A Simple Therapy Podcast: Honest Conversations on Therapy, Mental Health, Healing and Self-Growth

In this episode of A Simple Therapy Podcast, Sindee Gozansky talks with Keith Kurlander, MA, LPC, co-founder of the Integrative Psychiatry Institute and a pioneer in psychedelic therapy education. Keith shares his own mental health journey, beginning with a near-suicide at 19, and how decades of healing led him to build innovative training programs that are reshaping the field.

They dive into the growing role of psychedelic-assisted therapy, what integration really means after a transformative session, and why trauma is often the common thread in mental health struggles. Keith also explains the roots of integrative psychiatry—addressing physiology, nutrition, trauma, and spirituality together—and why every therapist will need at least a basic understanding of psychedelic therapy in the years ahead.

This conversation is a reminder that we all carry puzzles inside of us, and healing isn't about solving them once and for all—it's about showing up with compassion, curiosity, and gratitude for the journey.

00:00 - Introduction and Guest Welcome

02:21 - A Near-Suicide that Sparked a Healing Journey

08:31 - Defining Integrative Medicine in Mental Health

12:38 - Psychedelic Therapy as a Disruptive Intervention

18:28 - Integration as the Key to Lasting Change

21:14 - The Evolving Landscape of Psychedelic Education

25:22 - Education and Trainings of Integrative Psychiatry Institution

29:15 - Mystical Experiences in Therapy for Clients and Providers

36:36 - Untangling Mental Health from Spiritual Growth

46:24 - Embracing the Human Puzzle with Gratitude

Check out Berries:

Berries Referral Link: heyberries.com/?via=heart-centered Discount code: Sindee50 for $50 off your first month

Shop Mental Health Threads: https://mentalhealththreads.etsy.com

Connect with Keith Kurlander:

Integrative Psychiatry InstituteKeith Kurlander

Higher Practice Podcast

https://www.linkedin.com/in/higherpractice

Connect with Sindee Gozansky:

Visit my website: asimpletherapypodcast.com/

Join the Heart-Centered Therapist Community FB group: facebook.com/groups/478651669638167

Instagram: instagram.com/heartcenteredtherapist/

YouTube: youtube.com/@asimpletherapypodcast

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sindeegozansky/

Want to be a guest on the podcast?

Email Sindee: [email protected]

In this episode of A Simple Therapy Podcast, Sindee Gozansky sits down with Dr. Bruce Chalmer, a couples therapist, author, and podcaster who has spent more than 30 years helping people navigate intimacy, betrayal, and forgiveness.

They explore why communication skills alone won't save a struggling relationship, how true healing begins with the courage to face intimacy, and what Dr. Chalmer calls the "oh, shit moment" that can change everything for a couple. He also shares insights from his latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again, offering a compassionate framework for understanding betrayal, releasing self-blame, and finding faith—whether couples choose to stay together or part ways.

With stories of couples who rebuilt their marriages stronger than before, a three-step path to forgiveness, and the wisdom of his "meta-serenity prayer," this conversation is rich with guidance for therapists and couples alike.

If you've ever wondered how trust can be rebuilt after heartbreak, this episode offers not just answers, but hope—and a simple invitation to live by: be kind, don't panic, and have faith.

00:00 - Introduction and Guest Welcome

02:52 - Dr. Bruce's Path to Becoming a Couples Therapist

04:58 - The "Oh, Shit" Moment in Couples Therapy

08:01 - From Psychodynamic Training to a More Human Approach

12:40 - Why Communication Skills Aren't the Answer

16:08 - When Therapy Ideas Become Harmful Ideologies

20:52 - Defining Betrayal and Forgiveness

25:14 - Forgiveness as an Inside Job

29:15 - Navigating Gray Areas

31:50 - Three Steps to Forgiveness

40:49 - Shame, Apologies, and Real Repair

42:39 - Deal Breakers vs. Growing Pains in Relationships

47:06 - The Meta-Serenity Prayer and Faith in the Unknown

48:59 - Advice for Therapists Supporting Betrayed Couples

53:46 - Guidance for Couples Before and During Therapy

Check out Berries:

Berries Referral Link: heyberries.com/?via=heart-centered Discount code: Sindee50 for $50 off your first month

Shop Mental Health Threads: https://mentalhealththreads.etsy.com

Connect with Dr. Bruce Chalmer:

Dr. Bruce Chalmer Couples Therapy in 7 Words Podcast

https://youtube.com/@brucechalmer

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-chalmer-95ab70305

https://www.facebook.com/drbrucechalmer

Connect with Sindee Gozansky:

Visit my website: asimpletherapypodcast.com/

Join the Heart-Centered Therapist Community FB group: facebook.com/groups/478651669638167

Instagram: instagram.com/heartcenteredtherapist/

YouTube: youtube.com/@asimpletherapypodcast

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sindeegozansky/

Want to be a guest on the podcast?

Email Sindee: [email protected]

In this episode of A Simple Therapy podcast, Sindee Gozansky sits down with Dr. Shahrzad Jalali, Psy.D, who brings together Jungian analysis, Persian mysticism, and somatic work in the most fascinating way.

We explore "silent trauma" – those sneaky childhood wounds that quietly run our adult lives and relationships. Shahrzad shares how she teaches clients the "somatic alphabet" to heal through the body when the mind feels stuck, and why we're magnetically drawn to our opposite in relationships...only to spend years trying to change them!

From her personal journey through crisis to becoming a wounded healer, and now to her upcoming book The Fire That Makes Us, Dr. Shahrzad Jalali offers real wisdom about befriending uncomfortable emotions and breaking free from exhausting relationship cycles.

It's a conversation that might just help you rewrite the patterns you thought were permanent and see your story in a whole new light!

00:00 - Introduction and Guest Welcome

02:24 - Shahrzad's Personal Journey into Psychology

04:54 - Jungian Analysis and Persian Mysticism

07:07 - Understanding Silent Trauma

10:57 - The Somatic Alphabet Approach

14:40 - Working with Cognitive Types

17:01 - Befriending Difficult Emotions

19:39 - Breaking Relationship Cycles

23:04 - Training Interns and Couples Work

29:12 - Personal Growth and Having Options

31:54 - Writing as Healing - "The Fire That Makes Us"

34:16 - Practice Information and Online Courses

37:15 - Starting Your Silent Trauma Work

Check out Berries:

Berries Referral Link: heyberries.com/?via=heart-centered Discount code: Sindee50 for $50 off your first month

Shop Mental Health Threads: https://mentalhealththreads.etsy.com

Connect with Dr. Shahrzad Jalali:

Dr. Jalali & Associates Align Remedy @AlignRemedy

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahrzad-jalali-psyd-2b547320/

https://www.facebook.com/people/Align-Remedy/61567336701015/

Connect with Sindee:

Visit my website: asimpletherapypodcast.com/

Join the Heart-Centered Therapist Community FB group: facebook.com/groups/478651669638167

Instagram: instagram.com/heartcenteredtherapist/

YouTube:

youtube.com/@asimpletherapypodcast

LinkedIn:

linkedin.com/in/sindeegozansky/

Want to be a guest on the podcast?

Email Sindee: [email protected]

Empowering Therapists: Marissa Wells on Building a Purposeful, Cash Pay Private Practice

In this episode of A Simple Therapy podcast, licensed professional counselor and supervisor Marissa Wells returns to focus on helping new therapists find their footing, start their own cash pay private practices, and truly lean into their purpose. Marissa discusses the importance of finding one's niche, aligning business with personal values, and overcoming financial barriers.

She highlights the role of financial peace, purpose, and community support in creating a successful practice. The episode also addresses common misconceptions and fears new therapists face, offering valuable advice on how they can confidently step into cash pay private practice. Marissa's journey is a powerful reminder of what's possible when you lead with purpose—in both life and work.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 01:10 Marissa Wells' Journey to Private Practice 02:07 Challenges and Rewards of Cash Pay Practice 03:26 Empowering New Therapists 04:45 Integrating Spirituality in Business 08:49 Financial Freedom and Its Impact 14:12 Helping Therapists Find Their Niche 17:39 Finding Purpose in Your Practice 17:56 Navigating Group Practice Dynamics 18:30 Insurance vs. Cash Pay Practices 18:55 Balancing Accessibility and Specialization 19:44 The Importance of Boundaries and Generosity 21:45 Avoiding Burnout and Finding Your Niche 24:18 Addressing Common Fears and Misconceptions 26:44 The Need for Business Education in Therapy 30:47 Encouragement for Aspiring Private Practitioners 32:22 Resources and Final Thoughts

Check out Berries:

Berries Referral Link: heyberries.com/?via=heart-centered Discount code: Sindee50 for $50 off your first month

Connect with Marissa:

www.mwells.co

Counseling https://www.facebook.com/mwellslpcs/ https://www.instagram.com/mwells_lpcs

Coaching https://www.facebook.com/groups/theagingfamily https://www.facebook.com/marissawellscoaching/ https://www.instagram.com/marissawellscoaching

Join her FREE Aging Family Group: http://bit.ly/4hk0X14

Connect with Sindee:

Visit my website: https://asimpletherapypodcast.com/

Join the Heart-Centered Therapist Community FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/478651669638167

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartcenteredtherapist/

Shop Mental Health Threads: https://mentalhealththreads.etsy.com

Want to be a guest on the podcast?

Email Sindee: [email protected]

For more information on the Couples Therapy Mentorship Group, email me at [email protected]

Bridging Connection: Counseling for Aging Families with Marissa Wells

In this episode of A Simple Therapy podcast, host Sindee Gozansky welcomes Marissa Wells, a licensed professional counselor and aging family educator from Arkansas. Marissa talks about her journey to specializing in counseling for aging families, rooted in her personal experiences with her own family. She highlights the importance of supporting caregivers and addresses the dynamics and challenges faced by families dealing with aging loved ones, including the emotional and practical aspects of role reversals and caregiving.

The episode explores communication within families and proactive planning for aging to ensure values-based decision-making. Additionally, Marissa talks about her efforts to extend support beyond her local area through a free Facebook group called 'The Aging Family,' where she provides resources and fostering connections. Sindee and Marissa also discuss the emotional weight carried by caregivers and the importance of seeking help. This episode is a treasure trove of insights and practical advice for anyone navigating the complexities of aging within families.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:35 Marissa's Journey into Aging Family Counseling 05:42 Challenges and Solutions in Aging Family Counseling 08:51 Role Reversals and Family Dynamics 17:25 The Impact of COVID-19 on Aging Families 19:18 Support for Caregivers and Final Thoughts 31:33 Resources and Conclusion

Check out Berries:

Berries Referral Link: heyberries.com/?via=heart-centered Discount code: Sindee50 for $50 off your first month

Connect with Marissa:

www.mwells.co

Counseling https://www.facebook.com/mwellslpcs/ https://www.instagram.com/mwells_lpcs

Coaching https://www.facebook.com/groups/theagingfamily https://www.facebook.com/marissawellscoaching/ https://www.instagram.com/marissawellscoaching

Join her FREE Aging Family Group: http://bit.ly/4hk0X14

Connect with Sindee:

Visit my website: https://asimpletherapypodcast.com/

Join the Heart-Centered Therapist Community FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/478651669638167

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartcenteredtherapist/

Shop Mental Health Threads: https://mentalhealththreads.etsy.com

Want to be a guest on the podcast?

Email Sindee: [email protected]

For more information on the Couples Therapy Mentorship Group, email me at [email protected]

A space for honest dialogue, soulful insights, and meaningful stories from therapists, healing humans, and mental health advocates.

This trailer introduces the heart behind the rebrand—from The Heart-Centered Therapist Podcast to A Simple Therapy Podcast.

Discover what's changing, what's staying the same, and what you can expect moving forward. Whether you're a therapist, on your own healing journey, or passionate about mental health—you're invited.

Let's keep it simple… and keep showing up.

Learn more: asimpletherapypodcast.com

In this episode of the Heart-Centered Therapist podcast, host Sindee Gozansky welcomes Brie Chrisman, founder and CEO of BossCo, a virtual operations management company that works exclusively with therapists, to discuss strategies to create sustainable workloads and avoid burnout.

Brie, with over 15 years of experience in project and operations management, emphasizes the importance of having the right systems in place and empowering teams to ensure efficient operations. Whether you're in solo or group practice, Brie talks about how to implement effective processes, delegate tasks, and utilize automations, all while keeping a human-first approach. Brie provides practical tips on optimizing therapy practices for better client care and increased profitability.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 03:10 Brie's Background and Journey 08:44 The Importance of Systems and Operations 14:04 Streamlining Processes for Therapists 22:06 Automation and Delegation in Practice Management 28:00 Streamlining Client Onboarding 28:47 Ensuring Follow-Up and Engagement 29:41 Post-Consultation Communication 33:23 Handling Phone Inquiries Efficiently 35:50 Empowering Your Team 40:15 Building a Supportive Company Culture 46:42 BossCo's Offerings and Services 54:22 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Check out Berries:

Berries Referral Link: heyberries.com/?via=heart-centered Discount code: Sindee50 for $50 off your first month

Connect with Brie: Freebie: https://mailchi.mp/1a6afabcaa17/boss-co-favorite-tools-hct https://heybossco.com https://instagram.com/hey_bossco https://www.linkedin.com/in/brie-chrisman

Connect with Sindee:

Visit my website: https://heartcenteredtherapistpodcast.com/

Join the Heart-Centered Therapist Community FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/478651669638167

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartcenteredtherapist/

Shop Mental Health Threads: https://mentalhealththreads.etsy.com

Interested in realigning your own practice to be more heart-centered? Join Sindee on her podcast by signing up for a Therapist Alignment Session. This brief, 15-30-minute conversation is a unique opportunity to re-align with your heart-centered approach, both in your client interactions and in the development of your practice.

Whether you're at the beginning of your career or an experienced therapist, these sessions are designed to help you gain clarity on specific issues you're facing. Sign up for your Therapist Alignment Session here:

https://calendly.com/heartcenteredtherapistpodcast/therapist-alignment-session

Want to be a guest on the podcast?

Email Sindee: [email protected]

For more information on the Couples Therapy Mentorship Group, email me at [email protected]

In this episode of the Heart-Centered Therapist podcast, host Sindee Gozansky sits down with Sibel Ozer, a psychotherapist, gestalt therapist, artist, and author. Sibel recounts her journey from working as a clinical psychologist in Turkey following the 1999 Adapazari Earthquake to her extensive experience as a trauma therapist. She elaborates on the importance of authenticity, relational work, deep caring for your clients and the role of intuition in therapy.

Sibel delves into the therapeutic power of art and stresses the significance of personal work for therapists. We invite listeners to embrace their authentic selves and bring deep, caring love into their therapeutic practice. Sibel provides a wealth of guidance for new therapists, emphasizing the importance of being genuine and open-hearted in therapeutic settings. She also discusses her recent book 'Stories of My Art' and her upcoming project 'Heart-Centered Psychotherapy: Realigning with Instinct, Intuition, and Inspiration.'

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 02:23 Journey from Turkey to the U.S. 03:42 The Role of Trauma in Shaping a Career 06:04 Heart-Centered Psychotherapy 08:24 The Importance of Relationship in Therapy 11:45 Balancing Techniques and Intuition 15:34 Preparing for Therapy Sessions 18:16 Encouraging Young Therapists 21:54 The Power of Human Connection 26:59 Embracing the Unknown in Therapy 30:14 Embracing the Here and Now in Therapy 31:04 The Gift of Relaxed Attunement 31:31 Trusting the Therapeutic Process 32:38 The Natural Tendency to Help 33:07 Respecting the Client's Journey 34:13 The Sacredness of Therapy 39:25 The Importance of Slowing Down 42:22 Switching to Art and Therapy 43:29 The Healing Power of Art 48:10 Integrating Art into Therapy 52:07 The Fluidity of Life and Therapy 53:04 Final Thoughts and Resources

Check out Berries:

Berries Referral Link: heyberries.com/?via=heart-centered Discount code: Sindee50 for $50 off your first month

Connect with Sibel:

Book: https://www.sibelozer.com/product-page/stories-of-my-art-book

Website: https://www.oneheartmentalhealthcollab.com/

Connect with Sindee:

Visit my website: https://heartcenteredtherapistpodcast.com/

Join the Heart-Centered Therapist Community FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/478651669638167

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartcenteredtherapist/

Shop Mental Health Threads: https://mentalhealththreads.etsy.com

Interested in realigning your own practice to be more heart-centered? Join Sindee on her podcast by signing up for a Therapist Alignment Session. This brief, 15-30-minute conversation is a unique opportunity to re-align with your heart-centered approach, both in your client interactions and in the development of your practice.

Whether you're at the beginning of your career or an experienced therapist, these sessions are designed to help you gain clarity on specific issues you're facing. Sign up for your Therapist Alignment Session here:

https://calendly.com/heartcenteredtherapistpodcast/therapist-alignment-session

Want to be a guest on the podcast?

Email Sindee: [email protected]

For more information on the Couples Therapy Mentorship Group, email me at [email protected]

In this episode of the Heart-Centered Therapist podcast, host Sindee Gozansky chats with Carol Odell, a seasoned psychotherapist and author. Carol shares her journey from a traumatic childhood experience in the equestrian world to writing her memoir 'Girl Groomed,' which was a therapeutic process in itself.

She opens up about the long-lasting impacts of trauma, how it impacted her marriage, and how rediscovering her love for horses played a crucial role in her healing. Carol also discusses the importance of movement, community, and ongoing self-care for both therapists and clients. Their conversation is rich with insights on navigating personal trauma while helping others, making it a must-listen for anyone in the mental health field. Don't miss this heartfelt discussion on reclaiming joy and finding empowerment through vulnerability and connection.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:29 Carol Odell's Background and Passions 01:20 Discussing the Memoir 'Girl Groomed' 05:34 Cultural and Historical Context of Grooming 11:29 Impact of Trauma on Relationships 18:40 Writing Process and Self-Care 20:23 Healing Through Movement and Community 21:42 Book Launch and Post-Traumatic Growth 23:51 Healing Through Community and Couples Work 26:43 The Journey of Writing a Memoir 30:55 The Power of Personal Narratives in Healing 34:21 Reconnecting with Horses and Healing 37:48 Advice for Therapists Navigating Their Own Trauma 39:49 The Importance of Self-Care and Community for Therapists 40:55 Creative Outlets for Healing 42:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Check out Berries:

Berries Referral Link: heyberries.com/?via=heart-centered Discount code: Sindee50 for $50 off your first month

Connect with Carol:

IG: mosaicofthoughts_ FB: cfodellmsw LinkedIn: carolodell

Connect with Sindee:

Visit my website: https://heartcenteredtherapistpodcast.com/

Join the Heart-Centered Therapist Community FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/478651669638167

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartcenteredtherapist/

Shop Mental Health Threads: https://mentalhealththreads.etsy.com

Interested in realigning your own practice to be more heart-centered? Join Sindee on her podcast by signing up for a Therapist Alignment Session. This brief, 15-30-minute conversation is a unique opportunity to re-align with your heart-centered approach, both in your client interactions and in the development of your practice.

Whether you're at the beginning of your career or an experienced therapist, these sessions are designed to help you gain clarity on specific issues you're facing. Sign up for your Therapist Alignment Session here:

https://calendly.com/heartcenteredtherapistpodcast/therapist-alignment-session

Want to be a guest on the podcast?

Email Sindee: [email protected]

For more information on the Couples Therapy Mentorship Group, email me at [email protected]

In this episode of the Heart-Centered Therapist podcast, host Sindee Gozansky chats with Halina Brooke, LPC, a champion for change in the therapy world and founder of the Jewish Therapist Collective. You'll love the energy and inspiration that Halina brings, as she shares her advocacy journey, from changing laws to guiding fellow therapists. We talk about blending personal identity with professional life, the magic of affinity groups, and how to keep balanced and avoid burnout.

Halina highlights the power of community, the role of advocacy, and the importance of staying connected to one's roots. She also dives into what the Jewish Therapist Collective is all about, including initiatives like 'Ask a Jewish Therapist' and various community events. If you're a therapist or advocate looking to make a difference while staying grounded, this inspiring episode is for you!

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:43 Halina Brooke's Advocacy Journey 05:29 Founding the Jewish Therapist Collective 10:46 Community and Connection 20:16 Balancing Advocacy and Personal Life 30:58 Jewish Spirituality and the Sabbath 32:13 Connecting with Nature and Spirituality 32:57 The Importance of Rest and Balance 34:28 Therapists and the Struggle to Relax 37:47 Advocacy and Mental Health Accessibility 48:53 The Role of Identity in Therapy 52:35 Creating Connection and Community 54:59 Resources and Contact Information

Connect with Halina:

https://jewishtherapists.org https://halinabrooke.com https://recoursecounseling.com

IG: @jewishtherapists Email: [email protected]

Check out Berries:

Berries Referral Link: heyberries.com/?via=heart-centered Discount code: Sindee50 for $50 off your first month

Connect with Sindee:

Visit my website: https://heartcenteredtherapistpodcast.com/

Join the Heart-Centered Therapist Community FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/478651669638167

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartcenteredtherapist/

Shop Mental Health Threads: https://mentalhealththreads.etsy.com

Interested in realigning your own practice to be more heart-centered? Join Sindee on her podcast by signing up for a Therapist Alignment Session. This brief, 15-30-minute conversation is a unique opportunity to re-align with your heart-centered approach, both in your client interactions and in the development of your practice.

Whether you're at the beginning of your career or an experienced therapist, these sessions are designed to help you gain clarity on specific issues you're facing. Sign up for your Therapist Alignment Session here:

https://calendly.com/heartcenteredtherapistpodcast/therapist-alignment-session

Want to be a guest on the podcast?

Email Sindee: [email protected]

For more information on the Couples Therapy Mentorship Group, email me at [email protected]