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 68 episodes available.

The Affirming Minds Podcast episodes:

September 16, 2025Episode #47: Holistic Mental Health: Integrating Yoga, Breathwork, and Sound Healing Into Therapy with LeNaya Smith Crawford, 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/DAGzD0qlgh0/uAvTZlSD63Lxt0QtINmYgQ/view?utm_content=DAGzD0qlgh0&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h078b5e6f5f
---
This Episode is Sponsored by Jane
This episode is proudly sponsored by Jane, the practice management software that simplifies scheduling, charting, billing, and running your therapy business – all in one place.
Use code AFFIRM1MO to receive a 1-month grace period when you sign up:
🔗 https://jane.app
---
Episode Summary: In this CE-eligible episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber sits down with LeNaya Smith Crawford, The Holistic Therapist™, to explore how holistic and integrative practices can transform both client care and therapist well-being.
From yoga and breathwork to sound healing and nervous system regulation, LeNaya shares how these embodied practices can ethically and effectively complement traditional psychotherapy. She also highlights the importance of scope of practice, neuroscience research, and her own lived journey of weaving together the five layers of holistic healing: physical, energetic, emotional/mental, spiritual, and communal.
Whether you’re a therapist curious about adding somatic practices to your work, or simply interested in how holistic approaches can support healing, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical guidance.
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Learning Objectives (CE Eligible):
Define holistic mental health and identify at least two foundational principles that differentiate holistic therapeutic approaches from traditional clinical models.
Identify at least one neuroscience or evidence-informed framework that supports the use of somatic or sensory tools in clinical practice.
Discuss at least one ethical or scope-of-practice consideration when incorporating mind-body modalities into psychotherapy.
---
About Our Guest: LeNaya Smith Crawford, The Holistic Therapist™, is a Licensed Therapist, Holistic Mental Health Educator, Business Mentor, International Teacher, and Wellness CEO. With over a decade of experience, she helps therapists, healers, and leaders reclaim their wholeness, integrate holistic practices into their work, and build aligned, sustainable businesses rooted in care and purpose.
She earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Spelman College and her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy, specializing in trauma and spiritual integration. She is also an advanced certified yoga, breathwork, and meditation teacher, and a sound healer.
Her passion for this work was born from her own healing journey—where embracing the five layers of self led to deep transformation. Her approach blends clinical expertise with ancestral, somatic, spiritual, and holistic healing practices.
At the heart of her work is a deep belief that we are all worthy of the time it takes to nourish our minds, bodies, and souls—and of living in our heart’s deepest desires.
LeNaya is the creator of The Holistic Therapist™ Academy, and her work has been featured in The New York Times, Essence, The Huffington Post, Healthline, and on Bravo. She is the CEO and founder of LSC Wellness, Kaleidoscope Therapy and Holistic Wellness, and the co-founder of Seviin Yoga Studio + Yoga School in Atlanta.
---
Resources:
Join my newsletter: lenaya-crawford.mykajabi.com/newsletter
Learn more about my work and offerings: www.lenayasmithcrawford.com
FREE Live Intensive – Become a Holistic Therapist (Oct 18 & 25): lenaya-crawford.mykajabi.com/become-a-holistic-therapist-live-intensive-oct-25
Holistic Therapist Academy (6-month certification program): lenaya-crawford.mykajabi.com/holistic-therapist-academy-info-session
---
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 4min
September 09, 2025Episode #46: Narrative Therapy for Self-Esteem: Rewriting Your Story with Phil Lane, 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/DAGyTbOZciw/cZaS-Bpt1Xh-wcp1_oTfEg/view?utm_content=DAGyTbOZciw&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h01cebdf52f
---
This Episode is Sponsored by Jane
This episode is proudly sponsored by Jane, the practice management software that simplifies scheduling, charting, billing, and running your therapy business – all in one place.
Use code AFFIRM1MO to receive a 1-month grace period when you sign up:
🔗 https://jane.app
---
Episode Summary: In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, I sit down with Phil Lane, LCSW—psychotherapist, author, and passionate advocate for the power of storytelling in healing. Phil brings a humanistic perspective to his work, aiming to normalize and de-stigmatize the challenges so many of us face, from anxiety and panic to struggles with self-esteem.
Phil is the author of Understanding and Coping with Illness Anxiety, Overcoming Panic and Panic Attacks, and The Narrative Therapy Workbook for Self-Esteem (https://www.newharbinger.com/9781648485312/the-narrative-therapy-workbook-for-self-esteem/?srsltid=AfmBOooPeBwT0rZSmbSN8ywdpbcmGiHCUtHMCYnwmwPjXHJ558JYcHA8). Drawing from his background in education and clinical practice, Phil explains how narrative therapy can help clients shift problem-saturated stories, uncover missing story parts, and re-author more compassionate, authentic versions of their lives.
Phil also shares personal reflections, the inspiration behind his books, and how his own love of story continues to inform both his clinical practice and his writing.
---
Topics Covered:
What narrative therapy is and why storytelling matters in mental health
How dominant narratives and problem saturation shape self-esteem
Practical tools like externalizing problems, letter-writing, and identifying unique outcomes
Ways therapists can integrate narrative practices alongside other modalities
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About Our Guest: Phil Lane is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice. He writes and practices from a humanistic point of view, with a commitment to making therapy concepts accessible and reducing stigma around mental health. He lives in central New Jersey with his family, where he enjoys gardening, reading, writing, watching baseball, and model railroading.
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Resources:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapist_phil
Website: https://phil-lane.com
The Narrative Therapy Workbook for Self-Esteem: https://www.newharbinger.com/9781648485312/the-narrative-therapy-workbook-for-self-esteem/?srsltid=AfmBOooPeBwT0rZSmbSN8ywdpbcmGiHCUtHMCYnwmwPjXHJ558JYcHA8
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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
September 02, 2025Episode #45: Cult Recovery Therapy: Healing, Reintegration, and Trauma-Informed Approaches with Alisha Powell, LCSW, PhD
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/DAGxsBoMPwc/GYFBdNjCiauOlhZZanaJzQ/view?utm_content=DAGxsBoMPwc&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hee0efa1aab
---
This Episode is Sponsored by Jane
This episode is proudly sponsored by Jane, the practice management software that simplifies scheduling, charting, billing, and running your therapy business – all in one place.
Use code AFFIRM1MO to receive a 1-month grace period when you sign up:
🔗 https://jane.app
---
Episode Summary: Cults have long been a source of fascination, with high-profile cases like Jonestown, Waco, and NXIVM dominating headlines and documentaries. But beyond the sensational stories, cults and high-control groups are far more prevalent — and often much harder to identify — than most people realize.
In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber is joined by Dr. Alisha Powell, PhD, LCSW, a psychotherapist specializing in racial trauma and religiously abusive organizations/cults. Together, they explore the psychological, emotional, and behavioral impacts of cult involvement, the clinical challenges survivors face in leaving, and trauma-informed therapeutic approaches that support healing, reintegration, and rebuilding identity.
Whether you’re a therapist looking to expand your toolkit or someone interested in understanding the lived experience of cult recovery, this conversation offers insights, compassion, and practical strategies.
---
Topics Covered:
The psychological, emotional, and behavioral dynamics of cult involvement
Why the term “cult” is sociological and colloquial — and why groups rarely identify themselves this way
The unique vulnerabilities that make people susceptible to cult recruitment
Long-term impacts on identity development, grief, and trust
Two major clinical challenges in cult recovery: trauma/attachment wounds and reintegration into society
Trauma-informed, evidence-based therapeutic approaches — including narrative therapy — that support survivors in reclaiming autonomy and rebuilding trust
---
About Our Guest: Dr. Alisha Powell, PhD, LCSW, is a psychotherapist specializing in mental health and couples therapy, with a focus on racial trauma and religiously abusive organizations/cults. Her expertise has been featured in Bustle, Yahoo Lifestyle, Fast Company, Parade, Healthline, Romper, Thrive Global, MedTravelers, and Up Journey. She currently practices privately with individuals and couples.
---
Resources:
Connect with Dr. Powell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisha-powell-phd-lcsw-55014742/
Join her clinician support community, The Pivoted Path, on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ThePivotedPath — a supportive space for clinicians exploring flexible and fulfilling career paths.
---
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
57min
August 26, 2025Episode #44: Hoarding Disorder: Effects on Families, Loved Ones, and Ways to Help with Ceci Garrett, MSW, LICSW
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/DAGxFOJRYyA/qAKAfQlb8S348LMYLIIFIA/view?utm_content=DAGxFOJRYyA&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h4a6eeac32e
---
This Episode is Sponsored by Jane
This episode is proudly sponsored by Jane, the practice management software that simplifies scheduling, charting, billing, and running your therapy business – all in one place.
Use code AFFIRM1MO to receive a 1-month grace period when you sign up:
🔗 https://jane.app
---
Episode Summary: Hoarding disorder doesn’t just affect the individual—it ripples through families & relationships. In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber, LCSW, speaks with Cecilia “Ceci” Garrett, MSW, LICSW, a clinician and national speaker specializing in hoarding disorder, anxiety, and trauma. Together, they explore how hoarding behaviors develop, the difference between clutter, collecting, and hoarding, and why forced cleanouts often cause more harm than good.
Listeners will gain insight into the emotional toll on family members, common misconceptions among clinicians, and practical strategies for supporting loved ones while maintaining healthy boundaries. Whether you are a mental health professional, a family member, or simply curious about this often-misunderstood condition, this conversation sheds light on compassionate, evidence-based approaches to hoarding disorder.
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Topics Covered:
How to distinguish clutter, collecting, and hoarding
Why hoarding disorder is ego-syntonic and how that impacts treatment
Common misconceptions among clinicians and the public
The emotional and relational toll on families and loved ones
Why forced cleanouts don’t work and what harm reduction looks like
Practical steps clinicians and families can take to set boundaries with compassion
Resources and support networks for individuals and families navigating hoarding
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About Our Guest: Cecilia “Ceci” Garrett, MSW, LICSW, specializes in treating hoarding disorder, anxiety, and trauma. Her unique blend of personal lived experience and professional expertise informs her clinical practice, advocacy, and training efforts. Ceci is passionate about destigmatizing hoarding disorder and advancing mental health treatment as a critical part of addressing hoarding behaviors. She has presented nationally, contributed to peer-reviewed publications, and developed resources for families and clinicians.
---
Resources:
International OCD Foundation – Hoarding Disorder Resources
Children of Hoarders Network
Ceci Garrett’s Free Workbook: https://lighteningtheloadcounseling.com/free-workbook/
Connect with Ceci Garrett: https://lighteningtheloadcounseling.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 16min
August 19, 2025Episode #43: Financial Anxiety and Trauma in Therapy: How to Help Clients Repair Their Relationship with Money with Michelle Johnston, MA, Registered Psychologist
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/DAGwdscmxRc/eMAWaVkmEJT-TsbziTbAYQ/view?utm_content=DAGwdscmxRc&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h973397ed37
---
This Episode is Sponsored by Jane
This episode is proudly sponsored by Jane, the practice management software that simplifies scheduling, charting, billing, and running your therapy business – all in one place.
Use code AFFIRM1MO to receive a 1-month grace period when you sign up:
🔗 https://jane.app
---
Episode Summary: Money is woven into nearly every part of life, yet conversations about financial stress are often missing from therapy. In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber sits down with Michelle Johnston, MA, Registered Psychologist, to unpack the ways financial anxiety and trauma impact mental health and what therapists can do to help.
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Topics Covered:
Common behavioral and emotional patterns of financial anxiety (avoidance, overspending, fear-based decision-making).
How early money messages and financial trauma shape adult beliefs, emotions, and relationships.
Practical therapeutic strategies to reduce financial stress and support values-aligned decision-making.
Why reflecting on our own money stories is vital for clinicians who want to address financial anxiety in a culturally responsive way.
---
About Our Guest: Michelle Johnston is a registered psychologist and the founder of Take Care Therapy Co. in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. She specializes in helping individuals navigate financial stress, work/life balance, personal growth, and overall well-being. Michelle works with youth, adults, and couples, integrating evidence-based modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT). She is also Trauma of Money™ certified and brings extensive training in trauma, anxiety, and relational health to her practice.
Learn more at:
Take Care Therapy Co.: https://www.takecaretherapy.ca/
Instagram: @takecaretherapy
---
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
55min
August 12, 2025Episode #42: The Dissociation Continuum: Exploring Everyday Dissociation, Complex Trauma, and DID with Katy Kandaris-Weiner, LPC
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/DAGvyVp7mfw/MkZ9W5JcGEnKew-cG8WmvA/view?utm_content=DAGvyVp7mfw&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h14f5d2fc1c
---
This Episode is Sponsored by Jane
This episode is proudly sponsored by Jane, the practice management software that simplifies scheduling, charting, billing, and running your therapy business – all in one place.
Use code AFFIRM1MO to receive a 1-month grace period when you sign up:
🔗 https://jane.app
---
Episode Summary: Dissociation is often misunderstood—even by clinicians. In this powerful and practical episode, Shaina Siber sits down with trauma and dissociation specialist Katy Kandaris-Weiner, MA, LPC, to unpack the continuum of dissociation and explore how complex trauma, early relational harm, and systemic forces contribute to the development of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID).
You’ll learn how to recognize dissociation in subtle and not-so-subtle forms, differentiate DID from other diagnoses, and respond with compassion, clarity, and evidence-based stabilization strategies. This episode blends clinical insight with fierce empathy—and invites you to challenge your assumptions about what trauma "should" look like.
---
Topics Covered:
How complex trauma disrupts identity development
Why dissociation is a protective adaptation—not pathology
The difference between normative dissociation, dissociative disorders, and DID
What the DES-II is, and how to use it in practice
How to build safety and stabilization before trauma processing
Common myths and misconceptions about DID (and what the media gets wrong)
How race, gender identity, disability, and neurodivergence affect diagnosis and treatment
Why you don’t need to be a specialist to support dissociative clients
---
Resources:
DES-II Dissociative Experiences Scale: https://psychology-tools.com/test/dissociative-experiences-scale
Finding Solid Ground (evidence-based workbook for dissociation): https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Solid-Ground-Skills-Dissociation/dp/143383373X
Structural Dissociation Theory – van der Hart, Nijenhuis & Steele
---
About Our Guest: Katy Kandaris-Weiner is a Licensed Professional Counselor, EMDRIA-Approved EMDR Consultant, and the Founder and Clinical Director of Inner Balance Counseling in Arizona. She specializes in complex trauma, dissociative disorders, and early attachment wounds, using an integrative approach grounded in EMDR, Structural Dissociation Theory, and Deep Brain Reorienting. Katy provides EMDR and dissociation consultation and is developing an EMDR manual and training pathway for early-career therapists.
Learn more at: https://www.innerbalanceaz.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 1min
August 05, 2025Episode #41: How ADHD Shows Up in High-Achieving BIPOC Professionals: Perfectionism, Imposter Syndrome, and Culturally Responsive Care with Dr. Shauna Pollard, PHD
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/DAGvHxuVF7A/XIDfeQPGbsEWhtBwdSm6QQ/view?utm_content=DAGvHxuVF7A&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h350ff892e1
Episode Summary: In this powerful and practical episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber, LCSW, is joined by Dr. Shauna Pollard, PhD—a licensed psychologist and nationally recognized expert in executive functioning, ADHD, and culturally responsive care.
In this episode we unpack the nuanced ways ADHD shows up in high-achieving BIPOC adults, how it often goes misdiagnosed or missed entirely, and how perfectionism and imposter syndrome can function as survival strategies. This episode explores how systemic bias, internalized messages, and structural barriers shape both the lived experience and the diagnostic process for BIPOC clients—and how therapists can provide more affirming, effective care.
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Topics Covered:
Identify culturally shaped presentations of ADHD in adult clients
Differentiate between executive dysfunction and internalized identity beliefs
Understand the role of perfectionism, masking, and burnout in neurodivergent professionals
Apply practical, culturally responsive interventions to support BIPOC clients with ADHD
Challenge your own diagnostic assumptions and supervision practices
---
Resources:
Website: www.drspllc.com
Instagram: @drshaunap
---
About Our Guest: Dr. Shauna Pollard (she/her) is a licensed psychologist specializing in ADHD and executive functioning in high-achieving professionals, particularly those working in tech, healthcare, and academia. Through her private practice, she serves clients across multiple states and is authorized to practice in over 40 states via PSYPACT.
Dr. P helps BIPOC professionals break limiting patterns and pursue their goals with greater ease and authenticity. Her approach integrates evidence-based practices with culturally attuned, strengths-based strategies. She also leads a virtual group for BIPOC clinicians with ADHD and delivers trainings and talks for organizations on neurodivergence, procrastination, perfectionism, and workplace well-being.
For those seeking deeper transformation, she offers therapy intensives—customized, immersive sessions designed for lasting change.
Before earning her doctorate, Dr. P spent six years conducting research aimed at increasing minority representation in STEM fields. She earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and her BA from Emory University. She completed her internship and postdoctoral fellowship at the Memphis VA Medical Center, where she trained in evidence-based treatments for trauma, mood disorders, and integrated behavioral health.
---
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.
---
This Episode is Sponsored by Jane
This episode is proudly sponsored by Jane, the practice management software that simplifies scheduling, charting, billing, and running your therapy business – all in one place.
Use code AFFIRM1MO to receive a 1-month grace period when you sign up:
🔗 https://jane.app
---
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 13min
July 29, 2025Episode #40: Healing After High-Control Religion: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Faith Transitions & Religious Trauma with Mellissa Perry Hill, LPC
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/DAGuClYH3k4/ePrdi8BBImIDNOBlEFo82Q/edit?utm_content=DAGuClYH3k4&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Episode Summary: In this impactful episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, Shaina sits down with therapist and religious trauma expert Mellissa Perry Hill, MS, LPC, to explore the deep and often invisible wounds caused by high-control religious environments. Together, they unpack the psychological, relational, and spiritual challenges that arise during and after a faith transition—and how therapists can show up with nuance, compassion, and trauma-informed care.
Mellissa shares her clinical wisdom, personal lived experience, and practical therapeutic tools that help clients reclaim agency, make meaning, and reconnect with themselves after religious harm. If you work with clients struggling with shame, identity confusion, scrupulosity, or spiritual disconnection, this episode is a must-listen.
---
Topics Covered:
What religious trauma is and how it uniquely impacts mental health
Signs of shame, scrupulosity, and moral injury in former high-control religious clients
How to create safe, non-pathologizing spaces for clients in faith transitions
Why grounding, somatics, and IFS are powerful tools for healing religious trauma
How therapists can stay culturally responsive without pushing an agenda
The importance of curiosity, humility, and self-work for clinicians doing this work
---
Resources:
Website: www.innercompass-counseling.com
Instagram: @mellissaperrytherapy
Check out her Faith Transition Journal on Amazon for a guided step-by-step healing resource
---
About Our Guest: Mellissa is a lifelong learner, therapist, and educator who specializes in helping people heal from religious trauma and navigate major life transitions. She grew up in Southern California in a large family, deeply immersed in a high-control conservative religion. After attending Brigham Young University–Idaho, Mellissa spent 10 years as a stay-at-home mom before going through her own divorce and faith transition—which became the catalyst for her career in mental health.
She earned her master’s degree in professional counseling while working as an educator and now brings over four years of specialized clinical experience to her private practice. Her work is rooted in trauma-informed and somatic approaches, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, and DBT. She supports clients in finding healing in the present and building values-aligned futures.
Outside of the therapy room, Mellissa loves hot yoga, beach cruiser rides, hiking with her dogs, brunch, late-night movies, and dancing with friends. She’s a mom to three kids and two fur babies, and she believes healing is a lifelong, embodied process.
---
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.
---
This Episode is Sponsored by Jane
This episode is proudly sponsored by Jane, the practice management software that simplifies scheduling, charting, billing, and running your therapy business – all in one place.
Use code AFFIRM1MO to receive a 1-month grace period when you sign up:
🔗 https://jane.app
---
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 15, 2025Episode #39: Therapy 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.
---
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
---
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.
---
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, 2025Episode #38: Navigating 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.
---
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
---
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
---
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.
---
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

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