Holding Ground

Welcome back to Holding Ground! In this episode, we explore the topic of “Navigating your Twenties” and common life challenges during this time. Join Ashlyn Graff, a clinical supervisor at Anchor Light, and Anchor Light clinician Sarah Stewart, who has a passion for helping young adults along their life journeys as they discuss their insights and experiences. Whether you’re in this time of life and navigating these challenges now, looking to the future, or reflecting on the past, take a moment to hear about the common experiences this population has and how therapy may help! 

Welcome back to Holding Ground! In this episode, we delve into the world of consensual non-monogamy (CNM). Join host Laura Richer and Ashlyn Graff, a licensed therapist specializing in relationship dynamics, as we explore the various forms of CNM, discuss common misconceptions, and provide insights on how to navigate these relationships in a healthy and respectful manner.Whether you’re curious about CNM, considering it for yourself, or seeking to understand it better, this episode offers valuable information and expert advice. Don’t forget to stay tuned for more episodes on mental health and relationship topics!

Welcome to Holding Ground! In this episode, we delve into the transformative world of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples. Join host Laura Richer and Aidan Merris, a licensed therapist specializing in EFT, as we explore the main principles, discuss common challenges couples face, and provide insights on how to foster deeper emotional connections. Whether you're curious about EFT, considering it for your relationship, or seeking to understand it better, this episode offers valuable information and expert advice. Learn more information and find resources on EFT: anchorlighttherapy.com/emotionally-focused-therapy Don't forget to check out more episodes for more information on mental health and relationship topics!

Finding others attractive is inevitable regardless of your relationship status. Initial feelings of physical or emotional attraction to someone can be sudden and outside of your control. However, folks have choice of whether they pursue the other person. Join licensed therapists Laura Richer and Michelle Mooney as they break down the signs of being attracted to someone else and why it is completely normal. They will also identify when attraction to others can become dangerous and threatening to our relationship with our partners. Laura and Michelle will share guidance on how to navigate attraction before it has the potential to cause damage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Finding others attractive is inevitable regardless of your relationship status. Initial feelings of physical or emotional attraction to someone can be sudden and outside of your control. However, folks have choice of whether they pursue the other person. Join licensed therapists Laura Richer and Michelle Mooney as they break down the signs of being attracted to someone else and why it is completely normal. They will also identify when attraction to others can become dangerous and threatening to our relationship with our partners. Laura and Michelle will share guidance on how to navigate attraction before it has the potential to cause damage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Licensed Therapists Michelle Mooney and Ashlyn Graff as they discuss the difference between trauma dumping and seeking healthy support.  Trauma dumping is unloading heavy, traumatic experiences onto people, often without their consent. While this can feel good because you’re getting things off your chest and mind, it could actually push people away and damage relationships.   Michelle and Ashlyn take a closer look at healthy ways to share your trauma, and what to do if you are the listener so you can grow and maintain meaningful connections! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Licensed Therapists Michelle Mooney and Ashlyn Graff as they discuss the difference between trauma dumping and seeking healthy support.  Trauma dumping is unloading heavy, traumatic experiences onto people, often without their consent. While this can feel good because you’re getting things off your chest and mind, it could actually push people away and damage relationships.   Michelle and Ashlyn take a closer look at healthy ways to share your trauma, and what to do if you are the listener so you can grow and maintain meaningful connections! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How Fear Manifests and Sabotages Relationships: Fear of Abandonment VS. Fear of Engulfment, Part 2 As human beings we are wired for connection with others. We instinctively know that our survival depends on being in community with other people. However, relationship trauma can trigger fears around intimacy and closeness that can lead to unconsciously sabotaging the thing we desire most. On today’s episode of Holding Ground licensed therapist Laura Richer and Michelle Mooney look at the sneaky ways that fears around intimacy can manifest in close relationships. They will also give some expert advice on what you can do to move away from fearful behavior to experience healthy love and intimacy in the relationships that you value most. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How Fear Manifests and Sabotages Relationships: Fear of Abandonment VS. Fear of Engulfment, Part 1 As human beings we are wired for connection with others. We instinctively know that our survival depends on being in community with other people. However, relationship trauma can trigger fears around intimacy and closeness that can lead to unconsciously sabotaging the thing we desire most. On today’s episode of Holding Ground licensed therapist Laura Richer and Michelle Mooney look at the sneaky ways that fears around intimacy can manifest in close relationships. They will also give some expert advice on what you can do to move away from fearful behavior to experience healthy love and intimacy in the relationships that you value most. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Did you grow up with an emotionally immature parent? Do you think you might be an emotionally immature parent? Join licensed therapists Michelle Mooney and Ashlyn Graf as they identify the signs and symptoms of emotionally immature parents so you can recognize them and their impact on you. In Michelle and Ashlyn’s work counseling adults with childhood trauma, this is a very common experience that many of their clients are working to heal from. Michelle and Ashlyn share what emotionally immature parents are, the reason why some parents are emotionally immature, how it impacts their children, and how to find healing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Did you grow up with an emotionally immature parent? Do you think you might be an emotionally immature parent? Join licensed therapists Michelle Mooney and Ashlyn Graf as they identify the signs and symptoms of emotionally immature parents so you can recognize them and their impact on you. In Michelle and Ashlyn’s work counseling adults with childhood trauma, this is a very common experience that many of their clients are working to heal from. Michelle and Ashlyn share what emotionally immature parents are, the reason why some parents are emotionally immature, how it impacts their children, and how to find healing.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When it comes to mental health, one thing is for sure: we can't do it alone. Research has consistently shown that having good friends and a strong social support system can play a vital role in improving mental wellbeing. In this episode of Holding Ground licensed psychotherapist Laura Richer is joined by two of her besties Andi Lucas and Shaylee Knutson to take a closer look at the importance of friendship when it comes to our overall mental health and discuss how strengthening relationships with people who care about us can help to create a feeling of strength and positivity during life's tough moments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When it comes to mental health, one thing is for sure: we can't do it alone. Research has consistently shown that having good friends and a strong social support system can play a vital role in improving mental wellbeing. In this episode of Holding Ground licensed psychotherapist Laura Richer is joined by two of her besties Andi Lucas and Shaylee Knutson to take a closer look at the importance of friendship when it comes to our overall mental health and discuss how strengthening relationships with people who care about us can help to create a feeling of strength and positivity during life's tough moments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Unleash the power of communication in your relationship! Licensed couples therapists Laura Richer LMHC and Michelle Mooney LMHC are here to guide you through the most common couple arguments and show you how to handle them like a pro. With their expert advice, you'll learn how to turn differences into opportunities for growth and understanding. Remember, disagreements are just a normal part of being in a relationship - it's all about how you handle them. Join us for an insightful discussion on how to navigate conflicts and create a stronger, more loving connection with your partner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Unleash the power of communication in your relationship! Licensed couples therapists Laura Richer LMHC and Michelle Mooney LMHC are here to guide you through the most common couple arguments and show you how to handle them like a pro. With their expert advice, you'll learn how to turn differences into opportunities for growth and understanding. Remember, disagreements are just a normal part of being in a relationship - it's all about how you handle them. Join us for an insightful discussion on how to navigate conflicts and create a stronger, more loving connection with your partner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join licensed therapists Laura Richer and Michelle Mooney for an informative discussion about the intricacies of the human nervous system and how understanding emotional regulation can support you in improving your mental and physical health. A dysregulated nervous system can have serious repercussions on our well-being. On today's episode of holding ground Laura and Michelle will offer strategies for restoring balance for a healthier mind and body! Discover how understanding your own nervous system can pave the way for both physical health and emotional growth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join licensed therapists Laura Richer and Michelle Mooney for an informative discussion about the intricacies of the human nervous system and how understanding emotional regulation can support you in improving your mental and physical health. A dysregulated nervous system can have serious repercussions on our well-being. On today's episode of holding ground Laura and Michelle will offer strategies for restoring balance for a healthier mind and body! Discover how understanding your own nervous system can pave the way for both physical health and emotional growth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Relationship Red flags that appear romantic but signal disaster... Part 2. We've all seen fairy tales and Hollywood movies - where supposed 'romance' involves obsession, passion, and fighting for something that's not available. But those toxic behaviors don't lead to healthy love! Licensed couple's therapist Laura Richer and Michelle Mooney are back with another season of Holding Ground. In this episode they give expert advice on how to recognize relationship red flags, so you can steer clear of disaster in your relationships! Tune in for this eye-opening episode - it might just be the key to happily ever after! 💕 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Relationship red flags that appear romantic but signal disaster... Part 1. We've all seen fairy tales and Hollywood movies - where supposed 'romance' involves obsession, passion, and fighting for something that's not available. But those toxic behaviors don't lead to healthy love! Licensed couple's therapist Laura Richer and Michelle Mooney are back with another season of Holding Ground. In this episode they give expert advice on how to recognize relationship red flags, so you can steer clear of disaster in your relationships! Tune in for this eye-opening episode - it might just be the key to happily ever after! 💕 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Individual Couples Family Teen and Therapist Ashlyn Graff joins Laura today to chat about Confidence Vs. Narcissism. Website: https://anchorlighttherapy.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is It or Isn't It... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of the greatest challenges when dealing with depression is finding the energy and motivation to move in the direction that will support you in feeling better and recovering. Ashly Graff LMHCA offers up some expert advice on how to as Nike says "Just Do It" and some actionable steps to get there. Treating depression is different for everyone and the right way to treat depression is finding what works for you. Ashlyn shares some tips on how to get started and start feeling better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michelle and Laura discuss how the news, being exposed to the chronic stress or trauma in others, and living through a pandemic can create a trauma response in people who are not being directly impacted. This is especially prevalent in the healthcare industry. Laura and Michelle will point out symptoms of secondary trauma and offer up some expert tips on how you can treat this condition if you are being affected by this mental health challenge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of Holding Ground psychotherapist Laura Richer speaks with Licensed Mental Health Counselor Sarah Skoterro about the signs and causes of suicidality in kids and teens and what parents can do to intervene and help prevent their child being at risk. With 30+ years of national experience as a counselor, trainer, advocate and speaker – Sarah Skoterro still finds joy and compassion in mental health and advocacy for healthcare overall. Her specific interest and dedication is to training and raising awareness of suicide intervention and prevention, her efforts have spanned settings ranging from major corporations in the private sector to community-based not for profit entities, educational settings and hospitals. Of particular focus in her work is the growing need for facile and fast access to care, edification of natural supports and increasing the “normalization” of screening and/asking about mental health factors across all sectors of care. Website(s): https://offtheclockpsych.com/page/6/?fbclid=IwAR093eU9-Lzp4_qtVRgGGle_K3GUovC2C6ud6-sAV5uIXl81QEMfxkZCxT4 https://familiesontheline.com/resources/ https://www.dbtfamilyskills.com/resources-for-families-couples--friends.html https://health.ucdavis.edu/health-news/newsroom/covid-19-is-wrecking-our-sleep-with-coronasomnia--tips-to-fight-back-/2020/09 https://health.clevelandclinic.org/put-the-phone-away-3-reasons-why-looking-at-it-before-bed-is-a-bad-habit/ https://psychotherapyacademy.org/ https://nowmattersnow.org/ https://www.dbtselfhelp.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of Holding Ground psychotherapist Laura Richer and Marriage and Family Therapy Intern Denise Johnson discuss Internal Family Systems therapy aka IFS. IFS is a therapy that was developed by Richard C. Schwartz. Denise and Laura talk about how this effective therapy can help clients better understand their own inner conflict and create positive change in their lives by understanding and addressing issues related to trauma, addiction, and self-sabotaging behaviors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of Holding Ground psychotherapist Laura Richer and Anchor Light Therapy Collective's clinical director Michelle discuss why premarital counseling can benefit couples considering taking the next step. They touch on the top 8 Must Ask questions that partners will want to discuss before saying I do. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Licensed Therapists Michelle Mooney and Brenda Gil discuss stonewalling and the impact it has on your relationship and even more importantly the anecdote to remedy it. If you want to improve your communication skills with your partner tune in! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How can sports impact our mental health? Playing sports can teach valuable life skills like resilience, endurance, and how to work with others. It can also support cognitive development, improving focus and problem-solving skills. There are also concerns about whether the pressure to compete could have a detrimental effect on mental health for some. If you are the parent of an athlete, an athlete yourself, or a sports fan you won’t want to miss this episode! Psychotherapist Laura Richer interviews the perfect guest to weigh in this topic. If you are a Washington sports fan this episode's guest needs no introduction. Brock Huard is a former NFL Quarterback who has played for the Huskies and The Seahawks. He shares his insight and perspective into this topic from all angles from being a young athlete to playing in the pros and now being the parent of young athletes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Dating VS. Relationships: What's The Difference?! Website: www.AnchorLightTherapy.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How focusing on Yourself will Improve Your Relationship with Marriage and Family Therapist Intern Denise Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode psychotherapist Laura Richer and special guest Brenda Zane discuss the stigma associated with substance use disorders. They break down how stigma interferes with treatment and recovery and look at some ways that we as a society can do better in addressing this epidemic. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or if you would like to become better informed or educated on substance use disorders you won't want to miss this episode. This episode covers the main distinctions between dating and relationships to support you with identifying what you are looking for and what it would look like to move on to the next stage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Psychotherapist Laura Richer takes a deep dive into this question -“How can you stop being Insecure in your relationships?” Laura will help you identify what some of your relationship’s insecurities might be rooted in, as well as offer some practical advice on how to shift into the most confident version of you in all of your relationships. If you are struggling to know your worth or feel empowered in your relationships, you won’t want to miss this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Three couples’s therapists discuss the importance of expectations and boundaries in a relationship and how to set them. Expectations serve to describe what is needed to maintain the relationship, while boundaries help each partner maintain their individuality. As well as introduce the newest member of the Anchor Light team Brenda Gil. Brenda is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate and specializes in relationship and individual therapy using techniques from EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and the Gottman Method to empower others.Brenda encourages clients to witness their emotions to better identify their needs and strengthen their ability to advocate for themselves. Brenda creates a non-judgmental, collaborative, and inclusive environment where the client is the expert in their experience and the author of their story.She has experience working with teens, adults, and couples experiencing a broad range of issues including anxiety, depression, PTSD, infidelity, and divorce. Brenda grew up in Southern California and recently moved to Seattle to grow professionally while engaging in some of her favorite hobbies, camping and hiking, as she explores the PNW.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pioneer Human Services is one of the nation’s largest social enterprise organizations focused on providing counseling, treatment, employment services, job training, housing and residential reentry services to people who were involved in the criminal justice system. Join Laura and CEO Karen Lee on how you can help with the organization. Website: https://pioneerhumanservices.org/about/news-events/rebuilding-reentry-interview-karen-lee-ceo-pioneer-human-services Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andi Lucas is the founder and owner of Hummingbird Marketing Services. She has more than 25 years of professional writing and editing experience as well as almost 15 years of digital marketing and web development experience. Originally from Ohio, Andi graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Arts in News Journalism. She has worked for consumer and trade magazines across the country—from Stonington, Maine, and Richmond, Va., to Boston and Los Angeles. Andi moved to Seattle in 2007 and worked in digital marketing and traffic management at Amazon.com until launching Hummingbird Marketing Services in 2015. Also, business coach and trainer Susan Perreault with Business Impact NW. Susan’s job at Business Impact NW is twofold. One is as an instructor for a variety of programs we offer, including Square One and Launch & Grow. The other part is being a business coach where she works one-on-one and helps people in whatever aspect of their business they need assistance with. She loves her job and would like to continue doing it for the foreseeable future. Website(s): https://hummingbirdmarketingservices.com/ & https://businessimpactnw.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of Holding Ground journalist and King 5 news anchor Jake Whittenberg joins us to share what has been going on in the Newsroom. As we continue to navigate these unusual times Jake and the rest of the team at King 5 have been keeping us all up to date on the latest happenings. Have you ever wondered what it might be like for the people working hard every day to keep us informed and what impact this might have on their mental health? As a trauma informed therapist, Laura certainly has! Laura and Jake discuss the impact of secondary trauma and how the media can be an ally in helping people destigmatize and be an ally for those dealing with mental health issues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Website: www.EricPinkins.com & www.theUrbanAdvocates.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Talent Agency Owner Tracy Willis of WHE Agency stops by to chat about family social influencer(s) and how you could too. Website: www.WHEagency.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brenda Zane is a Mayo Clinic Certified health and wellness coach whose work supports moms of kids with substance use disorder. Her mission is to help moms maintain their health and sanity as they navigate the chaos and fear of having a child who’s misusing drugs or alcohol. Website: www.BrendaZane.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lesley Todaro with Hallowell Todaro ADHD Center Website: https://hallowelltodaro.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Licensed Therapists Laura Richer and Michelle Mooney discuss the necessary building blocks of a rewarding relationship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices