Kathy On the Couch

By Kathy Couch, LCSW, FTScience Social Sciences Alternative Health Health & Fitness Mental Health

Kathy On the Couch episodes

March 24Episode 3 of 6: The ZPD in Consultation Lev vygotsky — Letting the Consultee Lead
SHOW NOTES | EPISODE 04
Lev Vygotsky — The Zone of Proximal Development & Scaffolding
Why the Learning That Matters Most Happens Between People
Hosts: Kathy Couch, LCSW & Tony Parmenter, MA, LCMHC | April 2026

Episode:
EP04
Title:
Lev Vygotsky — The Zone of Proximal Development & Scaffolding
Hosts:
Kathy Couch, LCSW & Tony Parmenter, MA, LCMHC
Published:
April 2026
Series:
The Rooted Practice — Pedagogical Roots (Post 4 of 7)
EPISODE SUMMARY
In Part 4 of the Pedagogical Roots series, Kathy and Tony dig into Lev Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development — the space between what a clinician can do independently and what becomes possible with the right relational support. Kathy unpacks why scaffolding isn’t hand-holding, why co-regulation is the precondition for real learning, and what it actually looks like to meet a consultee at their developmental edge. She gets personal about supervisory relationships that changed her — and ones that caused harm — and makes the case that the missing ingredient in clinical consultation has never been expertise. It’s structure, and it’s relationship.

IN THIS EPISODE
Timestamps
[00:00] Podcast intro & Kathy on the Couch Membership Community overview
[02:00] Why Vygotsky belongs in the clinical consultation room
[04:30] What the Zone of Proximal Development actually is — and what it isn’t
[08:00] Co-regulation as the precondition for learning: the nervous system before the curriculum
[12:00] Scaffolding in supervision and consultation — what it looks like in practice
[17:30] Institutional gatekeeping vs. developmental support: a frank look at compliance-based training
[22:00] Personal stories: supervisory relationships that helped and ones that didn’t
[28:00] How the ZPD shows up in the DCF — scaffolded intervention and the developmental edge
[33:00] Preview: Maria Montessori and self-directed learning (Post 5)
[35:30] Closing reflection
WHAT WE EXPLORE
What Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development means for clinical consultation — not as a metaphor, but as a working map
Why co-regulation is not a soft skill or a bonus — it’s the structural precondition for any learning to land
What scaffolding actually looks like in supervision: the difference between pitching an intervention at the right level vs. consolidating what a consultee already knows
The critique of institutional gatekeeping and compliance-based curriculum review — and why checking boxes can actively interfere with real developmental growth
Personal stories from Kathy’s own training history: supervisory relationships that caused harm and ones that changed everything
How the ZPD is embedded in the DCF’s third component — scaffolded intervention that targets the next developmental level only
Central theme: Expert knowledge is not the missing ingredient in clinical consultation. The missing ingredient is a developmental map precise enough to locate where a consultee actually is — and a relationship regulated enough to move them forward.
PEDAGOGICAL ROOTS SERIES — POSTING SCHEDULE
Seven posts, every Tuesday through April
Post 1: The Pedagogical Roots of the DCF — Why Clinical Tradition Isn’t Enough
Post 2: Paulo Freire — The Banking Model Critique, Problem-Posing Pedagogy & Servant Leadership
Post 3: John Dewey — Experiential Learning & Reflective Practice
Post 4: Lev Vygotsky — The Zone of Proximal Development & Scaffolding ← THIS EPISODE
Post 5: Maria Montessori — Self-Directed Learning & the Prepared Environment
Post 6: bell hooks — Engaged Pedagogy, Belonging & Power in the Learning Space
Post 7: Established Consultation Models, Competency-Based Supervision & the Sinek Capstone

VYGOTSKY IN THE DCF — WHERE IT SHOWS UP
Component 1: Consultee-Led Presentation
Functions as a real-time developmental assessment — the consultee’s presentation reveals where they are. The consultant listens for the edge, not just the content.

Component 2: Rubric-Anchored Positioning
Locates the consultee within a clear progression of competence. Without a map, even expert consultants risk pitching intervention too high or consolidating what the consultee already knows.

Component 3: Scaffolded Intervention — The ZPD in Action
Targets the next developmental level only — grounded directly in Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development. This is not a metaphor. It is the structural mechanism the DCF is built on.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The ZPD is not a metaphor for “meeting people where they are.” It is a precise developmental location — and locating it requires structure, not intuition alone
Co-regulation is not optional. A dysregulated nervous system in the consultation room forecloses the ZPD before a single clinical word is exchanged
Scaffolding means targeting the next level only — not repeating what the consultee already knows, and not jumping so far ahead the intervention can’t be integrated
Compliance-based curriculum review and institutional gatekeeping can actively impede development by prioritizing accountability over the relational conditions learning requires
The DCF gives consultants a language for what many already do intuitively — and a structure precise enough to do it consistently
Growth requires a relationship with enough structure to locate where you are, enough trust to move you forward, and a regulated nervous system in the room before a clinical word is exchanged
RESOURCES MENTIONED
The Rooted Practice Blog — Developmental Consultation Framework (DCF)
https://www.rewired360.com/blog/dcframework
Theorists & Frameworks Referenced
Lev Vygotsky — Zone of Proximal Development & Scaffolding
Paulo Freire — Banking Model Critique & Problem-Posing Pedagogy
John Dewey — Experiential Learning & Reflective Practice
Maria Montessori — Self-Directed Learning & the Prepared Environment
bell hooks — Engaged Pedagogy & Belonging
Simon Sinek — Start With Why / Golden Circle
Stephen Porges — Polyvagal Theory & Neuroception
Bernard & Goodyear — Discrimination Model
Falender & Shafranske — Competency-Based Supervision
Standard Links
Kathy on the Couch Membership Community: rewired360.com/koc-membership
All Rewired360 EMDR Training Programs: rewired360.ce-go.com/courses/all
All Links & Resources (Linktree): linktr.ee/rewired360
Rewired360 Swag Store: rewired360.com

JOIN THE COMMUNITY
Ready to stop carrying it alone?
The Kathy on the Couch Membership Community is now open — a private space built for grief and trauma therapists who want real clinical tools, monthly NBCC CE credits, live EMDR consultation, and a community of clinicians who truly get it.
Read the DCF and explore the full Rooted Practice blog: rewired360.com/blog/dcframework
Explore membership tiers and join today: rewired360.com/koc-membership
ABOUT YOUR HOSTS
KATHY COUCH, LCSW, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, FT
Kathy is the founder and lead trainer for Rewired360, specializing in EMDR therapy training and continuing education for mental health professionals. She is a Fellow in Thanatology who develops comprehensive training curricula, certification programs, and professional resources for grief and trauma therapists. Kathy hosts the Kathy on the Couch podcast and operates Willow Creek Counseling. When Kathy isn’t working with clinicians, you can find her enjoying holistic therapies and spending time with her husband, children, and twin boys.
TONY PARMENTER, MA, LCMHC, EMDRIA Approved Consultant
Tony is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Certified EMDR Therapist, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, and founder of Seiyu Institute for Health & Training, L3C. A U.S. Air Force veteran who served in Operation Enduring Freedom, Tony specializes in complex trauma and intergenerational healing, integrating EMDR therapy, ACT, polyvagal theory, Reiki, clinical hypnosis, and Therapeutic Fly-fishing with EMDR (TF-EMDR)®.

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW
If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more trauma and grief therapists who need this community.
Find us at: www.rewired360.com

DISCLAIMER
The information shared on this podcast reflects the perspectives and experiences of our guests and hosts. It is not intended to substitute for professional consultation, supervision, or individual guidance. If you have questions about how to apply any concepts discussed, consult your clinical supervisor, consultant, or local licensing board. Always follow research-based protocols and best practices in your work.
39 min
March 17Episode 2 of 6 | John Dewey: Experience, Democracy, and the Regulated Learner
SHOW NOTES | EPISODE 03
John Dewey — Experiential Learning, Embodied Cognition & the Regulated Learner
Roots of the Revolution: Why Pedagogical Theory Belongs in Clinical Training Spaces | Episode 2 of 6
Hosts: Kathy Couch, LCSW & Tony Parmenter, MA, LCMHC | March 2026
Episode: EP03
Title: John Dewey — Experiential Learning, Embodied Cognition & the Regulated Learner
Hosts: Kathy Couch, LCSW, FT
Published: March 2026
Series: Roots of the Revolution — Pedagogical Roots Companion
EPISODE SUMMARY
In this episode of Kathy on the Couch, Kathy explores the educational philosophy of John Dewey and its direct relevance to trauma-informed clinical training. Dewey argued that learning is not the passive reception of content but the active engagement of a living being with their environment — an insight confirmed by a century of neuroscience and trauma research that came after him. Kathy walks through Dewey’s distinction between educative and miseducative experiences, his principles of continuity and reflection, and the neuroscience of embodied cognition and state-dependent learning. She connects Dewey’s framework to polyvagal theory, somatic therapy, and relational neuroscience to show why so much continuing education fails to transfer to clinical practice — and what it looks like to design training that the nervous system can actually use. The episode closes with five diagnostic design questions trainers can apply immediately.
IN THIS EPISODE
Timestamps
[00:00] Cold open — the dissonance of clinical CE training
[01:51] Series introduction — Roots of the Revolution, Episode 2 of 6
[04:00] Who was John Dewey? Biography & progressive education misreadings
[06:00] Experience as the ground of learning — educative vs. miseducative experiences
[09:00] What neuroscience adds — embodied cognition & state-dependent learning
[12:00] Democracy and the learning community — the spectator theory of knowledge
[15:00] Continuity, reflection & the arc of learning
[18:30] Dewey in trauma-informed clinical training — the through-line to polyvagal theory
[21:00] What this looks like in practice — concrete design translations
[23:30] Clinical application — five diagnostic design questions from Dewey
[26:00] Close & series navigation — Episode 3 preview: Lev Vygotsky

WHAT WE EXPLORE
The dissonance clinicians experience in traditional continuing education — and why it’s a design problem, not a motivation problem
John Dewey’s theory of experiential education: learning as the active engagement of a living being with their environment
The distinction between educative and miseducative experiences — why accurate content delivered in miseducative conditions produces compliance, not learning
Embodied cognition and state-dependent learning: the neuroscience that confirms Dewey’s philosophical framework a century later
Dewey’s democratic learning community — why positioning participants as spectators works against integration
Continuity and reflection as core design principles, not nice-to-have enhancements
The through-line from Dewey to polyvagal theory, somatic therapy, and relational neuroscience in trauma-informed training
Five diagnostic design questions trainers can use immediately to evaluate whether a training is experiential in Dewey’s sense

Central theme: Learning is an embodied, relational, experiential process. Educational designs that ignore this produce miseducation rather than integration — and the neuroscience of learning has confirmed empirically what Dewey articulated philosophically a century ago.

PEDAGOGICAL ROOTS SERIES — POSTING SCHEDULE
Seven posts, every Tuesday through April
Post 1: The Pedagogical Roots of the DCF — Why Clinical Tradition Isn’t Enough (LIVE)
Post 2: Paulo Freire — The Banking Model Critique, Problem-Posing Pedagogy & Servant Leadership
Post 3: John Dewey — Experiential Learning & Reflective Practice (THIS EPISODE)
Post 4: Lev Vygotsky — The Zone of Proximal Development & Scaffolding
Post 5: Maria Montessori — Self-Directed Learning & the Prepared Environment
Post 6: bell hooks — Engaged Pedagogy, Belonging & Power in the Learning Space
Post 7: Established Consultation Models, Competency-Based Supervision & the Sinek Capstone

KEY CONCEPTS FROM DEWEY
Educative vs. Miseducative Experience
An educative experience expands the learner’s capacity for future experience — it opens, connects, and builds agency. A miseducative experience may deliver accurate content but leaves the learner less able to engage with complexity going forward. The question is not whether the content was correct, but whether the experience was educative.
Embodied Cognition & State-Dependent Learning
Learning is not a purely abstract process occurring in an isolated brain. It is shaped by the body’s sensorimotor experience in context. Memory encoding is state-dependent — information is most effectively consolidated when learners are in a regulated, engaged physiological state and when new information connects to existing neural networks.
Continuity
Educative experiences must connect to what came before and reach forward toward what comes next. A training that treats itself as a standalone event, disconnected from participants’ prior learning and future practice, violates this principle and is structurally limited in what it can produce.
Reflection
Experience alone is not sufficient for learning. Reflection on experience transforms raw encounter into understanding. Structured reflection must be integral to the learning arc throughout — not appended at the end or treated as filler between content blocks.
The Democratic Learning Community
Every participant’s clinical experience is data, not audience participation. The collective intelligence of the group exceeds the knowledge of any single expert. Training designs that position participants as spectators work against the conditions under which integration occurs.

FIVE DIAGNOSTIC DESIGN QUESTIONS FROM DEWEY
Offered as a diagnostic lens, not a checklist:
Connection to experience: How does this training connect to the specific clinical experience participants bring into the room — concretely, not in the abstract?
Reflection structures: What structures for reflection are built into the training arc — woven throughout, not appended at the end?
Forward continuity: How does this training connect forward to participants’ future practice? What follow-up, community, or consultation structures support integration?
Active construction: In what ways does the design position participants as active constructors of meaning versus passive spectators of content?
Physiological attunement: Are participants’ physiological states being attended to — through pacing, movement, regulation breaks, and explicit permission to self-regulate?

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Accurate content delivered in miseducative conditions produces compliance, not learning — and in trauma-informed fields, compliance is a clinical warning sign, not a training goal
The gap between training attendance and clinical behavior change is not a motivation problem — it is an experience design problem that Dewey’s framework names precisely
Dewey’s philosophical arguments about embodied, experiential learning have been confirmed empirically by neuroscience: embodied cognition, state-dependent learning, and memory consolidation research
Continuity and reflection are not nice-to-have enhancements — they are the mechanisms through which neural consolidation of new learning is actually supported
A training space that does not attend to its participants’ physiological states is not a trauma-informed space, regardless of what content it delivers
The invitation is not to be more engaging or entertaining as a presenter — it is to take seriously the claim we already make in clinical work: that how we are with people matters as much as what we know
RESOURCES MENTIONED
The Rooted Practice Blog — Developmental Consultation Framework (DCF):
: https://www.rewired360.com/blog/dcframework
Theorists & Frameworks Referenced:
John Dewey — Experience and Education (1938), Democracy and Education (1916), The Quest for Certainty (1929), How We Think (1933)
Paulo Freire — Banking Model Critique & Problem-Posing Pedagogy
Lev Vygotsky — Zone of Proximal Development & Scaffolding
Stephen Porges — Polyvagal Theory & Neuroception
Bessel van der Kolk — The Body Keeps the Score (2014)
Daniel Siegel — The Mindful Therapist (2010)
Mary Helen Immordino-Yang & Antonio Damasio — Emotions, Learning & the Brain (2007)
Lawrence Shapiro — Embodied Cognition (2011)
Margaret Wilson — Six Views of Embodied Cognition (2002)
Chia-Ming Tyng et al. — Emotional Influences on Learning and Memory (2017)
David Kolb — Experiential Learning Theory (1984)
Davis et al. — CE Effectiveness Research (1999)
STANDARD LINKS
Kathy on the Couch Membership Community:
: https://rewired360.com/koc-membership
All Rewired360 EMDR Training Programs:
: https://rewired360.ce-go.com/courses/all

All Links & Resources (Linktree):
: https://linktr.ee/rewired360

Rewired360 Swag Store:
: https://rewired360.com

JOIN THE COMMUNITY
Ready to stop carrying it alone?
The Kathy on the Couch Membership Community is now open — a private space built for grief and trauma therapists who want real clinical tools, monthly NBCC CE credits, live EMDR consultation, and a community of clinicians who truly get it.

Read the DCF and explore the full Rooted Practice blog:
: https://rewired360.com/blog/dcframework

Explore membership tiers and join today:
: https://rewired360.com/koc-membership

ABOUT YOUR HOSTS
KATHY COUCH, LCSW, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, FT
Kathy is the founder and lead trainer for Rewired360, specializing in EMDR therapy training and continuing education for mental health professionals. She is a Fellow in Thanatology who develops comprehensive training curricula, certification programs, and professional resources for grief and trauma therapists. Kathy hosts the Kathy on the Couch podcast and operates Willow Creek Counseling. When Kathy isn’t working with clinicians, you can find her enjoying holistic therapies and spending time with her husband, children, and twin boys.

TONY PARMENTER, MA, LCMHC, EMDRIA Approved Consultant
Tony is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Certified EMDR Therapist, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, and founder of Seiyu Institute for Health & Training, L3C. A U.S. Air Force veteran who served in Operation Enduring Freedom, Tony specializes in complex trauma and intergenerational healing, integrating EMDR therapy, ACT, polyvagal theory, Reiki, clinical hypnosis, and Therapeutic Fly-fishing with EMDR (TF-EMDR)®.

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW
If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more trauma and grief therapists who need this community.

Find us at: www.rewired360.com

DISCLAIMER
The information shared on this podcast reflects the perspectives and experiences of our guests and hosts. It is not intended to substitute for professional consultation, supervision, or individual guidance. If you have questions about how to apply any concepts discussed, consult your clinical supervisor, consultant, or local licensing board. Always follow research-based protocols and best practices in your work.
25 min
March 13Continuing Bonds with the Departed during Special Occasions
Episode Description
The holidays are often branded as "the most wonderful time of the year," but for those sitting with grief, they can be the most isolating. In this bonus episode, Kathy—EMDR Consultant, Trainer, and Thanatologist—explores the Continuing Bonds framework.
We’re moving away from the outdated idea of "closure" and instead looking at how we help our clients (and ourselves) maintain a healthy, evolving relationship with those who have died. Whether you are a trauma therapist supporting a grieving client or a clinician navigating your own seasonal heaviness, this episode offers a soft place to land and a professional lens on bereavement during the holidays.
Key Takeaways from the Couch
Moving Beyond "Moving On": Why the goal of grief therapy isn't to sever ties, but to transform them.
The Continuing Bonds Framework: How internalizing the deceased’s values and presence helps stabilize the "SUDs" of holiday triggers.
Rituals of Remembrance: Practical, trauma-informed ways to incorporate a loved one into holiday traditions without becoming overwhelmed.
The Empty Chair: Navigating the physical absence vs. the psychological presence during family gatherings.
Therapist Self-Care: Acknowledging the "Secondary Loss" clinicians feel when their clients' grief intensifies during the winter months.
Featured Resources & Community
The Kathy on the Couch Membership: Your home for grief and trauma consultation. Join a community of therapists who finally have a place to ask the hard questions and get real support. [Link to Membership]
EMDR University: Are you a Certified EMDR Therapist or Consultant looking to deepen your work with complicated mourning? Explore our advanced skill-sharpening modules. [Link to EMDR University]
Grief Tools: Access our holiday "Resource Kits" inside the membership, featuring NBCC CEs and clinical handouts for bereavement.
Reflection Question
“If you could invite your loved one’s best quality to the table this year—their humor, their resilience, or their kindness—how would that change the energy of your holiday?”
Welcome to Kathy On The Couch: EMDR Podcast, the show that unveils and explores the transformative power of EMDR therapy. Our mission is to support clinicians through meaningful conversations, practical resources, and honest dialogue about EMDR, therapy, and the business side of clinical work. We are your hosts, Tony Parmenter and Kathy Couch, and we are thrilled to embark on this journey with you. About Rewired360 Rewired360 equips clinicians and business owners to step into the CEO mindset as they learn, lead, and thrive. We support the full EMDR career pathway, including becoming an EMDR International Association Certified Therapist and Approved Consultant. Our offerings include consultation, training programs, podcasts, Facebook groups, blogs, YouTube channels, free peer huddles for business and EMDR, and a free Rewired360 swag store. View all offerings and social platforms by visiting http://www.rewired360.com .
In this week’s episode, meet ...
Stephanie Pearce is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in PA & NJ. She obtained her MSW from Rutgers University in 2002 & has worked in the social work field for 23 years in settings ranging from a family crisis unit to an outpatient setting. Ms. Pearce currently facilities a private practice in the Pocono, PA area that customizes services for individuals & couples impacted by grief & loss across the life span, maternal mood disorders, reproductive trauma, developmental trauma & infertility.
Ms. Pearce is a certified EMDR therapist, certified in Brainspotting, a certified perinatal mental health professional & a certified grief informed professional. She is passionate about participating in ongoing learning & is awaiting her Thanatology professional certification exam results.
She enjoys working with students in the academic environment. Ms. Pearce also works as an adjunct instructor through Grand Canyon University, as well as supporting students in their social work field work programs through Marywood University. She facilitates CEU trainings for the Nurturing Mamas Network & for NASW-PA.
Stephanie enjoys hiking with her family including an energetic rescue dog. She is a lifelong NY Jets & Mets fan.
Stephanie and Kathy discuss the Continuing Bonds in the Holiday Traditions
Join the free Facebook Group for EMDR Therapists. Subscribe to the YouTube Channel for Everything EMDR.
Subscribe to the Blog for marketing tips and business ideas. Visit the Rewired360 Swag Store for free merchandise.www.rewired.360.shop When Kathy isn’t working with clinicians, you can find her enjoying holistic therapies and spending time with her husband, children, and twin boys.
About Your Co-Host: Tony Parmenter, MA, LCMHC, EMDRIA Approved Consultant Tony Parmenter, co-host, is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Certified EMDR Therapist, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, and founder of Seiyu Institute for Health & Training, L3C, where he specializes in complex trauma and intergenerational healing. A U.S. Air Force veteran who served in Operation Enduring Freedom before teaching ESL in Tokyo and training as a Mental Health Counselor, Tony brings a unique perspective to his work with veterans, first responders, healthcare professionals, and creatives. He is the creator of innovative trauma treatment approaches including the Medicine-free Altered State Recovery System (MARS) and Therapeutic Fly-fishing with EMDR (TF-EMDR)®, which integrate nature-based interventions with evidence-based practices. His holistic approach draws from EMDR, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, polyvagal theory, Reiki, clinical hypnosis, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. Tony is also a musician, outdoor enthusiast, professional trainer who has held visiting or adjunct professorships at NYU, Bellevue University, Purdue University, and others. Additionally, he is a volunteer with the Vermont TRN and American Red Cross, bringing a whole-person/whole-spirit perspective to trauma recovery that honors the interconnection of mind, body, and spirit.
Whether you’re seeking foundational skills or advanced expertise, EMDR University is your partner in growth and excellence.If you’re looking for more resources, be sure to check out our full list of courses at rewired360.com or rewired360.ce-go.com/courses/all. And don’t forget to visit our swag store at rewired360.shop for some fun mental health and EMDR tees!
If you’re interested in learning more about EMDR intensives or want to explore innovative tools like Dharma Dr. EMDR Tappers, you’ll find all the links in our show notes and at linktr.ee/rewired360.
42 min
March 10Episode 1 of 6: Freire, Power & the Training Room
SHOW NOTES | EPISODE 01
The Rooted Practice Blog Launch & the Developmental Consultation Framework
Introducing the DCF, the Pedagogical Roots Series & the Full Content Roadmap
Hosts: Kathy Couch, LCSW & Tony Parmenter, MA, LCMHC | March 2026

Episode: EP01
Title: The Rooted Practice Blog Launch & the Developmental Consultation Framework
Hosts: Kathy Couch, LCSW, FT
Published: March 2026
Series: The Rooted Practice — Blog Companion
EPISODE SUMMARY
In this episode of Kathy on the Couch, Kathy introduces The Rooted Practice — the new Rewired360 blog series built for trauma and grief therapists — and walks through the first published post: the Developmental Consultation Framework (DCF). The DCF is an original three-component model for clinical consultation that gives consultants a developmental map for locating where a consultee is in their growth and intervening precisely at the next developmental level. Kathy maps out the full Pedagogical Roots series (seven posts publishing every Tuesday through April), the upcoming DCF Practice Demonstrations series, and the theoretical architecture connecting every series in the content roadmap. If you consult, supervise, or receive consultation in trauma or grief practice, this episode lays the groundwork for everything that follows.

IN THIS EPISODE
Timestamps
[00:00]  Podcast intro & Kathy on the Couch Membership Community overview
[01:51]  Why the blog exists — the gap in trauma and grief training
[02:09]  The Rooted Practice blog launch & naming
[02:31]  The Developmental Consultation Framework (DCF) — first post summary
[04:15]  The three components of the DCF: consultee-led presentation, rubric-anchored positioning, scaffolded intervention
[06:00]  Pedagogical Roots series overview — seven posts, every Tuesday through April
[08:30]  Post-by-post walkthrough: Freire, Dewey, Vygotsky, Montessori, bell hooks, established models, Sinek capstone
[12:00]  DCF Practice Demonstrations series preview — group consultation, peer dynamics, nervous system focus
[14:00]  The full architecture: how all series connect
[15:30]  Closing reflection — what it takes for a clinician to grow

WHAT WE EXPLORE
The vision behind The Rooted Practice blog and why it’s a companion to the podcast
The Developmental Consultation Framework (DCF): its three components and what problem it solves in clinical consultation
The Pedagogical Roots series — seven theoretical foundation posts featuring Freire, Dewey, Vygotsky, Montessori, bell hooks, and Sinek
How each theorist answers a question the previous one opened — the intentional sequencing
The upcoming Practice Demonstrations series: what consultation looks like through the DCF lens across group, peer, and complex developmental dynamics
The full content architecture — how pedagogical roots ground consultation architecture, which grounds clinical application
Central theme: The missing ingredient in clinical consultation is not expertise — it’s structure and relational development. The DCF and its supporting series give the field a more precise language for what clinicians already know how to do intuitively.

PEDAGOGICAL ROOTS SERIES — POSTING SCHEDULE
Seven posts, every Tuesday through April
Post 1:  The Pedagogical Roots of the DCF — Why Clinical Tradition Isn’t Enough (LIVE)
Post 2:  Paulo Freire — The Banking Model Critique, Problem-Posing Pedagogy & Servant Leadership
Post 3:  John Dewey — Experiential Learning & Reflective Practice
Post 4:  Lev Vygotsky — The Zone of Proximal Development & Scaffolding
Post 5:  Maria Montessori — Self-Directed Learning & the Prepared Environment
Post 6:  bell hooks — Engaged Pedagogy, Belonging & Power in the Learning Space
Post 7:  Established Consultation Models, Competency-Based Supervision & the Sinek Capstone

THE DCF — THREE COMPONENTS
Consultee-Led Presentation
Functions as a real-time developmental assessment — the consultee’s presentation reveals where they are.
Rubric-Anchored Positioning
Locates the consultee within a clear progression of competence using defined criteria.
Scaffolded Intervention
Targets the next developmental level only — grounded in Vygotsky’s zone of proximal development.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Without a developmental map, even expert consultants risk consolidating what the consultee already knows — or pitching intervention too far above their current level to integrate
The missing ingredient in consultation is structure and relational development, not expertise
Each theorist in the Pedagogical Roots series answers a question the previous one opened — the sequencing is intentional and builds cumulatively
The blog is where the formal work lives; the podcast is where it breathes — they are designed as companions
Growth requires a relationship with enough structure to locate where you are, enough trust to move you forward, and a regulated nervous system in the room before a clinical word is exchanged

RESOURCES MENTIONED
The Rooted Practice Blog — Developmental Consultation Framework (DCF):
https://www.rewired360.com/blog/dcframework
Theorists & Frameworks Referenced:
Lev Vygotsky — Zone of Proximal Development & Scaffolding
Paulo Freire — Banking Model Critique & Problem-Posing Pedagogy
John Dewey — Experiential Learning & Reflective Practice
Maria Montessori — Self-Directed Learning & the Prepared Environment
bell hooks — Engaged Pedagogy & Belonging
Simon Sinek — Start With Why / Golden Circle
Stephen Porges — Polyvagal Theory & Neuroception
Bernard & Goodyear — Discrimination Model
Falender & Shafranske — Competency-Based Supervision
STANDARD LINKS
Kathy on the Couch Membership Community:
rewired360.com/koc-membership
All Rewired360 EMDR Training Programs:
rewired360.ce-go.com/courses/all
All Links & Resources (Linktree):
linktr.ee/rewired360
Rewired360 Swag Store:
rewired360.com

JOIN THE COMMUNITY
Ready to stop carrying it alone?
The Kathy on the Couch Membership Community is now open — a private space built for grief and trauma therapists who want real clinical tools, monthly NBCC CE credits, live EMDR consultation, and a community of clinicians who truly get it.
Read the DCF and explore the full Rooted Practice blog:
rewired360.com/blog/dcframework
Explore membership tiers and join today:
rewired360.com/koc-membership

ABOUT YOUR HOSTS
KATHY COUCH, LCSW, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, FT
Kathy is the founder and lead trainer for Rewired360, specializing in EMDR therapy training and continuing education for mental health professionals. She is a Fellow in Thanatology who develops comprehensive training curricula, certification programs, and professional resources for grief and trauma therapists. Kathy hosts the Kathy on the Couch podcast and operates Willow Creek Counseling. When Kathy isn’t working with clinicians, you can find her enjoying holistic therapies and spending time with her husband, children, and twin boys.
TONY PARMENTER, MA, LCMHC, EMDRIA Approved Consultant
Tony is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Certified EMDR Therapist, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, and founder of Seiyu Institute for Health & Training, L3C. A U.S. Air Force veteran who served in Operation Enduring Freedom, Tony specializes in complex trauma and intergenerational healing, integrating EMDR therapy, ACT, polyvagal theory, Reiki, clinical hypnosis, and Therapeutic Fly-fishing with EMDR (TF-EMDR)®.

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW
If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more trauma and grief therapists who need this community.
Find us at: www.rewired360.com

DISCLAIMER
The information shared on this podcast reflects the perspectives and experiences of our guests and hosts. It is not intended to substitute for professional consultation, supervision, or individual guidance. If you have questions about how to apply any concepts discussed, consult your clinical supervisor, consultant, or local licensing board. Always follow research-based protocols and best practices in your work.
47 min
March 06Confident Boundaries and Toxic Family Systems with Torie Wiksell
Welcome
Welcome to Kathy On The Couch: EMDR Podcast, the show that unveils and explores the transformative power of EMDR therapy. Our mission is to support clinicians through meaningful conversations, practical resources, and honest dialogue about EMDR, therapy, and the business side of clinical work.
We are your hosts, Tony Parmenter and Kathy Couch, and we are thrilled to embark on this journey with you.
About Rewired360
Rewired360 equips clinicians and business owners to step into the CEO mindset as they learn, lead, and thrive. We support the full EMDR career pathway, including becoming an EMDR International Association Certified Therapist and Approved Consultant.
Our offerings include:
Consultation and training programs
Podcasts, blogs, and YouTube channels
Facebook groups and free peer huddles for business and EMDR
Free Rewired360 swag store
View all offerings and social platforms by visiting www.rewired360.com and for full courses: https://rewired360.ce-go.com/courses/all
In This Week's Episode
Meet Torie Wiksell, LMFT
Torie is a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 13 years of clinical experience specializing in complex family dynamics, personality disorders, and supporting adults who grew up with narcissistic or borderline personality disorder parents. She's the creator of the Confident Boundaries membership community and host of the You're Not Crazy podcast.
In this episode, we dive into:
• Building a specialized therapy practice and online community for adults navigating toxic family dynamics • The difference between healthy boundaries and the "no contact trend" narrative in media
• Creating ethical coaching and support spaces that complement (not replace) therapy
Torie shares her journey from inpatient mental health work to creating a thriving membership community that provides validation, education, and support for cycle breakers—all while maintaining clear professional boundaries.
Key Takeaways
Coaching vs. Therapy: Clear boundaries are essential when offering group support. Educational communities should complement individual therapy, not replace trauma processing work.
Breaking the Cycle Requires Skills: Adults from dysfunctional families often lack modeling for emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and healthy boundaries—DBT and structured skill-building can fill these gaps.
No One-Size-Fits-All Answer: Decisions about family contact (whether low contact, boundaries, or estrangement) are deeply personal. The goal is helping people make empowered choices, not prescribing what they "should" do.
Resources Mentioned
Confident Boundaries Membership Community - Torie's online community offering monthly workshops, boundary support calls, AI boundaries helper tool, and community chat https://www.confidentboundaries.com/
You're Not Crazy Podcast - Torie's podcast blending clinical expertise with personal experience navigating narcissistic family dynamics https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/youre-not-crazy-a-podcast-for-cycle-breakers-with/id1759806015
Kathy on the Couch Membership Community - Monthly consultation groups, NBCCC-E training, course modules and resource kits for grief and trauma therapists
EMDR University - Comprehensive EMDR training and certification program from basic training through consultant certification
Connect With Us
Join the Community:
Free Facebook Group for EMDR Therapists
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for Everything EMDR
Subscribe to our Blog for marketing tips and business ideas
Visit the Rewired360 Swag Store for merchandise
Explore Our Training:
Whether you're seeking foundational skills or advanced expertise, EMDR University is your partner in growth and excellence. Check out our full list of courses at rewired360.com or rewired360.ce-go.com/courses/all.
Additional Resources:
Learn more about EMDR intensives and innovative tools like Dharma Dr. EMDR Tappers
Find all links at linktr.ee/rewired360
About Your Hosts
Kathy Couch, LCSW, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, FT
Kathy is the founder and lead trainer for Rewired360, specializing in EMDR training and continuing education for mental health professionals. She is a Fellow in Thanatology who develops comprehensive training curricula, certification programs, and professional resources. Kathy also hosts the "Kathy on the Couch" podcast and operates multiple business entities including Willow Creek Counseling.
When Kathy isn't working with clinicians, you can find her enjoying holistic therapies and spending time with her husband, children, and twin boys.
Tony Parmenter, MA, LCMHC, EMDRIA Approved Consultant
Tony Parmenter is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Certified EMDR Therapist, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, and founder of Seiyu Institute for Health & Training, L3C, where he specializes in complex trauma and intergenerational healing.
A U.S. Air Force veteran who served in Operation Enduring Freedom before teaching ESL in Tokyo and training as a Mental Health Counselor, Tony brings a unique perspective to his work with veterans, first responders, healthcare professionals, and creatives. He is the creator of innovative trauma treatment approaches including the Medicine-free Altered State Recovery System (MARS) and Therapeutic Fly-fishing with EMDR (TF-EMDR)®, which integrate nature-based interventions with evidence-based practices.
His holistic approach draws from EMDR, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, polyvagal theory, Reiki, clinical hypnosis, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. Tony is also a musician, outdoor enthusiast, and professional trainer who has held visiting or adjunct professorships at NYU, Bellevue University, Purdue University, and others. Additionally, he is a volunteer with the Vermont TRN and American Red Cross, bringing a whole-person/whole-spirit perspective to trauma recovery that honors the interconnection of mind, body, and spirit.
Subscribe & Review
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us reach more clinicians and continue bringing you valuable content.
43 min
March 02The Rooted Practice Blog Launch & the Developmental Consultation Framework
SHOW NOTES | EPISODE 02
The Rooted Practice Blog Launch & the Developmental Consultation Framework
Introducing the DCF, the Pedagogical Roots Series & the Full Content Roadmap
Hosts: Kathy Couch, LCSW & Tony Parmenter, MA, LCMHC | March 2026

Episode: EP02
Title: The Rooted Practice Blog Launch & the Developmental Consultation Framework
Hosts: Kathy Couch, LCSW, FT
Published: March 2026
Series: The Rooted Practice — Blog Companion
EPISODE SUMMARY
In this episode of Kathy on the Couch, Kathy introduces The Rooted Practice — the new Rewired360 blog series built for trauma and grief therapists — and walks through the first published post: the Developmental Consultation Framework (DCF). The DCF is an original three-component model for clinical consultation that gives consultants a developmental map for locating where a consultee is in their growth and intervening precisely at the next developmental level. Kathy maps out the full Pedagogical Roots series (seven posts publishing every Tuesday through April), the upcoming DCF Practice Demonstrations series, and the theoretical architecture connecting every series in the content roadmap. If you consult, supervise, or receive consultation in trauma or grief practice, this episode lays the groundwork for everything that follows.

IN THIS EPISODE
Timestamps
[00:00] Podcast intro & Kathy on the Couch Membership Community overview
[01:51] Why the blog exists — the gap in trauma and grief training
[02:09] The Rooted Practice blog launch & naming
[02:31] The Developmental Consultation Framework (DCF) — first post summary
[04:15] The three components of the DCF: consultee-led presentation, rubric-anchored positioning, scaffolded intervention
[06:00] Pedagogical Roots series overview — seven posts, every Tuesday through April
[08:30] Post-by-post walkthrough: Freire, Dewey, Vygotsky, Montessori, bell hooks, established models, Sinek capstone
[12:00] DCF Practice Demonstrations series preview — group consultation, peer dynamics, nervous system focus
[14:00] The full architecture: how all series connect
[15:30] Closing reflection — what it takes for a clinician to grow

WHAT WE EXPLORE
The vision behind The Rooted Practice blog and why it’s a companion to the podcast
The Developmental Consultation Framework (DCF): its three components and what problem it solves in clinical consultation
The Pedagogical Roots series — seven theoretical foundation posts featuring Freire, Dewey, Vygotsky, Montessori, bell hooks, and Sinek
How each theorist answers a question the previous one opened — the intentional sequencing
The upcoming Practice Demonstrations series: what consultation looks like through the DCF lens across group, peer, and complex developmental dynamics
The full content architecture — how pedagogical roots ground consultation architecture, which grounds clinical application
Central theme: The missing ingredient in clinical consultation is not expertise — it’s structure and relational development. The DCF and its supporting series give the field a more precise language for what clinicians already know how to do intuitively.

PEDAGOGICAL ROOTS SERIES — POSTING SCHEDULE
Seven posts, every Tuesday through April
Post 1: The Pedagogical Roots of the DCF — Why Clinical Tradition Isn’t Enough (LIVE)
Post 2: Paulo Freire — The Banking Model Critique, Problem-Posing Pedagogy & Servant Leadership
Post 3: John Dewey — Experiential Learning & Reflective Practice
Post 4: Lev Vygotsky — The Zone of Proximal Development & Scaffolding
Post 5: Maria Montessori — Self-Directed Learning & the Prepared Environment
Post 6: bell hooks — Engaged Pedagogy, Belonging & Power in the Learning Space
Post 7: Established Consultation Models, Competency-Based Supervision & the Sinek Capstone

THE DCF — THREE COMPONENTS
Consultee-Led Presentation
Functions as a real-time developmental assessment — the consultee’s presentation reveals where they are.
Rubric-Anchored Positioning
Locates the consultee within a clear progression of competence using defined criteria.
Scaffolded Intervention
Targets the next developmental level only — grounded in Vygotsky’s zone of proximal development.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Without a developmental map, even expert consultants risk consolidating what the consultee already knows — or pitching intervention too far above their current level to integrate
The missing ingredient in consultation is structure and relational development, not expertise
Each theorist in the Pedagogical Roots series answers a question the previous one opened — the sequencing is intentional and builds cumulatively
The blog is where the formal work lives; the podcast is where it breathes — they are designed as companions
Growth requires a relationship with enough structure to locate where you are, enough trust to move you forward, and a regulated nervous system in the room before a clinical word is exchanged

RESOURCES MENTIONED
The Rooted Practice Blog — Developmental Consultation Framework (DCF):
https://www.rewired360.com/blog/dcframework
Theorists & Frameworks Referenced:
Lev Vygotsky — Zone of Proximal Development & Scaffolding
Paulo Freire — Banking Model Critique & Problem-Posing Pedagogy
John Dewey — Experiential Learning & Reflective Practice
Maria Montessori — Self-Directed Learning & the Prepared Environment
bell hooks — Engaged Pedagogy & Belonging
Simon Sinek — Start With Why / Golden Circle
Stephen Porges — Polyvagal Theory & Neuroception
Bernard & Goodyear — Discrimination Model
Falender & Shafranske — Competency-Based Supervision
STANDARD LINKS
Kathy on the Couch Membership Community:
rewired360.com/koc-membership
All Rewired360 EMDR Training Programs:
rewired360.ce-go.com/courses/all
All Links & Resources (Linktree):
linktr.ee/rewired360
Rewired360 Swag Store:
rewired360.com

JOIN THE COMMUNITY
Ready to stop carrying it alone?
The Kathy on the Couch Membership Community is now open — a private space built for grief and trauma therapists who want real clinical tools, monthly NBCC CE credits, live EMDR consultation, and a community of clinicians who truly get it.
Read the DCF and explore the full Rooted Practice blog:
rewired360.com/blog/dcframework
Explore membership tiers and join today:
rewired360.com/koc-membership

ABOUT YOUR HOSTS
KATHY COUCH, LCSW, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, FT
Kathy is the founder and lead trainer for Rewired360, specializing in EMDR therapy training and continuing education for mental health professionals. She is a Fellow in Thanatology who develops comprehensive training curricula, certification programs, and professional resources for grief and trauma therapists. Kathy hosts the Kathy on the Couch podcast and operates Willow Creek Counseling. When Kathy isn’t working with clinicians, you can find her enjoying holistic therapies and spending time with her husband, children, and twin boys.
TONY PARMENTER, MA, LCMHC, EMDRIA Approved Consultant
Tony is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Certified EMDR Therapist, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, and founder of Seiyu Institute for Health & Training, L3C. A U.S. Air Force veteran who served in Operation Enduring Freedom, Tony specializes in complex trauma and intergenerational healing, integrating EMDR therapy, ACT, polyvagal theory, Reiki, clinical hypnosis, and Therapeutic Fly-fishing with EMDR (TF-EMDR)®.

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW
If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more trauma and grief therapists who need this community.
Find us at: www.rewired360.com

DISCLAIMER
The information shared on this podcast reflects the perspectives and experiences of our guests and hosts. It is not intended to substitute for professional consultation, supervision, or individual guidance. If you have questions about how to apply any concepts discussed, consult your clinical supervisor, consultant, or local licensing board. Always follow research-based protocols and best practices in your work.
17 min
February 27 The Consultation Gameshow!
Guest Bio — Renée Seff, MA, LMHC, LPC, ACS
In this special Kathy on the Couch game-show episode, we dive into the world of EMDR consultation in a fun, interactive, and engaging format! Our guest, Renée Seff, MA, LMHC, LPC, ACS, brings over 17 years of clinical experience and trauma-informed expertise to the table, sharing practical insights and strategies while navigating common challenges in EMDR consultation.
Renée’s approach blends somatic-informed therapy, EMDR, clinical hypnosis, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help clinicians and clients alike understand the body-mind connection and foster growth, healing, and resilience. In this episode, she helps turn complex consultation scenarios into an entertaining and educational experience—proving that learning about EMDR consultation can be both insightful and fun!
Her approach is grounded in creating safety and connection, helping individuals build resilience, self‑understanding, and peace through collaborative work that honors each person’s pace and strengths.
Welcome to Kathy On The Couch: EMDR Podcast, the show that unveils and explores the transformative power of EMDR therapy. Our mission is to support clinicians through meaningful conversations, practical resources, and honest dialogue about EMDR, therapy, and the business side of clinical work. We are your hosts, Tony Parmenter and Kathy Couch, and we are thrilled to embark on this journey with you. About Rewired360 Rewired360 equips clinicians and business owners to step into the CEO mindset as they learn, lead, and thrive. We support the full EMDR career pathway, including becoming an EMDR International Association Certified Therapist and Approved Consultant. Our offerings include consultation, training programs, podcasts, Facebook groups, blogs, YouTube channels, free peer huddles for business and EMDR, and a free Rewired360 swag store. View all offerings and social platforms by visiting http://www.rewired360.com .
In this week’s episode, meet ...

Join the free Facebook Group for EMDR Therapists. Subscribe to the YouTube Channel for Everything EMDR.
Subscribe to the Blog for marketing tips and business ideas. Visit the Rewired360 Swag Store for free merchandise.www.rewired.360.shop When Kathy isn’t working with clinicians, you can find her enjoying holistic therapies and spending time with her husband, children, and twin boys.
About Your Co-Host: Tony Parmenter, MA, LCMHC, EMDRIA Approved Consultant Tony Parmenter, co-host, is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Certified EMDR Therapist, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, and founder of Seiyu Institute for Health & Training, L3C, where he specializes in complex trauma and intergenerational healing. A U.S. Air Force veteran who served in Operation Enduring Freedom before teaching ESL in Tokyo and training as a Mental Health Counselor, Tony brings a unique perspective to his work with veterans, first responders, healthcare professionals, and creatives. He is the creator of innovative trauma treatment approaches including the Medicine-free Altered State Recovery System (MARS) and Therapeutic Fly-fishing with EMDR (TF-EMDR)®, which integrate nature-based interventions with evidence-based practices. His holistic approach draws from EMDR, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, polyvagal theory, Reiki, clinical hypnosis, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. Tony is also a musician, outdoor enthusiast, professional trainer who has held visiting or adjunct professorships at NYU, Bellevue University, Purdue University, and others. Additionally, he is a volunteer with the Vermont TRN and American Red Cross, bringing a whole-person/whole-spirit perspective to trauma recovery that honors the interconnection of mind, body, and spirit.
Whether you’re seeking foundational skills or advanced expertise, EMDR University is your partner in growth and excellence.If you’re looking for more resources, be sure to check out our full list of courses at rewired360.com or rewired360.ce-go.com/courses/all. And don’t forget to visit our swag store at rewired360.shop for some fun mental health and EMDR tees!
If you’re interested in learning more about EMDR intensives or want to explore innovative tools like Dharma Dr. EMDR Tappers, you’ll find all the links in our show notes and at linktr.ee/rewired360.

46 min
February 20Working with Neurodiversity with Messina Delgado
Welcome
Welcome to Kathy On The Couch: EMDR Podcast, the show that unveils and explores the transformative power of EMDR therapy. Our mission is to support clinicians through meaningful conversations, practical resources, and honest dialogue about EMDR, therapy, and the business side of clinical work.
We are your hosts, Tony Parmenter and Kathy Couch, and we are thrilled to embark on this journey with you.
About Rewired360
Rewired360 equips clinicians and business owners to step into the CEO mindset as they learn, lead, and thrive. We support the full EMDR career pathway, including becoming an EMDR International Association Certified Therapist and Approved Consultant.
Our offerings include:
Consultation and training programs
Podcasts, blogs, and YouTube channels
Facebook groups and free peer huddles for business and EMDR
Free Rewired360 swag store
View all offerings and social platforms by visiting www.rewired360.com.
In This Week's Episode
Meet Messina Delgado, LPCA
Messina Delgado is a provisionally licensed counselor based in Sugarland, Texas, where she practices at Open Narrative Counseling and Robin Lee Counseling. She specializes in working with trauma and neurodivergence across the lifespan, serving both children and adults with a deep understanding that "adults are tidily larger children, especially when it comes to sensitive materials."
As a neurodivergent clinician herself, Messina brings lived experience and authentic insight to her therapeutic work. Her journey to becoming a therapist was shaped by years of being undiagnosed, navigating expansive interests, and ultimately learning to embrace observation as a powerful tool for understanding both self and others.
Messina is passionate about adapting EMDR therapy for neurodivergent populations, emphasizing the importance of trusting clients' experiences, creating sensory-safe environments, and honoring each person's unique way of processing. She incorporates creative approaches including art, visual tools, somatic work, and parts work to meet clients where they are. Her philosophy centers on the belief that "behavior is conversation" and that attunement is imperative—recognizing that communication doesn't always require exact words.
Currently mentored through the EMDR certification process by Kathy Couch at EMDR University, Messina is committed to expanding access to neurodivergent-affirming therapy and helping clients discover their sense of self beneath the information overload. She believes deeply in the power of play, curiosity, and creating spaces where hard questions are finally welcome.
When she's not in session, Messina can be found observing the world around her, managing her relationship with the Texas sun, and advocating for better understanding of neurodivergence in clinical practice.
In this episode, we dive into:
• Trust your client always - If a neurodivergent client says "I can't feel it," believe them. Don't assume it's trauma-related or tell them they're "doing EMDR wrong."
• Create sensory-safe environments - Turn off overhead lighting, neutralize scents, minimize distractions, and dress consistently to support regulation and predictability.
• Getting to zero isn't always the goal - For neurodivergent clients, focus on state change and adaptive functioning rather than insisting on a SUDs rating of zero. Confidence in self matters more than the number. •
Neurodivergence + trauma requires nuanced assessment - Symptoms can be misdiagnosed as BPD, bipolar, or depression when neurodivergence and trauma are actually at play.
• Use visual tools and creative approaches - Incorporate art, Mr. Sketch markers, written words in color-coded formats, and allow movement during bilateral stimulation. •
Play and attunement are essential - Behavior is communication. Build rapport through unsaid understanding and let clients process in their own way.
Resources Mentioned
• EMDR Training for Neurodivergence:
Christine Male - Subtle Autism and EMDR training (live, offered 3x/year)
Susan Paulson - Level 2 and Level 3 Autism EMDR training
Sandra Paulson - Prerecorded EMDR and autism training
Kathy Steele - Autism and EMDR training
• Neurodivergence Resources:
Embrace Autism website (screeners and information)
• Kathy on the Couch Membership Community
Monthly consultation groups, NBCC CE trainings, course modules, and resource kits for grief and trauma therapists
• EMDR University - Full EMDR certification and consultation pathway through Rewired360
Connect With Us
Join the Community:
Free Facebook Group for EMDR Therapists
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for Everything EMDR
Subscribe to our Blog for marketing tips and business ideas
Visit the Rewired360 Swag Store for merchandise
Explore Our Training:
Whether you're seeking foundational skills or advanced expertise, EMDR University is your partner in growth and excellence. Check out our full list of courses at rewired360.com or rewired360.ce-go.com/courses/all.
Additional Resources:
Learn more about EMDR intensives and innovative tools like Dharma Dr. EMDR Tappers
Find all links at linktr.ee/rewired360
About Your Hosts
Kathy Couch, LCSW, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, FT
Kathy is the founder and lead trainer for Rewired360, specializing in EMDR training and continuing education for mental health professionals. She is a Fellow in Thanatology who develops comprehensive training curricula, certification programs, and professional resources. Kathy also hosts the "Kathy on the Couch" podcast and operates multiple business entities including Willow Creek Counseling.
When Kathy isn't working with clinicians, you can find her enjoying holistic therapies and spending time with her husband, children, and twin boys.
Tony Parmenter, MA, LCMHC, EMDRIA Approved Consultant
Tony Parmenter is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Certified EMDR Therapist, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, and founder of Seiyu Institute for Health & Training, L3C, where he specializes in complex trauma and intergenerational healing.
A U.S. Air Force veteran who served in Operation Enduring Freedom before teaching ESL in Tokyo and training as a Mental Health Counselor, Tony brings a unique perspective to his work with veterans, first responders, healthcare professionals, and creatives. He is the creator of innovative trauma treatment approaches including the Medicine-free Altered State Recovery System (MARS) and Therapeutic Fly-fishing with EMDR (TF-EMDR)®, which integrate nature-based interventions with evidence-based practices.
His holistic approach draws from EMDR, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, polyvagal theory, Reiki, clinical hypnosis, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. Tony is also a musician, outdoor enthusiast, and professional trainer who has held visiting or adjunct professorships at NYU, Bellevue University, Purdue University, and others. Additionally, he is a volunteer with the Vermont TRN and American Red Cross, bringing a whole-person/whole-spirit perspective to trauma recovery that honors the interconnection of mind, body, and spirit.
Subscribe & Review
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us reach more clinicians and continue bringing you valuable content.
50 min
February 18 Season 5! We Built a Community for Therapists — Here’s Why (Kathy on the Couch Launch)
================================================================
KATHY ON THE COUCH PODCAST
SHOW NOTES | Episode 01
Launching a Therapist Community for EMDR, Grief Therapy & Trauma Training
Hosts: Kathy Couch, LCSW & Tony Parmenter, MA, LCMHC
Published: February 2026
================================================================
----------------------------------------------------------------
EPISODE SUMMARY
----------------------------------------------------------------
In this episode of Kathy on the Couch, EMDR therapist and trauma
specialist Kathy Couch introduces a brand-new therapist membership
community built around grief therapy techniques, trauma therapist
training, and EMDR continuing education. Designed for clinicians at
every stage — from newly trained EMDR practitioners to seasoned grief
therapists — this community offers monthly CE credits, live group
consultation, clinical tools, and a private professional network.
If you've been searching for meaningful connection, practical resources,
and a space that truly understands the weight of trauma and grief work,
this is where you belong.
----------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS EPISODE
----------------------------------------------------------------
[00:00] Self-Paced Course Access, Community Q&A & Clinical Resource Library
[00:19] Basic Membership Overview — What You Get for $9/Month
[00:41] Pro Membership — NBCC CE Credits, Discounts & Grief Therapy Resources ($29/Month)
[01:03] CE Builder Tier — Extended EMDR & Grief Therapy Training Workshops
[01:37] EMDR University Alumni Special — CE Builder Access for $19/Month
[01:51] Why This EMDR Therapy Community Exists: The Gap in Trauma & Grief Training
[02:09] Leadership, Marketing & Building Your Identity as a Trauma Therapist
[02:31] Personal Launch Story + Your Invitation to Join the Community
----------------------------------------------------------------
WHAT WE EXPLORE
----------------------------------------------------------------
• The vision behind building a trauma and grief therapy learning community
• Membership tiers designed for different stages of clinical growth
• How EMDR consultation, connection, and structured learning build
competency and confidence
• How therapists can expand into leadership, teaching, and professional
identity development beyond traditional clinical roles
A central theme: therapists are not meant to carry this work alone.
Meaningful growth happens through community, mentorship, and shared learning.
----------------------------------------------------------------
MEMBERSHIP OVERVIEW
----------------------------------------------------------------
BASIC MEMBERSHIP — $9/month
· Self-paced course access
· Community Q&A and peer support
· Clinical tool and product library with practical resources
· One-hour consultation for trauma or grief
· Free case presentation and treatment planning form
· Clinician handouts for grief and trauma work
PRO MEMBERSHIP — $29/month
Everything in Basic, plus:
· 1 NBCC CE credit per month (trauma or grief focus)
· Member discounts on workshops and products
· Live giveaways from the Rewired360 t-shirt shop
· Additional handouts and podcast bonuses
CE BUILDER TIER
Designed for clinicians wanting deeper EMDR and grief training:
· Extended CE workshops (3, 4, or 6-hour trainings)
· Deep-dive specialty content
· Early access to new CE courses and tools
· Free copy of the Documenting in the 8 Phase Protocol Workbook
· Additional discounts
⭐ EMDR University alumni receive CE Builder access for just $19/month
----------------------------------------------------------------
KEY TAKEAWAYS
----------------------------------------------------------------
· Practical clinical tools matter more than theory alone
· Community and consultation accelerate trauma therapy competency
· Therapists can grow beyond clinical roles into leadership,
teaching, and curriculum development
· You are never meant to carry the weight of this work alone
----------------------------------------------------------------
RESOURCES MENTIONED
----------------------------------------------------------------
Join the Kathy on the Couch Membership Community:
https://www.rewired360.com/koc-membership
All Rewired360 EMDR Training Programs:
https://rewired360.ce-go.com/courses/all
All Links & Resources (Linktree):
https://linktr.ee/rewired360
EMDR Intensives & Dharma Dr. EMDR Tappers:
Find links at linktr.ee/rewired360
Free Facebook Group for EMDR Therapists:
Available at linktr.ee/rewired360
Rewired360 Swag Store:
https://www.rewired360.com
YouTube Channel — Everything EMDR:
Available at linktr.ee/rewired360
----------------------------------------------------------------
JOIN THE COMMUNITY
----------------------------------------------------------------
Ready to stop carrying it alone?
The Kathy on the Couch Membership Community is now open — a private
space built for grief and trauma therapists who want real clinical
tools, monthly NBCC CE credits, live EMDR consultation, and a community
of clinicians who truly get it.
Explore membership tiers and join today:
rewired360.com/kathyonthecouch
----------------------------------------------------------------
ABOUT YOUR HOSTS
----------------------------------------------------------------
KATHY COUCH, LCSW, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, FT
Kathy is the founder and lead trainer for Rewired360, specializing in
EMDR therapy training and continuing education for mental health
professionals. She is a Fellow in Thanatology who develops comprehensive
training curricula, certification programs, and professional resources
for grief and trauma therapists. Kathy hosts the Kathy on the Couch
podcast and operates Willow Creek Counseling. When Kathy isn't working
with clinicians, you can find her enjoying holistic therapies and
spending time with her husband, children, and twin boys.
TONY PARMENTER, MA, LCMHC, EMDRIA Approved Consultant
Tony is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Certified EMDR
Therapist, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, and founder of Seiyu Institute
for Health & Training, L3C. A U.S. Air Force veteran who served in
Operation Enduring Freedom, Tony specializes in complex trauma and
intergenerational healing, integrating EMDR therapy, ACT, polyvagal
theory, Reiki, clinical hypnosis, and Therapeutic Fly-fishing with
EMDR (TF-EMDR)(R).
----------------------------------------------------------------
SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW
----------------------------------------------------------------
If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and leave a review.
Your support helps us reach more trauma and grief therapists who need
this community.
Find us at: www.rewired360.com
----------------------------------------------------------------
DISCLAIMER
----------------------------------------------------------------
The information shared on this podcast reflects the perspectives and
experiences of our guests and hosts. It is not intended to substitute
for professional consultation, supervision, or individual guidance.
If you have questions about how to apply any concepts discussed, consult
your clinical supervisor, consultant, or local licensing board. Always
follow research-based protocols and best practices in your work.
----------------------------------------------------------------
FILE INFO
----------------------------------------------------------------
Document Title: EP01_KathyOnTheCouch_ShowNotes – v1 – 2026-02-18
Version: 1.0
Status: Final
Created By: Kathy on the Couch | Claude AI Tool – 2.5.26
Owner: Kathy Couch – Rewired360
© 2026 Rewired360(TM) – Confidential & Proprietary
================================================================
END OF SHOW NOTES
================================================================

15 min
January 23 Military Sexual Trauma with Dana Strickland
Welcome to Kathy On The Couch: EMDR Podcast, the show that unveils and explores the transformative power of EMDR therapy. Our mission is to support clinicians through meaningful conversations, practical resources, and honest dialogue about EMDR, therapy, and the business side of clinical work. We are your hosts, Tony Parmenter and Kathy Couch, and we are thrilled to embark on this journey with you. About Rewired360 Rewired360 equips clinicians and business owners to step into the CEO mindset as they learn, lead, and thrive. We support the full EMDR career pathway, including becoming an EMDR International Association Certified Therapist and Approved Consultant. Our offerings include consultation, training programs, podcasts, Facebook groups, blogs, YouTube channels, free peer huddles for business and EMDR, and a free Rewired360 swag store. View all offerings and social platforms by visiting http://www.rewired360.com .
In this week’s episode, meet Dana Strickland (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Arizona and Texas, an EMDR Consultant and Brainspotter, as well as an approved clinical supervisor in Arizona.
Dana is a disabled Army Veteran and survivor of military sexual trauma (MST). Choosing to become a trauma therapist was a deeply personal and profound decision which helped her to create a meaning from pain in a way that served her growth instead of limiting it. Healing is not about restoring what was, it is a process of coming back into our SELF to intentionally create new and empowered meaning. Using EMDR, Brainspotting, Mindfulness, and somatic interventions Dana helps women sort through the pieces of what feels broken, creating a mosaic of healing, embodiment, and spiritual growth, discovering and honoring who they came to be in the world. By taking intentional and aligned actions, you can experience fulfillment as a way of being.
Dana offers individual therapy both in-person and telehealth for adult clients in Arizona and telehealth only services in Texas. Jack, an emotional support Aussie, joins in-person sessions to bring comfort, grounding, snoot boops and fluffy cuteness. Dana is in-network with Aetna and BCBS and offer extended Brainspotting and EMDR sessions for self-pay clients.
Full Life Counseling Website: www.flcinaz.com
Resources List - Survivors United https://www.survivorunited.org/resources-treatment
Mobile Apps -
Beyond MST (Google Play and Apple). Beyond MST is a free, secure and private self-help mobile app created specifically to support the health and well-being of survivors of MST. The app has over 30 specialized tools and other features to help MST survivors cope with challenges, manage symptoms, improve their quality of life and find hope. Users do not need to create an account or be in treatment to use the app. Any personal information entered in the app is not shared with anyone, including the VA.
Safe Helpline (Google Play and Apple). Services are anonymous, confidential and tailored to support members of the DoD community and their loved ones affected by sexual assault.
Stories of Recovery - maketheconnection.net
Join the free Facebook Group for EMDR Therapists. Subscribe to the YouTube Channel for Everything EMDR.
Subscribe to the Blog for marketing tips and business ideas. Visit the Rewired360 Swag Store for free merchandise.www.rewired.360.shop When Kathy isn’t working with clinicians, you can find her enjoying holistic therapies and spending time with her husband, children, and twin boys.
About Your Co-Host: Tony Parmenter, MA, LCMHC, EMDRIA Approved Consultant Tony Parmenter, co-host, is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Certified EMDR Therapist, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, and founder of Seiyu Institute for Health & Training, L3C, where he specializes in complex trauma and intergenerational healing. A U.S. Air Force veteran who served in Operation Enduring Freedom before teaching ESL in Tokyo and training as a Mental Health Counselor, Tony brings a unique perspective to his work with veterans, first responders, healthcare professionals, and creatives. He is the creator of innovative trauma treatment approaches including the Medicine-free Altered State Recovery System (MARS) and Therapeutic Fly-fishing with EMDR (TF-EMDR)®, which integrate nature-based interventions with evidence-based practices. His holistic approach draws from EMDR, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, polyvagal theory, Reiki, clinical hypnosis, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. Tony is also a musician, outdoor enthusiast, professional trainer who has held visiting or adjunct professorships at NYU, Bellevue University, Purdue University, and others. Additionally, he is a volunteer with the Vermont TRN and American Red Cross, bringing a whole-person/whole-spirit perspective to trauma recovery that honors the interconnection of mind, body, and spirit.
Whether you’re seeking foundational skills or advanced expertise, EMDR University is your partner in growth and excellence.If you’re looking for more resources, be sure to check out our full list of courses at rewired360.com or rewired360.ce-go.com/courses/all. And don’t forget to visit our swag store at rewired360.shop for some fun mental health and EMDR tees!
If you’re interested in learning more about EMDR intensives or want to explore innovative tools like Dharma Dr. EMDR Tappers, you’ll find all the links in our show notes and at linktr.ee/rewired360.

24 min

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Come learn with a community of like-minded peers everything EMDR. We are a community of clinicians hosting everyday clinical conversations from practice to business to trauma practice techniques and…