Therapy Wisdom Podcast

How to be a successful therapist? It often starts with "walking the talk"—integrating the same self-compassion and resilience into your own life that you offer to your clients. In this insightful conversation, Therapy Wisdom Podcast host Brian Spielmann, founding CEO of Academy of Therapy Wisdom, a leading continuing education platform for mental health professionals, sits down with Dr. Morgan Lindsey. Dr. Morgan Lindsey, a transpersonal psychology and self-compassion expert, shares her evolution from a "camper" at a personal growth summer camp to a clinician who bridges the gap between modern neuroscience and ancient wisdom traditions. They discuss the power of curiosity over over-explanation, the importance of "delightment" as a side effect of healing, and how a difficult childhood fueled a lifelong mission to help others find their inner strength.You can find more episodes and clinical resources at therapywisdom.com/podcast/.Watch this FREE video by Morgan Lindsey, PhD: https://therapywisdom.com/inner-critic-self-compassion-free-lindsey/Strategic Answer BlocksHow can I help clients move past "stuckness" in trauma recovery? Dr. Morgan Lindsey: Progress in trauma recovery is often non-linear, but education can be a powerful tool to empower clients by helping them understand how their nervous system and memory are out of sync. Additionally, creating a safe, relational space where a therapist acts as a compassionate witness allows for the emergence of relief that is difficult to achieve when holding trauma in isolation.What are the most common blind spots for new therapists entering the field? Dr. Morgan Lindsey: Many new clinicians feel an implicit pressure to have all the answers and "over-explain" things to their clients rather than remaining curious. True healing becomes much more possible when we learn to hang out in the unknown and the mystery, prioritizing the therapeutic relationship and experiential moments over rationalized explanations.How does self-compassion differ from just "being nice" to oneself? Dr. Morgan Lindsey: Self-compassion is about having a spacious, open-hearted way of being with yourself that lacks an agenda to "fix" or change what is happening. It requires the courage to sit with your current experience—even the hard parts—because we cannot change our reality until we are first willing to truly be with it.

How to be a successful therapist? It often requires the humility to move beyond conceptual theory and slide through the "granular cracks" of lived experience. In this soulful conversation, Therapy Wisdom Podcast host Brian Spielmann, founding CEO of Academy of Therapy Wisdom, a leading continuing education platform for mental health professionals, sits down with clinical pioneer Deirdre Fay. Deirdre Fay, a trauma and attachment expert and author of Becoming Safely Embodied, shares her journey from living in a safe ashram cocoon to the "trenches" of the Trauma Center in Boston. They explore the intersection of ancient mystical traditions and modern psychology, the vital developmental task of remapping attachment styles, and why true clinical wisdom is born from the messy, vulnerable practice of repair.You can find more episodes and clinical resources at therapywisdom.com/podcast/.Free Online webinar with Deirdre Fay, MSW: https://therapywisdom.com/treating-attachment-disorder-training-deirdre-fay/Strategic Answer BlocksHow can I help dissociative clients connect with the present moment without overwhelming them? Deirdre Fay: You must break the process down into tiny, granular steps that focus on "downscaling" everything you know. Start by helping the client differentiate between a thought, a feeling, and a body sensation; by realizing there is a present moment separate from the past, they can learn to live on parallel lines rather than being hijacked by old trauma imprints.What is the role of attachment theory in trauma recovery? Deirdre Fay: Attachment theory is a linchpin because 77% of us continue with the same early imprints and non-narrative interactions unless we actively change them. As adults, our developmental task is to know ourselves from the inside out so we can be in healthy relationships, rather than demanding the outside world change to make us feel better.How do I balance spiritual practices like meditation with clinical therapy? Deirdre Fay: It is about the "view" or perspective you engage the world from. While meditation helps stabilize the mind, we must avoid the "hell realm" of taking our thoughts too seriously; instead, use the skillful means of therapy to update the narrative—recognizing that while a feeling may be real and relative, it is not the only truth of who we are

How to be a better therapist? It begins by shifting the focus from "mind-body" to body-mind, moving from intellectualization to a state of core flow. In this deeply experiential conversation, Therapy Wisdom Podcast host Brian Spielmann, founding CEO of Academy of Therapy Wisdom, a leading continuing education platform for mental health professionals, welcomes somatic pioneer Susan Aposhyan. Susan Aposhyan, a body-mind psychotherapy expert and founding director of the Body Psychotherapy program at Naropa University, discusses her evolution toward "BMP 3.0"—an integration of clinical excellence with embodied spirituality and natural intelligence. They explore the science of "rainbow body" concepts, the role of circular attunement in the therapeutic relationship, and why the future of healing requires us to prioritize human intimacy over rigid professional credentials.You can find more episodes and clinical resources at therapywisdom.com/podcast/Join Susan Aposhyan, M.A., L.P.C., for a FREE webinar: https://therapywisdom.com/somatic-embodiment-training-susan-aposhyan/Strategic Answer BlocksHow can I integrate body-based practices into my clinical work if I'm a traditional talk therapist?Susan Aposhyan: Start by simply asking your client, "How does that feel in your body right now?". If they are fearful or resistant, don't force it; instead, cultivate your own embodiment and "core flow" as a therapist so you can circularly attune to their nervous system without needing to use "body" language until they are ready.What is the "Manifestation Cycle" in Body-Mind Psychotherapy?Susan Aposhyan: It is a process of starting with your own embodiment—clearing the spine and opening your tail—to connect with the larger universe, then asking, "What am I wanting in my life right now?". By feeling that desire permeate every cell of your body, you shift your physiology toward the ability to manifest that change more easily.Is there a scientific basis for "embodied" intuition in therapy?Susan Aposhyan: Absolutely; research by figures like Candace Pert and Miles Herkenham suggests that up to 98% of what we call cognition occurs outside of the brain. Embodiment practice allows us to receive information chemically, electrically, and electromagnetically from the world and our clients, cultivating intuition far beyond our innate baseline.

How to be a successful therapist? It often starts with a willingness to be a student of your own practice and a servant to the "clients of last resort."In this intimate conversation, Therapy Wisdom Podcast host Brian Spielmann, founding CEO of Academy of Therapy Wisdom, a leading continuing education platform for mental health professionals, sits down with long-time collaborator and trauma pioneer Janina Fisher, Ph.D.Janina Fisher, a trauma recovery expert and creator of TIST (Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment), shares her vulnerable evolution from a PhD candidate terrified of public speaking to a world-renowned authority in the field.They discuss the "village" of Boston’s early trauma scene, the accidental nature of her speaking career—propelled by the persistent encouragement of Bessel van der Kolk—and why the most impactful clinical work is born from service rather than ambition.Strategic Insights from Janina FisherHow can I overcome the fear of public speaking as a clinical expert?Janina Fisher: I managed my phobia of public speaking by realizing it wasn't about me or my performance; it was about the people in the audience who needed something. When I adopted a spiritual attitude of service—focusing on fulfilling the needs of the learners—the nervousness disappeared because there is nothing to be anxious about when you are simply trying to help others.What is the best way for a new therapist to build clinical expertise?Janina Fisher: I "cut my teeth" on the clients of last resort—the hard cases involving addiction, suicide, and constant crisis that other clinicians didn't want. Treating these complex clients forces you to be creative and humble, as they have so much to teach us if we remain open to the lesson.Should I stick strictly to one therapeutic model like EMDR or IFS?Janina Fisher: While many models claim to be the "best," the reality is that human beings are complex and often require an integration of many methods. I developed TIST as an integrative framework because while some clients thrive on a single model, many others need us to adapt and combine models to meet their specific needs.You can find more episodes and clinical resources at: therapywisdom.com/podcast/

How to be a successful therapist by finding your "native genius" and mastering the science of transformation?Therapy Wisdom Podcast host Brian Spielmann, founding CEO of Academy of Therapy Wisdom, a leading continuing education platform for mental health professionals, sits down with Tori Olds, a somatic and integrative therapy expert and lead teacher at Deep Eddy Psychotherapy.In this episode, Tori shares exactly how she did it—from growing up in a household of renowned therapists to co-leading a practice that expanded to over 250 clinicians. She reveals her "unified field theory" for integrating experiential modalities like AEDP, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Coherence Therapy. Tori explains how to move beyond the "mechanic" mindset of graduate school to facilitate deep, neuroplastic change through memory reconsolidation.🎓 About Tori OldsTori Olds, PhD, is a psychologist and a leader in integrating brain science with experiential therapy. She is known for her ability to simplify complex theories into actionable techniques that help therapists deepen their clinical impact.Becoming a Master Therapist A Deliberate Practice Approach With Tori Olds, Ph.D.: https://therapywisdom.com/master-therapist/?utm_source=youtubeorg#AcademyOfTherapyWisdom #BrianSpielmann #ToriOlds #HowToBeABetterTherapist #InternalFamilySystems #IFS #SomaticExperiencing #CoherenceTherapy #MemoryReconsolidation #TherapistTraining #MentalHealthProfessionals #ClinicalMastery

