Alle afleveringen
300 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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The Other Side of Caregiving: Grief, Vulnerability & Finding Joy with Lindsey & Thomas Kealey (315)
27 oktober 2026 · 1 uur 3 min
When life changes overnight, how do we find our way forward? Lees meer
After losing Thomas’s mother to pancreatic cancer and navigating Thomas’s aggressive leukemia diagnosis, bone marrow transplant, relapse, and ongoing recovery, Lindsay and Thomas join Dr. Ann Kelley to share their deeply personal journey through cancer, caregiving, grief, and resilience. Together, they explore the emotional realities of serious illness, the often-overlooked grief experienced by caregivers, and how vulnerability, honest communication, and mutual support can strengthen relationships during life’s most uncertain moments.
“If I’m going to go through this, I want to grow through this.” – Thomas Kealey
Time Stamps for The Other Side of Caregiving: Grief, Vulnerability & Finding Joy with Lindsey & Thomas Kealey (315)
03:59 Transition from caregiver to patient
09:52 Keys to acceptance and trust in medical care
24:51 Supporting each other through grief and fear
34:59 Practical tools for caregivers and patients
45:11 Talking about fear and end-of-life conversations
55:10 Creating normalcy and connection in the hospital
59:51 Living with uncertainty and foreboding joy
About our Guests – Lindsey & Thomas Kealey
Thomas is a dedicated Preoperative & Post Anesthesia charge nurse in Bend, Oregon. As a co-host of the Brain it On! Podcast, he shares insights from his personal journey with Multiple Phenotype Acute Leukemia (MPAL) and a bone marrow transplant. His mission is strengthened by the mutual support he shared with his mother, who had pancreatic cancer, to inspire and help others facing medical challenges.
Lindsey is an instructor of Human Development and Family Sciences at Oregon State University and the author of PAWsitive Choices Social and Emotional Learning. Her experience teaching in elementary schools and higher education led her to create a curriculum that integrates neuroscience and problem-solving to foster children’s resilience. As a co-host of the Brain it On! Podcast, she s…
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Bonus – Curiosity Over Certainty: The Secret to More Secure Relationships with Ann & Sue (314)
20 oktober 2026 · 14 min
Patreon/Supercast Special Release – Lees meer
Bonus – Curiosity Over Certainty: The Secret to More Secure Relationships with Ann & Sue (314)
This is a sneak peek of our newest episode – available only on our Premium Supercast and Patreon platforms. For as little as $5/month you can have access to special releases like this one, first-to-know about upcoming events and discounts and an ad-free feed.
Click here to join & finish the episode!!
Are you curious—or just looking for reassurance?
Sue and Ann are back to explore why genuine curiosity is harder than it sounds—and why our need for certainty can quietly interfere with connection. Through relatable examples, attachment science, and a little self-reflection, Ann and Sue highlight the difference between seeking answers and cultivating true curiosity. They explore how our assumptions about ourselves and others shape our relationships, why uncertainty can feel threatening, and how learning to sit with discomfort can open the door to deeper understanding. From challenging the stories we tell ourselves to recognizing our own emotional reactions, discover practical ways to move beyond defensiveness, strengthen self-awareness, and build more secure, connected relationships—starting with yourself.
“You need to point your curiosity inward first.” – Sue Marriott, LCSW CGP
Time Stamps for Bonus – Curiosity Over Certainty: The Secret to More Secure Relationships with Ann & Sue (314)
01:05 Exploring curiosity as a tool for connection
09:35 Understanding our stories and assumptions
14:47 The importance of self-reflection in curiosity
25:12 Challenging certainty
31:59 The role of attachment in curiosity
39:47 Practical steps to cultivate curiosity
Looking for our Upcoming Events? Click here!! – Ann & Sue have LIVE training sessions in November and December in partnership with the Trauma Therapist Institute… you won’t want to miss them!
Our Beyond Attachment Styles course is available NOW!
