Therapy Chat

540: Self-Abandonment + Intergenerational Trauma with Alexandra Stevens

If you’re someone who has struggled with self abandonment, you may wonder why you find yourself beating yourself up or feeling like an imposter in your life at times. I often say, “imposter syndrome” is a cute description for a deeply painful feeling. This week’s guest, Alexandra Stevens, explores how our own experiences, and those of our ancestors, factor into our shame today. She shares how we can rebuild trust - beginning with trusting ourselves - and stop abandoning ourselves after trauma. Alexandra Stevens is a UKCP-accredited Gestalt psychotherapist, EMDR therapist, writer, and podcast host based in Lisbon, Portugal. She specialises in attachment trauma, CPTSD, anxiety, self-worth, and the ways early relational experiences continue to shape our adult lives. Alexandra integrates EMDR, Gestalt Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and somatic approaches to help clients move beyond insight into lasting transformation. Alexandra is currently writing a book, You Don't Have To Abandon Yourself To Belong, exploring the ways we disconnect from ourselves in order to maintain attachment, safety, and belonging. Alongside her clinical work, she hosts a podcast featuring conversations with leading therapists, authors, and researchers exploring trauma, authenticity, healing, and human connection called You Don’t Have to Abandon Yourself to Belong. Find Alexandra Stevens online: Alexandra’s website: http://www.alexandrastevenstherapy.com You Don’t Have to Abandon Yourself to Belong Podcast on YouTube https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJVFrcqh04gA Find Laura Online https://therapychatpodcast.com https://traumatherapistnetwork.com Join Laura’s Mailing List https://go.traumatherapistnetwork.com/updates Socials https://www.youtube.com/c/TherapyChatPodcast https://www.facebook.com/therapychatpod https://www.instagram.com/therapychatpod https://www.tiktok.com/@therapychatpod Therapy Wisdom Video Course My course on therapy skills for work with survivors of sexual violence is available on The Academy of Therapy Wisdom site. Watch a free video and access the course https://therapywisdom.com/what-to-do-when-a-client-discloses-sexual-trauma 2026-2027 Retreat Interest Form We’re planning retreats in 2026 and 2027. Let me know which ones you are interested in - some of the locations we’ll visit include: Spain, North Carolina, Mexico, Portugal, Greece, France and more. Details are being added to the TTN website and sent out via e-mail as they’re finalized. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdVOcuSAc9ehVzdcNXPydpjjciVjCfzoE2jRrVyGcOeZGhZEA/viewform Thank you to our sponsor, TherapyNotes! TherapyNotes® is the highest-rated EHR, practice management, and billing software for mental health professionals. Sign up for your free trial by going to https://TherapyNotes.com, clicking "Start my free trial", and accessing your first two months free with the promo code CHAT. See why TherapyNotes is the most trusted EHR for behavioural health professionals today. Podcast Produced by Vaudeo Productions https://vaudeoproductions.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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539: Brainspotting + Creative Expression – With Kristy Sneddon + Colleen Klym

Continuing with our series on the power of Brainspotting, this week's episode features two more fabulous Brainspotting leaders, Kristy Sneddon, LCSW and Colleen Klym, LMFT, MT-BC. It's hard to explain the alchemy of this episode, but something creative was birthed. In fact, I found myself spontaneously writing Haikus after our conversation, and I do not consider myself a poet at all. Poems continued pouring forth over the weeks after our interview and still are. Interestingly, Kristy describes a similar experience in her own creative awakening in this interview. This conversation winds through the power of Brainspotting to expand creative expression; the benefits of creativity for our wellbeing as humans; how therapists can use Brainspotting (and creativity) to clear limbic countertransference; and so much more. Colleen sings a ditty she wrote, and Kristy shares a poem of her own. May you find creative inspiration through listening to our conversation about creativity - not only at an intellectual level, but experientially, as a felt sense. Kristy Snedden, LCSW is a trauma therapist, poet, artist, and musician. She specializes in working with creativity and trauma and integrates Brainspotting, Expressive Arts, and other brain-body approaches to bring forth deep healing. Her poetry and art use imagery and metaphor to combine the strange and the surrealistic with everyday sights and experiences. Kristy's poetry is widely published nationally and internationally and among other honors has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize and for Best of the Net. Colleen Klym is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Board Certified Music Therapist, Brainspotting Consultant and lead training assistant for Brainspotting Phase 1 trainings for Music Therapists. She runs specialty workshops and consultation groups for clinicians interested in learning how to weave expressive arts and Brainspotting and/or using a combination of expressive arts and Brainspotting to clear and process limbic countertransference, develop clinical insight and become aware of and challenge clinical edges. Learn more about Kristy Sneddon via the Bone to Brain website here. Learn more about Colleen Klym via her website here. More Resources: My course on therapy skills for work with survivors of sexual violence is available on The Academy of Therapy Wisdom site. Watch a free video and access the course. Find the video and access the course here! We are all carrying a lot, whether we are helping professionals or not. Retreats have been hugely beneficial for me, and I am now offering them - for therapists and non-therapists - in several beautiful international and US-based locations. We're currently updating the TTN website to list retreats in 2026 and 2027 in Spain, North Carolina, Mexico, Portugal, Greece, France and more. In the meantime, let me know if you are interested in learning more about what's coming up using this Google Form. Follow Therapy Chat on Instagram, Facebook and e-mail to be in the know! Therapy Chat's 11th birthday and Trauma Therapist Network's 5th birthday are this August! Watch for special offers throughout the month of August! Sign up for my e-mail list to ensure you don't miss a thing! Watch Therapy Chat episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyChatPodcast Therapists, visit the new For Therapists page on the Trauma Therapist Network website for discounts on CE trainings, savings on Synthesis Institute's Psychedelic Facilitation training, discounts on SSP training, other recommended resources and more. Find a trauma therapist near you via findtraumatherapy.com! We believe that trauma is real, healing is possible and help is available at Trauma Therapist Network. TherapyNotes® is the highest-rated EHR, practice management, and billing software for mental health professionals. Its all-in-one platform is designed to streamline all aspects of your practice, from connecting with clients via secure messages, to scheduling, to notes, to billing, and more; you can trust TherapyNotes has you covered. And one of the best parts? 24-7 customer service. It's beyond easy to get help over the phone or by email at any time of day from their knowledgeable and friendly representatives. The best time to give TherapyNotes a try is now! Sign up for your free trial by going to TherapyNotes.com, clicking "Start my free trial", and accessing your first two months free with the promo code CHAT. See why TherapyNotes is the most trusted EHR for behavioral health professionals today. Thank you for listening to Therapy Chat! Please be sure to go to iTunes and leave a rating and review, subscribe and download episodes. Podcast Produced by Vaudeo Productions: https://vaudeoproductions.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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538: How To Help The Helper: Caring For The Self with Vanessa Bear

"Trauma therapy shouldn't be traumatizing." This week's guest Vanessa Bear, MSc,'s quote sounds like it may apply to the importance of trauma-sensitive work for those who are seeking healing. Yet - it shouldn't be traumatizing for the helper, either. I have said over the years that exposure to traumatic material is an occupational hazard for those of us in the helping professions of every stripe. But it doesn't have to traumatize us and there are specific actions we can, and must, take to protect our own wellbeing. This conversation is about self care, yes, but it is also about care for the mind, body, spirit and soul of ourselves and our living world, which are inextricably interconnected - whether we realize it or not. Listen in for a deep, mindful conversation weaving together love, soul, nature and care for self while caring for others, creating a web of interbeing for the collective and each of us as individuals. About this week's guest: Vanessa Bear is a UKCP registered Integrative Psychotherapist who works with children and adults. Vanessa also works as a mountain leader, yoga teacher and willow basket maker who is co-author with Babette Rothschild of the "Help for the Helper Workbook," as well as the "8 Keys to Safe Trauma Recovery Workbook".Vanessa also created the Wild and Wellbeing Card Deck, all of these are published by WW Norton.Vanessa lives in the beautiful Lake District National Park in the UK. Find Somatic Trauma Therapy Training here. Find Vanessa Bear's website here. UK Listeners, save 30% on Help for the Helper Workbook and all other of Vanessa's publications at the checkout with code WN100 US listeners 20% discount on Help for the Helper Workbook More Resources: My course on therapy skills for work with survivors of sexual violence is available on The Academy of Therapy Wisdom site. Watch a free video and access the course. Find the video and access the course here! We are all carrying a lot, whether we are helping professionals or not. Retreats have been hugely beneficial for me, and I am now offering them - for therapists and non-therapists - in several beautiful international and US-based locations. We're currently updating the TTN website to list retreats in 2026 and 2027 in Spain, North Carolina, Mexico, Portugal, Greece, France and more. In the meantime, let me know if you are interested in learning more about what's coming up using this Google Form. Follow Therapy Chat on Instagram, Facebook and e-mail to be in the know! Therapy Chat's 11th birthday and Trauma Therapist Network's 5th birthday are this August! Watch for special offers throughout the month of August! Sign up for my e-mail list to ensure you don't miss a thing! Watch Therapy Chat episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyChatPodcast Therapists, visit the new For Therapists page on the Trauma Therapist Network website for discounts on CE trainings, savings on Synthesis Institute's Psychedelic Facilitation training, discounts on SSP training, other recommended resources and more. Find a trauma therapist near you via findtraumatherapy.com! We believe that trauma is real, healing is possible and help is available at Trauma Therapist Network. TherapyNotes® is the highest-rated EHR, practice management, and billing software for mental health professionals. Its all-in-one platform is designed to streamline all aspects of your practice, from connecting with clients via secure messages, to scheduling, to notes, to billing, and more; you can trust TherapyNotes has you covered. And one of the best parts? 24-7 customer service. It's beyond easy to get help over the phone or by email at any time of day from their knowledgeable and friendly representatives. The best time to give TherapyNotes a try is now! Sign up for your free trial by going to TherapyNotes.com, clicking "Start my free trial", and accessing your first two months free with the promo code CHAT. See why TherapyNotes is the most trusted EHR for behavioral health professionals today. Thank you for listening to Therapy Chat! Please be sure to go to iTunes and leave a rating and review, subscribe and download episodes. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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537: A Therapist's Story Of Recovery From Dissociative Identity Disorder with Sally Maslansky

Dissociative Identity Disorder is one of the more controversial diagnoses in the mental health world. Many therapists and psychiatrists were taught that it doesn't exist, or is so uncommon that we will never see a client with this "disorder" in our careers. However, those of us who specialize in trauma are aware of just how common dissociation is, and clients with dissociative disorders walk through our doors more often than we may expect. So we need to talk about it! This topic is one that we've discussed previously on Therapy Chat, and the perspective shared by this week's guest may be surprising for some to hear. Sally Maslansky, LMFT, is a therapist who was diagnosed with "Multiple Personality Disorder," (now known as DID), by her therapist, Dr. Dan Siegel, decades ago. Sally now no longer meets criteria for DID, and she describes herself as healed, or recovered. Sally Maslansky authored the book, A Brilliant Adaptation: How Dissociative Identity & the Power of the Therapeutic Bond Saved Me about her experiences, and Dr. Siegel wrote the forward. They presented together about healing DID at Psychotherapy Networker in 2026. In our conversation, Sally shares how she discovered she had DID when she was adopting her son from an orphanage in Romania; how she started working with Dan Siegel; what the process of healing looked like, and much more. Sally Maslansky is a licensed psychotherapist, speaker, consultant, and author whose work centers on the power of relationship, the complexity of the mind, and the possibility of healing even in the aftermath of profound childhood trauma, drawing on her lived experience and years of clinical practice as an IPNB-informed educator. She also writes the Substack Making Sense with Sally, where she reflects on resilience, meaning-making, and the everyday practices that support a coherent and compassionate life. Learn more about Sally's work and find her book via her website here Listen to my conversation with Dr. Jamie+ Marich and Dr. Dick Schwartz here Listen to my discussion with Dr. Jamie+ Marich about their lived experience with dissociation in our conversation here More Resources: My course on therapy skills for work with survivors of sexual violence is available on The Academy of Therapy Wisdom site. Watch a free video and access the course. Find the video and access the course here! We are all carrying a lot, whether we are helping professionals or not. Retreats have been hugely beneficial for me, and I am now offering them - for therapists and non-therapists - in several beautiful international and US-based locations. We're currently updating the TTN website to list retreats in 2026 and 2027 in Spain, North Carolina, Mexico, Portugal, Greece, France and more. In the meantime, let me know if you are interested in learning more about what's coming up using this Google Form. Follow Therapy Chat on Instagram, Facebook and e-mail to be in the know! Therapy Chat's 11th birthday and Trauma Therapist Network's 5th birthday are this August! Watch for special offers throughout the month of August! Sign up for my e-mail list to ensure you don't miss a thing! Watch Therapy Chat episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyChatPodcast Therapists, visit the new For Therapists page on the Trauma Therapist Network website for discounts on CE trainings, savings on Synthesis Institute's Psychedelic Facilitation training, discounts on SSP training, other recommended resources and more. Find a trauma therapist near you via findtraumatherapy.com! We believe that trauma is real, healing is possible and help is available at Trauma Therapist Network. TherapyNotes® is the highest-rated EHR, practice management, and billing software for mental health professionals. Its all-in-one platform is designed to streamline all aspects of your practice, from connecting with clients via secure messages, to scheduling, to notes, to billing, and more; you can trust TherapyNotes has you covered. And one of the best parts? 24-7 customer service. It's beyond easy to get help over the phone or by email at any time of day from their knowledgeable and friendly representatives. The best time to give TherapyNotes a try is now! Sign up for your free trial by going to TherapyNotes.com, clicking "Start my free trial", and accessing your first two months free with the promo code CHAT. See why TherapyNotes is the most trusted EHR for behavioral health professionals today. Thank you for listening to Therapy Chat! Please be sure to go to iTunes and leave a rating and review, subscribe and download episodes. Podcast Produced by Vaudeo Productions: https://vaudeoproductions.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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536: Ancestral Healing: The Regeneration Process with Dr. Ame Cutler

What does healing the legacies of harm passed from one generation to the next look like? That is the topic of this week's episode with my guest, and one of my teachers, Dr. Ame Cutler. Ame is a transdisciplinary trauma theorist, regenerative strategist, and spiritual practitioner who refuses to separate healing from history—or transformation from accountability. Ame created the Regeneration Process and she's the founder of the Transgenerational Regeneration Institute, a community-based platform for dismantling inherited systems of harm and restoring Ancestral, ecological, and relational integrity. With a PhD in Humanistic and Transpersonal Psychology, Dr. Cutler’s academic and practical work interrogates the cultural and psychological impacts of colonization, white supremacy, transgenerational trauma, and systemic oppression. Her scholarship is not theoretical—it’s embodied. Born into a white Anglo-Saxon Protestant lineage shaped by overwork, erasure, and inherited privilege, she has spent her life reclaiming what capitalism, Christianity, and settler logic tried to strip away: belonging, integrity, and Ancestral responsibility. Dr. Cutler specializes in the legacies of harm passed through both survivors and perpetrators. Her work illuminates how the very systems that create trauma—imperialism, extraction, racial capitalism—also dictate the terms of what healing is “allowed” to look like. She challenges the hyper-individualized models of Eurocentric psychotherapy and the depoliticized spiritual bypassing of the wellness industry. Instead, she offers a path grounded in somatic integrity, Ancestral listening, ecological repair, and systemic dismantling. Find Dr. Ame Cutler's book, The Regeneration Process: A revolutionary method for uprooting ancestral trauma, embracing uncertainty and cultivating collective liberation, on the Transgenerational Regeneration Institute website here. Find Dr. Ame Cutler on socials: Instagram, Instagram More Resources: My course on therapy skills for work with survivors of sexual violence is available on The Academy of Therapy Wisdom site. Watch a free video and access the course. Find the video and access the course here! We are all carrying a lot, whether we are helping professionals or not. Retreats have been hugely beneficial for me, and I am now offering them - for therapists and non-therapists - in several beautiful international and US-based locations. We're currently updating the TTN website to list retreats in 2026 and 2027 in Spain, North Carolina, Mexico, Portugal, Greece, France and more. In the meantime, let me know if you are interested in learning more about what's coming up using this Google Form. Follow Therapy Chat on Instagram, Facebook and e-mail to be in the know! Therapy Chat's 11th birthday and Trauma Therapist Network's 5th birthday are coming this August! Watch for special offers throughout the month of August! Sign up for my e-mail list to ensure you don't miss a thing! Watch Therapy Chat episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyChatPodcast Therapists, visit the new For Therapists page on the Trauma Therapist Network website for discounts on CE trainings, savings on Synthesis Institute's Psychedelic Facilitation training, discounts on SSP training, other recommended resources and more. Find a trauma therapist near you via findtraumatherapy.com! We believe that trauma is real, healing is possible and help is available at Trauma Therapist Network. TherapyNotes® is the highest-rated EHR, practice management, and billing software for mental health professionals. Its all-in-one platform is designed to streamline all aspects of your practice, from connecting with clients via secure messages, to scheduling, to notes, to billing, and more; you can trust TherapyNotes has you covered. And one of the best parts? 24-7 customer service. It's beyond easy to get help over the phone or by email at any time of day from their knowledgeable and friendly representatives. The best time to give TherapyNotes a try is now! Sign up for your free trial by going to TherapyNotes.com, clicking "Start my free trial", and accessing your first two months free with the promo code CHAT. See why TherapyNotes is the most trusted EHR for behavioral health professionals today. Thank you for listening to Therapy Chat! Please be sure to go to iTunes and leave a rating and review, subscribe and download episodes. Podcast Produced by Vaudeo Productions: https://vaudeoproductions.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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535: Brainspotting + Healing Childhood Trauma With Dr. Cherie Lindberg

We continue our conversations about Brainspotting in this week's episode with my guest, Dr. Cherie Lindberg. Cherie is the author of Sacred Healing, a former psychotherapist of 25 years, a speaker, a Brainspotting consultant and trainer, and a coach working with high performing individuals and the practitioners who serve them. In our conversation, Cherie shares that despite being abused as a child, she didn't recognize until she was in graduate school that she was experiencing Complex PTSD. Initially finding little help from talk therapies, Cherie notes that many of the attachment wounds affecting her were from early years and stored non-verbally. She explains that she experienced her first shifts through EMDR therapy, which reduced some of the symptoms, but she was still living her life in a way that felt inauthentic, still operating from that wounded place. We talked about the "fawn" response to threat which shows up in performative behaviors like people-pleasing and accommodating others while suppressing our own thoughts and feelings, wants and needs. Through deep Brainspotting work, Cherie found herself using the "fawning" strategy less and less and showing up more often as her authentic self. Now she teaches her coaching clients and Brainspotting students and consultees how to do the same! Find Dr. Cherie Lindberg's book, Sacred Healing, and more at her website Find Dr. Cherie Lindberg on socials: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube My course on therapy skills for work with survivors of sexual violence is available on The Academy of Therapy Wisdom site. Watch a free video and access the course. Find the video and access the course here! We are all carrying a lot, whether we are helping professionals or not. Retreats have been hugely beneficial for me, and I am now offering them - for therapists and non-therapists - in several beautiful international and US-based locations. We're currently updating the TTN website to list retreats in 2026 and 2027 in Spain, North Carolina, Mexico, Portugal, Greece, France and more. In the meantime, let me know if you are interested in learning more about what's coming up using this Google Form. Follow Therapy Chat on Instagram, Facebook and e-mail to be in the know! Therapy Chat's 11th birthday and Trauma Therapist Network's 5th birthday are coming this August! Watch for special offers throughout the month of August! Sign up for my e-mail list to ensure you don't miss a thing! Watch Therapy Chat episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyChatPodcast Therapists, visit the new For Therapists page on the Trauma Therapist Network website for discounts on CE trainings, savings on Synthesis Institute's Psychedelic Facilitation training, discounts on SSP training, other recommended resources and more. Find a trauma therapist near you via findtraumatherapy.com! We believe that trauma is real, healing is possible and help is available at Trauma Therapist Network. TherapyNotes® is the highest-rated EHR, practice management, and billing software for mental health professionals. Its all-in-one platform is designed to streamline all aspects of your practice, from connecting with clients via secure messages, to scheduling, to notes, to billing, and more; you can trust TherapyNotes has you covered. And one of the best parts? 24-7 customer service. It's beyond easy to get help over the phone or by email at any time of day from their knowledgeable and friendly representatives. The best time to give TherapyNotes a try is now! Sign up for your free trial by going to TherapyNotes.com, clicking "Start my free trial", and accessing your first two months free with the promo code CHAT. See why TherapyNotes is the most trusted EHR for behavioral health professionals today. Thank you for listening to Therapy Chat! Please be sure to go to iTunes and leave a rating and review, subscribe and download episodes. Podcast Produced by Vaudeo Productions: https://vaudeoproductions.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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534: Brainspotting + OCD with Dr. Pie Frey + Thad Frye

This week I am happy to share my interview with one of the pioneers of Brainspotting, Dr. Pie Frey. Together with Brainspotting consultant and Rocky Mountain Brainspotting Institute (RMBI) board member Thad Frey, we discussed how Pie got started in Brainspotting and how she's been part of bringing it to where it is now; an overview of the benefits of this method; what RMBI offers; and we got into how Brainspotting can be useful with OCD. Pie generously shared her OCD setup and talked about how it helps the neural wiring become "unstuck," potentially relieving OCD symptoms, trauma and so many other mental health challenges. Join us for a fascinating discussion about all things Brainspotting and learn how it can help with OCD symptoms! Pie Frey, PsyD, was in the vanguard of therapists to adopt Brainspotting and is the Senior US and Canadian Trainer. She has assisted Dr. David Grand, the developer of Brainspotting, in many training workshops and Intensive Trainings. Dr. Frey is a psychotherapist in private practice in Boulder, Colorado. She has trained thousands of BSP therapists throughout the United States and Canada in Phase 1 and Phase 2 since 2009. Dr Frey offers 5-day intensive Trainings, small, intensely focused BSP groups limited to 10 therapists at a time. She also facilitates Brainspotting consultation groups and provides individual consultation for BSP therapists. Dr. Frey has developed a Brainspotting setup for relieving obsessive-compulsive symptoms currently in use all around the world.Dr. Frey founded and is the President of the Rocky Mountain Brainspotting Institute in Colorado, a nonprofit organization educating community about Brainspotting and developing a free Brainspotting scholarship program. Thad Frye, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker, Brainspotting Consultant, and founder of Performance Brainspotting in Boulder, Colorado. With more than 20 years of clinical experience, Thad specializes in helping collegiate and professional athletes, musicians, and other high performers overcome performance blocks, including the yips, injury-related setbacks, creative barriers, and the unique pressures of performing at elite levels. As a Brainspotting Consultant, Thad provides collaborative, supportive consultation to clinicians pursuing Brainspotting certification, helping therapists deepen their clinical confidence, strengthen their use of the model, and discover their own authentic style as Brainspotting practitioners. Learn about training or therapy with Dr. Pie Frey here: https://piefrey.com/ Learn more about therapy with Thad Frye via his website: https://www.thadfryecounseling.com/ Learn more about Thad's performance coaching work here: https://www.performancebrainspotting.com/ Listen to Thad's two previous Therapy Chat interviews here More Resources: My course on therapy skills for work with survivors of sexual violence is available on The Academy of Therapy Wisdom site. Watch a free video and access the course. Find the video and access the course here! We are all carrying a lot, whether we are helping professionals or not. Retreats have been hugely beneficial for me, and I am now offering them - for therapists and non-therapists - in several beautiful international and US-based locations. We're currently updating the TTN website to list retreats in 2026 and 2027 in Spain, North Carolina, Mexico, Portugal, Greece, France and more. In the meantime, let me know if you are interested in learning more about what's coming up using this Google Form. Follow Therapy Chat on Instagram, Facebook and e-mail to be in the know! Therapy Chat's 11th birthday and Trauma Therapist Network's 5th birthday are coming this August! Watch for special offers throughout the month of August! Sign up for my e-mail list to ensure you don't miss a thing! Watch Therapy Chat episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyChatPodcast Therapists, visit the new For Therapists page on the Trauma Therapist Network website for discounts on CE trainings, savings on Synthesis Institute's Psychedelic Facilitation training, discounts on SSP training, other recommended resources and more. Find a trauma therapist near you via findtraumatherapy.com! We believe that trauma is real, healing is possible and help is available at Trauma Therapist Network. TherapyNotes® is the highest-rated EHR, practice management, and billing software for mental health professionals. Its all-in-one platform is designed to streamline all aspects of your practice, from connecting with clients via secure messages, to scheduling, to notes, to billing, and more; you can trust TherapyNotes has you covered. And one of the best parts? 24-7 customer service. It's beyond easy to get help over the phone or by email at any time of day from their knowledgeable and friendly representatives. The best time to give TherapyNotes a try is now! Sign up for your free trial by going to TherapyNotes.com, clicking "Start my free trial", and accessing your first two months free with the promo code CHAT. See why TherapyNotes is the most trusted EHR for behavioral health professionals today. Thank you for listening to Therapy Chat! Please be sure to go to iTunes and leave a rating and review, subscribe and download episodes. Podcast Produced by Vaudeo Productions: https://vaudeoproductions.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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533: Somatics, Ifs + Sound Healing With Marcella Cox + Leah Dawang

Welcome back! This week, we continue the series on combining delivery of multiple models and interventions to benefit the healing process. My guests today are Marcella Cox and Leah Dawang. Marcella is a therapist, author and presenter who has devoted her career to embodiment, trauma healing and eating disorder recovery. Leah is a Leah Dawang, SEP is a Relationship Restoration Guide, offering a consilient approach to clearing the way for Love to couples and individuals so that they may connect with themselves, others, Nature and Spirit. Our discussion explores how clinicians can combine somatics, sound healing and IFS help clients deepen access to healing pathways. Marcella Cox, LMFT is a Level 3 Certified IFS Therapist, an Approved IFS Clinical Consultant, and is a Somatic IFS Assistant Trainer for Susan McConnell, developer of Somatic IFS. She leads Somatic IFS and IFS for disordered eating workshops, trainings, retreats, and groups for professionals. She is committed to creating an inclusive, and empowering learning environment where participants can explore the transformative potential of IFS and Somatic IFS. Marcella is also founder and executive director of Kindful Body, providing online therapy and nutrition counseling for eating and body issues in California, as well as co-founder of the IFS Consultation Collective providing weekly consultation with IFS lead trainers. Leah Dawang, SEP engages a tapestry of healing woven from the Safe and Sound Protocol, Relational Life Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems and interpersonal neurobiology. At Unyte, Leah serves in cultivating an ecosystem of partnerships, envisioning all members of the healing community linking arms in Love and transforming the world. Resources: Find Marcella Cox on Facebook, Instagram + LinkedIn Find Marcella Cox's website here Find the Unyte socials on Facebook, Instagram + LinkedIn Learn about using SSP with clients and get discounts on training here! Download a free resource for integrating SSP into your work. More Resources: My course on supporting therapy skills for work with survivors of sexual violence is available on The Academy of Therapy Wisdom site. Watch a free video and access the course. Find the video and access the course here! Therapists and helping professionals - in case you missed it, I'm now offering several retreats, including one in Tulum, Mexico. Let go of what you've been carrying and allow yourself to be held in nature. Experience mindful movement practices, sound healing, energy work and much more when you join me in November at an eco-friendly beachfront resort. Find all the details on the TTN website: Mind, Body + Soul Healing Retreat for Therapists. We are in the process of adding info about all the upcoming retreats to the website now! In the meantime, let me know if you are interested in learning more about what's coming up using this Google Form. Therapy Chat's 11th birthday and Trauma Therapist Network's 5th birthday are coming this August! Watch for special offers throughout the month of August! Sign up for my e-mail list to ensure you don't miss a thing! Watch Therapy Chat episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyChatPodcast Therapists, visit the new For Therapists page on the Trauma Therapist Network website for discounts on CE trainings, savings on Synthesis Institute's Psychedelic Facilitation training, other recommended resources and more. Find a trauma therapist near you via findtraumatherapy.com! We believe that trauma is real, healing is possible and help is available at Trauma Therapist Network. TherapyNotes® is the highest-rated EHR, practice management, and billing software for mental health professionals. Its all-in-one platform is designed to streamline all aspects of your practice, from connecting with clients via secure messages, to scheduling, to notes, to billing, and more; you can trust TherapyNotes has you covered. And one of the best parts? 24-7 customer service. It's beyond easy to get help over the phone or by email at any time of day from their knowledgeable and friendly representatives. The best time to give TherapyNotes a try is now! Sign up for your free trial by going to TherapyNotes.com, clicking "Start my free trial", and accessing your first two months free with the promo code CHAT. See why TherapyNotes is the most trusted EHR for behavioral health professionals today. Thank you for listening to Therapy Chat! Please be sure to go to iTunes and leave a rating and review, subscribe and download episodes. Podcast Produced by Vaudeo Productions: https://vaudeoproductions.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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532: Interoception and Embodiment Science in Clinical Practice with Tracy Jarvis

Trauma resolution and nervous system regulation are hot topics, but there is another piece that is often left out of the discussion. This week's Therapy Chat guest, Tracy Jarvis, is a psychotherapist with a background in neuroscience who is the co-founder and one of the core faculty of Interoception International, a training institute integrating interoception research with the clinical application of psychotherapy. In our conversation, Tracy explores the complex world of interoception, its role in trauma recovery, and its implications for clinicians. Tracy explains interoception is and how it is distinct from somatics, and how clinicians can use nuanced approaches to help clients understand and work with internal sensations. Discover how understanding internal sensing can transform therapeutic approaches and improve emotional regulation. Tracy Jarvis, MSc, is a licensed psychotherapist, international trainer, and consultant with over 20 years of experience in psychology and mental health. Specializing in neuroscience and trauma, Tracy combines a rigorous academic foundation with over 25 years of yoga and movement practice, bringing a deeply embodied and neurobiological perspective to her clinical and teaching work. Before co-founding Interoception International, she was the founder and CEO of PESI UK (previously Psychotherapy Excellence), a not-for-profit organization and the largest clinical content provider in the UK and Europe. Additionally, Tracy is a former trainer with the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute. Tracy has a specialist private practice in PTSD, complex trauma, and trauma-related issues/diagnoses. She teaches, advises, and consults on trauma and clinical strategy for various organisations worldwide, as well as for TV and film, emphasizing the importance of a bi-directional approach to treating psychological trauma. Resources: Interoception International Institute website: https://interoceptioninternational.com Tracy Jarvis's website: https://www.tracyjarvis.net Follow Tracy Jarvis on Instagram and Facebook Tracy Jarvis is on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyjjarvis/ More Resources: My course on supporting therapy skills for work with survivors of sexual violence is available on The Academy of Therapy Wisdom site. Watch a free video and access the course. Find the video and access the course here! Therapists and helping professionals - in case you missed it, I'm now offering several retreats, including one in Tulum, Mexico. Let go of what you've been carrying and allow yourself to be held in nature. Experience mindful movement practices, sound healing, energy work and much more when you join me in November at an eco-friendly beachfront resort. Find all the details on the TTN website: Mind, Body + Soul Healing Retreat for Therapists. We are in the process of adding info about all the upcoming retreats to the website now! In the meantime, let me know if you are interested in learning more about what's coming up using this Google Form. Therapy Chat's 11th birthday and Trauma Therapist Network's 5th birthday are coming this August! Watch for special offers throughout the month of August! Sign up for my e-mail list to ensure you don't miss a thing! Watch Therapy Chat episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyChatPodcast Therapists, visit the new For Therapists page on the Trauma Therapist Network website for discounts on CE trainings, savings on Synthesis Institute's Psychedelic Facilitation training, other recommended resources and more. Find a trauma therapist near you via findtraumatherapy.com! We believe that trauma is real, healing is possible and help is available at Trauma Therapist Network. TherapyNotes® is the highest-rated EHR, practice management, and billing software for mental health professionals. Its all-in-one platform is designed to streamline all aspects of your practice, from connecting with clients via secure messages, to scheduling, to notes, to billing, and more; you can trust TherapyNotes has you covered. And one of the best parts? 24-7 customer service. It's beyond easy to get help over the phone or by email at any time of day from their knowledgeable and friendly representatives. The best time to give TherapyNotes a try is now! Sign up for your free trial by going to TherapyNotes.com, clicking "Start my free trial", and accessing your first two months free with the promo code CHAT. See why TherapyNotes is the most trusted EHR for behavioral health professionals today. Thank you for listening to Therapy Chat! Please be sure to go to iTunes and leave a rating and review, subscribe and download episodes. Podcast Produced by Vaudeo Productions: https://vaudeoproductions.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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531: Somatic Resourcing To Protect Your Energy with Zabie Yamasaki

Feeling frazzled with the stress of modern day life? This episode is for you. My guest is Zabie Yamasak, author of several books including her newest one, "Protect Your Energy: A gentle guide to nurture your nervous system, cultivate rest, and honor your needs." Just the title makes my body take a deep breath. Join us for a tender and joyful conversation that might inspire you to surround yourself with kindness. Zabie Yamasaki, M.Ed., RYT is the Founder of Transcending Sexual Trauma through Yoga. Zabie has trained thousands of yoga instructors and mental health professionals and her trauma-informed yoga program and curriculum for survivors is now being implemented at over 25 colleges campuses and agencies including the University of California (UC) system, Stanford, USC, University of Notre Dame, and Johns Hopkins University. Zabie received her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Social Behavior and Education at the UC Irvine and completed her graduate degree in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs at The George Washington University. Her work has been highlighted on CNN, NBC, KTLA 5, and The Huffington Post. Her book: Trauma-Informed Yoga for Survivors of Sexual Assault, was published by W. W. Norton & Company in 2022. Resources Find Zabie's new book, Protect Your Energy: A gentle guide to nurture your nervous system, cultivate rest, and honor your needs, on Zabie's website here. Find Zabie's previous book, Trauma Sensitive Yoga for Survivors of Sexual Assault, Practices for Healing & Teaching with Compassion on Amazon here. For more information on what Zabie offers, including her trauma-informed yoga courses, and speaking offerings, visit her website: http://www.zabieyamasaki.com/ Follow Zabie on Instagram here. More Resources: Therapists and mental health professionals: I created a FREE video to help you feel more confident in supporting survivors of sexual violence in an embodied and trauma sensitive manner. Check it out here! Therapists - if you're ready to allow yourself to be held in nature with a community of like-minded therapists, my Mind, Body + Soul Healing Retreat for Therapists in Tulum, Mexico is here. November/December dates are on the website now! Other retreats are being added to the TTN website soon. In the meantime, let me know if you are interested in learning more about what's coming up using this Google Form. Thanks! Also, new members are being accepted in the Trauma Therapist Network membership community now. I facilitate 4 live calls per month. Choose the level of membership that fits your needs! Learn more and apply here. Watch Therapy Chat episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyChatPodcast Therapists, visit the new For Therapists page on the Trauma Therapist Network website for discounts on CE trainings, savings on Synthesis Institute's Psychedelic Facilitation training, other recommended resources and more. Find a trauma therapist near you via findtraumatherapy.com! We believe that trauma is real, healing is possible and help is available at Trauma Therapist Network. TherapyNotes® is the highest-rated EHR, practice management, and billing software for mental health professionals. Its all-in-one platform is designed to streamline all aspects of your practice, from connecting with clients via secure messages, to scheduling, to notes, to billing, and more; you can trust TherapyNotes has you covered. And one of the best parts? 24-7 customer service. It's beyond easy to get help over the phone or by email at any time of day from their knowledgeable and friendly representatives. The best time to give TherapyNotes a try is now! Sign up for your free trial by going to TherapyNotes.com, clicking "Start my free trial", and accessing your first two months free with the promo code CHAT. See why TherapyNotes is the most trusted EHR for behavioral health professionals today. Thank you for listening to Therapy Chat! Please be sure to go to iTunes and leave a rating and review, subscribe and download episodes. Podcast Produced by Vaudeo Productions: https://vaudeoproductions.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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530: Chronic Illness + Pain Disorders, Autoimmune + Integrative Nutrition For Mental Health With Dr. Leslie Korn

Have you ever wondered how childhood trauma and health are related? What's the connection between food, sleep, vitamins and minerals and our immune system, pain response, emotional and physical wellbeing and other aspects of mind, body and spirit? Dive into this conversation with me and my guest, trusted colleague and friend Dr. Leslie Korn. If there is one person I know who understands and can explain the connection between trauma, movement, nutrition and health, it's Harvard-trained psychotherapist, teacher and integrative nutrition specialist Leslie Korn, PhD, MPH., who is the author of Rhythms of Recovery and Integrative Nutrition for Mental Health, among many other books. I asked Leslie every question I could think of about Fibromyalgia, and she had an answer for everything I wanted to know. This episode is a rich resource whether you're living with a chronic illness/autoimmune/pain disorder, or you're a clinician who is interested in the intersection of health and chronic illness with trauma and mental health. Find Dr. Leslie Korn's book, Integrative Nutrition for Mental Health, and her other books on her website here. Find the Center for World Indigenous Studies (CWIS) here. Resources for Therapists and Helping Professionals: Therapists and mental health professionals: I created a FREE video to help you feel more confident in supporting survivors of sexual violence in an embodied and trauma sensitive manner. Check it out here! Therapists - if you're ready to allow yourself to be held in nature with a community of like-minded therapists, my Mind, Body + Soul Healing Retreat for Therapists in Tulum, Mexico is here. November/December dates are on the website now! Sign up for my email list to stay up to date on this year's Tulum retreat and future retreats in the US and in beautiful international locations. Also, new members are being accepted in the Trauma Therapist Network membership community now. I facilitate 4 live calls per month. We have a new membership tier - check out everything included in TTN membership and choose the tier fits your needs! You can upgrade or downgrade your membership at any time. Learn more and apply here. And Sue is going to be a special guest on our Learning Calls in May, June and July! Learn from her for free and gain so much more as a TTN member. Watch Therapy Chat episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyChatPodcast Find a trauma therapist near you via findtraumatherapy.com! We believe that trauma is real, healing is possible and help is available at Trauma Therapist Network. TherapyNotes® is the highest-rated EHR, practice management, and billing software for mental health professionals. Its all-in-one platform is designed to streamline all aspects of your practice, from connecting with clients via secure messages, to scheduling, to notes, to billing, and more; you can trust TherapyNotes has you covered. And one of the best parts? 24-7 customer service. It's beyond easy to get help over the phone or by email at any time of day from their knowledgeable and friendly representatives. The best time to give TherapyNotes a try is now! Sign up for your free trial by going to TherapyNotes.com, clicking "Start my free trial", and accessing your first two months free with the promo code CHAT. See why TherapyNotes is the most trusted EHR for behavioral health professionals today. Thank you for listening to Therapy Chat! Please be sure to go to iTunes and leave a rating and review, subscribe and download episodes. Find my most frequently recommended resources for learning about trauma here - includes recommended books and trainings. Get my free PDF 5 Common Mistakes People Make When Searching For A Trauma Therapist here! Love Therapy Chat? Subscribe + Leave a rating and review on Apple podcasts to help more people find the show! Podcast produced by Vaudeo Productions - https://vaudeoproductions.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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529: Trauma-informed Bodywork with Chelsea Haverly + Emily Young

Therapists are creations so many interesting combinations of modalities to deepen the healing process. This week's guests are two therapists based in Annapolis, Maryland who found a need and created a solution! Meet Chelsea Haverly, LCSW-C and Emily Young, LCSW-C, co-authors of the new book, "Trauma Informed Bodywork". As soon as I heard about their book, I wanted to learn more about what they're doing! Join us for a fascinating conversation about how they combine bodywork, for example Cranio-Sacral Therapy and Trauma-Informed Personal Training, with trauma therapy - in the same sessions! - in their practices. I hope this conversation will inspire creativity for you like it did for me! Chelsea Haverly, LCSW-C is a somatic therapist and intuitive bodyworker who is the co-creator of the Trauma-Informed Personal Training Certification and the Embodied Parts Integration Framework. Emily Young, LCSW-C is a Trauma-Informed Personal Trainer, Somatic Grief and Trauma Therapist, and the owner of The Embodied Trainer. Resources for this episode: Purchase Trauma Informed Bodywork here Visit the Trauma Informed Bodywork website here Laura Khoudari Interview Resources for Therapists and Helping Professionals: Therapists and mental health professionals: I created a FREE video to help you feel more confident in supporting survivors of sexual violence in an embodied and trauma sensitive manner. Check it out here! Therapists - need some time in nature to restore your spirit? Join me for an intimate in-person retreat in Tulum, Mexico! Get all details here! Sign up for my email list to stay up to date on this year's Tulum retreat and future retreats in the US and in beautiful international locations. Also, new members are being accepted in the Trauma Therapist Network membership community now. I facilitate 4 live calls per month. We have a new membership tier - check out everything included in TTN membership and choose the tier that fits your needs! You can upgrade or downgrade your membership at any time. Learn more and apply here. Watch Therapy Chat episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyChatPodcast Find a trauma therapist near you via findtraumatherapy.com! We believe that trauma is real, healing is possible and help is available at Trauma Therapist Network. TherapyNotes® is the highest-rated EHR, practice management, and billing software for mental health professionals. Its all-in-one platform is designed to streamline all aspects of your practice, from connecting with clients via secure messages, to scheduling, to notes, to billing, and more; you can trust TherapyNotes has you covered. And one of the best parts? 24-7 customer service. It's beyond easy to get help over the phone or by email at any time of day from their knowledgeable and friendly representatives. The best time to give TherapyNotes a try is now! Sign up for your free trial by going to TherapyNotes.com, clicking "Start my free trial", and accessing your first two months free with the promo code CHAT. See why TherapyNotes is the most trusted EHR for behavioral health professionals today. Thank you for listening to Therapy Chat! Please be sure to go to iTunes and leave a rating and review, subscribe and download episodes. Find my most frequently recommended resources for learning about trauma here - includes recommended books and trainings. Get my free PDF 5 Common Mistakes People Make When Searching For A Trauma Therapist here! Love Therapy Chat? Subscribe + Leave a rating and review on Apple podcasts to help more people find the show! Podcast produced by Vaudeo Productions - https://vaudeoproductions.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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528: Finding The Path To Healing Mind, Body + Spirit – With Christa Hines

How do you heal from invisible illness when you are flat on your back and can't walk? With the next session in the series on trauma/mental health and illness, I'm introducing you to my Camino friend and colleague Christa Hines, LCSW Christa, an IFS, EMDR, and PAP therapist, has an inspiring story of thriving with invisible illness which many of us can relate to. After developing a serious illness in 2020, Christa's life changed completely, and in our conversation today, she talks about how she found her way back to being able to walk the Camino last year despite her illnesses. Christa Hines is a licensed psychotherapist in private practice with over 35 years of experience, holding licensure in both Oregon and Washington state and certification as an addiction specialist. She is fully certified in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and EMDR, and brings a rich somatic lens to her work through Applied Polyvagal Theory, utilizing the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) and Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE).She is the founder of The Healing State Community, an online platform offering resources, courses, and core pathways to support healing pathways for people with Invisible Illness. Learn more about Christa and her work via her website: https://www.hinescounseling.com/healingstate-free-guide Christa is presenting at the upcoming Flash Conference June 6, 2026! Learn more here! Resources for Therapists and Helping Professionals: Therapists and mental health professionals: I created a FREE video to help you feel more confident in supporting survivors of sexual violence in an embodied and trauma sensitive manner. Check it out here! Therapists - if you're ready to allow yourself to be held in nature with a community of like-minded therapists, my Mind, Body + Soul Healing Retreat for Therapists in Tulum, Mexico is here. November/December dates are on the website now! Sign up for my email list to stay up to date on this year's Tulum retreat and future retreats in the US and in beautiful international locations. Also, new members are being accepted in the Trauma Therapist Network membership community now. I facilitate 4 live calls per month. We have a new membership tier - check out everything included in TTN membership and choose the tier fits your needs! You can upgrade or downgrade your membership at any time. Learn more and apply here. And Sue is going to be a special guest on our Learning Calls in May, June and July! Learn from her for free and gain so much more as a TTN member. Watch Therapy Chat episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyChatPodcast Find a trauma therapist near you via findtraumatherapy.com! We believe that trauma is real, healing is possible and help is available at Trauma Therapist Network. TherapyNotes® is the highest-rated EHR, practice management, and billing software for mental health professionals. Its all-in-one platform is designed to streamline all aspects of your practice, from connecting with clients via secure messages, to scheduling, to notes, to billing, and more; you can trust TherapyNotes has you covered. And one of the best parts? 24-7 customer service. It's beyond easy to get help over the phone or by email at any time of day from their knowledgeable and friendly representatives. The best time to give TherapyNotes a try is now! Sign up for your free trial by going to TherapyNotes.com, clicking "Start my free trial", and accessing your first two months free with the promo code CHAT. See why TherapyNotes is the most trusted EHR for behavioral health professionals today. Thank you for listening to Therapy Chat! Please be sure to go to iTunes and leave a rating and review, subscribe and download episodes. Find my most frequently recommended resources for learning about trauma here - includes recommended books and trainings. Get my free PDF 5 Common Mistakes People Make When Searching For A Trauma Therapist here! Love Therapy Chat? Subscribe + Leave a rating and review on Apple podcasts to help more people find the show! Podcast produced by Vaudeo Productions - https://vaudeoproductions.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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527: A Decolonized Perspective On Attachment Theory with Linda Thai

What if our understanding of human connection is missing the very ground beneath our feet? This week I welcomed back my friend and colleague Linda Thai as she challenges Western psychology and offers a decolonized lens on attachment theory, moving beyond individual dynamics to explore how intergenerational trauma is inextricably linked to our displacement from land and culture. Linda is a former child refugee from Vietnam who, with her family, took refuge in Australia during the Vietnam War and is now based in Alaska. From the indigenous wisdom of Alaska to the historical echoes of the Great Irish Migration, Linda illustrates how "grief is the great metabolizer" and why true secure attachment requires reclaiming the ancestral rituals and land-based practices that modernity has stripped away. Join us for an essential conversation on rediscovering our place within the larger metabolistic web of life to foster collective healing and authentic cultural reclamation. Linda Thai, LMSW is an internationally-regarded trauma expert who understands the wounds of war, refugitude, and migration, and the lingering imprints of authoritarianism, military occupation, and colonialism echoed through generations. Trained across multiple modalities for the healing of complex developmental trauma, her teaching is infused with empathy, storytelling, humor, research, practical tools, applied knowledge, and experiential wisdom. Learn more about Linda and her work via her website: linda-thai.com Linda's Decolonized Attachment Course Dr. Resma Menakem's Work on Racialized Trauma Vanessa Andriotti's Book Hospicing Modernity Resources for Therapists and Helping Professionals: Therapists, visit the new For Therapists page on the Trauma Therapist Network website for discounts on CE trainings, save $1000 on Synthesis Institute's May 2026 Psychedelic Facilitation training, other recommended resources and more. Registration for the May training closes on May 11th so hurry and register to take advantage of this amazing offer! Therapists and mental health professionals: I created a FREE video to help you feel more confident in supporting survivors of sexual violence in an embodied and trauma sensitive manner. Check it out here! Therapists - if you're ready to allow yourself to be held in nature with a community of like-minded therapists, my Mind, Body + Soul Healing Retreat for Therapists in Tulum, Mexico is here. November/December dates are on the website now! Sign up for my email list to stay up to date on this year's Tulum retreat and future retreats in the US and in beautiful international locations. Also, new members are being accepted in the Trauma Therapist Network membership community now. I facilitate 4 live calls per month. We have a new membership tier - check out everything included in TTN membership and choose the tier fits your needs! You can upgrade or downgrade your membership at any time. Learn more and apply here. And Sue is going to be a special guest on our Learning Calls in May, June and July! Learn from her for free and gain so much more as a TTN member. Watch Therapy Chat episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyChatPodcast Find a trauma therapist near you via findtraumatherapy.com! We believe that trauma is real, healing is possible and help is available at Trauma Therapist Network. TherapyNotes® is the highest-rated EHR, practice management, and billing software for mental health professionals. Its all-in-one platform is designed to streamline all aspects of your practice, from connecting with clients via secure messages, to scheduling, to notes, to billing, and more; you can trust TherapyNotes has you covered. And one of the best parts? 24-7 customer service. It's beyond easy to get help over the phone or by email at any time of day from their knowledgeable and friendly representatives. The best time to give TherapyNotes a try is now! Sign up for your free trial by going to TherapyNotes.com, clicking "Start my free trial", and accessing your first two months free with the promo code CHAT. See why TherapyNotes is the most trusted EHR for behavioral health professionals today. Thank you for listening to Therapy Chat! Please be sure to go to iTunes and leave a rating and review, subscribe and download episodes. Find my most frequently recommended resources for learning about trauma here - includes recommended books and trainings. Get my free PDF 5 Common Mistakes People Make When Searching For A Trauma Therapist here! Love Therapy Chat? Subscribe + Leave a rating and review on Apple podcasts to help more people find the show! Podcast produced by Vaudeo Productions - https://vaudeoproductions.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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526: "Did That Really Happen?" - Trauma + Memory with Susan Pease Banitt

This week, we are talking about a topic which is coming up a lot lately as people are considering the pervasiveness of sexual violence in patriarchal cultures. My guest, highly respected colleague and friend Susan Pease Banitt, author of several books including "The Trauma Toolkit," and "Wisdom, Attachment + Love in Trauma Therapy: Beyond evidence based practice." Recently Susan contributed an essay to, and edited the new book, "Women Therapists on Healing: 11 personal essays about overcoming trauma." This book covers many topics related to healing from trauma and this week we're focusing on Susan's contribution, entitled "Did That Really Happen to Me?" In our conversation we'll talk about trauma, memory and how dissociation both protects us during traumatic experiences while also confusing ourselves and those we disclose our traumatic experiences to later. Susan shares how this book can be used to help trauma survivors understand what the healing process can look like and feel like after trauma. We also talked about the importance of women's and other marginalized people's voices being heard in the context of sharing our wisdom about healing, and what she's seen over her career which began in the 1980"s. Tune in to learn from this leader in the field of trauma and dissociation! . Keep up with Susan's work, get in touch with her for coaching, training and consultation, and purchase her books via her website, found at: https://suepeasebanitt.com Resources for Therapists and Helping Professionals: Therapists and mental health professionals: I created a FREE video to help you feel more confident in supporting survivors of sexual violence in an embodied and trauma sensitive manner. Check it out here! Therapists - if you're ready to allow yourself to be held in nature with a community of like-minded therapists, my Mind, Body + Soul Healing Retreat for Therapists in Tulum, Mexico is here. November/December dates are on the website now! Sign up for my email list to stay up to date on this year's Tulum retreat and future retreats in the US and in beautiful international locations. Also, new members are being accepted in the Trauma Therapist Network membership community now. I facilitate 4 live calls per month. We have a new membership tier - check out everything included in TTN membership and choose the tier fits your needs! You can upgrade or downgrade your membership at any time. Learn more and apply here. And Sue is going to be a special guest on our Learning Calls in May, June and July! Learn from her for free and gain so much more as a TTN member. Watch Therapy Chat episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyChatPodcast Therapists, visit the new For Therapists page on the Trauma Therapist Network website for discounts on CE trainings, save $1000 on Synthesis Institute's May 2026 Psychedelic Facilitation training, other recommended resources and more. Registration for the May training closes on May 11th so hurry and register to take advantage of this amazing offer! Find a trauma therapist near you via findtraumatherapy.com! We believe that trauma is real, healing is possible and help is available at Trauma Therapist Network. TherapyNotes® is the highest-rated EHR, practice management, and billing software for mental health professionals. Its all-in-one platform is designed to streamline all aspects of your practice, from connecting with clients via secure messages, to scheduling, to notes, to billing, and more; you can trust TherapyNotes has you covered. And one of the best parts? 24-7 customer service. It's beyond easy to get help over the phone or by email at any time of day from their knowledgeable and friendly representatives. The best time to give TherapyNotes a try is now! Sign up for your free trial by going to TherapyNotes.com, clicking "Start my free trial", and accessing your first two months free with the promo code CHAT. See why TherapyNotes is the most trusted EHR for behavioral health professionals today. Thank you for listening to Therapy Chat! Please be sure to go to iTunes and leave a rating and review, subscribe and download episodes. Find my most frequently recommended resources for learning about trauma here - includes recommended books and trainings. Get my free PDF 5 Common Mistakes People Make When Searching For A Trauma Therapist here! Love Therapy Chat? Subscribe + Leave a rating and review on Apple podcasts to help more people find the show! Podcast produced by Vaudeo Productions - https://vaudeoproductions.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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525: Finding Motherhood with Dr. Vincentia Schroeter

This week on Therapy Chat, we have a returning guest, Dr. Vincentia Schroeter. Vin, a Bioenergetic psychotherapist, and trainer, author of four books, and a painter, has recently published a memoir entitled "Babymaking", telling the story of her quest to have a baby. The book follows her journey through infertility, loss, and adoption.In our conversation, we discussed themes around the traumatic and spiritual wounding which show up in the process of navigating infertility and baby loss. So much of the identity of being a woman is connected to motherhood, and much of our culture is focused upon women's bodies, reproductive choices, and sexuality. Vin shares her experience of miscarrying during a therapy session and finding a path to motherhood that fit her life. There is so much in this episode that people don't often talk about, but women carry in their hearts. Please be gentle with yourself and pause to tend to whatever comes up during the emotionally intense portions of this episode, or skip over any parts that you don't have capacity for at this time, especially if you are on your own journey related to pregnancy and parenthood. The topics covered in this conversation are important for all therapists to learn about since they affect so many of our clients, even if they are not the presenting issue bringing them to therapy. Be sure to watch the video version of this episode to see the painting Vin references on the cover of the book! Find "Babymaking" on Dr. Vincentia Schroeter's website here. Find Leslie Ann Costello's book Vin mentioned, Helping Mothers, Helping Babies here Resources for Therapists and Helping Professionals: Therapists and mental health professionals: I created a FREE video to help you feel more confident in supporting survivors of sexual violence in an embodied and trauma sensitive manner. Check it out here! Therapists - if you're ready to allow yourself to be held in nature with a community of like-minded therapists, my Mind, Body + Soul Healing Retreat for Therapists in Tulum, Mexico is here. November/December dates are on the website now! Also, new members are being accepted in the Trauma Therapist Network membership community now. I facilitate 4 live calls per month. We have a new membership tier - check out everything included in TTN membership and choose the tier fits your needs! You can upgrade or downgrade your membership at any time. Learn more and apply here. Watch Therapy Chat episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyChatPodcast Therapists, visit the new For Therapists page on the Trauma Therapist Network website for discounts on CE trainings, save $1000 on Synthesis Institute's Psychedelic Facilitation training beginning next month, other recommended resources and more. Find a trauma therapist near you via findtraumatherapy.com! We believe that trauma is real, healing is possible and help is available at Trauma Therapist Network. TherapyNotes® is the highest-rated EHR, practice management, and billing software for mental health professionals. Its all-in-one platform is designed to streamline all aspects of your practice, from connecting with clients via secure messages, to scheduling, to notes, to billing, and more; you can trust TherapyNotes has you covered. And one of the best parts? 24-7 customer service. It's beyond easy to get help over the phone or by email at any time of day from their knowledgeable and friendly representatives. The best time to give TherapyNotes a try is now! Sign up for your free trial by going to TherapyNotes.com, clicking "Start my free trial", and accessing your first two months free with the promo code CHAT. See why TherapyNotes is the most trusted EHR for behavioral health professionals today. Thank you for listening to Therapy Chat! Please be sure to go to iTunes and leave a rating and review, subscribe and download episodes. Podcast produced by Vaudeo Productions - https://vaudeoproductions.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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524: The Motherhood Myth with Vanessa Bennett

With Mother's Day approaching, this week we are revisiting one of my favorite conversations of 2025. My guest is Vanessa Bennett, LMFT, author of "The Motherhood Myth: A Depth Therapist's Guide to Redefine Parenting, Reimagine Intimacy, and Reclaim the Self." So many of us who were socialized as women are considering what it means to exist in a female body, and expectations around womanhood and mothering in a colonized culture - Vanessa and I discuss the shadow and light aspects of this identity, and our experiences, in this soulful conversation. Through the lens of depth psychology, Vanessa Bennett explores themes of motherhood, including the archetypal wounds that women carry. You may be familiar with the mother wound, and we also talk about how we carry sister wounds, witch wounds, father wounds and more. We discuss societal myths surrounding motherhood and the importance of reclaiming one's self and intuition after becoming a parent. Vanessa Bennett, LMFT, is a licensed depth psychotherapist, author, and facilitator known for her no-nonsense yet compassionate approach to personal growth and healing. She is the coauthor of the bestselling relationship book "It’s Not Me, It’s You," with her partner John Kim and co-hosts the Cheaper Than Therapy podcast. A former New Yorker now based in Los Angeles, Vanessa leads transformational retreats and workshops grounded in Jungian and depth-oriented psychology. Through her writing, teaching, and digital content, she helps others break generational patterns and reconnect with their truest selves. Find everything Vanessa Bennett offers on her website here. Resources for Therapists and Helping Professionals: Therapists and mental health professionals: I created a FREE video to help you feel more confident in supporting survivors of sexual violence in an embodied and trauma sensitive manner. Check it out here! Therapists - if you're ready to allow yourself to be held in nature with a community of like-minded therapists, my Mind, Body + Soul Healing Retreat for Therapists in Tulum, Mexico is here. November/December dates are on the website now! Also, new members are being accepted in the Trauma Therapist Network membership community now. I facilitate 4 live calls per month. We have a new membership tier - check out everything included in TTN membership and choose the tier fits your needs! You can upgrade or downgrade your membership at any time. Learn more and apply here. Watch Therapy Chat episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyChatPodcast Therapists, visit the new For Therapists page on the Trauma Therapist Network website for discounts on CE trainings, save $1000 on Synthesis Institute's Psychedelic Facilitation training beginning next month, other recommended resources and more. Find a trauma therapist near you via findtraumatherapy.com! We believe that trauma is real, healing is possible and help is available at Trauma Therapist Network. TherapyNotes® is the highest-rated EHR, practice management, and billing software for mental health professionals. Its all-in-one platform is designed to streamline all aspects of your practice, from connecting with clients via secure messages, to scheduling, to notes, to billing, and more; you can trust TherapyNotes has you covered. And one of the best parts? 24-7 customer service. It's beyond easy to get help over the phone or by email at any time of day from their knowledgeable and friendly representatives. The best time to give TherapyNotes a try is now! Sign up for your free trial by going to TherapyNotes.com, clicking "Start my free trial", and accessing your first two months free with the promo code CHAT. See why TherapyNotes is the most trusted EHR for behavioral health professionals today. Thank you for listening to Therapy Chat! Please be sure to go to iTunes and leave a rating and review, subscribe and download episodes. Podcast produced by Vaudeo Productions - https://vaudeoproductions.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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523: Yoga + Sexual Trauma - With Zabie Yamasaki

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! In today's episode, host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C revisits her interview from 2022 with Zahabiya "Zabie" Yamasaki, who is a survivor, an advocate and a teacher who is deeply passionate about helping survivors find healing after experiencing sexual violence. Zabie Yamasaki, M.Ed., RYT is the Founder of Transcending Sexual Trauma through Yoga. Zabie has trained thousands of yoga instructors and mental health professionals and her trauma-informed yoga program and curriculum for survivors is now being implemented at over 25 colleges campuses and agencies including the University of California (UC) system, Stanford, USC, University of Notre Dame, and Johns Hopkins University. Zabie received her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Social Behavior and Education at the UC Irvine and completed her graduate degree in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs at The George Washington University. Her work has been highlighted on CNN, NBC, KTLA 5, and The Huffington Post. Her book: Trauma-Informed Yoga for Survivors of Sexual Assault, was published by W. W. Norton & Company in 2022. Resources Find Zabie's book, Trauma Sensitive Yoga for Survivors of Sexual Assault, Practices for Healing & Teaching with Compassion on Amazon here. For more information on what Zabie offers, including her trauma-informed yoga courses, and speaking offerings, visit her website: http://www.zabieyamasaki.com/ Follow Zabie on Instagram here. Go here to find the episodes of Therapy Chat with Nityda Gessel, RYT, LCSW, that were mentioned today. Bringing Yoga Therapy Into A Talk Therapy Practice and Trauma-Informed Practice and Scope. More Resources: Therapists and mental health professionals: I created a FREE video to help you feel more confident in supporting survivors of sexual violence in an embodied and trauma sensitive manner. Check it out here! Therapists - if you're ready to allow yourself to be held in nature with a community of like-minded therapists, my Mind, Body + Soul Healing Retreat for Therapists in Tulum, Mexico is here. November/December dates are on the website now! Also, new members are being accepted in the Trauma Therapist Network membership community now. I facilitate 4 live calls per month. Choose the level of membership that fits your needs! Learn more and apply here. Watch Therapy Chat episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyChatPodcast Therapists, visit the new For Therapists page on the Trauma Therapist Network website for discounts on CE trainings, save $1000 on Synthesis Institute's Psychedelic Facilitation training beginning next month, other recommended resources and more. Find a trauma therapist near you via findtraumatherapy.com! We believe that trauma is real, healing is possible and help is available at Trauma Therapist Network. TherapyNotes® is the highest-rated EHR, practice management, and billing software for mental health professionals. Its all-in-one platform is designed to streamline all aspects of your practice, from connecting with clients via secure messages, to scheduling, to notes, to billing, and more; you can trust TherapyNotes has you covered. And one of the best parts? 24-7 customer service. It's beyond easy to get help over the phone or by email at any time of day from their knowledgeable and friendly representatives. The best time to give TherapyNotes a try is now! Sign up for your free trial by going to TherapyNotes.com, clicking "Start my free trial", and accessing your first two months free with the promo code CHAT. See why TherapyNotes is the most trusted EHR for behavioral health professionals today. Thank you for listening to Therapy Chat! Please be sure to go to iTunes and leave a rating and review, subscribe and download episodes. Podcast Produced by Vaudeo Productions: https://vaudeoproductions.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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522: Connecting To The Wisdom Within Us - With Zulma Reyo

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week I'm replaying my interview from 2021 with teacher and author Zulma Reyo, creator of the Zulma Reyo School of Consciousness. Zulma wrote the book "Inner Alchemy," which is now available for FREE in e-book format via her website. Zulma teaches us about consciousness and inner alchemy, and connecting with the "still, small voice" within. When we first met I really didn't know what a "Consciousness School" was, and now, five years later, many of us are awakening what is beyond ordinary states of consciousness. If you need to find your way back to connection with your inner knowing, settle in with a cup of tea and listen to my conversation with Zulma Reyo. Wherever you are along that path, you are likely to find something in this conversation that will get you thinking! Zulma Reyo is a native of Puerto Rico educated in the U.S.A. She holds an M.A. in Education from New York University. She has lived in the U.K. and spent a decade of research in India incorporating energetic, yogic and psychotherapeutic methods as well as developing her own variety based on her experience and keen perception of the human energetic structure. Zulma is an intense and vital speaker who has delved deeply into sources of wisdom to reveal the very essence of the human being and the nexus that embraces extremes, considered by her to form part of a unique and indivisible reality. Creator of various methods of meditation and human development that integrate Western and Eastern paradigms, she is also the founder of the Zulma Reyo School of Consciousness. Resources Zulma's website: www.zulmareyoschoolofconsciousness.com More Resources: Therapists - if you're ready to allow yourself to be held in nature with a community of like-minded therapists, my Mind, Body + Soul Healing Retreat for Therapists in Tulum, Mexico is here. November/December dates are on the website now! Also, new members are being accepted in the Trauma Therapist Network membership community. Learn more here. Therapists and mental health professionals: I created a FREE video to help you feel more confident in supporting survivors of sexual violence in an embodied and trauma sensitive manner. Check it out here! Watch Therapy Chat episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyChatPodcast Therapists, visit the new For Therapists page on the Trauma Therapist Network website for discounts on CE trainings, save $1000 on Synthesis Institute's Psychedelic Facilitation training beginning next month, other recommended resources and more. Find a trauma therapist near you via findtraumatherapy.com! We believe that trauma is real, healing is possible and help is available at Trauma Therapist Network. TherapyNotes® is the highest-rated EHR, practice management, and billing software for mental health professionals. Its all-in-one platform is designed to streamline all aspects of your practice, from connecting with clients via secure messages, to scheduling, to notes, to billing, and more; you can trust TherapyNotes has you covered. And one of the best parts? 24-7 customer service. It's beyond easy to get help over the phone or by email at any time of day from their knowledgeable and friendly representatives. The best time to give TherapyNotes a try is now! Sign up for your free trial by going to TherapyNotes.com, clicking "Start my free trial", and accessing your first two months free with the promo code CHAT. See why TherapyNotes is the most trusted EHR for behavioral health professionals today. Thank you for listening to Therapy Chat! Please be sure to go to iTunes and leave a rating and review, subscribe and download episodes. Podcast Produced by Vaudeo Productions: https://vaudeoproductions.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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521: Marginalized Couples In Therapy with Akilah Riley Richardson

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week I'm welcoming back a guest who was first on Therapy Chat a few years ago - Akilah Riley Richardson, MSW, CCTP. Akilah is a therapist specializing in relationships who is the author of the new book, "Marginalized Couples in Therapy: Interventions for Healing From Systemic Trauma" with WW Norton Mental Health publishing. Akilah shares that those who carry marginalized identities often face systemic trauma from various societal structures, including education, judicial, and religious systems. She emphasizes the need for therapists to understand the complexities of identity and systemic oppression in order to better support their clients. She offers resources to support therapists in this important work. If you're a therapist, even if you work with individuals, responsiveness to the experiences of those who are marginalized by the dominant culture is imperative to ethical practice. Resources Mentioned: Akilah Riley Richardson's Website: https://akilahrileyrichardson.com/ Find Akilah's book, "Marginalized Couples in Therapy: Interventions for Healing from Systemic Trauma" here and save 20% using coupon code: REAGAN20 More Resources: Therapists - if you're ready to allow yourself to be held in nature with a community of like-minded therapists, my Mind, Body + Soul Healing Retreat for Therapists in Tulum, Mexico is here. November/December dates are on the website now! Also, new members are being accepted in the Trauma Therapist Network membership community. Learn more here. Therapists and mental health professionals: I created a FREE video to help you feel more confident in supporting survivors of sexual violence in an embodied and trauma sensitive manner. Check it out here! Watch Therapy Chat episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyChatPodcast Therapists, visit the new For Therapists page on the Trauma Therapist Network website for discounts on CE trainings, recommended resources and more. Find a trauma therapist near you via findtraumatherapy.com! We believe that trauma is real, healing is possible and help is available at Trauma Therapist Network. TherapyNotes® is the highest-rated EHR, practice management, and billing software for mental health professionals. Its all-in-one platform is designed to streamline all aspects of your practice, from connecting with clients via secure messages, to scheduling, to notes, to billing, and more; you can trust TherapyNotes has you covered. And one of the best parts? 24-7 customer service. It's beyond easy to get help over the phone or by email at any time of day from their knowledgeable and friendly representatives. The best time to give TherapyNotes a try is now! Sign up for your free trial by going to TherapyNotes.com, clicking "Start my free trial", and accessing your first two months free with the promo code CHAT. See why TherapyNotes is the most trusted EHR for behavioral health professionals today. Podcast Produced by Vaudeo Productions: https://vaudeoproductions.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands