Therapy is Dope with Alicia and Laura

Can children access their own inner knowing — and can we teach them to trust it? In this episode of Therapy is Dope with Alicia and Laura, Alicia sits down with Veronica Moya, internationally recognized children's wellness & mindfulness expert, author, and founder of Mindful V™, for a conversation on mindfulness, consciousness, and helping kids develop intuition and self-trust from an early age.Veronica has spent over a decade redefining mindfulness for the next generation — not as sitting still, but as an energizing, intuitive practice. Through her Mindful V™ Method, she uses visualization, storytelling, affirmations, gratitude, singing, and emotional-awareness tools to help children move through anxiety, overstimulation, rejection, and self-doubt with more resilience and clarity. Together, we explore what "inner knowing" really means, how consciousness and awareness show up in kids long before adults think to nurture them, and why teaching intuition early may be one of the most protective mental-health gifts we can give a child.In this episode:What childhood intuition looks like — and how adults accidentally teach kids to ignore itPractical tools parents and educators can use with children todayHow consciousness and self-awareness connect to confidenceReframing mindfulness as essential mental hygiene for the next generationLearn more about Veronica's work at veronicamoya.com or @VeronicaMoyaMindfulness on YouTube.🎧 New to the show? Therapy is Dope with Alicia and Laura takes an honest, no-BS look at mental health, consciousness, and what it really means to heal. Follow so you never miss an episode.#TherapyIsDope #ChildrensMindfulness #Intuition #Consciousness #MindfulParenting #MeditationForKids #EmotionalIntelligence #InnerKnowing #ConsciousParenting #MentalHealthPodcast

In this episode of Therapy is Dope with Alicia and Laura, Alicia sits down with Thayne Martin, founder of Itspurelove.com and creator of the Equation of Life and Abundant Happiness (ELAH). Thayne shares his story with striking candor — surviving childhood sexual trauma, the psychological aftermath thatfollowed him into adulthood, and the near-death experience that ultimately became the turning point of his life.Thayne opens up about what that experience showed him, and how it reshaped the way he understands healing, identity, and human connection. From there, the conversation turns to the framework he built in its wake: a programgrounded in love and gratitude, designed not just to inspire but to create measurable, lasting behavioral change.Alicia and Thayne dig into what actually makes change stick — why insight alone often isn't enough, how the nervous system learns through experience rather than information, and what it looks like to rebuild a life on a foundation of gratitude after profound trauma. This is a raw, hopeful conversation about pain, purpose, and the possibility of transformation on theother side of survival.Topics Covered:●     Thayne's story of childhood sexual trauma and its lasting psychological impact●     His near-death experience and what it revealed to him●     Turning survival into purpose: the origin of the ELAH framework●     Why lasting change requires more than information or motivation●     Gratitude and love as the foundation of sustainable healing●     How experiential learning creates measurable, lasting behavioral changeGuest LinksWebsite: itspurelove.comInstagram: @thaynemartin#sexualtraumarecovery #childhoodtraumahealing #neardeathexperience #NDE #trauma #gratitude #nervoussystemhealing

We're shifting focus. After spending Season 3 in the weeds of relationships and healing, Alicia and Laura are opening up a new direction within the season — consciousness, awareness, and what it actually means to understand your own mind.In this episode, we introduce the shift: what is consciousness, why we're pointing the podcast here now, and what it means for how we think about healing, growth, and being present in our own lives. This isn't a new season — it's a new chapter of the conversation we've been having all along, just aimed at bigger questions.Same direct, no-BS approach you know from the podcast. New territory. Let's get into it.

What happens when a marriage doesn't blow up — it just quietly goes on pause? This week we sit down with Dr. Lee Baucom, a marriage therapist and relationship coach with over 30 years in the field, two master's degrees, and a Ph.D. in marriage and family therapy. Lee has spent decades challenging the traditional couples-counseling model, and he brought that perspective straight to the mic.At the heart of our conversation is what Lee calls the "pause button marriage" — the slow drift that happens when careers, kids, and the endless logistics of daily life quietly replace real connection. Couples tell themselves they'll reconnect "once things settle down," only to realize the us has been eroding the whole time. Lee's big reframe: most so-called communication problems are actually connection problems, and a relationship is never truly on hold — it's either growing or shrinking.We get into why even one partner can begin to turn things around, how to shift from me vs. you to a genuine we, and the small, repeatable habits that rebuild connection without grand gestures or waiting on your spouse to change first.Two resources Lee has built for exactly this work:His Save the Marriage System (SaveTheMarriage.com) is designed for marriages in crisis — the ones hanging on by a thread, especially when only one partner is ready to do the work. It goes underneath surface-level conflict to address the deeper emotional dynamics keeping a couple stuck.His Unpause app (UnPauseYourMarriage.com) is for couples who aren't in full crisis but have drifted into that stale, disconnected place. It delivers daily exercises, reminders, and coaching prompts to rebuild connection one small, intentional step at a time — turning vague good intentions into actual daily action.Whether your relationship feels distant or you're just trying to stay intentional, this one's full of practical, hopeful, do-it-today tools.

Grief doesn't move in a straight line — it can be very erratic. In this episode of Therapy is Dope with Alicia and Laura, we talk openly about our own, recent, grief and loss while moving through it in different ways.We get raw about what grief actually feels like: the emotional rollercoaster, the unpredictable waves of intermittent grief that return long after a loss, the confusion of laughing one minute and crying the next, and what it means to find the rainbow after the storm — holding grief and meaning in the same hands.Whether you're grieving the loss of a relationship, a loved one, or a pet, we hope this conversation helps you feel less alone.🎧 Listen to Therapy is Dope with Alicia and Laura wherever you get your podcasts.This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment. If you are struggling, please reach out to a licensed provider or, in a crisis, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.#grief #griefsupport #mentalhealth #therapyisdope #grievingtogether #lossandhealing #emotionalhealth #copingwithgrief

On this episode of Therapy is Dope with Alicia and Laura, we sit down with Michael Anthony for a wide-ranging conversation on men's mental health, ketamine-assisted therapy, and martial arts. We start with the heart of it: why so many men learn to armor up instead of feel, what it actually takes to drop that armor, and how strength and vulnerability stop being opposites. That opens into ketamine-assisted therapy and trauma work—Michael breaks down in plain language what ketamine assisted therapy is, who it can help, and why the therapeutic container and integration after the medicine matters more than the medicine itself. From there we move into martial arts, where discipline, presence, and physical resilience become a doorway into the emotional work rather than a distraction from it. If you're curious about men's emotional healing, psychedelic-assisted therapy, or how the body holds what the mind won't say, this conversation meets you there—no protocols, no clichés, just the real work.Connect: 📧 [email protected] 📞 386-400-3854

This week on Therapy is Dope with Alicia and Laura, we sit down with Nahum "Justin" Vizakis — a former Army veteran who served in Iraq and came home carrying the kind of weight that doesn't show up on a scan. Nahum's story moves through loss, a near-death experience, and the slow unraveling that so many veterans and trauma survivors know well: the moment the armor that protected you starts to suffocate you instead.Nahum gets honest about what his healing actually looked like — not a straight line, not a single breakthrough, but years of reaching for meaning in different places. He shares how plantmedicine became part of his personal journey, how he turned to bodybuilding as a daily ritual of reclaiming himself, and why he came to believe that emotional pain we don't process tends to find a home in the body. This episode is a raw, honest conversation about masculinity, grief, trauma, presence, and the long work of coming home to yourself.This one's for anyone who's ever wondered what's underneath the things they don't talk about.In this eposide we discuss:•      Nahum's path from bomb technician in Iraq to author andembodiment coach•      How unprocessed trauma and grief can settle into thebody•      What his personal healing journey actually involved —and why it wasn't linear•      Plant medicine as part of his own story, told as livedexperience rather than prescription•      Bodybuilding and physical discipline as a form ofself-reclamation•      Masculinity and emotional honesty•      What "radical self-responsibility" means Nahum Vizakis is a former Army bomb technician, author, and holistic coach whose work centers on trauma recovery, embodiment, and what he calls "spiritual bodybuilding." Heis the author of The Indigo Flame, a memoir of his journey from war and trauma to healing, and The Biohacker's Guide to Spiritual Bodybuilding. Through his practice, Optimizing Human, he works with men and women on nervous-systemhealing, physical strength, and reconnecting with a sense of purpose. You can find him at optimizinghuman.com and on Instagram @spiritual_bodybuilder.Note for listeners: Nahum shares his personal experiences with plant medicine and alternative healing practices. These reflect his own journey and are not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Substances like ayahuasca, iboga, and kambo carry real physical and psychological risks and are not appropriate for everyone. If you're navigating trauma, mental health concerns, or substanceuse, please work with a licensed professional. Therapy is Dope is for education and conversation — it isn't a substitute for individualized care.

Are you addicted to screens — or just overwhelmed by it? There's a difference, and it matters.In this episode, I sit down with Eli Singer, founder of Offline.now and author of Offline.now: A Practical Guide to Healthy Digital Balance, to have an honest, shame-free conversation about our relationship with technology.Eli isn't here to tell you to throw your phone in a river. After spending years building one of the early social media agencies in North America, he pivoted — and started helping people actually live with their devices instead of being run by them. That backstory alone is worth the listen.We get into:What digital overwhelm actually looks like (and why it's showing up in therapy offices everywhere)The difference between problematic use and everyday distractionHis Offline.now Matrix — a practical, shame-free framework for understanding your digital habitsWhy "digital detox" culture often does more harm than goodSmall, sustainable changes that don't require you to go off the gridBuilding Tech That Doesn't Break People Eli is also bringing his digital wellness framework to the startup world — working with the tech entrepreneurship community at the University of Toronto's Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus. Because if we're going to build a healthier digital culture, the people building the technology need to be part of that conversation too.Whether you're a clinician seeing this come up with clients, a parent trying to navigate screens with your kids, or someone who just knows something feels off — this conversation will give you language, tools, and a little relief.🎙️ Guest: Eli Singer | @offline.now | Offline.now: A Practical Guide to Healthy Digital Balance📲 Follow Therapy is Dope with Alicia and Laura🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode — and drop a comment below: What's your relationship with your devices actually like?

What happens when a licensed therapist and a certified coach who are also married work together to help people heal and grow? You get a level of depth, balance, and real talk that most therapy or coaching spaces can't offer on their own.In this episode, I sat down with Kiana and Andrew Joyner of Soul Journey Therapy & Coaching Services — a married therapist-coach duo doing something genuinely different in the wellness space. Kiana is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 12 years of experience specializing in grief, trauma, and emotional health. Andrew is a Strategic People Advisor, SHRM-certified HR professional, and Certified Professional Coach with over 15 years in corporate leadership and communication strategy. Together, they've built a practice that doesn't make you choose between healing and moving forward — you get both.We talked about what it really means to do this work alongside your partner, how financial stress and unspoken desires affect relationships, the difference between therapy and coaching (and why most people don't actually know which one they need), and what it looks like to take that first step toward change when everything in you wants to stay stuck.Kiana is also the author of Take The Step, a guided reflection journal rooted in her own experience with grief, and both she and Andrew are Certified Wealth Educators — bringing a lens to the emotional side of financial conversations that doesn't get nearly enough airtime.This one is layered and practical. Make it to the end for a real thought-provoking, controversial question.🔗 Learn more about Soul Journey at souljourneyproject.com 📸 Follow them on Instagram: @souljourneyproject

What if the marriage advice you've been following your whole life is the exact reason you're stuck?This week, Alicia and guest co-host Kishima Garcia sit down with Monica Tanner — certified relationship coach, host of Secrets of Happily Ever After, and author of Bad Marriage Advice — to bust open the myths that keep couples disconnected, resentful, and talking in circles.Monica has spent years helping couples unlearn the clichés baked into how we think about love. Her approach, rooted in Relational Life Therapy, isn't about compromise and communication hacks — it's about telling the truth and building something real.In this episode, we get into:Why "happy wife, happy life" is doing more damage than you thinkThe problem with compromise — and what to do insteadHow to reframe sex and intimacyWhat actually breaks communication down in relationships The difference between conflict avoidance and real conflict resolutionNegotiation and Renegotiating through life transitionsWhy most couples aren't broken — they're just exhausted and under-equippedWhether you're a therapist, a partner who's tired of having the same fight on repeat, or someone who's wondered why the advice never quite works — this one's going to hit.Monica doesn't do sugarcoating. Neither do we.Connect with Monica: 🌐 monicatanner.com 🎙 Secrets of Happily Ever After (podcast) 📱 Instagram: @monitalksmarriage 📖 Bad Marriage Advice — badmarriageadvice.com

In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Barnes-Humphrey — entrepreneur, podcast host, bestselling author, and fierce advocate for self-worth — to talk about what it actually takes to find your voice, own your identity, and keep growing across a lifetime.Sarah is the founder of Let's Talk Supply Chain™, the Blended podcast, and the Blended Pledge nonprofit, which is dedicated to giving underrepresented voices a real seat at the table. Her debut memoir, I Buried Her in a French Press: A Memoir About Finding My Voice and the Power of Being Heard, is the kind of book that makes you want to bury a few old versions of yourself too — and brew something entirely new.Sarah's story isn't a clean, linear success arc. She lost her family's business at 37, sold her house, and stood at a crossroads with no safety net. Instead of shrinking, she picked up a microphone. What followed was the building of a global platform rooted in one word she chose to define her entire brand: self-worth.In this conversation, Alicia and Sarah go deep on:What it means to truly find your voice — and why so many of us are still searchingAuthenticity's role in finding your voiceHow identity shifts across a lifetime, and why that's not a crisis — it's the workThe courage it takes to be seen, especially when you've spent years making yourself smallHow vulnerability and growth are inseparableThis one is for anyone who's ever felt buried — by expectations, by roles they didn't choose, or by versions of themselves they've long outgrown. Sarah is proof that what you brew on the other side can be extraordinary.

What if the most powerful tool for your mental health was already in your ears?In this episode of Therapy is Dope, Alicia sits down with Dr. Barbara Minton — psychologist, neuroscientist, musician, and Diplomate in Quantitative EEG — to break down the real science behind music as medicine. This isn't just about putting on a playlist when you're sad. Dr. Minton explains why music works, how it changes your brain, and what you can actually do with that information starting today.In this episode, we cover:How music directly affects your nervous system and brain statesWhat neurofeedback is and how it works alongside music to rewire the brainThe role of frequency-based healing techniques in mental health treatmentWhy music is one of the most accessible tools for anxiety, depression, and trauma recoveryDr. Minton's neuroscience-informed album Calm the Storm — and how it was designed specifically to support the brain's healing processWhether you're a therapist, someone navigating anxiety or trauma, or just a person who's ever felt moved by a song and wondered why — this conversation will change the way you think about what you listen to.🌐 Learn more about Dr. Minton: musicandhealing.net 🎵 Listen to Calm the Storm 📲 Follow Therapy is Dope with Alicia & Laura#MusicTherapy #MentalHealth #Neuroscience #Neurofeedback #HealingMusic #TherapyIsDope #BrainHealth #AnxietyRelief #TraumaHealing #SoundHealing #MentalHealthPodcast #CalmTheStorm #FrequencyHealing #MusicAndTheBrain #TherapyTools

What if relief from treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, or PTSD was already FDA-approved, accessible from home, and working on your brain in ways traditional medications can't?In this episode, we sit down with Sharon Niv, co-founder of Joyous — the at-home microdose ketamine program changing how people approach mental health treatment. We cover the neuroscience, real-world outcomes, how dosing and program length actually work, medication compatibility, the debate around therapy-assisted versus unassisted ketamine, what therapists need to know about training and integration, and — Alicia's favorite part of the whole conversation — what low-dose ketamine reveals about consciousness itself.This one is for the clinicians, the skeptics, and the people curious of what they are actually capable of- link to the work below.🔗 joyous.team

We loved having Dr. David Olges on so much the first time that we had to bring him back — and this conversation did NOT disappoint. Dr. Olges gave us updates on his war efforts, and then we explored another side of his career: working with athletes and high performers on the mental game. We're talking about mindset under pressure, the dangerous relationship between identity and success, and questions we can ask ourselves to help get clarity. We even found themes and overlap to other areas of life! This is the stuff therapists talk about behind closed doors — and we're putting it all on the table. Watch the full episode and let us know what you think in the comments!

What if healing didn't have to happen on a couch? In this episode of Therapy is Dope with Alicia and Laura, we're joined by guest co-host Kishima Garcia and special guest Matt Sandoval, M.Ed., LMSW — CEO of Art Heals Arizona — for a warm, eye-opening conversation about the power of art to transform trauma into resilience.Matt shares how Art Heals Arizona uses creative expression and trained volunteer mentors to serve children and teens who have experienced abuse, neglect, and homelessness. We dig into the research behind the program, the profound impact of mentorship on kids in foster care, and the intentionality behind the training of the volunteers.Whether you're a mental health professional, an artist, or someone who just wants to make a difference — this one is for you.🎨 Art + Mentors = ResilienceFind out more: https://arthealsaz.org

What happens when you stop living in your head and come back to your body? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Julie Merriman, Ph.D., LPC-S — nervous system expert, burnout specialist, and author — to explore one of the most overlooked paths to healing: getting back into your body.We dive deep into: ✔️ What it really means to "get in the body" — and why so many high achievers have checked out of theirs ✔️ Grounding techniques rooted in somatic and nervous system science ✔️ How perfectionism keeps you stuck, exhausted, and disconnected from joy ✔️ Letting go of "performing" your life and rediscovering what genuinely lights you up ✔️ Why joy isn't a luxury — it's a nervous system needWhether you're dissociated, emotionally numb, or just running on fumes, this conversation will give you practical tools to come home to yourself.🌐 Learn more about Dr. Julie Merriman & take her FREE Somatic Signature Quiz: https://www.juliemerrimanphd.com/📖 Get her IG: dr.juliemerriman#MentalHealth #NervousSystemHealing #Grounding #Perfectionism #Joy #SomaticHealing #Burnout #WomensWellness #Podcast #MindBodyConnection #SoulJoy #DrJulieMerriman #CompassionFatigue #Healing #Mindfulness

On this episode of Therapy Is Dope with Alicia & Laura, we sit down with Martyn Williams — author of Sure, Let’s Go, the first person to lead a trek from the South Pole to the North Pole, avid climber, former monk, and lifelong seeker of insight and adventure.While his outer journey spans the most extreme points on Earth, our conversation dives into something deeper: the inner expedition. Martyn shares what his years as a monk taught him about presence, awareness, and the subtle shifts in mindset that shape a meaningful life. We explore the role of humor in spiritual growth, the power of gratitude as a daily practice, and how intentional routines supported his enlightenment journey — not as rigid discipline, but as conscious choices that cultivate clarity and connection.This episode is about more than adventure. It’s about living awake. It’s about how mindset becomes medicine. And it’s about remembering that enlightenment isn’t somewhere else — it’s here, in how we show up moment to moment.Learn more about Martyn and his work athttps://www.enlighteningadventures.com/

In this powerful episode of Therapy Is Dope with Alicia & Laura, we sit down with renowned herbalist and classical Asian medicine expert David Crow, who brings over 40 years of experience in Ayurveda, Tibetan medicine, and Chinese medicine.Together, we explore the spiritual and cultural foundations of traditional Asian medical systems—and how they differ from (and often expand beyond) Western approaches to health.David breaks down:• The shared principles of Ayurveda, Tibetan medicine, and Chinese medicine• How herbs are used differently across cultures for similar—and sometimes very distinct—purposes• The critical relationship between diet, gut health, and mental well-being• Why nutrition advice must be personalized based on age, environment, and constitution• How to simplify your diet instead of overcomplicating it• The real purpose of meditation—beyond stress relief• The difference between mindfulness for relaxation and the deeper spiritual goal of moksha (liberation or enlightenment)As a mental health counselor committed to integrative, mind-body healing, this conversation was especially meaningful. We discuss how ancient systems understood what modern neuroscience is now confirming: the gut, the mind, and consciousness are deeply interconnected.David also shares information about his telemedicine consultations and meditation courses available through CrowConsultations.com, where he continues to teach and guide students worldwide.If you’re curious about herbal medicine, holistic mental health, meditation, or bridging ancient wisdom with modern therapy—this episode is for you.🎧 Listen now and reimagine what healing really means.

In this episode of Therapy Is Dope with Alicia & Laura, we sit down with M.D. Selig, author of the provocative novel Hush, to explore some of the biggest questions humans have ever asked—about aliens, consciousness, and what it really means to be human.M.D. Selig is a writer known for blending speculative fiction with deep philosophical and psychological inquiry. In Hush, he challenges readers to look beyond conventional explanations of reality and examine how silence, awareness, and perception shape our understanding of the world—and ourselves. His work sits at the intersection of science fiction, metaphysics, and consciousness studies, inviting curiosity rather than certainty.Together, we dive into:What we mean when we talk about “aliens” and non-human intelligenceConsciousness as something that may extend beyond the brainWhy humans are both fascinated and unsettled by the unknownHow storytelling allows us to safely explore realities we’re not ready to name outrightThis conversation moves beyond the sensational and into the reflective—less about belief and more about curiosity, awareness, and the ways our minds try to make meaning of experiences that don’t fit neatly into existing frameworks.If you’re interested in consciousness, the nature of reality, or why stories about the unknown resonate so deeply with us, this episode will stretch your thinking in all the right ways.✨🎧Resources:https://www.mdselig.com/https://www.gaia.com/series/cosmic-disclosurehttps://www.farsightprime.com/

In this episode of Therapy Is Dope with Alicia & Laura, we’re joined by journalist Jacob Ward, author of The Loop: How AI Is Creating a World Without Choices and How to Fight Back, for a timely and thought-provoking conversation about artificial intelligence—and what it’s doing to the human nervous system, attachment, and brain development.Rather than focusing on dystopian hype or tech worship, this episode explores AI through a relational and psychological lens. We unpack how constant interaction with responsive, emotionally validating technology can subtly shape attachment patterns. What happens when regulation, reassurance, curiosity, or even companionship are increasingly outsourced to machines?Jacob brings deep insight into how AI is designed to mirror human connection, why that’s so compelling to our brains, and where the ethical fault lines lie. Together, we discuss:How AI may influence attachment styles and relational expectationsThe impact of AI engagement on suffering and personal growthWhat nervous systems evolved for human connection do with always-available, non-human “relationships”How clinicians, parents, and communities can stay intentional without fear-mongeringThis episode isn’t about rejecting technology—it’s about becoming more conscious of how it intersects with our biology, psychology, and need for real connection. If you’re a therapist, parent, educator, or simply someone navigating life in an increasingly AI-mediated world, this conversation invites you to slow down, zoom out, and ask better questions about how we stay human in the process.If you like this content, like and subscribe! If you want to learn more about Jacob Ward:Website: jacobward.comNewsletter: Ripples on Substack – in-depth reporting on how technology shapes human systemsSocial Media:X / Twitter: @jacobwardLinkedIn: Jacob Ward

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Karen Parker, founder of Quantum Human Design, to talk about what Human Design actually is—and how it can be used as a practical tool for self-understanding rather than another personality label.We explore how Quantum Human Design blends science, psychology, and energetic awareness to help people understand their decision-making styles, emotional patterns, nervous system responses, and relationship dynamics. Dr. Parker breaks down the system in a way that’s accessible, grounded, and deeply empowering—especially for those who are tired of being told they should function like everyone else.This conversation is about permission: permission to trust your own design, release shame around how you operate, and stop forcing yourself into boxes that were never made for you. Whether you’re new to Human Design or skeptical but curious, this episode offers a refreshing, non-dogmatic approach to understanding yourself at a deeper level.

In this solo episode of Therapy Is Dope with Alicia & Laura, we’re breaking down one of the most important skills for emotional health and healthy relationships: nervous system regulation.So many conflicts escalate not because of what’s said—but because our nervous system is dysregulated. When we’re activated, we react. When we’re regulated, we respond.In this episode, we talk about:*How to regulate your nervous system so you can respond instead of react*Why difficult conversations feel so overwhelming—and how to prepare for them without spiraling*Practical tools to calm your body before, during, and after hard conversations*Why even healthy communication doesn’t guarantee being understoodHow to emotionally cope with the reality that people will misunderstand you—and that doesn’t mean you’re wrongThis episode is especially helpful if you:*Freeze, people-please, lash out, or shut down in hard conversations*Avoid conversations/confrontation*Feel misunderstood*Want better boundaries without losing emotional controlWhether you’re navigating relationships, family conflict, workplace tension, or internal self-talk—this conversation will help you build emotional regulation, clarity, and confidence.🎧 Listen now and learn how to stay grounded, clear, and regulated—even when conversations get hard.#NervousSystemRegulation #RespondNotReact #DifficultConversations #EmotionalRegulation #TherapyIsDope #MentalHealthPodcast #Boundaries #TraumaInformed #BeingMisunderstood

In this episode of Therapy Is Dope with Alicia & Laura, we welcome Dr. Diane Mueller, also known as The Libido Doc — author of Want to Want It and a leading expert on creating hot, fulfilling, monogamous relationships.🔥 Dr. Diane specializes in helping individuals and couples reignite desire without pressure, shame, or gimmicks — especially in long-term partnerships where attraction, intimacy, and libido can fade under stress, burnout, parenting, trauma, or hormonal shifts.In this conversation, we bridge mental health, nervous system regulation, and sexual desire, breaking down why wanting sex isn’t about willpower — and how sustainable desire is built through safety, embodiment, and emotional connection.✨ In this episode, we discuss:Why many people want to want sex but feel disconnected from desireHow long-term monogamy can still be passionate — and why it often isn’tThe role of stress, trauma, hormones, and mental health in libidoHow to rewire the nervous system to find pleasure againThis episode is for anyone in a committed relationship who wants real intimacy, lasting desire, and a sex life that evolves — not disappears — with time.🔗 Learn more about Dr. Diane Mueller:🌐 https://havehotsex.com🎧 Listen to Therapy Is Dope with Alicia & Laura on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube📲 Follow for more conversations on relationships, mental health, and the mind-body connection#TherapyIsDope #WantToWantIt #HotMonogamy #TheLibidoDoc#LongTermRelationships #LowLibido #SexPositive #Intimacy#MindBodyConnection #CouplesHealing #MentalHealthPodcast

In this powerful episode, Alicia and Laura sit down with David Olges — therapist, professor, dean, consultant, and one of the leading pioneers of modern mental-health development in Ukraine. David has spent years building trauma-informed systems, training clinicians, and supporting communities on the frontlines of war, displacement, and collective grief.He shares profound insights on✨ How War Chages a Country and its Culture✨ Changes to the Assumptions of Counseling✨ the resilience and wisdom of Ukrainian people✨ Changes to Diagnoses - What does healthy look like?✨ Changes to Treatment GoalsThis episode is a masterclass in compassion, courage, and innovation in the field of psychology. Whether you're a clinician, a student, or someone passionate about global mental health, David’s story will expand your understanding of what healing looks like in the most complex environments.Join us for an inspiring conversation about service, humanity, and what it means to show up for others when the world needs it most.Website: https://missiontoukraine.org

In this powerful episode of Therapy Is Dope with Alicia & Laura, we sit down with Lora Cheadle, betrayal-recovery expert, speaker, author, and creator of the FLAUNT!® Framework for reclaiming self-worth after infidelity. Lora shares her personal journey through betrayal and the transformative process that helped her rebuild identity, self-trust, and confidence on the other side of heartbreak.Whether you’re navigating infidelity, relationship betrayal, emotional wounds, or the loss of trust, this conversation offers tools, truth, and hope. Lora walks us through what it really takes to heal—not just the relationship, but yourself. We explore self-forgiveness, nervous system repair, empowerment, and how to reconnect with your authentic self after your world is shattered.If you’ve ever asked:✨ How do I recover after infidelity?✨ Can trust be rebuilt?✨ Who am I after betrayal?✨ How do I stop feeling like it was my fault?—this episode is for you.Lora’s work at loracheadle.com helps thousands move from devastation to liberation. Today, she brings that wisdom straight to you.Topics we cover:Betrayal trauma & infidelity recoveryReclaiming identity after a relationship crisisUnderstanding the biology of trustHealing shame, self-blame, and emotional overloadRebuilding confidence and self-worthAuthenticity, embodiment, and the power of choiceWhy healing is possible even when the story feels impossibleIf you’re in the middle of heartbreak, rebuilding your life, or supporting someone through betrayal trauma, this conversation will remind you that you are not alone and you are not broken.About Lora Cheadle:Lora is an author, TEDx speaker, betrayal-recovery coach, and creator of the transformative FLAUNT!® methodology. Her mission is to help people move beyond infidelity and betrayal so they can step into their power with clarity, self-compassion, and confidence.🔗 Learn more about Lora: loracheadle.com🎙️ Watch more episodes of Therapy Is Dope with Alicia & Laura👍 Like, subscribe, and share if this helped you💬 Comment your thoughts—your story might help someone else heal

Ever felt like everyone else has it all together — but you’re still battling self-doubt, second-guessing yourself, or playing small? In today’s conversation, we sit down with international speaker and bestselling author Simone Knego. She humbly calls herself a "story teller", and shares a lot of vulnerable experiences from her own life. We also explore her new book REAL Confidence, which embodies her experiences. Simone breaks down her signature REAL Method — Respect yourself, Embrace your failures, Ask yourself what you truly want, and Live without limits — as a practical roadmap to building confidence from the inside out. We dive into what REAL Confidence really means, why pretending everything’s “fine” may be holding you back, and how you can start reclaiming your self-worth and inner power today.If you’re ready to stop shrinking and start living bigger — this episode is for you.Tune in to hear real stories, honest wisdom, and actionable tools that will help you begin your journey from unsure to unshakeable.

Today on Therapy is Dope with Alicia and Laura, we unpack the messy, beautiful, complicated framework of family — the one you were born into, the one you choose, and the one you’re still learning to build.We explore:🌿 How challenging traditional ideas of family can open space for healing💔 Different types of loss — not just death, but identity shifts, relationship changes, and the grief that comes with growth🤝 Connection with others and yourself, and why it’s essential for emotional regulation🧠 Authenticity vs. performance — learning to show up as your real self💛 Letting go of self-judgment and replacing it with curiosity, compassion, and understandingThis episode is honest, relatable, and full of practical insight for anyone navigating relationships, healing, self-discovery, or redefining what “family” means to them.If you’ve ever felt disconnected, misunderstood, or hard on yourself — this one will hit home.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs it.#TherapyIsDope #MentalHealthPodcast #Authenticity #SelfCompassion #FamilyHealing #InnerWork #EmotionalWellness

In this episode of Therapy Is Dope with Alicia and Laura, we sit down with Garrett Wood, a Clinical Hypnotherapist and Executive Functioning Specialist, to explore the intersection of high performance, nervous system regulation, and sustainable success. Garrett helps executives, entrepreneurs, and high-achieving leaders recover from burnout, improve focus, and achieve balance through evidence-based mind-body techniques.We dive into how the “nervous system first” approach transforms mental health and leadership, why traditional productivity models often lead to chronic stress, and what it really takes to sustain long-term success without sacrificing well-being.If you’ve ever felt like your ambition is burning you out—or you’re ready to lead from a place of grounded confidence—this conversation is a must-listen.🎧 Topics include:Burnout and nervous system dysregulationMind-body approaches to self-improvementClinical hypnotherapy for focus and emotional regulationRedefining success through self-awareness and nervous system safety

In this episode of Therapy Is Dope, I sit down with Neil Markey, CEO of Beckley Retreats, to explore the intersection of trauma, mindfulness, psychedelics, and personal transformation. We talk about what it really takes to heal — from cultivating discipline and connection to rediscovering our innate relationship with nature and self-awareness. Neil shares his journey from military trauma to meditation and the powerful lessons he’s learned about mindfulness, purpose, and growth along the way.If you’re curious about how psychedelics and contemplative practices can open the door to lasting change, this episode is a must-listen.#BeckleyRetreats #TherapyIsDope #PsychedelicHealing #Mindfulness #TraumaHealing #Meditation #Neuroplasticity #InnerGrowth #Psychedelics #MentalHealthPodcast

We kicked off this episode with pure chaotic energy—and decided to flow with it. Given the current state of the world, that energy felt worth exploring. In this conversation, we unpack what it means to be human in uncertain times, how the nervous system responds to stress and overwhelm, and ways to develop healthy coping skills that actually work. Drawing from our own experiences as a therapist, coach, and more importantly, real people, we talk about emotional regulation, mindfulness, and nervous system healing—with honesty, laughter, and a little bit of chaos.🎧 Perfect for listeners interested in mental health, emotional wellness, therapy tools, mindfulness, trauma recovery, and personal growth.

In this episode, we’re joined by Deborah Antich, a recovery peer support specialist, educator, and fentanyl field specialist, who offers a unique perspective on the intersection of mental health, substance abuse, and trauma. While those topics certainly come up, the heart of our conversation dives deeper into the world of Autism, Telepathy Tapes, Dr. Diane Powell, and consciousness.Deborah, who is both ADHD and autistic, has a special connection to non-verbal autistic children. She bridges the worlds of verbal and non-verbal autism, and through her work, she’s helping us better understand the complexities of communication and connection in ways we never imagined. As a neurodivergent person, Deborah offers unique insights that help us understand the complexities of neurodivergence and consciousness.

In this episode, I sit down with Sanna Calvert of Family & Community Healing to explore how academic research and a spiritual awakening can work together to strengthen families, schools, and neighborhoods. We talk about the grief that reshaped her path, what the data says about connection, spirituality, and mental health, and practical ways to bring healing practices into everyday life.What you’ll learn:How a spiritual awakening can incorporate evidence-based workTools for communication, emotional regulation, and resilienceWhy grief can be a catalyst for personal and collective healingActionable steps to build connection within yourself and the world around youGuest & resources:• Family & Community Healing → https://familyandcommunityhealing.orgIf this resonates: please like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on mental health, healing, and community well-being. #MentalHealth #CommunityHealing #Wellbeing #SpiritualAwakening #Grief #Resilience #PositivePsychology

Hope Rose shares her journey back to herself. We talks about domestic violence, grief and loss, and taking her power back. She's a creator and has a vision for a future that focuses more on healing ourselves and breaking out of the mindsets and systems we have been sold that are no longer serving us!If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, help is available:• US National DV Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) | Text START to 88788 | thehotline.orgIf you’re in immediate danger, call 911.Subscribe for more conversations on healing, mental health, and embodiment. #DomesticViolenceAwareness #HealingJourney #Grief #TraumaRecovery #MentalHealth #SelfLove #Boundaries #SurvivorStories #TherapyIsDope #MindsetShift #Embodiment #WomenSupportingWomen

On this episode of Therapy is Dope with Alicia & Laura, we dive into a therapeutic discussion of the Left vs. the Right in today's political divide. We acknowledge that safety is being threatened, and that connection is the way through. But how do we cross the great divide? Tune in as we sort through it all! #therapyforamerica #emotionalsafety #therapyisdope

Laura and I go with the flow. We have a relationship outside of the podcast, and obviously we share common interests. We are also both a little ADHD, and we love to laugh. This episode is snapshot into our relationship as we talk about things relevant in our own lives. Today we discuss vulnerability, safety within relationships, and how to have hard conversations. Both of us are interested in these subjects and on our own journey to learn and grow. Tune in and grow with us!

Discover the wisdom of Audrye Arbe, mystic intuitive, psychic medium, and energy healerIn this powerful episode, we sit down with Audrye Arbe—a gifted clairvoyant, healer, artist, and author known for her transformative “Frequency Stones” artwork and deep spiritual guidance. At 83, now based in Costa Rica, Audrye continues to teach, paint, heal, and illuminate lives with wisdom beyond measure.What we explore in this conversation:• The origin story of her clairvoyant gifts—how she has “seen invisible energy” since childhood in post‑war Brooklyn• Her transformative experience with a Near Death Experience, and how it is a place she recreates• The quantum physics of her beliefs and how there is hope• A spontaneous guided meditation she led on the podcast—inviting listeners to tune in & lift themselves upConnect with Audrye Arbe:• Website: [AudryeNow.com] — explore her galleries, courses, energy work, and more • Instagram: [@AudryeNow] — for art updates, meditations, and healing inspirations • For healing sessions, readings, and creative collaborations—reach out via her site

What if 60 wasn’t the end of the road, but the perfect moment to start living with more clarity, energy, and intention? In this inspiring episode of Therapy Is Dope, we sit down with Allison McCune Davis, author of Sixty Is a Good Start, to explore her practical, uplifting framework for creating a more fulfilling life—one small, intentional step at a time.Allison introduces her 60-Day Dare—a simple yet powerful system to build lasting habits in three key areas:Body Work: Gentle, consistent actions to support physical health and vitalityBrain Work: Mental and emotional practices that boost resilience and clarityWorld Work: Purpose-driven ways to connect, contribute, and create impact💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why 60 is the perfect time to begin something new and meaningfulHow to break free from limiting beliefs about agingThe science behind habit-building and lasting changeInspiring real-life stories of people thriving in their 60s and beyondWhether you’re 60, nearing it, or just looking for a fresh start at any stage of life, this conversation is packed with encouragement and practical tools you can start using today.🎧 Subscribe to Therapy Is Dope for more conversations on mental health, personal growth, and living with authenticity.#TherapyIsDope #SixtyIsAGoodStart #AllisonMcCuneDavis #60DayDare #HealthyAging #LifeAfter60 #PersonalGrowth #HabitBuilding #SelfImprovement #Inspiration

Dive deep into the mysteries of the mind as we explore human consciousness through the lens of  @PsiGamesInternational  In this thought-provoking episode of Therapy Is Dope, we break down how intuition, perception, and psychic sensitivity relate to mental health, awareness, and self-love.🧠 Topics Covered:-What PSI games teach us about consciousness-The intersection of science, intuition, and therapy-Mind-body-energy awareness and expanded perception-How to use mental exercises to deepen self-understandingWhether you're into psychology, metaphysics, or just love expanding your awareness, this episode will blow your mind—literally and figuratively.🔔 Subscribe for weekly insights into healing, therapy, and the mind-body connection.🎧 Available on all major platforms: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts#HumanConsciousness #MentalHealthPodcast #PSIGames #TherapyIsDope #Intuition #MindBodyConnection #ConsciousnessExplained #SpiritualPsychology #PodcastClip

🎙️The Psychology of Avoidance, Compassion & Community SupportIn this episode of Therapy is Dope, we dive deep into the emotional and psychological roots of avoidance—why we shut down, procrastinate, or run from the very things we need to face. Whether it's hard conversations, grief, trauma, or self-reflection, avoidance is often a learned survival strategy.We explore:🔹 The psychology behind avoidance🔹 How fear, shame, and overwhelm drive disconnection🔹 Why facing things is so hard—and so necessary🔹 The power of self-compassion and safe relationships🔹 How community helps us show up and stay presentThis conversation is for anyone who's ever felt stuck, disconnected, or afraid to confront what’s really going on. You are not alone—and you don’t have to heal alone either.👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes on mental health, healing, and growth🔗 Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform — link in bio or description!#Avoidance #MentalHealthPodcast #TherapyIsDope #SelfCompassion #HealingJourney #EmotionalWellness #CommunityHealing #FaceYourFears #TraumaRecovery

In this episode, we sit down with Tara Wiskow, intuitive energy healer and founder of BTCHYN (Be The Change You Need) — a global movement helping women reclaim their power and live with authenticity.Tara shares how she combines energy healing, identity work, and intuitive guidance to help clients:✨ Break free from self-sabotage and old conditioning✨ Release emotional and energetic blocks✨ Rebuild self-worth, confidence, and inner alignmentIf you're ready to understand energy, healing, and stepping into your unapologetically powerful self, this conversation is for you. Tara’s work is deeply transformational and rooted in the belief that you're not broken — you’re just blocked.🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if this episode resonates with you.👇 Drop a comment below with your biggest takeaway!#EnergyHealing #TaraWiskow #BTCHYN #SpiritualHealing #InnerWork #IntuitiveGuidance #WomensEmpowerment #SelfHealing #AuthenticLiving #EmotionalHealing #PodcastInterview

Laura and I haven’t done a solo episode in a while, so today we took the time to reconnect, reflect, and catch up. We looked back at some of the recent podcast topics and the conversations they sparked, and we shared where we’re at personally. Most importantly, we explored the value of nonjudgment — both in our own lives and in the work we do. It’s an honest, thoughtful conversation about growth, self-awareness, and making space for imperfection.