Learn how your nervous system, you…
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Beyond Western Psychology: Decolonizing Mental Health Through Testimony Therapy with Dr. Makungu Akinyela (313)
13 oktober 2026 · 1 uur 2 min
Testimony is more than telling your story—it’s reclaiming the power to heal Lees meer
Psychologist, scholar, and activist Dr. Makungu Akinyela explores Testimony Therapy, an African-centered approach that emphasizes storytelling, cultural identity, ancestral wisdom, and community connection. Alongside co-host Sue Marriott, they examine how colonialism and systemic oppression shape mental health, the power of oral traditions in healing, and why meaningful change requires moving beyond individual treatment toward collective healing and liberation.
“The story is not just one person’s story. It’s a shared story.” – Dr. Makungu Akinyela
Time Stamps for Beyond Western Psychology: Decolonizing Mental Health Through Testimony Therapy with Dr. Makungu Akinyela (313)
01:09 Dr. Akinyela’s background and activism
02:22 The influence of Western psychology and decolonial thought
03:56 Fanon, Du Bois, and the roots of testimony therapy
10:32 Testimony therapy and the question of cultural narratives
13:40 Double consciousness and the experience of Blackness
17:58 Colorism, internalized racism, and social trauma
21:28 Fanon’s zone of non-being and political realities
28:10 African-centered worldview and community healing
34:04 Orality, storytelling, and the power of testimony
42:53 Signification, rhythm, and body in oral traditions
48:41 Cultural practices and healing modalities
58:13 Decentering the therapist and collaborative healing
01:02:03 Global resistance and decolonial mental health movements
About our Guest – Dr. Makungu M. Akinyela
Dr. Makungu M. Akinyela (Mah-koon-goo Ah-keen-yay-Lah) is a leading authority on cultural democracy, narrative practice, anti-racist resistance, and mental health. He is a licensed psychotherapist practicing in Atlanta, Georgia, and an Associate Professor of Africana Studies at Georgia State University. He is the creator of the African-centered approach to narrative practice called testimony therapy and the author of the book Testimony …
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Secure-ish: Rethinking Self-Worth & Attachment with Dr. Marisa G. Franco (312)
29 september 2026 · 1 uur 6 min
What does self-worth really look like when we stop trying to be perfectly secure? Lees meer
Dr. Ann Kelley talks with psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Marisa G. Franco about her new book, Worth: The New Science of Self-Esteem and Secure Attachment. Dr. Franco challenges the idea that healing means becoming perfectly “secure,” arguing instead for becoming “secure-ish”—learning to acknowledge insecurity, shame, vulnerability, and other difficult emotions without judging or rejecting those parts of ourselves. She explores the difference between self-esteem and true self-worth, why some people struggle to receive love or positive feedback, and how our deeply held stories about ourselves can shape the relationships and experiences we seek out. The conversation also navigates into the science of memory and memory reconsolidation, including how past experiences can continue to influence our emotions and reactions even when we don’t consciously remember them.
“Being a steward of self-worth for self and for others is about allowing people to make mistakes and be imperfect.” – Dr. Marisa G. Franco
Time Stamps for Secure-ish: Rethinking Self-Worth & Attachment with Dr. Marisa G. Franco (312)
01:57 Why friendship matters more than we think
04:01 The problem with attachment styles as status symbols
08:00 Memory as the database of self-perception
13:58 The role of implicit and explicit memory
25:59 The role of body sensations in healing
31:59 Overcoming self-criticism and building resilience
36:07 The Science of Memory and Emotional Triggers
40:02 Addressing detachment and dissociation
47:57 Practical tools for lasting change
49:55 The Future of Self-Worth and Emotional Freedom
About our Guest – Dr. Marisa G. Franco
An enlightening psychologist, international speaker, and New York Times bestselling author, Dr. Marisa G Franco is known for digesting and communicating science in ways that resonate deeply enough with people to change their lives. She works as a professo…
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Bonus – The Art of Allowing: Psychedelics, Breathwork & Expanded States of Consciousness with Patty Nagle (311)
8 september 2026 · 12 min
Explore expanded states of consciousness with Patty Nagle's insights on breathwork and psychedelics for personal transformation.
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Attachment Isn’t Solo Work: Healing Through Community with Martin Jonsson (310)
1 september 2026 · 52 min
Learn how attachment healing can improve your relationships and foster deeper connections within your community and beyond.
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DBT, Chronic Invalidation & Finding Queer Joy with Dr. Kiki Fehling (309)
18 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 7 min
Discover how DBT can cultivate joy and self-acceptance, addressing the effects of chronic invalidation on queer identities.
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Bonus – Inside Mentalization-Based Treatment: Borderline & Narcissistic Personality Disorders (308)
11 augustus 2026 · 17 min
Delve into Mentalization-Based Treatment to support those with Borderline Narcissistic traits and strengthen emotional intelligence.
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Challenging Personalities: Understanding Borderline & Narcissism with Robert Drozek (307)
4 augustus 2026 · 58 min
Borderline and narcissism are often misunderstood—this episode separates myth from science. Lees meer
Robert Drozek explores the science behind borderline and narcissistic personality disorders, separating common myths from current research. Together, he and Sue discuss attachment, trauma, genetics, parenting, evidence-based treatments, and why understanding these often misunderstood conditions can bring greater compassion, hope, and healthier relationships.
“Borderline is driven by a need to reconnect.” – Robert P. Drozek, LICSW
Time Stamps for Challenging Personalities: Understanding Borderline & Narcissism with Robert Drozek (307)
04:14 Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder
09:25 Exploring narcissism: Definitions and types
13:29 Vulnerable vs. grandiose narcissism
18:56 The Role of Trauma in Personality Disorders
22:25 Parenting styles and their impact on narcissism
27:14 Identifying narcissism in relationships
33:34 Treatment approaches for Borderline Personality Disorder
36:45 Challenges in treating Narcissistic Personality Disorder
45:26 Navigating relationships with narcissistic individuals
About our Guest – Robert P. Drozek, LICSW
Robert P. Drozek, LICSW is the clinical director of the Mentalization-Based Treatment Clinic at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts. He is a teaching associate in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, specializing in the treatment of
borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. He is author of the new book, Mentalization: Utilizing reflection to heal from borderline personality disorder—the first book for the general public about
mentalization-based treatment.
Resources for Challenging Personalities: Understanding Borderline & Narcissism with Robert Drozek (307)
Download page – Free worksheets and handouts from the book
Mentalization Coach App – The first mobile app for mentalization and MBT,
adapted from my new book
Mentalization…
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The Hidden Weight of Systemic Trauma: How to Responsibly Externalize with Akilah Riley-Richardson (306)
21 juli 2026 · 55 min
What is responsible externalization? Lees meer
Learn how therapists can address systematic trauma and create space for grief and imagination in their practices. This episode brought to you by Simple Practice and www.therapistuncensored.com/join.
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Trust Builders: Leadership That Creates Change with Amy Holloway (305)
14 juli 2026 · 57 min
The leadership skill that changes everything
Special guest Amy Holloway explores how trust shapes thriving communities, effective leadership, and long-term economic growth. Drawing from interviews with leaders across the United States, Amy shares the simple but powerful behaviors that build trust, strengthen collaboration, and create meaningful change - whether in organizations, neighborhoods, or entire cities. Together, Amy and Ann discuss the leadership traits that foster connection, the behaviors that erode trust, and why building community starts with intentional relationships. Lees meer"Trust-building is within everyone's power." - Amy Holloway
Time Stamps for Trust Builders: Leadership That Creates Change with Amy Holloway (305)
00:15 Importance of establishing trust in communities
07:32 Trust breakers vs. trust builders
14:18 Characteristics of effective community leaders
19:52 Insights from interviews with local leaders
25:33 Crisis management and community recovery
About our Guest - Amy Holloway, President of Aha!
