
Trust & Thrive
Welcome to Trust & Thrive! My name is Tara Montazeri and I'm an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. Through insightful and vulnerable discussions, I hope to inspire my listeners to trust the process of their unique journey and thrive as their most authentic self. I aim to encourage these actions with a conscious, practical, and attainable approach to self-reflection and community care. I often feature individuals from a multitude of professional fields, levels of expertise, and life experiences who generously share their stories and invaluable knowledge to my listeners and me. My guests and I touch on topics related to mental health, relationships, systemic issues, generational wounds, and other topics that influence us in our everyday lives. I hope these conversations encourage us to approach our journey of self-awareness in a thoughtful, mindful and compassionate way. Instagram and TikTok: @trustandthrive; Website: www.tara-mont.com; Email: trustandthrive@gmail.com
Latest episodes

Apr 17, 2025 • 50min
279: Trying to Think Your Way Out of Feeling - with Stephanie Feldman, Registered Social Worker & Founder of The Healing Hive Therapy Co.
Stephanie Feldman is a Masters level Registered Social Worker, specializing in trauma, anxiety, people-pleasing, emotion regulation, crisis, and relationships. She is also the founder of The Healing Hive Therapy Co.In Stephanie's words: "If you’ve ever been told that you’re 'too self-aware for therapy', I’m your gal! I specialize in trauma and believe that we can't think our way out of a dysregulated nervous system; I focus on body-based/ somatic approaches in the therapy space to help you heal from trauma that is stuck in the body. When we feel safe enough to connect to ourselves, we are better able to connect with others!"In this episode, we dive deep into the journey of connecting with your body as a pathway to healing. We explore how high achievers, perfectionists, and people-pleasers often ignore their physical cues and worry about not doing things "right" or meeting impossible standards. We talk about what can happen when we allow ourselves to slow down. We also discussed the challenges of finding the right therapy fit, navigating the complexities of self-care, and recognizing your body’s needs.FOLLOW STEPHANIE:INSTA: @therapy.stephTIKOK: @therapy.stephWEBSITE: https://www.thehealinghive.ca/STAY CONNECTED:INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK: @trustandthriveTHREADS: @trustandthriveFACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramontEMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com

Apr 10, 2025 • 25min
278: The Bittersweet Feelings That Come With Reaching a Milestone
In this solo episode, I share how incredibly thankful I feel to have built a caseload and announce that I'm no longer accepting new clients. As much as it’s felt surreal to be in this position, there’s a mix of emotions that come with it. I share my thoughts on grief that comes with actually reaching a milestone you've worked hard for. I also reflect on how my social media platforms have led to this and that the version of me who started with no one watching would not believe where we are now. Of course, I touch on the usual imposter syndrome and self-doubt. I dive into the confusing and sometimes overwhelming emotions that can come up when you reach your goals, and the importance of embracing all the feelings that come up...including feeling both proud and uncertain at the same time. INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK:@trustandthriveCLOTHING SUBSCRIPTION: https://www.trustandthrivestyle.com/FACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramontEMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com

Apr 3, 2025 • 44min
277: Breaking Free from Guilt & Perfectionism as a Child of Immigrants - with Pauline Yeghnazar Peck, Trauma-Informed Psychologist
Dr. Pauline Yeghnazar Peck is a first generation Iranian-Armenian trauma-informed psychologist who specializes in working with the children of immigrants and intercultural couples. She operates a group practice called Noor Therapy and Wellness specializing in providing culturally-informed care, as well as a coaching, speaking, consulting, and community education business called Bridging Gaps, Breaking Cycles. In this episode, we explore the unique challenges of growing up as a child of immigrants, navigating the balance between honoring cultural traditions and forging your own identity. We dive into the pressures of survival, the weight of expectations, and the importance of destigmatizing mental health in immigrant families. We also discuss the struggle of living in an individualistic society while rooted in a communal culture, the journey of breaking generational cycles, and the guilt and perfectionism that comes with trying to meet both family and societal standards. FOLLOW PAULINE:INSTAGRAM & TIKTOK: @paulinethepsychologist; @paulinethepsychologistWEBSITES: www.noortherapyandwellness.com; https://pauline-peck.mykajabi.com/resourcesSTAY CONNECTED:INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK: @trustandthriveTHREADS: @trustandthriveFACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramontEMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com

Mar 27, 2025 • 39min
276: The Healing Power of Sound & Music Therapy - with Christopher Morrison, Licensed Professional Counselor
Christopher Morrison is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania and a Nationally Board-Certified Music Therapist. He has specialized training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), EMDR, the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery & Music, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy. As the owner of Mind & Melody Therapy Services, he works as both a psychotherapist and music therapist, helping adults heal from childhood trauma and reconnect with their inner child. His approach fosters self-compassion, emotional healing, and personal growth. In this episode, we dive into the world of music therapy and explore its powerful benefits for emotional, mental, and physical health. We discuss the ways music can reduce stress, improve mood, enhance cognitive function, and support listeners in feeling less alone in their experiences. We also explore the topic of drum circles and how the act of drumming can help release tension, increase mindfulness, and promote emotional expression. *I am currently accepting new clients virtually in California. Feel free to email me at taramontazeritherapy@gmail.com to schedule a 15-min consultation or click here to learn more. FOLLOW CHRISTOPHER: INSTAGRAM: @christophermorrisonlpc WEBSITE: www.mindmelodytherapy.com STAY CONNECTED:INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK: @trustandthriveTHREADS: @trustandthriveFACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramontEMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com

Mar 20, 2025 • 37min
275: Insecurities & Overthinking as a Therapist on Social Media
Basically had a therapy session with myself... :') In this solo episode, I talk about the uncomfortable truths of showing up on social media, in general, but especially as a therapist. I open up about my own internal judgment that I'm working on and insecurities that keep me from showing up *more* authentically. I also share the doubts that often creep in, and how my thoughts often get in the way of taking risks. I'm still going to show up...despite those thoughts.Thanks again, as always, for being here! *I am currently accepting new clients virtually in California. Feel free to email me at taramontazeritherapy@gmail.com to schedule a 15-min consultation or click here to learn more. STAY CONNECTED: INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK:@trustandthriveCLOTHING SUBSCRIPTION: https://www.trustandthrivestyle.com/FACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramontEMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com (collabs); taramontazeritherapy@gmail.com (therapy services)

Mar 13, 2025 • 41min
274: Navigating Gen Z Mental Health in a Digital World - with Rana Coniglio, Licensed Professional Counselor & Owner of Burrow & Bloom Therapy
Rana Coniglio is an Arizona trauma focused therapist who specializes in treating highly motivated young adults interested in learning more about how their difficult past experiences may continue to affect them today. Working extensively with the young adult women of the Gen Z population, she takes a human-first approach. That means, in working together, she takes the therapeutic treatment process at your pace, while recognizing that as humans, we are all a "work-in-progress", just trying to do our best! Rana is also the owner of her new practice, Burrow & Bloom Therapy.In this episode, we explore the unique mental health challenges facing Gen Z clients. We discuss the pressures of social media, and learning to manage anxiety and identity exploration. We also dive into the most common themes and struggles that Gen Z clients bring to therapy.We also discuss the evolving role of therapists in the digital age, including the challenges and benefits of showing up on social media and how it impacts both their personal and professional lives. *I am currently accepting new clients virtually in California. Feel free to email me at taramontazeritherapy@gmail.com to schedule a 15-min consultation or click here to learn more. FOLLOW RANA:INSTAGRAM: @gen.z.therapist; @burrowandbloomtherapyWEBSITE: www.burrow-bloom.comSTAY CONNECTED:INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK: @trustandthriveTHREADS: @trustandthriveFACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramontEMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com

Mar 6, 2025 • 37min
273: Unpacking the Covert & Overt Narcissistic Mother - with Dr. Stephanie Carinia, Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Stephanie Carinia holds a a BSc, MSc. and a post-graduate degree in Clinical psychology at the University of Amsterdam, the equivalent of a PsyD. She's a registered ‘gezondheidszorgpsycholoog’ (clinical psychologist) in the Netherlands. Dr. Carinia is also a registered CBT, EMDR & MBT therapist, trained in Schema focused therapy and working psychodynamically. She is specialized in personality disorders, trauma and addiction. In this episode, we dive into the complexities of covert versus overt narcissism and the lasting effects on children as they transition into adulthood. We discuss how growing up with narcissistic parents, especially narcissistic mothers, can lead to a lack of self-identity, struggles with boundaries, and a sense of insecurity and instability. *I am currently accepting new clients virtually in California. Feel free to email me at taramontazeritherapy@gmail.com to schedule a 15-min consultation or click here to learn more. FYI this episode was recorded last year when I was working in a different setting/still working at a treatment center.FOLLOW DR. CARINIA:INSTAGRAM: @psychologiststephanieWEBSITE: https://psychologiststephanie.com/STAY CONNECTED:INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK: @trustandthriveTHREADS: @trustandthriveFACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramontEMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com

Feb 27, 2025 • 42min
272: The Psychology of Storytelling & Connecting with Fictional Characters - with Dr. Drea Letamendi, Clinician Psychologist & Media Consultant
Dr. Drea Letamendi (she/her/ella) is a clinical psychologist, media consultant, and TEDx speaker with degrees and training from Cornell University, UCSD, and UCLA. Dr. Drea is a practitioner-educator based in Los Angeles and holds a Masters and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. At UCLA, she serves as a campus mental health and wellbeing consultant leading resilience, crisis-response, and suicide prevention initiatives. She manages a private practice as a behavioral health advisor for the gaming, visual effects, and entertainment media industries (with clients including Warner Bros., Marvel/Disney, and Lionsgate). By way of social media and podcasting, Dr. Drea uses storytelling in film, television, gaming, and comics to teach audiences about resilience, cultural healing and liberation psychology. She created and hosts The Arkham Sessions, a podcast about the psychology of superheroes and other pop culture narratives.She has written publications about the positive impacts of media storytelling on mental health, and her latest publication is titled, The Force Awakens: Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Using Star Wars. In this episode, we explore the world of fictional characters and the connection to psychology and mental health. From superheroes to villains, we uncover how these characters can offer a sense of belonging, a mirror to our own struggles, and a way to process personal trauma. We discuss how storytelling allows us to confront our own experiences and how these characters often reflect the most vulnerable parts of ourselves. We also also touch on why horror stories can bring comfort and a sense of cathartic relief for certain people, and the psychology behind rewatching our favorite comfort shows and movies as a way to ease anxiety. Overall, we share an insightful conversation about the psychological impact of fiction and how connecting with these characters can be a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery. *I am currently accepting new clients virtually in California. Feel free to email me at taramontazeritherapy@gmail.com to schedule a 15-min consultation or click here to learn more.FOLLOW DR. DREA:PODCAST: The Arkham SessionsINSTAGRAM: @drdreapsychologyWEBSITE: https://drdreapsychology.com/STAY CONNECTED:INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK: @trustandthriveTHREADS: @trustandthriveFACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramontEMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com

Feb 20, 2025 • 24min
271: Work & Life Update - Accepting New Clients in CA
Hi all! I'm excited to share that I'm accepting new clients in California. You can email me at taramontazeritherapy@gmail.com to schedule a consultation and/or click here to see if we may be a good fit.In this episode, I share updates about my current work situation and feelings around change. See you next week for a guest episode!STAY CONNECTED:INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK: @trustandthriveCLOTHING SUBSCRIPTION: https://www.trustandthrivestyle.com/FACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramontEMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com

Feb 13, 2025 • 40min
270: Making & Maintaining Friendships in Adulthood - with Blake Blankenbecler, Psychodynamic Therapist & Friendship Educator
Blake Blankenbecler, LCMHC is a psychodynamic therapist and friendship educator. She has a private practice, Fig Holistic Psychotherapy in Charlotte, North Carolina where she gets to help folks come into greater compassion and integration with their story, their body, and their emotions. Out of her work emerged a desire to study some of the most foundational and pivotal relationships that hardly get anytime in the spotlight: our friendships. She believes that life is meant to be lived in connection and helps friends have more meaningful conversations and create more sustainable friendships. Blake created The Friendship Deck, a conversation game for friends who are craving more depth and intimacy with each other that can be purchased at www.thefriendshipdeck.comIn this episode, we dive into the challenges of making and maintaining friendships in adulthood. We explore the complex feelings that may come up with friendship breakups, navigating life paths that no longer align, dealing with comparison, and so much more. We touch on recognizing friendships that either drain us or energize us, and how to identify toxic patterns in relationships. We also discuss the importance of setting boundaries with friends and exploring how dynamics may evolve as we grow older. Hope you enjoy this episode in honor of celebrating beautiful friendships and Galentine's Day :)*I am currently accepting new clients virtually in California. Feel free to email me at taramontazeritherapy@gmail.com to schedule a 15-min consultation or click here to learn more.FOLLOW BLAKE:FRIENDSHIP DECK: www.thefriendshipdeck.comINSTAGRAM: @blakeblankenbeclerWEBSITE: https://www.blakeblankenbecler.com/STAY CONNECTED:INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK: @trustandthriveTHREADS: @trustandthriveFACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramontEMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com
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