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

This week's episode is the second in the live episodes recorded at Psychotherapy Networker back in March - my guest today is Dr. Arielle Schwartz! We talked about our own healing journeys, how yoga can help trauma survivors with embodiment, integrative therapies, and much more. Be sure to check out the link in the show notes for special partner discounts on Arielle's many offerings through PESI! Dr. Arielle Schwartz is a clinical psychologist and leading voice in the healing of trauma. She is an internationally sought-out teacher and author of seven books including The Complex PTSD Workbook, The Post-Traumatic Growth Guidebook, EMDR Therapy and Somatic Psychology, and Applied Polyvagal Theory in Yoga. As the founder of the Center for Resilience Informed Therapy, she offers a mind-body approach to therapy for trauma and informational mental health and wellness updates through her writing, public speaking, social media presence, and blog. She believes that the journey of trauma recovery is an awakening

This week on Therapy Chat you'll hear the first of 5 conversations recorded live at Psychotherapy Networker in March! My guest this week is the delightful Courtney Armstrong, LPC, an expert in trauma-informed clinical hypnosis. Listen in as Courtney demystifies this topic and explains how trauma informed clinical hypnosis can support therapists in practicing more authentically for better therapeutic outcomes. Therapists, be sure to check out the link in the show notes where in partnership with PESI/Psychotherapy Networker, many of Courtney's home study courses are offered at a discounted price. With over 25 years of experience, Courtney Armstrong, LPC is a licensed professional counselor and the founder of the Institute for Trauma Informed Hypnotherapy. She’s certified by the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, is the mastermind behind the clinical hypnosis training program for the US Veterans Administration and has trained countless clinicians globally. Courtney's bestselling books, “Rethinkin

Therapists - are you in a toxic business relationship? This week I'm covering why many therapy practices are struggling to stay afloat. Kelly Higdon, LMFT and Miranda Palmer, LMFT are two therapists and business coaches who co-own ZynnyMe and lead Business School for Therapists. They've been keeping up with the factors affecting therapist wellbeing for years! In our conversation we discuss how therapists and clients are being misled and mistreated by companies that don't have our best interests in mind. If you've unwittingly entered into a toxic relationship with an abusive business entity, you'll want to listen to this episode and take back your power! Some of the topics we covered in this episode:Tech companies offering mental health treatment that is misaligned with therapist ethics and best practices, with potential HIPAA (and other) liability passed on to the therapist;Insurance companies and the companies that negotiate their fees making huge profits while providers are paid less and

This week I interviewed Antonieta Contreras about trauma therapy and the importance of a systemic approach to healing. We discussed misconceptions around trauma therapy, the importance of understanding the connection between trauma and the loss of internal equilibrium, and the role of nature, nurture, and consciousness in healing. Antonieta speaks about how she approaches therapy and how therapists can use her book, 'Traumatization and Its Aftermath,' to develop a systemic approach. Her book is packed with information on the experience of early trauma and its impact on identity development, and much more!Antonieta Contreras, LCSW-R, is a Gestalt trained psychotherapist in private practice in NYC and a Board member and Treasurer of the NY Association of Trauma Therapists (NYCATT). She is a consultant, supervisor and former faculty and co-director of ICP Trauma Studies Program. She is the author of the award winning book Traumatization and Its Aftermath (Routledge, 2023).Antonieta's website is found

Therapists - there's so much important information in this conversation that you need to hear! In this conversation I spoke with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, who is an expert in PANS, PANDAS, and tick-borne illnesses as well as Autoimmune Encephalopathy (AE). Roseann shares about the symptoms, diagnosis, and holistic as well as allopathic treatment options for these conditions, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the sudden onset of neuropsychiatric issues without a trauma trigger while also speaking about how traumatic it can be for individuals and their families to suffer with these symptoms.The conversation highlights the need for therapists to be educated about these conditions, learn to support clients and find appropriate specialists to refer to for treatment of the health symptoms. The discussion sheds light on the prevalence of these illnesses and the challenges individuals face in getting proper diagnosis and treatment. Roseann also identifies how factors such as genetic mutations, nutrient d

