Ep. 59: Becoming Your Own Authority with Tanya Ruckstuhl

What does it really mean to become your own authority? In this episode, I sit down with the brilliantly quirky Tanya Ruckstuhl - psychotherapist, writer and author of How to Be a Human and Not An A$$hole - to talk about self-trust, personal growth and why social skills matter now more than ever. We explore how to stop outsourcing your power, navigate relationships with more clarity and embrace the messy, magical work of being fully human. Tune in for wisdom, humor and a few unexpected truth bombs that inevitably drop when two therapists get together.  MORE ABOUT TANYA:  Tanya Ruckstuhl, LICSW is a writer and psychotherapist working with individuals and couples in North Seattle, and a mother and step mother to three twenty-three-year-olds who crown her biggest dork on the planet. She loves gardening, dancing and hanging out with friends. She recently published a self-help book on social skills, How to Be a Human and Not An A$$hole, available at Amazon.com. You can find her website at www.TherapistSeattle.net as well as her award-winning mental health blog at https://seattletherapist.wordpress.com/ MORE ABOUT ME: I'm a mental health therapist, speaker, author and educator who helps organizations bridge the gap between knowing and doing the things that foster well-being, resilience and success. With expertise in school counseling, trauma-informed practices, and social-emotional intelligence (SEI), I help teams address the root causes of issues such as burnout, communication breakdowns, and resistance to change—rather than just treating surface-level symptoms. My engaging, evidence-based approach equips audiences with the skills to navigate discomfort, build trust and create healthier, more adaptive workplaces. I'm also a "Resolutionist" with Empowered Workplace Dispute Resolution, where I leverage my trauma-informed expertise to guide difficult conversations with compassion and clarity. I create safe spaces for resolving conflicts, turning challenges into growth opportunities. Whether working with frontline workers, organizational teams or educational leaders, I help people feel seen, heard and valued—transforming disputes into deeper understanding. MORE WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME: * Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive content, the latest news and more! I post a few times a month so I won't be inundating your inbox * If you know (or are) a business owner, nonprofit leader, or team manager who's ready to invest in their people and create real, lasting change, connect us! Let's partner to build workplaces where well-being and success go hand in hand. My online membership space is an incredible and affordable value add that helps you get at the root of obstacles to success and overall wellness.  * Book me for a workshop or speaking event! Email me at [email protected] * Read or listen to my book Could It Be Better? An unorthodox approach to experiencing more joy and connection in relationships * Find me @cheranderton on Instagram and TikTok Disclaimer: My podcast and other work on social platforms are for educational purposes only and are not meant to be a replacement for professional mental health services. We are not creating a client/therapist relationship through social media, including comments and direct messages. This platform is not monitored 24/7 so if you feel unsafe or need immediate help in any way, please call an emergency number that can meet your needs.