The Cultured Therapist

In this episode Whitney Storey, LPC and senior psychology instructor, whose work spans incarceration, autism, perinatal mental health, and religious deconstruction, traces the accidental path that brought her from theater education to counseling. Whitney explains why she gravitated toward helping incarcerated women and autistic clients, and critiques the justice system and diagnostic systems. She shares how authenticity and radical acceptance shape her relational approach, why diagnostic labels often miss neurodivergent people (especially AFAB adults), and how small acts of humanization in jails and classrooms can create powerful, reparative experiences.

Whitney's Psychology Today Profile

In this episode, returning guest Kate Lemoine, LPC, and founder of The Intimacy Practice introduces Organic Intimacy Theory: a somatic framework that frames intimacy as an embodied capacity rather than, as often posited, a merely cognitive skill focused solely in a couple's ability to connect through words. Therein, Ms. Lemoine contrasts traditional couples work focused on improving verbal communication with an approach that integrates the autonomic nervous system, sexual and stress response cycles, and felt-sense exploration. She explains five dimensions of intimacy (physical, emotional, experiential, intellectual, and spiritual), discusses de-pathologizing relationship struggles, and shows how body-based awareness can restore compassion, safety, and connection in long-term partnerships.

In this episode of the Cultured Therapist podcast, Melissa Bowen, a licensed professional counselor supervisor from Louisiana shares her journey from a 20-year career in the restaurant industry to becoming a counselor and business owner. The discussion highlights the importance of empathy, vulnerability, and community in therapy. Melissa emphasizes the significance of owning one's story, addressing shame, and helping clients live authentic lives. She also delves into the challenges and rewards of supervising emerging counselors and running the Authenticity Center, a space for fostering healing and connection.

Contact:

Email: [email protected]

Website & Socials:

https://www.theauthenticitycenter.com/

https://www.instagram.com/theauthenticitycenter/

https://www.facebook.com/TheAuthenticityCenter/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissabowenlpc/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/the-authenticity-center-lafayette-la/1222875

Book Discussed:

I Thought It Was Just Me (But It Isn't): Making the Journey from "What Will People Think?" to "I Am Enough" by Brené Brown

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19996676-i-thought-it-was-just-me-but-it-isn-t

In this episode of The Cultured Therapist, licensed professional counselor Callie Wilson discusses her unique journey into the mental health field. Driven by her own OCD diagnosis, Callie has cultivated a deep sense of empathy and understanding towards those struggling with the condition. She shares insights into the often misunderstood variations of OCD, like those involving intrusive and shame-inducing thoughts. Callie also introduces listeners to Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR), a promising new modality targeting preverbal trauma responses, which enhances the healing impact beyond traditional therapies like EMDR by focusing on the brainstem's activation and bodily sensations. In addition, she covers information about her experiences working with couples and infidelity, paraphilias, and attending conferences. All of it centering on how her values, beliefs, and heart guide her in working with others in the helping profession.

Website:

https://www.wilsoncounseling.co/

In this episode Marilyn Brown, a seasoned licensed clinical social worker in Louisiana, shares her personal and professional journey into the field of mental health, highlighting experiences with dissociative amnesia and trauma after the tragic death of her brother. Her path led her to explore several therapeutic modalities, including EMDR, IFS, and CBT. During her journey, Marilyn overcame doubts about EMDR, ultimately embracing it after a transformative training experience, and now includes the insights of IFS (Internal Family Systems modality) to attend to dissociation with her clients. Today, she passionately shares her insights helping explain how she addresses trauma with her clients using empathy, craft, and understanding.

www.marilynbrownlcsw.com

Marilyn Brown, LCSW

EMDRIA certified therapist/clinical social worker

Marilyn Brown LCSW, LLC

321 Travis St, Suite 10B

Lafayette, LA 70503

[email protected]

In this episode of the Cultured Therapist, Christine Bordelon, a licensed massage therapist, shares her journey of healing from childhood sexual trauma and addiction. With a background in psychology and a passion for alternative healing modalities, Christine utilizes non-sexual therapeutic touch and scientific and spiritual understanding of her practice to help others rediscover comfort in their own bodies. She discusses the body's remarkable ability to store trauma and the importance of nurturing, trauma-informed massage therapy in the healing process. Christine's personal and professional experiences illuminate the path to recovery, underscoring the necessity of a holistic approach to healing emotional and physical wounds.

Email:

[email protected]

Websites:

https://www.alignwchristinebordelon.org

https://hopehealingjoy.com/christine-bordelon

In this episode of the Cultured Therapist, host R.C. Winters interviews Reginald Lemelle, a licensed professional counselor from Louisiana. After overcoming personal tragedies*, Reggie managed to transform his life's challenges into a career dedicated to helping others. Through humor and a deep understanding of vulnerability, Reggie connects authentically with his clients, encouraging them to embrace their own journeys. He discusses the importance of discomfort, both in life and therapy, and how it can lead to growth and healing. With an emphasis on transparency and collaboration, Reggie opens up about his journey and how it shapes his approach to therapy.

*If you or someone you know is suicidal, don't take it lightly. Get help now. Below is the suicide hotline as a start, but you can tell a trusted wise friend, or any safe person you trust, and even attend a hospital emergency room to stay safe. You are not alone. It can get better. But the first step is let others know - don't wait, reach out.

Suicide Hotline: 988

Mr. Lemelle's Information

Reginald's Email: [email protected]

Tree of Life: 337-703-2806

Website: www.treeoflifecoun.com

Instagram: @tolcoun

Reference

The Suicidal Mind by Edwin S. Shneidman

In this episode of The Cultured Therapist, licensed counselor Tiffiany Decou shares her journey from aspiring FBI profiler to becoming a passionate advocate for domestic violence survivors. Drawing from her personal experiences with domestic violence and stalking, Tiffiany describes her transition into the mental health field, aiming to provide the support she once needed. She emphasizes the systemic barriers that survivors face and the importance of having advocates. Her work at Faith House offers hope and guidance for those in abusive relationships, showcasing how shared experiences can foster a deeper connection between therapist and client.

Family Justice Center of Acadiana: 337-210-5986

Local Outreach Center: 337-232-8954

24/7 Confidential Hotline: 1-888-411-1333

https://faithhouseacadiana.com/

Tiffiany Decou: [email protected]

In this final episode of season one, host R.C. Winters of 'The Cultured Therapist' reveals a deeply personal healing journey. Starting with an aversion to counselors, R.C. shares trauma experiences that shaped the course of his life and career. Through exploring various self-help techniques and eventually embracing talk therapy, R.C. found a path to wellness and helping others. The episode explores the discovery of holistic therapies, including EMDR and sound healing, which transformed his approach to mental health care. With plans for a new center called Paths to Restoration, R.C. aims to integrate these life-changing practices into a comprehensive healing experience for others.

pathstorestoration.com

In this episode of The Cultured Therapist, host R.C. Winters interviews Alix Lee, a multifaceted healer whose work revolves around addressing trauma with a holistic approach. They discuss Alix's personal journey of transformation, sparked by the discovery of chakras and a profound connection to nature. Alix shares insights on how traumatic moments are frozen in our energy field and nervous system, impeding growth. Through spiritual mentorship and trauma-informed methods, Alix emphasizes the importance of embracing both modern science and ancient practices for healing. Her mission is to help individuals release past burdens and restore harmony to their mind, body, and spirit.

How to reach Alix:

Sanctuary Healing Center

Further Reading:

On energy psychology

DNA is a fractal antenna

The Better Angels of Our Nature by Steven Pinker

Carl Jung: Wounded Healer of the Soul by Claire Dunne & Jean Houston

Intergenerational Trauma peer reviewed journal article