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I come to you as a multicultural therapist, a womanist/feminist ally, and someone who brings the depth of psychodynamic thinking, the openness of humanistic practice, and the profound questions of existentialism into my work. You know what fascinates me about therapy? The way it's evolving beyond the traditional "lie on a couch and talk about your childhood" model into something more like an improvisational jazz performance, where different approaches harmonize to create healing.

Shout out to all the mothers as we celebrate your love and care today too!

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"Transforming Minds with Dr. Brian"
Hosted by Dr. Brian Ragsdale, Psychologist

Blending research, creativity, and education to explore how personal stories intersect with larger systems, shaping how we think, feel, and connect.

Follow & Connect:

• Website: https://www.drbrianragsdale.net/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574994500297
• Substack: Transforming Minds - https://brianlragsdale.substack.com/
• Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbrianragsdale/

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Your support—whether $3 or $8 a month—goes directly to producing each episode, upgrading equipment, and one day compensating guest speakers. And as a thank-you, you’ll receive a personal email from me—and a shoutout in one of the next episode. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2431773/support

Welcome to Transforming Minds, I’m Dr. Brian Ragsdale. Today’s episode is for anyone wondering, “Do I need therapy?” and “Where do I begin?”

We’ll talk about how to find a therapist, how to know when therapy is right for you, different types of therapists and training, and an overview of the many styles and approaches in therapy.

Support the show

"Transforming Minds with Dr. Brian"
Hosted by Dr. Brian Ragsdale, Psychologist

Blending research, creativity, and education to explore how personal stories intersect with larger systems, shaping how we think, feel, and connect.

Follow & Connect:

• Website: https://www.drbrianragsdale.net/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574994500297
• Substack: Transforming Minds - https://brianlragsdale.substack.com/
• Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbrianragsdale/

New Episodes Every Sunday
Take care of yourself and each other.

Send us Fan Mail

Your support—whether $3 or $8 a month—goes directly to producing each episode, upgrading equipment, and one day compensating guest speakers. And as a thank-you, you’ll receive a personal email from me—and a shoutout in the next episode. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2431773/support

Mental health support is not one-size-fits-all. You deserve care that meets you where you are—and who you are. 

This is Part 2 of our conversation on therapy—what it is, who it’s for, and why we need more diverse voices in the mental health space.

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"Transforming Minds with Dr. Brian"
Hosted by Dr. Brian Ragsdale, Psychologist

Blending research, creativity, and education to explore how personal stories intersect with larger systems, shaping how we think, feel, and connect.

Follow & Connect:

• Website: https://www.drbrianragsdale.net/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574994500297
• Substack: Transforming Minds - https://brianlragsdale.substack.com/
• Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbrianragsdale/

New Episodes Every Sunday
Take care of yourself and each other.

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There’s no wrong way to feel. And you don’t have to do anything with your emotions except notice them.

There are lots of ways that we can connect

·  Reflect (“Take 1 minute to journal after this episode…”)

·  Engage (“DM me your thoughts or tag me with how this landed.”). 

We are on Facebook, search for Transforming Minds with Dr. Brian.

Join my YOUTUBE Channel, search BrianRagsdaleStudio1 (the number one)

You can also leave me a voice message on Threads.

·  Support (“Leave a tip via PayPal if this helped.”)

A word from Dr. Brian

Feelings aren’t permanent. They’re just reminders that you’re alive.
 Let them come. Let them go. Let them teach you something.

If this episode helped, share it with a friend—or with your future self.
 

I’ll see you next time.

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"Transforming Minds with Dr. Brian"
Hosted by Dr. Brian Ragsdale, Psychologist

Blending research, creativity, and education to explore how personal stories intersect with larger systems, shaping how we think, feel, and connect.

Follow & Connect:

• Website: https://www.drbrianragsdale.net/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574994500297
• Substack: Transforming Minds - https://brianlragsdale.substack.com/
• Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbrianragsdale/

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 Here are three examples of how fear and self-doubt manifest in life:

1. Career Decisions and Stagnation:
   Fear of failure or not being “good enough” can prevent someone from pursuing a promotion, starting a new business, or changing careers. This self-doubt often leads to staying in a comfort zone, even if it’s unfulfilling, because the risk of the unknown feels too great.
2. Relationships and Vulnerability:
   Self-doubt can lead to difficulty in forming or maintaining meaningful relationships. A person might fear rejection or judgment, leading them to withhold their true thoughts or feelings, avoid conflict, or overanalyze their partner’s actions, which can create emotional distance.
3. Avoiding Opportunities:
   Fear and self-doubt can cause people to decline opportunities that align with their goals, such as public speaking, taking a leadership role, or even engaging in social situations. The internal dialogue of “What if I fail?” or “I’m not ready” can stop them from trying, perpetuating a cycle of missed growth opportunities.

They show up in our careers, relationships, creative pursuits, and even in the quiet moments when we’re alone with our thoughts. These emotions, fear and doubt, can be paralyzing, but they don’t have to define us. 

Support the show

"Transforming Minds with Dr. Brian"
Hosted by Dr. Brian Ragsdale, Psychologist

Blending research, creativity, and education to explore how personal stories intersect with larger systems, shaping how we think, feel, and connect.

Follow & Connect:

• Website: https://www.drbrianragsdale.net/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574994500297
• Substack: Transforming Minds - https://brianlragsdale.substack.com/
• Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbrianragsdale/

New Episodes Every Sunday
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In today’s episode, we’re discussing Setting Boundaries to Protect Your Well-Being. 

 As a psychologist in private practice, my clients and I talk a lot about boundaries, how to set them, why they are important, and I have learned much from my clients as they share their boundary success stories. Boundaries are like the gold mine of our well-being.  

Boundaries are essential for maintaining healthy relationships, managing stress, and prioritizing self-care. Yet, for many of us, setting boundaries can feel uncomfortable or even selfish. If this resonates with you, stay tuned. By the end of this episode, you’ll have practical tools to set and maintain boundaries that protect your well-being and foster healthier connections.

Support the show

"Transforming Minds with Dr. Brian"
Hosted by Dr. Brian Ragsdale, Psychologist

Blending research, creativity, and education to explore how personal stories intersect with larger systems, shaping how we think, feel, and connect.

Follow & Connect:

• Website: https://www.drbrianragsdale.net/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574994500297
• Substack: Transforming Minds - https://brianlragsdale.substack.com/
• Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbrianragsdale/

New Episodes Every Sunday
Take care of yourself and each other.

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Welcome back to Transforming Minds. I'm Dr. Brian Ragsdale. Thank you for joining me for Season 2, Episode 7.

Today, we're diving into an important, sometimes uncomfortable, but deeply human topic: power struggles in relationships. We'll be pulling from ideas I've shared in earlier episodes about breaking free, boundary setting, and the emotional frameworks of dependence, independence, and interdependence. We'll also look at how gender, ethnicity, culture, and money shape the dynamics we bring into our partnerships.

I'll walk you through three real-world relationship snapshots to help bring this to life: a gay couple, two bisexual partners, and a new dad and wife adjusting to parenthood. Remember these are not real client stories, just examples I created to discuss the topic.

Let's jump in.

Music Credits (All from Pixabay): Afro-Beat Pop by Hitslab, American Senses by Duir Silver, Romantic Solo Guitar by Surprising

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"Transforming Minds with Dr. Brian"
Hosted by Dr. Brian Ragsdale, Psychologist

Blending research, creativity, and education to explore how personal stories intersect with larger systems, shaping how we think, feel, and connect.

Follow & Connect:

• Website: https://www.drbrianragsdale.net/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574994500297
• Substack: Transforming Minds - https://brianlragsdale.substack.com/
• Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbrianragsdale/

New Episodes Every Sunday
Take care of yourself and each other.

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Podcast Title: Break Free

Originally broadcasted at the start of the podcast. 

Back by popular demand, recast.

Episode Title: Transforming Minds: Breaking Free from What Holds Us Back

Description:
Welcome to Transforming Minds, the podcast where we challenge old stories, embrace new possibilities, and inspire meaningful change. Join Dr. Brian Ragsdale as he dives into the habits and beliefs that keep us stuck—those silent barriers holding us back from living our most authentic and fulfilling lives.

In this episode, we’ll explore:

• How to identify the patterns that no longer serve us.
• Why do these beliefs and habits take root?
• Practical, meaningful steps to break free and transform your life.

It’s time to rewrite your story. Tune in and start your journey toward a freer, more empowered you.

Support the show

"Transforming Minds with Dr. Brian"
Hosted by Dr. Brian Ragsdale, Psychologist

Blending research, creativity, and education to explore how personal stories intersect with larger systems, shaping how we think, feel, and connect.

Follow & Connect:

• Website: https://www.drbrianragsdale.net/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574994500297
• Substack: Transforming Minds - https://brianlragsdale.substack.com/
• Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbrianragsdale/

New Episodes Every Sunday
Take care of yourself and each other.

Send us a text

Discovering your purpose is about more than just career goals or accomplishments. It’s about aligning your passions and values to create a life that feels meaningful to you.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, lost, or unsure about the path forward, this episode is for you. Today, we’ll explore what purpose means, the barriers that can hold us back, and the steps you can take to uncover your true calling. I know we are facing uncertainty given how our United States executive branch and administration are instituting chaotic bills, orders, and displacing lots of people. My purpose in life remains the same, and I hope you remember this as we go through these changes, pain, and regressions.

Support the show

"Transforming Minds with Dr. Brian"
Hosted by Dr. Brian Ragsdale, Psychologist

Blending research, creativity, and education to explore how personal stories intersect with larger systems, shaping how we think, feel, and connect.

Follow & Connect:

• Website: https://www.drbrianragsdale.net/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574994500297
• Substack: Transforming Minds - https://brianlragsdale.substack.com/
• Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbrianragsdale/

New Episodes Every Sunday
Take care of yourself and each other.

Send us a text

 What comes to mind when you hear the word vulnerability?  For some when you are able to be vulnerable you are reclaiming your voice.

 For many of us, being vulnerable and letting our inner voice out, it stirs up a mix of emotions. 

 A mix of emotions can deeply influence vulnerability, often making it a complex and multifaceted experience. When we’re vulnerable, we’re opening ourselves to the possibility of connection, understanding, and healing—but also to potential judgment, rejection, or misunderstanding. This emotional mix creates tension between the desire to be seen and the fear of being hurt.

For example:

• Fear and Hope: Vulnerability often carries a fear of exposure, paired with the hope for acceptance and connection. This duality can make sharing personal truths both intimidating and exhilarating.
• Trust and Doubt: Opening up requires trust, but past experiences or societal conditioning might stir doubts about whether others will hold your vulnerability with care.
• Strength and Fragility: Sharing emotions can feel like an act of strength while simultaneously highlighting aspects of fragility within us. This paradox often reminds us that being human means embracing both.
• Relief and Anxiety: Expressing vulnerability can bring relief in finally being authentic, but it might also lead to anxiety about how others will react or what might follow.

Re-release, we are taking a break for the summer.

Support the show

"Transforming Minds with Dr. Brian"
Hosted by Dr. Brian Ragsdale, Psychologist

Blending research, creativity, and education to explore how personal stories intersect with larger systems, shaping how we think, feel, and connect.

Follow & Connect:

• Website: https://www.drbrianragsdale.net/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574994500297
• Substack: Transforming Minds - https://brianlragsdale.substack.com/
• Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbrianragsdale/

New Episodes Every Sunday
Take care of yourself and each other.