Here in Session with Dr. Connor McClenahan

Avoiding painful emotions from childhood—like anger, helplessness, or shame—often recreates them in our closest relationships. Through real examples and concepts like introjection and projection (drawing from experts such as Nancy McWilliams and Otto Kernberg), discover how these defense mechanisms keep toxic cycles alive and learn a hopeful path to freedom by owning and integrating those feelings. Ideal for anyone tired of repeating relational patterns and ready for deeper emotional healing.

#Psychology #MentalHealth #Relationships #EmotionalHealing

Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction: The Cost of Avoiding Pain

00:02:24 Why Avoidance Recreates Pain

00:04:03 Introjection: Internalizing the Critic

00:07:32 Projection: Attributing to Others

00:12:19 The Hopeful Path: Owning Your Pain for Freedom

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Dr. Rose So explores the complexities of the Asian American experience in therapy, highlighting cultural nuances, emotional expression, and the expectations of both clients and their families. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding these cultural contexts to bridge gaps in therapy and promote mental well-being.

Takeaways

• Asian American clients often feel confused about how to use therapy.
• Cultural expectations can create challenges in the therapeutic process.
• Emotional expression is often discouraged in Asian cultures.
• Therapy requires clients to vocalize feelings, which can be difficult.
• Parents may expect therapists to provide direct solutions.
• Therapy is not just about improving grades or performance.
• Understanding cultural backgrounds is crucial for effective therapy.
• The therapist's role is to facilitate self-discovery, not to dictate actions.
• Historical context influences current mental health perspectives.
• Building rapport may take longer with clients from different cultural backgrounds.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding the Asian American Experience in Therapy

03:06 Cultural Nuances and Expectations in Therapy

05:54 The Role of Emotions in Asian American Culture

09:02 Parental Expectations and Therapy Outcomes

11:56 Bridging Cultural Gaps in Therapy

14:49 The Importance of Mental Well-Being

17:51 Historical Context and Its Impact on Therapy

20:42 Navigating Cultural Differences in Therapy

23:46 The Therapist's Role in Client Relationships

26:47 Conclusion and Reflections on Therapy

Trauma is the way our brains hold on to past negative environments. Trauma therapist McKenzie Laird dives into the brain science of trauma, revealing what it is, how it reshapes your mind, and the five key ways it alters your brain. This video also guides you through the healing process, showing why patience matters and how to spot progress along the way.

McKenzie offers practical steps to start healing. Join us as we explore:

• What trauma really is (hint: it’s not just “big events”)
• How your brain adapts to survive tough times
• The five key ways trauma reshapes your mind
• Why healing takes time—and how to spot progress

If you’re ready to break free from the past and reclaim your life, this video is your first step. Watch now to gain insights and begin your journey toward peace.

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction: What is Trauma?
• 00:30 - Trauma as Adaptation
• 02:00 - Signs You Might Have Trauma
• 05:00 - Five Ways Trauma Rewires the Brain
• 10:00 - The Healing Process
• 15:00 - Overcoming the 'It Wasn’t That Bad' Mindset
• 20:00 - Building Internal Resources for Healing
• 25:00 - The Role of Patience and Therapy
• 30:00 - Conclusion: Your Path to Healing

More about McKenzie Laird, AMFT

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Dan Humphrey, a board-certified neurologic physical therapist at Casa Colina, shares insights on treating stroke, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury. Explore neuroplasticity, functional neurologic disorders, and the mind-body connection in rehabilitation. Learn how personalized goals, virtual reality research, and jiu-jitsu-inspired problem-solving empower patients to regain independence.

“We’re really relying on the neuroplasticity of the brain, the ability of the brain to change. And so that would involve teaching them new patterns, teaching them new strategies, and helping their brain work around whatever that injury is.”

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Dan Humphrey’s Role in Neurologic Physical Therapy
• 02:20 Neuroplasticity and Stroke Rehabilitation
• 05:17 Restoring Function vs. Compensatory Strategies
• 07:55 Meaningful Goals for Recovery
• 13:57 Mind-Body Separation in Healthcare
• 20:55 Functional Neurologic Disorder Explained
• 27:36 Emotional Healing via Physical Therapy
• 39:00 Therapeutic Alliance and Holistic Care
• 44:06 Building Patient Self-Efficacy
• 53:32 Treating Functional Dizziness Challenges
• 01:04:45 Virtual Reality Research on Brain Injury
• 01:11:00 Jiu-Jitsu’s Influence on Therapy
• 01:16:41 Future of Holistic Care

Here Counseling

Trauma, Somatic, and Couples Therapy in Pasadena and Los Angeles

Who is EMDR good for? What does an EMDR therapy session look like? Whether you're seeking relief from past trauma, curious about innovative mental health solutions, or eager to understand how this evidence-based method works, this video delivers all the answers you need. Join a trained EMDR therapist as he breaks down the essentials with expert insights, including:

• Who EMDR is designed for: Discover how it benefits individuals grappling with trauma, PTSD, and persistent negative beliefs like "I’m not enough," offering a lifeline to those in need of healing.
• How EMDR tackles PTSD: Learn how it neutralizes overwhelming panic responses and reshapes your relationship with traumatic memories, providing lasting relief through a proven process.
• The science behind EMDR: Dive into over 33 years of research validating its effectiveness in reducing stress and promoting emotional resilience.
• What an EMDR session entails: Get an inside look at the structured eight-phase approach, including the role of bilateral stimulation (like eye movements) in processing distressing memories.
• Who should approach EMDR with caution: Understand if it’s right for you, especially if you’re managing conditions like schizophrenia, recent acute trauma, or other specific health factors.
• EMDR vs. brain spotting and hypnosis: Clarify how EMDR’s targeted, structured framework sets it apart from other therapies, making it a unique tool for trauma recovery.

This video is your essential guide to gaining clarity, confidence, and a deeper understanding of EMDR therapy’s life-changing possibilities.

0:00 - Introduction to EMDR FAQs
0:15 - Who is EMDR Good For?
2:07 - Can EMDR Help with PTSD?
3:27 - Is EMDR Evidence-Based?
4:50 - How EMDR Helps with PTSD Symptoms
6:46 - Who Should Avoid EMDR?
9:36 - Which Issue Do You Focus on First?
11:46 - Processing the Worst Memory
13:56 - What Does an EMDR Session Look Like?
17:28 - What Bilateral Stimulation Feels Like
21:05 - Is EMDR Like Brain Spotting or Hypnosis?
24:56 - The Structured Power of EMDR
25:46 - Closing Thoughts

View EMDR Therapists in Pasadena

Here Counseling

Trauma, Couples, and Somatic Therapy

Discover how Lindsay Mitchell, founder of Vital-Side, turned her struggle with chronic Lyme disease into a powerful journey of healing by unlocking the brain’s remarkable ability to restore physical health. Frustrated by the limits of Western medicine, she reveals why emotional healing is the missing piece in chronic illness recovery. Learn how embracing personal responsibility and the mind-body connection can empower you to take charge of your wellness. This episode dives into the surprising ways stress impacts gut health and why community support is a game-changer for healing. If you’re battling chronic pain or seeking holistic health solutions, Lindsay’s insights on brain retraining and nervous system regulation offer hope and practical steps forward.

Dr. Connor McClenahan is the director of Here Counseling, a group private practice in Los Angeles and Pasadena. Connor has a background in psychoanalytic theory and interpersonal neurobiology.

• Trauma is experienced both psychologically and physically.
• The body can internalize trauma, leading to chronic illness.
• Western medicine often treats symptoms rather than root causes.
• Emotional regulation is crucial for physical healing.
• Personal responsibility empowers individuals in their healing journey.
• Fear can exacerbate physical symptoms and inflammation.
• Limbic brain retraining helps calm hyperreactive responses.
• Creating safety and nurturing is essential for healing.
• Community support plays a vital role in recovery.

Chapters

• 00:00 What is the Mind-Body Connection in Trauma?
• 10:47 How Did Lindsay Overcome Chronic Illness?
• 22:04 Can Shifting Your Mindset Lead to Healing?
• 29:50 What Role Does Cortisol Play in Stress and Health?
• 32:11 Why Does Stress Cause Food Sensitivities?
• 36:14 How Can Personal Responsibility Transform Your Health?
• 42:13 What Do Pain Signals Really Mean?
• 46:19 What is Limbic Brain Retraining and How Does it Work?
• 51:29 What Hope is There for Those Suffering from Chronic Pain?

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See Our therapists for Trauma, Somatic Issues, and Couples

Trauma can feel like a heavy shadow, but why does it linger for some and lift for others? In this episode, Dr. Connor McClenahan, a licensed clinical psychologist, explains how trauma isn’t just an event—it’s a “template” that shapes how we see the world. As he shares, “Trauma is this idea that there are scary things that happen to us, and that these scary things form a template in your mind… to try to anticipate something similar happening again.” Yet, there’s hope: “The good news is that your mind is made to heal.” This conversation offers a compassionate look at why trauma affects us differently and how we can find our way back to wholeness.

From flashbacks to hypervigilance, trauma’s symptoms can feel overwhelming, but their intensity varies widely. Dr. McClenahan introduces allostatic load—the balance between stress and support—to explain why. A kind friend, a trusted therapist, or inner strength can make all the difference. He also explores the brain’s role, noting, “There’s a natural process that your mind is looking to enter into, to help it repair and heal that memory so that you can move forward.” By sharing our pain in a safe space, we transform chaos into clarity, a process he describes with care: “When we can understand that emotion not as something we need to suppress, but it’s something we need to express… so that we can heal.”

Healing is about weaving our experiences into a story of resilience, and Dr. McClenahan’s insights light the way. He asks, “The main difference that exists between people who recover from trauma and people who don’t”—and answers with the power of connection and courage. As the owner of Here Counseling, a group private practice in Pasadena and Los Angeles, Dr. McClenahan leads a team offering in-person and virtual therapy for trauma. With empathy and expertise, they create a safe space for healing. If this episode resonates, let it be a gentle nudge to explore your own path forward, knowing you’re not alone.

Here Counseling, Trauma Therapy in Pasadena

Timestamp Chapters
00:00 Introduction: Why Does Trauma Affect Some People Differently?
00:19 What is Trauma?
01:20 Symptoms of Trauma
05:13 Allostatic Load and Support Systems
10:10 The Neurology of Trauma
14:29 Healing Through Expression and Support
15:22 Conclusion and Therapy Information

Somatic therapy helps individuals face challenging emotions like anger and anxiety, and addresses common fears and misconceptions. Learn about the somatic framework for observing and moving through emotions, trusting the body’s wisdom, and building emotional resilience. Perfect for anyone curious about how somatic therapy can transform their relationship with their emotions.0:00 Introduction to Somatic Therapy0:23 The Dance of Emotions1:26 Arianne’s Journey from Dance to Therapy2:42 Evolution of Somatic Understanding3:56 Addressing Client Fears4:51 The Urge to Control Emotions5:51 Neutral Observation of Feelings6:54 The Fantasy of Control7:48 Accepting and Moving Through Emotions9:13 Signals from the Body10:06 Resourcing the Body’s Resilience11:10 Transcending Pain12:22 Growing the Emotional Container13:10 Common Somatic Complaints14:58 Identifying Numbness and Disconnection16:08 Emotional Health vs. Flatlining18:00 Avoidant Attachment and Suppression20:16 Societal Pressures on Emotions22:08 Therapy as a Safe Space for Rewilding23:17 Creative Approaches in Therapy25:27 Reassuring Clients in the Process27:33 The Value of Anger29:00 Interactive Journal for Emotional Connection31:19 The Cost of Suppression33:00 Honoring Anger’s Purpose34:39 Building Emotional Awareness36:07 Anger as a Desire for Connection37:48 Navigating Shame and Numbness40:23 Inviting Others into Emotional Worlds42:28 Life’s Inevitable Pain44:25 Selling Somatic Therapy Honestly45:27 Physical Acknowledgment of Pain48:36 The Power of Observation50:01 Immediate Shifts in Therapy

In this conversation, Uriah Guilford discusses his journey as a therapist and group practice owner, emphasizing the importance of delegation and automation in therapy practices. The discussion shifts to the role of AI in therapy, exploring its potential benefits and challenges. Uriah shares insights from a recent study on AI chatbots in therapy, highlighting their efficacy in symptom reduction. The conversation delves into the balance between AI and human therapists, the accessibility of mental health care through technology, and the implications of AI on human experience and relationships. Ultimately, the dialogue emphasizes the need for human connection in therapy while acknowledging the potential of AI to enhance therapeutic practices.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Uriah Guilford and Intune Family Counseling

03:03 The Journey of Delegation and Automation in Therapy

06:01 The Role of Virtual Assistants in Therapy Practices

09:06 Exploring AI in Therapy: The Future of Mental Health

11:49 The Efficacy of AI Chatbots in Therapy

14:59 Personal Experiences with AI in Therapy

17:57 The Human Connection in Therapy vs. AI

21:08 The Future of AI and Human Therapists Collaboration

26:06 The Role of AI in Therapy

30:05 Human Connection vs. AI Support

36:08 Accessibility and the Future of Mental Health

39:55 The Impact of Technology on Human Experience

49:05 The Essence of Being Human in a Tech-Driven World

Summary

This conversation explores EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, its origins, and its effectiveness in treating trauma and other mental health issues. Dana Carretta-Stein explains the process of EMDR, including the importance of bilateral stimulation and the therapeutic relationship. The discussion also addresses common client experiences, resistance to therapy, and the necessity of feeling discomfort for healing. In this conversation, Dana Carretta-Stein and Connor McClenahan explore the profound impact of connection and vulnerability in healing, particularly through EMDR therapy. They discuss the rise of EMDR in popular culture, the historical context of healing practices, and the significance of addressing generational trauma. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of understanding trauma through family history and the healing potential that can arise from acknowledging and expressing emotions. Dana shares insights from her practice, Peaceful Living, highlighting the mission to support individuals in their healing journeys.

Takeaways

• EMDR is an evidence-based therapy effective for PTSD and other issues.

• The therapy process involves building trust and safety with clients.
• Bilateral stimulation is a key component of EMDR, aiding in processing trauma.
• Clients often experience discomfort during EMDR, which is part of the healing process.
• Therapists must prepare clients for the emotional challenges of therapy.
• The therapeutic relationship is crucial for effective healing.
• EMDR can help clients make sense of distressing experiences.
• Resistance to therapy is common and can stem from fear of discomfort.
• Creating a toolbox of coping strategies is essential for clients.
• Growth often requires stepping outside of one's comfort zone. Vulnerability is essential for healing and connection.
• Trauma often stems from disconnection in relationships.
• EMDR's popularity is linked to its effectiveness and celebrity endorsements.
• Cultural narratives shape our understanding of healing.
• Vulnerability can be a source of strength in therapy.
• Generational trauma can manifest in unexplained symptoms.
• Emotional expression is crucial for healing.
• Therapy can help individuals feel less alone.
• Connection is a fundamental human need.
• Healing can change the trajectory of future generations.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to EMDR Therapy

02:08 The Origins of EMDR

05:20 Understanding the EMDR Process

08:03 The Role of Bilateral Stimulation

11:13 Client Experiences and Reactions

18:05 Overcoming Resistance to Therapy

21:17 The Importance of Therapeutic Relationships

24:09 The Power of Connection in Healing

25:17 The Rise of EMDR in Popular Culture

27:53 Cultural and Historical Context of Healing

29:32 The Role of Vulnerability in Therapy

31:25 Generational Trauma and Its Impact

34:17 Understanding Trauma Through Family History

39:08 Healing Across Generations

41:05 The Mission of Peaceful Living Therapy