Therapist Uncensored Podcast

A replay episode from our powerful interview with Dr. Shena Young Click Here to View the Original Episode Shownotes  “The more that we unlearn, the more that we decolonize our minds, bodies, hearts and spirits” – Dr. Shena Young Join co-host Sue Marriott and Dr. Shena Young as they dive into liberation psychology and the conflict between intuition and the traditional European model of psychology. Dr. Shena highlights embodying a holistic approach to help heal traumas and deeply root us in our most authentic selves. Whether through connections with nature or the exploration of ancestral traditions, this discussion is enriched with various opportunities to reconnect and liberate our mind, body, heart, and spirit. About our Guest – Dr. Shena Young (She/Her) Affectionately known as Dr. Shena (she/her) & spiritually as Iya Osunbunmi Orisasewa, she is a licensed embodiment-focused psychologist–healer, artist, mental health futurist, on-set wellbeing professional, and priestess in the Isese tradition of Ifa. She holds space internationally for individuals, couples, groups, and organizations committed to the ritual of calling themselves back into their bodies as a freedom practice. She owns a private practice, embodied truth healing & psychological services, rooted in Los Angeles, CA where she offers mind–body–heart–spirit care in healing from sexual, racial, intergenerational, and ancestral traumas. Time Stamps for Embodying Liberation Psychology  1:30 – Dr. Shena’s journey with liberation psychology and decolonization 7:25 – Dr. Shena’s early life and intuition 9:48 – Body language is one of our first languages 18:58 – Understanding the pillars of authenticity  20:52 – Embracing the mind, body, heart, spirit approach 28:21 – Unlearning scarcity and expecting abundance 33:29 – Thinking of currency as seeds 41:37 – New interests in ancient traditions 44:11 – What the act of grounding may look like  51:45 – The decriminalization of psychedelic plant medicines  56:30 – There is power in practicing choice 1:05:01 – Impact of The Color Purple Resources for today’s episode – Embodying Liberation Psychology EmbodiedTruthHealing.com – Dr. Shena’s website Healing Opportunities with Dr. Shena @EmbodiedTruthHealing – Dr. Shena’s Instagram Invest in healing programs for BIPOC Dr. Clenora Hudson-Weems website – Where Dr. Shena first learned about Africana Womanist theory Body Rites – Dr. Shena’s book. Get your copy!! Please support our sponsors – they keep our podcast free and accessible to all!  Whether it’s your first time in therapy or your fiftieth, Grow makes it easier to find a therapist who fits you, not the other way around. Sessions average about $21 with insurance and some pay as little as $0, depending on their plan. Visit GrowTherapy.com/TU today to get started. Availability and coverage vary by state and insurance plan.

Dafna Lender, a family therapist and attachment specialist, dives into the heart-wrenching topic of parent-child estrangement. She explores the emotional toll of cutting off family ties and how cultural influences shape these dynamics. Dafna discusses the importance of setting boundaries while maintaining empathy, emphasizing that understanding a parent's history can ease personal hurt. She offers practical strategies for navigating estrangement and highlights the therapeutic challenges and opportunities for fostering healing and hope amidst family complexities.

Dr. Sean Inderbitzen, an autistic psychotherapist and Mayo Clinic researcher, shares his journey and insights into autism and neurodiversity. He breaks down the evolution of autism diagnosis and discusses the term 'disorder' in relation to identity. The conversation pivots to the application of polyvagal theory, emphasizing safety and authentic connection in therapy for autistic individuals. Topics include neuroaffirming therapy, attachment patterns, and practical strategies for healthcare providers to better support neurodivergent clients.

José Rosario, a clinical psychology scholar and advocate, discusses the power of storytelling for healing in marginalized communities. He shares how embracing intersectional identities enhances empathy and resilience. The conversation delves into dismantling ableism in therapy, the need for therapists to support community healing, and the stark realities of hate-motivated violence. José also emphasizes moving from empathy to actionable support, advocating for representation and structural changes in therapy to empower disabled voices.

In this engaging conversation, Bill Doherty, a Professor Emeritus of Family Social Science and a co-founder of Braver Angels, sheds light on the idea of 'Citizen Therapists.' He delves into discernment counseling for couples navigating political differences and the impactful work of Braver Angels in fostering dialogue. Bill emphasizes the importance of curiosity and respectful boundaries in hard conversations. He shares tools for bridging divides, highlighting values over policies and the need for narratives to foster understanding in our increasingly polarized world.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Diana Hill, a clinical psychologist and expert in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, shares her insights on harnessing 'genius energy' for personal and professional growth. She discusses the difference between life force energy and anxiety, emphasizing wise energy management. Diana highlights the importance of community resilience and compassionate connections. With fascinating parallels drawn from nature, she inspires listeners to break free from stuck patterns and channel their efforts toward meaningful change.

Benjamin Fry, a psychotherapist and founder of Khiron Clinics, shares his compelling journey from personal trauma to revolutionary therapy methods. He emphasizes how experiences shaped his innovative approaches, like introducing the PhysioCam, which helps clients visualize their nervous system states. The discussion highlights trauma treatment evolution and the importance of psychoeducation in enhancing accessibility to mental health resources, ultimately fostering hope and recovery for those in need.

Rebecca Kase, LCSW and RYT, dives into the fascinating world of interoception and its vital role in therapy and personal well-being. She explains how our physiological states shape our emotional narratives and the importance of breath in managing these states. The conversation also covers how implicit and explicit memories impact mental health, providing helpful insights for therapists. With practical tools for healing and resilience, Kase emphasizes the body's memory and the critical need to recognize our internal cues.

Judith Matz, a therapist and expert in diet culture, challenges conventional dieting beliefs alongside Dr. Ann Kelley. They discuss how diet culture fuels emotional eating and binge eating, emphasizing that mental health matters more than scale numbers. The conversation shines a light on weight stigma in healthcare and critiques the rise of weight loss drugs like Ozempic. Matz advocates for a compassionate, weight-inclusive approach to healing our relationship with food, encouraging self-awareness and mindful eating as pathways to a healthier mindset.

Loretta J. Ross, an esteemed activist and professor with a rich history in the human rights movement, joins the discussion to advocate for compassion in activism. She delves into her new book, emphasizing the balance between 'calling in' versus 'calling out' and the vital role of empathy in social justice. The conversation highlights the power of constructive dialogue in a polarized environment, the challenges posed by media distortion, and the significance of community engagement in fostering understanding and growth.