Things You Learn in Therapy

Unlock the secrets of diagnosing and treating substance use disorders with insights from Dr. Beth Tremone, psychologist and professor at Indiana University East, and Chrissy Rife, a licensed professional counselor. Together, they illuminate the complexities of recognizing substance use disorders, especially focusing on the DSM-5 criteria and the profound effects substances like alcohol and marijuana have on mental health. Chrissy brings her extensive experience to the forefront, sharing the hurdles therapists face when identifying and addressing substance use issues in clients.

Navigate through the biases that cloud both users and clinicians in the sphere of substance use. This episode dives deep into the challenges of assessing impairment and the mental state of users who don't view their substance habits as problematic. Dr. Tremone and Chrissy offer invaluable strategies for clinicians to identify and manage their biases, while also guiding listeners on how to holistically evaluate the effects of substance use on one’s mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health.

Explore the nuanced signs of alcohol use and denial, along with the significant social contexts influencing these habits. Chrissy discusses the Stages of Change model, shedding light on the various stages from contemplation to maintenance, and what it means to reach one's "rock bottom." The episode concludes with a heartfelt discussion on supporting loved ones through addiction, balancing the fine line between support and enabling, and emphasizing the importance of compassionate care. This conversation is packed with practical advice and profound insights for anyone touched by substance use disorders.

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Can therapeutic presence and playfulness transform your approach to therapy? Join us as we explore this fascinating question with our guest, Barbara Sheehan-Zeidler, a seasoned EMDR clinician, IFS level two trained therapist, and sand play practitioner. Barbara delves into the integration of various therapeutic methods such as EMDR, IFS, somatic practices, and sand play, revealing how these tools equip clients to uncover unconscious feelings and promote adaptive healing. We also dive into the role of playfulness in therapy, not just for children but for adults too, and uncover insights from Jaak Panksepp's research on the essential role of play in our mammalian nature.

Ever wondered how to cultivate genuine presence and embodiment in your practice? In this episode, we contrast the common disconnection experienced in everyday life with the profound impact of therapist presence. Barbara discusses the critical role therapists play in modeling safety and regulation, offering practical strategies for maintaining embodiment amidst life's demands. We also highlight the surprising benefits of improv training for new clinicians, encouraging a shift from rigid checklists to authentic, responsive client interactions. Packed with valuable insights and personal anecdotes, this enriching conversation with Barbara Sheehan-Zeidler is a treasure trove for both seasoned therapists and newcomers alike.

This podcast is meant to be a resource for the general public, as well as fellow therapists/psychologists. It is NOT meant to replace the meaningful work of individual or family therapy. Please seek professional help in your area if you are struggling. #breakthestigma #makewordsmatter #thingsyoulearnintherapy #thingsyoulearnintherapypodcast

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health concerns, please contact 988 or seek a treatment provider in your area.

Feel free to share your thoughts at www.makewordsmatterforgood.com or email me at [email protected]

If you are a therapist or psychologist and want to be a guest on the show, please complete this form to apply: https://forms.gle/ooy8QirpgL2JSLhP6

Support the show

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This is my debrief episode from the past couple of weeks. Thank you, in advance, for your grace. :) 

 Ever wondered how chronic illness can shape both personal and professional lives? Dr. Victoria Rodriguez's episode will leave you reflecting deeply on this topic. If you’re grappling with the implications of vaping among teens, don’t miss Elisa Worland's vital information—it's an essential listen for any parent navigating these challenges. Dr. Terry Egan brings invaluable expertise on high conflict families and divorce, offering guidance that’s crucial for both therapists and parents.

This Friday, prepare to be inspired by Barbara Sheehan-Zeidler's magnetic presence. Her episode is not to be missed—her energy is just infectious! Also, revisit my heart-to-heart with Laura Sgro, where we took on perfectionism and negative self-talk. These episodes are packed with insights that resonate on a personal level and provide practical tools for your professional toolkit. Subscribe, share, and get ready to be enlightened!

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Ever wondered why your inner dialogue often seems to sabotage your best efforts? Discover the origins and influences of negative self-talk with Dr. Beth Trammell and her guest, licensed clinical social worker Laura Sgro. Laura shares her expertise on how comparison, perfectionism, and people-pleasing mold our inner voices, and why compassionate self-talk is better than mere positive affirmations. She even shares personal anecdotes—including her stint in an acapella group—to highlight the pervasive nature of self-talk in our daily lives.

Explore how past experiences, societal pressures, and even well-meaning parents contribute to a damaging inner critic. Learn why our brains have a natural tendency to skew negative in an attempt to protect us and how this can impede personal growth. Understand the subtle ways parents might inadvertently instill perfectionism and negative self-talk in their children, and how these patterns can persist into adulthood, causing long-lasting impacts on mental health.

You can also learn actionable steps to take toward breaking free from negative self-talk. Laura and Dr. Trammell delve into practical strategies for challenging ingrained beliefs and fostering self-compassion. Discover the importance of treating yourself with the same kindness you'd extend to a friend, and how mindfulness can help in building a more compassionate and empowered inner dialogue. Whether you're struggling with intrusive thoughts or simply looking to improve your mental well-being, this episode offers valuable insights and tools to cultivate a healthier mindset.

This podcast is meant to be a resource for the general public, as well as fellow therapists/psychologists. It is NOT meant to replace the meaningful work of individual or family therapy. Please seek professional help in your area if you are struggling. #breakthestigma #makewordsmatter #thingsyoulearnintherapy #thingsyoulearnintherapypodcast

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health concerns, please contact 988 or seek a treatment provider in your area.

To contact or learn more about Laura and her practice, visit: https://laurasgrolcsw.com/ 

Feel free to share your thoughts at www.makewordsmatterforgood.com or email me at [email protected]

If you are a therapist or psychologist and want to be a guest on the show, please complete this form to apply: https://forms.gle/ooy8QirpgL2JSLhP6

Support the show

www.bethtrammell.com

What happens when emotional partners must transition to effective co-parents? Join us as we welcome Dr. Tara Egan, a licensed clinical mental health counselor from North Carolina and South Carolina, to tackle this challenging journey. Dr. Egan, with her extensive experience in both school psychology and private practice, brings invaluable insights on navigating the emotional and legal complexities of divorce, separation, and high-conflict families.

Dr. Egan dives deep into the emotional and practical aspects of child-focused co-parenting, offering strategies to help parents shift their roles while prioritizing their children's well-being. We cover the nuances of court decisions on custody and therapy needs, including the delicate process of reunification therapy. With a compassionate and non-judgmental approach, Dr. Egan emphasizes the importance of supporting both parents and children through the various stages of separation and divorce, ensuring a positive path forward for all involved.

The episode also sheds light on the ethical and legal challenges therapists face when working with high-conflict families. Dr. Egan's firsthand experiences highlight the importance of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and maintaining professionalism under pressure. From handling subpoenas and court orders to collaborating with judges and attorneys, we explore the critical role of confidentiality and effective communication in court-involved therapy. Whether you're a therapist navigating these complexities or a parent facing similar challenges, this episode offers practical advice and heartfelt wisdom to guide you through.

This podcast is meant to be a resource for the general public, as well as fellow therapists/psychologists. It is NOT meant to replace the meaningful work of individual or family therapy. Please seek professional help in your area if you are struggling. #breakthestigma #makewordsmatter #thingsyoulearnintherapy #thingsyoulearnintherapypodcast

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health concerns, please contact 988 or seek a treatment provider in your area.

To learn more about Dr. Egan, her work, her podcast, or her counseling and consulting practice, visit: https://www.egancounselingandconsulting.com 

Feel free to share your thoughts at www.makewordsmatterforgood.com or email me at [email protected]

If you are a therapist or psychologist and want to be a guest on the show, please complete this form to apply: https://forms.gle/ooy8QirpgL2JSLhP6

Support the show

www.bethtrammell.com

Discover the critical insights into youth vaping with Elisa Worland from Purdue Extension. Ever wondered how cultural and policy differences between states can impact smoking rates? Elisa, leveraging her extensive background in social work and community practice, shares her unique experiences and observations from both California and Indiana. You won't want to miss her fascinating stories from Vietnam, including her adventurous taste-testing of rice paddy rat, and how these cultural encounters enriched her perspective on public health.

Parents, do you know how to effectively communicate the dangers of vaping to your children? This episode equips you with practical strategies to help your kids navigate peer pressure and make healthier choices. Elisa and I dig deep into the effects of nicotine on developing brains and provide actionable advice for modeling healthy behaviors. By recognizing signs of vaping and fostering open communication, you can play a pivotal role in preventing nicotine addiction in your child's life.

Schools also face significant challenges with the rise of vaping among students. How can educators address this issue without resorting to punitive measures? We discuss the importance of training staff to recognize vaping devices, implementing supportive policies, and the role of educational programs like Catch My Breath. From employing motivational interviewing techniques to understanding youth behavior, this episode offers comprehensive strategies to create a healthier, vape-free environment in schools. Don't miss our heartfelt discussion on collaboration and future episodes, and a big thank you to our listeners!

This podcast is meant to be a resource for the general public, as well as fellow therapists/psychologists. It is NOT meant to replace the meaningful work of individual or family therapy. Please seek professional help in your area if you are struggling. #breakthestigma #makewordsmatter #thingsyoulearnintherapy #thingsyoulearnintherapypodcast

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health concerns, please contact 988 or seek a treatment provider in your area.

Feel free to share your thoughts at www.makewordsmatterforgood.com or email me at [email protected]

If you are a therapist or psychologist and want to be a guest on the show, please complete this form to apply: https://forms.gle/ooy8QirpgL2JSLhP6

Support the show

www.bethtrammell.com

What happens when our favorite TV shows influence our understanding of real-life medical experiences? Today on "Things You Learn in Therapy," we welcome back Victoria Rodriguez to unpack this question. Victoria shares her personal journey with chronic illnesses and the impact of shows like Grey's Anatomy on public perception. We examine the concept of complex medical PTSD and debunk common myths surrounding chronic health issues, while uncovering the persistent stress that patients endure.

Navigating chronic health issues often feels like a never-ending odyssey, especially when it comes to elusive diagnoses. Victoria and I discuss how societal norms can lead individuals to downplay their symptoms, causing emotional distress and self-doubt. We highlight the significance of validating these experiences and the bittersweet emotions that come with finally receiving a diagnosis. The conversation underscores the importance of addressing the emotional toll and maintaining hope throughout the treatment process.

Chronic illnesses do not just affect the body; they take a significant toll on mental health too. Stress, particularly, can exacerbate conditions like autoimmune disorders. Victoria and I reflect on the lessons learned, emphasizing the need for mental health support in chronic health management. We also delve into the essential role of caregivers and how therapists can offer compassionate support. By fostering empathy and understanding, we can improve the quality of care for those battling chronic illnesses. Tune in for a compelling discussion that offers practical advice and heartfelt insights into the world of chronic illness and medical trauma.




This podcast is meant to be a resource for the general public, as well as fellow therapists/psychologists. It is NOT meant to replace the meaningful work of individual or family therapy. Please seek professional help in your area if you are struggling. #breakthestigma #makewordsmatter #thingsyoulearnintherapy #thingsyoulearnintherapypodcast

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health concerns, please contact 988 or seek a treatment provider in your area.

Feel free to share your thoughts at www.makewordsmatterforgood.com or email me at [email protected]

If you are a therapist or psychologist and want to be a guest on the show, please complete this form to apply: https://forms.gle/ooy8QirpgL2JSLhP6

Support the show

www.bethtrammell.com

Tune in for my DEBRIEF after listening to Dr. Michael Alcee's episode from Monday. Also - be sure to check out tomorrow's episode with the amazing Dr. Victoria Rodriguez!

If you, or someone you know, is having mental health challenges and is in need of assistance, please contact 988.

This podcast is meant to be a resource for the general public, as well as fellow therapists/psychologists. It is NOT meant to replace the meaningful work of individual or family therapy. Please seek professional help in your area if you are struggling. #breakthestigma #makewordsmatter #thingsyoulearnintherapy #thingsyoulearnintherapypodcast

Feel free to share your thoughts at www.makewordsmatterforgood.com or email me at [email protected]

If you are a therapist or psychologist and want to be a guest on the show, please complete this form to apply: https://forms.gle/ooy8QirpgL2JSLhP6

Support the show

www.bethtrammell.com

Unlock the hidden strengths of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) with our special guest, Dr. Michael Alcée. In our latest episode, we promise to change the way you perceive OCD by highlighting the unique gifts and deep emotional layers often overshadowed by the diagnosis. Gain insights into Dr. Alcée's mission to humanize this condition and discover how understanding the person behind the disorder can lead to more compassionate and effective therapy.

We explore the intense and complex emotions experienced by those with OCD, challenging the one-dimensional focus of traditional therapies like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). By reflecting on historical figures such as Charles Darwin, who showcased remarkable creativity alongside OCD tendencies, Dr. Alcée introduces the concept of "negative capability" — the ability to tolerate ambiguity and mystery — as a therapeutic tool. Through empathy and a broader emotional approach, this episode shines a light on the richness of human experience in those with OCD, making a case for a balanced treatment that includes both exposure and emotional exploration.

Listen as we unravel real-life examples and diverse manifestations of OCD that compel us to rethink our approach to treatment. From contamination fears to relationship anxieties, Dr. Alcée and I discuss strategies for sitting with uncertainty and understanding the deeper emotional context behind compulsive behaviors. Reframe your perspective on OCD, seeing it not just as a challenge but as a "frenemy" offering valuable messages, ultimately advocating for a therapy approach that supports and appreciates those who think and feel deeply. Don’t miss this eye-opening and compassionate take on OCD that promises hope and understanding for sufferers and therapists alike.

To learn more about Dr. Alcée, find his website here: Michael Alcée, Ph.D. | Psychotherapy in Tarrytown, NY (michaelalcee.com) or Michael Alcee (michael-alcee.com) or email him at:
[email protected]

If you, or someone you know, is having mental health challenges and is in need of assistance, please contact 988.

This podcast is meant to be a resource for the general public, as well as fellow therapists/psychologists. It is NOT meant to replace the meaningful work of individual or family therapy. Please seek professional help in your area if you are struggling. #breakthestigma #makewordsmatter #thingsyoulearnintherapy #thingsyoulearnintherapypodcast

Feel free to share your thoughts at www.makewordsmatterforgood.com or email me at [email protected]

If you are a therapist or psychologist and want to be a guest on the show, please complete this form to apply: https://forms.gle/ooy8QirpgL2JSLhP6

Support the show

www.bethtrammell.com

Tune in for a short de-brief of last week's episode with Lianna Purjes! Also - be sure to check out this week's upcoming episode on Friday with Dr. Alcee!

Support the show

www.bethtrammell.com