In this conversation, we speak with Dr. Meg Williams and delve into the integration of spirituality in therapy, discussing the importance of de-stigmatizing spiritual practices and beliefs within the mental health field. Dr. Meg shares her experiences as a therapist and educator, emphasizing the need for therapists to assess and incorporate clients' spiritual beliefs into their practice. They explore the Venn diagram of religion, faith, and spirituality, and discuss the significance of self-care and boundaries for therapists. Dr. Meg also reflects on her journey to obtaining a PhD in marriage and family therapy, highlighting the motivations behind her pursuit of higher education.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Woo-Woo: Spirituality in Therapy

04:39 De-Stigmatizing Spirituality in Mental Health

07:45 Integrating Spirituality in Supervision and Education

10:30 Navigating Beliefs in Therapy

13:43 The Venn Diagram of Religion, Faith, and Spirituality

16:33 Practical Steps for Therapists to Integrate Spirituality

24:29 Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Therapy

27:54 The Importance of Self-Care for Therapists

32:54 Recognizing and Addressing Burnout

39:59 Pursuing a PhD: Personal and Professional Motivations

In this conversation, we speak with Reverend Danae Ashley, a licensed marriage and family therapist and Episcopal priest, about her journey in writing a book that intertwines her personal healing experiences with the teachings of Hildegard of Bingen and Adlerian psychology. They explore the importance of community in mental health, the historical context of mental illness, and the modern-day implications of spiritual practices like exorcism. Danae shares her personal journey, the challenges she faced in her ministry, and how her experiences shape her therapeutic practice today, emphasizing the significance of authenticity and presence in healing.

https://www.soulspaseattle.com/

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of Healing and Writing

04:13 Exploring Hildegard of Bingen's Influence

07:21 The Role of Community in Healing

10:25 Understanding Exorcism and Mental Health

13:21 Modern Parallels to Historical Healing Practices

16:08 Personal Reflections on Faith and Healing

25:03 Journey to Faith and Ministry

36:27 Therapeutic Practice and Personal Philosophy

44:10 Navigating Therapy and Spiritual Guidance

In this conversation, Dr. Holly Richmond, a licensed marriage and family therapist and certified sex therapist, shares her journey into sex therapy, discussing her background in journalism and her experiences with sexual trauma survivors. She elaborates on her therapeutic practices, focusing on couples therapy, sexual health, and the importance of communication in relationships. The discussion also delves into the complexities of sexual addiction, compulsivity, and the nuances of dating in today's world. Dr. Holly highlights her transition from therapy to coaching, the integration of alternative therapies like plant medicine, and the significance of self-care for therapists. She concludes with insights on building a coaching collective and the importance of continuing education in the field.

www.drhollyrichmond.com

[email protected]

In this episode of How I Therapist, we speak with Dr. Elaina Vasserman-Stokes, a licensed professional counselor specializing in both child and adult therapy. We discuss the unique challenges and rewards of working with children, the importance of play in therapy, and the dynamics of client relationships. Alaina shares insights on balancing her practice, the frameworks she uses, and her aspirations for the future, including her role as a professor and mentor in the field.

In this episode of How I Therapist, we speak with Patch McCormick, a licensed clinical social worker, about the intricacies of therapy, particularly focusing on the concept of 'Nice Guy Syndrome.' They explore the scheduling of therapy sessions, the transition to private practice, and the challenges faced by therapists. Patch shares insights on how societal expectations shape male behavior, particularly in relationships, and discusses therapeutic approaches to help clients navigate their emotions and assert their needs. The conversation emphasizes the importance of group work and the systemic view of social work in understanding individual behaviors within a larger context.

https://www.talktopatch.com/

IG: @talktopatch

In this conversation, we speak with Dr. Jen Brownstein, a clinical psychologist specializing in group therapy. They discuss the structure and dynamics of therapy groups, focusing on self-care and acceptance commitment therapy. Jen shares her approach to group screening, the importance of creating a safe and cohesive environment, and how she navigates conflicts within groups. The conversation also touches on the origins of her group programs, the significance of attendance and commitment, and the integration of individual therapy with group work.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Group Therapy Dynamics

04:58 Exploring Self-Care and Acceptance Commitment Therapy Groups

13:05 The Evolution of Group Therapy and Its Frameworks

19:30 Navigating Conflict and Ground Rules in Group Settings

31:07 The Importance of Commitment and Attendance in Groups

In this episode of How I Therapist, we speak with Laura Frasier, a clinical psychologist specializing in private practice and supervision. Laura shares her journey into therapy, the importance of clinical supervision, and the challenges therapists face in private practice. They discuss the balance between clinical and business supervision, the impact of GLP-1 medications on body image, and the complexities of perinatal mental health. Laura also highlights her excitement for couples therapy and the importance of building referral networks. The conversation provides valuable insights for aspiring therapists and those navigating the mental health field.

https://www.laurafrasierpsyd.com/

Chapters

00:00 Journey into Supervision

04:08 Balancing Clinical and Business Supervision

06:55 Navigating Licensing Challenges

10:14 Building a Private Practice

13:11 Understanding GLP-1 and Body Image

16:17 Exploring Eating Disorders and Therapy

19:14 Couples Therapy Insights

22:06 Perinatal Mental Health Challenges

25:07 Training and Professional Growth

28:01 Navigating Loss in Therapy

31:20 Future Aspirations in Therapy

In this episode of How I Therapist, we speak with Kathryn Stewart, a licensed mental health counselor specializing in emotional focus therapy and experiential therapy. Katherine shares her unique approach to therapy, emphasizing the importance of being present and attuned to clients' emotions. She discusses her background in theater and how it informs her therapeutic style, as well as her journey towards certification in emotionally focused therapy. The conversation explores themes of professionalism, comfort in therapy, and the significance of emotional connection in the therapeutic process.

[email protected]

Chapters

00:00 How Do You Therapist?

03:34 Depth Therapy

06:38 Experiential Therapy

09:33 The Power of Emotion in Therapy

12:29 Taking Shoes Off

15:39 Comfort in the Therapy Room

18:31 Movement in Therapy

21:37 The Influence of Background on Therapeutic Style

24:39 Integrating Creativity in Therapy

27:29 The Journey of Becoming a Therapist

30:48 Future Aspirations in Therapy

In this episode of How I Therapist, we speak with Katie Webb, a licensed professional counselor, about her experiences in therapy, the importance of self-awareness, and the role of supervision. They delve into the nuances of assessment in therapy, the principles of existential psychotherapy, and the significance of spirituality and self-care in maintaining a therapist's well-being. Katie shares her journey into therapy, the challenges of building confidence, and the ongoing process of learning and growth in her practice.

https://www.katiewebbpsychotherapy.com/

Chapters

00:00 Navigating the Unconscious in Therapy

03:56 The Role of Supervision in Therapeutic Growth

06:57 Understanding Assessment in Therapy

09:55 Existential Framework in Therapy

13:01 Spiritual Practices and Self-Care

15:52 Building Confidence as a Therapist

19:09 The Journey to Becoming a Therapist

21:52 Learning from Peers in Therapy

In this episode of How I Therapist, we speak with Sanaria Hussain, a licensed social worker, about her experiences in therapy practice, particularly focusing on trauma, emotional disconnection, and the challenges of private practice. They discuss the importance of somatic awareness, the impact of social media on therapy perceptions, and the nuances of attachment theory. Sanaria shares her insights on measuring client progress and the significance of self-compassion in the healing journey.

Chapters

(00:00) Navigating Emotional Disconnection in Therapy

(06:25) The Challenge of Isolation in Private Practice

(12:46) Learning and Growth in Therapeutic Practices

(18:36) Understanding Attachment Theory and Its Nuances

(24:35) Measuring Client Progress and Healing

(25:00) Understanding Progress in Therapy

(28:05) The Role of Emotions in Healing

(30:57) Navigating Trauma in Therapy

(33:48) Boundaries and Emotional Protection in Therapy