Amy Holloway is the president of Aha!, an economic development consultancy specializing in strategic planning, and a practitioner-in-residence with Harvard Kennedy School’s Reimagining the Economy Project. Over a 30-year career, she has helped more than 200 places design strategies for long-term economic growth and community prosperity. A retired partner at Ernst & Young and leader of the firms national economic development practice, Amy previously founded and led Avalanche Consulting, one of the nation’s leading strategic planning firms. With her upbeat, welcoming style, she brings local leaders together through conversations that spark “aha!” moments and shared action. Her new #1 bestselling book, Trust Builders: The Key To Thriving Communities, is the culmination of Amy's career-long belief that trust among local leaders is the single most powerful force shaping thriving communities. Amy lives in Asheville, North Carolina. In her free time, she enjoy… -
Healing Through Spirituality, Writing, and Connection with Dr. Sabrina N’Diaye (304)
7 juli 2026 · 56 min
In the ongoing effort to expand perspectives, Sue Marriott talks with Dr. Sabrina N'Diaye. Sister Sabrina as she calls herself shares incredible stories and surprising insights that help to widen our mental health perspective. She focuses on a more holistic approach to healing that blends spirituality, therapy, ancestral wisdom, and community connection. Together, they explore the transformative power of writing, forgiveness, and intentional rituals, while discussing how self-love, collective healing, and honoring every emotion can help us reconnect with ourselves and move through trauma with greater compassion and resilience. Lees meer
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The Hidden Parts of OCD: ERP, IFS, and Self-Leadership with Melissa Mose (303)
23 juni 2026 · 1 uur 11 min
OCD isn't just about managing symptoms—it's about understanding the parts beneath them
In the third and final part of our OCD series, expert Melissa Mose explores the complexities of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), discussing evidence-based treatments like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and how Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy can complement traditional approaches. Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience, Melissa shares practical strategies for navigating OCD, while highlighting the roles of self-leadership, compassion, and understanding the different "parts" that influence thoughts, fears, and behaviors. Lees meer"ERP has been shown to be the most effective treatment. Exposures help the brain rewire and learn resilience." - Melissa Mose
Time Stamps for The Hidden Parts of OCD: ERP, IFS, and Self-Leadership with Melissa Mose (303)
00:12 Introduction to OCD and treatment
02:58 Understanding exposure and response prevention (ERP)
08:13 The role of the therapist in ERP
10:45 Integrating internal family systems (IFS) with ERP
13:30 The impact of shame in OCD
16:09 Differentiating reassurance from compulsions
36:25 Understanding exiled parts in therapy
40:58 Obsessive and compulsive parts: A closer look
43:38 Navigating the helicopter parent dynamic
47:40 Differentiating between anxiety and OCD
55:45 The connection between attachment and OCD
About our Guest - Melissa Mose, LMFT
Melissa Mose is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a private practice in Los Angeles since 1995. She has specialized in the treatment of OCD and anxiety since 2011 and currently trains and supervises associates in her group practice. Melissa is also an Internal Family Systems therapist. She is Level 3 trained and Certified and an IFSI-approved clinical consultant. She has served on staff as a PA for multiple Level 1 and Level 2 experiential IFS trainings through the IFS Institute. Melissa’s experience as the parent of a child with OCD led her to spec… -
Bonus – Living Beyond the OCD Loop with Ally Kristan (302)
16 juni 2026 · 19 min
Patreon/Supercast Special Release –
Bonus - Living Beyond the OCD Loop with Ally Kristan (302)
This is a sneak peek of our episode with Ally Kristan, and part two of our three part series on OCD – available only on our Premium Supercast and Patreon platforms. For as little as $5/month you can have access to special releases like this one, first-to-know about upcoming events and discounts and an ad-free feed.
Click here to join & finish the episode!! Lees meerWhat is OCD really like beyond the stereotypes?
In part two of our three part series on deepening the understanding OCD, Marine biologist and author Ally Kristan shares her lifelong experience living with OCD, challenging common misconceptions that reduce the disorder to cleanliness or organization. Ally discusses the intrusive thoughts, compulsions, shame, and relentless search for certainty that characterize OCD, as well as the relief of finally receiving a diagnosis and effective support. Together, Ally and Dr. Ann Kelley explore themes of control, uncertainty, mindfulness, relationships, self-compassion, and how healing can come from understanding—not fighting—the parts of ourselves that struggle. The episode offers an honest, hopeful look at living with OCD and finding ways to transform fear into meaning and connection."We're not out of touch with reality. We know that what we're doing doesn't make sense, but we just can't help doing it anyway." - Ally Kristan
Time Stamps for Bonus - Living Beyond the OCD Loop with Ally Kristan (302)
06:34 Personal journey: Discovering my OCD
11:34 Therapeutic insights: The role of specialists
16:19 The OCD loop: Understanding the cycle
23:01 Transforming OCD: Finding positive outlets
31:03 Radical acceptance and its challenges
35:10 Finding Authenticity in Confrontation
42:23 Transforming compulsions into positive rituals
52:28 The balance of reassurance in relationships
55:59 The intersection of OCD and career choices
58:00 Lessons from penguins: Resilience and love
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Why Certainty Isn’t the Answer: OCD, Intrusive Thoughts & Recovery with Dr. Jon Abramowitz (301)
9 juni 2026 · 1 uur 11 min
You can't think your way out of OCD
In part one of our three-part series on Anxiety and OCD, Dr. Jon Abramowitz helps us understand why intrusive thoughts are normal, how OCD turns them into a source of distress, and what keeps the cycle going. We explore uncertainty, reassurance-seeking, relationship dynamics, and the research-backed treatments that help people reclaim their lives from OCD.In this conversation, we unpack the surprising truth about intrusive thoughts, why reassurance often backfires, and how learning to tolerate uncertainty can be a powerful path toward recovery. Lees meer"There is no such thing as absolute certainty." - Dr. Jon Abramowitz
Time Stamps for Why Certainty Isn't the Answer: OCD, Intrusive Thoughts & Recovery with Dr. Jon Abramowitz (301)
02:40 Understanding anxiety and its disorders
05:46 Distinguishing normal anxiety from OCD
08:21 The nature of obsessional thoughts
14:09 The cycle of OCD and compulsions
16:53 The role of exposure and response prevention
19:44 Understanding scrupulosity in OCD
25:25 Treatment approaches for OCD
33:34 Managing distress in OCD therapy
36:55 Understanding control and uncertainty in OCD
40:41 Distinguishing OCD from Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
50:02 Supporting loved ones with OCD
About our Guest - Dr. Jon Abramowitz (301)
Jonathan (Jon) Abramowitz, Ph.D., is Professor and Director of Clinical Training in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His research and clinical work focuses on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety disorders, including fears and phobias, health anxiety, and panic attacks. He has authored over 350 scientific publications and 20 books, which have been translated into several languages. He served as President of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies and as Editor or Associate Editor of several academic journals. Dr. Abramowitz has received wide recognition for his scholarly work and contributio… -
300 Episodes In: Why Feedback Is So Hard (300)
26 mei 2026 · 1 uur 2 min
Celebrating 300 episodes with one of the hardest relationship skills: feedback.
Sue and Ann reflect on a decade of podcasting and dive into one of the the most challenging parts of any relationship: giving and receiving feedback. Through candid personal stories, humor, and clinical insight, they explore how attachment history, defensiveness, trauma, and vulnerability shape the way we handle conflict and communication. This conversation explains why feedback can feel so threatening, how couples get stuck arguing facts instead of feelings, and why repair—not perfection—is the foundation of healthy relationships. Lees meer"Feedback is a bid for connection." - Sue Marriott, LCSW CGP
Time Stamps for 300 Episodes In: Why Feedback Is So Hard (300)
01:56 The challenge of feedback: Giving and receiving
07:29 Understanding the difficulty of giving feedback
11:06 The fear of feedback: Avoidance and anticipation
16:15 The overestimation of awareness: Why we hold back
26:32 Navigating the receiving end of feedback
32:34 Impact over intent: The key to effective communication
34:54 Navigating feedback and racial sensitivity
41:08 Defensiveness in relationships
52:09 The role of trauma in relationshipsPlease support our sponsors – they keep our podcast free and accessible to all!
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Learn how your nervous system, your mind, and your relationships work together in a fascinating dance, shaping who you are and how you connect with others. Online, Self-Paced, Asynchronous Learning with Quarterly Live Q&A's! Earn 6 Continuing Education Credits – Available at Checkout As a listener of this podcast, use code BAS15 for a limited-time discount.You are invited!
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Self-Led Sexuality: Reclaiming Intimacy Through IFS with Patricia Rich, LCSW (299)
12 mei 2026 · 1 uur 20 min
Sex can feel complicated when our parts get involved
Patricia Rich introduces the concept of self-led sexuality — approaching sexuality from curiosity, compassion, and connection rather than fear or conditioning. She explains how understanding our internal “parts” can help individuals navigate conflicting desires, deepen consent, and create greater safety within themselves and their relationships. Explore the complexities of sexuality, emphasizing the importance of self-led sexuality and the integration of Internal Family Systems (IFS) in sexual therapy. The conversation also examines the broader cultural forces that influence sexuality, including capitalism, gender expectations, and the silence many therapists themselves experience around sexual topics. Grounded in both clinical insight and humanity, this episode offers a refreshing framework for understanding sexuality as a space for healing, embodiment, and authentic connection. Lees meer"Listening to our desires doesn't mean we have to act on them all. Simply acknowledging the parts of ourselves who hold those desires and validating their longings can bring inner connection and vitality." - Patricia Rich, LCSW CST-S
Time Stamps for Bonus - Self-Led Sexuality: Reclaiming Intimacy Through IFS with Patricia Rich, LCSW CST-S (299)
01:51 The challenges of discussing sexuality
07:53 Integrating IFS into sexual therapy
13:39 The positive intentions of our parts
22:17 Self-led sexuality: Leading from within
28:01 Therapists' relationship with sexuality
35:51 The six S's of sexual self-energy
40:28 Creating Safety in Sexual Conversations
45:03 Exploring sensuality and its barriers
01:01:10 Exploring exiled parts and performance pressure
01:05:07 The concept of internal consent
01:11:36 Cultural influences on sexuality and self-perceptionAbout our Guest - Patricia Rich, LCSW, CST-S (She/Her)
Patricia Rich, LCSW, CST-S (she/her) is an IFS Institute Certified Level 3 IFS Therapist and Approved Consultant and an AASECT Certifie…
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Between Two Worlds: Navigating Bicultural Identity with Sahaj Kohli, MA.Ed, LGPC, NCC (298)
28 april 2026 · 48 min
What does it mean to belong to more than one world at once?
Sahaj Kohli—founder of Brown Girl Therapy and author of What Will People Say?—explores the emotional complexity of bicultural identity, the immigrant experience, and the hidden pressures of being “culturally enough.” Together, we explore how culture shapes mental health, why many therapy models miss the mark for marginalized communities, and what truly culturally responsive care can look like. Sahaj also shares how social media became a lifeline for connection, community, and healing for people navigating multiple identities. This episode offers powerful insight for therapists, helpers, and anyone balancing family expectations, identity, and belonging across cultures. Lees meer"Collectives are made of individuals, and we can't be our best selves within those collectives and in those roles if we are not also taking care of ourselves. Yet we can't be our best selves as individuals without considering the collective and our communities.” - Sahaj Kohli
Time Stamps for Between Two Worlds: Navigating Bicultural Identity with Sahaj Kohli (298)
03:46 Cultural identity and the immigrant experience
07:28 The birth of Brown Girl Therapy
11:22 Understanding the dominant narrative
15:07 Cultural differences in communication and boundaries
19:05 Cultural responsiveness in therapy
26:49 The burden of cultural "enoughness"
29:11 Navigating pride and shame in biculturalism
31:08 Grief and loss in cultural transition
39:20 Resources for bicultural and multicultural understanding
About our Guest - Sahaj Kohli MA.Ed, LGPC, NCC
Sahaj Kohli by Beowulf SheehanSahaj Kaur Kohli MA.Ed, LGPC, NCC is an award-winning therapist and mental health educator. She is the founder of Brown Girl Therapy (@browngirltherapy), the first and largest mental health and wellness community organization for adult children of immigrants, an advice columnist for the Washington Post, and host and creator of the limited series podcast, So We’ve Been Told. Saha…
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Bonus – The 5 Phases of Divorce: From Heartbreak to Healing with Oona Metz (297)
21 april 2026 · 15 min
Therapist and author Oona Metz draws on three decades of experience supporting women through divorce. She breaks down the emotional arc of separation through her five-phase model, offering a clear lens into the grief, upheaval, and eventual growth that can unfold. The episode also explores common misconceptions, practical guidance for clinicians and individuals, and the powerful role of support groups in the healing process. Listen now at TherapistUncensored.com/TU297 Lees meer
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Inner Stability in an Unstable World: Margaret Cullen on Equanimity (296)
14 april 2026 · 53 min
Explore the role of equanimity, mindfulness, and compassion in navigating an increasingly complex world. Special guest
Margaret Cullen alongside co-host Sue Marriott discuss the evolution of mindfulness in modern culture, the foundations of compassion-based practices, and how these approaches can support resilience and emotional balance. Grounded in both clinical insight and lived practice, this conversation offers a thoughtful, accessible perspective on cultivating steadiness and clarity in the midst of ongoing challenges. Listen to the full episode now at TherapistUncensored.com/TU296 Lees meer -
Where Personal Healing Meets Collective Change with Prentis Hemphill (295)
31 maart 2026 · 50 min
Prentis Hemphill, alongside co-host Sue Marriott, traces their path from social organizing to somatic therapy, revealing how personal healing and collective transformation are deeply intertwined. Together, they explore how inherited myths, power dynamics, and collective trauma shape both our inner worlds and our social systems. This episode invites therapists and change makers alike to consider healing as more than an individual process—it’s relational, embodied, and political in impact.
Prentice offers grounded reflections and practical tools for working with the body, navigating power, and engaging in healing that extends beyond the self. Listen to the full episode now at TherapistUncensored.com/TU295 Lees meer -
Bonus – Hormones, Libido, and the Missing Conversation About Women’s Bodies with Dr. Christine Vaccaro (294)
24 maart 2026 · 59 min
Dr. Christine Vaccaro helps demystify women’s sexual health - exploring everything from hormones and anatomy to libido and pelvic floor challenges. Together, we break down what’s often misunderstood or overlooked, offering clear, empowering insights to help women better understand their bodies and advocate for their care. Listen now at TherapistUncensored.com/TU294 Lees meer
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How Music Heals What Words Can’t with Ann Koplow (293)
17 maart 2026 · 42 min
Ann Koplow shares her journey as a therapist and musician, discussing the healing power of music, her experiences with a rare heart condition, and the importance of authenticity in therapy. She emphasizes the role of shamelessness in creative expression and how songwriting serves as a therapeutic tool for both herself and her clients. The conversation explores the impact of music on mental health, the creation of community through shared experiences, and the necessity of letting go of
shame to embrace one's true self. Listen now at TherapistUncensored.com/TU293 Lees meer -
From Crisis to Connection: Attachment as a Lifeline with Dr. Lisa Firestone (292)
3 maart 2026 · 57 min
Co-host Sue Marriott and guest Lisa Firestone examine how attachment wounds, emotional dysregulation, and relational disconnection can quietly escalate into crisis. Together they explore the often-overlooked link between attachment patterns and suicidality, and why understanding your relational blueprint may be one of the most important protective factors you have. Blending research, clinical experience, and practical strategies, this episode offers tools for building emotional resilience, increasing self-awareness, and supporting others through vulnerable moments. Listen to the full episode now at TherapistUncensored.com/TU292 Lees meer
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Why Long-Term Love Gets Complicated: A Scientific Approach with Dr. Justin Garcia (291)
17 februari 2026 · 1 uur 7 min
Evolutionary biologist Dr. Justin Garcia joins co-host Sue Marriott to deepen our understanding of the myths and realities of modern relationships. From monogamy to consensual non-monogamy, we explore how jealousy and trust function - not as flaws - but as deeply human signals shaped by biology and attachment. Dr. Garcia breaks down how relationships shift over
time, especially as we age, and why sexual satisfaction isn’t just about frequency - it’s about novelty, meaning, and connection. We dive into the neuroscience of intimacy, including the roles of dopamine and oxytocin, and revisit the Kinsey scale to better understand the fluidity of sexual orientation. This conversation is a grounded, nuanced look at how passion evolves, and how couples can intentionally cultivate desire, curiosity, and emotional safety over the long haul. Check it out at TherapistUncensored.com/TU291 Lees meer -
Nontoxic Guide to Healthy Living with Dr. Aly Cohen (290)
3 februari 2026 · 1 uur 2 min
Dr. Aly Cohen and co-host Dr. Ann Kelley discuss the often-overlooked importance of drinking water quality, the impact of environmental toxins on health, and the connection between gut health and mental well-being. Dr. Cohen highlights the alarming rise of autoimmune diseases and the role of hormones and chemicals in our health. Learn practical, manageable ways to reduce toxin exposure, while exploring how nutrition, lifestyle choices, education, and community support play a vital role in empowering people to take control of their health. Lees meer
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Celebrating 10 Years of TU: Growth, Reflections & the Future (289)
20 januari 2026 · 50 min
In this special 10-year anniversary episode, Sue and Ann reflect on a decade of Therapist Uncensored - how it began, how it’s changed, and how the relationships formed have deepened along the way. They share candidly about the influence from our listeners in keeping them curious, accountable, and grounded, as well as the ways their own thinking has evolved through conversations with leading experts and thoughtful audience feedback. Together they explore the joys and tensions of teaching in the mental health space, including the importance of humility, questioning long-held assumptions, and recognizing the limits of any single perspective. This episode is both a celebration and a recommitment - to inclusivity, to amplifying diverse voices, and to ongoing learning in a field that is constantly evolving. And above all, it’s a heartfelt thank-you to the community that has made the last ten years possible. View the full show notes at TherapistUncensored.com/TU289 Lees meer
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In Each Other’s Care: Building & Sustaining Healthy Relationships with Stan Tatkin – Replay – (288)
6 januari 2026 · 54 min
Conflict in relationships is inevitable - find out the ins and outs of repair for healthy relationships. Lees meer
We are back with relationship expert, Dr. Stan Tatkin to explore the inner workings of relationships from a biological and societal perspective, and his new book, In Each Other's Care. All humans are complicated creatures and if we spend enough time with each other, it's going to get tense. That part is OK, but what happens after arguing disconnection or tension is what really matters.
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Improv: Fostering Connection in Challenging Conversations – Replay – (287)
16 december 2025 · 1 uur 12 min
A replay episode from our powerful interview with Lisa Kays on how improv can deepen conversations around tough topics like race and oppression.
Click Here to View the Original Episode Shownotes Lees meerImprov in Therapy and in Life –
Explore the power – and sheer fun – of using improvisation in therapy!
Dr. Ann Kelley and Lisa Kays discuss how improv can deepen conversations around tough topics like race and oppression. They examine white supremacy culture and show how improv values like collaboration, slowing down, and embracing complexity can challenge these norms. Improv fosters creativity, playfulness, and self-reflection to help reduce defensiveness and strengthen relationships in everyday life, at work, or in our closest relationships. By creating a supportive, collaborative environment, improv deepens connections and helps people tap into a wider range of emotions.
“A culture of improvisation is collaborative – it is nature – you cannot do it by yourself.” – Lisa Kays
Time Stamps for Improv in Therapy & Life03:30 The integration of improv and tough conversations
10:03 The origins of improv and its connection to social justice
14:27 Contrasting white supremacy culture and improv culture
19:20 Questioning cultural norms and valuing relationships
25:29 The power of the ‘And' in joining and connecting
38:27 The power of improv in building secure relationships
53:25 Embracing creativity and letting go of perfectionism
58:12 Creating a culture of support and collaboration
01:05:04 Applying improv in everyday life
01:09:10 Deepening connections and accessing different emotionsAbout our Guest for Improv Therapy – Lisa Kays LICSW, LCSW, LCSW-C
Lisa Kays, LICSW, LCSW-C, LCSW, is an independently licensed clinical social worker in Washington, D.C, Maryland, Virginia, Oregon and New Jersey. She obtained her MSW from Catholic University in 2011 and has worked in a variety of clinical settings. Since 2013, she has been in private practice, providing individual, couples and … -
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Use the VCR Method to navigate difficult conversations without retreating or conflicting. Lees meer
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