Dr. Diana Hill, a clinical psychologist and co-author of the ACT Daily Commitment Therapy Journal, shares her expertise on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She highlights how ACT can transform conflict into connection by focusing on personal values. Diana discusses cognitive diffusion, the family body analogy, and practical journaling techniques to navigate life's challenges. Listeners learn the importance of acceptance in enhancing relationships and how to turn regrets into growth opportunities while fostering a 'yes mind' in conversations.

Let’s talk about all things AEDP Sue Marriott and Diana Fosha explore the key principles of Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) and its transformative impact on the field. AEDP begins with the premise of “healing from the get-go,” and fostering change from the first session. It emphasizes “undoing aloneness” by building a supportive therapeutic relationship, while encouraging clients to engage deeply with emotions. Join us as we highlight techniques like metatherapeutic processing, where clients reflect on their healing experience, and integrating neuroscience into clinical practice. “The basic quality of emergent experience is a surrender to the experience of flow, of being in the zone.” – Dr. Diana Fosha Looking for extra community and connection post-election? Join us for our second free, live virtual holding circle on Friday, November 22nd at 3 PM CST – Click here to learn more  Time Stamps for AEDP 02:55 The importance of healing from the get-go 06:06 Understanding “Undoing aloneness” 28:34 Dropping down into the body and connecting with emotions 33:28 Explanation and application of Metatherapeutic processing 35:28 Creating a safe and transformative relationship with clients 51:20 The societal impact of AEDP About our Guest – Dr. Diana Fosha  Diana Fosha PhD is the developer of AEDPTM, a healing-oriented, radically relational experiential psychotherapy to transform trauma, heal attachment wounds and help people connect to their vitality. She is Founder and Director of the AEDP Institute. Her “heightened sensitivity to the promises of life” recognized, she has been also described as having “an extraordinary gift for hope.” For the last 20 years, Diana has been active in promoting a scientific basis for a healing-oriented, attachment-emotion- and transformation-focused trauma treatment model. Fosha’s work focuses on integrating neuroplasticity, recognition science and developmental dyadic research into experiential and transformational clinical work with patients. Her most recent work, Undoing aloneness and the transformation of suffering into flourishing: AEDP 2.0, (APA, 2021), focuses on flourishing as a seamless part of the process of transforming emotional suffering.  She is the author of The transforming power of affect: A model for accelerated change (Basic Books, 2000); co-author, with Natasha Prenn, of Supervision essentials for Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (APA, 2016); 1st editor, with Daniel Siegel and Marion Solomon, of The healing power of emotion: Affective neuroscience, development & clinical practice (Norton, 2009), and editor of the soon to be released AEDP 2.0: Four DVDs of her live AEDP clinical work, including one documenting a complete 6-session treatment, and one on clinical supervision have been issued by the American Psychological Association (APA). Described by psychoanalyst James Grotstein as a “prizefighter of intimacy,” and by David Malan as “the Winnicott of [accelerated experiential] psychotherapy,” Diana Fosha’s writing style is powerful and precise, yet poetic and evocative. Her phrases —“undoing aloneness,” “existing in the heart and mind of the other,” “rigor without shame” and “True Other”  — capture the ethos of AEDP.  Resources for AEDP www.aedpinstitute.org  – View some of Dr. Fosha’s papers here  Metatherapeutic Processing Supports the Emergence of Flourishing in Psychotherapy – by Dr. Diana Fosha How to be a Transformational Therapist – by Dr. Diana Fosha Speculations on Emergence: Working the Edge of Transformational Experience and Neuroplasticity – by Dr. Diana Fosha Healing Attachment Trauma with Attachment (& then some!) – by Dr. Diana Fosha Click here to learn more!!           And of course, our book is also a great resource – it’s for professionals and life-long learners of all kinds. If you’ve read it we’d love to hear from you and if you support it, PLEASE leave a review on either Amazon or Goodreads. Tk you!! Get your copy of Secure Relating here!!   Events, Announcements & Resource Links for Secure Relating & the Election Integrative Attachment Therapy Course Information Therapists: THIS is our recommended class for the most comprehensive training on attachment out there. It just so happens it is also Dennings recommended program as discussed in this. episode!   Use our link for a discount!  Trauma Therapy Directory – Resources for Trauma, PTSD, and Complex PTSD – Created by our friends at the Trauma Therapy Network! Check out our other past and upcoming events here!!  Our Sponsors for this Episode –  Coffee alternative powered by mushrooms!  Listeners get 20% off plus a free starter kit.  Piquelife.com/tu Our favorite skin quencher.  Use the code TU when you checkout at oneskin.co Thanks for listening, friends, & for being on this journey with us! 

Michael Hilgers, a Licensed Professional Counselor with a knack for helping creatives, joins the hosts to unpack the emotional turmoil surrounding the 2024 election. They tackle the deep divide in families and friendships, promoting the power of empathy and vulnerable conversations. Hilgers emphasizes the importance of patience and curiosity to bridge political gaps. The discussion also explores the impact of respectful discourse and the need for unity in a divided society, urging listeners to take small, thoughtful actions toward understanding.

Political tension can be overwhelming, but understanding our nervous systems can help us navigate emotional responses. Fear and anxiety often divert us from connection, exacerbating polarization. The discussion highlights the significance of empathy and community, emphasizing how recognizing diverse viewpoints can promote dialogue. They advocate for accountability from leaders, encouraging a resilient approach to personal relationships amidst division. By fostering connection and compassion, we can move beyond hostility and work toward healthier interactions.

Pam Benson Owens, President and CEO of Edge of Your Seat Consulting, Inc., joins the conversation to discuss secure relating. They tackle the neuroscience of relationships, emphasizing attachment styles and the creation of safe spaces for dialogue. The discussion highlights generational trauma's impact on relationships and the significance of emotional regulation. Personal stories reveal the transformative power of self-awareness and the importance of pausing and practicing curiosity in tough conversations, enhancing emotional intelligence in a diverse society.

James Ochoa, a licensed professional counselor with over 30 years of experience in ADHD treatment, dives into the nuances of adult ADHD. He discusses the emotional toll of late diagnoses and highlights various subtypes of ADHD. Ochoa offers practical techniques for symptom management, including breathing exercises and micro-meditations, while emphasizing the importance of self-care and personalized strategies. He also shares insights on supporting loved ones with ADHD and the significance of effective communication in fostering understanding.

Margaret Martin, an expert in Experiential Dynamic Therapies, and Dr. Deb Pollack, who specializes in mental health therapy science, dive into the intricacies of recognizing and challenging psychological defenses. They discuss the importance of distinguishing between ego-syntonic and ego-dystonic defenses for emotional healing. The pair emphasizes how turning against these defenses can facilitate change, explore advanced therapeutic models, and highlight the transformative journey clients experience by confronting their past traumas.

Centering voices and perspectives of marginalized couples is crucial in therapy Co-host Sue Marriott and Akilah Riley Richardson dive into a wide-ranging discussion about the vital need to center marginalized voices of clients – and therapists. They explore how Western perspectives have shaped therapy practices globally, often overlooking diverse cultural approaches. Akilah brings a fresh, challenging perspective to the table. She pushes for a real shake-up in how we approach therapy, especially when working with marginalized couples. It’s not just about tweaking existing methods – she’s calling for a fundamental rethinking of our assumptions. The conversation tackles some heavy topics, from unpacking the concept of relational privilege to developing strategies that help couples see beyond their individual struggles to the bigger picture of systemic trauma. What really stands out is their focus on the deep impact of systemic trauma. They don’t just acknowledge it – they dig into why it’s so crucial for therapists to truly understand and address it in their work. Ultimately, this discussion isn’t just academic. It’s a call to action for therapists to step up, broaden their perspectives, and find new ways to help couples break free from systemic constraints. It’s about empowering relationships and, in the process, maybe changing the face of therapy itself. “Our ways of understanding healing are not always in the traditionally confined space of therapy. Dance is healing, drumming is healing, movement is healing…” – Akilah Riley-Richardson Time Stamps for Liberating Marginalized Couples from Systemic Trauma 00:00 Introduction and Akilah’s background 02:15 The influence of the global north on therapy practices in the global south 06:24 Understanding relational privilege in marginalized couples 28:36 The impact of systemic trauma on marginalized couples 30:50 The theater of oppression: Mapping themes onto relationships 36:51 Learning about relationships through systemic trauma 40:59 Challenging the therapy profession 46:13 The bubble of psychotherapy 48:43 Redefining and reclaiming narratives of survival 53:28 The urgency of addressing systemic trauma 56:16 Challenging the profession and implementing systemic change 59:04 Taking action and being part of the work About our Guest – Akilah Riley-Richardson MSW, CCTP Akilah Riley-Richardson is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, a Facilitator and Trainer, as well as a Couples Therapist, certified in the STAIR Method. She has received training in various areas including Somatic Experiencing, Brainspotting, Playback Theatre, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Neuroscience, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Relational Life Therapy, Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, and Internal Family Systems Therapy. She is the founder of the  Relational Healing Institute, which is dedicated to the healing of relationships, especially those of marginalized people, and is also the creator of the P.R.I.D.E model which is an approach that is useful when working with clients and in clinical supervision. P.R.I.D.E stands for Pivot, Rumble, Imagine, Develop and Evolve. Resources for this Episode – Liberating Marginalized Couples from Systemic Trauma Akilah Riley-Richardson’s Website – Information & Resources Indigenous Social Work Around the World by Towards Culturally Relevant Education and Practice by John Coates & Mel Grey – Book referenced by Akilah Riley-Richardson And of course, our book is also a great resource – it’s for professionals and life-long learners of all kinds. Get your copy of Secure Relating here!! If you’ve read it we’d love to hear from you and if you support it, PLEASE please please leave a review on either Amazon or Goodreads. Tk you!! Related episodes: Navigating Racial Trauma and identity with Debra Chapman-Finley and Gliceria Perez part 1: TU203 AND Part 2: TU204 In each other’s Care Building and Sustaining Healthy Relationships with Stan Tatkin TU TU112 Mind Body Heart Spirit Embodying Liberation Psychology with Dr. Shena YoungTU230 Couples Therapy with Ellyn Bader and Peter Pearson TU 140 Events, Announcements & Resource Links  Integrative Attachment Therapy Course Information Therapists: THIS is our recommended class for the most comprehensive training on attachment out there. It just so happens it is also Dennings recommended program as discussed in this. episode!   Use our link for a discount!  Mind, Body, Social, & Spiritual Approaches for Healing Attachment: 30 World-Leading Pioneers Share Their Best Practices – Register now for the Holistic Attachment Summit!! – This summit will explore the most essential ideas in attachment theory, research, and how they can be applied to create deep and lasting healing for clients — enabling you to be at the forefront of evidence-based care. Click here to register!! Trauma Therapy Directory – Resources for Trauma, PTSD, and Complex PTSD – Created by our friends at the Trauma Therapy Network! Austin Women’s professional development summit – it’s a huge networking event 9/13/24!  Get your tickets now! Support this library of content at TU staying FREE and TOTALLY ACCESSIBLE by supporting our partners and the sponsors of today’s episode –  ARMRA Colostrum is a proprietary concentrate of bovine colostrum that harnesses over 400 living, bioactive nutrients that strengthen the barriers of your body and fuel cellular health for thousands of research-backed health benefits. Go to ARMRA.com and use code TU at checkout!   Go to ZocDoc.com/TU Compare high quality, in-network doctors, choose the right one for your needs, and click to instantly book an appointment. Purity Woods is on a mission is to provide people with the cleanest, most effective, and healthy products available – formulated by skin care chemists at the top of their field.  Go to puritywoods.com/TU or enter code TU at checkout Thanks for listening, friends, & for being on this journey with us! 

Nigel Denning, a pioneer in therapeutic psychedelics, discusses the transformative potential of MDMA and psilocybin in treating mental health issues. He raises concerns about the proper implementation and training in psychedelic-assisted therapy, emphasizing the need for structured treatment and integration. The conversation highlights Australia's recent legalization journey, the importance of community support, and collaboration in therapy. Denning also addresses skepticism about the science behind psychedelics and advocates for a personalized approach in therapeutic practices.

Improv in Therapy and in Life – Explore the power – and sheer fun – of using improvisation in therapy! Dr. Ann Kelley and Lisa Kays discuss how improv can deepen conversations around tough topics like race and oppression. They examine white supremacy culture and show how improv values like collaboration, slowing down, and embracing complexity can challenge these norms. Improv fosters creativity, playfulness, and self-reflection to help reduce defensiveness and strengthen relationships in everyday life, at work, or in our closest relationships. By creating a supportive, collaborative environment, improv deepens connections and helps people tap into a wider range of emotions. “A culture of improvisation is collaborative – it is nature – you cannot do it by yourself.” – Lisa Kays Time Stamps for Improv in Therapy & Life 03:30 The integration of improv and tough conversations 10:03 The origins of improv and its connection to social justice 14:27 Contrasting white supremacy culture and improv culture 19:20 Questioning cultural norms and valuing relationships 25:29 The power of the ‘And’ in joining and connecting 38:27 The power of improv in building secure relationships 53:25 Embracing creativity and letting go of perfectionism 58:12 Creating a culture of support and collaboration 01:05:04 Applying improv in everyday life 01:09:10 Deepening connections and accessing different emotions About our Guest for Improv Therapy – Lisa Kays LICSW, LCSW, LCSW-C Lisa Kays, LICSW, LCSW-C, LCSW, is an independently licensed clinical social worker in Washington, D.C, Maryland, Virginia, Oregon and New Jersey. She obtained her MSW from Catholic University in 2011 and has worked in a variety of clinical settings. Since 2013, she has been in private practice, providing individual, couples and group therapy to adults. She has interest in social work ethic and has published on and leads ethics training on the intersection of technology, social media and social work ethics as well as anti-racism and systemic oppression. Her practice also provides opportunities for other presenters to develop CE trainings on under-taught topics linked to social justice, systemic racism, and oppression. In addition to her traditional psychotherapy work, Lisa was a performing improviser from 2007-2019 and was on the faculty of Washington Improv Theatre from 2008-2016. She developed Washington Improv Theater’s first Improv for Therapist’s class and has offered Improv for Therapists courses, workshops and trainings to individual clinicians, pastors, life coaches, and psychiatrists, as well as clinical agencies. Since its inception, Lisa has trained more than 500 people in the application of improvisation to foster personal growth and stronger and more cohesive groups. Lisa has been invited to lead trainings in improv-informed therapy at the American Academy of Psychotherapists, the Mid-Atlantic Group Psychotherapy Association, the American Group Psychotherapy Association, and at The Psychotherapy Networker, among others. Her work has been featured in The Washington Post and on NBC4. Recently, Lisa launched a humor, humility-infused podcast, “What if Nothing’s Wrong With You?” with co-host Paula D. Atkinson on themes related to therapy, mental health, oppression, patriarchy and how it’s all interconnected. Resources for Improv Therapy –  Lisa Kay’s – Website & Resources The Fierce Urgency of Now: Improvisation, Rights, and the Ethics of Cocreation (Improvisation, Community, and Social Practice) – by Fischlin, Daniel; Heble, Ajah; Lipsitz, George Theater Games – Viola Spolin Resources Rehearsals for Growth – Website and Educational Resources Decolonizing Therapy: Oppression, Historical Trauma, and Politicizing Your Practice – book by Jennifer Mullan, PsyD The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron – Book and Resources Free Play: Improvisation in Life and Art – Nachmanovitch, Stephen And of course, our book is also a great resource – it’s for professionals and life-long learners of all kinds. If you’ve read it we’d love to hear from you and if you support it, PLEASE leave a review on either Amazon or Goodreads. Tk you!! Get your copy of Secure Relating here!! Therapists: This is our recommended class for going deeper and learning the most. You will not be disappointed! Use our link for a discount!  Dr. Elliott’s Integrative Attachment Therapy Course Information   Support this show staying FREE and TOTALLY ACCESSIBLE by supporting our partners and the sponsors of today’s episode Go to puritywoods.com/TU or enter code TU at checkout for 27% off.   Go to helloned.com/TU or enter code TU at checkout for a discount.   Go to ZocDoc.com/TU This is a no-brainer – use it to find just about any specialist you are looking for. Thanks for listening, friends!