What happens when rhythm, resonance, and psychotherapy meet on the same frequency?

In episode 28 of the Zessions Podcast, we sit down with Dave Braham, MS, LMFT-S, a trauma-informed psychotherapist whose work lives at the intersection of healing, performance, and creative expression. As the founder of Sound Mind Austin, Dave is redefining how we understand and integrate sound into therapeutic work.

With advanced training in EMDR, clinical hypnosis, and somatic mindfulness, Dave shares how sound isn’t just something we hear — it’s something we feel. We explore how he uses rhythm, music, and sound-based interventions to support trauma recovery, nervous system regulation, peak performance, and connection in couples and family systems.

Whether you're a clinician, creative, or simply curious about the science and soul of healing through sound, this conversation will tune you into new ways of listening — and healing.

In this episode, we explore: How Dave’s background in music and psychotherapy laid the foundation for his integrative practice The science behind sound healing: entrainment, resonance, and nervous system regulation Using rhythm in experiential modalities like hypnosis and narrative therapy Sound as a communication tool in couples and family therapy How somatic sound therapy can support trauma recovery and emotional depth

About Our Guest:
Dave Braham, MS, LMFT-S, is a licensed psychotherapist, educator, and founder of Sound Mind Austin, a practice dedicated to supporting the mental health of musicians and music industry professionals. He brings over two decades of experience to his work, blending traditional and experiential therapies with creativity, rhythm, and sound. Dave is passionate about expanding access, reducing stigma, and creating sustainable healing practices that resonate.

How to Find Dave:
Website: https://soundmindaustin.com/
IG/Facebook: @soundmindaustin

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Note: Internal Family Systems (IFS) was referenced several times in this episode and we want to provide a quick definition of IFS:

What is Internal Family Systems (IFS)?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapeutic model that views the mind as made up of distinct "parts," each with its own voice, role, and perspective. These parts — such as inner critics, protectors, or wounded inner children — form a kind of internal family. At the core of each person is the Self, a calm, compassionate, and curious inner leader who can help heal and harmonize these parts.

IFS helps people build awareness of their internal system, understand the purpose behind their parts’ behaviors, and work toward greater inner balance, self-leadership, and emotional healing.

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What does it really mean to prepare for marriage or a long-term relationship? In  Zessions episode 27, we explore the different phases of commitment, emphasizing that preparation isn’t tied to a specific timeline—it’s about aligning goals, values, and expectations for the future. Whether a couple is a few months in or years together, these conversations help build a strong foundation.

Key Discussion Points:

Defining "preparing for marriage" – It’s not just about wedding planning but about long-term relationship growth.
Relationship phases & timing – When is the right time to start these conversations? (Hint: It depends on the couple!)
A proactive approach – How reflecting on the past, engaging in the present, and planning for the future strengthens relationships.
Beyond the religious context – While pre-marital counseling often has a religious connotation, this discussion applies broadly to all couples.

Essential Topics for Relationship Readiness:
This episode breaks down key relational areas couples should address: Relationship origin story – Understanding how your journey began. 

Family & History – How past experiences shape relationships. Values – Where personal, cultural, and spiritual beliefs fit in. Finances – Splitting expenses, financial goals, and money mindset. 

Intimacy – Emotional and physical connection. 

Home & lifestyle – Living preferences and shared responsibilities. 

Conflict & communication – Navigating disagreements productively. Future planning – Aligning visions for life together.

Takeaway: Relationships require ongoing adjustments, and many changes often happen at once! This episode helps couples build awareness and set intentional foundations for a healthy, lasting partnership.

Listen now to start the conversation about your future together! 

For more support, check out Mandi’s Zessio Marriage Prep Course: 

https://zessio.com/product/marriage-prep/

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In Episode 26, join Mandi Roarke, LMFT, and Dr. Sapna Srivastava, with special guest and Zessio Partner Bri Craig, LMFT, as they dive into the challenges and strategies for thriving in long-distance relationships.

Highlights:

• Defining Long-Distance Relationships: How these dynamics apply to romantic and platonic connections.
• Overcoming Challenges: Communication barriers, managing expectations, and handling separation anxiety.
• Staying Connected: Tips for using tech, creating shared rituals, and innovative virtual dates.
• Conflict & Communication: Navigating common cycles, balancing issues with positivity, and using the NERVE framework.
• Maintaining Intimacy: Creative ways to deepen connection, express gratitude, and plan future visits.
• Nervous System Care: Managing anxiety, aligning goals, and making the most of in-person time.

Follow Bri Craig, LMFT, for more insights, and stay connected with Zessio on all platforms for mental health resources.
https://www.brctherapy.com/
@therapywithbri

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Connect with us on Instagram @myzessio or visit our website: https://www.zessio.com.

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On Zessions episode 25, we are joined by Zessio Partner Stacy Nakell, LCSW, to discuss her area of specialty: Skin-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (SFRBs). If you or someone you know struggles with hair pulling, skin picking, eyelash pulling, or similar behaviors, we hope this conversation offers insight and support.

We dive into:

🔹 What SFRBs look and feel like
🔹 Their connection to OCD and trauma
🔹 When SFRBs become harmful and when to seek help
🔹 Treatment approaches and whether SFRBs can be cured
🔹 Practical strategies for managing and preventing SFRBs

Join us for an insightful discussion on understanding, treating, and navigating life with SFRBs.

To Find Stacy:

Visit Stacy's website: https://stacynakell.com/

Check out Stacy's course on Skin-Focused Repetitive Behaviors: https://zessio.com/product/understanding-body-focused-repetitive-behaviors/

Access Stacy's book here: https://www.routledge.com/Treatment-for-Body-Focused-Repetitive-Behaviors-An-Integrative-Psychodynamic/Nakell/p/book/9781032284880

Support the show

Connect with us on Instagram @myzessio or visit our website: https://www.zessio.com.

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In Zessions episode 24, we are joined by our Partner Bianca Segura, M.A., LMFT, to talk about life after a breakup. Throughout this Zession, we hope you feel a greater sense of community through something that can typically feel isolating. With Bianca, we talk about all things breaking up - from knowing when a breakup is the right step to mourning losses in a breakup to finding yourself throughout the whole process and coming out stronger on the other side.

Support the show

Connect with us on Instagram @myzessio or visit our website: https://www.zessio.com.

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In Episode 23 of Zessions, Co-Founders Mandi and Sapna delve into the topic of life transitions, exploring how to navigate various changes effectively. This episode offers insights into different types of life transitions, practical strategies for managing change, and personal anecdotes from Sapna and Mandi about their own significant transitional experiences. Our aim is to help you feel more at ease with the concept of life’s evolving stages, equip you with tools to adapt alongside your transitions, and embrace the inevitability of change with confidence.

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Connect with us on Instagram @myzessio or visit our website: https://www.zessio.com.

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In this Zessions episode, we are joined by Zessio's Partner, Paola Ortiz, LMFT, to explore the concept of community and its impact on our lives. Paola delves into what it means to build a supportive network, how connections with others can aid in healing and the various ways we can engage with those around us. She also offers practical ideas for fostering a strong sense of community. If you're looking to prioritize creating a network where you feel safe, loved, and supported, this podcast is a must-listen.

Support the show

Connect with us on Instagram @myzessio or visit our website: https://www.zessio.com.

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In this Zessions podcast episode, our Co-Founders Mandi and Sapna discuss how they help their clients in session to have vulnerable and productive conversations in their important relationships. Throughout this Zession, we hope you’ll gain insight into what it means to be vulnerable and how to understand your own emotions to navigate the relationship with yourself and others. Through this podcast, we aim to increase understanding of the potential challenges of being vulnerable along with how to plan for vulnerable conversations: finding the right time and place to have them and how to prepare emotionally to have these conversations productively.

Resources Referenced in this Zessions episode:

• Brene Brown, author and researcher on shame and vulnerability
• Books, particularly Daring Greatly and Atlas of the Heart, but also Gifts of Imperfection, and Rising Strong
• Netflix Special: The Call to Courage
• YouTube Videos: The Power of Vulnerability; Listening to Shame
• John Gottman (researcher on relationships) & The Gottman Institute: https://www.gottman.com/
• 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse: https://www.gottman.com/blog/the-four-horsemen-recognizing-criticism-contempt-defensiveness-and-stonewalling/
• Soft startup: https://www.gottman.com/blog/softening-startup/
• I-statements: https://www.firstsession.com/resources/how-to-use-i-statements
• Respond vs React Course Link: https://zessio.com/respond-vs-react-course/
  & discount code: "zessionsdisc"

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Connect with us on Instagram @myzessio or visit our website: https://www.zessio.com.

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In Zessions Episode 20, we dive into the intricacies of addiction with friend and colleague, Kendall Campbell, LMFT. In this episode, Kendall defines what addiction is, different types of addiction, the spectrum it can fall on, and how to pinpoint if you may be struggling with an addiction. This episode may also be extremely helpful for friends and family of someone who may be experiencing addiction, as Kendall talks about how to help and guide those you love, as well as a detailed outline of various resources depending on the resources they may need.

To contact Kendall, visit https://kendallcampbell.com/

Please note: This Zessions episode was previously recorded and may also reference additional episodes with Kendall. 

Support the show

Connect with us on Instagram @myzessio or visit our website: https://www.zessio.com.

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In Zessions Episode 19, Zessio’s Co-Founders Mandi and Sapna dive into the topic of anxiety. In this episode, we invite you to explore anxiety and how it may be playing a role in your everyday life. Sapna and Mandi talk more about the definition of anxiety, the difference between stress and anxiety, why anxiety may be present in your life, and the purpose that it serves. We hope that through this Zession, you will begin to build a healthier relationship with anxiety and use it to your benefit by utilizing strategies and tools to help put it in the passenger seat.

Support the show

Connect with us on Instagram @myzessio or visit our website: https://www.zessio.com.

Did you find this information helpful? Support our work here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2177169/support