How I Therapist – Details, episodes & analysis

In this conversation, we interview Shauna Burns-Thomson, a registered clinical counselor and certified somatic sex therapist. They explore Shauna's journey into sex therapy, the challenges faced in the field, and the importance of creating a safe therapeutic environment. Shauna discusses her work with couples, men's health, and the significance of client readiness in therapy. She also shares insights from her PhD journey in clinical sexology and her commitment to trauma-informed care, particularly in the context of incarceration. The conversation highlights the holistic approach to therapy and the continuous learning process that shapes Shauna's practice.

https://fraservalleysextherapy.com/

@fraservalleysextherapy

Chapters

00:00 The Journey to Sex Therapy

04:24 Understanding the Challenges in Sex Therapy

07:16 Creating Safety in Therapeutic Spaces

10:08 Navigating Couples Therapy

13:23 Building Client Relationships

16:24 Recognizing Readiness in Clients

19:12 Exploring Areas of Interest in Therapy

22:28 The Importance of Trauma-Informed Care

25:23 PhD Journey and Future Aspirations

28:22 Holistic Approaches in Therapy

In this conversation, we speak with Dr. Meg Williams and delve into the integration of spirituality in therapy, discussing the importance of de-stigmatizing spiritual practices and beliefs within the mental health field. Dr. Meg shares her experiences as a therapist and educator, emphasizing the need for therapists to assess and incorporate clients' spiritual beliefs into their practice. They explore the Venn diagram of religion, faith, and spirituality, and discuss the significance of self-care and boundaries for therapists. Dr. Meg also reflects on her journey to obtaining a PhD in marriage and family therapy, highlighting the motivations behind her pursuit of higher education.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Woo-Woo: Spirituality in Therapy

04:39 De-Stigmatizing Spirituality in Mental Health

07:45 Integrating Spirituality in Supervision and Education

10:30 Navigating Beliefs in Therapy

13:43 The Venn Diagram of Religion, Faith, and Spirituality

16:33 Practical Steps for Therapists to Integrate Spirituality

24:29 Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Therapy

27:54 The Importance of Self-Care for Therapists

32:54 Recognizing and Addressing Burnout

39:59 Pursuing a PhD: Personal and Professional Motivations

In this episode of How I Therapist, we speak with Sanaria Hussain, a licensed social worker, about her experiences in therapy practice, particularly focusing on trauma, emotional disconnection, and the challenges of private practice. They discuss the importance of somatic awareness, the impact of social media on therapy perceptions, and the nuances of attachment theory. Sanaria shares her insights on measuring client progress and the significance of self-compassion in the healing journey.

Chapters

(00:00) Navigating Emotional Disconnection in Therapy

(06:25) The Challenge of Isolation in Private Practice

(12:46) Learning and Growth in Therapeutic Practices

(18:36) Understanding Attachment Theory and Its Nuances

(24:35) Measuring Client Progress and Healing

(25:00) Understanding Progress in Therapy

(28:05) The Role of Emotions in Healing

(30:57) Navigating Trauma in Therapy

(33:48) Boundaries and Emotional Protection in Therapy

In this episode of How I Therapist, we speak with Lynn Min, a licensed mental health counselor, about her journey in therapy, the challenges of running a private practice, and the integration of spirituality and psychedelics into her work. Lynn shares her experiences of feeling overwhelmed, the importance of self-care, and the need to attract the right clients. We discuss the balance between traditional therapy and spiritual practices, the role of psychedelics in healing, and the challenges of navigating the mental health system.

https://lynnmin.com/

IG: @lynn_min_anding

Chapters

(00:00) What Happens When Private Practice Blows Up

(09:42) Attracting the Right Clients

(12:41) Integrating Spirituality and Therapy

(21:31) Authenticity in Therapeutic Relationships

(24:16) Never Settle With Your Therapist

(30:53) Psychedelics as a Therapeutic Tool

(39:15) Challenges with Being Part of the System

In this episode of 'How I Therapist', we speak with Bryn Starbird, a licensed professional counselor, about the intricacies of therapy, emotional vocabulary, and the challenges therapists face in helping clients articulate their feelings. They discuss the importance of the feelings wheel, the nuances of complex emotions, and the role of patience in therapy. Bryn shares her unique perspective as a former lawyer and how attachment theory informs her practice. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI on therapy and the irreplaceable value of human connection in the therapeutic process.

Chapters

(00:00) Exploring Emotions

(03:51) The Feelings Wheel

(06:470 Navigating Shame and Disappointment

(09:44) Combining Feelings Wheel with Parts Work

(12:49) "Progress" in Therapy: Embodying Patience

(15:58) Therapists Doing Surgery on Themselves

(18:32) Therapy Is Not Problem Solving

(30:43) Will AI replace Therapy?

(45:44) Lessons from Law School for Therapists

In this episode of 'How I Therapist', we speak with Khoury Daher, a psychotherapist, about the challenges and experiences in therapy, particularly focusing on the black male population. They discuss the importance of self-disclosure, the impact of spirituality in therapy, and the systemic barriers that prevent access to mental health services. Khoury emphasizes the need for advocacy and systemic change to improve access to therapy, especially for marginalized groups.

In this episode of How I Therapist, we speak with Joseph Myers, a licensed mental health counselor who integrates video games into his therapy practice at an LGBTQ+ youth center. Joseph shares his journey from education to therapy, the impact of using video games as a therapeutic tool, and the importance of understanding clients' backgrounds. He discusses the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth in the current socio-political climate and emphasizes the need for community and joy in the face of adversity. Joseph also highlights the significance of learning from clients and the diverse modalities he employs in his practice.

In this episode of How I Therapist, we speak with Dan McCombie, a licensed counselor and Director of Product at Fluence, about his journey into the field of psychedelic therapy and his experiences as a therapist. Dan shares his advocacy for psychedelics, his personal experiences with mental health, and the importance of self-care in therapy. He discusses the evolving landscape of psychedelic therapy, the modalities he employs in his practice, and his aspirations for the future, including integrating more psychedelic practices into his work.

In this conversation, we speak with Reverend Danae Ashley, a licensed marriage and family therapist and Episcopal priest, about her journey in writing a book that intertwines her personal healing experiences with the teachings of Hildegard of Bingen and Adlerian psychology. They explore the importance of community in mental health, the historical context of mental illness, and the modern-day implications of spiritual practices like exorcism. Danae shares her personal journey, the challenges she faced in her ministry, and how her experiences shape her therapeutic practice today, emphasizing the significance of authenticity and presence in healing.

https://www.soulspaseattle.com/

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of Healing and Writing

04:13 Exploring Hildegard of Bingen's Influence

07:21 The Role of Community in Healing

10:25 Understanding Exorcism and Mental Health

13:21 Modern Parallels to Historical Healing Practices

16:08 Personal Reflections on Faith and Healing

25:03 Journey to Faith and Ministry

36:27 Therapeutic Practice and Personal Philosophy

44:10 Navigating Therapy and Spiritual Guidance

In this conversation, Dr. Holly Richmond, a licensed marriage and family therapist and certified sex therapist, shares her journey into sex therapy, discussing her background in journalism and her experiences with sexual trauma survivors. She elaborates on her therapeutic practices, focusing on couples therapy, sexual health, and the importance of communication in relationships. The discussion also delves into the complexities of sexual addiction, compulsivity, and the nuances of dating in today's world. Dr. Holly highlights her transition from therapy to coaching, the integration of alternative therapies like plant medicine, and the significance of self-care for therapists. She concludes with insights on building a coaching collective and the importance of continuing education in the field.

www.drhollyrichmond.com

drhollyrichmond@gmail.com