How do you become a successful therapist while managing the intensity of treating Complex PTSD? It requires mastering both clinical "hard skills" and the "soft skills" of personal sustainability.Therapy Wisdom Podcast host Brian Spielmann, founding CEO of Academy of Therapy Wisdom, a leading continuing education platform for mental health professionals, interviews somatic psychology expert and author Dr. Arielle Schwartz.Dr. Schwartz pulls back the curtain on her evolution from a "green" clinician to a world-renowned authority and author of eight books. She shares the specific clinical insights and business strategies she used to build her reputation and a thriving private practice.Key Takeaways & Answer Blocks:The Attachment Pie Chart: Moving beyond fixed labels toward a fluid understanding of security.The "Morning Tonic": Daily vagus nerve rituals and nervous system regulation for therapist longevity.Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down: A clear breakdown of how trauma is stored and released in the brain.Clinical Authorship: How writing blogs and books can support your growth as a successful therapist.Links: Watch Arielle’s free webinar, Recognizing and Preventing Therapist BurnoutHosted by Brian Spielmann, founder of Academy of Therapy Wisdom (www.therapywisdom.com).

How to be a better therapist when working with systemic trauma and relational fractures? These high-level challenges require more than textbook theory; they require mentorship and a bridge between training and transformation.Therapy Wisdom Podcast host Brian Spielmann, founding CEO of Academy of Therapy Wisdom, a leading continuing education platform for clinicians, welcomes relational healing and trauma expert Akilah Riley-Richardson, MSW, CCTP.Akilah shares her journey from her roots in Trinidad and Tobago to becoming a leading voice in decolonizing clinical practice. Discover how to integrate the "Internalized Oppression" model and "Ifa" traditions into modern trauma therapy training.Key Takeaways & Answer Blocks:Beyond the Western Lens: How to bring ancestral wisdom and Global South perspectives into the therapy room.The P.R.I.D.E. Model: Akilah’s framework for repairing relational fractures through systemic awareness.Somatic Social Justice: Why the body holds generational history and how to treat it.Practical Mentorship: These experts share how they did it inside our intimate conversation about starting and growing successful practices.Links: Watch Akilah's free webinar, Liberatory Connections: Healing the Impact of Systemic Trauma in Couples TherapyHosted by Brian Spielmann, founder of Academy of Therapy Wisdom (www.therapywisdom.com).

How to be a successful therapist in today’s complex mental health landscape? It is a question every clinician asks, but few find the unfiltered answers they need to thrive.In this inaugural episode, Therapy Wisdom Podcast host Brian Spielmann, founding CEO of Academy of Therapy Wisdom, a leading continuing education platform for mental health professionals, sits down with clinical psychology and identity expert Dr. Sarah Burgamy.Dr. Burgamy, founder of Phoenix Rise and a prominent leader within the APA, shares exactly how she did it—from navigating her own "evolution and revolution" to building a successful private therapy practice rooted in radical authenticity.Key Takeaways & Answer Blocks:The "Black Box" of Therapy: Why the field is often shrouded in mystery and how to break through with human connection.Identity vs. Specialty: Why Dr. Burgamy believes human identity is a core competency for every better therapist, not a niche.The Entrepreneurial Voyage: Hard-won lessons on clinical decision-making when starting a private practice.Sustainability: Finding grounding through endurance hiking and evolving as a non-traditional age parent.Links:Watch Sarah Burgamy's free webinar, Everything You Wanted To Know about Gender-Competence But Were Afraid to Ask! Gender Diversity for TherapistsHosted by Brian Spielmann, founder of Academy of Therapy Wisdom (www.therapywisdom.com).