Barlas Günay is a registered psychologist and certified meditation and mindfulness teacher based in the Netherlands, who over the past 13 years has guided thousands of people across the globe through profound journeys of healing and self-discovery. Trained in both the USA and Canada, he is the founder of Accept and Act, a healing platform offering online psychotherapy and a membership-based self-reparenting community with a combined following of over 100,000 across social media. 

He specializes in (childhood) trauma recovery, relationships, and holistic psychology, with a particular focus on the transformative practice of self-reparenting. His mission is to help as many people as possible heal from their traumas, reconnect with themselves, and step into life as conscious, free, and authentic adults and parents, because he believes that when individuals heal, the world becomes a safer, happier place for all.

In this episode, we share a conversation around complex trauma and the nuance that can show up from these childhood experiences. We explore the potential impacts of childhood complex trauma, how the nervous system might response, and examples of survival responses. We hold space for the real and valid grief that may arise related to working through these wounds. 

We also discuss how trauma can influence our sense of safety in relationships, and why healing is less about "fixing" and more on holding compassion for parts of ourselves that did what they needed to do to survive.

As always, this episode is not a replacement for therapy or individualized care. We simply hope to bring validation and education around these heavy topics. 

We hope you can take care of yourself in whatever ways support you, whether that's taking a step away from listening or simply checking in with what's coming up for you.

FOLLOW BARLAS:

INSTA: @acceptandact
TIKTOK: @acceptandact
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/acceptandact/

STAY CONNECTED:

INSTA: @trustandthrive
TIKOK: @trustandthrive
THREADS: @trustandthrive
FACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramont
EMAIL: [email protected]

In this solo episode, I share recent life updates and reflect on what I've been noticing come up for me lately. After a few weeks of travel and starting my own practice, I've recognized the ways anxiety has shown up amidst an inconsistent schedule.

I talk about the importance of checking in with one's capacity, recognizing urgency and guilt, and practicing slowing down instead of immediately reacting, even if it doesn't come naturally. I explore how anxiety can convince us that everything needs to be immediate and why guilt doesn't always need our attention.

I hope this episode is a reminder that feeling the need to "do more" does not always need to be acted on and it's okay to check in with ourselves, and honor our limits.

STAY CONNECTED:

INSTA: @trustandthrive
TIKOK: @trustandthrive
EMAIL: [email protected]

Genny Rumancik is a mental health advocate and educator, and the creator of The EQ School, which offers courses and online resources to improve self-awareness, navigate emotional self-management, and shift relational patterns for healthier relationships. Her debut book, The Wisdom of Feeling, will be published by Penguin Random House in June 2026.

In this episode, we explore the topic of emotional intelligence and discuss why these skills are important, yet often overlooked. we discuss Genny's personal and professional journey, including her experience as a former teacher and impact on her work as a mental health advocate.

Genny shares how she often draws from Daniel Goleman's framework, breaking down four key areas of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, emotional self-management, social awareness, and relationship management.

In addition, we discuss the difference between intellectualizing emotions and what it can look like to truly feel them, the role of self-compassion and trauma-informed care, the role of acceptance in building resilience, and how authenticity can help us cultivate deeper connections with ourselves and others.

FOLLOW GENNY:

INSTA: @theeqschool
WEBSITE: http://www.theeqschool.co/
BOOK: The Wisdom of Feeling
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/theeqschool

STAY CONNECTED:

INSTA: @trustandthrive
TIKOK: @trustandthrive
THREADS: @trustandthrive
FACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramont
EMAIL: [email protected]

In this solo episode, I discuss the topic of Real Event OCD, a subtype of OCD that can involve rumination around something that actually happened in the past. This can come with feelings of guilt, shame, and doubt.

Real Event OCD can leave one feeling trapped in a cycle of analyzing, replaying, and trying to "figure out" what their past says about them.

I share a few examples of how Real Event OCD can show up, including some lighter experiences while also normalizing heavier themes such as past regrets, relationship dynamics, and fears of being a "bad" person. 

In addition, I touch on how Real Event OCD can crate doubt around one's memory, leadong to distress and a strong urge to revisit, review, and make sense of past events.

As always, this episode is not a replacement for professional support and does not reflect every OCD experience.

STAY CONNECTED:

INSTA: @trustandthrive
TIKOK: @trustandthrive
EMAIL: [email protected]

In this solo episode, I reflect on a topic that’s been on my mind and explore the complexity and nuance of mental health, especially in online spaces.

As someone who shares both personal and professional experiences with OCD and anxiety, I’ve noticed the pressure to reflect so many different experiences within just a few of my posts. I talk about why social media does not capture the complexity of living with OCD and/or anxiety, the limitations of online content and my own personal boundaries I've been exploring, and the importance of holding space for one person’s experience without invalidating someone else’s.

I also discuss my own journey with showing up online, reasons behind making these darker and often isolating experiences feel more digestible, and how humor can support us in feeling less alone.

I share some of my own doubts around showing up online and my desire to continue showing up despite internal and external judgment. I hope this episode is a reminder to stay curious, hold space for nuance, and support one another in experiences that can already feel so isolating. We don’t have to fully understand someone’s experience in order to hold space for it.

STAY CONNECTED:

INSTA: @trustandthrive
TIKOK: @trustandthrive
EMAIL: [email protected]

Mary Feldman, A-LPC/MHSP, is an OCD & anxiety therapist, educator, and speaker with lived experience. Mary first encountered OCD in middle school, which became the catalyst for a deep commitment to psychology, leadership, and systemic change in how anxiety and related disorders are understood and treated. While earning her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Mary worked full-time as a behavioral specialist within Rogers Behavioral Health’s Partial Hospitalization Program. There, she received extensive, specialized training in the treatment of severely debilitating OCD, anxiety, and related conditions. 

This immersive clinical experience sharpened her expertise and solidified her dedication to advancing evidence-based, compassionate, and effective treatment models. Now an outpatient therapist, educator, and content creator, Mary integrates clinical rigor with lived experience to help individuals reclaim agency over their lives. She is also deeply invested in increasing access to education and uses her training and firsthand experience to create practical, empowering tools for those who struggle to find effective support. Through both clinical work and public engagement, Mary aims to foster confidence, compassion, resilience, and lasting freedom in those she serves.

In this episode, we deep dive into mental compulsions and discuss the often misunderstood and invisible side of OCD.

We talk about common misconceptions around OCD, what mental compulsions can actually sound and look like, and why these experiences can feel isolating, confusing, and lonely. We also emphasize how OCD is not one-size-fits-all and how many people struggle for years without realizing what they're experiencing. 

In addition, we discuss how OCD can sometimes be overlooked or misdiagnosed, the importance of increasing clinician awareness and training, and what OCD treatment can look like when compulsions happen internally, rather than externally.

Whether you struggle with rumination, mental checking, reassurance seeking, self-doubt, or are simply curious, we hope this episode can help you feel less alone while offering a nuanced conversation around OCD and anxiety.

FOLLOW MARY:

INSTA: @ocdrebeltherapist
CONTACT: Linktree

STAY CONNECTED:

INSTA: @trustandthrive
TIKOK: @trustandthrive
THREADS: @trustandthrive
FACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramont
EMAIL: [email protected]

And we're back! I'm excited to share that I've passed my state licensing exam and am now officially a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist! 

In this catch-up solo episode, I share some professional and personal updates (including some exciting news!!). I reflect on the journey toward licensure, from grad school and practicum to the associate years. I also share my real-time experience navigating OCD-related thoughts while recording this episode and what it looks like to move through doubt when it shows up. 

I'm leaning into embracing the unknowns and allowing this next chapter to feel new, exciting, confusing, overwhelming, relieving - all at the same time.

As always, I want to express gratitude to each and every one of you for being here along the ride. I can't wait for what's to come and to share with you all :) 

STAY CONNECTED:

INSTA: @trustandthrive
TIKOK: @trustandthrive
EMAIL: [email protected]

Shahem McLaurin is a licensed therapist, founder of an independent mental health agency, and public mental health educator whose work bridges clinical expertise with large-scale public engagement. They have led and participated in national mental health awareness campaigns in collaboration with institutions such as Harvard University and the National Ad Agency, and have partnered with brands and organizations to develop ethical, evidence-informed mental health messaging. 

As the founder of their own agency, Shahem provides clinical leadership, strategic direction, and oversight of mental health programming rooted in trauma-informed and culturally responsive care. They are a sought-after speaker and keynote presenter, having delivered talks and trainings at universities including NYU and SUNY. Their work centers on making mental health education accessible, reducing stigma, and expanding equitable access to care through media, storytelling, and community-based dialogue. 

In this episode, we explore what it looks like to show up authentically as a therapist, different career paths (including community mental health), and how these experiences can shape the way we understand care, access, and equity. 

We also talk about the importance of advocating for clients not just within the therapy room, but outside of it as well. Shahem shares more about the importance of working toward more accessible and inclusive mental health care, and how there is no one-size-fits-all way to show up as a therapist.

FOLLOW SHAHEM:

INSTA: @5hahem; @freedomcollectivepod
TIKTOK: @5hahem
PODCAST: Freedom Collective Podcast

STAY CONNECTED:

INSTA: @trustandthrive
TIKOK: @trustandthrive
THREADS: @trustandthrive
FACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramont
EMAIL: [email protected]

In this solo episode, I talk about Moral OCD (also known as scrupulosity), a subtype of OCD that can make everyday decisions feel heavy and high-stakes. I discuss how thoughts related to this subtype can show up as intense guilt, fear of being a "bad" person, perfectionism, people pleasing tendencies, and feeling responsible for doing the "right" thing at all times.

In addition, I explore examples of compulsions that can show up, including mental reviewing, reassurance seeking, confessing, or trying to achieve certainty about what is morally “correct.” I share how social media, activism spaces, and being constantly exposed to information can intensify feelings of urgency and responsibility, and why this can feel so distressing. 

As always, this episode is not one-size-fits-all and simply reflects a few ways OCD-thoughts related to morality can show up. I hope to bring language to an experience that can feel incredibly isolating, and to remind you that you are not alone if your mind makes morality feel urgent, overwhelming, or impossible to "get right."

STAY CONNECTED:

INSTA: @trustandthrive
TIKOK: @trustandthrive
EMAIL: [email protected]

Jennifer Bohle, MS, LPC, is a trauma-informed therapist, content creator, and high-achieving creative based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She works with perfectionistic women to build self-trust, confidence, and worthiness while learning to relate to perfectionism as a strength. Through content creation, Jennifer blends humor, education, and real life - using creativity as a way to make therapy more human and accessible, and to stay connected to the playful, curious part of herself that still feels like a kid at heart.

In this episode, we explore the intersection of therapy, social media, and authenticity. We discuss EMDR as a therapeutic modality that helps the brain process difficult experiences through bilateral stimulation, and how trauma-informed care emphasizes pacing, flexibility, and client choice. We also talk about how EMDR can be adapted to meet individual needs and isn’t limited to major traumatic events. 

We explore common misconceptions about therapy modalities, the pressure clients can feel to do therapy a certain “right” way, and what it can look to humanize therapy online through the use of humor and play. We also have an open conversation about being therapists on social media, navigating boundaries online, and embracing authenticity both professionally and personally. 

FOLLOW JENNIFER:

INSTA: @jenniferanncounseling
TIKTOK: @jenniferanncounseling
WEBSITE: www.jenniferanncounseling.com

STAY CONNECTED:

INSTA: @trustandthrive
TIKOK: @trustandthrive
THREADS: @trustandthrive
FACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramont
EMAIL: [email protected]