a series about Sexual Assault Awareness, and today’s focus is on Childhood Sexual Abuse. Let’s jump right into our topic! What you’ll hear in this episode: Childhood Sexual Abuse is “a form of child abuse including sexual activity with a minor who is not capable of consenting.” Remember that a child CANNOT give consent to sexual activity! Childhood Sexual Abuse is not always physical contact, but can include digital/online interaction, fondling, exhibitionism, child pornography, sex trafficking, and much more. In 93% of cases, the sexual abuser of a child is someone known to the child or the family. Most statistics under-represent the frequency of occurrence, but 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 20 boys will be sexually abused during childhood. Up to 20% of adult females and 5-10% of adult males have been sexually abused during childhood. Being abused makes it more likely to be sexually assaulted later in life. Most offenders are male, with about 33% being juveniles. There is a “grooming process” used

Welcome! My guest today is Carolyn Daitch, Ph. D, author, and psychologist. She has written several books, including Anxiety Disorders: The Go-To Guide for Clients and Therapists, The Affect Regulation Toolbox: Practical and Effective Hypnotic Interventions for the Over-Reactive Client, Anxious in Love, and The Road to Calm Workbook: Life-Changing Tools to Stop Runaway Emotions. Carolyn is the director of the Center for the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders in Michigan. You might have guessed that our topic today is Anxiety. Join us! What you’ll hear in this episode: Carolyn’s work includes lots of writing, teaching, and therapy. She explains. Her focus on anxiety work began early in her career, when she ended up seeing a lot of clients with anxiety and panic attacks. At this point, she began assembling a toolbox of resources. Carolyn explains reactivity and affect disregulation, how they are basically the inability to manage emotions. These disorders cause too much of a reaction for some, when a small stimulus

Welcome! My guest today is Sharon Martin, LCSW, a psychotherapist in San Jose, CA. Sharon writes the blog “Happily Imperfect” for Psych Central. Our topic today is Perfectionism—something so many of us struggle to overcome. What you’ll hear in this episode: Sharon’s private practice focuses on perfectionism, co-dependency, people-pleasing, and anxiety—she tells us how they are all intertwined. Sharon works as a clinical supervisor, both independently and for a non-profit; she enjoys working with new social workers. In her 20+ years in this field, Sharon has had to learn to focus on self-care, knowing when to say “yes” and when to say “no.” “It can’t just be about making everybody else happy.” Sharon says that some total failures can be re-labeled as “partial succeses.” Change requires that you experience some amount of anxiety. Co-dependency is a relationship dynamic where two people are dependent on each other in different ways. One takes on the role of caretaker, rescuer, or fixer in this lopsided relation

Welcome! Trauma therapy became my passion after I volunteered at a Sexual Assault Crisis Center in Virginia in 2002. I received great counseling experience and went through extensive volunteer training before I became an employee. I learned a lot about trauma, and even though sexual assault is not something we like to talk about, it’s a common problem. Statistics show that one in four women and one in six men will be sexually assaulted during their lifetime. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, so let’s discuss this important topic. What you’ll hear in this episode: Two types of sexual assault are Childhood Sexual Abuse (to be covered in a later episode) and Sexual Assault/Rape not involving a child. This is our focus today. If you are assaulted, you have several options to consider: Call a Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline. Visit the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network at www.rainn.org. Most hospitals provide a forensic evidence exam at no cost to you, within 120 hours of the assault. You have a perso

Welcome! My guest today is Lisa Ferentz, LCSW-C, who is in private practice in Baltimore, specializing in treating child and adult survivors of trauma, abuse, and neglect. She’s a nationally known author, speaker, trainer, and consultant. What you’ll hear in this episode: After 32 years in private practice, Lisa knows that trauma survivors use coping strategies such as eating disorders, addictions, self-mutilation, depression, anxiety, and relationship problems.  Lisa does consulting work for clinicians in the US and Canada; she has written two books and has two more in process. Early in her practice, Lisa realized how important it is to approach her work from the viewpoint of being a good student and learning from your clients. In the exciting world of therapy today, incredible connections are being made between trauma and the impact on the brain. Lisa advises that clinicians be more aware and mindful in working with the body in trauma work. Lisa explains “dual awareness,” meaning being aware of what’s happ

Welcome! My guest today is Dr. Jonice Webb, a clinical psychologist and blogger for Psych Central. She’s the author of the book, Running on Empty: Overcome Your Childhood Emotional Neglect. We’ll delve into this topic and its impact in our society today. Join us! What you’ll hear in this episode: The definition of Childhood Emotional Neglect: a parent’s failure to respond enough to the child’s emotional needs This condition is different from physical neglect and abuse. In her private practice, Dr. Jonice kept seeing patients with the same patterns. She has identified 12 different types of parenting styles that lead to Childhood Emotional Neglect. Children of CEN end up treating their children with the same patterns of behaviors, and no one really knows what’s wrong. Dr. Jonice has developed a questionnaire, designed for adults, to determine if you’ve been affected by this condition. Her book gives examples of what happens to a child with real-life vignettes. How to heal from CEN? Fully recognize and accept

Welcome! Today’s topic is one that’s important to therapy professionals and to first responders, too. To anyone who works with people who are suffering, Vicarious Trauma is important. I just attended a workshop on this topic by Laura Van Dernoot Lipsky, the author of Trauma Stewardship.  Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode: The terms Vicarious Trauma and Secondary Traumatic Stress are interchangeable. Therapists bear witness to the traumatic stories of clients and are affected by them. The nature of therapy work requires empathy; it’s honorable, brave, and important work intended to make the world a better place. There are small ways to lessen the impact of trauma, by mindfully checking in with yourself and using positive coping methods. As a therapist, how much are you “numbing?” We discuss examples. Laura recommends spending 12-60 minutes each day, for six days a week, working out to the degree of breaking a sweat. We owe it to the people we help to take care of our Vicarious Trauma, and regular exerci

Welcome! Today’s guest is Mara Glatzell, MSW. She is an intuitive guide and energy healer for women who facilitates daily conversations about intention, truth, and celebration. A creative leader, Mara is expert at living in her own skin with grace and ease. At the core of her work is the desire to live a well-intentioned life, which means more joy, grit, and vibrant imperfection to spare. She is MY kind of person—how about you? Her website makes you feel warm, glittery, and nurturing, and her writings and programs are truly inspiring. Want to learn more? Join us! What you’ll hear in this episode: Mara works with women who want to live with more intention and responsibility. She likes to take nebulous concepts that are hidden in layers and break them down into tangible, relatable pieces. Mara’s work isn’t like other therapies or focused on symptoms, but is based on self-love and self-compassion. Mara found this niche after finding herself “not fitting into” the standard therapy role. She knows what it means t

In this bonus episode, host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C explains that the Baltimore Annapolis Psychotherapy Podcast is now called Therapy Chat! She shares the reason for this name change. Therapy Chat is a podcast in which Laura Reagan, LCSW-C interviews psychotherapists and other expert guests about psychotherapy, mindfulness, trauma, self care, worthiness, attachment, perfectionism, body image, self compassion and  holistic and alternative methods used in psychotherapy. Check out Therapy Chat at www.therapychatpodcast.com as well as iTunes, Stitcher and soon Google Play.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

elcome! My guest today is Ashley Davis Bush, LICSW. Ashley is a psychotherapist in private practice in southern New Hampshire with over 25 years’ experience. She has written six self-help books, including Transcending Loss and Simple Self-Care for Therapists. She is a regular contributor to the Huffington Post and has some great tips to share with us today about increasing our self-care. Join us! What you’ll hear in this episode: Ashley loves her work and counts it a privilege to be part of peoples’ lives. Her private practice is in her home, and it’s “a fun job, watching life unfold in front of you.” Even the simple choice of working from home can be a self-care choice. Ashley’s work focuses on grief, couples, and anxiety, but self-care is a common thread that is woven into her work with all clients. Ashley says that much of her practice patterns itself after her books. Her most recent book introduces the idea of “micro self-care.” “Macro self-care”practices are the big things that we normally think of rega

In this episode, host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C, CDWF shares the secret to raising well adjusted children. We all want our children to grow up as happy people who thrive in relationship with themselves and others, and in their work and school lives. Laura shares three rules which will lead to children growing up to be well adjusted adults, and why they are important. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In Episode 20 of the Baltimore Annapolis Psychotherapy Podcast, host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C interviews Washington Post parenting expert Meghan Leahy, who is a parent coach in the Washington, DC area.  She's a parent coach helping parents who are overwhelmed with their children's behavior. Yet she is the first to admit that she gets overwhelmed with her children's behavior too. Seem counterintuitive? Not if you talk to Meghan.  Meghan states that her job is not to tell parents what to do. Her job is to teach parents what their children need She teaches that the problematic behavior is the child's developmentally appropriate way of telling the parent what he or she needs. Listen in to this fascinating interview in which Meghan shares why she doesn't tell parents what to do, why self care is important - hint: it's NOT so we can take better care of our kids! - and tells us about the theory informing her work. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In episode 19 host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C discusses a subject she frequently talks about in therapy sessions but hasn't covered on the podcast. Childhood trauma affects a significant number of people and the effects can linger throughout the lifespan. Laura describes the factors which a large study found to influence physical health in adulthood. and contribute to many chronic and potentially life-threatening illnesses She offers resources for learning more about this public health issue which affects so many Americans. This episode is a must for anyone who wants to understand why it is important to address traumatic events which occur in childhood and prevent the long-term effects on physical and emotional health.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

On Episode 18 of the Baltimore Annapolis Psychotherapy Podcast Laura Reagan, LCSW-C was privileged to have the opportunity to speak with someone who is sharp, self deprecating, and so dedicated to the field of psychology. Steven Brownlow, PhD, developed ADEPT Psychology and in this interview he explains what it is, how he came up with it, and how it helps psychotherapists and clients. Listen in for a fascinating conversation about how Dr. Brownlow developed his theory and how he coaches therapists in use of self in their work with clients. You’ll hear a discussion of how emotions are built on the stress system of the body and why traumatic or deeply painful experiences in which we’re unable to regulate our emotions make us feel stuck. Dr. Brownlow describes the process by which micro-ruptures in relationship with caregivers can lead to a child’s belief that he or she is unworthy of love and how that affects our relationships over the lifespan. He talks about why therapists can’t take people where they haven&#

As the old year ends and the new one begins, host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C has been thinking about themes which have come up frequently in her psychotherapy practice. Listen in to hear Laura discuss 9 themes which have been important to her clients over the past year, and how she will incorporate these subjects into the podcast in 2016! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C interviews the Self Care Activist, Dr. Agnes Wainman. Agnes shares her own story of going from burned out to blissed out as a parent of twins and offers resources available on her website for implementing a self care practice. Laura and Agnes discuss how social media can make being authentic in relationship - whether parenting, friendship or a love relationship - much more difficult. Listen in to this amusing yet helpful interview to learn about recognizing that you are enough, and that self care is not indulgent. If you're interested in parenting, trauma, self-care, burnout prevention, body image, cultural expectations, perfectionism and psychotherapy you'll enjoy listening to this interview! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In Episode 15, host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C reflects on the past year and speaks about setting intentions for the New Year based on self-love rather than self criticism. We are all works in progress! Head over to the blog to share your intentions for 2016! www.laurareaganlcswc.com/connectwithyourtrueselfblog You'll enjoy this episode if you're interested in perfectionism, self care, intentions, holistic health, wellness, mindfulness, psychotherapy.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Mari Lee, LMFT, CSAT-S is a psychotherapist and author specializing in sex and porn addiction who practices in Glendora, California. In addition to her books and her work with clients, she is a coach helping therapists in private practice create businesses they love. Mari is a national speaker and trainer who has personally transformed her business into one that allows her to have a balanced life. In Episode 14, Mari talks about her journey from working in the corporate world to going back to school to become a therapist and shares the change she made in her private practice which helped her get off the burnout track and back to living a life she loves. Therapists and non-therapists alike can benefit from listening to this interesting conversation about authenticity in work and life, and the importance of self care. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode host, psychotherapist Laura Reagan, LCSW-C, discusses the scary news about violence, terrorism and climate change raising the question, "How can I feel safe when I don't know if everything is going to be okay?" Laura discusses how current events can trigger trauma symptoms and offers ideas to help you identify whether you've switched into autopilot in response. She explains grounding techniques to help you get centered and provides guided meditations for helping listeners breathe through anxiety and become more mindfully present in these scary times.If you're interested in trauma, world news, anxiety, psychotherapy, mindfulness, meditation, somatic resourcing, healing, self care, and safety you'll love this episode! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands