Kare With Korac

Dr. Liesel Sharabi is an associate professor in the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication and Director of the Relationships and Technology Lab at Arizona State University. She has published dozens of articles and chapters examining how technology is changing the way we meet, date, and fall in love. She has also appeared in media outlets like The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, The Boston Globe, WIRED, and NPR to discuss the topic of online dating. She writes a blog for Psychology Today called “Dating in the Digital Age.” For more information about Dr. Sharabi, follow her @LieselSharabi or check out her website at www.lieselsharabi.com.

In this episode, Dr. Sharabi and I discuss her research on relationships and technology, specifically focusing on online dating and dating apps. She explores the early days of online dating and the stigma associated with it, as well as the evolution of attitudes towards online dating. Dr. Sharabi emphasizes the importance of realistic expectations and taking the time to get to know different types of people. She also discusses the gender dynamics on dating apps and the experiences of different genders. Additionally, Dr. Sharabi shares her research on success stories in online dating and explores alternative online dating experiences, such as virtual reality. In this conversation, Dr. Liesel Sharabi discusses the risks and vulnerabilities of online dating and the future of dating in the digital age. She also gives insight on balancing online and in-person dating.

For more information on Dr. Sharabi check out her website at https://lieselsharabi.com/ Follow me @joshkorac on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube for video clips, podcast previews, and more mental health content! If you are in a mental health crisis, please call 988 or go to your nearest emergency room. If you are from Colorado and are interested in scheduling a session, please reach out at sojourncounselingco.com/josh or [email protected].

Takeaways

Online dating has evolved from being stigmatized to becoming the most common way to meet a romantic partner.

Realistic expectations and taking the time to get to know different types of people are important in online dating.

Gender dynamics play a role in online dating experiences, with men often facing challenges in getting responses and women experiencing harassment.

Success in online dating often requires endurance and the ability to overcome negative experiences.

Alternative online dating experiences, such as virtual reality, are being explored but are still in the early stages. Virtual reality dating offers the opportunity to have a trial run of a date before meeting someone in person.

Online dating can feel risky due to meeting strangers, but safety precautions can be taken to mitigate potential dangers.

Online communication can make people more comfortable and vulnerable in revealing themselves.

The future of online dating may involve the integration of video and finding ways to address the problems and frustrations users experience.

Balancing online and in-person dating can provide more opportunities to meet potential partners.

02:35 Interest in Relationships and Technology

04:49 Early Days of Online Dating

07:42 Stigma and Authenticity

09:50 The Importance of the Story of How People Meet

12:23 Balancing Expectations in Online Dating

14:55 Motivations for Using Dating Apps

16:54 Realistic Expectations and Meeting Different Types of People

19:25 Preventing Dating App Burnout

23:58 Gender Dynamics on Dating Apps

28:36 Differences in Experiences Based on Gender

32:26 Success Stories in Online Dating

39:09 Exploring Alternative Online Dating Experiences

39:52 Virtual Reality Dating

43:17 Risk in Online Dating

45:49 Vulnerability in Online Dating

48:43 Future of Online Dati

Ben Anderson is a husband and a dad of two beautiful daughters. He lives in Evergreen, Colorado and teaches geography at Conifer High School. He enjoys distance running, skiing, and camping with family with his black Toyota Tacoma. Ben used to be my rock climbing and cross-country coach (along with Ben Hershelman) when I was growing up. Ben introduced me to the outdoor climbing world by taking me to spots like Moab, Vedauwoo, and Canyon City, some of my favorite memories from middle and early high school!

In this conversation, Ben reflects on his journey from being a professional skier to becoming a teacher and father. He discusses the challenges and joys of fatherhood and the importance of being present in his daughters' lives. Ben also explores the different stages of life and the struggle to define his identity beyond his past accomplishments. He shares his experiences teaching at JA and the impact of relationships on his teaching career. Ben concludes by discussing his transition to Conifer High School and his decision to step back from coaching to prioritize his role as a father and husband. We explore various themes related to retirement, identity, meaningful relationships, family, uncertainty about the future, marriage, the American Dream, the pressure of the rat race, affordable housing and homeownership, and the power of positive words.

Follow me @joshkorac on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube for video clips, podcast previews, and more mental health content! If you are in a mental health crisis, please call 988 or go to your nearest emergency room. If you are from Colorado and are interested in scheduling a session, please reach out at sojourncounselingco.com/josh or [email protected]. New episodes every Wednesday while the show is in season.

Takeaways

Fatherhood is a rewarding and fulfilling role that requires being present and cherishing the time spent with children.

Identity can evolve and change over time, and it is important to embrace new roles and experiences.

Building strong relationships with students and colleagues is a crucial aspect of teaching and can have a lasting impact.

Finding a balance between work and personal life is important for overall well-being and happiness.

Reflecting on past accomplishments and embracing new challenges can help in navigating different stages of life.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up

02:45 Reflecting on the Past and Changing Relationships

06:42 The Challenges and Joys of Fatherhood

09:59 The Different Stages of Life and Identity

15:06 Moving to Conifer and Embracing the Outdoors

22:44 Meeting Amy and the Certainty of Love

31:47 Teaching at JA and the Impact of Relationships

39:44 Transitioning to Conifer High School and Coaching

44:37 Exploring Identity and the Midlife Crisis

46:19 The Importance of Family and Retirement Thoughts

46:49 Retirement and Identity

47:49 Meaningful Relationships

48:56 Struggling with Identity

49:49 Importance of Family

50:40 Uncertainty about the Future

51:54 Marriage as a Journey

53:05 The American Dream and Winning the Lottery

54:24 The Work of Relationships

55:24 The Illusion of 'Making It'

55:55 The Pressure of the Rat Race

56:49 The Struggle for Affordable Housing

58:24 The Privilege of Homeownership

59:14 The Importance of Positive Words

01:16:52 Words of Wisdom: Be Positive and Take Action

Dr. Ray Mitsch received his master’s degree and doctorate in counseling psychology from Indiana State University. After receiving his doctorate in 1986, he worked as a staff psychologist at Michigan Technological University. In 1988, Mitsch moved with his family to Illinois and began practice at the Minirth-Meier Clinic of Wheaton.

In 1993, he started his own counseling practice called Cornerstone Counseling Center and was in private practice until his departure to Promise Keepers in Colorado. He has had extensive experience in men’s ministry, and caring ministries within the local church. He was an adjunct staff member at Christ Community Church of St. Charles, Illinois, where he developed Harbor Ministries, a recovery ministry for hurting and struggling people in the church.

He has authored five books including his last book entitled, Nurturing Your Child’s Potential, and his best-selling book, Grieving the Loss of Someone You Love, selling over 300,000 copies worldwide. He was a charter member of the American Association of Christian Counseling and is a licensed psychologist in Colorado. Mitsch currently serves as the Chair for the Department of Psychology and was recently promoted to professor of psychology at CCU. He has been married to Linda for 39 years and they are blessed to have four daughters, and two grandchildren.

In this conversation, Dr. Mitsch and Josh discuss the topics of shame and grace. They explore the role of shame in trauma-informed care and the importance of creating safe relationships. They also delve into the comfort of shame and the challenges of giving grace to oneself. The conversation highlights the power of grace in fostering growth and acceptance. They explore the relationship with grace, embracing risk and joy, acceptance of self and limitations, perfectionism vs excellence, worthiness and taking care of oneself, living grace in relationships, reflection and self-examination, engaging in the process of relationship, and the narrative side of life. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding and accepting oneself, embracing grace in relationships, and engaging in the process of personal growth.

Takeaways

Shame plays a significant role in trauma-informed care and can impact various aspects of life, including relationships and personal growth.

Creating safe relationships requires discerning who is a safe person and being a safe person oneself.

The comfort of shame can hinder personal growth and prevent individuals from accepting grace.

Giving grace to oneself can be challenging, especially in a society that values achievement and perfectionism.

Grace offers the opportunity for growth and acceptance, and it is important to understand its true meaning and power. Grace offers an opportunity for growth and freedom, allowing individuals to take risks and experience joy.

Acceptance of one's limitations is key to embracing grace and moving away from perfectionism.

Grace enables individuals to accept themselves as they are, fostering self-worth and the willingness to take care of oneself.

Living grace in relationships involves trust, acceptance, and engagement in the process rather than focusing on outcomes.

Reflection and self-examination are essential for personal growth and understanding one's own emotions and experiences.

Chapters

00:00 Podcast Intro

02:57 Introduction and Background

06:41 Trauma-Informed Care and the Role of Shame

14:05 Understanding Shame and Grace

21:45 Creating Safe Relationships

34:19 The Comfort of Shame

40:58 Giving Grace to Others and Ourselves

49:22 The Scandal of Grace

54:36 The Relationship with Grace

55:30 Embracing Risk and Joy

56:30 Acceptance of Self and Limitations

58:04 Perfectionism vs Excellence

59:03 Worthiness and Taking Care of Oneself

59:33 Living Grace in Relationships

01:00:10 Reflection and Self-Examination

01:02:13 Engaging in the Process of Relationship

01:02:36 The Narrative Side of Life

01:03:01 Gratitude for Education and Relationships

Dr. Stephanie Sarkis is a psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience specializing in ADHD, anxiety, & narcissistic abuse. She is a bestselling author and an American Mental Health Counselors Association Diplomate and Clinical Mental Health Specialist in Child and Adolescent Counseling – one of only 20 in the U.S. She is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family and Circuit Civil Mediator. Dr. Sarkis is also a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a National Certified Counselor. She is a senior contributor to Forbes, and is also a contributor to Psychology Today. Dr. Sarkis has a PhD, EdS, and MEd in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Florida. She maintains a private practice in Tampa, Florida, where she provides telehealth sessions and facilitates collaborative divorce. Dr. Sarkis received an Outstanding Dissertation Award from the American Psychological Association for her research on comorbid ADHD and the executive functions of the brain in a pediatric population.

In this episode, Dr. Sarkis and I discuss what can make up toxic relationships, including topics like emotional abuse, gaslighting, and trauma bonding. We take a look at additional topics including the cycle of idealization, devaluing, and discard; love bombing, recognizing red flags, insecure attachment styles, the sunk cost fallacy, and challenges in leaving toxic relationships. We also addresses what it can look like to move on, seeking support through counseling, self-care, volunteering, therapy for family of origin issues, codependency, cultural differences, caretaking for abusive parents, and the importance of processing emotions, concluding with a message of hope for those who have experienced toxic relationships.

Takeaways

The cycle of idealization, devaluing, and discard is common in toxic relationships.

Love bombing and grand gestures can be signs of manipulation and control.

Individuals with insecure attachment styles may be more vulnerable to toxic relationships.

Leaving toxic relationships can be challenging due to the sunk cost fallacy. Seek support services, such as counseling, after ending a toxic relationship.

Practice self-care and prioritize your health and well-being.

Consider volunteering as a means of healing and reconnecting with the community.

Therapy can be instrumental in healing and addressing family of origin issues.

Understand the concept of codependency and its cultural implications.

Allow yourself to feel and process emotions as part of the healing process.

Remember that there is hope for healing and building healthy relationships.

Chapters

02:58 Dr. Sarkis' Background and Specialization in Toxic Relationships

04:13 Emotional Abuse and Trauma Bonding

05:21 Cycle of Idealization, Devaluing, and Discard

06:27 Love Bombing and Grand Gestures

07:14 Gaslighting and Manipulation

08:06 Financial and Economic Abuse

09:14 Trauma Bonding and Dopamine Boosts

10:07 Honeymoon Phase and Love Bombing

11:01 Discard Phase and Hoovering

12:16 Lack of Personal Accountability

13:48 No Contact or Low Contact

14:47 Differentiating Love Bombing from Romantic Gestures

15:12 Red Flags in Relationships

22:52 Treating Wait Staff and Family

23:43 Splitting and Comparisons

25:05 Intermittent Reinforcement and Healthy Relationships

27:02 Isolation and Threats

31:17 Insecure Attachment Styles and Leaving Toxic Relationships

32:06 Sunk Cost Fallacy

32:11 Moving on from a Toxic Relationship

33:37 Practical Steps After Ending a Toxic Relationship

36:37 Volunteering as a Means of Healing

37:43 The Role of Therapy in Healing

38:21 Taking a Break from Dating

40:24 The Importance of Self-Care and Sleep

41:16 Reconnecting with Healthy Relationships

42:33 Understanding Codependency

44:12 Considering the Perpetrator's Behavior

46:00 The Influence of Culture on Codependency

50:20 The Dilemma of Caretaking for Abusive Parents

52:06 The Importance of Feeling and Processing Emotions

53:30 Words of Wisdom: There is Hope

Clinton Nunnally is a Licensed Professional Counselor and the co-owner of both Foundations Family Counseling and Caring Heart Counseling. He is also now the podcast host of It Can Be Better Than That with Clinton Nunnally. Clinton absolutely loves what he does and leaves his workday energized by the transformative process he gets to engage in day after day! Working with older adolescents, individual adults, couples, parents, and families, Clinton simply devours the counseling process; exploring issues of anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, relationships, life-stage adjustment, family life, spirituality, and sexuality. With an intense interest in working with couples who are struggling in relationship or want to enhance their relationship with advanced awareness and skills, Clinton capitalizes on the current strengths of the individual and couple to help couples advocate for what they are wanting in relationship, learn new ways to navigate conflict, and co-create the things they most want with their partners. With a background consisting of public school education, early childhood development, work with adolescent youth and their parents, graduate school instruction and clinical training, public speaking, clinical therapeutic practice, and practical relationship experience stemming from years of life-giving partnership with his wife (also father of two really fun boys), Clinton offers a unique integrative style that draws from the diversity of his experience. 

In this episode, Clinton and I discuss making sense of our stories and the importance of the relationship with oneself. We explore the need for safety, security, and predictability, and the balance between safety and adventure, as well as our tendencies towards avoidance and control. This conversation explores the concepts of order, disorder, and reorder, and how they relate to personal growth and development. It emphasizes the importance of questioning and reevaluating our beliefs/values, as well as the need for a secure base within ourselves and in relationships. We also delve into the concepts of openness, curiosity, and creativity, and how they are influenced by our sense of safety and security. We highlight the difference between living above the line (openness, curiosity, and creativity) and below the line (fear-based living), and the importance of self-reflection and attunement to our bodies.

For more mental health content, find me on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube @joshkorac. Please leave a rating and review for the show as this helps me track how you guys are liking the show. If you're interested in seeking services from Clinton or one of his fellow clinicians, check out his websites at foundationsfamilycounseling.com or caringheartcounseling.com.

Takeaways

Having a secure base within ourselves and in relationships allows us to explore and be open to new experiences.

Living above the line (openness, curiosity, and creativity) is essential for personal growth and a sense of fulfillment.

Self-reflection and attunement to our bodies can provide valuable insights and guide our decision-making.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

04:15 The Feeling of Being in Flow

07:24 Transitioning from Interview Style to a Different Approach

11:44 Making Sense of Our Stories

18:50 Assessing the Relationship with Oneself

23:08 Identifying Patterns in Thoughts, Behaviors, and Emotions

30:15 The Tendency towards Avoidance or Control

40:46 The Need for Safety, Security, and Predictability

50:53 Balancing Safety and Adventure

01:01:19 Order, Disorder, Reorder

01:06:27 The Normalcy of Disorder

01:07:59 Reordering and Integrating

01:08:54 Breaking Out of the Container

01:09:45 Embracing Differences and Learning from Others

01:14:06 Assessing Openness, Curiosity, and Creativity

01:15:27 Above the Line and Below the Line

01:19:34 Living in a Fear-Based Culture

01:21:26 The Influence of Early Experiences

01:22:42 Differentiation and Enmeshment

01:26:58 Attunement to the Body

Kendra Hill and Casey Bain created Unraveling Free, a therapy and coaching practice, to provide a place for those who have been hurt by church or religion to process, heal, and experience freedom. Casey and Kendra love being able to work with adults who have experienced church hurt, religious trauma, or harm from high-control environments, or who want to process topics like deconstruction, purity culture, sexual identity, or shifting values and beliefs. Both therapists are trauma-informed and trained, and believe in the transformative power of being with others as compassionate witnesses to their stories. Kendra and Casey aim to create the kind of safe space they wish they would have had when they were in their own processes of questioning their beliefs and deconstructing from evangelical Christianity.

Summary

In this conversation, therapists Casey and Kendra discuss topics related to trauma, religious trauma, and purity culture. They define trauma as anything that overwhelms the body and nervous system beyond its capacity, and religious trauma as traumatic experiences that occur within a religious or spiritual context. They highlight the stigma and shame associated with religious trauma and discuss the importance of normalizing and validating clients' experiences. The therapists also explore the impact of purity culture on individuals' relationships with their bodies and sexuality. They emphasize the need for self-compassion and self-care in the healing process and encourage therapists to find support and engage in activities that bring them joy and creativity. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the importance of compassionate listening and vulnerability in therapy. They explore the therapist's journey and the healing power of connection. The conversation emphasizes the human aspect of therapy and the role of the therapist as a compassionate witness. Overall, the discussion highlights the transformative potential of therapy and the importance of creating a safe and supportive space for clients.

You can find Kendra and Casey on Instagram @unravelingfree or through their website, www.unravelingfree.com. Both see clients online and have limited in person availability in Denver or Greenwood Village, Colorado. Follow me on social media platforms @joshkorac or www.sojourncounselingco.com/josh.

Takeaways

Trauma is anything that overwhelms the body and nervous system beyond its capacity.

Religious trauma refers to traumatic experiences that occur within a religious or spiritual context.

There is stigma and shame associated with religious trauma, making it difficult for individuals to seek help and validation.

Purity culture can have a significant impact on individuals' relationships with their bodies and sexuality.

Self-compassion and self-care are essential in the healing process for both clients and therapists. Compassionate listening is a crucial aspect of therapy, allowing clients to feel heard and understood.

Vulnerability is essential in therapy, both for clients and therapists, as it fosters trust and deepens the therapeutic relationship.

The therapist's journey involves personal growth and self-reflection, as they navigate their own vulnerabilities and experiences.

Connection and the therapeutic relationship have a profound impact on healing and transformation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

11:35 Defining Trauma and Religious Trauma

13:31 The Importance of Compassionate Listening

24:35 Stigma around Religious Trauma

28:46 The Role of Vulnerability in Therapy

36:56 Exploring Purity Culture

43:16 The Therapist's Journey

45:50 Working with Shame in Therapy

55:03 Self-Care for Therapists

58:31 The Healing Power of Connection

01:00:46 Words of Wisdom

01:03:57 Closing Remarks

As an individual who represents overcoming adversity, Dave has dedicated his life helping others to help themselves. As a former Air Force Combat Air Crew Member, Dave’s job entailed midair refueling of the once highly secretive SR-71 Blackbird and the F-117 Stealth Fighter. While on active duty, Dave was selected as California Volunteer of the Year. Dave has received personal commendations from four U. S. Presidents. Dave was honored as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Americans, and later, was the only American to be honored as The Outstanding Young Person of the World. Dave is also the recipient of the National Jefferson Award which is considered the Pulitzer Prize for public service. Other recipients include Sandra Day O’Connor and Colin Powell. Dave is the author of nine inspirational books. His books have been on the Best Sellers lists for well over 13 years combined. A Child Called “It” alone has been on the New York Times bestsellers list for well over 6 years. Dave is the first author to have four #1 International Best Sellers and to have four books simultaneously on the New York Times Best Sellers List. For nearly the last ten years, Dave has served as a California Fire Captain in two separate districts. During that time, he’s been deployed to the state’s most horrendous fires.

In this episode, Dave shares his story of abuse and resilience, highlighting the importance of human connection and the power of small gestures. He emphasizes the need to adapt to the new normal and take responsibility for one's life. Dave's books, including 'A Child Called It,' have had a profound impact on readers, inspiring them to overcome challenges and build resilience. He encourages individuals to live a grand adventure and always find a way to achieve their goals through hard work and focus. In this conversation, Dave Pelzer shares his insights on living with purpose, the power of movies and film, the possibility of making a movie about his story, reflections on his life now, the importance of authenticity, finding happiness, and the work of Josh and the next generation. He also discusses using comedy to tell a story.

Dave recently launched his own podcast which you can find on his website www.davepelzer.com

Takeaways

Adapting to the new normal requires acceptance and taking responsibility for one's life.

Human connection and small gestures can have a profound impact on individuals who have experienced trauma.

Overcoming challenges and building resilience is a lifelong journey.

Hard work and focus are essential for achieving goals and living a fulfilling life. Live with purpose and make the most of your time.

Movies and film can be powerful sources of inspiration.

Authenticity and being of service are key to finding happiness.

The next generation has the power to make a difference.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Appreciation

02:21 The Impact of Dave's Book

05:46 Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience

08:46 Adapting to the New Normal

11:32 Taking Responsibility for One's Life

14:22 The Importance of Human Connection

19:38 Dave's Story of Abuse and Resilience

25:36 The Power of Small Gestures

29:00 The Message of Dave's Books

31:21 The Importance of Hard Work and Focus

32:48 Living with Purpose

37:42 The Power of Movies and Film

39:39 Making a Movie about Dave's Story

43:10 Life Now and Reflections on the Past

47:42 Authenticity and Being of Service

51:13 The Importance of Authenticity

55:27 Finding Happiness and Enjoying the Ride

58:16 The Work of Josh and the Next Generation

01:00:00 Using Comedy to Tell a Story

Samir Chopra is a philosophical counselor and professor emeritus of philosophy at Brooklyn College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. Samir has written books on the politics of technology, the legal theory of artificial intelligence, military aviation history, and cricket. He is the author and coauthor of many books, including Shyam Benegal: Philosopher and Filmmaker, A Legal Theory for Autonomous Artificial Agents, and Eye on Cricket: Reflections on the Great Game. He has contributed articles to Aeon, The Los Angeles Review of Books, The Nation, Jacobin, The Washington Spectator, and Outlook and Open magazines. As of July 2019, he is a certified philosophical counselor.

In this episode, Samir Chopra discusses the role of anxiety in our lives and how it can be addressed through therapy and philosophical reflection. He emphasizes the importance of becoming fully realized agents, taking responsibility for our actions, and accepting our anxiety as a natural part of being human. Samir also explores the intersections between philosophy and psychology, highlighting the philosophical foundations of various therapeutic modalities. He encourages a balance between a universal perspective that recognizes our interconnectedness and a particular perspective that appreciates the uniqueness of each individual.

For more information on Samir and to read his many writings, check out his website at https://samirchopra.com/ Follow me @joshkorac on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube for video clips, podcast previews, and more mental health content! If you are in a mental health crisis, please call 988 or go to your nearest emergency room. To contact me, please reach out at sojourncounselingco.com/josh or [email protected].

Chapters

00:00 Becoming Fully Realized Agents

36:17 Taking Responsibility for Our Lives

39:30 The Importance of Agency

43:36 Anxiety and its Role in Therapy

48:48 Accepting and Living with Anxiety

54:59 The Intersections of Philosophy and Psychology

57:37 Compassion and the Unique Nature of Each Individual

Peter Addy earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology in 2011. He is currently a licensed therapist in both Washington and Oregon. While he was there, he studied non-ordinary states of consciousness, holistic and all-encompassing views of a person, and ways that these experiences can transform a person and society. As faculty at Yale School of Medicine he trained in mindfulness-based therapies and research atypical psychedelic substances like salvinorin A and THC. He also discovered a passion for data management and security which he brings with him to his online therapy practice. Dr. Addy has a history of being trained in psychedelic somatic interactional psychotherapy, clinical supervision, telemental health, applied suicide intervention skills, and basic advocacy. As a therapist in Portland, he is dedicated to working collaboratively with others to make sense of difficulties, manage symptoms, and establish meaningful connections. His approach integrates psychedelic education, harm reduction and integration, especially for individuals with chronic pain and related health issues.

In this episode, Dr. Addy shares information on what psychedelic-assisted therapy is and how it might help in healing, the risks of engaging with psychedelics and when this can be considered as a treatment option, and how it might help with healing chronic pain. We also discuss some harm-reduction strategies when it comes to using psychedelics.

For more information on Dr. Addy, check out his website at peterhaddy.com and www.psychedelicaffirmingeducation.com. Follow me @joshkorac and @karewithkorac on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for video clips, podcast previews, and more mental health content! If you are in a mental health crisis, please call 988 or go to your nearest emergency room. Contact me at sojourncounselingco.com/josh or [email protected]. New episodes every Wednesday (with exceptions!) while the show is in season.

Takeaways

Psychedelic therapy involves the use of substances like psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine in a therapeutic setting.

Psychedelics work by altering consciousness and bringing subconscious thoughts and emotions to the forefront.

Current research suggests that psychedelic therapy may be effective for conditions such as PTSD, depression, substance use, and anxiety.

The main risks of using psychedelics are legal implications and the potential for impure substances.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

08:19 Understanding Psychedelics

13:05 Neurophysiology of Psychedelics

18:38 Psychedelic-Informed Therapy

21:22 Changes in Psychedelic Laws

25:12 Reducing Stigma around Psychedelics

31:12 Benefits and Populations for Psychedelic Therapy

37:33 Risks and Side Effects of Psychedelic Therapy

40:02 Risks and Harm Reduction

42:27 Physiological Risks

45:09 Promoting Safe Use

47:04 Psychedelics and Chronic Pain

53:14 Slowing Down and Rest

Cari Stubbs is a trauma-informed therapist with her master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. As a counselor, she is passionate about working with individuals and couples in their journey toward healing from trauma, depression, anxiety, life-changes, and other mental health barriers. Her desire is to empower others to unearth their authentic and whole self through curiosity, awareness, and action. Cari typically pulls from an integrated approach with traditional talk therapy, trauma-informed therapy, person-centered, and strength-based approaches as my foundations. She is trained in both EMDR and ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention therapy), the gold standard for OCD. Her husband, Trey Stubbs, was my very first guest on this show!

In this episode, Cari and I discuss the concepts of EMDR, a trauma-informed therapy: what it is, what is involved, and how it can be a healing treatment for those affected by trauma. We discuss some of the complexities of validation with trauma and how we can best support others who have experienced trauma in their lives. We define some basic terms and Cari shares about what she does to take care of herself when working in a highly emotionally-charged career.

For more information about Cari or if you are interested in scheduling a session with her, you can email her at [email protected] or visit her website at sojourncounselingco.com/cari. Follow me @joshkorac on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube for video clips, podcast previews, and more mental health content! If you are in a mental health crisis, please call 988 or go to your nearest emergency room. If you are from Colorado and are interested in scheduling a session, please reach out at sojourncounselingco.com/josh or [email protected]. New episodes every Wednesday (with exceptions!) while the show is in season!

Takeaways

EMDR therapy is a leading treatment for trauma, helping individuals process and rewire traumatic memories.

The preparation phase of EMDR is crucial, focusing on building trust, creating safety, and developing resources.

The reprocessing phase of EMDR involves activating traumatic memories and negative core beliefs to facilitate healing and integration.

EMDR can be effective for a range of issues beyond trauma, including OCD, grief, and poor sleep.

It is important to approach trauma with compassion and validation, recognizing the impact it can have on individuals' lives.

Self-care and support are essential for therapists working with trauma, as it can be emotionally and physically demanding.

Trauma should not be used as a buzzword, and it is important to understand and respect the experiences of those who have gone through trauma.

Privilege and external support can influence the impact of trauma and the development of post-traumatic stress symptoms.

Supporting others who have experienced trauma requires empathy, validation, and boundaries.

Radical self-compassion is key in healing from trauma and developing a nurturing inner voice.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

04:08 Transition to Therapy

08:56 Discussion on Trauma and EMDR

19:19 Preparation and Process of EMDR

27:33 Limitations and Considerations of EMDR

32:20 EMDR with Children and Adolescents

38:04 Other Areas of Interest

43:42 Trauma as a Buzzword

51:21 Defining Trauma and Privilege

52:19 Supporting Others and Self-Compassion

54:18 Words of Wisdom: Radical Self-Compassion

55:09 Radical Self-Compassion

55:39 Resources for Self-Compassion

55:49 Exploring Negative Beliefs

56:33 The Life-Changing Practice of Self-Compassion