Therapy Chat

Welcome! My guest today is Carolyn Daitch, Ph. D, author, and psychologist. She has written several books, including Anxiety Disorders: The Go-To Guide for Clients and Therapists, The Affect Regulation Toolbox: Practical and Effective Hypnotic Interventions for the Over-Reactive Client, Anxious in Love, and The Road to Calm Workbook: Life-Changing Tools to Stop Runaway Emotions. Carolyn is the director of the Center for the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders in Michigan. You might have guessed that our topic today is Anxiety. Join us!What you’ll hear in this episode:Carolyn’s work includes lots of writing, teaching, and therapy. She explains.Her focus on anxiety work began early in her career, when she ended up seeing a lot of clients with anxiety and panic attacks.At this point, she began assembling a toolbox of resources.Carolyn explains reactivity and affect disregulation, how they are basically the inability to manage emotions.These disorders cause too much of a reaction for some, when a small stimulus seems like a “tidal wave” for them.Carolyn goes through the process of her Stress Inoculation. Tune in to learn more!Even therapists need to make a commitment to calm!Carolyn discusses how to “reset” when triggered, and how to use her Stress Regulation techniques.Her STOP solution is a four-step process; she explains its components.Her latest book includes a CD of her techniques and an app that can be downloaded.Each of Carolyn’s books has a section about the hardest part: following through with what works!Resources:www.carolyndaitchphd.comFind Carolyn Daitch’s books on Amazon.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Welcome! My guest today is Sharon Martin, LCSW, a psychotherapist in San Jose, CA. Sharon writes the blog “Happily Imperfect” for Psych Central. Our topic today is Perfectionism—something so many of us struggle to overcome.What you’ll hear in this episode:Sharon’s private practice focuses on perfectionism, co-dependency, people-pleasing, and anxiety—she tells us how they are all intertwined.Sharon works as a clinical supervisor, both independently and for a non-profit; she enjoys working with new social workers.In her 20+ years in this field, Sharon has had to learn to focus on self-care, knowing when to say “yes” and when to say “no.”“It can’t just be about making everybody else happy.”Sharon says that some total failures can be re-labeled as “partial succeses.”Change requires that you experience some amount of anxiety.Co-dependency is a relationship dynamic where two people are dependent on each other in different ways. One takes on the role of caretaker, rescuer, or fixer in this lopsided relationship.In co-dependency, anger and resentment build up over time and the relationship becomes out of control.Perfectionism and co-dependency have some common characteristics, like not wanting to upset or displease and wanting to be “in control.”Perfectionists have a strong need to be liked and accepted; they need constant validation that they are “enough.”“There is no possible way to succeed at being perfect.”Perfectionists tend to be very self-critical and critical of others.Perfectionism is often mistaken for a quest for excellence and high standards.Many high school students feel this pressure, which can lead to depression and suicide.The solution lies in our ability to accept ourselves for who we are.“My purpose is to be ME, and not be a clone of everyone else.”In her therapy practice, Sharon uses the following techniques with her clients:Get in touch and be more aware of the negative self-talk in their lives.Reframe ideas about making mistakes.Find out how to let ourselves off the hook and forgive ourselves.Move past negative thoughts toward acceptance and positives.Ask, “What’s good about me and my life?”For perfectionists, there can be 99 positives, but a perfectionist focuses on the ONE negative thing.Sharon shares gratitude practice tips and how to make them work for you!The mindfulness approach can help us learn to enjoy the small things and the basic experiences in life.Resources:www.sharonmartin.comwww.sharonmartin.com/therapychat (Sharon is writing a workbook on Overcoming Perfectionism. She is offering a free sample chapter to download for TC listeners!)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Welcome! Trauma therapy became my passion after I volunteered at a Sexual Assault Crisis Center in Virginia in 2002. I received great counseling experience and went through extensive volunteer training before I became an employee. I learned a lot about trauma, and even though sexual assault is not something we like to talk about, it’s a common problem. Statistics show that one in four women and one in six men will be sexually assaulted during their lifetime. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, so let’s discuss this important topic.What you’ll hear in this episode:Two types of sexual assault are Childhood Sexual Abuse (to be covered in a later episode) and Sexual Assault/Rape not involving a child. This is our focus today.If you are assaulted, you have several options to consider:Call a Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline. Visit the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network at www.rainn.org.Most hospitals provide a forensic evidence exam at no cost to you, within 120 hours of the assault.You have a personal choice to make: whether or not to report the assault to the police.The victim should tell someone who will be supportive. Visit www.evawintl.org (End Violence Against Women International.) Check out their “Start by Believing” campaign.The US military and most colleges/universities have separate options for reporting sexual assault.Keep in mind that the civil legal process is another option outside the criminal investigation; a settlement can be obtained without bringing criminal charges.The Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Abuse (MCASA) is an outstanding resource for survivors.Find a Sexual Assault Crisis Center Directory at www.centers.rainn.org.There are some common reactions of victims following sexual abuse. Find a comprehensive list at www.musc.edu. There are many community events across the country in April to bring awareness to sexual assault. The events include The Clothesline Project, The Monument Quilt, www.vday.org, Take Back the Night, and Walk a Mile in Her Shoes. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Welcome! My guest today is Lisa Ferentz, LCSW-C, who is in private practice in Baltimore, specializing in treating child and adult survivors of trauma, abuse, and neglect. She’s a nationally known author, speaker, trainer, and consultant.What you’ll hear in this episode:After 32 years in private practice, Lisa knows that trauma survivors use coping strategies such as eating disorders, addictions, self-mutilation, depression, anxiety, and relationship problems. Lisa does consulting work for clinicians in the US and Canada; she has written two books and has two more in process.Early in her practice, Lisa realized how important it is to approach her work from the viewpoint of being a good student and learning from your clients.In the exciting world of therapy today, incredible connections are being made between trauma and the impact on the brain.Lisa advises that clinicians be more aware and mindful in working with the body in trauma work.Lisa explains “dual awareness,” meaning being aware of what’s happening in both the client’s and clinician’s body during therapy.Lisa explains the “vasovagal zone” of the body and tracking sensations in the area that houses 80% of emotions.Trauma is stored visually and viscerally, and can present with actual physical pain, such as:Limb painFibromyalgiaChronic migrainesStomach/GI upsetFatigue One technique is to start with the body and work your way into words to deal with trauma.Movement and expressive arts can also be used in trauma therapy.Simplistic art therapy strategies can open the door to visually-based modality when a client is unable to communicate with words.Lisa uses drawing, collaging, and sand tray art so a client can SHOW their narrative, share a memory, or process an emotion.Clinicians have to refrain from interpreting the client’s art for themselves.Lisa explains the stigma associated with borderline personality disorder as opposed to identifying the same client as a “trauma survivor.”Lisa introduces her books: Treating Self-Destructive Behavior in Trauma Survivors: A Clinician’s Guide and Letting Go of Self-Destructive Behaviors: A Workbook of Hope and Healing. One is for clinicians and one is for laypeople.In treating trauma survivors, you have to give them new tools to replace self-destructive behavior—other ways to self-soothe and regulate their pain.Lisa explains why she doesn’t like standard safety contracts because they introduce a power struggle between client and therapist.“The goal is that trauma therapy doesn’t re-traumatize.”Lisa gives details about her Institute in Baltimore, in its 9th year of offering certification programs in Advanced Trauma Treatment, working with expressive modalities and traditional talk therapy. The Institute offers ethics training, from which 700 clinicians have already graduated. Her website includes a calendar of CEU training and the details about the Trauma Certificate Levels 1 & 2.Find out more about Lisa and her work: www.lisaferentz.com. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Welcome! My guest today is Dr. Jonice Webb, a clinical psychologist and blogger for Psych Central. She’s the author of the book, Running on Empty: Overcome Your Childhood Emotional Neglect. We’ll delve into this topic and its impact in our society today. Join us!What you’ll hear in this episode:The definition of Childhood Emotional Neglect: a parent’s failure to respond enough to the child’s emotional needsThis condition is different from physical neglect and abuse.In her private practice, Dr. Jonice kept seeing patients with the same patterns.She has identified 12 different types of parenting styles that lead to Childhood Emotional Neglect.Children of CEN end up treating their children with the same patterns of behaviors, and no one really knows what’s wrong.Dr. Jonice has developed a questionnaire, designed for adults, to determine if you’ve been affected by this condition.Her book gives examples of what happens to a child with real-life vignettes.How to heal from CEN?Fully recognize and accept that CEN happened.Welcome back and get in touch with walled-off emotions.Dr. Webb wants to put together training for CEU’s for therapists who want to work on this specialty, but first, she wants to complete a research project to compile results.She is working on making a page on her website listing mental health providers who can work with people on CEN.Contact Dr. Webb at www.emotionalneglect.com or email her at jwebbphd@rcn.com. Sign up for her newsletter on her website and check out her blog at Psych Central!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Welcome! Today’s topic is one that’s important to therapy professionals and to first responders, too. To anyone who works with people who are suffering, Vicarious Trauma is important. I just attended a workshop on this topic by Laura Van Dernoot Lipsky, the author of Trauma Stewardship. Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:The terms Vicarious Trauma and Secondary Traumatic Stress are interchangeable.Therapists bear witness to the traumatic stories of clients and are affected by them.The nature of therapy work requires empathy; it’s honorable, brave, and important work intended to make the world a better place.There are small ways to lessen the impact of trauma, by mindfully checking in with yourself and using positive coping methods.As a therapist, how much are you “numbing?” We discuss examples.Laura recommends spending 12-60 minutes each day, for six days a week, working out to the degree of breaking a sweat.We owe it to the people we help to take care of our Vicarious Trauma, and regular exercise is one way to do that.Isolation is common in trauma work, because we feel like “nobody understands.”The American Counseling Association lists several signs of Vicarious Trauma, including:Having difficulty talking about feelingsFeeling diminished joyFeeling trapped by workLimited range of emotionsExaggerated startle reflexHopelessnessTrouble sleepingExhaustionConflict with other staffTrouble with intimacyFeeling withdrawn and isolatedImpatience, apathyA change in worldviewWhat can you do to make a difference?Have a mindful presenceExercise (12-60 min. several days each week)Cultivate connection with yourself and othersEnrich your life by doing things you love, apart from workMake meaningResources:www.laurareaganlcswc.comACA Fact Sheet on Vicarious TraumaTrauma Stewardship by Laura van Dernoot LipskyTrauma Stewardship InstituteAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Welcome! Today’s guest is Mara Glatzell, MSW. She is an intuitive guide and energy healer for women who facilitates daily conversations about intention, truth, and celebration. A creative leader, Mara is expert at living in her own skin with grace and ease. At the core of her work is the desire to live a well-intentioned life, which means more joy, grit, and vibrant imperfection to spare. She is MY kind of person—how about you? Her website makes you feel warm, glittery, and nurturing, and her writings and programs are truly inspiring. Want to learn more? Join us!What you’ll hear in this episode:Mara works with women who want to live with more intention and responsibility.She likes to take nebulous concepts that are hidden in layers and break them down into tangible, relatable pieces.Mara’s work isn’t like other therapies or focused on symptoms, but is based on self-love and self-compassion.Mara found this niche after finding herself “not fitting into” the standard therapy role.She knows what it means to struggle with body image, fears, and trusting yourself.When we sacrifice ourselves in order to “belong” to the world around us, then loneliness is the result.You can have all the “right” things happening in your life, and be MISERABLE!Mara’s writing background flows perfectly into her intimate newsletter offerings, which happens to be her very favorite place to write!Mara is gifted in being able to take about difficult topics in ways that people can receive them.Her newsletter features the unusual option, “Click here if you want me to read this to you.” People love it!“Why aren’t there MORE spaces in which people are lovingly spoken to?”Mara’s “Open to Receive” program is offered at certain times throughout the year, but is now being offered as an on-demand resource on her website with daily audio to support and nurture.Mara offers classes, e-courses, workshops, online resources, and events. She loves group work and one-on-one work, too!Sign up for her “The Ferocious Truth” event, starting in two days! “The Deep Exhale” comes later in the spring. Visit www.maraglatzel.com/newsletter for more info about events, resources, and more! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this bonus episode, host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C explains that the Baltimore Annapolis Psychotherapy Podcast is now called Therapy Chat! She shares the reason for this name change. Therapy Chat is a podcast in which Laura Reagan, LCSW-C interviews psychotherapists and other expert guests about psychotherapy, mindfulness, trauma, self care, worthiness, attachment, perfectionism, body image, self compassion and  holistic and alternative methods used in psychotherapy. Check out Therapy Chat at www.therapychatpodcast.com as well as iTunes, Stitcher and soon Google Play.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

elcome! My guest today is Ashley Davis Bush, LICSW. Ashley is a psychotherapist in private practice in southern New Hampshire with over 25 years’ experience. She has written six self-help books, including Transcending Loss and Simple Self-Care for Therapists. She is a regular contributor to the Huffington Post and has some great tips to share with us today about increasing our self-care. Join us!What you’ll hear in this episode:Ashley loves her work and counts it a privilege to be part of peoples’ lives. Her private practice is in her home, and it’s “a fun job, watching life unfold in front of you.”Even the simple choice of working from home can be a self-care choice.Ashley’s work focuses on grief, couples, and anxiety, but self-care is a common thread that is woven into her work with all clients.Ashley says that much of her practice patterns itself after her books.Her most recent book introduces the idea of “micro self-care.”“Macro self-care”practices are the big things that we normally think of regarding self-care, but micro practices are short, simple things that can be done in 1-2 minutes.Ashley focuses on self-care to avoid burnout, which she categorizes as “little b” and “BIG B” types of burnout.“little b” burnout is when you are exhausted at the end of the day or week. You may need a good night’s rest or a few days off to regenerate and recover.“BIG B” burnout is when you need to leave the field because you can’t take it anymore.Ashley addresses “vicarious trauma,” in that ALL therapists do some sort of trauma work.Personal and professional experience can cloud the lens with which we see the world, but life’s pains are a constant trauma.Ashley explains self-care vs. self-violence: when you don’t take care of yourself, then you’re doing harm (violence) to yourself.Mindfulness leads to grounding, bringing us into this moment right now.Ashley shares her Tibetan bell practice to help bring clients into mindfulness.She recommends using micro self-care practices at the beginning, middle, and end of your day.Ashley’s book lists 40-50 suggestions as to how to scale down macro self-care practices into small micro practices.Making the transformation from macro to micro self-care practices requires thinking creatively, but shouldn’t be overwhelming.Neuroplasticity is the science that show the brain can change in response to repetitive behaviors. You can rewire your brain to be more peaceful!When your brain is rewired, then your default setting comes to a place of gratitude and feeling good.Ashley’s three takeaways:Have a basic plan for 3 micro self-care practices each day.Sleep 8-9 hours each night so you aren’t tired during the day.Prioritize self-care, and you’ll soon realize that you can’t live without it!Be aware of the seasons of life, but regardless of the season, you can fit in micro self-care every day!Find Ashley at www.ashleydavisbush.com.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode, host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C, CDWF shares the secret to raising well adjusted children. We all want our children to grow up as happy people who thrive in relationship with themselves and others, and in their work and school lives. Laura shares three rules which will lead to children growing up to be well adjusted adults, and why they are important. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands