Light Up The Couch

Parenting expert Dr. Ilene Val-Essen, LMFT, shares helpful insight about using Psychology of the Self (Psychosynthesis) to encourage centered, communicative parenting strategies with the aim of improving overall family cohesion. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT

Diversity expert Lambers Fisher, LMFT, provides clear guidance about how to proactively create safe spaces in the therapy room for all types of client diversity, from clinical forms to ideological approaches. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT. Note: Client/therapist differences and individual factors may result in a treatment failure or loss of control by either or both people (therapist or client), and therapists are encouraged to consider the appropriateness of referring out and/or educating the client that they can choose a therapist of the same or differing characteristics if they prefer.

Dr. Diane Gehart and Elizabeth Irias discuss sorting through therapy theories, imposter syndrome, and developing a clinical identity. They emphasize the importance of self-awareness, the challenges of therapist imposter syndrome, and integrating medical aspects into therapy for holistic approaches and client-focused interventions.

Ariel Landrum, LMFT, shares critical knowledge about Emotional Support Animals and the process of assessment and letter-writing, including discussion about some of the practice-related issues ESA services can pose. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT.

Paula Atkinson, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker from Washington, DC, specializes in body justice and fat acceptance. She discusses the importance of understanding body justice, critiquing the commodification of body positivity while advocating for respect for all body types. The conversation delves into the implications of fat phobia in mental health, flawed obesity metrics like BMI, and the role of community meals in enhancing mental health. Atkinson highlights the influence of generational trauma on body image, emphasizing compassion and community support.

Jill Johnson-Young, LCSW, provides guidance about how to support healthy grieving in individuals who have experienced intimate partner death, including discussion about myths, 'widow rules', and interventions. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT.

Victor Flores, LAC, provides clear direction about social and culture consideration practitioners can manage more effectively in serving LatinX clients, from demographic information to cultural norms. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT

Dr. Delia Cimpean Hendrick, a triple-board certified physician, provides thoughtful guidance about how to effectively address co-occurring psychotic symptoms and substance use disorders, including discussion about risk factors, clinical presentation, evidence-based practices, and multidisciplinary integrated care. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT.

Dr. Alan Scheuermann breaks down common norms for Military families, and also provides a compassionate, helpful, and accessible set of interventions for supporting Military families in creating a streamlined that parenting program that complements Military standards. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT.

Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, Licensed Psychologist and prolific host of the Therapy for Black Girls podcast, joins us to share how to effectively and ethically expand beyond the therapy room to impact mental wellness and social justice, including social media engagement, podcasting, etc. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT