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

Pelvic floor is an emotional topic. Dr. Rachel Daof of The Pelvic Model explores how emotional factors—such as trauma, shame, or stress—can affect pelvic health, alongside physical causes like childbirth. Dr. Daof also emphasizes a holistic approach, integrating physical therapy with nervous system healing. For example, healing isn't usually found in "strengthening" the pelvic floor muscles, as in Kegel exercises, but in elongating and relaxing the muscle. This is because our pelvic floor muscles are often too tense, making them unable to to be strong when they're needed. Finally, Dr. Daof shares exciting news about a new community-focused space in Highland Park, opening on April 14th, designed to offer workshops and programs to normalize pelvic health discussions.

[00:00:04] Dr. Daof introduces Pelvic Model Physical Therapy - "We help with pee, poo, and pleasure."
[00:00:53] Common issues: urinary incontinence, bowel problems, and sexual dysfunction.
[00:02:21] Normalizing pelvic health - "Talk about it like any other body part."
[00:06:42] Treatment process begins with history, consent, and internal exams focused on safety.
[00:12:25] Causes of pelvic issues: childbirth, trauma, stress, and muscle guarding.
[00:16:26] Debunking the Kegel myth - tightness vs. relaxation for pelvic strength.
[00:20:51] Emotional roots: childhood shame and trauma impacting pelvic health.
[00:45:15] New Highland Park space announced - community workshops starting April 14th.

#pelvicfloor #pelvicfloortherapy #kegelexercises #somatictherapy

Here Counseling - Therapy in Pasadena and Los Angeles

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ADHD is commonly misunderstood. Learn about the cutting-edge world of brain mapping and neurofeedback with Dr. Giancarlo Licata, founder of Vital Brain Health. Forget the oversimplified ADHD label—here, we reveal how stress and experience rewire your prefrontal cortex and amygdala, driving behaviors often mistaken for attention deficits. We’ll also examine how collective trauma alters neural networks and why relationships are the unsung heroes of brain plasticity. Backed by peer-reviewed science, this conversation offers actionable reframes and strategies to optimize your brain’s potential—whether you’re a parent, a professional, or simply curious about what’s under the hood. Expect rigorous insights, practical tools, and a fresh perspective on how to harness your neurobiology for focus, resilience, and connection.

[0:00] Brain mapping and neurofeedback: Decoding the brain’s hardware

[2:15] The neurology of ADHD-like focus issues: Prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and beyond

[12:30] Shared trauma’s impact: How collective stress rewires neural networks

[22:45] Relationships and brain wiring: The social synapse and mirror neurons

[35:00] Strategies for change: Reframing focus and leveraging neurofeedback

[45:20] Unlocking your brain’s potential with science and connection

Here Counseling - Therapy in Pasadena and Los Angeles

Try our AI Therapy Matcher

In this episode, we examine the science of attachment styles—fundamental frameworks that dictate how you form and sustain relationships across your life. Rooted in early developmental experiences, these styles (secure, avoidant, anxious, and disorganized) influence your interactions in romantic partnerships, friendships, and professional environments.

We’ll unpack the evolutionary origins of attachment, driven by the prefrontal cortex’s role in fostering social bonds for survival, and delineate the four primary styles with clear, relatable examples. The discussion extends to their measurable impacts on adult behavior—how they shape conflict resolution, emotional regulation, and trust—and offers evidence-based strategies to cultivate a more secure attachment profile.

Expect a detailed exploration of why superficial fixes fall short and how self-awareness, grounded in honest reflection, can rewire relational patterns. This extended session provides actionable insights for understanding and optimizing your interpersonal dynamics.

[0:00] Intro to Attachment Styles - Defining attachment and its role in relationships
[0:42] Episode Breakdown - Overview of topics: origins, types, impacts, and solutions
[2:04] Why Attachment Exists - Evolutionary roots in the brain’s social bonding
[3:59] Learning Attachment - How parents shape your relational templates
[6:27] Safety Meets Exploration - Secure attachment’s balance of connection and independence
[7:37] Secure Attachment - Playground example of safety and exploration
[9:52] Avoidant Attachment - Playground example of suppressing needs
[12:05] Anxious Attachment - Playground example of clinging to inconsistency
[14:17] Disorganized Attachment - Playground example of chaos and fear
[15:59] Attachment in Adulthood - Adult manifestations of the four styles
[21:12] What’s Your Style? - Reflecting on your attachment tendencies
[22:48] What Doesn’t Fix It - Limits of superficial skills and pretense
[24:44] What Actually Works - Self-awareness as the key to security
[28:05] Next Steps - Practical ways to heal through conversation or therapy

When you're looking for a therapist, you're focusing on 3 main things: availability, authenticity, and helpfulness. In this video, Dr. Connor McClenahan, director of Here Counseling, breaks down these essential qualities and explains their role in effective therapy.1. Available: The video emphasizes the importance of a therapist who responds quickly and is accessible when needed. Here Counseling addresses this by offering prompt replies and aiming to schedule appointments within a week.2. Real: A genuine, empathetic connection is highlighted as vital for building trust in therapy. Therapists at Here Counseling are trained to foster this authentic bond, strengthening the therapeutic relationship.3. Helpful: Therapy should drive real progress, and the video notes that Here Counseling’s therapists use evidence-based methods, like psychoanalysis, to support clients in achieving meaningful growth.Dr. McClenahan also outlines how Here Counseling helps clients find the right therapist. Here Counseling features a dedicated care coordinator and personalized therapist profiles, making it easier to match with someone who meets individual needs.These qualities—availability, authenticity, and helpfulness—lay the foundation for a successful therapeutic experience, guiding viewers toward healing and personal development.Watch the video for a deeper look at what makes a great therapist and how Here Counseling puts these principles into practice.- 00:00 - Introduction by Dr. Connor McClanahan- 00:19 - Available: Why it matters in a therapist- 01:03 - Real: The importance of a genuine therapist- 02:06 - Helpful: What makes a therapist helpful- 03:40 - Understanding psychoanalysis and therapy- 04:45 - Meet our therapists: individual landing pages- 05:18 - How our care coordinator can help you- 06:31 - Therapy’s ultimate goal: life-changing growth- 07:13 - Reach out and start your journey#therapy #mentalhealth #counseling #selfcare #wellbeing

Some therapists leave young adults feeling stuck instead of strong. In this episode, Dr. Andrea Bailey tackles the provocative idea of the "vibey therapist"—a feel-good approach that might be doing more harm than good. We explore how this plays out for college students facing societal pressures and a digital world that demands instant results. Dr. Bailey oversees mental health support for a diverse student body of 24,000 at Pasadena Cit College, and has a unique perspective on the current mental health of young adults. Dr. Bailey shares how her team balances validation with challenge, offering a fresh take on counseling in a community college setting.

• 00:00:00 - Overview of Mental Health Services at PCC
• 00:02:37 - Unique Challenges of Community College Students
• 00:05:39 - Therapy’s Role: Validation vs. Pathologizing
• 00:09:50 - Digital Age and Distress Tolerance
• 00:17:47 - Relational Therapy and Community’s Decline
• 00:25:49 - Critiquing “Vibey” Therapy and Growth
• 00:48:18 - Ensuring Quality Therapy

#MentalHealthMatters #CommunityCollegeLife #TherapyTalk #MentalHealthAwareness #YoungAdultStruggles #TraumaAndHealing #DigitalAgeChallenges #BadTherapy #StudentWellness #ResilienceBuilding