Therapy Talks

• Tips from Jill to help you find calm in the face of anxiety.
• Hailey and Jill share their personal experiences with perfectionism in singing.
• A glimpse into the experience of a vocal lesson by Jill.
• Why trying something new can help you understand yourself better.
• Christen Neff's ideas of self-compassion and common humanity. 

Welcome to Therapy Talks, hosted by Hailey Kanigan and featuring guest Elspeth Robertson. This week, we’re discussing art therapy and perfectionism. We dive into the labels we get and feel like we have to live by, and how it can affect our mental and emotional health. This episode is all about how art therapy can be a powerful tool to help us heal our inner wounds and learn to let go of our perfectionism. We’ll discuss the concept of the “good kid” and what it means to be a teacher’s pet, and how art therapy can help us learn to be okay with just existing. 

Art therapy is a holistic approach to healing, allowing us to express our emotions through visual art. Elspeth and Hailey talk about how art therapy can help us gain a better understanding of our feelings, and provide listeners with tips and advice on how to manage and overcome their perfectionism. Join us for an engaging conversation on art therapy and perfectionism with Hailey and Elspeth.

In This Episode:

• Elspeth and Hailey talk about their personal experiences with perfectionism 
• Identifying perfectionism in children
• How competitive anxiety can lead to burnout 
• Creative ways to represent and acknowledge self-growth

Elspeth is a registered clinical counselor and professional art therapist in private practice at Intrinsic Therapy. She offers therapeutic support to help folks recover from burnout, let go of perfectionism and uncover their inner creative magic. 

Find Out More About Elspeth:
Website: https://www.intrinsic-therapy.com/
Instagram: @intrinsic.therapy

Learn More About Switch Research:
Website: https://switchresearch.org/
Instagram: @switchresearch

Disclaimer: Therapy Talks does NOT provide medical services or professional counseling, and it is NOT a substitute for professional medical care.

Do you feel like you're constantly stressed, overwhelmed, and exhausted? You might be experiencing burnout, and it can be tough to deal with on your own. That's why it's important to seek help if you're struggling.

This week on Therapy Talks, Carolyn Rubenstein sits down with Hailey Kanigan to deep dive into burnout and anxiety.

In This Episode:

• "Quiet quitting" - what is it? and is it a good thing?
• Tips on how to notice and recognize burnout (what drains you/what fills you)
• How to help family and loved ones with compassion rather than problem solving
• Carolyn’s favorite modalities to ease and manage anxiety

Carolyn Rubenstein, PhD is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Florida specializing in anxiety, burnout, perfectionism and trauma. She particularly enjoys helping anxious overachievers experience greater ease by finding worth in being, not just doing.

If you or someone you love is experiencing burnout or anxiety please reach out to a mental health professional for more ways to ease and manage your symptoms. Don't suffer through burnout alone- help is out there!

Find Out More About Carolyn:
Website: https://carolynrubenstein.com/about/
Instagram: @carolynrubensteinphd

Learn More About Switch Research:
Website: https://switchresearch.org/
Instagram: @switchresearch

Disclaimer: Therapy Talks does NOT provide medical services or professional counseling, and it is NOT a substitute for professional medical care.

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“The diagnosis of bipolar disorder is one of the most complex topics in contemporary psychiatry. Bipolar disorder is a disabling psychiatric illness that is often misdiagnosed, especially on initial presentation. Misdiagnosis results in ineffective treatment, which further worsens the outcome"
--The National Library of Medicine 

This week on Therapy Talks, Stephanie Georgiou joins Barb Egan to talk all about Bipolar mood disorder. Barb and Stephanie discuss signs and symptoms, common mis-diagnosis of it, and how we can use therapy to create awareness of the triggering stressors, while minimizing risk and taking a proactive approach to healing.

Stephanie and Barb dive into an in-depth discussion about what Bipolar Disorder is, and how it can be mistaken for other mental health conditions. They also offer hope and practical advice for those who are struggling, and their loved ones.

In This Episode:

• Differentiating bipolar depression and unipolar depression.
• Stephanie’s favorite modes of treatment for bipolar mood disorder. 
• Problems with diagnosing bipolar and why it can go unnoticed or misdiagnosed.
• Why Antidepressants don’t work with bipolar and the importance of mood stabilizers. 
• What information is necessary for physicians and therapists to better understand their patients.

Stephanie is a Registered Psychologist, Board Approved Supervisor, Author and Clinical Psychology Registrar who is passionate about changing the lives of others through therapy, education and training. Her experience is extensive as she has worked in private practice, forensic settings and with adolescents, adults and groups. Her psychological assessment and intervention cover; anxiety disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders and substance use disorders.

Find Out More About Stephanie:
Website: http://www.mindfoodpsychology.com
TikTok: @mindfoodsteph

Learn More About Switch Research:
Website: https://switchresearch.org/
Instagram: @switchresearch

Disclaimer: Therapy Talks does NOT provide medical services or professional counseling, and it is NOT a substitute for professional medical care.

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Do you feel guilty for eating your favorite meal? 
Does what you eat make you feel bad? 

In some cases, an unhealthy diet can be just as harmful as an unhealthy relationship. It can lead to anxiety, stress, and even disorder.

Laura-Leigh McKenzie joins Hailey Kanigan this week on therapy talks to discuss gut health and how the food we eat  affects our mental health.

In this episode:

• Laura-Leigh explains the baking soda test (a way to test the effectiveness of your stomach acid)
• A walkthrough of the digestive system and its key components
• Communication between the brain and gut
• Tips on how, where, when, and what to eat
• Understanding your personal relationship with food and why it’s unique to you

As a Certified Holistic Nutrition Consultant, Laura-Leigh supports women struggling with their digestion and mental health as the two so often go hand-in-hand. She works with women to make small, sustainable changes to both diet and lifestyle that create a foundation for long term health. Her goal is always to help make it easier for women to eat healthy/delicious food they truly enjoy and incorporate mindfulness & movement as a daily practice so they can ease anxiety & low mood, restore energy and feel more like themselves again!

Find Out More About Laura-Leigh:
Website: https://www.gutconnection.ca/
Instagram: @gut.connection

Learn More About Switch Research:
Website: https://switchresearch.org/
Instagram: @switchresearch

Disclaimer: Therapy Talks does NOT provide medical services or professional counseling, and it is NOT a substitute for professional medical care.

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If you're struggling to cope after experiencing trauma, you're not alone. 

It's common to feel like you're not the person you used to be. But there are ways to start calming down your brain and body. Somatic techniques can be a helpful way to begin to open up and process what you're feeling. 

In this episode of Therapy Talks, Summer Forlenza joins Barb Egan to chat about somatic techniques for healing trauma, “Socratic questioning,” and how post traumatic growth can help you access gratitude.

The world is opening up again after the pandemic and everyone is reacting in their own way. Some of us are feeling excited, while others may be feeling anxious or scared. No matter how you're feeling, it's important to remember that nobody is doing their greatest right now. This is a time of change and growth, so it's normal to feel like your values and priorities have shifted.

While it's natural to focus on the negative after trauma, Summer and Barb remind us of the importance of remembering that post-traumatic growth is possible.

In This Episode:

• How the Covid-19 pandemic has affected our relationships with other people.
• Why post traumatic growth offers a meaningful experience after struggle.
• Summer’s favorite form of understanding trauma: Socratic Questioning.
• Understanding our history, and learning how we are triggered in the present by past events. 
• Free Resources from Summer that help healing through a mind-body approach. 
• What kinds of therapists and keywords to look for when looking for a resources with a somatic approach. 

Summer Forlenza is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in treating complex trauma and eating disorders. Summer is also a mental health educator who helps folks to better understand trauma, the mind body connection, and how to build better relationships with their body, brain, and fellow humans.

Find Out More About Summer:
Website: www.summerforlenza.com
Instagram: @summer.the.therapist

Learn More About Switch Research:
Website: https://switchresearch.org/
Instagram: @switchresearch

Disclaimer: Therapy Talks does NOT provide medical services or professional counseling, and it is NOT a substitute for professional medical care.

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Are you struggling to communicate with the opposite sex? 

Do you find yourself getting frustrated because you just can't seem to get through to your partner? If you're nodding your head, then this episode is for you.

This week on Therapy Talks, Claudia Koehoorn and Barb Egan talk all about the differences between the male and female brain. They discuss how changing our words can reshape our reality and the way we communicate. We learn practical ways to change our “negative filters,” and how to navigate the space between men and women.

This podcast is a must-listen for anyone who wants to improve their relationship with themselves and the people around them. 

In This Episode:

• How to stop your thoughts from becoming “automatic actions” (taking control of your unconscious thoughts)
• Claudia's practical examples of how to bridge the gap and make communication between males and females a breeze.
• Actionable advice on how to create safe and healthy relationships with our loved ones by understanding our different capacities.
• How we can be better listeners and create a safe space for all the people we interact with.

Claudia Koehoorn focuses on connection and change in her coaching and counseling practice at JouwTransformatie. Through her special mix of therapy, coaching and counseling, mixed with a large dose of humor, Claudia teaches women to reconnect with themselves and listen to their intuition.

Her mission is 'to empower and connect people with themselves'. 

Hope you enjoy the episode!

Don’t forget to leave us a rating and a review!

Find Out More About Claudia:
Website: https://www.jouwtransformatie.nl/en/
Instagram: jouwtransformatie.nl

Learn More About Switch Research:
Website: https://switchresearch.org/
Instagram: @switchresearch

Disclaimer: Therapy Talks does NOT provide medical services or professional counseling, and it is NOT a substitute for professional medical care.

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Welcome to the world of neurodivergence!

If you or your child has been diagnosed with a neurodivergent condition, you may be feeling a range of emotions. But don't worry, you are not alone.

Neurodivergence is simply a term used to describe a range of conditions that affect the brain, such as ADHD, dyslexia, and autism. These conditions can present in a variety of ways, and some people may not even realize they are neurodivergent.

This week, Mary Klovance joins Hailey Kanigan to talk about the best ways parents and guardians can address signs of neurodivergence when they appear in their children.

Mary and Hailey discuss the difficult nature of understanding and treating different aspects of the neurodivergence spectrum. They talk about labeling and diagnosing different types of neurodivergence, and how different types of therapy can be extremely effective.

In this episode:

• Why the relationship with your child is the most important part of the whole process of labeling and diagnosing a neurodivergence.
• Understanding the “Oppositional defiant disorder” (need for control and autonomy)
• Mary’s favorite modalities to help understand and soothe what’s going on with your child
• Advice on where you can find the best research tools for better understanding neurodivergence in children and adults
• How our dopamine levels have a big impact on the way we see the world

The good news is that there is a lot of support and understanding available for neurodivergent people. With the right resources, you can learn how to manage your condition and thrive.

Mary is the owner/operator of Victoria BC's new Neurodiversity Family Centre and specializes in parenting support and helping youth ages 14+ with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD), challenging behaviours and addiction issues. She has worked in private practice for two years, for over 5 years at Victoria's youth detox and shelter, and for over 10 years in the Victoria' School district as a school counsellor.

Find Out More About Mary:
Website: www.neurodiversityfamilycentre.com
Instagram: @parentingyouthwithadhd

Learn More About Switch Research:
Website: https://switchresearch.org/
Instagram: @switchresearch

Disclaimer: Therapy Talks does NOT provide medical services or professional counseling, and it is NOT a substitute for professional medical care.

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If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, it's time to get help. Addiction can manifest in many forms, from smoking and drinking to workaholism and gambling. And it's not always easy to spot.

This week on Therapy Talks, Evan Lieberman joins Barb Egan to discuss the different forms of addiction and how we can learn to restore our "chemical health." Evan and Barb talk about how to identify addiction, where it comes from, and how it influences our home life, work life, and mental health.

In This Episode:

• How personality type and biology play a role in susceptibility to addiction
• Using the "stoplight method" to understand and take control of our emotions
• Pandemic drinking (negative coping in a stressful situation)
• What is addiction? (understanding the full spectrum)
• Our relationship with substances, and the boundaries we create around them
• Differentiating abuse, dependency, and addiction 

Evan is a Licensed Mental Health and Addiction Professional, Educator, Author, and Entrepreneur. He is dedicated to teaching the public on the importance of mental health and addiction.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with addiction, don't miss this important episode of Therapy Talks.

Find Out More About Evan:
Website: https://evanthecounselor.com/
TikTok: @evan.the.counselor
Instagram: @evan.the.counselor
Youtube: @evan.the.counselor

Learn More About Switch Research:
Website: https://switchresearch.org/
Instagram: @switchresearch

Disclaimer: Therapy Talks does NOT provide medical services or professional counseling, and it is NOT a substitute for professional medical care.

Watch Along On YouTube

If you've ever been affected by a traumatic event, you know how confusing and difficult it can be to try and understand what happened. The brain is a complex organ that we still have much to learn about. Many of us carry the effects of trauma long after the event has passed.

Join us on Therapy Talks as we discuss Trauma and how therapists can help. Trauma is more than just a stressor, it's how that stressor is held in the body. This week, Coral Compagnoni joins Hailey Kanigan to discuss different types of trauma and how we can differentiate its causes and the ways trauma affects us.

In This Episode:

• What is trauma?
• The difference between single incident trauma and complex trauma & how they affect us differently
• Coral and Hailey explain how they use EMDR to treat trauma (and why it’s so effective)
• How trauma can build in the body through abusive experiences, insecure attachment, and dissociation. 
• How trauma affects children and its long term effects

Coral Compagnoni is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist practicing in the Silicon Valley in California. She is a clinician and educator specializing in complex trauma and dissociation. Coral received her MA in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University and her bachelor’s degree at Carnegie Mellon University. Coral holds an ISSTD Advanced Certificate in Complex Trauma and Dissociation, she is a certified EMDR Therapist, and is a Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) clinician.

Find Out More About Coral:
Website: https://www.therapywithcoral.com/

Learn More About Switch Research:
Website: https://switchresearch.org/
Instagram: @switchresearch

Disclaimer: Therapy Talks does NOT provide medical services or professional counseling, and it is NOT a substitute for professional medical care.