boy meets therapy

In this episode, host Dustin Oliver sits down with child and adolescent therapist Chandler Donny to explore the unique challenges and breakthroughs in therapy with young clients. They dive into topics like OCD in children, the emotional impact of divorce, and how to build trust with resistant or withdrawn kids. Chandler shares clinical insights on the importance of confidentiality, psychoeducation, and engaging parents in the therapeutic process. The conversation also touches on Relational Cultural Theory, LGBTQ-affirming care, and the role of cultural understanding in effective mental health treatment. Whether you're a therapist, parent, or mental health professional, this episode offers valuable guidance on navigating the complex world of child and teen therapy. Each week, we talk with clinicians about their areas of expertise, their connections to therapy, and how they use their tools in session. Connect with Chandler Donny: ⁠Therapy⁠ Connect with boy meets therapy: Instagram: ⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠ TikTok: ⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠ Website with Free Resources: boymeetstherapy.com Episode Guide & Chapters: Chapters   00:00 Introduction and Connection 01:46 Chandler's Journey into Therapy 07:28 Specialization in Working with Teens 09:40 Common Issues in Child Therapy 10:32 Navigating Divorce and Its Impact on Children 11:50 Integrating Parents in Child Therapy 17:01 Confidentiality and Trust in Therapy 19:57 Building Rapport with Resistant Clients 23:18 Understanding Relational Cultural Theory 30:40 Exploring Client Relationships and Dynamics 37:41 Navigating Childhood Therapy and Accountability 42:54 Understanding OCD in Children 49:20 The Importance of the Therapeutic Relationship Created and Produced by Dustin Oliver.

What if recovery wasn’t just about stopping the use of a substance — but about understanding why it was there in the first place? In this episode, I speak with Julie River, LPC, NCC, clinical director and therapist at ⁠Atlas Behavioral Health⁠, about what truly person-centered substance use treatment can look like. We explore the daily experience of clients in recovery programs, the role of group therapy, and how therapists can support emotional sobriety, boundary-setting, and harm reduction with empathy and nuance. Whether you’re a clinician, student, or someone navigating their own healing journey, Julie brings thoughtful insight into how treatment can move beyond stereotypes — and toward connection, curiosity, and lasting change. Each week we talk with clinicians about their areas of expertise, their connections to therapy, and how they use their tools in session. Connect with Julie River: Therapy Atlas Behavioral Health Connect with boy meets therapy: Instagram: ⁠⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠ Website with Free Resources: ⁠boymeetstherapy.com Episode Guide & Chapters:  00:00 Introduction and Personal Background 02:59 Understanding Substance Use Disorder Treatment 05:51 Daily Life in Treatment Programs 09:08 Innovative Therapeutic Approaches 12:04 Client Reactions to Alternative Therapies 14:53 Co-occurring Disorders and Their Impact 17:46 The Complexity of Diagnosing Disorders 20:58 Interpersonal Dynamics in Group Therapy 23:53 Managing Resentments and Emotions 26:53 Facilitating Group Interactions 30:06 Conclusion and Key Takeaways 35:45 Understanding Boundaries in Relationships 40:10 The Concept of Emotional Sobriety 45:05 Navigating Sober Curiosity 49:49 The Spectrum of Addiction 54:26 Harm Reduction in Substance Use Treatment 58:24 The Misconceptions of Addiction Treatment

This episode focuses on trauma-informed therapy and working with survivors of abuse. We explore how to build trust, address denial, and apply attachment theory in clinical practice. The conversation also highlights the role of supervision, therapeutic alliances, and navigating power dynamics. Special attention is given to supporting trans and gender non-conforming clients through anti-oppressive, empathetic, and empowering approaches. Each week we talk with clinicians about their areas of expertise, their connections to therapy, and how they use their tools in session. Connect with Sakinaa Rock:  Sakinaa Rock Therapy Connect with boy meets therapy: Instagram: ⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠ TikTok: @boymeetstherapy Website with Free Resources: boymeetstherapy.com Episode Guide & Chapters:  00:00 Introduction and Background 03:08 Theoretical Perspectives in Social Work 05:58 Understanding Client Populations 08:58 Building Trust and Safety in Therapy 11:55 Working with Survivors of Abuse 14:57 Navigating Denial and Confrontation 17:59 The Role of Supervision in Therapy 20:49 Attachment Theory and Its Impact 23:59 Unlearning Harmful Relational Patterns 31:03 Navigating Client Emotions and Healthy Responses 32:03 Confronting Disagreements in Therapy 32:51 The Role of Power and Oppression in Therapy 33:51 Addressing Misogyny in Client Interactions 36:14 Challenging Heteronormative Dynamics in Queer Relationships 37:00 Exploring Power Dynamics in Kink Relationships 41:02 Understanding Trans and Gender Non-Conforming Experiences 49:57 The Therapist's Responsibility in Anti-Oppressive Practice Created and Produced by Dustin Oliver