Heart-Centered Therapist Podcast: Elevating Practice in Mental Health, Relationships, Self-Care and Personal Growth

In this episode, we chat with Dawn Dominguez, LMFT, a dedicated therapist and founder of Windows of Hope Counseling Center, about the importance of saying no for self-care. Dawn shares her transformative experience at a Gabor Maté conference where she realized the impact of not setting boundaries. 

She offers practical tips like daily journaling prompts: 'Where in my life am I not saying no?', 'What is the impact?', 'What do I believe about myself that keeps me from saying no?', and 'Who would I be if I did say no?'. Dawn also discusses the connection between emotional and physical health, and offers insights into compassionate inquiry and attachment theory. Plus, she highlights the affordable mental health services and training available at her center. This heartfelt convo is packed with valuable advice for both therapists and anyone looking to better their self-care routines.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:07 The Power of Saying No: Dawn's Personal Journey 01:52 The Turning Point: Gabor Mate's Influence 03:38 Challenges and Realizations in Setting Boundaries 07:48 The Impact of Saying No on Health and Well-being 09:25 Daily Practices for Setting Boundaries 11:42 Attachment, Authenticity, and Boundaries 21:50 The Role of Choice in Healing and Therapy 25:30 Practical Steps and Compassionate Connection 26:57 Exploring Personal Beliefs and Therapy 27:31 The Role of Journaling 28:09 Joining the Compassionate Inquiry Group 28:56 Understanding Compassionate Inquiry 30:20 Applying Compassionate Inquiry in Couples Therapy 31:57 The Importance of Saying No 39:07 Shamanic Principles and Self-Care 43:52 Windows of Hope Counseling Center 48:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

 

Connect with Dawn:

www.windowsofhopecounseling.org https://www.instagram.com/windowsofhopecounselingcenter/  

Check out Berries:

www.berries.icu/heart-centered

Use Discount Code: Sindee50 for $50 off your first month

Connect with Sindee:

Join the Heart-Centered Therapist Community FB group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/478651669638167

Instagram:

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

Want to be a guest on the podcast?

Email Sindee: [email protected]

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

Podcast Interview Request:  https://calendly.com/heartcenteredtherapistpodcast/podcast-interview

 

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

In this solo episode of the Heart-Centered Therapist Podcast, host Sindee Gozansky focuses on the transformative power of self-belief. She delves into the common struggle of overcoming limiting beliefs and self-sabotage, which can hinder personal and professional growth. Addressing therapists who often prioritize their clients' well-being over their own, Sindee shares her personal journey of finding a new therapist at 59 and the importance of ongoing self-work. 

She emphasizes the significance of fresh starts, identifying non-negotiables, and maintaining family connections. Sindee also introduces strategies for overcoming limiting beliefs, such as physical movement and having a supportive person in your life. Finally, she touches on the potential spiritual component in enhancing self-belief and encourages listeners to take small steps toward achieving their dreams.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:16 The Struggle of Self-Belief 01:28 Embracing New Beginnings 02:53 Personal Journey and Limiting Beliefs 05:48 The Importance of Non-Negotiables 08:22 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs 12:02 The Role of Physical Movement 13:29 The Power of Encouragement 15:32 Spirituality and Self-Belief 16:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

 

Check out Berries:

www.berries.icu/heart-centered

Use Discount Code: Sindee50 for $50 off your first month

 

Connect with Sindee:

Join the Heart-Centered Therapist Community FB group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/478651669638167

Instagram:

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

Want to be a guest on the podcast?

Email Sindee: [email protected]

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

Podcast Interview Request:  https://calendly.com/heartcenteredtherapistpodcast/podcast-interview

 

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

In this episode of the Heart-Centered Therapist podcast, Dr. Ray Doktor discusses the nuances of his couples coaching work. Dr. Ray emphasizes the importance of authenticity and transparency in relationships, offering practical advice and exercises for therapists to help their clients connect on a deeper level.

He shares insights from his book, 'All It Takes Is One,' and discusses the challenges of parenting, the significance of understanding core beliefs, and the transformative power of genuine communication. The conversation covers various techniques to help couples navigate their relational dynamics and foster a more profound connection.

00:00 Welcome to the Heart-Centered Therapist Podcast 00:54 The Importance of Authenticity in Relationships 03:48 Navigating Couples' Emotional Disconnect 06:08 Exercises to Reconnect Couples 10:08 Understanding Trauma and Attachment Issues 14:45 The Influence of Upbringing on Relationships 19:07 Personal Stories and Relationship Dynamics 22:05 Dealing with Death and Unpredictability 23:10 The Challenges of Parenting 23:26 Energy and Connection in Relationships 24:37 Masculine Roles in Childcare 25:31 Reigniting Intimacy in Relationships 27:04 Therapeutic Exercises for Couples 30:36 Understanding Hidden Beliefs 33:16 Jealousy and Core Beliefs 35:37 Resources and Final Thoughts

Connect with Dr. Ray:

Book: https://www.allittakesisonebook.com/ 

https://raydoktor.com https://www.instagram.com/drraydoktorcoaching https://www.facebook.com/raydoktor https://www.youtube.com/raydoktor https://www.tiktok.com/@raydoktor

 

Connect with Sindee:

Join the Heart-Centered Therapist Community FB group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/478651669638167

Instagram:

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

Want to be a guest on the podcast?

Email Sindee: [email protected]

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/heartcenteredtherapist/therapist-alignment-session

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 welcomes Anne Russo, founder of AMR Therapy. Russo, a licensed psychotherapist with a master's degree in theology focusing on liberation theology, specializes in queerness, sex, relationship diversity, and the intersections of religion and mental health. 

She shares her experience growing up in a diverse family dynamic during the conservative 1980s, dealing with religious trauma, and integrating her queer identity with her Christian faith. The discussion also covers the importance of therapists finding their passion, offering specialized care, and ongoing education. Russo also talks about her upcoming CE courses focusing on sex-positive therapy and religious trauma.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 01:18 Growing Up in a Non-Traditional Family 02:21 Challenges of Living a Secretive Life 04:16 Discovering Personal Identity 07:16 Journey into Theology and Therapy 10:55 Finding Your Passion in Therapy 16:28 Building a Diverse Therapy Practice 19:10 Serving Marginalized Communities 23:12 Exploring Diverse Communities 25:37 Integrating Theology in Therapy 27:15 Navigating Religious Trauma 30:18 Balancing Faith and Identity 33:16 Therapist's Personal Challenges 37:55 Becoming a CE Provider 42:04 Final Thoughts and Advice

 

Connect with Ann:

Website: annrusso.org

Subscription to Newsletter: 

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Empowering Pathways CEUs & Training Courses: 

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Her Story Book Subscribe Form: 

https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/981712/forms/127120723091129785 https://www.amrtherapy.com/ https://www.facebook.com/amrtherapy https://www.linkedin.com/in/annrussolcsw/ https://www.instagram.com/amr_therapy/  

Connect with Sindee:

Join the Heart-Centered Therapist Community FB group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/478651669638167

Instagram:

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

Want to be a guest on the podcast?

Email Sindee: [email protected]

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/heartcenteredtherapist/therapist-alignment-session

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

In this solo episode of the Heart-Centered Therapist Podcast, host Sindee delves into the concept of 'supervision of supervision,' a crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect in the field of therapy. She explains that many therapists receive training and certification to supervise emerging therapists but rarely seek supervision for their own supervisory practices. 

Sindee shares insights from her own experience and emphasizes the importance of having a trusted group of colleagues for supervision of supervision. She discusses the benefits such as personal growth, improved outcomes for supervisees and clients, enhanced cultural competencies, and emotional support. She also highlights common challenges in supervision, such as supervisees not being open to feedback, or thinking they know it all, and how supervision of supervision can help address these issues. She encourages therapists to overcome barriers like time and money to form their own groups, and offers practical tips on how to start one.

00:00 Introduction to the Heart-Centered Therapist Podcast 00:29 The Importance of Supervision of Supervision 01:50 Personal Experiences with Supervision of Supervision 02:43 Benefits of Supervision of Supervision 07:10 Challenges in Supervision and How to Address Them 08:29 Common Supervision Challenges and Solutions 14:50 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

 

Connect with Sindee:

Join the Heart-Centered Therapist Community FB group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/478651669638167

Instagram:

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

Want to be a guest on the podcast?

