Therapy Chat

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

In Episode 20 of the Baltimore Annapolis Psychotherapy Podcast, host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C interviews Washington Post parenting expert Meghan Leahy, who is a parent coach in the Washington, DC area. She's a parent coach helping parents who are overwhelmed with their children's behavior. Yet she is the first to admit that she gets overwhelmed with her children's behavior too. Seem counterintuitive? Not if you talk to Meghan. Meghan states that her job is not to tell parents what to do. Her job is to teach parents what their children need She teaches that the problematic behavior is the child's developmentally appropriate way of telling the parent what he or she needs.Listen in to this fascinating interview in which Meghan shares why she doesn't tell parents what to do, why self care is important - hint: it's NOT so we can take better care of our kids! - and tells us about the theory informing her work. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In episode 19 host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C discusses a subject she frequently talks about in therapy sessions but hasn't covered on the podcast. Childhood trauma affects a significant number of people and the effects can linger throughout the lifespan. Laura describes the factors which a large study found to influence physical health in adulthood. and contribute to many chronic and potentially life-threatening illnesses She offers resources for learning more about this public health issue which affects so many Americans.This episode is a must for anyone who wants to understand why it is important to address traumatic events which occur in childhood and prevent the long-term effects on physical and emotional health.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

On Episode 18 of the Baltimore Annapolis Psychotherapy Podcast Laura Reagan, LCSW-C was privileged to have the opportunity to speak with someone who is sharp, self deprecating, and so dedicated to the field of psychology. Steven Brownlow, PhD, developed ADEPT Psychology and in this interview he explains what it is, how he came up with it, and how it helps psychotherapists and clients. Listen in for a fascinating conversation about how Dr. Brownlow developed his theory and how he coaches therapists in use of self in their work with clients.You’ll hear a discussion of how emotions are built on the stress system of the body and why traumatic or deeply painful experiences in which we’re unable to regulate our emotions make us feel stuck. Dr. Brownlow describes the process by which micro-ruptures in relationship with caregivers can lead to a child’s belief that he or she is unworthy of love and how that affects our relationships over the lifespan.He talks about why therapists can’t take people where they haven't been. He explains how therapists can change the world and explains research findings on what makes a great therapist. He talks about emotional processing in a way you never learned in school.Dr. Brownlow discusses how he teaches therapists to use ADEPT Psychology to get out of their own way, and to get out of their clients’ way to deliver services effectively addressing the reason clients really show up in our offices. Listen in on this fascinating conversation!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

As the old year ends and the new one begins, host Laura Reagan, LCSW-C has been thinking about themes which have come up frequently in her psychotherapy practice. Listen in to hear Laura discuss 9 themes which have been important to her clients over the past year, and how she will incorporate these subjects into the podcast in 2016! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands