What Brought You Here Today?

Join Ryanne Mellick and Amanda Ferrari, a Chicago-based social worker and couples therapist, as they explore the complexities of politics, relationships, and collective trauma. This episode offers insights into managing personal beliefs in therapy, navigating political differences in couples, and maintaining mental health amidst societal upheaval.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Context Setting

05:59 Impact of Political Climate on Relationships

11:08 Humility and Regret in Political Beliefs

16:08 Discernment and Critical Thinking in Relationships

25:29 The Impact of Emotional Awareness

31:29 Understanding Grief and Collective Trauma

38:22 Shame, Activism, and Community Support

45:37 The Importance of Self-Care in Therapy

50:58 Navigating News and Information Overload

58:49 Embracing Humanity and Emotional Oscillation

01:02:42 Podcast Outro.mp3

Resources & Links for Amanda

Therapy with Amanda (Instagram)

Fair Fighting Rules (Video Resource)

Brene Brown's Values Activity

The Myth of Normal by Gabor Maté

Links for Ryanne: 

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In this episode, Ryanne speaks with Vanessa, a licensed professional clinical counselor specializing in trauma, somatic experiencing, EMDR, and anchored relational network. They explore the impact of recent collective trauma in Minneapolis, addressing how individuals can support themselves and their community through somatic practices and trauma-informed approaches.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and overview of the episode's focus

02:17 - Deep dive into EMDR, somatic experiencing, and anchored relational network

09:00 - The role of trauma in collective events and community impact

12:45 - The importance of connection and community in healing from trauma

16:13 - Somatic grounding techniques and body awareness exercises

23:26 - How trauma memories are stored and processed in the nervous system

27:21 - Dissociation spectrum and its role in trauma reactions

33:56 - Managing burnout and compassion fatigue in trauma work

36:48 - Navigating social media consumption and re-traumatization

43:29 - The systemic aspect of trauma and liberation from systemic oppression

45:08 - The cycle of grief and adaptation to the "new normal"

46:39 - The importance of self-care, privilege, and community responsibility

48:19 - Closure: resources and next steps

Links for Vanessa

Abounded Flourish Counseling

Instagram: aboundandflourishmn

EMDR Therapy Info

Somatic Experiencing Institute

Anchored Network

Links for Ryanne: 

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In this heartfelt conversation, Krysteena Wilson shares her personal journey through fertility challenges, pregnancy loss, and the impact of reproductive rights on her life. The discussion highlights the importance of compassion, gray areas in complex issues, and finding meaning in adversity.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Christina Wilson

07:08 Navigating Family Planning and Fertility Challenges

22:56 The Complexity of Reproductive Rights and Personal Choices

28:17 Mental and Emotional Toll of Loss

34:51 Intentional Parenting and Quality Time

41:25 Future Aspirations and Meaningful Contributions

Links for Krysteena

Learn more about Krysteena

Resources

Victor Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning

Pro Voice Project

Links for Ryanne: 

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In this episode, Ryanne and Julia discuss the intricacies of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), exploring Julia's journey from marketing to becoming a DBT therapist. They delve into the structure and components of DBT, including group and individual therapy, the importance of skills training, and the challenges therapists face in maintaining boundaries. Julia shares her experiences with clients, the significance of self-care, and her aspirations for the future. The conversation emphasizes the transformative power of therapy and the importance of finding supportive spaces for healing.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to DBT and Julia's Journey

06:12 Understanding Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

12:27 DBT's Application and Client Experience

18:21 The Group Dynamic in DBT

24:22 Adapting DBT in Changing Times

26:12 Integrating Neurology into DBT Practice

29:16 Future Aspirations in Therapy

32:54 Navigating the Challenges of Mental Health

34:50 The Honor of Working with Vulnerable Populations

39:00 Self-Care Strategies for Therapists

44:00 The Importance of Therapy for Everyone

Links for Julia:

Learn more about DBT here

Resources from Julia: 

Inner Now meditation app 

Story graph - 

1. Marina abramavich 

2. https://madelinemiller.com/circe/

3. Your grandmother’s hands 

Links for Ryanne: 

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In this episode, Ryanne Mellick speaks with Michelle Ferrel, a licensed social worker, about the sensitive topic of pregnancy loss and miscarriage. They discuss the statistics surrounding miscarriage, the mental health impacts on individuals and couples, and the importance of somatic approaches to healing. Michelle shares insights on navigating the path to trying again after a loss, societal pressures surrounding pregnancy, and offers resources for support. The conversation emphasizes the significance of acknowledging one's experience and the need for compassion during the grieving process.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Pregnancy Loss and Miscarriage

03:54 Understanding Statistics and Facts about Miscarriage

09:09 The Emotional Impact of Miscarriage on Mental Health

14:46 Somatic Approaches to Healing After Loss

22:04 Navigating the Path to Trying Again After Loss

28:08 Navigating Pregnancy After Loss

34:11 The Emotional Toll of Societal Pressures

40:11 The Medical System's Response to Pregnancy Loss

45:11 Resources for Support and Healing

Links for Michelle:

Learn more about Michelle

Perinatal Mental Health Resources

Links for Ryanne: 

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In this conversation, Ryanne Mellick, LPCC and Maggie Duret, LPCC delve into the complexities of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), discussing its misconceptions, the importance of accurate diagnosis, and the various evidence-based treatments available. They explore the nuances of perinatal and postpartum OCD, as well as scrupulosity, a form of OCD related to moral and religious concerns. Maggie shares her expertise as a licensed professional clinical counselor, emphasizing the significance of seeking specialized help and the collaborative efforts among clinicians to provide effective care. The discussion highlights the need for awareness and understanding of OCD, particularly in the context of motherhood and mental health.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to OCD and Its Misconceptions

03:39 Understanding OCD: Symptoms and Misdiagnosis

06:05 The Importance of Specialization i

n Therapy

07:18 Evidence-Based Treatments for OCD

17:59 Differentiating Intrusive Thoughts from OCD Patterns

22:27 Navigating Postpartum Challenges

30:13 Understanding Scrupulosity and OCD

39:17 Finding Support and Resources

Links for Maggie:

Learn more about Maggie

Find Maggie on Psychology Today

Follow Maggie on Instagram

Hyperemesis Foundation

Perinatal Mental Health Resources

Links for Ryanne: 

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In this conversation, Dr. Jenna Brownfield discusses the challenges LGBTQ+ individuals face when dealing with homophobia and transphobia from family members. The discussion covers the impact of the political climate on family dynamics, the emotional toll of pretending everything is fine, and the complexities surrounding estrangement. Dr. Brownfield emphasizes the importance of open communication, the need for parents to acknowledge their children's identities, and the role of therapy in navigating these difficult conversations. The conversation also addresses common misconceptions about estrangement and offers advice for both LGBTQ+ individuals and their parents.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding LGBTQ+ Challenges in Family Dynamics

05:25 The Emotional Toll of Family Dynamics

10:34 The Impact of Life Events on Family Relationships

15:17 The Reality of Estrangement and No Contact

22:10 Navigating Estrangement Decisions

26:59 Understanding Harmful Family Dynamics

32:00 Reopening Communication

36:54 Resources for Family Relationships

Follow Dr. Brownfield on Instagram

Link to Andrea Gibson Poetry on YouTube

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Most women with ADHD are diagnosed later in life—often mistaken for anxiety or depression. Lindsey shares how hormonal shifts during pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause make symptoms worse and reveal hidden challenges. If you've ever felt overwhelmed and wondered why your attention or emotional regulation suddenly spirals, this episode is your essential guide to understanding the unique ways ADHD presents in women and how hormones influence your brain.

You'll discover:

• Why women's ADHD is often overlooked or misdiagnosed, especially in girls and women who mask symptoms
• The powerful role estrogen and hormonal fluctuations play in hormone-based ADHD symptoms during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause
• How to use targeted assessments like the SASI and Diva 5 to better identify ADHD in women and girls
• Practical tools for managing executive dysfunction, such as "nurture plans," habit stacking, and body doubling strategies
• Why embracing ADHD acceptance and personalized tools can transform feelings of chaos into control

In a world where women’s mental health struggles are often dismissed or misunderstood, understanding the biological and hormonal factors behind ADHD can be life-changing. Whether you're a woman navigating hormonal shifts, a parent supporting an ADHD-diagnosed daughter, or a clinician seeking clearer insights, this episode arms you with the knowledge and tools to thrive.

Don't miss Lindsey’s expert tips, meaningful insights, and real stories—empowering you to turn hormonal chaos into clarity. Perfect for women, moms, and professionals ready to decode ADHD and reclaim focus and balance. Your journey to understanding starts here.

Links for Lindsey: 

Learn more about Lindsey and ADHD

ADHD Screening Toolkit

Links for Ryanne: 

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Most of us feel helpless when facing climate anxiety, but what if simpler, accessible practices could transform despair into hope—and even spark collective action? Dr. Carson Brown reveals how grounding ourselves in gratitude, embracing grief, and taking small, intentional steps can reignite your connection to the planet and your community. If you're overwhelmed by eco-anxiety or stuck in feelings of helplessness, this episode offers a mental health-driven framework to turn those emotions into empowering change.

In this deep dive, we explore how climate change impacts mental health across all ages—highlighting recent studies showing 60% of youth are living with significant climate distress. Dr. Brown explains the rising phenomena of eco-anxiety and how understanding its roots can alleviate feelings of despair. You’ll discover the surprising effects of heat waves on medications, the importance of integrated therapy and medication management, and how climate justice and social systems intersect with personal well-being.

We'll break down the practical tools from Joanna Macy’s "The Work That Reconnects" and how practices like mindfulness, gratitude, and honoring pain serve as gateways from feeling frozen to moving forward. Dr. Brown shares effective ways to lower barriers to community involvement—emphasizing that even small actions, like upcycling or supporting local initiatives, contribute to a larger collective effort. Learn how to bridge the gap between feeling overwhelmed and taking meaningful, sustainable steps—without guilt or perfectionism.

Whether you're feeling numb, angry, or hopeless about the future, this episode provides a compassionate roadmap to reconnect emotionally and spiritually, turning climate grief into compassionate action. Perfect for mental health professionals, activists, parents, or anyone ready to find resilience amid chaos—this is your guide to turning eco-anxiety into active hope.

Dr. Carson Brown is a holistic psychiatrist based in Minneapolis, known for integrating community-centered approaches with climate-aware mental health practices. Her work emphasizes the power of grounding, grief work, and collective action to foster resilience in times of ecological and social upheaval.

ADDITIONAL LINKS from Dr. Brown

Learn more about Dr.Brown

https://workthatreconnects.org/

https://www.northatlanticbooks.com/shop/hospicing-modernity/

https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/2019/5/28/18629833/climate-change-2019-green-new-deal

https://www.activehope.info/

Links for Ryanne: 

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Join me as I sit down with Erin to discuss all things Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Erin has received extensive training in exposure and response prevention therapy from multiple well-known experts in the field, and has several years of experience treating OCD and related disorders. Having OCD herself, Erin has a unique ability to connect with her clients. She uses creativity and an open sense of humor, while providing highly collaborative and evidenced-based treatment that focuses on clients to help them reach their individual treatment goals.

Links for Erin:

Follow Erin on Instagram

Learn more about Erin

Links for Ryanne: 

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