Light Up The Couch

Dr. Daryl Van Tongeren and Sara Showalter Van Tongeren, LCSW, do a deep dive into the research about suffering and how to move forward in the wake of chronic suffering, including processing the continuing distress related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Interview by Elizabeth Irias, LMFT

Dr. Jameta Barlow, a community health psychologist and public health scientist, discusses the impact of patriarchal society on women's health and wellbeing, and offers a starting point for embracing, supporting, and lifting the feminine, including discussion about various types of intersectionality within the female population.

Dr. Tammy Hodo, a sociologist with an Urban Studies focus, discusses common factors that contribute to a lack of access to and utilization of mental health services by African American individuals, including discussion about historical context and cultural factors. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT.

Dr. Dana Stone, LMFT, focuses in on identity development of multiracial individuals, from social context to family dynamics. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT.

Dr. Ajita Robinson, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and expert in insurance credentials, joins Elizabeth Irias to tackle the labyrinth of mental health insurance. They debunk myths about in-network and out-of-network providers while unveiling the ethical obligations that come with documentation. The conversation dives into billing intricacies, emphasizing client access and the importance of accurate claims. They also discuss the ethical challenges in telehealth practices and provide valuable insights for mental health professionals navigating the complex insurance landscape.

Jan Bergstrom, LMHC, provides a helpful breakdown of the Healing Our Core Issues Model, which is an integration model which uses the theoretical models of attachment, mindfulness, neuroscience, body-based methodologies and the core issues work informed by Pia Mellody. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT.

Featuring Dr. Shiro Torquato, a child psychologist, this informative episode takes a closer look at Sensory Processing Disorder, from what it is, how to recognize it, and how to treat it. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT.

Extremism expert Dr. Brian Van Brunt discusses the White Supremacist violence movement, and offers practical treatment approaches and insight about prevention techniques. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT.

Deb Marinos, CRC, offers helpful and easy-to-apply guidance for best supporting legally blind and visually-impaired clients, from how to create a welcoming, safe environment to supporting safe and affordable transportation to your office for sessions. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT.

Stephen Andrew, LCSW, LADC, discusses the power differential in therapy, and sheds light on how therapists can approach therapeutic conversations in a more compassionate and Motivational Interviewing-based way in order to encourage therapeutic change. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT.