The Affirming Minds Podcast

By Shaina Siber, LCSW

Build your elite therapeutic toolkit learning through expert-led "pod-courses" and interviews. CEs available for Affirm Academy members.... more

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FAQs about The Affirming Minds Podcast:

How many episodes does The Affirming Minds Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 50 episodes available.

The Affirming Minds Podcast episodes:

July 15, 2025Therapy for Dog Phobia: Evidence-Based Approaches for Cynophobia with Stefani M. Cohen, LCSW
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/DAGs9UIDD-Y/FxNxVKjXI1ajxr-gQavGoA/edit?utm_content=DAGs9UIDD-Y&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Episode Summary: Cynophobia—the fear of dogs—can be deeply disruptive, especially for children and families navigating daily life in a dog-loving society. In this episode, we sit down with Stefani M. Cohen, LCSW, a clinical social worker and author who specializes in treating dog phobia across the lifespan. Drawing from personal experience, decades of clinical practice, and her unique Overcoming the Fear of Dogs Protocol (OFOD), Stefani walks us through what causes cynophobia, how it shows up differently in children and adults, and what really works when it comes to treatment.
You’ll learn how to apply gradual exposure, dog safety education, and trauma-informed techniques to help clients build resilience and confidence—whether you're a therapist, parent, or educator.
This episode is CE-eligible through the Affirming Minds Podcast.
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Learning Objectives:
Describe the behavioral, developmental, and temperamental factors that contribute to cynophobia (fear of dogs)
Identify at least two evidence-based intervention strategies for addressing dog phobia, including gradual exposure and psychoeducation on dog body language
Apply trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate strategies when supporting clients working through cynophobia
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Resources:
Website: https://www.overcomefearofdogs.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/overcomefearofdogs
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OvercomeFearOfDogs
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefani-cohen-lcsw
Email: [email protected]
---
About Our Guest: Stefani Cohen is a licensed clinical social worker in private practice with more than 30 years of experience working with children and families. She is the author of Overcoming Your Child’s Fear of Dogs and How to Face My Fear of Dogs: An Activity Guide for Kids, both of which offer accessible, evidence-based strategies for helping individuals of all ages overcome cynophobia.
A parenting expert and longtime animal lover, Stefani was first drawn into this specialty when her own daughter developed a fear of dogs. Since then, she has developed and refined her Overcoming the Fear of Dogs Protocol (OFOD)—a unique therapeutic model using psychoeducation, exposure therapy, and the support of trained therapy dog teams.
Stefani has led countless parent support groups, teacher trainings, and clinical workshops focused on anxiety, emotional regulation, and child development. She holds a B.A. in Sociology and a Master of Social Work from New York University.
She lives in New Rochelle, NY with her husband and dog, Winnie, and is the proud grandmother of five dog-loving grandchildren.
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Conflict of Interest Disclosure/ Commercial Support Statement: 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.
This episode is sponsored by Jane, a practice management software. The presenter, Stefani M. Cohen, LCSW, also references her own published books and resources as potential tools for further learning. These materials are optional and not required to complete the CE activity.
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
...more
53min
July 08, 2025Navigating Dementia and Brain Changes: A Clinician’s Guide to Caregiver Support with Michelle Zipser, LMSW
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/DAGsgCVBvZw/WUvWX6znQ6KLK-Y3qdtC_w/edit?utm_content=DAGsgCVBvZw&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Episode Summary: In this deeply compassionate and clinically rich episode, host Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW is joined by Michelle Zipser, LMSW—a seasoned therapist with over 22 years of experience supporting individuals and families impacted by dementia and life transitions related to brain changes.
Michelle shares her insights from years in hospice and palliative care and her private practice, where she works closely with care partners navigating the emotional, psychological, and logistical toll of supporting a loved one with dementia.
Together, we explore the challenges of ambiguous loss, caregiver identity shifts, compassion fatigue, and the trauma-informed clinical strategies therapists can use to support clients in these roles with empathy, nuance, and evidence-informed care.
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Topics Covered:
Common emotional and psychological challenges caregivers face, including grief, guilt, anger, and exhaustion
How ambiguous loss and identity shifts impact care partners over time
The difference between “caregiver” and “care partner” language—and why it matters
Strategies to support caregiver resilience, including mindfulness, EMDR, psychoeducation, and ritual
When—and how—to help caregivers explore boundaries, role expectations, and even the choice to say no
Systemic barriers to dementia care and the importance of clinician advocacy
How to bring a person-centered, trauma-informed lens to dementia work in therapy
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Resources:
Duet: Partners in Health & Aging
Free support groups, resources, and counseling for family caregivers, including those supporting loved ones with dementia.
Website: https://duetaz.org/family-caregivers
Barrow Neurological Institute – Alzheimer’s & Memory Disorders Program
Offers diagnostic care, educational materials, and support for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other memory disorders, as well as their care partners.
Website: https://www.barrowneuro.org/centers-programs/alzheimers-and-memory-disorders
Lisa Miller, Ph.D.
Researcher and clinical psychologist specializing in the connection between spirituality and depression; author of The Awakened Brain.
Website: https://www.lisamillerphd.com
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About Our Guest: Michelle is a therapist, educator, and consultant with over two decades of experience supporting individuals and families through dementia and life transitions. She spent nearly 20 years as a medical social worker at Hospice of the Valley before opening her private practice. Michelle brings deep empathy, advocacy, and insight to her work with care partners and older adults facing brain changes and cognitive decline.
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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
...more
53min
July 01, 2025Intimate Partner Violence: A Clinical Guide to Affirming, Trauma-Informed Support with Catrina Drinning-Davis, LPC-S, CCTP
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/DAGr3EKa8Q0/wVAqVhTkNBhS1yJke7zrYg/edit?utm_content=DAGr3EKa8Q0&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Episode Summary: In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber is joined by EMDR-certified trauma therapist Catrina Drinning-Davis, LPC-S to explore clinical considerations when working with individuals impacted by intimate partner violence (IPV). This episode blends therapeutic insights with trauma-informed strategies to support clinicians in providing compassionate, affirming care to survivors of IPV.
Trigger Warning:
This episode includes discussions of domestic violence, strangulation, homicide risk, and structural oppression. Please listen with care.
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Topics Covered:
How IPV may present in therapy
Safety planning tools that support harm reduction—whether or not a client is ready to leave
High-risk indicators such as strangulation, stalking, and firearm access
Why clinicians shouldn’t wait for clients to label abuse before taking steps to enhance safety
How systemic and structural forces like poverty, racism, patriarchy, and immigration status affect survivors’ access to support
The importance of client autonomy and why some common interventions may unintentionally replicate control
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About Our Guest:
Catrina Drinning-Davis, LPC-S is a licensed professional counselor and supervisor based in Texas, with authorization to work with clients in Arizona, Florida, South Carolina, and Virginia. She is an EMDR-certified therapist specializing in supporting survivors of domestic and relationship abuse. Her work centers empowerment, autonomy, and reconnection with inner strength.
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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
...more
52min
June 24, 2025Partnering on Psych Meds: What Therapists Need to Know with Dr. Maria Ingalla DNP, PMHNP-BC
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/DAGrMFVzLKQ/jqmpZUWaMHccXE5nw-1dxA/edit?utm_content=DAGrMFVzLKQ&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Episode Summary: In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, Shaina sits down with psychiatric nurse practitioner, educator, and mental health advocate Maria Ingalla, founder of Paperflower Psychiatry, a neurodivergent-affirming practice rooted in compassion, accessibility, and social justice.
Together, they tackle one of the most commonly misunderstood areas in clinical practice: psychiatric medication. If you're a non-prescribing therapist who feels unsure about how to talk to clients about meds—or how to collaborate with prescribers—this conversation will leave you feeling more informed, more confident, and more grounded in your role.
Maria brings her signature no-BS style to break down the basics of psychopharm in a way that’s clear, compassionate, and completely accessible. She shares insights from her years in community mental health, tips for ethically supporting clients through medication changes, and why mental health professionals must stay vigilant in the face of growing political misinformation and stigma.
Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned clinician, this is essential listening for anyone who wants to integrate affirming, evidence-informed, and collaborative care into their work.
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Topics Covered:
When therapy alone isn’t enough: signs a client may benefit from a med consult
What therapists should—and shouldn’t—say about medication
The role of SSRIs, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and more (without needing a psychopharm textbook)
How to collaborate with prescribers without overstepping scope
Why psych meds are being politicized—and how that impacts your clients
Real-world advice for supporting clients during med starts, switches, and tapers
Tips for opening the door to med conversations with curiosity, not fear
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About Our Guest:
Maria Ingalla is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, educator, and mental health advocate. She is the founder of Paperflower Psychiatry, a neurodivergent-affirming practice rooted in compassion, accessibility, and social justice. With a background in community mental health and a decade of experience working with children, trauma survivors, and underserved populations, Maria brings a deeply human lens to psychiatric care. Her clinical interests include neurodevelopmental conditions like autism and ADHD, trauma recovery, and medication management that centers the patient’s lived experience. She is especially passionate about dismantling systemic barriers in mental health, from Medicaid policy to stigma within professional spaces. Maria is also an educator, course creator, and content producer, known for her down-to-earth, no bullshit style on TikTok and YouTube, where she breaks down complex mental health topics for clinicians and the public alike. When she’s not building trauma-informed systems or supervising clinical teams, Maria can be found chasing her two toddlers, tending her herbal tea garden, or crafting raw, radical content on her podcast Brain Trash that calls out injustice and reimagines what psychiatric care should be.
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Resources Mentioned:
Website: paperflowerpsychiatry.com
Instagram: @paperflowerpsychiatry
Podcast: Brain Trash: From DSM to Dumpster Fire
TikTok: @drmariangalla
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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
...more
53min
June 10, 2025Internal Family Systems: Parts, Protectors, and Permission in IFS with Kendhal Hart, PsyD, LPC-S
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/DAGp4BJwVVA/7oGUd4ZQc5rI93u6Izwbig/edit?utm_content=DAGp4BJwVVA&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Episode Summary: In this rich and wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Kendhal Hart joins host Shaina Siber to demystify Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and explore how it can be powerfully integrated with EMDR to support trauma healing. A seasoned educator, IFS Consultant, and EMDRIA-Approved Trainer, Kendhal brings warmth, wisdom, and clinical clarity to a topic that has inspired both buzz and confusion in the therapy world.
Together, Shaina and Kendhal unpack foundational IFS concepts—like protectors, exiles, blending, and Self-energy—while reflecting on real-life clinical applications, therapist parts in the room, and how IFS fosters consent, choice, and compassion. Whether you’re new to parts work or looking to deepen your integration across modalities, this episode offers both practical strategies and moments of soulful resonance.
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Topics Covered:
The core principles of Internal Family Systems therapy and the roles of protectors, exiles, and Self-energy
How IFS complements and enhances EMDR, especially with highly protected or trauma-impacted clients
Clinical strategies to help clients unblend from parts and access Self-energy
Ethical and trauma-informed implications of the IFS stance that “all parts are welcome”
How to introduce IFS concepts to skeptical or non-clinical clients
The therapist’s inner system: working with your own parts in the therapy room
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About Our Guest:
Dr. Kendhal Hart is a trauma therapist, educator, and consultant specializing in the integration of EMDR and Internal Family Systems (IFS). She is an IFS Institute Approved Clinical Consultant, EMDRIA-Approved Basic Trainer, and the author of the forthcoming book Treating Trauma with EMDR and IFS: A Clinician’s Guide to Integrating Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy with Internal Family Systems (October 2025). She is passionate about accessibility, anti-oppressive practice, and therapist sustainability.
Learn more at kendhalhart.com
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Resources Mentioned:
Internal Family Systems (IFS Institute): https://ifs-institute.com
EMDRIA: https://www.emdria.org
---
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
...more
1h 14min
June 03, 2025Perinatal Mental Health: Clinical Blind Spots, Policy Gaps, and the Path Forward with Elyse Springer, LMFT, PMH-C
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/DAGpP-2Z520/xhXO_oMzQaFYT1r5kTugQQ/edit?utm_content=DAGpP-2Z520&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Episode Summary: In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, Shaina is joined by perinatal mental health expert and advocate Elyse Springer, MA-CLP, LMFT, PMH-C, for a rich and deeply human conversation on the realities of working with clients during the perinatal period. They explore what often gets overlooked in clinical training, how systemic gaps in policy and access compound suffering, and what therapists can do right now to offer more competent, compassionate, and inclusive care.
While this conversation primarily centers on experiences related to wanted pregnancies, Elyse brings a nuanced lens that honors the full spectrum of perinatal experiences—including loss, trauma, non-birthing partner mental health, intersectionality, and the social determinants that shape who gets care and who gets missed.
Elyse also shares powerful insights from her own personal journey, and offers practical, evidence-based strategies for assessing and supporting perinatal clients in both individual and systemic contexts.
This episode is essential listening for any therapist working with adults, couples, or families—and especially for those looking to deepen their confidence and competence in this vital area of care.
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Topics Covered:
Defining perinatal mental health beyond postpartum depression
Clinical presentations of perinatal OCD, PTSD, and psychosis
Ego-syntonic vs. ego-dystonic thoughts: why the distinction matters
Mental health risks and hormonal shifts in non-birthing partners
Why inclusive language and frameworks matter in perinatal care
The absence of required training—and what clinicians can do about it
Systemic barriers to access and advocacy opportunities at the policy level
Trauma-informed approaches and integrative treatment modalities
Shame reduction, storytelling, and the importance of psychoeducation
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About Our Guest: Elyse Springer, MA-CLP, LMFT, PMH-C is a licensed marriage and family therapist in California, Oregon, and Washington specializing in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, pregnancy and infant loss, LGBTQIA+ affirming care, trauma, anxiety, OCD, and HIV/AIDS. She is certified in EMDR, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, and Perinatal Mental Health.
Elyse is the Policy and Advocacy Chair for Postpartum Support International California, an emeritus board member and faculty trainer with Maternal Mental Health NOW, and a trainer for Return to Zero: H.O.P.E. and Love, Dad. She maintains a clinical practice and lives in Los Angeles.
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Resources Mentioned:
Postpartum Support International
https://www.postpartum.net
Maternal Mental Health NOW
https://www.maternalmentalhealthnow.org
Return to Zero: H.O.P.E.
https://rtzhope.org
Love, Dad
https://love-dad.org/
Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health – U.S. State Report Cards
https://policycentermmh.org/state-report-cards/
Elyse Springer’s Website
https://www.elysespringer.com
---
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
...more
1h 11min
May 27, 2025Virtual Reality in Therapy: Optimizing Exposure & Engagement with Gwilym Roddick, DSW, LCSW & Melanie Smith, PhD, LMHC, CEDS-C
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/DAGokRUt10A/PmXWtPyIpAlwh16xOnJDjQ/edit?utm_content=DAGokRUt10A&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Episode Summary: In this powerful episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber sits down with Dr. Gwilym Roddick and Dr. Melanie Smith—two national leaders in the clinical integration of virtual reality (VR)—to explore how immersive technology is transforming psychotherapy. From exposure therapy and phobia work to trauma-informed care and culturally responsive adaptations, this conversation goes deep into how therapists can ethically and effectively use VR to expand client access, support emotional growth, and stay centered in human connection.
The conversation also honors the late Dr. Elizabeth McMahon and her groundbreaking work in VR-assisted therapy for anxiety. Whether you're VR-curious or tech-skeptical, this episode offers practical insight, clinical guidance, and next steps for bringing innovation into your therapeutic practice.
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Learning Objectives:
Describe at least two clinical applications of VR in psychotherapy.
Identify one benefit and one limitation of integrating VR into evidence-based practice.
Analyze ethical and practical considerations for using VR with clients.
Explain how VR-based interventions can support trauma-informed and culturally responsive care.
Evaluate the emerging research base and identify future areas of application.
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About Our Guests:
Gwilym Roddick is a licensed clinical social worker, founder of CBT of Central & South Florida, Chair of the ABCT Masters-Level SIG, and a clinical advisor for PsyTech VR. He specializes in exposure-based treatment, anxiety, OCD, and immersive technology in therapy. Gwilym is also the founder of Behavioral Innovations Institute.
Melanie Smith is a licensed mental health counselor, CEDS-C, and trainer in the Unified Protocol. She has nearly two decades of experience treating complex eating disorders and anxiety-based disorders and is a co-author of The Renfrew Unified Treatment Model for Eating Disorders and Comorbidity. She practices at CBT of Central & South Florida and is an advisor for PsyTech VR.
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About PsyTechVR - See the Tech:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5CJNOzXxu8
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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
...more
1h 23min
May 20, 2025The SPACE Model for Childhood Anxiety: Raising Resilient Kids Through Parent-Led Support with Ivy Ruths, PhD, LSSP
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/DAGn7D3Aj68/DvLtfvUKOHrm26Z-bvP0mQ/edit?utm_content=DAGn7D3Aj68&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Episode Summary: In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, we explore the transformative power of the SPACE model—Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions—an evidence-based, parent-led approach for treating childhood anxiety.
Our guest, Dr. Ivy Ruths, is a licensed psychologist and the founder and Clinical Director of the Houston Anxiety & Wellness Center, where she specializes in treating anxiety, OCD, and related disorders using the SPACE model. With over 15 years of experience and PsyPact certification, Dr. Ruths offers therapy in 40+ states and is a nationally recognized leader in child and adolescent anxiety treatment.
This episode is packed with compassionate, actionable insights for therapists, educators, and caregivers looking to help children, teens, and emerging adults rise to the occasion—even when therapy isn't happening in the therapy room.
---
Topics Covered:
What the SPACE model is and how it differs from traditional child-focused therapy approaches
How parental accommodation can unintentionally maintain or worsen childhood anxiety
The importance of supportive statements and clear behavioral shifts by parents
Practical ways to guide families when children are resistant to therapy or disengaged
What clinicians should consider when implementing SPACE across diverse family structures and clinical presentations
---
About Our Guest: Ivy Ruths, PhD, LSSP is a licensed psychologist and licensed specialist in school psychology with over 15 years of experience treating anxiety, OCD, and related disorders across clinical, school, and hospital settings. She is the founder and Clinical Director of the Houston Anxiety & Wellness Center, where she supervises clinicians and leads parent-focused interventions including SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions). A PsyPact-certified provider, Dr. Ruths offers therapy across 40+ states and frequently consults with schools and professionals on best practices in anxiety treatment. She also serves in leadership roles with OCD Texas, the Houston Psychological Association, and the TLC Foundation for BFRBs.
---
Connect with Dr. Ivy Ruths:
Website: houstonanxiety.com
Email: [email protected]
Offers virtual therapy in 40+ states via PsyPact
---
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
...more
58min
May 13, 2025Understanding Emotional Labor & The Mental Load: The Weight Women Carry with Kara Cruz, LMFT
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/DAGnRMNOogU/EbgkXBFBMXXpfVh1hpopZw/edit?utm_content=DAGnRMNOogU&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Episode Summary: In this affirming and insightful episode, host Shaina Siber sits down with Kara Cruz, LMFT — a therapist, clinical supervisor, and women's mental health educator — to unpack the often-invisible forces that contribute to burnout: emotional labor and the mental load. Together, they explore how these burdens show up across caregiving roles, relationships, and professional life, particularly for those who are cisgender, femme-presenting, or socially perceived as women.
Kara and Shaina also explore the societal conditioning that encourages self-abandonment, people-pleasing, and perfectionism in caregiving roles, and how these patterns often show up in the therapy room — both for our clients and for us as clinicians. Listeners will gain tools to better identify and validate these experiences, along with practical interventions rooted in Internal Family Systems (IFS), values clarification, and boundary work.
This episode offers both validation and direction — a must-listen for therapists, caregivers, or anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by the invisible labor they carry.
---
Topics Covered:
The difference between emotional labor and mental load
Gendered and cultural expectations around caregiving
How perfectionism, people-pleasing, and self-abandonment contribute to burnout
Working with high-functioning, high-achieving clients who carry invisible emotional burdens
Boundary-setting as a clinical and personal skill
Using IFS and parts work to address internalized caregiving roles
Intersectional considerations: class, gender identity, and relationship structure
Naming guilt and shame without pathologizing it
---
About Our Guest: Kara Cruz is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, private practice owner, clinical supervisor, women’s mental health advocate, and educator. She specializes in reproductive mental health, ADHD, trauma, mood and anxiety conditions, and provides therapy for individuals and couples, alongside CE trainings for therapists. Kara co-founded the Women’s Support Circle and also leads the Wellness for Women Healers Community — a free network for professionals in women’s health and wellness.
---
Connect with Kara Cruz:
Website: karacruz.com
Instagram: @karacruzwellness
---
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
...more
52min
May 06, 2025Brainspotting Basics: Attunement, Eye Gaze, and Accessing What’s Stuck with Miranda Campbell, LCSW
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/DAGmjIs2ImM/7U8a9oywAdlYlnAKgHmOFg/edit?utm_content=DAGmjIs2ImM&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Episode Summary: In this episode, you’ll get a clear, beginner-friendly introduction to Brainspotting—a powerful brain-body therapy that helps clients process trauma stored deep in the nervous system. You’ll hear a thorough overview of Brainspotting's theoretical framework, including the neurobiological mechanisms behind it, the concepts of the Inside Window and Outside Window, and the principle of dual attunement.
Miranda Campbell, LCSW, MSM joins the conversation to share how she’s begun integrating Brainspotting into her clinical work. Miranda brings a relational, attachment-focused lens to her practice and offers honest reflections on what it looks like to begin using Brainspotting in real-world sessions.
Whether you're brand new to Brainspotting or looking for ways to deepen your use of somatic interventions, this episode offers both foundational context and thoughtful clinical insights.
---
About Our Guest: Miranda Campbell, LCSW, MSM, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in attachment trauma, relationship healing, and Brainspotting. As the co-author of Attachment Style Makeover (a bestseller on Amazon), she helps individuals break generational cycles, set boundaries, and build secure connections.
Through her practice, Miranda has worked with diverse clients to heal relational wounds and unlearn unhealthy patterns. Her approach blends neuroscience, attachment theory, and practical tools to empower people to move from survival mode to thriving relationships.
---
Connect with Miranda Campbell:
Website: https://www.therapistmirandacampbell.com/
Location: Atlanta, GA (Telehealth available in Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina)
---
Resources Mentioned:
Miranda’s Book: Attachment Style Makeover on Amazon: https://a.co/d/1PAXXwA
Official Brainspotting Trainings: https://brainspotting.com/get-trained/brainspotting-phase-1/
---
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
...more
51min

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