Things You Learn in Therapy

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Have you ever wondered how you could transform your traumatic experiences into something positive? That's precisely what Brooke Bralove, an accomplished psychotherapist and licensed clinical social worker, demystifies in our in-depth discussion on Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). With a keen focus on healing trauma, Brooke elaborates on ART's remarkable ability to replace distressing images and sensations with healing ones, empowering individuals to rewrite their narratives and move beyond trauma.

Our conversation dives beyond the surface, highlighting the practical applications of ART. Brooke's extensive experience in working with victims of domestic violence and other traumas tangibly illuminates the potency of ART. She shines a spotlight on how this revolutionary therapy can be a game-changer for individuals battling issues like sexual assault, chronic pain, and intrusive thoughts. Further, we delve into the training required to practice ART and how its transformative approach can help prevent therapist burnout.

We also explore the ethical side of ART, discussing its potential as a brief, add-on therapy that demands no medication or homework between sessions. Brooke shares deeply moving success stories from her practice, illustrating how ART has helped individuals minimize distress to an astonishing degree. By the end of our conversation, you'll gain valuable insight into how to find practitioners of ART and learn more about Brooke's remarkable work. So why wait? Join us for this enlightening exploration into the world of Accelerated Resolution Therapy.

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

Send us Fan Mail

Are you and your partner struggling to communicate about sex and intimacy? Join us as I talk with Elizabeth "Liz" Polinsky, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy. Liz offers her expertise on navigating conversations about sexual desire, boundaries, and past experiences, while also shedding light on the impact of sexual trauma and societal messages on our relationships.

Dive into the complexities of sexual distress within relationships and learn how to determine when it's time to seek help. We discuss the intricacies of infidelity, balancing different levels of sexual desire, and finding harmony during the early stages of a relationship. With Liz's guidance, you'll gain valuable insights and practical tools to strengthen your emotional and sexual connection with your partner.

Finally, we address the often-taboo subject of non-monogamy and its role in healthy relationships. Together, we explore the shift in cultural attitudes towards monogamy, the differences between infidelity and non-monogamy, and how to approach these hard conversations with your partner. By the end of this episode, you'll feel empowered to embrace your sexual desires, navigate differences in adventurousness, and understand the nuances between sex drive and emotional closeness. Don't miss this candid and informative discussion with the insightful Liz Polinsky!


Elizabeth Polinsky is a marriage counselor and the host of The Communicate & Connect Podcast for Military Relationships. 

Counseling Website: www.ElizabethPolinskyCounseling.com

Podcast Website: www.communicateandconnectpodcast.com 

Facebook & Instagram: @LizPolinsky

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

Send us Fan Mail

Check out this CROSSOVER episode with Kids These Days!
Ever wondered how to teach your child about friendships? Can you imagine a world where children navigate relationships with grace and ease? Discover some insight in our enlightening chat with Leslie Bolser, Curriculum Director for Core Central Values. Drawing from her wealth of knowledge, she takes us on a journey of friendships from the early years to the tumultuous teenage era. We explore the significance of enabling our younger kids to articulate care in their relationships and providing scripts for interacting with their pals. For parents navigating the complexities of childhood friendships, especially those with neurologically or developmentally delayed children, this conversation is a treasure trove of invaluable insights.

Fasten your seatbelts as we also venture into the often-misunderstood realm of teenage friendships. Leslie shares her expertise on guiding teens through expressing care for their peers, managing scenarios where their choice of friends might not align with ours, and fostering positive influences. We also discuss the ever-evolving role of technology in friendships, particularly as a means for teenagers to express their relationships. This episode is an essential guide for any parent or guardian seeking to teach and model healthy friendships to children from early childhood through their teenage years. With Leslie's guidance, we learn that friendship isn't automatic but an intricate process that requires understanding, patience, and the right tools. So tune in, and let's make friendship a priority.

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

Send us Fan Mail

Ever found yourself feeling lost when it comes to engaging your child through play? Perhaps you're wondering how to create a dynamic that nurtures learning while keeping the atmosphere light and fun. As your host, I am thrilled to invite (another) Beth to the show! She is from Days with Gray to share her expertise on transforming everyday routines into playful learning opportunities.

Join us on a journey of discovery as we discuss the powerhouse that is play in early childhood and its impact on brain development. We'll also reveal how simple activities like color sorting, sticker circles, and water play can vastly improve your child's vocabulary and motor skills. Find out about the game-changing concept of breakfast invitations - an innovative approach that promises a lively start to your child's day and a shift in your family dynamics.

Parenting is not just about fostering your child's growth; it's about your growth too. As Beth and I share our personal experiences and struggles, we hope to inspire you to carve out intentional time for self-care amidst the hustle of parenthood. Hear about Beth's transition from selling beaded wine glasses on Etsy to launching a successful business that aligns with her passion. It's a conversation filled with practical parenting tips, creative play ideas, and entrepreneurial inspiration. Tune in and let's explore the power of play together!

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

Send us Fan Mail

Ever felt like a fraud waiting to be discovered? Imposter syndrome can be a frustratingly persistent companion for many of us. Join Kindall Tyson, a seasoned licensed professional counselor and myself as we dissect this phenomenon that affects a staggering 70% of Americans. Together, we unravel how this syndrome doesn't merely stem from internal turmoil, but is significantly influenced by our environment, systems, race, gender, and even episodes of life transitions.

Ever been terrified of achieving your dreams? There's a name for that - 'achievemaphobia', and Kindall and I dive right into this intriguing aspect as we explore the fear of success and how it compounds the feelings of imposter syndrome. We open up about our personal experiences, discussing how societal expectations, comparisons, and the daunting prospect of being 'found out' can fuel this phobia. And speaking of fuel, we tackle the subtle but harmful effects of microaggressions in our workplaces and personal lives, and how they fan the flames of imposter syndrome. This episode is packed with vulnerability, practical wisdom, and open conversation - so come join us in challenging the norm and understanding ourselves a little better.


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

Send us Fan Mail

Ever feel like life has become one long to-do list, with pleasure and play relegated to the bottom, if at all? Certified sex therapist, Kaya Spicer, joins us to remind us that play and pleasure are not frivolous extras, but essential components of our well-being. This episode takes a deep dive into our societal structure, which often encourages us to sideline joy in favor of work, leading to dissatisfaction and even mental health issues. Kaya shares her unique, decolonizing perspective on this, exploring how play and pleasure can help us connect with ourselves and our communities, reduce stress and reintroduce joy into our lives.

But how exactly can we start perceiving pleasure differently? Kaya reveals intriguing insights into how we can find pleasure in simplicity, like feeding bunnies or doing the dishes. She emphasizes the power of language in developing our relationship with pleasure and encourages us to give ourselves permission to experience it. We also look at societal pressures that promote work over play, and discuss how we can break free from this mindset. This episode is not just a conversation, it’s an invitation to challenge your preconceived notions, to explore, and to reconnect with joy and pleasure today!

Find Kaya at Individual, Couples, & Sex Therapy | Austin & Houston, Texas (infinitezentherapy.com)

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

Send us Fan Mail

There's no easy way to talk about suicide, but isn't it time we stopped shying away from this challenging topic? We're sitting down with Dr. Rosalie Aldrich, a dear friend, colleague, and expert on suicide, to shed light on this silent epidemic. We delve into her research, discuss how to recognize signs of someone at risk, and broach practical strategies on how we can motivate interventions.

Imagine if we could equip ourselves with the knowledge and tools to potentially save a life. In our conversation with Dr. Aldrich, we explore practical intervention strategies, sharing a variety of ways to reach out and understand that intervention may take more than one attempt. We shed light on the prevalence of suicide in the US, and its dreadful impact on different age groups, especially those aged 20-34 years.

While discussing suicide, we also need to talk about those who witness its aftermath. What happens to our first responders, the firefighters, EMTs, and police officers who deal with suicide cases? Dr. Aldrich and Julie Cyril, in their research, have discovered how repeated exposure to suicide affects their mental health. We explore their findings and also hear from a police officer about the trauma and guilt they face. This episode is a call to action. It's about understanding the pain, fostering empathy, and, most importantly, providing support. Together, we can make a difference.

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

Send us Fan Mail

Have you ever considered the unconventional path of becoming a single mother by choice? Join me as I sit down with my dear friend, Dr. Sarah Connolly, to discuss her thought process and journey to embracing single motherhood. Sarah shares some misconceptions about the single mothers by choice community and highlights the importance of intentionality and support networks throughout her experience.

We dive into the challenges Sarah faced during her fertility treatments and share her story of freezing embryos to ensure she was making the right decision for herself and her future child. As a psychologist, Sarah offers valuable insights on managing thoughts and emotions during her journey, as well as the importance of building a support system and preparing for the unexpected. She also touches on the practical aspects of choosing a donor and the gratitude she feels for the person who helped make her dream of motherhood come true.

Finally, Sarah discusses talking to her child about their unique family dynamic and the role the donor played in their lives. Through her story, we explore the joys and triumphs of being a single mother by choice, and how to embrace the challenges and victories along the way. Tune in to this inspiring and informative conversation and learn from Sarah's journey as she navigates single motherhood with grace and determination.

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

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when trauma imprints itself onto your brain? How can we navigate the intricacies of our own healing journey? Join us as we grapple with these questions alongside Jessica Van der Merwe, a highly skilled mental health counselor and certified brain spotting therapist. Our discussion takes us deep into the world of trauma, dissecting its many forms from standalone traumatic events to ongoing, complex trauma. Jessica unravels the ways our early relationships with caregivers can shape and impact us, and passionately advocates for the destigmatization of trauma to pave the way for more open, healing conversations.

Trauma has a curious way of lodging itself within the limbic system of our brains, where memories, emotions, and non-verbal experiences reside. As we explore this intricate process with Jessica, we gain an understanding of how trauma can render a person feeling overwhelmed or unnerved by their own triggers. But it's not all doom and gloom — Jessica emphasizes the power of awareness as the first step on the path to recovery, reminding us that healing is a journey, often slow-paced yet continually forward-moving.

Jessica equips us with strategies for building self-trust and fostering empathy during the therapeutic process. We delve into the role of the prefrontal lobes in cultivating curiosity, and the importance of bringing a wise, adult self to this journey. Wrapping up, Jessica shares her valuable insights on how to initiate the healing process from trauma, emphasizing the importance of understanding our body's reactions and acknowledging the crucial role of trust. Tune in for a powerful conversation and prepare to commence (or continue!) your healing journey.

Jessica Van der Merwe, LMHC, LPC

Certified Brainspotting Therapist
http://proteacounselingpnw.com

Phone: 360-818-8322

Vancouver, WA 98684

Existing clients can request appointments here: https://jessica-van-der-merwe.clientsecure.me/

If you are experiencing an emotional or suicidal crisis, call or text 988

Additional resources: https://www.speakingofsuicide.com/resources/

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

Send us Fan Mail

Have you ever caught yourself wondering how societal beauty standards affect your daughter's perception of herself? How can we foster open conversations about self-esteem and body image? This episode features teen life coach and advocate Barb, who has been helping girls navigate these challenges since her early adult years. We delve into these questions, discussing the societal pressures women and girls face and how they influence our sense of self.

We then turn our attention to the complex relationship between food and emotions. Barb provides insight into the adolescent brain and how it factors into emotional coping mechanisms. We share strategies on how to support your girls through the emotional rollercoaster of adolescence, and in particular how to encourage healthier emotional coping strategies. We also discuss how to navigate those tricky conversations about body image, with Barb offering some invaluable advice on communication strategies.

We wrap up our enlightening conversation by focusing on the ins and outs of teen fashion trends and their impact on body image. Barb shares her thoughts on how to approach this tricky subject and how to celebrate our girls' bodies, regardless of size. We also explore the role of social media and its potential impact on self-esteem. Plus, Barb gives us a peek into her YouTube channel, a wonderful resource providing a safe space for girls. This is one conversation you won't want to miss.

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