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

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C revisits a previous interview with Sharon Martin, LCSW on the dynamics of dysfunctional families. While we are in the thick of the holiday season, this episode will resonate for many of us. Identifying what healthy family dynamics look like can be very helpful since we all grow up thinking the way our family does things is "the way it is" even if it really didn't work well for us. Combined with the information Sharon shared in her interview last week, this week's episode will be helpful for getting through the holidays.  Sharon Martin, LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist specializing in codependency recovery with an online practice serving California residents. For the past 20 years, she’s been helping perfectionists and people-pleasers overcome self-doubt and shame, embrace their imperfections, learn to set boundaries, and reclaim their self-worth. Sharon writes the blog Conquering Codependency for Psychology Today and is the au

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week's episode is timely as the holiday season is in full swing. In today's episode, host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C interviews returning guest Sharon Martin, LCSW about setting boundaries.  Sharon Martin, LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist specializing in codependency recovery with an online practice serving California residents. For the past 20 years, she’s been helping perfectionists and people-pleasers overcome self-doubt and shame, embrace their imperfections, learn to set boundaries, and reclaim their self-worth. Sharon writes the blog Conquering Codependency for Psychology Today and is the author of The CBT Workbook for Perfectionism and The Better Boundaries Workbook. Resources Sharon's website: https://www.livewellwithsharonmartin.com/ Thank you to this week's sponsors! Sunset Lake CBD is created on a small farm outside of Burlington, Vermont that is a producer for Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream.  Sunset Lake CBD customers support regenerative agriculture

NOTE: This episode is not medical advice. If you have questions about COVID, consult your doctor. Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week host Laura Reagan welcomes returning guest Kyle Davies back to the show. Laura and Kyle discuss their experiences recovering from COVID and some of the long term symptoms of fatigue and brain fog that they and others they know have experienced. Kyle shares his perspective on COVID and how he has used similar techniques to those he practices with people who have chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and other chronic illnesses to help reduce such symptoms.  Kyle's bio: I spent 5 years at 2 universities studying academic psychology. When I left I trained and volunteered as a telephone counsellor for a helpline for carers of sufferers of dementia and got a real taste of the discomforts life can bring. But my real passion to understand and reduce human suffering stemmed from my own struggles with anxiety, depression, and other symptoms. During my late teens and early twenties, I wa

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C interviews Erika Shershun, LMFT, a somatic trauma therapist in California who specializes in working with survivors of sexual trauma. In this episode you'll hear Erika, who is trained in EMDR and Somatic Experiencing, talk about the importance of embodiment - being present in our bodies - to the healing process and how sexual trauma can make it difficult to stay in our bodies. She discusses some of the common reactions to sexual trauma and explains how her book, Healing Sexual Trauma, offers daily practices for grounding, orienting, coming into safety and coming into presence. She even demonstrates an orienting practice she frequently uses with clients.   Guest's Bio:   Erika Shershun, LMFT is a somatic psychotherapist specializing in working with sexual trauma survivors. Her work is body based and trauma informed, incorporating neurobiology and EMDR to help ease and resolve symptoms. Passionate about getting the needed tools that elude

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! In this week's episode host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C interviews Jana Glass, LPC about how she uses Brainspotting with her clients who have perinatal trauma.  Jana Glass is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Certified in Addictions, Perinatal Mental Health, Brainspotting, and Telemental Health. She founded her private practice, Supportive Solutions, LLC, to support people healing from trauma, recovering from substance abuse, and improving Perinatal Mental Health including support with fertility challenges, miscarriage, stillbirths, difficult births, and Pre and Postpartum Mood and Anxiety disorders. Jana is passionate about serving the Perinatal Mental Health Community due to her own challenges faced on her journey to parenthood. She found personal healing through Brainspotting and is energized when educating helping professionals and birthgivers about this transformative approach. Jana is a Brainspotting Specialty trainer who conducts the two day Connecting the Rainbow: Bra

Welcome to episode 303 of the Therapy Chat Podcast with host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C. This week's episode features two previous fascinating conversations with Amy Sugeno, LCSW, PLLC. Amy explains that Eco Therapy can take many forms, including animal-assisted (for example, canine and equine) therapies, wilderness therapies, walk and talk therapy, horticulture therapy and clinical eco-therapy in an office, as well as many other possibilities. She explains that this is a depth-oriented type of psychotherapy which can be very powerful. Amy describes how she conducts an eco-therapy session what to wear and what a client can expect overall. She and Laura discuss the power dynamics of the therapy relationship and how Eco Therapy can help create a balance. For the past 10 years, Amy has worked to help people heal from trauma. Most of her work has been with adults and teens affected by interpersonal violence and sexual abuse. Over the years, she has also worked with people struggling with suicidal thoughts, self-har

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C revisits her interview with 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 e

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week, in a replay episode, host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C shares two past episodes from earlier this year. Laura interviewed infant and child therapy specialist Dr. Janet Courtney, who shares why she uses play therapy and expressive arts in her work with traumatized children and families. In part two she speaks about infant mental health and how she works with traumatized infants and their families. About this episode's guest: Janet A. Courtney, PhD, RPT-S is Founder of FirstPlay® Therapy (an infant play therapy model) and founder of the FirstPlayCafe blog. Dr. Courtney is author of, “Healing Child and Family Trauma through Expressive and Play Therapies: Art, Nature, Storytelling, Body and Mindfulness,” and author and Editor of the groundbreaking books, “Infant Play Therapy: Foundations, Models, Programs and Practice, “ and “Touch in Child Counseling and Play Therapy: An Ethical and Clinical Guide.”  She is a TEDx Speaker, a Registered Play Therapy Supervisor, and past chair

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week we are celebrating 300 episodes. Therapy Chat Podcast started six years ago in August, 2015. Since then the show has been downloaded - as of today, which is October 18, 2021 - 4,296,070 times. Host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C thanks everyone who has listened, whether this is your first time or you've listened from the start, and everyone in between. Today, to celebrate the 300th episode Laura shares some of the resources she recommends to people again and again. This list will be published on the Resources page of the Trauma Therapist Network site and will be updated as more resources are developed and as Laura learns about more resources that are out there. The information is organized into groupings based on whether the resource is focused on healing after trauma; training for therapists wanting to work with children and adults who have experienced trauma; and finding a therapist to help after experiencing trauma. Listener participation opportunity:  Share Your Favorite

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! In this week's episode, host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C revisits her two previous conversations with Lisa Ferentz. In this episode, you will hear Lisa speak about her book Finding Your Ruby Slippers: Transformative Life Lessons from the Therapist which looks at how you can overcome everyday obstacles, boost confidence, and end self-critical thoughts with simple life lessons. Lisa is a recognized expert in the strengths-based, depathologized treatment of trauma and has been in private practice for 32 years. She presents workshops and keynote addresses nationally and internationally, and is a clinical consultant to practitioners and mental health agencies in the United States, Canada, and the UK. She has been an Adjunct Faculty member at University of Maryland School of Social Work, University of Baltimore at Maryland, University of Maryland Department of Family Medicine, and is the Founder of The Ferentz Institute, formerly known as The Institute for Advanced Psychotherapy Training

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! In this week's episode, host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C interviews returning guest Thad Frye, LCSW. Thad was a guest on episode 216 in early 2020, speaking about how Brainspotting can help with grief, trauma and more. This week he returns to speak in more depth about how he uses Brainspotting to help athletes and creatives who are struggling in their performance. Listen in to this fascinating conversation! Thad Frye, LCSW is a Brainspotting psychotherapist with a passion for supporting individual adults as they address grief, anxiety and performance issues. He has worked in hospice and in private practice companioning people through their grief process over the past 19 years. Thad has been lucky enough to study under Dr. Pie Frey and the wonderful Dr. David Grand to be able to focus his skillset in the healing power of Brainspotting. He is a consultant for other Brainspotting psychotherapists, assists Brainspotting trainings and is on the board of the Rocky Mountain Brainspotting I

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week, host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C interviews Dr. Arielle Schwartz, who is an author, teacher and therapist who specializes in complex trauma and dissociation. Arielle shared her perspective and how she uses somatic methods, including yoga therapy, to help her clients heal following traumatic experiences.  She and Laura shared a hopeful message of encouragement about healing from trauma. Arielle Schwartz, PhD, is a psychologist, internationally sought-out teacher, yoga instructor, and leading voice in the healing of PTSD and complex trauma. She is the author of five books, including The Complex PTSD Workbook, EMDR Therapy and Somatic Psychology, and The Post Traumatic Growth Guidebook. Dr. Schwartz is an accomplished teacher who guides therapists in the application of EMDR, somatic psychology, parts work therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions for the treatment of trauma and complex PTSD. She has a depth of understanding, passion, kindness, compassion, joy, and a succinct

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C shares an update on what she's been doing over the month of August, including the launch of Trauma Therapist Network (www.traumatherapistnetwork.com), a vacation and getting Covid. Laura also interviewed Allyson Dinneen, MFT, the therapist who authored the book "Notes From Your Therapist" and the owner of the popular Instagram account by the same name. Allyson talks about her work with adult survivors of Childhood Emotional Neglect. She and Laura discuss authenticity, vulnerability, self compassion and connection with self and within relationships. Allyson Dinneen is a writer and marriage and family therapist specializing in emotions, emotional neglect, and relationships. Her book, Notes From Your Therapist (January 2021), is based on the Instagram account she started after her husband's death, where she reflects on grief, childhood trauma, and life. She is currently working on a memoir.  RESOURCES: Allyson's website: https:

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C interviews returning guest Dr. Pat Ogden. You may recall back in 2018 Dr. Ogden was on Therapy Chat for the first time, talking about Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, the method she founded (link below). This time, Dr. Ogden discusses her newest book, The Pocket Guide to Sensorimotor Psychotherapy in Context. She talks about the book and the importance of bringing an anti-racist, anti-oppressive perspective to the field of psychology in general, and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy in particular.    Pat Ogden, PhD, (she/her), is a pioneer in somatic psychology, the creator of the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy method and founder of the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute. Dr. Ogden is a clinician, consultant, international lecturer and the first author of two groundbreaking books in somatic psychology: Trauma and the Body: A Sensorimotor Approach to Psychotherapy and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: Interventions for Trauma and Attachment (2015). Her third book,

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C interviews returning guest Robyn Brickel, LMFT about Top-Down and Bottom-Up psychotherapy methods for trauma. In this conversation, Laura and Robyn described what the terms "Top Down" and "Bottom-Up" mean in reference to trauma therapy; how each type of trauma therapy can help trauma survivors; and what types of therapies fit into each category. Robyn Brickel, MA, LMFT, is the founder and clinical director of Brickel and Associates, LLC in Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia. She and her team bring a strengths-based, trauma-informed, systems approach to the treatment of mood disorders, addiction, trauma, self-harm, eating disorders, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and other mental health conditions. She is deeply committed to clinical practice, professional education and better public awareness of mental health issues. Robyn is a writer who regularly blogs about trauma and trauma-informed care. RESOURCES: Link to Robyn Brickel&

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! In this week's episode, host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C interviews trauma and attachment expert Deirdre Fay, MSW, who is the author of "Becoming Safely Embodied: A Guide to Organize Your Mind, Body and Heart to Feel Secure in the World." She discussed her earlier book, "Attachment-Based Yoga & Meditation for Trauma Recovery: Simple, Safe and Effective Practices for Therapy" on the podcast in 2018 (link below). Deirdre has also contributed to the book "Attachment Disturbances In Adults: Treatment for Comprehensive Repair with Dr. Daniel Brown and Dr. David Elliott." She offers several additional free and paid books in digital and hard copy formats, along with courses, trainings, coaching and much more on her website, www.dfay.com. Trauma creates disconnection from self and others. In today's conversation you will hear Deirdre describe how we can access our inner wisdom through skills and practices she teaches to help us become safely embodied. She rem

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