Today’s episode is a deep and powerful conversation with Matthew Stafford—entrepreneur, e-commerce expert, and men’s coach—who opens up about the internal shifts that changed everything for him.We dive into how early trauma shapes core beliefs, emotional regulation and safety, and why self-love isn’t soft—it’s strategy. Matthew shares his own journey of healing and how unlearning old narratives created space for aligned success in both life and business.If you've ever felt stuck in your head, disconnected from your body, or unsure how to move forward, this episode offers real tools and lived wisdom to begin your own transformation.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Jason Lange, men's work facilitator, and the visionary behind https://mens.group/ to explore the transformative power of male connection and emotional authenticity. Jason shares how vulnerability, accountability, and community can help men heal and grow.We dive into the cultural challenges men face when it comes to expressing emotions, why so many suffer in silence, and how safe, supportive spaces are helping to rewrite the script around masculinity. Whether you're curious about men's circles, looking for tools to support the men in your life, or navigating your own healing journey, this conversation is rich with insight and compassion.Topics we cover:What healthy masculinity looks like todayThe loneliness epidemic among menHow group work helps men process pain and show up fullyThe intersection of personal growth and collective healingWhy emotional safety is foundational in any relationshipTune in for a heartfelt, eye-opening dialogue that invites us all—regardless of gender—to rethink how we connect, communicate, and support each other.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we sit down with Shruti Sethi — founder of Awaana Health — as she shares her remarkable journey of holistic healing after a cancer diagnosis. From the emotional shock of receiving the news to reclaiming her health through mindset, spiritual exploration, and radical accountability, Shruti walks us through what it truly means to listen to the body and trust the inner wisdom it holds.This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking alternative paths to wellness, support during chronic illness, or a reminder that healing is not just physical — it's emotional, energetic, and deeply personal.✨ We talk about:The mind-body connection in illness and recoveryThe role of nutrition and breathworkHow Shruti turned her healing into a mission to help othersTune in and feel inspired by Shruti’s courage, wisdom, and unwavering belief in the body’s ability to heal.

In this episode, we sit down with Kris Rice, founder of Chill Pods, to explore the personal journey behind her innovative wellness brand. Kris shares how moments of failure, inspiration, and manifestation work led her to create a space for healing through sound, stillness, and sensory experiences.We dive into:The inspiration behind Chill PodsHonoring your nervous system The power of listening to your body

In this episode, I sit down with Lincoln Stoller — physicist, hypnotherapist, psychedelic explorer, and founder of Mind Strength Balance (https://www.mindstrengthbalance.com)— to discuss the transformative power of psychedelics. Lincoln’s work spans the intersection of neuroscience, altered states of consciousness, and deep personal growth, making this a conversation unlike any other.🧠 Topics we cover:The science and spirituality of psychedelic experiencesHow psychedelics can break old mental patterns and open new pathways to healingThe difference between recreational use and intentional, therapeutic useWhether you’re curious about microdosing, preparing for a journey, or just exploring the edges of the mind, this episode will challenge what you think you know about self-awareness and human potential.✨ Tune in and discover the power of expanding your mind.#Podcast #Psychedelics #Consciousness #Healing #MindStrengthBalance #LincolnStoller #TherapyIsDope

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Fred Moss — psychiatrist, speaker, and author — for a raw and eye-opening conversation about the power of human connection in the healing process.Dr. Moss, known as the "UnDoctor", challenges the conventional approach to mental health, arguing that medication often masks symptoms rather than addressing the real issues at their core. Instead, he believes that authentic connection, deep listening, and purposeful conversation are the true keys to healing.🗣️ Topics we cover:Why medication may be doing more harm than goodHow connection can transform mental health outcomesThe risks of over-pathologizing normal human emotionsHow to truly listen in a world full of noiseIf you’re ready to rethink what it means to truly heal and connect, this episode is for you.✨ Listen now and join us in the movement to reclaim our humanity.#Podcast #MentalHealth #Healing #Connection #DrFredMoss #TherapyIsDope #HumanConnection #MentalWellness

In today’s episode, we're joined by Rosanna Storani — entrepreneur, coach, and guide for personal evolution — for a deep and honest conversation about what it really means to live with purpose.We unpack the dynamics of masculine and feminine energy, not as gendered traits, but as universal forces we all carry — and how balancing them helps us lead, create, and relate with more integrity. Rosanna also shares her powerful take on fear: how to define it, meet it, and move through it without letting it run the show.✨ What we cover:How to reconnect to a deeper sense of purposeUnderstanding and integrating masculine/feminine energiesThe difference between fear that protects vs. fear that limitsThis episode is for anyone navigating self-doubt, transformation, or the space between where you are and where you're meant to be.#Podcast #Purpose #MasculineFeminine #RosannaStorani #PersonalGrowth #FearWork #InnerPower #EmotionalResilience

In this episode, we sit down with Jen Aks—author, embodiment coach, and founder of The Power of Gesture®. Jen brings her unique perspective on how movement, presence, and body awareness can unlock deeper self-connection and authentic leadership. She told her story and talked about how people can get more into their body through simple, intentional practices. She also talks about her new book that will be released soon!Whether you're a healer, a leader, or just someone yearning to reconnect with your inner truth, this conversation is a powerful reminder: your body has wisdom, and it's time we start listening.

In this thought-provoking episode, I sit down with author and advocate Thomas LaGrave, whose book Special Welfare, Social Warfare explores the intersections of addiction, systemic inequity, and the urgent need to invest in today’s youth. Together, we unpack the importance of emotional honesty, authenticity, and the core of true self-improvement.Thomas shares his personal journey, insights from his research, and the lived experiences that inspired his work. We discuss the necessity of systemic change, the transformative power of self-discovery, and why empowering young people is essential to building a more just and thriving future.If you’ve ever questioned how public policy impacts real lives—or how we might reshape it with empathy, integrity, and purpose—this episode is for you.