Explore every episode of the podcast Trust and Thrive
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 338: The Lasting Impact of Parentification and Childhood Responsibility - with Sarah Ann Saeger, Internal Family Systems Therapist | 30 Jul 2026 | 00:46:59 | |
Sarah Ann Saeger, LPC, LCADC, LAMFT, is an Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist who specializes in complex trauma, addiction, and relationships. She is trained in IFS and an array of somatic,attachment-informed therapies. Sarah shares psychoeducation and reflections on parts work and the healing journey on her Instagram and Substack platforms. She is dedicated to helping survivors embrace the wisdom of their whole selves, and she supports survivors in her PA-based therapy practice. In this episode, we explore parentification: what it is, how it develops, and the ways it can continue to shape our lives after childhood. We discuss what can happen when a child grows up feeling responsible for the emotional well-being of others, learns to suppress their own needs, and takes on roles that were never theirs to carry. We also unpack the many nuances of these experiences, recognizing that family, culture, and generation has its own context. In addition, we talk about what it can look like to incorporate Internal Family Systems (IFS) into the work of complex trauma and parentification. We discuss how these early roles can show up in adult relationships through familiar relational patterns and reenactments. This includes why we may find ourselves drawn to partners who reinforce what once felt familiar, along with the grief that can come from recognizing what we needed but didn't receive. FOLLOW SARAH: INSTA: @sarahannsaeger STAY CONNECTED: INSTA: @trustandthrive | |||
| 337: Healing After Pet Loss and Honoring Our Animals - with Beth Bigler, Pet Loss Grief Counselor | 23 Jul 2026 | 00:48:22 | |
When society says "it's just a pet," Beth Bigler says "your grief is valid and profound." As a double-certified Pet Loss Grief Counselor and founder of Honoring Our Animals, Beth is a pioneering voice in pet loss support, offering personalized care to individuals and families before, during, and after their beloved's transition. After the sudden death of her soulmate cat Arnie, she transformed her loss into a mission they began together: guiding guardians to honor their grief, connect with their beloveds, and integrate loss into their lives. Beth is the author of Honoring Our Animals: 365 Meditations for Healing After Pet Loss (Quarto/Wellfleet Press, 2025), the first daily grief companion created specifically for pet guardians, available worldwide and a go-to resource for therapists, veterinary clinics, and animal care organizations. Her second book is forthcoming from HarperCollins in 2027. She has been featured in Forbes, Psychology Today, The Sunday Times, USA Today, Business Insider, Daily Mail, and numerous television and radio outlets including KFI AM 640. Beth also built a 20-year career breaking ground as a writer, producer, and educator across stage, film, and television. Find her on Instagram @honoringouranimals. In this episode, we discuss the complexity of pet loss and grief that can follow. We discuss the societal judgment around grieving animals, why grief does not need to be justified or compared, and why loss of a pet can feel more painful than other losses for some. We hold space for the valid, complex emotions that can come with pet loss and remind listeners that there is no "one right way" to grieve. We touch on the beauty of bonding more deeply with certain animals and discuss the guilt that can arise when bringing a new pet after a loss. In addition, we discuss being able to hold space for both grief and love at the same time. We hope this episode can provide support, validation, compassion, understanding, and hope for those who need it. FOLLOW BETH: INSTA: @honoringouranimals STAY CONNECTED: INSTA: @trustandthrive | |||
| 328: I'm Officially Licensed! Life Updates, Reflections, and Embracing Uncertainty | 15 May 2026 | 00:40:55 | |
And we're back! I'm excited to share that I've passed my state licensing exam and am now officially a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist! In this catch-up solo episode, I share some professional and personal updates (including some exciting news!!). I reflect on the journey toward licensure, from grad school and practicum to the associate years. I also share my real-time experience navigating OCD-related thoughts while recording this episode and what it looks like to move through doubt when it shows up. I'm leaning into embracing the unknowns and allowing this next chapter to feel new, exciting, confusing, overwhelming, relieving - all at the same time. As always, I want to express gratitude to each and every one of you for being here along the ride. I can't wait for what's to come and to share with you all :) STAY CONNECTED: | |||
| 239: Getting Through a Tough Time & Taking it Day by Day | 18 Apr 2024 | 00:19:35 | |
In this solo episode, I talk about some personal updates and share my experience with going through a hard time. I share some coping skills I have been using and open about my experience setting emotional boundaries, both personally and professionally. | |||
| 238: Replacing Generational Guilt with Self-Compassion - with Jackie Garcia, Licensed Therapist & Founder of Therapy Lux | 11 Apr 2024 | 00:35:02 | |
Jackie Garcia is a bilingual Spanish Speaking Licensed Therapist who is passionate about destigmatizing mental health among the Latinx community. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from California State of San Bernardino. After completing her B.A., she attended California State University of Fullerton where she earned a Master's Degree in Social Work. | |||
| 237: Exploring Sibling Dynamics & Being the Eldest Daughter - with Sara Stanizai, Licensed Therapist & Founder of Prospect Therapy | 04 Apr 2024 | 00:40:10 | |
Sara Stanizai is a sought-after speaker, business coach and a licensed therapist who founded Prospect Therapy to create a queer-and trans-affirming practice that focuses specifically on serving first-generation American and immigrant communities. FOLLOW SARA: | |||
| 236: When Did I Become an Adult? | 21 Mar 2024 | 00:22:29 | |
Does anyone else feel like they're roleplaying as an adult? In this episode, I share a lot of feelings that have especially come up for me more recently. I discuss feelings of imposter syndrome, starting new jobs, my role as a therapist, reflecting on childhood memories, my fear of getting in trouble, and more. | |||
| 235: Revisit - Reparenting, Self-Esteem, & Understanding Addiction - with Mandy Saligari, Therapist & Author | 14 Mar 2024 | 00:26:44 | |
Sharing a revisit of the most listened to episode of Trust & Thrive! | |||
| 234: Ancestral Therapy & Leaning Into Our Cultural Practices - with Denisse Silva, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist and Founder of Ancestral Therapy | 07 Mar 2024 | 00:43:04 | |
Denisse Silva is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist at Spiral Process Therapy, the founder of my platform Ancestral Therapy, and a child of immigrant parents from Mexico & El Salvador. She has actively shared her journey of connecting to her roots, culture, and ancestral medicine when moving to Mexico. | |||
| 233: Imposter Syndrome and New Challenges | 29 Feb 2024 | 00:23:21 | |
Hi all! In this solo episode, I share some personal and professional updates. I also discuss my experience dealing with my inner critic, reframing my negative thoughts, and being open to new challenges. | |||
| 232: Beating Burnout & Managing Workplace Stress - with Dr. Raushannah Johnson Verwayne (Dr. RJ), Corporate Burnout Strategist & Licensed Clinical Psychologist | 22 Feb 2024 | 00:41:50 | |
Dr. Raushannah Johnson Verwayne, also known as Dr. RJ, is a corporate burnout strategist and licensed clinical psychologist. She helps high performers, particularly people of color and first generation executives, eliminate stress, anxiety, and burnout so they can have the time and energy to live their best balanced lives while maintaining productivity. | |||
| 231: Personal Accountability and Self-Love | 15 Feb 2024 | 00:17:30 | |
Hi all! In this solo episode, I share some views of self-love and self-compassion. For me, self-love includes accountability and being honest with myself, even when it's tough to do. | |||
| 230: Understanding Secure Attachment in Adult Relationships - with Julie Menanno, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor | 08 Feb 2024 | 00:43:53 | |
Julie Menanno MA is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Relationship Coach. While Julie’s first passion is treating couples, she also provides invaluable relationship insights and advice to nearly 1 million followers on Instagram. She is currently working with Simon and Schuster on a book, Secure Love. Secure Love is scheduled for a January 2024 release date and will be translated into multiple languages. | |||
| 327: Authenticity and Social Change in the Mental Health Space - with Shahem McLaurin, Licensed Therapist and Mental Health Educator | 30 Apr 2026 | 00:46:42 | |
Shahem McLaurin is a licensed therapist, founder of an independent mental health agency, and public mental health educator whose work bridges clinical expertise with large-scale public engagement. They have led and participated in national mental health awareness campaigns in collaboration with institutions such as Harvard University and the National Ad Agency, and have partnered with brands and organizations to develop ethical, evidence-informed mental health messaging. In this episode, we explore what it looks like to show up authentically as a therapist, different career paths (including community mental health), and how these experiences can shape the way we understand care, access, and equity. We also talk about the importance of advocating for clients not just within the therapy room, but outside of it as well. Shahem shares more about the importance of working toward more accessible and inclusive mental health care, and how there is no one-size-fits-all way to show up as a therapist. FOLLOW SHAHEM: INSTA: @5hahem; @freedomcollectivepod STAY CONNECTED: INSTA: @trustandthrive | |||
| 229: Revisit - Relationship Needs and People Pleasing | 11 Jan 2024 | 00:25:35 | |
Hi all! In this revisit, I share the most listened to episode of 2023. This was one of my most vulnerable episodes of last year, where I shared how my anxiety and people pleasing ways have impacted my relationship with my partner. I also share lessons I've learned and emotions I had been experiencing before my wedding. | |||
| 228: Why I'm Not Making New Year's Resolutions | 04 Jan 2024 | 00:20:36 | |
Happy New Year! It's okay if this time doesn't feel exciting, happy, or hopeful for you. To anyone having a tough start to the year and/or who simply feels overwhelmed by life, I see you. | |||
| 227: End of Year Check-In | 21 Dec 2023 | 00:16:17 | |
Hi all! Ending the year with a quick check-in and sharing my thoughts on the last few months. We'll be back with a new episode in the new year. Wishing you all a restful end of the year. | |||
| 226: Healing Past Wounds & Breaking Cycles - with Viridiana Rodriguez, Licensed Clinical Social Worker | 14 Dec 2023 | 00:37:10 | |
Viridiana Rodriguez is a change-marker, cycle breaker and creates space for self-love and healing. In this episode, we explore topics related to breaking cycles, growing up as a child of immigrants, self-compassion throughout the healing process, acknowledging systemic issues and cultural dynamics, EMDR therapy, and more. | |||
| 225: Change, Endings, & Feelings of Grief | 30 Nov 2023 | 00:16:46 | |
Hi all! In this solo episode, I share some personal and professional updates, along with feelings that have come up for me this last month (and why I didn't post for a few weeks). | |||
| 224: Religious Trauma & Cult Abuse Recovery - with Dr. Quincee Gideon, Licensed Psychologist | 09 Nov 2023 | 00:46:27 | |
Dr. Quincee Gideon is a licensed psychologist that specializes in religious trauma and cult recovery. She takes science-backed ways of understanding trauma in the brain and body to help trauma survivors recover. She owns Woven Together Trauma Therapy, a trauma-specialty practice in Los Angeles and Traumastery, which is an online space for religious trauma and cult recovery. | |||
| 223: Five Years of Trust & Thrive | 02 Nov 2023 | 00:21:46 | |
Trust & Thrive is 5!! In this episode, I share some reflections and feelings that have come up for me these last few years. I'm so thankful for this community and am looking forward to what's next. Thank you for being here! | |||
| 222: Relational Self-Awareness - with Dr. Alexandra H. Solomon, Couples Therapist & Author of Love Every Day | 26 Oct 2023 | 00:46:21 | |
Dr. Alexandra H. Solomon, PhD, is internationally recognized as one of today's most trusted voices in the world of relationships, and her framework of Relational Self-Awareness has reached millions of people around the globe. A couples therapist, speaker, author, and professor, Dr. Solomon is passionate about translating cutting-edge research and clinical wisdom into practical tools people can use to bring awareness, curiosity, and authenticity to their relationships. | |||
| 221: Personal Update - Done with Grad School! | 05 Oct 2023 | 00:21:32 | |
Hi all! I'm excited to share that I've officially completed my Master's program and am on my way to becoming an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (hopefully very soon!) | |||
| 220: LGBTQ+ Mental Health & Self-Expression - with Luis Cornejo, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Certified Sex Therapist | 28 Sep 2023 | 00:56:41 | |
Luis is a natural entertainer who enjoys making others laugh and feel inspired. As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Certified Sex Therapist, Luis works tirelessly to support the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. Luis is also the founder of PsychoSocial Media, a mental health platform providing mental health articles and resources. He is also the co-owner of PsychoSocial Therapy, a private practice specializing in LGBTQ+ and BIPOC mental health. | |||
| 326: Moral OCD and Scrupulosity - The Pressure to Always Be "Good" | 23 Apr 2026 | 00:44:00 | |
In this solo episode, I talk about Moral OCD (also known as scrupulosity), a subtype of OCD that can make everyday decisions feel heavy and high-stakes. I discuss how thoughts related to this subtype can show up as intense guilt, fear of being a "bad" person, perfectionism, people pleasing tendencies, and feeling responsible for doing the "right" thing at all times. In addition, I explore examples of compulsions that can show up, including mental reviewing, reassurance seeking, confessing, or trying to achieve certainty about what is morally “correct.” I share how social media, activism spaces, and being constantly exposed to information can intensify feelings of urgency and responsibility, and why this can feel so distressing. As always, this episode is not one-size-fits-all and simply reflects a few ways OCD-thoughts related to morality can show up. I hope to bring language to an experience that can feel incredibly isolating, and to remind you that you are not alone if your mind makes morality feel urgent, overwhelming, or impossible to "get right." STAY CONNECTED: | |||
| 219: Shadow Work & Generational Healing - with Kerri Smith-Osei, Trauma Therapist & Professional Clinical Counselor | 14 Sep 2023 | 00:56:59 | |
Kerri Smith-Osei is a Trauma Therapist and Professional Clinical Counselor, 3x Certified Master Life Coach and Couples Coach, a Certified Law of Attraction Coach, and a Certified Emotion Code Practitioner. | |||
| 218: Reflecting on My Emotional Capacity & Social Battery | 07 Sep 2023 | 00:31:07 | |
Hi all! Hope you enjoy this solo episode. I share a recent experience of reacting in a way I did not feel great about, as well as just being overwhelmed with emotions as I near the end of my Master's program. I'm taking it day by day, reminding myself to practice self-compassion. | |||
| 217: Anxiety Around Uncertainty & Change | 31 Aug 2023 | 00:19:16 | |
Hi all! In this solo episode, I share some mixed feelings I have been experiencing around this time of my life. With some transitions and new changes, I have been feeling incredibly anxious, excited, confused, and overwhelmed at the same time. | |||
| 216: Rupture & Repair in Relationships - with Jordan Dann, Psychoanalyst & Gestalt Therapist | 24 Aug 2023 | 00:40:25 | |
Jordan Dann is a dynamic psychoanalyst, author, teacher, and speaker. Her training as a Gestalt therapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, and Imago Relationship Therapist, as well as her many years coaching and directing actors; has fostered her desire to help people become more connected, self-aware, free, and expressive. STAY CONNECTED: | |||
| 215: Anxiety, Self-Esteem, & Relationships - with Dr. Terri Bacow, Psychologist & Author | 17 Aug 2023 | 00:32:52 | |
Dr. Terri Bacow is a widely known expert in cognitive behavioral therapy, an evidence-based therapy approach. A Brown and Boston University graduate, she sees clients in her private practice on the Upper West Side. STAY CONNECTED: | |||
| 214: Forgetting How to Feel | 03 Aug 2023 | 00:17:55 | |
We're back with another solo episode! In this episode, I share some thoughts on the emotions I have been feeling recently and I open up about some mental health struggles I have experienced in the last year. | |||
| 213: Embracing My Humanness | 27 Jul 2023 | 00:24:23 | |
Hi all! We're back with a new solo episode. In this episode, I share my thoughts on the new Barbie movie, how I have been feeling about some transitions in my life, and how I have been working on embracing all parts of my identity. | |||
| 212: Misconceptions About Depression - with Dr. Scott Eilers, Clinical Psychologist | 20 Jul 2023 | 00:43:22 | |
Dr. Scott Eilers is a licensed and practicing clinical psychologist. He is the creator and director of multiple intensive outpatient programs for mood and anxiety disorders, as well as the author of the book “For When Everything Is Burning” and the host of the podcast “The Psychology of Depression and Anxiety.” In addition to traditional psychotherapy concepts, Dr. Eilers also draws inspiration from stoicism, minimalism, fitness, and nutritional psychiatry. STAY CONNECTED: | |||
| 211: Reflecting on How Far You've Come | 13 Jul 2023 | 00:17:24 | |
We're back with a new solo episode today. I share some personal updates, life changes, and feelings that have come up for me during this transitional period. | |||
| 210: Pregnancy & Postpartum Mental Health - with Heidi McBain, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist | 29 Jun 2023 | 00:39:27 | |
Heidi McBain is a Texas Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Texas Licensed Professional Counselor. She also has a Perinatal Mental Health Certification through Postpartum Support International. She specializes in maternal mental health, and focuses on mental wellness for moms during pregnancy, postpartum and throughout motherhood. STAY CONNECTED: | |||
| 325: EMDR, Social Media, and Humanizing Therapy - with Jennifer Bohle, Trauma-Informed Therapist | 16 Apr 2026 | 00:52:58 | |
Jennifer Bohle, MS, LPC, is a trauma-informed therapist, content creator, and high-achieving creative based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She works with perfectionistic women to build self-trust, confidence, and worthiness while learning to relate to perfectionism as a strength. Through content creation, Jennifer blends humor, education, and real life - using creativity as a way to make therapy more human and accessible, and to stay connected to the playful, curious part of herself that still feels like a kid at heart. In this episode, we explore the intersection of therapy, social media, and authenticity. We discuss EMDR as a therapeutic modality that helps the brain process difficult experiences through bilateral stimulation, and how trauma-informed care emphasizes pacing, flexibility, and client choice. We also talk about how EMDR can be adapted to meet individual needs and isn’t limited to major traumatic events. We explore common misconceptions about therapy modalities, the pressure clients can feel to do therapy a certain “right” way, and what it can look to humanize therapy online through the use of humor and play. We also have an open conversation about being therapists on social media, navigating boundaries online, and embracing authenticity both professionally and personally. FOLLOW JENNIFER: INSTA: @jenniferanncounseling STAY CONNECTED: INSTA: @trustandthrive | |||
| 209: It's Okay to Not Be Okay - Mental Health Check-In | 22 Jun 2023 | 00:19:51 | |
Hi all! This episode is an especially vulnerable one. I share how I've been struggling a bit more with my mental health recently and I touch on what I've been doing to take care of myself. However you are feeling, you are not alone. | |||
| 208: Surviving Boundary Guilt & Discomfort | 15 Jun 2023 | 00:24:37 | |
In this episode, I share my experience with managing boundary guilt and the discomfort that comes with having uncomfortable conversations. For my fellow recovering people pleasers, you're not alone. | |||
| 207: Healing Mother & Father Wounds - with Denise Brady, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist | 08 Jun 2023 | 00:38:41 | |
Denise Brady is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. She has been practicing therapy since 2009 and her passion is working with marginalized communities. She started her career in South Los Angeles working with chronically mentally ill populations. STAY CONNECTED: | |||
| 206: Craving Change & Embracing Uncertainty | 01 Jun 2023 | 00:28:09 | |
Hi all! In this episode, I share feelings that have come up for me, while on my recent trip to NYC. I open up about feeling stuck, motivated, inspired, sad, and many mix of emotions. | |||
| 205: Exploring Immigrant Identity & Belonging - with Phebe Brako-Owusu, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist | 25 May 2023 | 00:45:01 | |
Phebe Brako-Owusu, an award-winning Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, was born and raised in Ghana. She is licensed to see clients in Washington and Washington DC. | |||
| 204: Focusing on Baby Steps & Consistency | 18 May 2023 | 00:17:35 | |
In this solo episode, I share my recent feelings of impatience, senioritis, and overwhelm. I'm working on being more present, accepting where I am on my journey, and celebrating my wins. | |||
| 203: When Mother's Day is Tough | 11 May 2023 | 00:17:26 | |
To anyone who is grieving and/or feeling sad, angry, confused, however you feel about Mother's Day, your feelings are valid. I see you and am sending you love. | |||
| 202: Practicing Financial Self-Care - with Jordan Madison, Licensed Clinical Marriage & Family Therapist | 04 May 2023 | 00:46:36 | |
Jordan A. Madison, LCMFT, is a licensed clinical marriage and family therapist in Maryland and DC. She owns and practices at Therapy Is My J.A.M., LLC, a private practice that helps individuals and couples heal from their pasts to understand their present and create the future they desire. She is Prepare/Enrich certified, and also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. She is passionate about reducing the stigmas around mental health and therapy, especially within the Black community. She uses her Instagram platform to promote conversations and educate others on building and maintaining healthy relationships, as well as normalizing and prioritizing self care. | |||
| 201: Connecting with Your Authentic Self - with Deana Panza, Holistic Therapist & Coach | 27 Apr 2023 | 00:41:38 | |
Deana Panza is a holistic therapist and coach who helps people reconnect with their most authentic selves through compassion, self-awareness, and exploration. | |||
| 200: Just Married - Wedding Recap | 20 Apr 2023 | 00:29:32 | |
We're back! I'm so excited to share the 200th episode of the show and to give you a recap of the last month. I share some personal updates and the emotions that have come up for me as a newly married woman. | |||
| 324: Relationship OCD and Milestones (Anniversaries, Moving In, Engagement, and More) | 09 Apr 2026 | 00:34:40 | |
Milestones like anniversaries, engagements, and other "big" moments can bring up pressure, doubt, and intrusive thoughts for those navigating relationship OCD. When there's a pressure of how a day "should" feel or look like, this can create an extra layer of meaning, making thoughts feel more urgent and significant than they really are. In this episode, I reflect on recently celebrating my wedding anniversary and how my relationship to my intrusive thoughts has shifted over time. I share how I used to respond out of urgency and how I have been able to enjoy celebrations, trips, and other special moments without feeling overpowered by the thoughts. That said, I also normalize the ups and downs of living with OCD, the grief that can come with recognizing how much space OCD can take up, and compassion for oneself as we navigate our personal experience. If you've ever felt like you "should" feel "more" happy or joyful, you're not alone. There is hope, while remembering that progress can seem more subtle and gradual than we expect. STAY CONNECTED: | |||
| 199: A Quick Update - A New Chapter | 23 Mar 2023 | 00:11:05 | |
In this episode, I share a few quick updates and discuss some authentic feelings that have come up for, as I go through a big life transition. | |||
| 198: Growing Up & Life Transitions | 16 Mar 2023 | 00:28:30 | |
In this episode, I share some updates about episodes to come. I also dive deep into the feelings that have come up for me, as I go through some life transitions. I validate myself and others who may feel a similar way, remembering that there's no "one right way" to feel, when going through change. | |||
| 197: The Importance of "And" | 02 Mar 2023 | 00:16:53 | |
In this episode, I share some personal updates and discuss my thoughts on the use of "and" when talking about one's experiences. I acknowledge that I can feel thankful AND stressed. Here's to embracing all the emotions that can come with change and new experiences. | |||