The Thoughtful Counselor

A conversation with Dr. Russ Curtis on the nuts and bolts of integrated care for behavioral health professionals For more about Russ, links from the episode, and the APA citation for this episode visit http://wp.me/p7R6fn-dy      

In Episode 3 of the Sex Series, Dr. Megan Speciale interviews sex educator and licensed clinical social worker Amelie Zurn-Galinsky on the use of desire mapping as a reflective process of sexual self-discovery for counselors, clients, and everyone in between. In the conversation, we discuss common barriers to desire and sexual satisfaction, tools for supporting clients delve into the sexual unknown, and the importance of taking care of the self-as-counselor in our own pursuits toward sexual wellness and clinical effectiveness. Tune in for helpful tips to use with clients, partners, and yourself! For more about Amelia, links from the conversation, and the APA citation for this episode visit http://wp.me/p7R6fn-dt

A converation with Emily Kircher-Morris - LPC and owner of Unlimited Potential Counseling & Education Center - on addressing the specific needs of gifted, high-ability, and twice-exceptional children and teens. For more about Emily and the APA citation for this episode visit http://wp.me/p7R6fn-b1  

A conversation with Dr. Kevin Doyle about the neglected modality of group counseling in private practice, the advantages and challenges to getting a group started, and resources for counselors interested brings groups to their private practice. For more about Kevin, a link to the article we talk about, and the APA citation for this episode visit http://wp.me/p7R6fn-b5

A conversation with Dr. Pamela J. Birrell - retired Senior Instructor at the University of Oregon - on the importance of using Relational Ethics to make each moment with clients an ethical moment. For more about Pamela, links from the converation, and the APA citation for this episode visit www.thethoughtfulcounselor.com    

A conversation with Dr. Megan Delaney - Assistant Professor in the Department of Professional Counseling at Monmouth University (MU) in Long Branch, New Jersey - on the art and science of using nature in counseling. Dr. Megan Delaney has a PhD in Counselor Education from Montclair State University (MSU) and is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Professional Counseling at Monmouth University (MU) in Long Branch, New Jersey.  Her research explores the influence of natural world on our mental health and the use of Ecotherapy in clinical practice and the counselor education classroom.  Trained in outdoor leadership through the National Outdoor Leadership School, Dr. Delaney spent several years as a wilderness instructor for organizations including the National Wildlife Federation and Outward Bound. Today she infuses Ecotherapy in her private practice with clients. Dr. Delaney is currently writing her book “Nature is Nurture: Counseling and the Natural World” anticipated in 2019 through Oxford U

A conversation with Dr. Brett Wilkinson about the intersections of humanism and neuroscience with implications for counseling practice. Dr. Brett Wilkinson is an Assistant Professor of Counselor Education. He obtained a B.A. in both psychology and philosophy from the University of Kentucky and an M.A. in Mental Health Counseling from Eastern Kentucky University. He earned his Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Northern Colorado, where he was awarded the Dean’s Citation of Excellence for Outstanding Dissertation of the Year. He received advanced doctoral training in marriage, couples, and family counseling, as well as applied statistics and research methods. His research interests include the development of humanistic methods and models for clinical training and practice, the exploration of phenomenological pedagogies, and the advancement of metacognitive supervision strategies for practicum and internship. Dr. Wilkinson actively presents at state, regional, and national confer

In the last recast of the summer, we revisit a conversation with Dr. Cyrus Williams, associate professor at Regent University, about how the “Quarter-Life Crisis” affects millennials and how counselors can best understand and address the needs of this population. Dr. William’s refers to the following resources in the interview: The Quarter-Life Crisis Counseling Today Article You Can contact Dr. Williams at cwilliams2@regent.edu For the APA citation for this episode visit www.thethoughtfulcounselor.com    

In this recast, we revisit a conversation with Dr. George Hu – a clinical psychologist and Director of Psychology and Mental Health at Jiahui International Clinic in Shanghai – about the stigmas around counseling for men, common presenting concerns, and strategies to build a strong alliance with your male clients. You can email George at george.hu@jiahui.com or view his profile at http://www.jiahui.com/en/ourteam/doctors/george-hu/ For the APA citation to this episode visit www.thethoughtfulcounselor.com

As Mike contintues to be on break, in this recast episode we revisit a conversation with Dr. Janeé R. Avent - assistant professor in the counselor education program at East Carolina University - on African American mental health, the need for counselors to understand African American spirituality and the influence of the Black church, and general best practices for counseling and advocacy with our African American clients. An article in The Professional Counselor by Janeé called The Black Church: Theology and Implications for Counseling African Americans Janeé's staff page at ECU Email Janeé at aventj16@ecu.edu For the APA citation for this episode visit www.thethoughtfulcounselor.com    

In this "recast" we revisit an episode with Courtney Armstrong on the art and science of using music in counseling. Visit Courtney’s website at www.courtneyarmstrong.net Check out Courtney's books: Transforming Trauma Grief and The Therapeutic “Aha:” 10 Strategies to Help Your Client Get Unstuck For the APA citation for this episode visit www.thethoughtfulcounselor.com

In Episode 2 of Sex Series, Dr. Megan Speciale interviews sex therapist and educator, Melissa Fritchle, on the her new book, The Conscious Sexual Self Workbook. In the interview, we learn the importance of understanding our sexual stories in the pursuit of both clinical effectiveness and personal sexual satisfaction.   You can learn more about Melissa Fritchle and the The Conscious Sexual Self Workbook at the sites below:   - http://www.conscioussexualself.com/about/ - http://www.mf-therapy.com/   For the APA citation for this episode please visit www.thethoughtfulcounselor.com

A conversation with Dr. Amy Gaesser - Assistant Professor Counseling & Development at Purdue University in Indiana - on the effects of anxiety on school-aged youth and adolescents, finding the right balance between no stress and too much stress, and how to use EFT (emotional freedom techniques) to reduce student anxiety in school settings. Dr. Gaesser is currently an Assistant Professor of Counseling and Development at Purdue University. She received her PhD in Educational Psychology: Counselor Education & Gifted Education from the University of Connecticut, her Masters in Counselor Education from SUNY Brockport, and her Bachelor of Science in Social Work with a minor in Religious Studies from Nazareth College of Rochester. She is a certified New York State School Counselor and a Nationally Certified Counselor with 20+ years of experience in mental health and academia, specializing in school counseling interventions to assist students with a variety of academic, developmental, social, and emotional co

A conversation with Dr. Barbara Herlihy, Professor Emerita at the University of New Orleans and Chair of the American Counseling Association's Ethics Committee on how things have changed in ethics and best practices in counseling over the past 30 years. Barbara Herlihy, Ph.D., LPC, NCC, is University Research Professor at the University of New Orleans. She earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Northwestern University and her M.Ed. in Counseling from Miami University. She has experience as a school counselor, community mental health counselor, and counselor in private practice. She is a board-approved counselor supervisor in Louisiana. Prior to coming to UNO, she served on the faculty at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, University of Houston- Clear Lake, and Loyola University of New Orleans. Dr. Herlihy’s research and teaching interests include ethical issues in counseling, multicultural counseling, feminist therapy, and supervision. Her most recent books are Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues

A conversation with Stacey Diane A. Litam on the reality and nature of human sex trafficking in the United States and what counselors need to know. Stacey Diane A. Litam, M.A., LPC, NCC is a doctoral candidate in Kent State University’s Counselor Education and Supervision program and adjunct faculty at the Northeast Ohio Medical University. Stacey’s dissertation examines the influence of gender and discourse on counselors’ reported levels of empathy and acceptance of rape myths when counseling sex trafficked survivors. Stacey currently works as a licensed mental health counselor at a Northeast Ohio agency where she co-developed the Human Trafficking Docket with the Cleveland Municipal Court. Stacey currently provides counseling services for survivors of sex trafficking, persons with addictions, and LGBTQ clients. She is a researcher, educator, and social justice advocate for human trafficking, LGBTQ, and multicultural issues. Ms. Litam has facilitated over 30 state, regional, national, and international prese

A conversation with Drs. Eric Beeson and Thom Field on integrating cutting-edge findings in neuroscience with cognitive behavioral therapy. Eric Beeson is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in North Carolina and West Virginia, a national certified counselor (NCC) with the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), an approved clinical supervisor (ACS) with the Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE), and a certified rehabilitation counselor (CRC) with the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). Beeson is a certified facilitator of the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP®) and SMART Recovery® groups. Additionally, Beeson is completing the requirements to become a certified HeartMath® practitioner with the HeartMath® Institute and to become board certified in neurofeedback with the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA). You can learn more about Eric at here. Thom Field currently work as an Associate Program Director and Associate Professor at City Univers

In this "recast" we revisit an earlier episode with Dr. Tom Hofmann about navigating strength-based approaches to counseling in an environment dominated by symptoms and diagnosis Tom's bio: In 2003, Dr. Thomas Hofmann joined the faculty at Hodges University, teaching in the areas of psychology and clinical mental health. As a full-time psychotherapist, he spent 15 years working in various settings, including inpatient and outpatient drug and alcohol, and mental health. He also spent five years as an outpatient supervisor at a mental health clinic while teaching at Mount Mary College. His areas of expertise include psychotherapy, family therapy, student projects, literature review and professional presentations. In an effort to practice his therapy skills, he works one day each week at a local employee assistance program as a Florida licensed social worker and licensed marriage and family therapist. In addition, he is an approved supervisor for mental health, social work and family therapy interns in Florida.

A conversation with Dr. Julie Bates-Maves on the connections between addictions recovery and the experience of grief and loss and best practices and interventions for counselors. Julie Bates-Maves is an Associate Professor in the department of Rehabilitation and Counseling at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Her teaching and research interests are centered on trauma, addiction, and understanding and addressing stigma to ensure effective mental health care. You can email Julie at batesjul@uwstout.edu For the APA citation for this episode please visit www.thethoughtfulcounselor.com    

A conversation with John Clarke - LPC and owner of www.privatepracticeworkshop.com - on pearls and perils of starting a private pay practice including general obstacles to making the move, a case for private pay, and how to use the internet well. John's website: www.privatepracticeworkshop.com/ For the APA citation for this episode please visit www.thethoughtfulcounselor.com  

In our first episode in the Sex Series, Dr. Megan talks to sex and relationship expert Maryasha Katz, LCSW on how to use dance, movement, and touch in working with clients experiencing intimacy troubles, including low or no sexual desire, sex drive asymmetry, and sex communication woes. Even our 2 left-footed listeners will learn how to incorporate dance into individual and couples sessions, drawing from the concepts of nonverbal communication, active consent, playfulness, and sensuality. After the episode, stick around for a chance to “Ask a Sexpert,” with this week’s question focusing on how to make time for sex with your partner, despite chaotic schedules. Definitely don’t want to miss that.   Maryasha Katz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Dancer, and Life Coach. She is a member of the Adjunct Faculty in the Holistic Studies and Psychology Departments at JFK University and Palo Alto University.  She can be reached using the following links:   maryashakatz@gmail.com katzlifecoaching.com maryashakatz