Email Sindee: [email protected]

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/heartcenteredtherapist/therapist-alignment-session

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 interviews Dr. Adel Korkor, a physician, health activist, and entrepreneur. Dr. Korkor shares his transformative journey from experiencing a major panic attack to discovering the mental health benefits of running. He discusses his motto 'motion impacts emotion' and introduces his initiatives through the A.B. Korkor Foundation for Mental Health, including the 5-50-50 Run Walk series. 

We discuss the upcoming Motion Impacts Emotion conference, focusing on the latest advancements in clinical research related to physical activity, exercise, cognitive function, and mental well-being. Dr. Korkor's inspiring story underscores the importance of integrating physical activity into mental health treatment and raising awareness to improve mental health care for underserved groups.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 02:29 Adel Korkor's Personal Journey with Anxiety 06:24 Discovering the Therapeutic Benefits of Running 10:14 Founding the A.B. Korkor Foundation for Mental Health 10:46 The 55050 Run Walk Series 13:38 The Science Behind Physical Activity and Mental Health 21:37 Promoting Physical Activity in Children 26:29 Upcoming Motion Impacts Emotion Conference 29:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Sign up for the Motion Impacts Emotions Conference September 2024: https://conference.abkf.org

Connect with Dr. Adel Korkor: https://adelbkorkorfoundation.org TEDxOcala Speaker  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPz0l8-pZP4 

Instagram: @ABKMentalHealth  FB: https://www.facebook.com/ABKMentalHealth  Motion Impacts Emotion: My Journey With How Running Saved My Life | Adel B. Korkor, M.D. TEDxOcala TEDx Talks

Connect with Sindee:

Join the Heart-Centered Therapist Community FB group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/478651669638167

Instagram:

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

Want to be a guest on the podcast?

Email Sindee: [email protected]

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/heartcenteredtherapist/therapist-alignment-session

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

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jim LaPierre, LCSW, CCS, the owner and director of Higher Ground Services in Brewer, Maine. As a recovery ally, LGBTQ+ ally, therapist, addictions counselor, and the creator of thebesttherapy.org, Jim brings unparalleled expertise and compassion to his work. He's also the cofounder of Sobernow.com, offering free online addiction recovery programs.

In this episode, Jim dives deep into overcoming imposter syndrome, revealing it's more about identity and unhealed wounds than the job itself. He vulnerably shares his personal experiences as a wounded healer, using his struggles to open doors for others. Key themes include self-care, burnout, anxiety, and the power of self-acceptance.

Jim teaches us that our effectiveness as healers and helpers is intimately connected to our own well-being. His wisdom empowers us to transform our own journeys while continuing to be beacons of hope and healing for those we serve. Don't miss this enriching discussion!

Connect with Jim:

http://thebesttherapy.org https://www.facebook.com/jim.lapierre

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome for Healers and Helpers:  https://a.co/d/29glMmS 

The Best Therapy: A Guide for Wounded Healers:  https://a.co/d/eQ9dwRU 

 

Connect with Sindee:

For more information on the Couples Therapy Mentorship Group, DM me @heartcenteredtherapist on IG

Join the Heart-Centered Therapist Community FB group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/478651669638167

Instagram:

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

Email Sindee: [email protected]

Shop Mental Health Threads:

https://mentalhealththreads.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/heartcenteredtherapist/therapist-alignment-session

In this episode of the Heart Centered Therapist Podcast, host Sindee Gozansky welcomes Dr. Jacob Kendall, MSW, MPH, PhD., who shares his unique four-dimensional approach to healthcare. Dr. Kendall, a survivor of two open heart surgeries, brings a profound perspective on integrating gerontology, public health, social work, biology, and theology to improve patient care and advocacy. 

Additionally, Jacob underscores the importance of macro social work, the ethical dilemmas in faith-based healthcare, and the need for social workers in diverse corporate and policymaking roles. Don’t miss our important discussion about The Versatile Social Worker and pivoting careers as a social worker. The episode is rich with insights on improving healthcare systems and social work practices.

00:00 Introduction to the Heart Centered Therapist Podcast 00:08 Meet Dr. Jacob Kendall: A Multifaceted Professional 01:17 Birding Adventures and Personal Stories 02:39 Defining Heart-Centered Living 03:20 Navigating Life with Heart Surgeries 08:44 Challenges in the Healthcare System 13:05 The Importance of a Macro Perspective 17:35 Advocating for Better Healthcare 19:46 The Role of Corporations in Healthcare 25:18 Exploring the Four-Dimensional Approach to Healthcare 25:35 Geography and Healthcare Access 26:13 Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Healthcare 27:00 Zooming In and Out: Individual vs. Macro Perspectives 27:30 The Role of Time in Healthcare Analysis 27:48 Lifespan and Aging in Healthcare 30:50 Macro Social Work: Challenges and Opportunities 32:20 The Versatile Social Worker: Career Coaching 39:10 Ethical Issues at the Intersection of Faith and Social Work 40:29 The Importance of Spirituality in Healthcare 42:54 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Connect with Dr. Jacob Kendall: https://theversatilesocialworker.com/ https://linkedin.com/in/jacobevanskendall https://jacobevanskendall.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jacobevanskendall/

 

Connect with Sindee:

For more information on the Couples Therapy Mentorship Group, DM me @heartcenteredtherapist on IG

Join the Heart-Centered Therapist Community FB group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/478651669638167

Instagram:

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

Email Sindee: [email protected]

Shop Mental Health Threads:

https://mentalhealththreads.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/heartcenteredtherapist/therapist-alignment-session

In this solo episode of the Heart-Centered Therapist Podcast, host Sindee Gozansky discusses two common traps therapists can fall into: the urge to fix clients' problems (the 'righting reflex') and advice-giving without permission.

Sindee explains how these tendencies, despite being well-intentioned, can hinder clients' autonomy, cause judgment and shame, create a power imbalance, and impact the therapeutic relationship. She offers practical strategies to resist these impulses, emphasizing empathy, validation, and seeking permission to create a more supportive and empowering environment for clients.

00:00 Introduction to the Episode 00:53 Understanding the Righting Reflex 03:26 Strategies to Resist the Righting Reflex 09:29 The Trap of Unsolicited Advice 15:12 Strategies to Avoid Unsolicited Advice 19:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Sindee:

For more information on the Couples Therapy Mentorship Group, DM me @heartcenteredtherapist on IG

Join the Heart-Centered Therapist Community FB group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/478651669638167

Instagram:

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

Email Sindee: [email protected]

Shop Mental Health Threads:

https://mentalhealththreads.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/heartcenteredtherapist/therapist-alignment-session

In this episode of the Heart-Centered Therapist Podcast, host Sindee Gozansky explores ten myths about being a therapist. She discusses the realities behind misconceptions such as therapists needing to agree with their clients, the assumption that clients are fragile, and the belief that therapists have all the answers or can fix any problem. Sindee emphasizes the importance of acknowledging clients' strengths, the significant changes happening outside therapy sessions, and the need for therapists to seek support. 

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:56 Myth 1: You Have to Agree with Your Clients 02:42 Myth 2: Clients Are Fragile 04:04 Myth 3: Clients Change in Session 05:41 Myth 4: You Need the Same Problems as Your Clients 07:20 Myth 5: You Need to Have Your Life in Order 08:39 Myth 6: Therapists Have All the Answers 09:56 Myth 7: Therapists Can Fix Any Problem 12:16 Myth 8: Clients Should Feel Better After Each Session 14:01 Myth 9: Therapists' Advice is Always Perfect 15:22 Myth 10: Therapists Don't Need Support 17:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Sindee:

For more information on the Couples Therapy Mentorship Group, DM me @heartcenteredtherapist on IG

Join the Heart-Centered Therapist Community FB group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/478651669638167

Instagram:

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

Email Sindee: [email protected]

Shop Mental Health Threads:

https://mentalhealththreads.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/heartcenteredtherapist/therapist-alignment-session