Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button.

SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes.

SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/

Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAHApTPhKtE/w9nd8Kx8V3-qXpSnLl8v7Q/view?utm_content=DAHApTPhKtE&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h7a16a97896

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Episode Summary: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is one of the most empirically supported treatments in mental health, with strong evidence for reducing suicide risk, self-injury, and other high-risk behaviors. Yet access to full-fidelity DBT remains limited, raising important questions about dissemination, accessibility, and real-world use.

In this episode, Shaina Siber is joined by Dr. Shireen L. Rizvi and Dr. Jesse Finkelstein for a thoughtful conversation about DBT dissemination—how evidence-based treatments evolve, travel beyond specialty settings, and become usable tools for real life without losing their integrity.

The discussion centers on Real Skills for Real Life: A DBT Guide to Navigating Stress, Emotions, and Relationships, an accessible, visually engaging guide that presents 26 core DBT skills alongside decision trees to support flexible, context-responsive skill use.

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About Our Guests: Shireen L. Rizvi, PhD, is Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Montefiore Einstein Medical Center in New York, where she serves as Director of Psychology Training and Director of DBT Services and Research. Dr. Rizvi earned her doctorate under the mentorship of Marsha M. Linehan. She has received extensive grant funding and published dozens of research papers. Dr. Rizvi is board certified in cognitive and behavioral therapies and DBT. Her mission is to get DBT tools to as many people as possible.

Jesse Finkelstein, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist, educator, and creator of innovative DBT-based interventions. He trained extensively in DBT and other evidence-based treatments, with a specialization in emotion dysregulation, posttraumatic stress disorder, and obsessive–compulsive disorder. Dr. Finkelstein’s work bridges clinical practice, research, and creative design to make DBT skills more accessible and engaging.

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Helpful Links & Resources:

Real Skills for Real Life: A DBT Guide to Navigating Stress, Emotions, and Relationships
https://a.co/d/2dGOZx0
https://www.guilford.com/books/Real-Skills-for-Real-Life/Rizvi-Finkelstein/9781462555574

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Conflict of Interest Disclosures:

The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. The guests featured in this episode, Dr. Shireen L. Rizvi and Dr. Jesse Finkelstein, are the authors of Real Skills for Real Life: A DBT Guide to Navigating Stress, Emotions, and Relationships, which is referenced during the episode. They receive royalties from the sale of this book.  No other financial conflicts of interest were reported.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional.

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Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals.

Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways!

Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com

Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/

TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button.

SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes.

SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/

Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG_lF-ZpCY/yC-Ro85UiUoGf2UFz-bwMg/view?utm_content=DAG_lF-ZpCY&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hf021a1b3e5

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Episode Summary: In this episode of Affirming Minds, we explore foster care and adoption through an attachment-informed lens, focusing on how separation-related grief and loss are often minimized or left unacknowledged. We discuss how separations across infancy, childhood, and adolescence can shape emotional regulation, trust, and behavior—and how clinicians and caregivers can respond with greater accuracy and compassion.

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About Our Guest: Jeanette Yoffe, M.A., M.F.T., is a nationally recognized clinician and educator with over 20 years of experience specializing in foster care, adoption, and attachment-informed treatment. She is the Founder of Celia Center, Clinical Director of Yoffe Therapy, and the author of The Traumatized & At-Risk Youth Toolbox.

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Helpful Links & Resources:

Website:
www.JeanetteYoffe.com

The Traumatized & At-Risk Youth Toolbox:
https://www.pesi.com/item/the-traumatized-atrisk-youth-toolbox-150079

Children’s Books:
https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B07V9L93XF

Psychology Today – The Inner Life of Foster Care:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-inner-life-of-foster-care

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Connect with Jeanette

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanetteyoffe/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanette.yoffe

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Jeanette-icallySpeaking

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/JeanetteYoffe

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanetteyoffe/

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Conflict of Interest Disclosures:

The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. The guest featured in this episode, Jeanette Yoffe, M.A., M.F.T., is the author of The Traumatized & At-Risk Youth Toolbox, which is referenced throughout the episode as a clinical resource. Jeanette Yoffe receives royalties from the sale of this book. No other financial conflicts of interest were reported.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional.

---

Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals.

Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways!

Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com

Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/

TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button.

SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes.

SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/

Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG-3TMjq5c/qaWmfiu6RuKNQvsmn3MhCw/view?utm_content=DAG-3TMjq5c&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h61b36a0d1a

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Episode Summary: At a moment of expanding awareness and increasing constraint, clinicians are more attuned than ever to the potential for harm in the therapy room—yet many feel uncertain about how to respond when identity, power, and politics arise in session.

In this episode, we explore cultural humility as a clinical stance, not a buzzword:

Our guest is Dr. Lauren Wadsworth, clinical psychologist, consultant, and co-founder of Twin Stars Diversity Trainers. Dr. Wadsworth brings deep clinical experience and a justice-oriented lens to the nuanced terrain where identity and therapy intersect.

Whether you’re a seasoned clinician or in training, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about identity, power, harm, and ethics in everyday practice.

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About Our Guest: Dr. Lauren Wadsworth, PsyD, ABPP is:

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Helpful Links & Resources:

🔗 Mental Health Network and Training Institute (MHNTI)
https://www.mhnti.com/

🔗 Genesee Valley Psychology & Training Collaborative
https://gviproc.org/

🔗 Twin Stars Diversity Trainers
https://www.twinstardiversity.com/

📘 Did That Just Happen?! Beyond “Diversity” — Book
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/670590/did-that-just-happen-by-dr-stephanie-pinder-amaker-and-dr-lauren-wadsworth/

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Conflict of Interest Disclosures:

The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional.

---

Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals.

Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways!

Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com

Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/

TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

2 months FREE + 2 months at 50% off
No commitment. Cancel anytime.

How to claim:

Go to https://app.cymbiose.ai/login 

Click “I’m new here” to create your account

Use code CYM4

In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, Shaina Siber, LCSW sits down with Brandi Herring, LMHC — co-founder and CEO of Cymbiose AI, a culturally responsive, HIPAA-compliant AI assistant built by clinicians, for clinicians.

Together, they explore what it looks like when therapists don’t just adapt to systems — but help design them.

This conversation covers:

Ethical AI in mental health and why clinician leadership matters

Bias, cultural responsiveness, and diagnostic clarity

Turning documentation into a clinical and professional asset

Moving from clinician to founder — even without a tech background

If you’ve been curious about AI but cautious about ethics, privacy, or impact on care, this episode offers a grounded, clinician-centered perspective on how technology can support — not replace — human-centered therapy.

Cymbiose AI supports clinicians with documentation, cultural and structural insights, supervision tracking, and CE recommendations — all designed to strengthen care quality while reducing administrative burden.

Brandi Herring: @brandithetherapist

Cymbiose AI: @cymbioseai  Cymbiose AI

Learn more about AFFIRM’s CE offerings at Affirm Mental Health or Join the Affirm Academy AFFIRM Mental Health Courses

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button.

SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes.

SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/

Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG9j8Q1isU/xvwgaGz5kPfsJcS5m--L7w/view?utm_content=DAG9j8Q1isU&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hd1e5d859a3

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Episode Summary: Why is behavior change so hard—even when we genuinely want to change?

In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, we explore how survival wiring, unconscious patterns, and longevity science shape habit formation and behavior change. Drawing from behavioral science, psychodynamic psychology, and emerging healthspan research, this conversation examines why willpower alone rarely works—and what supports sustainable, values-aligned change instead.

Shaina is joined by Laura Elorza Isaza, Clinical Psychologist, to discuss autopilot living, discipline vs. motivation, shame-free approaches to habit change, and how understanding unconscious processes can help individuals design behaviors that support long-term mental and physical well-being.

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About Our Guest: Laura Elorza Isaza: I am a clinical psychologist, graduated from Universidad EAFIT, with a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with a psychodynamic focus from Universidad del Norte. I work with adults in therapeutic processes focused on navigating significant life changes, healing emotional bonds, strengthening self-esteem, and cultivating motivation and consistency — all through a deep, human-centered approach. My experience spans both individual and group settings, in person and online, integrating tools such as projective and psychotechnical tests, crisis intervention, psychological first aid, and clinical research. I have had the opportunity to work with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, which has enriched my clinical perspective and allowed me to tailor therapeutic support to a wide range of sensitivities and worldviews.
With psychology I help people break free from autopilot living and uncover genuine happiness. Through my private practice and my work with Unconscious Moderation (UM), a platform built on “change your thoughts, change your drink, change your life”, I guide individuals through major life changes, emotional healing, and self-esteem building. At UM, I create content and support tools that combine hypnotherapy, journaling, and movement practices to transform people’s relationships with alcohol without shame or perfectionism. I emphasize in understanding unconscious patterns over forcing change, fostering conversations that empower people to discover what truly works for their lives.

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Conflict of Interest Disclosures:

The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose.

The guest for this episode, Laura Elorza Isaza, Clinical Psychologist, disclosed a financial relationship with Unconscious Moderation (UM). She receives compensation from the company and referenced the UM app during the course of the discussion. This relationship has been disclosed in the interest of transparency. The content of this episode is educational in nature and was not influenced by any commercial entity.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional.

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Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals.

Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways!

Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com

Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/

TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Mental Health Edit (Non-CE Episode)

📄 FREE Guide: Podcasting for Therapists
https://www.canva.com/design/DAG8ibvnb3k/wc9YVR0csvGvsvDgZRWRaQ/view 

Thinking about starting a podcast as a therapist or clinician? This episode offers a realistic conversation about podcasting, creativity, sustainability, and lessons learned from building a therapist-led show.

🎙️ Guest: Tobin Richardson, creator of Save the Therapist

🎧 Save the Therapist Podcast & Platform
https://savethetherapist.com 

🎓 Live Training: Ethical Decision-Making for Public-Facing Therapists
(Free for Affirm Academy Members)
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1977913650974 

🌱 Join Affirm Academy – $29/month
https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/offers/XMAbo9mh/checkout 

Perinatal OCD on Screen with Little Disasters Author Sarah Vaughan In this episode of The Mental Health Edit, Shaina Siber, host of The Affirming Minds Podcast, speaks with Sarah Vaughan, bestselling author of Anatomy of a Scandal and Little Disasters, about perinatal obsessive-compulsive disorder, maternal mental health, and why accurate media representation matters far beyond the therapy room. Little Disasters—now a limited series streaming on Little Disasters—offers a rare, thoughtful portrayal of intrusive thoughts, shame, avoidance, and institutional response, and Sarah generously reflects on how her experiences of motherhood informed both the novel and its screen adaptation. Watch: https://www.paramountplus.com
Read: Little Disasters: A Novel: Vaughan, Sarah: 9781501172229: Amazon.com: Books (or your preferred bookseller)
Learn more about AFFIRM Mental Health, including CE-eligible podcasts: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com  

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button.

SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes.

SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/

Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG7l1eTh1Q/_ZLnM4mT596WGPoe3v709w/view?utm_content=DAG7l1eTh1Q&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hd0b27cafe4

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Episode Summary: As mental health knowledge increasingly moves beyond the therapy room and into public-facing spaces—social media, podcasts, blogs, and newsletters—therapists are navigating new ethical terrain.

In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber, LCSW is joined by licensed psychologist and DBT expert Dr. Kiki Fehling for a thoughtful conversation about what it means for therapists to show up publicly with integrity, clarity, and ethical care.

Together, they explore how public-facing psychoeducation can expand access, reduce stigma, and counter misinformation—while also examining ethical considerations around visibility, self-disclosure, confidentiality, political expression, and professional identity. Rather than offering rigid rules, this episode invites clinicians into a more reflective, values-driven approach to public engagement.

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Topics Discussed:

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About Our Guest: Dr. Kiki Fehling is a licensed psychologist, author, speaker, and Linehan Board–Certified Clinician in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She is known for her public-facing psychoeducation through @dbtkiki, her Substack How To Queer Joy, her book Self-Directed DBT Skills, her DBT Cards for Coping Skills deck, and her work with the suicide prevention nonprofit Now Matters Now. Learn more about DBT at behavioraltech.org. Dr. Fehling is also a WomenHeart Champion, using both clinical expertise and lived experience to advocate for equity in cardiac health.

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Upcoming Workshop With Our Guest

Ethics of Personal Branding for Therapists: How to Get Started, Show Up Wisely, and Maintain Boundaries in Digital Spaces

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Conflict of Interest Disclosure: This episode includes discussion of an upcoming continuing education training offered through Affirm Mental Health. The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health and will receive financial benefit from course registrations. Dr. Kiki Fehling is a paid presenter for this training. The workshop is free for Affirm Academy members. No other financial conflicts of interest are reported.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional.

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Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals.

Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways!

Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com

Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/

TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button.

SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes.

SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/

Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG6RMxBArE/68btywE2DPvr8nnoE_j8uA/view?utm_content=DAG6RMxBArE&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=he417b57f34

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Episode Summary: Today we explore how Internal Family Systems (IFS) and attachment theory intersect—and why this integration offers such powerful clinical clarity. We discuss how early attachment experiences shape protectors, how authenticity gets exiled in favor of connection, and what it looks like to build a secure internal attachment between Self and parts.

If you’d like an IFS foundation first, listen to Episode #35 with Kendall Hart.

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Topics Discussed:

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About Our Guest: Alyce Messer, LCSW-S, is an EMDRIA-Approved Consultant and IFS Level 2-trained therapist specializing in complex trauma and therapist wellness. She integrates EMDR and IFS to help clinicians, clients, and humans cultivate Self-leadership and healing through differentiation

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Connect with Alyce: 

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Upcoming Workshop with Our Guest

Introduction to Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy: Foundations for Clinicians

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Resources Mentioned

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Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional.

---

Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals.

Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways!

Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com

Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/

TikTok: @affirm_mental_health