I named this episode "The Eyes Have It" to honor the fascinating connection my guest, Monique Hoving-Smeets, MFT describes between right and left eyes and awareness among parts of self in trauma work. Monique, a therapist based in Canada who specializes in complex trauma and dissociation, is the developer of the Trauma Regulation and Integration Model (TRIP). Among so many things, Monique also explores the internal attachment dynamics that can contribute to trauma and how TRIP helps to address these dynamics. She shares examples of how TRIP has been effective in treating chronic somatic symptoms and discusses ongoing research and future developments of the therapy.Monique Hoving-Smeets - MFT/CCC/RCC based on Vancouver Island, BC Canada, is the owmerof a private practice called RelationshipWorx and creator of the TRIP Trauma Regulation and Integration Process. In her private practice the majority of her clients present with trauma, complex trauma, religious and ritual abuse, dissociative disorders and

In this week's episode my guests are Dr. Ann Kelley and Sue Marriott, LCSW, hosts of Therapist Uncensored podcast and authors of the upcoming book, Secure Relating: Holding Your Own In An Insecure World. They discuss the importance of spreading secure relating and changing society through understanding attachment. They describe how their book challenges traditional views of attachment and proposes a spectrum of attachment patterns. We had a great conversation that I know you'll find interesting! Ann Kelley, PhD, (she/her) is a licensed psychologist in private practice, specializing in couples therapy from an integrative, attachment-based, relational framework. Sue Marriott , LCSW, CGP (she/her) has been running a private practice for over 25 years, seeing individuals and couples and leading multiple long-term psychotherapy groups.Find Secure Relating: Holding Your Own in An Insecure World on Amazon here. Listen to Therapist Uncensored here. Learn about Ann & Sue's conference here.Register for:

Today's Therapy Chat guest is Dr. Peter Levine, the developer of Somatic Experiencing, who speaks about his journey as a wounded healer. He shares that by being open about our experiences healing, our authenticity allows others to know they're not alone. None of us in the helping professions have been immune to suffering, it's a part of the universal experience of being human; and there's no shame in having experienced trauma, no matter who you are. In our conversation, Dr. Levine shares about how he developed Somatic Experiencing, and the surprising muse he found during that process. He discusses his violent childhood growing up in a family which was under threat by the mafia, and how Somatic Experiencing approaches healing from trauma "stuck" in the body.Learn more about Somatic Experiencing here. The Ergos Institute is here.Find Peter Levine's new book, Autobiography of Trauma: A Healing Journey on Amazon here.Register for: Resilience Informed Therapy - An Integrative Somatic Ap

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! Betrayal comes in many forms. One of the most common ways we think of it is when a partner has a hidden life or a side relationship they're keeping secret from their partner. Secrecy and shame can lead to broken trust and overwhelming feelings of betrayal that are not easy to recover from. If you've ever experienced the pain of betrayal, you'll want to hear my conversation with LaDonna Carey, MA!In our conversation, we explored the topic of betrayal trauma and how therapists can effectively help their clients heal. We talked about various forms of betrayal trauma, how attachment factors in, and what the healing process can look like. LaDonna Carey trains therapists to support survivors of betrayal trauma. She talks about her upcoming training at the Aloha Summit in Maui, discusses upcoming events and training, the contribution to rebuilding Maui, which is focused on healing and restoring the therapist community after a betrayal amidst our community which impacted hund

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! If you've ever thought, "I know I need to set a boundary, but I don't know how to do it," or "I know what I should do/say, but why can't I seem to make myself do it?" then you'll love this episode. This week's guest, Juliane Taylor Shore, wrote the book, "Setting Boundaries That Stick: How Neurobiology Can Help You Rewire Your Brain to Help You Feel Safe, Connected and Empowered," which addresses the challenge of setting boundaries, which so many of us find confusing these days. In our conversation you'll hear Jules explain what the different types of boundaries are, how to set them and what's needed to make them stick. Jules is one of the speakers at this year's Psychotherapy Networker! Are you going? Save $50 using the link in the Show Notes!Juliane Taylor Shore, LMFT, LPC, SEP, is a therapist, author, and teacher who is creating spaces where people can move into more self-compassion, self-trust, empowerment, and integrity

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! In this episode, the last for now in the series on women's wellness in midlife, I spoke with Dr. Erin Kinney, a naturopathic doctor in Annapolis Maryland, to discuss the connection between chronic stress and women's wellness. Dr. Kinney explained the impact of chronic stress - like developmental/childhood trauma - on our endocrine systems, affecting our hormones. I talked a bit about how this happened in my life and created a health crisis for me just around the time that Therapy Chat was born, interestingly! Erin explains that Cortisol, which we usually think of as the "stress hormone," is also responsible for our energy levels, and how we can change our relationship to cortisol by making simple lifestyle changes. Dr. Kinney explains these complex processes clearly, making this information easier for listeners to understand. I also shared exciting news about the upcoming Psychotherapy Networker Symposium, where I'll be live podcasting and interviewing speaker

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week's guest, Dr. Sara Poldmae is a licensed acupuncturist, Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner and Doctor of Chinese Medicine. Dr. Sara discusses her approach to healing, which combines Eastern and Western medicine to help women find wellness in midlife. She emphasizes the importance of treating the root cause of symptoms and the need for a holistic approach to patient care. Sara shares her expertise in addressing hormonal imbalances and menopause symptoms. She highlights the role of acupuncture in balancing emotions and promoting overall well-being. Dr. Sara provides information about her clinics and the Rising Woman Project, a platform for empowering women in midlife. Dr. Sara Poldmae, Licensed Acupuncturist, is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. Her training has included over 4,000 hours in Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine and Western Medicine Sciences. Dr. Sara also is a Certified Functional Medicine practitioner and certified yoga instructor.

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week we're talking about a topic that has been relatively taboo until recently - but affects everyone with a vagina in some way. Welcome to a series on menopause! My guest today is Dr. Nazanin Moali, an internationally-recognized AASECT certified psychologist, educator, and host of Sexology Podcast. We talked about the impact of menopause on mental health and Nazanin shared from the sex therapist perspective. We discussed the hormonal, mood and libido-related symptoms of menopause. This episode is important for every therapist to listen to and reflect on our level of comfort around speaking with clients about sex and menopause. TakeawaysMenopause can have a significant impact on mental health and sexual well-being.It is important for therapists to create a safe space for clients to discuss menopause and its effects.Expanding the definition of sex and exploring different sexual experiences can help individuals navigate changes during menopause.Therapists should convey the

This week's episode includes a conversation with Jenn Fredette. We talked about how marketing doesn't have to be gross and make you feel ashamed of who you are. We discuss the role of attachment style in marketing and how therapists can show up authentically in their marketing efforts.We also explore the evolution of therapist influencers and the pressure to conform to certain marketing strategies. Jen emphasizes the importance of niching down and writing specifically to your ideal client. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for attuned marketing that reflects the therapist's true self and resonates with their ideal clients. Sound familiar? As you'll hear in an upcoming episode, I've been receiving an auditory listening program that has been healing my attachment system from the bottom up. I can attest to how differently I'm able to express myself in my marketing as a result! Jenn shares a lot of knowledge and wisdom in this conversation. I'm going back to listen again an

In this episode of Therapy Chat, host Laura interviews Dr. Marc Hauser about his book 'Vulnerable Minds: The Harm of Trauma and the Hope of Resilience'. The conversation explores childhood trauma, resilience, and the healing process. Marc Hauser shares his background in cognitive neuroscience and his work with at-risk children, including those with traumatic experiences. The book aims to bring scientific knowledge to practitioners and parents to help children living with trauma. The conversation highlights the importance of trauma-informed care for children and the need to address their specific needs. Pre-Order Vulnerable Minds: The Harm of Trauma and the Hope of Resilience on AmazonMarc's websiteInternational Children's Aid Network (iCAN) Instagram LinkedIn.  FacebookJoin the TTN e-mail list to learn what's coming up in 2024 with Therapy Chat, Trauma Chat and Trauma Therapist Network and get my free PDF 5 Common Mistakes People Make When Searching For A Trauma Therapist here!We are accep

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week I'm thrilled to bring you the last interview Linda Thai, LMSW, RYT-200, CLYL and I did in 2023. The previous three episodes with Linda were focused on my grief journey, and this one is different - though trauma, attachment and grief are woven in, of course. Linda teaches us about Psychodrama Structures, which is a method she has benefited from and uses to bring healing to many people. In our conversation we explore themes of healing when one's Family of Origin was unable to meet our needs. I'm so excited to be heading to San Francisco, CA in February to witness one of Linda's Psychodrama Structures retreats in February 2024. I feel honored to be able to assist my friend and teacher and I'm sure I'll have much to share after experiencing that! Visit Linda's website at the links below to learn how you can participate in one of these experiences, if you're interested.Linda Thai describes herself as a somatic and trauma therapist, a freelance

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week I'm joined by a fellow trauma therapist who is also a colleague and friend, Dr. Jenny Hughes.In our conversation we explore themes of building trust through allowing vulnerability, the power of connection and co-regulation in healing, the process of metabolizing emotions, integration and healing, the transformative power of difficult times, grief, vicarious trauma and vicarious resilience, hope, finding supportive spaces, the beauty and joy of trauma work, what happens in Jenny's Brave Trauma Therapist Collective, and so much more.Dr. Jenny Hughes is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of traumaand PTSD. As a clinician, she practices EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Prolonged Exposure therapy. Jenny has published a workbook designed for clients to use on their own or with their therapist called the PTSD Recovery Workbook.Jenny's practice website: www.jenniferhughesphd.comLearn about the Brave Providers Community at: www.brav

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week we have a returning guest, Brooke Randolph, LPC, LMHC, LPCC-S, an adoptive parent, therapist and advocate for the members of the adoption constellation, who is also the author of several books and a Brainspotting trainer. This conversation explores the complex and often overlooked aspects of adoption, focusing on the experiences of adoptees, adoptive parents, and birth parents. I talk about my journey of learning about adoption as a therapist, and we talk about the need for a deeper understanding of the subject. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by adoptees and the impact of adoption on identity and mental health. It also highlights the role of colonization, patriarchy, classism, and racism in the Western adoption system. The episode emphasizes the importance for therapists to educate themselves about adoption to better support their clients. Resources and related episodes are provided for further exploration. Here's some of what we covered:Adoption

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! In this first episode of 2024 I'm so happy to bring you this interview recorded this past Fall, with Dr. Mariel Buqué, author of the new book, Break the Cycle: A Guide to Healing Intergenerational Trauma. We discussed intergenerational patterns of trauma, legacy burdens that were carried by our ancestors and are held in our bodies, showing up as patterns of tension, pain and illness. Tune in to our conversation and learn how you can break the cycles of those who came before you and make things better for the generations that follow you through time.Dr. Mariel Buqué is an Afro-Dominican psychologist. She received her doctorate in counseling psychology from Columbia University, where she also trained as a fellow in holistic mental health. She is a world-renowned intergenerational trauma expert and the author of the book Break the Cycle: A Guide to Healing Intergenerational Trauma. Her clinical framework is holistic and infuses ancient and indigenous healing practices into a mod

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! As 2023 comes to an end I wanted to reflect upon the year and what I learned through my experiences. Life always includes highs and lows, light and darkness. This year in my personal and professional life (so basically my whole life), there was more darkness than light. Yet upon reflection, there were so many glimmers of light within the dark times. In this episode I share my personal journey dealing with grief and loss in my personal life and how it made it difficult to keep going in my businesses. I carried a heavy burden of shame and self-blame - things just kept getting worse and worse, and I wondered how I’d be able to bear it. And things slowly, gradually, turned around, and are getting better day by day. I shared some plans for the coming year, including training in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and EMDR. Thank you to all of you who listen and support Therapy Chat. My hope in sharing more of my personal experience over the last year is to provide encouragement to any