The Affirming Minds Podcast

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/offers/XMAbo9mh/checkout?coupon_code=POD Featured Book: Using ACT and CFT for Burnout Recovery: The Beyond Burnout Blueprint by Shaina Siber Kindle: https://a.co/d/0iAlSrhC Paperback: https://www.routledge.com/Using-ACT-and-CFT-for-Burnout-Recovery-The-Beyond-Burnout-Blueprint/Siber/p/book/9781041074304 Course Information: https://canva.link/022jklmnz1q4fl6 --- Episode Summary: This episode explores the realities of clinical supervision—what it’s meant to do, where it can fall short, and what’s at stake when it does. I’m joined by Amelia Larson, MSW, RCSW, to break down the ethical gray zones clinicians and supervisors navigate every day—from recognizing early “pink flags” to making high-stakes decisions in complex systems. Whether you’re receiving supervision or providing it, this episode offers a grounded look at navigating uncertainty in real-world clinical work. --- Topics Discussed: What gets missed in supervision Skills deficits vs. avoidance vs. countertransference Ethical decision-making in high-risk situations The impact of burnout, systems, and AI on clinical practice --- About Our Guest: Amelia Larson, MSW, RCSW is a clinical social worker, therapist, and supervisor based in Calgary, Alberta. She is the founder of As You Are Therapy, Clinical Supervision & Consulting and serves as Clinical Director of a large non-profit providing accessible mental health care. --- Resources: Website: https://asyouaretherapy.ca Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/as_you_aretherapyandconsulting LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amelia-larson-msw-rcsw-78135239/ --- Conflict of Interest Disclosures: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. No other financial conflicts of interest were reported. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://canva.link/3j4cfb8py56le1o Episode Summary: In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, Shaina Siber, LCSW is joined by Kara Lissy, LCSW to explore how dysfunctional family dynamics shape adult relationships, self-worth, and emotional regulation. Grounded in CBT, DBT, and ACT, this conversation offers practical, evidence-based strategies to help clinicians and clients understand—and break—generational patterns. Topics Discussed: Family trauma vs. dysfunction How early adaptations show up in adulthood Boundaries, people-pleasing, and burnout Practical tools to interrupt maladaptive patterns About Our Guest: Kara Lissy, LCSW is a psychotherapist and author specializing in adult children of alcoholics and dysfunctional family systems. She works with adults navigating anxiety, shame, and the long-term impact of emotionally unpredictable homes. Resources: Healing From a Dysfunctional Family: A Workbook to Break the Generational Cycle: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Dysfunctional-Family-Healing-from-a-Dysfunctional-Family-Workbook-Generational/dp/1648486134 Conflict of Interest Disclosures: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. No other financial conflicts of interest were reported. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://canva.link/hiv9ont8fgrhgzt --- Episode Summary: Leadership often demands sustained performance under pressure—but what is the psychological cost? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Simon Rego and Dr. Julian Barling to explore burnout, stress, and the internal experiences of high-performing leaders. Drawing from CBT, ACT, and related evidence-based approaches, we examine how common traits like perfectionism, over-responsibility, and emotional suppression can both drive success and maintain distress. We also discuss practical strategies to support more sustainable, values-aligned functioning in leadership and high-demand roles. --- Guests: Simon A. Rego, PsyD, ABPP, A-CBT – Chief of Psychology at Montefiore Medical Center and Professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine Julian Barling, PhD – Distinguished University Professor and Borden Chair of Leadership at Queen’s University --- Resource: The Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Workbook for Leaders https://www.amazon.com/Cognitive-Behavioral-Therapy-Workbook-Leaders/dp/1648484778 --- Conflict of Interest Disclosures: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. No other financial conflicts of interest were reported. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://canva.link/qvhqgnz5pnptjgk --- Episode Summary: Rates of anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicide among young people have risen dramatically over the past decade. But what if we’re misunderstanding the problem? In this episode, Shaina sits down with Dr. Will Dobud, social worker, researcher, and co-author of Kids These Days, to challenge dominant narratives about youth mental health. Together, they explore how current clinical and cultural frameworks may contribute to over-pathologizing normal development—and what we may be missing when we focus too narrowly on diagnosis, symptom reduction, and control. This conversation invites clinicians, parents, and educators to consider a broader, more contextual lens—one that centers relationships, autonomy, and environment. --- Topics Covered: Why youth symptoms may reflect broader systemic and relational factors How adult anxiety and over-intervention influence youth mental health Limitations of diagnosis-driven and symptom-focused models When therapy may not be effective—and how to recognize it The role of autonomy, connection, and trusted relationships --- About Our Guest: Dr. Will Dobud is a social worker, researcher, and educator who has worked with adolescents and families in the United States, Australia, and Norway. He is a Senior Lecturer in Social Work at Charles Sturt University and an award-winning researcher focused on improving therapy outcomes for teenagers and promoting safe, ethical practices. His work includes examining the risks of coercive and institutional treatment models. --- Resource: Kids These Days (book): https://a.co/d/0gsTkoHy --- Conflict of Interest Disclosures: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. Dr. Will Dobud is the co-author of Kids These Days and may reference concepts from the book during this episode. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAHFXBWd8Uo/8KIEPLLsY2iJZRr_Z3iejQ/view?utm_content=DAHFXBWd8Uo&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=he7a8881f70 --- Episode Summary: Therapists are trained to reduce suffering—but what if that’s only part of the work? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jessica Rabon to explore positive psychology as a scientifically grounded approach to wellbeing. We break down what it is, what it isn’t, and how it moves beyond symptom reduction to help clients build meaningful, engaged lives. We cover the PERMA model, the role of flow and relationships, and how to integrate positive psychology into clinical practice—without slipping into toxic positivity. If you’ve ever felt the gap between helping clients feel less bad and helping them actually feel fulfilled, this conversation will meet you there. --- About Our Guest: Dr. Jessica Rabon is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in pediatric psychology. Her clinical interests include depression, anxiety, chronic medical illnesses, LGBTQ+ health, and eating disorders. She has published a number of peer-reviewed research papers and a book on topics such as suicide, depression, anxiety, self-compassion, gratitude, and forgiveness. Additionally, Jess creates mental health content on social media and hosts a podcast, Psych Talk, with the goal of making mental health more accessible and relatable, and destigmatizing mental health.   --- Connect with Dr. Jessica Rabon: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicaleighphd/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jessicaleighphd Website: https://jessicaleighphd.wixsite.com/mysite Podcast (Psych Talk): https://psychtalk.buzzsprout.com/   --- Conflict of Interest Disclosures: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. No other financial conflicts of interest were reported. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAHEx3SjNn4/YYhpzRA8P0PooWCNxqFUJQ/view?utm_content=DAHEx3SjNn4&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h9fde65f80a --- Episode Summary: In this episode, I’m joined by Grace Berman, LCSW, to explore evidence-based approaches for treating children with anxiety, ADHD, and behavioral challenges. We break down how therapists can integrate Behavioral Parent Training (BPT) and SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) to reduce parental accommodation, improve child behavior, and build emotional regulation through parent-mediated interventions. This conversation highlights how to move beyond diagnosis and use a functional approach to child behavior, including reinforcement, extinction bursts, natural consequences, and parent consistency to support long-term outcomes. --- Topics Covered: Child anxiety treatment ADHD in children Behavioral Parent Training SPACE therapy Parental accommodation Emotional dysregulation Extinction bursts Natural consequences Parent-mediated interventions Evidence-based therapy for children --- About Our Guest: Grace Berman is a licensed clinical social worker and adjunct professor at Columbia University School of Social Work. She specializes in the treatment of children, adolescents, and adults with anxiety disorders and OCD at the Ross Center. Previously, she trained as an Advanced Clinical Social Work Fellow at the Yale Child Study Center, where she later served as a faculty clinician, and held clinical and supervisory roles at the Child Mind Institute. In addition to her clinical work at the Ross Center, she is co-director of Community Education, providing workshops and consultation to schools, caregivers, and community organizations. --- Connect with Grace Berman: Ross Center (clinical work + resources) Community education, workshops, and consultation Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) ADAA AI Special Interest Group (SIG) → [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.rosscenter.com/team/grace-berman-lcsw/ --- Conflict of Interest Disclosures: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. No other financial conflicts of interest were reported. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Using ACT and CFT for Burnout Recovery: The Beyond Burnout Blueprint by Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz Order directly from the publisher and receive a 20% off discount with code: Code: 26SMA1 Valid through: June 30 Publisher link: https://www.routledge.com/Using-ACT-and-CFT-for-Burnout-Recovery-The-Beyond-Burnout-Blueprint/Siber/p/book/9781041074304 Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Using-ACT-CFT-Burnout-Recovery/dp/1041074301/ Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/242051083-using-act-and-cft-for-burnout-recovery --- Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAHEHPJQbtw/TDh_gkX4iWI8w6t4UVLPmg/view?utm_content=DAHEHPJQbtw&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h285b19bdb6 --- Episode Summary: In this episode of the Affirming Minds Podcast, Dr. Laurie Gallo interviews host Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz about the ideas behind her new book, Using ACT and CFT for Burnout Recovery: The Beyond Burnout Blueprint. Together they explore how burnout develops in high-demand professions and why many traditional approaches to burnout fall short. The conversation examines how principles from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) can help clinicians support burnout recovery by addressing shame, overcontrol, and chronic occupational stress while cultivating psychological flexibility and self-compassion. --- Conflict of Interest Disclosures: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. No other financial conflicts of interest were reported. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAHCtVcZ2Tg/hk7ToqoD3ZDMAqyACKanZA/view?utm_content=DAHCtVcZ2Tg&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h4dd8cd6de7 --- Episode Summary: In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, Dr. Janeé M. Steele joins the conversation to explore social anxiety through a culturally responsive CBT lens. The discussion examines the core mechanisms that maintain social anxiety — including anticipatory processing, safety behaviors, and post-event rumination — and how these patterns intersect with lived experience, systemic bias, and stereotype threat. Dr. Steele outlines practical strategies for differentiating between irrational fear and rational responses to discrimination, adapting exposure hierarchies with attention to real-world risk, using broaching to explore identity within the therapeutic relationship, and integrating micro-interventions and self-affirmation into clinical practice. This episode offers clinicians concrete tools for delivering evidence-based treatment while honoring the broader social and cultural context in which anxiety develops and is maintained. --- About Our Guest: Janeé M. Steele, Ph.D. is a licensed professional counselor, counselor educator, and diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies. Dr. Steele is also the owner of Kalamazoo Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy, PLLC, where she provides therapy, supervision, and training in cognitive behavior therapy. Her research focuses on counselor training, social justice, and culturally responsive approaches to therapy. She is the author of the book Racism and African American Mental Health: Using Cognitive Behavior Therapy to Empower Healing, and has published in peer-reviewed journals such as Counselor Education and Supervision, Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development, Journal for Specialists in Group Work, Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, and Counselling Psychology Quarterly. Her insights have also been featured in media outlets such as Vogue, Psychiatric Times, Psychology Today, and Counseling Today. She frequently presents at state, national, and international counseling conferences and serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development. She is an active member of the counseling profession and has served on the executive committee of the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies, the board of the National Social Anxiety Center, the webinar committee of the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, and the research and knowledge committee of the American Counseling Association. --- Connect with Dr. Steele: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjaneesteele Books by Dr. Steele: Racism and African American Mental Health: Using Cognitive Behavior Therapy to Empower Healing https://www.routledge.com/Racism-and-African-American-Mental-Health-Using-Cognitive-Behavior-Therapy-to-Empower-Healing/Steele/p/book/9781032050492 Black Lives Are Beautiful: 50 Tools to Heal from Trauma and Promote Positive Racial Identity(with S. Newton) https://www.routledge.com/Black-Lives-Are-Beautiful-50-Tools-to-Heal-from-Trauma-and-Promote-Positive-Racial-Identity/Steele-Newton/p/book/9781032117423 --- Conflict of Interest Disclosures: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. No other financial conflicts of interest were reported. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAHCJ9CKZKI/Ad1sHDONsRUAfzKnZndnYw/view?utm_content=DAHCJ9CKZKI&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h08e753f0a7 --- Episode Summary: Are today’s teens truly more anxious — or are we simply seeing anxiety more clearly? In this episode, we unpack the narrative of “the anxious generation” and explore what current research actually shows about adolescent anxiety. We discuss adolescent brain development and expected shifts in mood, sleep, and emotional intensity, and how to distinguish developmentally expectable distress from clinically impairing anxiety. We also explore how contextual factors — COVID-19 disruption, social media and parasocial relationships, and expanded access to telehealth — shape our understanding of youth anxiety reporting without assuming pathology. Finally, we delve into a critical relational factor: how caregiver anxiety and over-accommodation can unintentionally reinforce avoidance — and what differentiation looks like in practice when supporting teens. Joining me is Sophia Vale Guarino, LCSW, author of Calming Teenage Anxiety — a practical guide for caregivers who want to support teens with clarity and steadiness. Get her book here: https://a.co/d/005IWBFj --- About Our Guest: Sophia was born in Los Angeles, raised in London, and holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from New York University. She has been providing therapy since 2015 and has over a decade of experience working with adults and adolescents. Sophia has treated individuals and families in her private practice while also providing therapy in medical, educational, residential and outpatient settings. She is an expert at treating teenage anxiety, and is the author of the book, Calming Teenage Anxiety: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Your Teenager Cope with Worry. Sophia has been featured on numerous media outlets, such as television news segments, radio stations, podcasts and YouTube channels. Sophia’s writing has been featured in Writer’s Digest, Your Teen Mag, Get Fit Now and her book, Calming Teenage Anxiety: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Your Teenager Cope with Worry was selected by Kirkus as an indie pick for 2026. She has taught continuing education courses for professionals on adolescent anxiety, and has guest lectured at both the high school and university level. Sophia is also a subject matter expert for Hollywood, Health and Society, ensuring script accuracy in addiction-related story lines. Additionally, Sophia holds certifications in the following areas: animal assisted therapy, forensic social work, sex therapy, yoga teaching and is a master level reiki practitioner. In her free time, Sophia volunteers for several animal rescue organizations, and as a trained fine artist and fashion designer, she loves painting and drawing as well as designing and manufacturing clothes. --- Conflict of Interest Disclosures: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. No other financial conflicts of interest were reported. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAHBhSxa9gU/RwQ9m-fExyl2E3Wn0felXA/view?utm_content=DAHBhSxa9gU&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hbd367d8551 --- Episode Summary: Family estrangement is often portrayed as impulsive, trendy, or selfish. In reality, navigating low contact or no contact with a parent is typically a painful decision — one that is rarely made lightly and almost never without history. As public debate around estrangement has intensified — including criticism directed at therapists — this episode asks an essential question: What is our clinical role in this conversation? Host Shaina Siber, LCSW offers a trauma-informed, ethically grounded framework for clinicians working with adult clients who are considering distance from caregivers. She argues that therapy should not treat reconciliation as morally superior — nor estrangement as inherently empowered. Instead, clinicians are called to remain outcome-neutral and harm-responsive. This episode provides: A structured assessment model for evaluating impact, boundary history, accountability capacity, and safety Clarification of what “boundaries” actually mean — and how they differ from requests or impact statements Guidance for navigating trauma history, identity-based rejection, and developmental instability A clear stance on avoiding coercion while naming harm when present Estrangement decisions are complex, relational, and often grief-filled. This conversation offers therapists a grounded framework for helping clients move through these waters with clarity, agency, and care. --- About Shaina: Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker with 15 years of experience providing psychotherapy to diverse patient populations. She is the founder and owner of AFFIRM Mental Health, an accredited continuing education provider dedicated to offering high quality virtual workshops to mental health providers. She’s spent her career in various clinical and leadership roles focused on serving underserved populations and addressing systemic issues. She continues to provide therapy through her private practice, offer consulting for organizations with behavioral health needs and teach in psychology and psychiatry residency training programs, graduate social work education and continuing education courses on a variety of topics including Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Gender Affirming Care, Professional Burnout and Structural Competency. --- Conflict of Interest Disclosures: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content.  No other financial conflicts of interest were reported. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health    

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAHApTPhKtE/w9nd8Kx8V3-qXpSnLl8v7Q/view?utm_content=DAHApTPhKtE&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h7a16a97896 --- Episode Summary: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is one of the most empirically supported treatments in mental health, with strong evidence for reducing suicide risk, self-injury, and other high-risk behaviors. Yet access to full-fidelity DBT remains limited, raising important questions about dissemination, accessibility, and real-world use. In this episode, Shaina Siber is joined by Dr. Shireen L. Rizvi and Dr. Jesse Finkelstein for a thoughtful conversation about DBT dissemination—how evidence-based treatments evolve, travel beyond specialty settings, and become usable tools for real life without losing their integrity. The discussion centers on Real Skills for Real Life: A DBT Guide to Navigating Stress, Emotions, and Relationships, an accessible, visually engaging guide that presents 26 core DBT skills alongside decision trees to support flexible, context-responsive skill use. --- About Our Guests: Shireen L. Rizvi, PhD, is Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Montefiore Einstein Medical Center in New York, where she serves as Director of Psychology Training and Director of DBT Services and Research. Dr. Rizvi earned her doctorate under the mentorship of Marsha M. Linehan. She has received extensive grant funding and published dozens of research papers. Dr. Rizvi is board certified in cognitive and behavioral therapies and DBT. Her mission is to get DBT tools to as many people as possible. Jesse Finkelstein, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist, educator, and creator of innovative DBT-based interventions. He trained extensively in DBT and other evidence-based treatments, with a specialization in emotion dysregulation, posttraumatic stress disorder, and obsessive–compulsive disorder. Dr. Finkelstein’s work bridges clinical practice, research, and creative design to make DBT skills more accessible and engaging. --- Helpful Links & Resources: Real Skills for Real Life: A DBT Guide to Navigating Stress, Emotions, and Relationships https://a.co/d/2dGOZx0 https://www.guilford.com/books/Real-Skills-for-Real-Life/Rizvi-Finkelstein/9781462555574 DBT Skills YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/dbtru Shireen Rizvi, PhD: https://www.shireenrizvi.com Jesse Finkelstein, PsyD: https://axiscbt.com The Raha Hive: https://www.therahive.com --- Conflict of Interest Disclosures: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. The guests featured in this episode, Dr. Shireen L. Rizvi and Dr. Jesse Finkelstein, are the authors of Real Skills for Real Life: A DBT Guide to Navigating Stress, Emotions, and Relationships, which is referenced during the episode. They receive royalties from the sale of this book.  No other financial conflicts of interest were reported. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health  

​​Grad school trained us to practice therapy—but not the business of mental health or the range of career possibilities available to clinicians. In this episode of The Mental Health Edit, Shaina speaks with Gabrielle Juliano-Villani and LeNaya Smith Crawford, co-founders of the REIMAGINE Business Summit, about entrepreneurship, burnout, and reimagining careers beyond the therapy room. Join the REIMAGINE Business Summit 🗓 February 15–20 👉 Free General Admission:https://lenaya-crawford.mykajabi.com/a/2148214964/hNZ7bj8U 👉 VIP Bundle ($97):https://lenaya-crawford.mykajabi.com/offers/QkLmhfbp/checkout?ref=https%3A%2F%2Flenaya-crawford.mykajabi.com%2Fa%2F2148214965%2FhNZ7bj8U The VIP upgrade includes extended access, business intensives, coaching, and—if you’re not already an Affirm Academy member—a CE Podcast Pass for Affirming Minds (ASWB, NBCC, NYSED).  

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG_lF-ZpCY/yC-Ro85UiUoGf2UFz-bwMg/view?utm_content=DAG_lF-ZpCY&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hf021a1b3e5 --- Episode Summary: In this episode of Affirming Minds, we explore foster care and adoption through an attachment-informed lens, focusing on how separation-related grief and loss are often minimized or left unacknowledged. We discuss how separations across infancy, childhood, and adolescence can shape emotional regulation, trust, and behavior—and how clinicians and caregivers can respond with greater accuracy and compassion. --- About Our Guest: Jeanette Yoffe, M.A., M.F.T., is a nationally recognized clinician and educator with over 20 years of experience specializing in foster care, adoption, and attachment-informed treatment. She is the Founder of Celia Center, Clinical Director of Yoffe Therapy, and the author of The Traumatized & At-Risk Youth Toolbox. --- Helpful Links & Resources: Website: www.JeanetteYoffe.com The Traumatized & At-Risk Youth Toolbox: https://www.pesi.com/item/the-traumatized-atrisk-youth-toolbox-150079 Children’s Books: https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B07V9L93XF Psychology Today – The Inner Life of Foster Care: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-inner-life-of-foster-care --- Connect with Jeanette Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanetteyoffe/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanette.yoffe YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Jeanette-icallySpeaking Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/JeanetteYoffe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanetteyoffe/ --- Conflict of Interest Disclosures: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. The guest featured in this episode, Jeanette Yoffe, M.A., M.F.T., is the author of The Traumatized & At-Risk Youth Toolbox, which is referenced throughout the episode as a clinical resource. Jeanette Yoffe receives royalties from the sale of this book. No other financial conflicts of interest were reported. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG-3TMjq5c/qaWmfiu6RuKNQvsmn3MhCw/view?utm_content=DAG-3TMjq5c&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h61b36a0d1a --- Episode Summary: At a moment of expanding awareness and increasing constraint, clinicians are more attuned than ever to the potential for harm in the therapy room—yet many feel uncertain about how to respond when identity, power, and politics arise in session. In this episode, we explore cultural humility as a clinical stance, not a buzzword: What it means to practice with ongoing self-reflection, accountability, and repair How to navigate backlash, polarization, and institutional limits How to adapt evidence-based treatments through a culturally humble lens What it looks like to redistribute power, mitigate harm, and stay present when the work feels risky Our guest is Dr. Lauren Wadsworth, clinical psychologist, consultant, and co-founder of Twin Stars Diversity Trainers. Dr. Wadsworth brings deep clinical experience and a justice-oriented lens to the nuanced terrain where identity and therapy intersect. Whether you’re a seasoned clinician or in training, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about identity, power, harm, and ethics in everyday practice. --- About Our Guest: Dr. Lauren Wadsworth, PsyD, ABPP is: Co-founder, Mental Health Network and Training Institute (MHNTI) — a national platform for sustainable, identity-responsive clinical training Founder & Director of Genesee Valley Psychology — an insurance-based practice expanding access to evidence-based treatment Co-founder of Twin Stars Diversity Trainers, offering system-level consultation to practices and institutions Co-author of Did That Just Happen?! Beyond “Diversity”: Creating Sustainable and Inclusive Organizations Senior Advisor on Anti-Racist, Justice, and Health Equity at McLean Hospital Clinical Senior Instructor in Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center --- Helpful Links & Resources: 🔗 Mental Health Network and Training Institute (MHNTI) https://www.mhnti.com/ 🔗 Genesee Valley Psychology & Training Collaborative https://gviproc.org/ 🔗 Twin Stars Diversity Trainers https://www.twinstardiversity.com/ 📘 Did That Just Happen?! Beyond “Diversity” — Book https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/670590/did-that-just-happen-by-dr-stephanie-pinder-amaker-and-dr-lauren-wadsworth/ --- Conflict of Interest Disclosures: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

🎉 Exclusive Listener Offer: Cymbiose AI x AFFIRM 2 months FREE + 2 months at 50% off No commitment. Cancel anytime. How to claim: Go to https://app.cymbiose.ai/login  Click “I’m new here” to create your account Use code CYM4 Episode Show Notes In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, Shaina Siber, LCSW sits down with Brandi Herring, LMHC — co-founder and CEO of Cymbiose AI, a culturally responsive, HIPAA-compliant AI assistant built by clinicians, for clinicians. Together, they explore what it looks like when therapists don’t just adapt to systems — but help design them. This conversation covers: Ethical AI in mental health and why clinician leadership matters Bias, cultural responsiveness, and diagnostic clarity Turning documentation into a clinical and professional asset Moving from clinician to founder — even without a tech background If you’ve been curious about AI but cautious about ethics, privacy, or impact on care, this episode offers a grounded, clinician-centered perspective on how technology can support — not replace — human-centered therapy. About Cymbiose AI Cymbiose AI supports clinicians with documentation, cultural and structural insights, supervision tracking, and CE recommendations — all designed to strengthen care quality while reducing administrative burden. Connect Brandi Herring: @brandithetherapist Cymbiose AI: @cymbioseai  Cymbiose AI Learn more about AFFIRM’s CE offerings at Affirm Mental Health or Join the Affirm Academy AFFIRM Mental Health Courses

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG9j8Q1isU/xvwgaGz5kPfsJcS5m--L7w/view?utm_content=DAG9j8Q1isU&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hd1e5d859a3 --- Episode Summary: Why is behavior change so hard—even when we genuinely want to change? In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, we explore how survival wiring, unconscious patterns, and longevity science shape habit formation and behavior change. Drawing from behavioral science, psychodynamic psychology, and emerging healthspan research, this conversation examines why willpower alone rarely works—and what supports sustainable, values-aligned change instead. Shaina is joined by Laura Elorza Isaza, Clinical Psychologist, to discuss autopilot living, discipline vs. motivation, shame-free approaches to habit change, and how understanding unconscious processes can help individuals design behaviors that support long-term mental and physical well-being. --- About Our Guest: Laura Elorza Isaza: I am a clinical psychologist, graduated from Universidad EAFIT, with a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with a psychodynamic focus from Universidad del Norte. I work with adults in therapeutic processes focused on navigating significant life changes, healing emotional bonds, strengthening self-esteem, and cultivating motivation and consistency — all through a deep, human-centered approach. My experience spans both individual and group settings, in person and online, integrating tools such as projective and psychotechnical tests, crisis intervention, psychological first aid, and clinical research. I have had the opportunity to work with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, which has enriched my clinical perspective and allowed me to tailor therapeutic support to a wide range of sensitivities and worldviews. With psychology I help people break free from autopilot living and uncover genuine happiness. Through my private practice and my work with Unconscious Moderation (UM), a platform built on “change your thoughts, change your drink, change your life”, I guide individuals through major life changes, emotional healing, and self-esteem building. At UM, I create content and support tools that combine hypnotherapy, journaling, and movement practices to transform people’s relationships with alcohol without shame or perfectionism. I emphasize in understanding unconscious patterns over forcing change, fostering conversations that empower people to discover what truly works for their lives. --- Conflict of Interest Disclosures: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. The guest for this episode, Laura Elorza Isaza, Clinical Psychologist, disclosed a financial relationship with Unconscious Moderation (UM). She receives compensation from the company and referenced the UM app during the course of the discussion. This relationship has been disclosed in the interest of transparency. The content of this episode is educational in nature and was not influenced by any commercial entity.   Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Mental Health Edit (Non-CE Episode) 📄 FREE Guide: Podcasting for Therapists https://www.canva.com/design/DAG8ibvnb3k/wc9YVR0csvGvsvDgZRWRaQ/view  Thinking about starting a podcast as a therapist or clinician? This episode offers a realistic conversation about podcasting, creativity, sustainability, and lessons learned from building a therapist-led show. 🎙️ Guest: Tobin Richardson, creator of Save the Therapist 🔗 More Resources 🎧 Save the Therapist Podcast & Platform https://savethetherapist.com  🎓 Live Training: Ethical Decision-Making for Public-Facing Therapists (Free for Affirm Academy Members) Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1977913650974  🌱 Join Affirm Academy – $29/month https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/offers/XMAbo9mh/checkout 

Perinatal OCD on Screen with Little Disasters Author Sarah Vaughan In this episode of The Mental Health Edit, Shaina Siber, host of The Affirming Minds Podcast, speaks with Sarah Vaughan, bestselling author of Anatomy of a Scandal and Little Disasters, about perinatal obsessive-compulsive disorder, maternal mental health, and why accurate media representation matters far beyond the therapy room. Little Disasters—now a limited series streaming on Little Disasters—offers a rare, thoughtful portrayal of intrusive thoughts, shame, avoidance, and institutional response, and Sarah generously reflects on how her experiences of motherhood informed both the novel and its screen adaptation. Watch: https://www.paramountplus.comRead: Little Disasters: A Novel: Vaughan, Sarah: 9781501172229: Amazon.com: Books (or your preferred bookseller)Learn more about AFFIRM Mental Health, including CE-eligible podcasts: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com  

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG7l1eTh1Q/_ZLnM4mT596WGPoe3v709w/view?utm_content=DAG7l1eTh1Q&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hd0b27cafe4 --- Episode Summary: As mental health knowledge increasingly moves beyond the therapy room and into public-facing spaces—social media, podcasts, blogs, and newsletters—therapists are navigating new ethical terrain. In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber, LCSW is joined by licensed psychologist and DBT expert Dr. Kiki Fehling for a thoughtful conversation about what it means for therapists to show up publicly with integrity, clarity, and ethical care. Together, they explore how public-facing psychoeducation can expand access, reduce stigma, and counter misinformation—while also examining ethical considerations around visibility, self-disclosure, confidentiality, political expression, and professional identity. Rather than offering rigid rules, this episode invites clinicians into a more reflective, values-driven approach to public engagement. --- Topics Discussed: Why therapists are increasingly visible in public-facing spaces Public psychoeducation as a public health intervention Ethical self-disclosure and boundary-setting online Responding to comments and DMs without practicing therapy in public Navigating politics, human rights, and professional responsibility Protecting confidentiality and scope of practice in digital spaces --- About Our Guest: Dr. Kiki Fehling is a licensed psychologist, author, speaker, and Linehan Board–Certified Clinician in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She is known for her public-facing psychoeducation through @dbtkiki, her Substack How To Queer Joy, her book Self-Directed DBT Skills, her DBT Cards for Coping Skills deck, and her work with the suicide prevention nonprofit Now Matters Now. Learn more about DBT at behavioraltech.org. Dr. Fehling is also a WomenHeart Champion, using both clinical expertise and lived experience to advocate for equity in cardiac health. --- Upcoming Workshop With Our Guest Ethics of Personal Branding for Therapists: How to Get Started, Show Up Wisely, and Maintain Boundaries in Digital Spaces March 27, 2026 @12:00PM-3:00PM EST Live via Zoom 3 CEs – Meets NYSED Boundaries Requirement (SW & Psychologists) Free for AFFIRM Academy Members Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1977913650974?aff=oddtdtcreator --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: This episode includes discussion of an upcoming continuing education training offered through Affirm Mental Health. The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health and will receive financial benefit from course registrations. Dr. Kiki Fehling is a paid presenter for this training. The workshop is free for Affirm Academy members. No other financial conflicts of interest are reported. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG6RMxBArE/68btywE2DPvr8nnoE_j8uA/view?utm_content=DAG6RMxBArE&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=he417b57f34 --- Episode Summary: Today we explore how Internal Family Systems (IFS) and attachment theory intersect—and why this integration offers such powerful clinical clarity. We discuss how early attachment experiences shape protectors, how authenticity gets exiled in favor of connection, and what it looks like to build a secure internal attachment between Self and parts. If you’d like an IFS foundation first, listen to Episode #35 with Kendall Hart. --- Topics Discussed: How attachment adaptations form protectors Why certain relational patterns repeat in adulthood What internal secure attachment actually means The role of Self-energy as an internal secure base How IFS + attachment deepens trauma work, parenting, and self-leadership --- About Our Guest: Alyce Messer, LCSW-S, is an EMDRIA-Approved Consultant and IFS Level 2-trained therapist specializing in complex trauma and therapist wellness. She integrates EMDR and IFS to help clinicians, clients, and humans cultivate Self-leadership and healing through differentiation --- Connect with Alyce:  Website: https://alycemesser.com Instagram:      @alycerachel Trainings, retreats & consultation: See offerings on her website Newsletter: Sign up via her homepage for updates on IFS + attachment trainings --- Upcoming Workshop with Our Guest Introduction to Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy: Foundations for Clinicians Tuesday, February 24, 2026 12–3 PM EST Live via  Zoom 3 CEs (ASWB, NBCC, NYSED SW/Psychology) $60 — Free for Affirm Academy Members - BECOME A MEMBER – Affirm Mental Health Part of Affirm Reads — read No Bad Partsbeforehand for additional CEs Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/introduction-to-internal-family-systems-therapy-foundations-for-clinicians-tickets-1931966617159?aff=oddtdtcreator --- Resources Mentioned Episode #35: Kendall Hart on IFS Foundations Book: No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz IFS Institute: https://ifs-institute.com Attachment theory basics: Bowlby & Ainsworth foundational work --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

In this special Mental Health Edit episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber, LCSW speaks with the brilliant Megan Gallagher, the Oslo-based, American-born writer behind All Her Fault — the #1 show on Peacock and a breakout hit that blends psychological suspense with piercing social commentary. Megan’s adaptation of Andrea Mara’s novel delivers a propulsive, twist-heavy thriller while unearthing deeper themes: the mental load of parenthood, weaponized incompetence, gendered blame, disability representation, caregiving, and the quiet emotional burdens that shape family life. If you love psychologically rich storytelling — or you’re a therapist who wants to explore how mental health shows up in the stories we consume — this conversation is essential. About Megan Gallagher Megan Gallagher is an acclaimed screenwriter known for bold, emotionally grounded, character-driven thrillers. Her work includes: ALL HER FAULT (Peacock #1 in the U.S.; Sky & NOW TV in the UK), starring Sarah Snook, Dakota Fanning, Michael Peña, and Jake Lacy WOLF (BBC), based on Mo Hayder’s Jack Caffery novels THE BLAME (currently in production for ITV and Quay St.) Adaptation of Robert Harris’s Act of Oblivion for Carnival Two episodes of Suspicion for Apple TV+, starring Uma Thurman An episode of the Harlen Coben/Amazon thriller series Lazarus Her writing is known for its emotional honesty, sophisticated tension, and ability to frame genre storytelling through a deeply human lens. Listen & Learn Watch All Her Fault on Peacock Explore CE-eligible podcourses at affirmmentalhealth.com Follow @affirmmentalhealth on Instagram for updates If You Loved This Episode Please follow, rate, and share with fellow clinicians and pop-culture enthusiasts. Your support helps expand thoughtful, nuanced conversations about mental health in media.

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG45j7muyU/GyvsDQMgwhL4FHOY1FrELQ/view?utm_content=DAG45j7muyU&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h174d77b3d6 --- Episode Summary: In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber, LCSW sits down with Dr. Teresa Hsu-Walklet — clinical psychologist, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and Founder of S.P.E.A.K. (A Supportive Place for Empowering Asian Americans & Kin) — to explore the growing mental-health crisis among Asian American teens. Dr. Hsu discusses the historical and cultural context that shapes Asian American mental health — from early immigration and Japanese internment to the Vietnam War and the 2020 surge in anti-Asian hate during COVID-19. She shares how these systemic and generational experiences of trauma continue to influence today’s youth and why culturally responsive interventions are critical for prevention and healing. We dive into her groundbreaking new resource, The Asian American Teen’s Mental Health Workbook, and the community-based work of S.P.E.A.K., which empowers Asian American families and providers through education, destigmatization, and research-driven advocacy. --- Topics Discussed: How historical oppression and racialized trauma intersect with modern Asian American identity. The impact of COVID-19–related anti-Asian hate on mental health and belonging. Key takeaways from The Asian American Teen’s Mental Health Workbookfor clinicians, parents, and youth. The role of community-based participatory action research (CBPAR) in advancing culturally responsive care. --- About Our Guest: Teresa Hsu, PhD, is the Founder and Executive Director of S.P.E.A.K., a Supportive Place for Empowering Asian Americans & Kin, which focuses on Asian American mental health and wellness through education, destigmatization, research, and direct services. She is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and as the former Assistant Director of the Pediatric Behavioral Health Integration Program at Montefiore Medical Center, she helped establish one of the largest pediatric integrated behavioral health primary care programs in the nation. She uses evidenced-based approaches in her work with individuals and families to address race-related stressors, parent-child cultural issues including cultural dissonance, anxiety, mood disorders, and trauma. Her research focuses on collaborative care, prevention, and population health in diverse, historically marginalized communities, and she has presented nationally and published in peer-reviewed journals. She has been interviewed by The New York Times, WHYY PBS & NPR, VeryWell Family, Romper, Modern Healthcare, and City Limits, amongst others. Dr. Hsu-Walklet attended Northwestern University, where she received her B.A. in Psychology and Piano Performance, and she received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from The George Washington University. She completed her Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship at New York University. --- Connect with Teresa:  Website: www.connecttospeak.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drteresahsu & https://www.instagram.com/connecttospeak The Asian American Teen’s Mental Health Workbook: https://www.amazon.com/Asian-American-Mental-Health-Workbook/dp/1648485693 --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG3p9dLjmY/4qwcHJ9bffOH5QItUeTI0Q/view?utm_content=DAG3p9dLjmY&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h90a91f5af6 --- This Episode is Sponsored by Jane This episode is proudly sponsored by Jane, the practice management software that simplifies scheduling, charting, billing, and running your therapy business – all in one place. Use code AFFIRM1MO to receive a 1-month grace period when you sign up: 🔗 https://jane.app --- Episode Summary: Infertility affects an estimated 1 in 6 people worldwide, yet remains one of the least explored topics in clinical education. In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, sits down with Hilary Hovis, LCSW to unpack the emotional and psychological dimensions of infertility and IVF treatment—and how therapists can offer informed, compassionate care to clients navigating these deeply personal experiences. Hilary brings both professional expertise and lived experience to the conversation. She specializes in helping women and non-binary clients explore the intersections of body image, disordered eating, and reproductive grief, and her insights illuminate what it means to hold space for grief, hope, and identity shifts when the body becomes the site of uncertainty. --- Topics Discussed: Common emotional and relational themes in infertility and IVF journeys Quiet grief, control, and shame as clinical targets rather than character flaws Containment planning, widening the window of tolerance, and distinguishing pain from danger The role of systemic barriers—cost, access, policy, and privilege—in shaping reproductive experiences Moving beyond toxic positivity toward authentic, trauma-informed compassion --- About Our Guest: Hilary Hovis, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, and founder of HLH Therapy, a private practice serving adults across New York. Hilary helps clients unpack the deeper roots of body image distress, disordered eating patterns, and reproductive grief. Her approach is trauma-informed, relational, and narrative-based—offering humor, honesty, and validation to those navigating complex relationships with their bodies and identities. --- Connect with Hilary:  Website: www.hlhtherapy.com TikTok: @hlhtherapy --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG26R2OOgE/ty4ePFfNomzIu95FE4nomA/view?utm_content=DAG26R2OOgE&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h3abe042a1d --- This Episode is Sponsored by Jane This episode is proudly sponsored by Jane, the practice management software that simplifies scheduling, charting, billing, and running your therapy business – all in one place. Use code AFFIRM1MO to receive a 1-month grace period when you sign up: 🔗 https://jane.app --- Episode Summary: In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber, LCSW sits down with Alyssa Scarano, LPC, NCC, founder and Clinical Director of The Collective Therapy & Wellness, to explore how family pain and protection get passed down through relationships—and how therapy can interrupt those cycles. Grounded in the frameworks of Bowenian Family Systems Theory and Attachment Theory, the conversation looks at how early family roles like caretaker, peacekeeper, or over-functioner often repeat across generations. Shaina and Alyssa unpack what it means to notice these patterns, develop differentiation, and create new ways of relating that align with our values rather than our survival instincts. This episode offers a clinically rich, compassion-driven lens for therapists and anyone interested in understanding how healing within relationships can begin to transform entire family systems. --- Topics Discussed: How relational patterns from our families of origin influence adult relationships Key concepts from Bowenian Family Systems and Attachment Theory Practical ways to use genograms to identify intergenerational dynamics How mindfulness and compassion practices help interrupt inherited roles What it looks like when awareness becomes action in therapy --- About Our Guest:  Alyssa Scarano, LPC, NCC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor and the Founder/Owner of The Collective Therapy & Wellness. Known for her empathetic and compassionate approach, Alyssa views her work as a profound privilege—an opportunity to be invited into the most intimate and vulnerable parts of her clients’ lives to offer unwavering support and grace. Specializing in relationships, Alyssa is dedicated to helping individuals heal from childhood trauma, break generational patterns, and cultivate meaningful, authentic connections by first fostering a compassionate relationship with themselves. --- Connect with Alyssa:  Website:collective-therapy.com --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG2WyGmi0o/adhSJJgo9pXQxC25FH5QDw/view?utm_content=DAG2WyGmi0o&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=had1e1338e2 --- This Episode is Sponsored by Jane This episode is proudly sponsored by Jane, the practice management software that simplifies scheduling, charting, billing, and running your therapy business – all in one place. Use code AFFIRM1MO to receive a 1-month grace period when you sign up: 🔗 https://jane.app --- Episode Summary: Music can comfort us, move us, and even help us heal — but for some people, it can also provoke anxiety or fear. In this episode, host Shaina Siber, LCSW, explores the intersection between music therapy, exposure-based interventions, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) with guest Desiree Untch, LCSW — an independently licensed clinical social worker with advanced training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Shaina and Desiree discuss how music — a powerful activator of memory, emotion, and physiology — can become both a trigger and a pathway to healing. Desiree shares how she integrates music into ERP to help clients with moral and religious scrupulosity, a form of OCD characterized by intrusive fears of sinning or moral failure. Together, they explore how sound and rhythm can enhance emotional regulation, deepen exposure work, and transform avoidance into connection. Whether you specialize in OCD or not, this conversation offers creative, evidence-informed ways to bring music, embodiment, and emotional resonance into therapy — especially for clients who avoid sadness, shame, or grief.   If you’re new to ERP or OCD treatment, start with our self-study webinar: 🎓 An Introduction to Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) 🔗 https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/offers/LadRw3dq/checkout --- Topics Discussed: The neurobiological and emotional effects of music on the brain and body How moral and religious scrupulosity can lead to avoidance of music and environments where music is played How music can be used as an exposure stimulus within ERP The overlap between music therapy and modern exposure learning theory Creative ways to use sound and rhythm to reduce experiential avoidance and enhance engagement --- About Our Guest: Desiree Untch is an independently licensed clinical social worker specializing in anxiety disorders, OCD, and related conditions. She has received extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and completed the International OCD Foundation’s Pediatric Behavioral Therapy Training Institute (BTTI). Desiree is a professional member of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) and serves as Vice President and Social Media & Public Relations Chair for OCD Midwest, where she also contributes to the Education Committee. Driven by a passion for helping individuals manage intrusive thoughts and anxiety, she empowers clients with practical, evidence-based tools to reclaim their lives and live fully in the present moment. --- Connect with Desiree:  Email: [email protected] www.aspireanxietysolutions.com https://www.instagram.com/Aspireanxietyandocdsolutions https://www.instagram.com/desireeuntch/ --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG1r9olGRo/pwcm9HHNjwzJmvgcopOwmg/view?utm_content=DAG1r9olGRo&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h0bc8e717dc --- This Episode is Sponsored by Jane This episode is proudly sponsored by Jane, the practice management software that simplifies scheduling, charting, billing, and running your therapy business – all in one place. Use code AFFIRM1MO to receive a 1-month grace period when you sign up: 🔗 https://jane.app --- Episode Summary: In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW sits down with Shruthi Nair, MHC-LP, a New York–based mental health counselor whose work centers on the experiences of South Asian and other BIPOC individuals navigating identity, family dynamics, and mental health stigma. Together, they unpack the complex layers of shame, guilt, success, and family reputation that shape the mental health journeys of South Asian communities. Shruthi shares how historical and cultural forces—like colonialism, collectivism, and generational trauma—continue to influence help-seeking behaviors today. Whether you’re a therapist seeking to build cultural competence or someone personally navigating these themes, this episode offers powerful insight, validation, and tools for growth. --- Topics Discussed: How historical and cultural narratives impact South Asian mental health and stigma The difference between shame and guilt in family systems—and why this distinction matters How therapists can approach bicultural identity, people-pleasing, and intergenerational trauma with compassion and cultural responsiveness Practical strategies and therapeutic modalities that support healing, including mindfulness, IFS, and ACT-based approaches --- About Our Guest: Shruthi Nair is a Limited Permit Mental Health Counselor based in New York. As a second-generation Indian American and daughter of immigrants, Shruthi brings a deep personal understanding to her work with BIPOC communities, with a special focus on supporting South Asian individuals navigating the unique challenges of bicultural identity. Shruthi works primarily with adults dealing with anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem, chronic health conditions (such as PCOS and thyroid disorders), and issues related to people-pleasing, shame, guilt, and family dynamics. She also specializes in helping clients process intergenerational trauma and explore identity through a culturally responsive, trauma-informed lens. A passionate advocate for de-stigmatizing mental health in the South Asian community, Shruthi regularly appears on podcasts, panels, and speaking engagements across organizations. She shares educational, culturally informed content on Instagram and TikTok as @boldbrowntherapist — a platform she created to empower others through representation, storytelling, and healing. Shruthi lives in New Jersey with her husband, loves traveling the world, and has been learning and performing Indian classical dance since the age of four. --- Connect with Shruthi:  Instagram & TikTok: @boldbrowntherapist Website: www.shruthinair.com --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG1B5maVjU/UTrIiHCa8kRtPVj3Cg2r4A/view?utm_content=DAG1B5maVjU&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hed17b23331 --- This Episode is Sponsored by Jane This episode is proudly sponsored by Jane, the practice management software that simplifies scheduling, charting, billing, and running your therapy business – all in one place. Use code AFFIRM1MO to receive a 1-month grace period when you sign up: 🔗 https://jane.app --- Episode Summary: Sleep is one of the most fundamental human needs—and yet, so many of us struggle to get enough of it. In this episode, Shaina sits down with Dr. Sarah Silverman, a Stanford-trained sleep psychologist and insomnia expert, to unpack the modern sleep crisis and explore what’s really keeping us awake. Together, they explore the biological, psychological, and cultural factors that shape how—and how well—we sleep, from stress and technology use to our individual chronotypes and nervous system responses. Dr. Silverman shares practical, science-backed tools for improving sleep naturally, including insights from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), the gold-standard, drug-free treatment for chronic insomnia. This episode invites clinicians and listeners alike to rethink sleep beyond “sleep hygiene,” integrating compassion, nervous system awareness, and evidence-based strategies for better rest. --- Learning Objectives (CE Eligible): Identify the psychological and physiological factors that interfere with restorative sleep, including the impact of stress, anxiety, and modern lifestyle demands. Describe how chronotypes and circadian rhythms influence individual sleep patterns and the challenges posed by societal expectations. Apply at least one evidence-based intervention from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) to support clients struggling with sleep difficulties. --- About Our Guest: Dr. Sarah Silverman is a Stanford-trained sleep psychologist and insomnia expert passionate about helping women get to the root cause of their sleep struggles. Using a personalized, mindfulness-based approach, she empowers clients to improve sleep naturally and sustainably. Dr. Silverman is an expert in CBT-I, the first-line, drug-free treatment for chronic insomnia, and has been published in leading journals including Sleep Health: Journal of the National Sleep Foundation. She regularly provides digital media commentary on sleep health and advocates for greater access to science-backed sleep education—because quality sleep is not a luxury; it’s a human necessity. Connect with Dr. Silverman on Instagram @drsarahsleep and learn more about her work at drsarahsleep.com. --- Resources:  To find a local sleep psychologist or insomnia / CBT-I specialist near you, visit the Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine (SBSM) online directoryand search based on your state.  To find a local sleep medicine physician or sleep center near you, visit the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) sleep center directoryand search with your zip code.  --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG0ZDQh5zI/Ri-sVLz-V9-USJN4HxEa1g/view?utm_content=DAG0ZDQh5zI&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hcc4e682b1b --- This Episode is Sponsored by Jane This episode is proudly sponsored by Jane, the practice management software that simplifies scheduling, charting, billing, and running your therapy business – all in one place. Use code AFFIRM1MO to receive a 1-month grace period when you sign up: 🔗 https://jane.app --- Episode Summary: In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, sits down with trauma therapist Alyssa Kushner, LCSW, to unpack the complexities of codependency, enmeshment, and parentification—especially as they show up in high-functioning clients. Alyssa shares her expertise in helping over-functioners, anxious perfectionists, and people-pleasers recognize the subtle ways self-abandonment, hypervigilance, and external validation shape their identities. She explores how cultural and systemic messages reinforce patterns of self-sacrifice and people-pleasing, and offers evidence-informed strategies to help clients build boundaries, self-compassion, and autonomy. Listeners will gain insight into how nervous system healing, EMDR, somatic approaches, mindfulness, and attachment theory can support recovery from codependency and create more secure, balanced, and fulfilling relationships. --- Learning Objectives (CE Eligible): Define and differentiate codependency, enmeshment, and parentification, and describe how these dynamics intersect in high-functioning clients Identify common clinical presentations of codependent patterns (e.g., over-extending, self-abandonment, hypervigilance) and analyze how external validation and worth-based identity reinforce them Apply evidence-informed strategies to help clients develop boundaries, self-compassion, and autonomy, while considering the influence of cultural and systemic factors --- About Our Guest: Alyssa Kushner, LCSW, is a trauma therapist and the owner of AK Psychotherapy, serving clients in NYC, DC, NJ, and MD. She works primarily with adults navigating the impact of relational and complex trauma, facilitates women’s support groups, and offers EMDR intensives for clients who feel “stuck” despite having insight. --- Resources:  Website: ak-psychotherapy.com Instagram: @alyssaktherapy --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGzvkB6Nic/VS0qO6U5JW7lweRl_wWMWQ/view?utm_content=DAGzvkB6Nic&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hafae8fbf9e --- This Episode is Sponsored by Jane This episode is proudly sponsored by Jane, the practice management software that simplifies scheduling, charting, billing, and running your therapy business – all in one place. Use code AFFIRM1MO to receive a 1-month grace period when you sign up: 🔗 https://jane.app --- Episode Summary: Eating disorders don’t just affect teens. Midlife is a critical yet often invisible period where disordered eating can emerge, relapse, or persist — complicated by ageism, diet culture, and medical stigma. In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber sits down with Heidi J. Dalzell, PsyD, a psychologist, author, and coach with over 30 years of experience in eating disorders treatment. Together, they unpack the myths, stigma, and evidence-based strategies for supporting adults navigating eating disorders in midlife. Dr. Dalzell brings both professional expertise and lived experience as a clinician in recovery, offering a deeply compassionate perspective. She is the author of A Clinician’s Guide to Gender Identity and Body Image and has a forthcoming book with Routledge — A Definitive Guide to Midlife Eating Disorders — releasing January 2026. --- Learning Objectives (CE Eligible): Identify unique risk factors, clinical presentations, and diagnostic considerations for eating disorders emerging or persisting in midlife Describe how sociocultural, developmental, and biological changes (e.g., menopause, aging, medical comorbidities) impact body image concerns in adults Apply at least one evidence-based therapeutic strategy for addressing body dissatisfaction and disordered eating in midlife clients Discuss ethical and scope-of-practice considerations when treating eating disorders in midlife, including collaboration with medical providers --- About Our Guest: Heidi J Dalzell, PsyD is a psychologist, author and coach specializing in midlife eating disorders, spirituality and trauma. She has over 30 years’ experience in the field of eating disorders and has been widely quoted in various outlets and on podcasts, speaking to the need for developmentally appropriate, sensitive care. She is in recovery from an eating disorder. Heidi is the author of two books on eating disorders, one exploring gender identity and the newest in press which is a definitive guide to midlife eating disorders. The latter will be released by Routledge in January, 2026. --- Resources:  Talk to Grow: https://www.talktogrow.com/ Soulful Connections Coaching: https://www.soulfulconnectionscoaching.com/ A Clinician’s Guide to Gender Identity and Body Image (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/Clinicians-Guide-Gender-Identity-Image/dp/1785928309 --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGzD0qlgh0/uAvTZlSD63Lxt0QtINmYgQ/view?utm_content=DAGzD0qlgh0&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h078b5e6f5f --- This Episode is Sponsored by Jane This episode is proudly sponsored by Jane, the practice management software that simplifies scheduling, charting, billing, and running your therapy business – all in one place. Use code AFFIRM1MO to receive a 1-month grace period when you sign up: 🔗 https://jane.app --- Episode Summary: In this CE-eligible episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber sits down with LeNaya Smith Crawford, The Holistic Therapist™, to explore how holistic and integrative practices can transform both client care and therapist well-being. From yoga and breathwork to sound healing and nervous system regulation, LeNaya shares how these embodied practices can ethically and effectively complement traditional psychotherapy. She also highlights the importance of scope of practice, neuroscience research, and her own lived journey of weaving together the five layers of holistic healing: physical, energetic, emotional/mental, spiritual, and communal. Whether you’re a therapist curious about adding somatic practices to your work, or simply interested in how holistic approaches can support healing, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical guidance. --- Learning Objectives (CE Eligible): Define holistic mental health and identify at least two foundational principles that differentiate holistic therapeutic approaches from traditional clinical models. Identify at least one neuroscience or evidence-informed framework that supports the use of somatic or sensory tools in clinical practice. Discuss at least one ethical or scope-of-practice consideration when incorporating mind-body modalities into psychotherapy. --- About Our Guest: LeNaya Smith Crawford, The Holistic Therapist™, is a Licensed Therapist, Holistic Mental Health Educator, Business Mentor, International Teacher, and Wellness CEO. With over a decade of experience, she helps therapists, healers, and leaders reclaim their wholeness, integrate holistic practices into their work, and build aligned, sustainable businesses rooted in care and purpose. She earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Spelman College and her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy, specializing in trauma and spiritual integration. She is also an advanced certified yoga, breathwork, and meditation teacher, and a sound healer. Her passion for this work was born from her own healing journey—where embracing the five layers of self led to deep transformation. Her approach blends clinical expertise with ancestral, somatic, spiritual, and holistic healing practices. At the heart of her work is a deep belief that we are all worthy of the time it takes to nourish our minds, bodies, and souls—and of living in our heart’s deepest desires. LeNaya is the creator of The Holistic Therapist™ Academy, and her work has been featured in The New York Times, Essence, The Huffington Post, Healthline, and on Bravo. She is the CEO and founder of LSC Wellness, Kaleidoscope Therapy and Holistic Wellness, and the co-founder of Seviin Yoga Studio + Yoga School in Atlanta. --- Resources:  Join my newsletter: lenaya-crawford.mykajabi.com/newsletter Learn more about my work and offerings: www.lenayasmithcrawford.com FREE Live Intensive – Become a Holistic Therapist (Oct 18 & 25): lenaya-crawford.mykajabi.com/become-a-holistic-therapist-live-intensive-oct-25 Holistic Therapist Academy (6-month certification program): lenaya-crawford.mykajabi.com/holistic-therapist-academy-info-session --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGyTbOZciw/cZaS-Bpt1Xh-wcp1_oTfEg/view?utm_content=DAGyTbOZciw&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h01cebdf52f --- This Episode is Sponsored by Jane This episode is proudly sponsored by Jane, the practice management software that simplifies scheduling, charting, billing, and running your therapy business – all in one place. Use code AFFIRM1MO to receive a 1-month grace period when you sign up: 🔗 https://jane.app --- Episode Summary: In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, I sit down with Phil Lane, LCSW—psychotherapist, author, and passionate advocate for the power of storytelling in healing. Phil brings a humanistic perspective to his work, aiming to normalize and de-stigmatize the challenges so many of us face, from anxiety and panic to struggles with self-esteem. Phil is the author of Understanding and Coping with Illness Anxiety, Overcoming Panic and Panic Attacks, and The Narrative Therapy Workbook for Self-Esteem (https://www.newharbinger.com/9781648485312/the-narrative-therapy-workbook-for-self-esteem/?srsltid=AfmBOooPeBwT0rZSmbSN8ywdpbcmGiHCUtHMCYnwmwPjXHJ558JYcHA8). Drawing from his background in education and clinical practice, Phil explains how narrative therapy can help clients shift problem-saturated stories, uncover missing story parts, and re-author more compassionate, authentic versions of their lives. Phil also shares personal reflections, the inspiration behind his books, and how his own love of story continues to inform both his clinical practice and his writing. --- Topics Covered: What narrative therapy is and why storytelling matters in mental health How dominant narratives and problem saturation shape self-esteem Practical tools like externalizing problems, letter-writing, and identifying unique outcomes Ways therapists can integrate narrative practices alongside other modalities --- About Our Guest: Phil Lane is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice. He writes and practices from a humanistic point of view, with a commitment to making therapy concepts accessible and reducing stigma around mental health. He lives in central New Jersey with his family, where he enjoys gardening, reading, writing, watching baseball, and model railroading. --- Resources:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapist_phil Website: https://phil-lane.com The Narrative Therapy Workbook for Self-Esteem: https://www.newharbinger.com/9781648485312/the-narrative-therapy-workbook-for-self-esteem/?srsltid=AfmBOooPeBwT0rZSmbSN8ywdpbcmGiHCUtHMCYnwmwPjXHJ558JYcHA8 --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGxsBoMPwc/GYFBdNjCiauOlhZZanaJzQ/view?utm_content=DAGxsBoMPwc&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hee0efa1aab --- This Episode is Sponsored by Jane This episode is proudly sponsored by Jane, the practice management software that simplifies scheduling, charting, billing, and running your therapy business – all in one place. Use code AFFIRM1MO to receive a 1-month grace period when you sign up: 🔗 https://jane.app --- Episode Summary: Cults have long been a source of fascination, with high-profile cases like Jonestown, Waco, and NXIVM dominating headlines and documentaries. But beyond the sensational stories, cults and high-control groups are far more prevalent — and often much harder to identify — than most people realize. In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber is joined by Dr. Alisha Powell, PhD, LCSW, a psychotherapist specializing in racial trauma and religiously abusive organizations/cults. Together, they explore the psychological, emotional, and behavioral impacts of cult involvement, the clinical challenges survivors face in leaving, and trauma-informed therapeutic approaches that support healing, reintegration, and rebuilding identity. Whether you’re a therapist looking to expand your toolkit or someone interested in understanding the lived experience of cult recovery, this conversation offers insights, compassion, and practical strategies. --- Topics Covered: The psychological, emotional, and behavioral dynamics of cult involvement Why the term “cult” is sociological and colloquial — and why groups rarely identify themselves this way The unique vulnerabilities that make people susceptible to cult recruitment Long-term impacts on identity development, grief, and trust Two major clinical challenges in cult recovery: trauma/attachment wounds and reintegration into society Trauma-informed, evidence-based therapeutic approaches — including narrative therapy — that support survivors in reclaiming autonomy and rebuilding trust --- About Our Guest: Dr. Alisha Powell, PhD, LCSW, is a psychotherapist specializing in mental health and couples therapy, with a focus on racial trauma and religiously abusive organizations/cults. Her expertise has been featured in Bustle, Yahoo Lifestyle, Fast Company, Parade, Healthline, Romper, Thrive Global, MedTravelers, and Up Journey. She currently practices privately with individuals and couples. --- Resources:  Connect with Dr. Powell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisha-powell-phd-lcsw-55014742/ Join her clinician support community, The Pivoted Path, on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ThePivotedPath — a supportive space for clinicians exploring flexible and fulfilling career paths. --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGxFOJRYyA/qAKAfQlb8S348LMYLIIFIA/view?utm_content=DAGxFOJRYyA&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h4a6eeac32e --- This Episode is Sponsored by Jane This episode is proudly sponsored by Jane, the practice management software that simplifies scheduling, charting, billing, and running your therapy business – all in one place. Use code AFFIRM1MO to receive a 1-month grace period when you sign up: 🔗 https://jane.app --- Episode Summary: Hoarding disorder doesn’t just affect the individual—it ripples through families & relationships. In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber, LCSW, speaks with Cecilia “Ceci” Garrett, MSW, LICSW, a clinician and national speaker specializing in hoarding disorder, anxiety, and trauma. Together, they explore how hoarding behaviors develop, the difference between clutter, collecting, and hoarding, and why forced cleanouts often cause more harm than good. Listeners will gain insight into the emotional toll on family members, common misconceptions among clinicians, and practical strategies for supporting loved ones while maintaining healthy boundaries. Whether you are a mental health professional, a family member, or simply curious about this often-misunderstood condition, this conversation sheds light on compassionate, evidence-based approaches to hoarding disorder. --- Topics Covered: How to distinguish clutter, collecting, and hoarding Why hoarding disorder is ego-syntonic and how that impacts treatment Common misconceptions among clinicians and the public The emotional and relational toll on families and loved ones Why forced cleanouts don’t work and what harm reduction looks like Practical steps clinicians and families can take to set boundaries with compassion Resources and support networks for individuals and families navigating hoarding --- About Our Guest: Cecilia “Ceci” Garrett, MSW, LICSW, specializes in treating hoarding disorder, anxiety, and trauma. Her unique blend of personal lived experience and professional expertise informs her clinical practice, advocacy, and training efforts. Ceci is passionate about destigmatizing hoarding disorder and advancing mental health treatment as a critical part of addressing hoarding behaviors. She has presented nationally, contributed to peer-reviewed publications, and developed resources for families and clinicians. --- Resources:  International OCD Foundation – Hoarding Disorder Resources Children of Hoarders Network Ceci Garrett’s Free Workbook: https://lighteningtheloadcounseling.com/free-workbook/ Connect with Ceci Garrett: https://lighteningtheloadcounseling.com/ --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health    

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGwdscmxRc/eMAWaVkmEJT-TsbziTbAYQ/view?utm_content=DAGwdscmxRc&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h973397ed37 --- This Episode is Sponsored by Jane This episode is proudly sponsored by Jane, the practice management software that simplifies scheduling, charting, billing, and running your therapy business – all in one place. Use code AFFIRM1MO to receive a 1-month grace period when you sign up: 🔗 https://jane.app --- Episode Summary: Money is woven into nearly every part of life, yet conversations about financial stress are often missing from therapy. In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber sits down with Michelle Johnston, MA, Registered Psychologist, to unpack the ways financial anxiety and trauma impact mental health and what therapists can do to help. --- Topics Covered: Common behavioral and emotional patterns of financial anxiety (avoidance, overspending, fear-based decision-making). How early money messages and financial trauma shape adult beliefs, emotions, and relationships. Practical therapeutic strategies to reduce financial stress and support values-aligned decision-making. Why reflecting on our own money stories is vital for clinicians who want to address financial anxiety in a culturally responsive way. --- About Our Guest: Michelle Johnston is a registered psychologist and the founder of Take Care Therapy Co. in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. She specializes in helping individuals navigate financial stress, work/life balance, personal growth, and overall well-being. Michelle works with youth, adults, and couples, integrating evidence-based modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT). She is also Trauma of Money™ certified and brings extensive training in trauma, anxiety, and relational health to her practice. Learn more at:  Take Care Therapy Co.: https://www.takecaretherapy.ca/ Instagram: @takecaretherapy --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health      

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGvyVp7mfw/MkZ9W5JcGEnKew-cG8WmvA/view?utm_content=DAGvyVp7mfw&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h14f5d2fc1c --- This Episode is Sponsored by Jane This episode is proudly sponsored by Jane, the practice management software that simplifies scheduling, charting, billing, and running your therapy business – all in one place. Use code AFFIRM1MO to receive a 1-month grace period when you sign up: 🔗 https://jane.app --- Episode Summary: Dissociation is often misunderstood—even by clinicians. In this powerful and practical episode, Shaina Siber sits down with trauma and dissociation specialist Katy Kandaris-Weiner, MA, LPC, to unpack the continuum of dissociation and explore how complex trauma, early relational harm, and systemic forces contribute to the development of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). You’ll learn how to recognize dissociation in subtle and not-so-subtle forms, differentiate DID from other diagnoses, and respond with compassion, clarity, and evidence-based stabilization strategies. This episode blends clinical insight with fierce empathy—and invites you to challenge your assumptions about what trauma "should" look like. --- Topics Covered: How complex trauma disrupts identity development Why dissociation is a protective adaptation—not pathology The difference between normative dissociation, dissociative disorders, and DID What the DES-II is, and how to use it in practice How to build safety and stabilization before trauma processing Common myths and misconceptions about DID (and what the media gets wrong) How race, gender identity, disability, and neurodivergence affect diagnosis and treatment Why you don’t need to be a specialist to support dissociative clients --- Resources: DES-II Dissociative Experiences Scale: https://psychology-tools.com/test/dissociative-experiences-scale Finding Solid Ground (evidence-based workbook for dissociation): https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Solid-Ground-Skills-Dissociation/dp/143383373X Structural Dissociation Theory – van der Hart, Nijenhuis & Steele --- About Our Guest: Katy Kandaris-Weiner is a Licensed Professional Counselor, EMDRIA-Approved EMDR Consultant, and the Founder and Clinical Director of Inner Balance Counseling in Arizona. She specializes in complex trauma, dissociative disorders, and early attachment wounds, using an integrative approach grounded in EMDR, Structural Dissociation Theory, and Deep Brain Reorienting. Katy provides EMDR and dissociation consultation and is developing an EMDR manual and training pathway for early-career therapists. Learn more at: https://www.innerbalanceaz.com --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGvHxuVF7A/XIDfeQPGbsEWhtBwdSm6QQ/view?utm_content=DAGvHxuVF7A&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h350ff892e1 Episode Summary: In this powerful and practical episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber, LCSW, is joined by Dr. Shauna Pollard, PhD—a licensed psychologist and nationally recognized expert in executive functioning, ADHD, and culturally responsive care. In this episode we unpack the nuanced ways ADHD shows up in high-achieving BIPOC adults, how it often goes misdiagnosed or missed entirely, and how perfectionism and imposter syndrome can function as survival strategies. This episode explores how systemic bias, internalized messages, and structural barriers shape both the lived experience and the diagnostic process for BIPOC clients—and how therapists can provide more affirming, effective care. --- Topics Covered: Identify culturally shaped presentations of ADHD in adult clients Differentiate between executive dysfunction and internalized identity beliefs Understand the role of perfectionism, masking, and burnout in neurodivergent professionals Apply practical, culturally responsive interventions to support BIPOC clients with ADHD Challenge your own diagnostic assumptions and supervision practices --- Resources: Website: www.drspllc.com Instagram: @drshaunap --- About Our Guest: Dr. Shauna Pollard (she/her) is a licensed psychologist specializing in ADHD and executive functioning in high-achieving professionals, particularly those working in tech, healthcare, and academia. Through her private practice, she serves clients across multiple states and is authorized to practice in over 40 states via PSYPACT. Dr. P helps BIPOC professionals break limiting patterns and pursue their goals with greater ease and authenticity. Her approach integrates evidence-based practices with culturally attuned, strengths-based strategies. She also leads a virtual group for BIPOC clinicians with ADHD and delivers trainings and talks for organizations on neurodivergence, procrastination, perfectionism, and workplace well-being. For those seeking deeper transformation, she offers therapy intensives—customized, immersive sessions designed for lasting change. Before earning her doctorate, Dr. P spent six years conducting research aimed at increasing minority representation in STEM fields. She earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and her BA from Emory University. She completed her internship and postdoctoral fellowship at the Memphis VA Medical Center, where she trained in evidence-based treatments for trauma, mood disorders, and integrated behavioral health. --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- This Episode is Sponsored by Jane This episode is proudly sponsored by Jane, the practice management software that simplifies scheduling, charting, billing, and running your therapy business – all in one place. Use code AFFIRM1MO to receive a 1-month grace period when you sign up: 🔗 https://jane.app --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGuClYH3k4/ePrdi8BBImIDNOBlEFo82Q/edit?utm_content=DAGuClYH3k4&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton Episode Summary: In this impactful episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, Shaina sits down with therapist and religious trauma expert Mellissa Perry Hill, MS, LPC, to explore the deep and often invisible wounds caused by high-control religious environments. Together, they unpack the psychological, relational, and spiritual challenges that arise during and after a faith transition—and how therapists can show up with nuance, compassion, and trauma-informed care. Mellissa shares her clinical wisdom, personal lived experience, and practical therapeutic tools that help clients reclaim agency, make meaning, and reconnect with themselves after religious harm. If you work with clients struggling with shame, identity confusion, scrupulosity, or spiritual disconnection, this episode is a must-listen. --- Topics Covered: What religious trauma is and how it uniquely impacts mental health Signs of shame, scrupulosity, and moral injury in former high-control religious clients How to create safe, non-pathologizing spaces for clients in faith transitions Why grounding, somatics, and IFS are powerful tools for healing religious trauma How therapists can stay culturally responsive without pushing an agenda The importance of curiosity, humility, and self-work for clinicians doing this work --- Resources: Website:  www.innercompass-counseling.com Instagram: @mellissaperrytherapy Check out her Faith Transition Journal on Amazon for a guided step-by-step healing resource --- About Our Guest: Mellissa is a lifelong learner, therapist, and educator who specializes in helping people heal from religious trauma and navigate major life transitions. She grew up in Southern California in a large family, deeply immersed in a high-control conservative religion. After attending Brigham Young University–Idaho, Mellissa spent 10 years as a stay-at-home mom before going through her own divorce and faith transition—which became the catalyst for her career in mental health. She earned her master’s degree in professional counseling while working as an educator and now brings over four years of specialized clinical experience to her private practice. Her work is rooted in trauma-informed and somatic approaches, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, and DBT. She supports clients in finding healing in the present and building values-aligned futures. Outside of the therapy room, Mellissa loves hot yoga, beach cruiser rides, hiking with her dogs, brunch, late-night movies, and dancing with friends. She’s a mom to three kids and two fur babies, and she believes healing is a lifelong, embodied process. --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- This Episode is Sponsored by Jane This episode is proudly sponsored by Jane, the practice management software that simplifies scheduling, charting, billing, and running your therapy business – all in one place. Use code AFFIRM1MO to receive a 1-month grace period when you sign up: 🔗 https://jane.app --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGs9UIDD-Y/FxNxVKjXI1ajxr-gQavGoA/edit?utm_content=DAGs9UIDD-Y&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton Episode Summary: Cynophobia—the fear of dogs—can be deeply disruptive, especially for children and families navigating daily life in a dog-loving society. In this episode, we sit down with Stefani M. Cohen, LCSW, a clinical social worker and author who specializes in treating dog phobia across the lifespan. Drawing from personal experience, decades of clinical practice, and her unique Overcoming the Fear of Dogs Protocol (OFOD), Stefani walks us through what causes cynophobia, how it shows up differently in children and adults, and what really works when it comes to treatment. You’ll learn how to apply gradual exposure, dog safety education, and trauma-informed techniques to help clients build resilience and confidence—whether you're a therapist, parent, or educator. This episode is CE-eligible through the Affirming Minds Podcast. --- Learning Objectives: Describe the behavioral, developmental, and temperamental factors that contribute to cynophobia (fear of dogs) Identify at least two evidence-based intervention strategies for addressing dog phobia, including gradual exposure and psychoeducation on dog body language Apply trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate strategies when supporting clients working through cynophobia --- Resources: Website: https://www.overcomefearofdogs.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/overcomefearofdogs Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OvercomeFearOfDogs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefani-cohen-lcsw Email: [email protected] --- About Our Guest: Stefani Cohen is a licensed clinical social worker in private practice with more than 30 years of experience working with children and families. She is the author of Overcoming Your Child’s Fear of Dogs and How to Face My Fear of Dogs: An Activity Guide for Kids, both of which offer accessible, evidence-based strategies for helping individuals of all ages overcome cynophobia. A parenting expert and longtime animal lover, Stefani was first drawn into this specialty when her own daughter developed a fear of dogs. Since then, she has developed and refined her Overcoming the Fear of Dogs Protocol (OFOD)—a unique therapeutic model using psychoeducation, exposure therapy, and the support of trained therapy dog teams. Stefani has led countless parent support groups, teacher trainings, and clinical workshops focused on anxiety, emotional regulation, and child development. She holds a B.A. in Sociology and a Master of Social Work from New York University. She lives in New Rochelle, NY with her husband and dog, Winnie, and is the proud grandmother of five dog-loving grandchildren. --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure/ Commercial Support Statement: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. This episode is sponsored by Jane, a practice management software. The presenter, Stefani M. Cohen, LCSW, also references her own published books and resources as potential tools for further learning. These materials are optional and not required to complete the CE activity. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGsgCVBvZw/WUvWX6znQ6KLK-Y3qdtC_w/edit?utm_content=DAGsgCVBvZw&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton Episode Summary: In this deeply compassionate and clinically rich episode, host Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW is joined by Michelle Zipser, LMSW—a seasoned therapist with over 22 years of experience supporting individuals and families impacted by dementia and life transitions related to brain changes. Michelle shares her insights from years in hospice and palliative care and her private practice, where she works closely with care partners navigating the emotional, psychological, and logistical toll of supporting a loved one with dementia. Together, we explore the challenges of ambiguous loss, caregiver identity shifts, compassion fatigue, and the trauma-informed clinical strategies therapists can use to support clients in these roles with empathy, nuance, and evidence-informed care. --- Topics Covered: Common emotional and psychological challenges caregivers face, including grief, guilt, anger, and exhaustion How ambiguous loss and identity shifts impact care partners over time The difference between “caregiver” and “care partner” language—and why it matters Strategies to support caregiver resilience, including mindfulness, EMDR, psychoeducation, and ritual When—and how—to help caregivers explore boundaries, role expectations, and even the choice to say no Systemic barriers to dementia care and the importance of clinician advocacy How to bring a person-centered, trauma-informed lens to dementia work in therapy --- Resources: Duet: Partners in Health & Aging Free support groups, resources, and counseling for family caregivers, including those supporting loved ones with dementia. Website: https://duetaz.org/family-caregivers Barrow Neurological Institute – Alzheimer’s & Memory Disorders Program Offers diagnostic care, educational materials, and support for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other memory disorders, as well as their care partners. Website: https://www.barrowneuro.org/centers-programs/alzheimers-and-memory-disorders Lisa Miller, Ph.D. Researcher and clinical psychologist specializing in the connection between spirituality and depression; author of The Awakened Brain. Website: https://www.lisamillerphd.com --- About Our Guest: Michelle is a therapist, educator, and consultant with over two decades of experience supporting individuals and families through dementia and life transitions. She spent nearly 20 years as a medical social worker at Hospice of the Valley before opening her private practice. Michelle brings deep empathy, advocacy, and insight to her work with care partners and older adults facing brain changes and cognitive decline. --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGr3EKa8Q0/wVAqVhTkNBhS1yJke7zrYg/edit?utm_content=DAGr3EKa8Q0&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton Episode Summary: In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber is joined by EMDR-certified trauma therapist Catrina Drinning-Davis, LPC-S to explore clinical considerations when working with individuals impacted by intimate partner violence (IPV). This episode blends therapeutic insights with trauma-informed strategies to support clinicians in providing compassionate, affirming care to survivors of IPV. Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of domestic violence, strangulation, homicide risk, and structural oppression. Please listen with care. --- Topics Covered: How IPV may present in therapy Safety planning tools that support harm reduction—whether or not a client is ready to leave High-risk indicators such as strangulation, stalking, and firearm access Why clinicians shouldn’t wait for clients to label abuse before taking steps to enhance safety How systemic and structural forces like poverty, racism, patriarchy, and immigration status affect survivors’ access to support The importance of client autonomy and why some common interventions may unintentionally replicate control --- About Our Guest: Catrina Drinning-Davis, LPC-S is a licensed professional counselor and supervisor based in Texas, with authorization to work with clients in Arizona, Florida, South Carolina, and Virginia. She is an EMDR-certified therapist specializing in supporting survivors of domestic and relationship abuse. Her work centers empowerment, autonomy, and reconnection with inner strength. --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGrMFVzLKQ/jqmpZUWaMHccXE5nw-1dxA/edit?utm_content=DAGrMFVzLKQ&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton Episode Summary: In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, Shaina sits down with psychiatric nurse practitioner, educator, and mental health advocate Maria Ingalla, founder of Paperflower Psychiatry, a neurodivergent-affirming practice rooted in compassion, accessibility, and social justice. Together, they tackle one of the most commonly misunderstood areas in clinical practice: psychiatric medication. If you're a non-prescribing therapist who feels unsure about how to talk to clients about meds—or how to collaborate with prescribers—this conversation will leave you feeling more informed, more confident, and more grounded in your role. Maria brings her signature no-BS style to break down the basics of psychopharm in a way that’s clear, compassionate, and completely accessible. She shares insights from her years in community mental health, tips for ethically supporting clients through medication changes, and why mental health professionals must stay vigilant in the face of growing political misinformation and stigma. Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned clinician, this is essential listening for anyone who wants to integrate affirming, evidence-informed, and collaborative care into their work. --- Topics Covered: When therapy alone isn’t enough: signs a client may benefit from a med consult What therapists should—and shouldn’t—say about medication The role of SSRIs, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and more (without needing a psychopharm textbook) How to collaborate with prescribers without overstepping scope Why psych meds are being politicized—and how that impacts your clients Real-world advice for supporting clients during med starts, switches, and tapers Tips for opening the door to med conversations with curiosity, not fear --- About Our Guest:  Maria Ingalla is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, educator, and mental health advocate. She is the founder of Paperflower Psychiatry, a neurodivergent-affirming practice rooted in compassion, accessibility, and social justice. With a background in community mental health and a decade of experience working with children, trauma survivors, and underserved populations, Maria brings a deeply human lens to psychiatric care. Her clinical interests include neurodevelopmental conditions like autism and ADHD, trauma recovery, and medication management that centers the patient’s lived experience.  She is especially passionate about dismantling systemic barriers in mental health, from Medicaid policy to stigma within professional spaces. Maria is also an educator, course creator, and content producer, known for her down-to-earth, no bullshit style on TikTok and YouTube, where she breaks down complex mental health topics for clinicians and the public alike. When she’s not building trauma-informed systems or supervising clinical teams, Maria can be found chasing her two toddlers, tending her herbal tea garden, or crafting raw, radical content on her podcast Brain Trash that calls out injustice and reimagines what psychiatric care should be. --- Resources Mentioned: Website: paperflowerpsychiatry.com Instagram: @paperflowerpsychiatry Podcast: Brain Trash: From DSM to Dumpster Fire TikTok: @drmariangalla --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGp4BJwVVA/7oGUd4ZQc5rI93u6Izwbig/edit?utm_content=DAGp4BJwVVA&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton Episode Summary: In this rich and wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Kendhal Hart joins host Shaina Siber to demystify Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and explore how it can be powerfully integrated with EMDR to support trauma healing. A seasoned educator, IFS Consultant, and EMDRIA-Approved Trainer, Kendhal brings warmth, wisdom, and clinical clarity to a topic that has inspired both buzz and confusion in the therapy world. Together, Shaina and Kendhal unpack foundational IFS concepts—like protectors, exiles, blending, and Self-energy—while reflecting on real-life clinical applications, therapist parts in the room, and how IFS fosters consent, choice, and compassion. Whether you’re new to parts work or looking to deepen your integration across modalities, this episode offers both practical strategies and moments of soulful resonance. --- Topics Covered: The core principles of Internal Family Systems therapy and the roles of protectors, exiles, and Self-energy How IFS complements and enhances EMDR, especially with highly protected or trauma-impacted clients Clinical strategies to help clients unblend from parts and access Self-energy Ethical and trauma-informed implications of the IFS stance that “all parts are welcome” How to introduce IFS concepts to skeptical or non-clinical clients The therapist’s inner system: working with your own parts in the therapy room --- About Our Guest: Dr. Kendhal Hart is a trauma therapist, educator, and consultant specializing in the integration of EMDR and Internal Family Systems (IFS). She is an IFS Institute Approved Clinical Consultant, EMDRIA-Approved Basic Trainer, and the author of the forthcoming book Treating Trauma with EMDR and IFS: A Clinician’s Guide to Integrating Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy with Internal Family Systems (October 2025). She is passionate about accessibility, anti-oppressive practice, and therapist sustainability. Learn more at kendhalhart.com --- Resources Mentioned: Internal Family Systems (IFS Institute): https://ifs-institute.com EMDRIA: https://www.emdria.org --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health  

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGpP-2Z520/xhXO_oMzQaFYT1r5kTugQQ/edit?utm_content=DAGpP-2Z520&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton Episode Summary: In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, Shaina is joined by perinatal mental health expert and advocate Elyse Springer, MA-CLP, LMFT, PMH-C, for a rich and deeply human conversation on the realities of working with clients during the perinatal period. They explore what often gets overlooked in clinical training, how systemic gaps in policy and access compound suffering, and what therapists can do right now to offer more competent, compassionate, and inclusive care. While this conversation primarily centers on experiences related to wanted pregnancies, Elyse brings a nuanced lens that honors the full spectrum of perinatal experiences—including loss, trauma, non-birthing partner mental health, intersectionality, and the social determinants that shape who gets care and who gets missed. Elyse also shares powerful insights from her own personal journey, and offers practical, evidence-based strategies for assessing and supporting perinatal clients in both individual and systemic contexts. This episode is essential listening for any therapist working with adults, couples, or families—and especially for those looking to deepen their confidence and competence in this vital area of care. --- Topics Covered: Defining perinatal mental health beyond postpartum depression Clinical presentations of perinatal OCD, PTSD, and psychosis Ego-syntonic vs. ego-dystonic thoughts: why the distinction matters Mental health risks and hormonal shifts in non-birthing partners Why inclusive language and frameworks matter in perinatal care The absence of required training—and what clinicians can do about it Systemic barriers to access and advocacy opportunities at the policy level Trauma-informed approaches and integrative treatment modalities Shame reduction, storytelling, and the importance of psychoeducation --- About Our Guest: Elyse Springer, MA-CLP, LMFT, PMH-C is a licensed marriage and family therapist in California, Oregon, and Washington specializing in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, pregnancy and infant loss, LGBTQIA+ affirming care, trauma, anxiety, OCD, and HIV/AIDS. She is certified in EMDR, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, and Perinatal Mental Health. Elyse is the Policy and Advocacy Chair for Postpartum Support International California, an emeritus board member and faculty trainer with Maternal Mental Health NOW, and a trainer for Return to Zero: H.O.P.E. and Love, Dad. She maintains a clinical practice and lives in Los Angeles. --- Resources Mentioned: Postpartum Support International https://www.postpartum.net Maternal Mental Health NOW https://www.maternalmentalhealthnow.org Return to Zero: H.O.P.E. https://rtzhope.org Love, Dad  https://love-dad.org/ Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health – U.S. State Report Cards https://policycentermmh.org/state-report-cards/ Elyse Springer’s Website https://www.elysespringer.com --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGokRUt10A/PmXWtPyIpAlwh16xOnJDjQ/edit?utm_content=DAGokRUt10A&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton Episode Summary: In this powerful episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber sits down with Dr. Gwilym Roddick and Dr. Melanie Smith—two national leaders in the clinical integration of virtual reality (VR)—to explore how immersive technology is transforming psychotherapy. From exposure therapy and phobia work to trauma-informed care and culturally responsive adaptations, this conversation goes deep into how therapists can ethically and effectively use VR to expand client access, support emotional growth, and stay centered in human connection. The conversation also honors the late Dr. Elizabeth McMahon and her groundbreaking work in VR-assisted therapy for anxiety. Whether you're VR-curious or tech-skeptical, this episode offers practical insight, clinical guidance, and next steps for bringing innovation into your therapeutic practice. --- Learning Objectives: Describe at least two clinical applications of VR in psychotherapy. Identify one benefit and one limitation of integrating VR into evidence-based practice. Analyze ethical and practical considerations for using VR with clients. Explain how VR-based interventions can support trauma-informed and culturally responsive care. Evaluate the emerging research base and identify future areas of application. --- About Our Guests: Gwilym Roddick is a licensed clinical social worker, founder of CBT of Central & South Florida, Chair of the ABCT Masters-Level SIG, and a clinical advisor for PsyTech VR. He specializes in exposure-based treatment, anxiety, OCD, and immersive technology in therapy. Gwilym is also the founder of Behavioral Innovations Institute. Melanie Smith is a licensed mental health counselor, CEDS-C, and trainer in the Unified Protocol. She has nearly two decades of experience treating complex eating disorders and anxiety-based disorders and is a co-author of The Renfrew Unified Treatment Model for Eating Disorders and Comorbidity. She practices at CBT of Central & South Florida and is an advisor for PsyTech VR. --- About PsyTechVR - See the Tech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5CJNOzXxu8 --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGn7D3Aj68/DvLtfvUKOHrm26Z-bvP0mQ/edit?utm_content=DAGn7D3Aj68&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton Episode Summary: In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, we explore the transformative power of the SPACE model—Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions—an evidence-based, parent-led approach for treating childhood anxiety. Our guest, Dr. Ivy Ruths, is a licensed psychologist and the founder and Clinical Director of the Houston Anxiety & Wellness Center, where she specializes in treating anxiety, OCD, and related disorders using the SPACE model. With over 15 years of experience and PsyPact certification, Dr. Ruths offers therapy in 40+ states and is a nationally recognized leader in child and adolescent anxiety treatment. This episode is packed with compassionate, actionable insights for therapists, educators, and caregivers looking to help children, teens, and emerging adults rise to the occasion—even when therapy isn't happening in the therapy room. --- Topics Covered: What the SPACE model is and how it differs from traditional child-focused therapy approaches How parental accommodation can unintentionally maintain or worsen childhood anxiety The importance of supportive statements and clear behavioral shifts by parents Practical ways to guide families when children are resistant to therapy or disengaged What clinicians should consider when implementing SPACE across diverse family structures and clinical presentations --- About Our Guest: Ivy Ruths, PhD, LSSP is a licensed psychologist and licensed specialist in school psychology with over 15 years of experience treating anxiety, OCD, and related disorders across clinical, school, and hospital settings. She is the founder and Clinical Director of the Houston Anxiety & Wellness Center, where she supervises clinicians and leads parent-focused interventions including SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions). A PsyPact-certified provider, Dr. Ruths offers therapy across 40+ states and frequently consults with schools and professionals on best practices in anxiety treatment. She also serves in leadership roles with OCD Texas, the Houston Psychological Association, and the TLC Foundation for BFRBs. --- Connect with Dr. Ivy Ruths: Website: houstonanxiety.com Email: [email protected] Offers virtual therapy in 40+ states via PsyPact --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGnRMNOogU/EbgkXBFBMXXpfVh1hpopZw/edit?utm_content=DAGnRMNOogU&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton Episode Summary: In this affirming and insightful episode, host Shaina Siber sits down with Kara Cruz, LMFT — a therapist, clinical supervisor, and women's mental health educator — to unpack the often-invisible forces that contribute to burnout: emotional labor and the mental load. Together, they explore how these burdens show up across caregiving roles, relationships, and professional life, particularly for those who are cisgender, femme-presenting, or socially perceived as women. Kara and Shaina also explore the societal conditioning that encourages self-abandonment, people-pleasing, and perfectionism in caregiving roles, and how these patterns often show up in the therapy room — both for our clients and for us as clinicians. Listeners will gain tools to better identify and validate these experiences, along with practical interventions rooted in Internal Family Systems (IFS), values clarification, and boundary work. This episode offers both validation and direction — a must-listen for therapists, caregivers, or anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by the invisible labor they carry. --- Topics Covered: The difference between emotional labor and mental load Gendered and cultural expectations around caregiving How perfectionism, people-pleasing, and self-abandonment contribute to burnout Working with high-functioning, high-achieving clients who carry invisible emotional burdens Boundary-setting as a clinical and personal skill Using IFS and parts work to address internalized caregiving roles Intersectional considerations: class, gender identity, and relationship structure Naming guilt and shame without pathologizing it --- About Our Guest: Kara Cruz is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, private practice owner, clinical supervisor, women’s mental health advocate, and educator. She specializes in reproductive mental health, ADHD, trauma, mood and anxiety conditions, and provides therapy for individuals and couples, alongside CE trainings for therapists. Kara co-founded the Women’s Support Circle and also leads the Wellness for Women Healers Community — a free network for professionals in women’s health and wellness. --- Connect with Kara Cruz: Website: karacruz.com Instagram: @karacruzwellness --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGmjIs2ImM/7U8a9oywAdlYlnAKgHmOFg/edit?utm_content=DAGmjIs2ImM&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton Episode Summary: In this episode, you’ll get a clear, beginner-friendly introduction to Brainspotting—a powerful brain-body therapy that helps clients process trauma stored deep in the nervous system. You’ll hear a thorough overview of Brainspotting's theoretical framework, including the neurobiological mechanisms behind it, the concepts of the Inside Window and Outside Window, and the principle of dual attunement. Miranda Campbell, LCSW, MSM joins the conversation to share how she’s begun integrating Brainspotting into her clinical work. Miranda brings a relational, attachment-focused lens to her practice and offers honest reflections on what it looks like to begin using Brainspotting in real-world sessions. Whether you're brand new to Brainspotting or looking for ways to deepen your use of somatic interventions, this episode offers both foundational context and thoughtful clinical insights. --- About Our Guest: Miranda Campbell, LCSW, MSM, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in attachment trauma, relationship healing, and Brainspotting. As the co-author of Attachment Style Makeover (a bestseller on Amazon), she helps individuals break generational cycles, set boundaries, and build secure connections. Through her practice, Miranda has worked with diverse clients to heal relational wounds and unlearn unhealthy patterns. Her approach blends neuroscience, attachment theory, and practical tools to empower people to move from survival mode to thriving relationships. --- Connect with Miranda Campbell: Website: https://www.therapistmirandacampbell.com/ Location: Atlanta, GA (Telehealth available in Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina) --- Resources Mentioned: Miranda’s Book: Attachment Style Makeover on Amazon: https://a.co/d/1PAXXwA Official Brainspotting Trainings: https://brainspotting.com/get-trained/brainspotting-phase-1/ --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGlv1JbZqk/FC8xKXjkBaWi5_UlqUhwyQ/edit?utm_content=DAGlv1JbZqk&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton Episode Summary: In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber sits down with Dr. Ashley Stevens to explore the transformative power of clinical supervision—not only as a tool for elevating clinical care but also as a strategy for burnout prevention and professional growth. Whether you're supervising in private practice, a group setting, or preparing to step into a supervisory role, this episode offers a deeply insightful and practical conversation. Dr. Ashley Stevens is a Board-Certified Licensed Clinical Social Work Supervisor, currently licensed in nine states and supervising clinicians in five. She brings a unique interdisciplinary lens to her work, having earned her doctoral degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Grand Canyon University, along with a master’s in social work from East Tennessee State University and a bachelor’s in psychology from UNC Chapel Hill. Ashley’s experience spans Veterans Affairs, private practice, clinical supervision, and executive consulting. Her focus? Training the next generation of clinicians and leaders with a strong emphasis on sustainability, clinical excellence, and designing a career that supports—not depletes—the therapist. She’s on a mission to help social workers not just survive, but thrive. --- Topics Covered: The core functions and value of external supervision How supervision enhances clinical competency and ethical decision-making Supervision as a burnout prevention strategy Key considerations when supervising across multiple states and licensure boards Best practices for structuring supervision sessions Common pitfalls in supervision—and how to avoid them Why person-centered, transparent relationships between supervisor and supervisee matter The importance of preparing supervisees not just as clinicians, but as leaders --- About Our Guest: Ashley Stephens is a Board Certified Licensed Clinical Social Work Supervisor, licensed in nine states and supervising provisionally licensed clinicians in five. She completed her doctoral degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Grand Canyon University in 2023. She earned her master’s in social work from East Tennessee State University and her bachelor’s in psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As a therapist, Ashley has worked with severe and persistent mental illness, substance abuse, trauma, homelessness, and has trained in a variety of therapeutic styles. The bulk of her training and experience was with Veterans Affairs, working with combat Veterans. As a consultant and trainer, Ashley has taught courses in cultural awareness and competency, mindfulness, brain injury, and leadership development. She has coached executive leaders, managers, and front-line employees, while providing opportunities for individuals to grow in the areas of organizational development, team building, executive development, and training. As a supervisor, Ashley’s main goal is to train the next generation of therapists AND leaders, with a particular focus and emphasis on building a life that serves them. The social work profession often has a reputation for being hard to survive and thrive. Ashley’s goal is to help create clinical social workers who are prepared for the realities of the field, and ready to take on growing their own practices into thriving businesses. --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGkpMepIls/lcfw8nwQyWQwrd6m20q2nA/edit?utm_content=DAGkpMepIls&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber welcomes Gabrielle Giuliano-Valli, LCSW, for a deep and accessible dive into Polyvagal Theory and its real-world applications for clinicians. Gabrielle breaks down the core principles of the theory, explains how it maps onto trauma-informed care, and shares practical ways to support client regulation and engagement using body-based interventions. Learn how to decode your clients' physiological responses, co-regulate in the therapy room, and integrate tools that widen the window of tolerance. This episode is perfect for clinicians who want to enhance their clinical toolkit with neuroscience-informed, compassion-forward techniques. --- Topics Covered: Understanding ventral vagal, sympathetic, and dorsal vagal states The role of neuroception and co-regulation in therapy Using nervous system mapping to deepen client insight and empowerment Differentiating fight/flight and freeze responses in trauma Somatic and bottom-up strategies to support client engagement Music, movement, and breath as nervous system anchors Addressing systemic and cultural considerations in safety and resilience How Polyvagal Theory supports clinician well-being and burnout recovery --- About Our Guest: Gabrielle Juliano-Villani is a business mindset coach, consultant, and former group practice owner who helps therapists scale, sell, and thrive without burning out. After building and successfully selling her own 7-figure group practice in 2021, she made it her mission to help other entrepreneurs create sustainable, profitable businesses without sacrificing their mental health. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Small Business Administration coach, Gabrielle brings a unique blend of clinical expertise and business strategy to her work. She specializes in supporting practice owners as they navigate complex systems like Medicare and Medicaid billing. Her approach combines practical business strategies with mind-body techniques, drawing from her experience as an EMDR and Polyvagal-informed therapist. Based in Sarasota, FL, Gabrielle is an international speaker and retreat leader who has been featured on NBC News, Spruce Health, and dozens of top industry podcasts. When she's not helping practice owners transform their businesses, you'll find her teaching Zumba, traveling the world, or reading psychological thrillers on the beach. --- Resources: Website: https://linktr.ee/gabriellejv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gjvconsulting Retreats in Costa Rica (Nov 2025) & New Zealand (March 2026) --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health    

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGj_ZJ9HKo/fCUKryWtjeHG8dUnnhTPuQ/edit?utm_content=DAGj_ZJ9HKo&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton Episode Summary: In this eye-opening episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, Shaina Siber, LCSW sits down with Sarah Wolfer, LICSW, a therapist and relationship anarchist, to explore the complex, beautiful, and often misunderstood world of non-monogamous relationships—and how therapists can show up ethically, affirmingly, and effectively for clients in these relationship structures. Whether you’re new to working with polyamorous, open, or relationship-diverse clients—or looking to deepen your practice—this conversation offers a powerful lens on supporting clients without stigma, bias, or pathologization. --- Topics Covered: What non-monogamy really means—and the diverse structures it includes Common myths and clinical biases therapists must unlearn Relationship anarchy, egalitarian polyamory, solo poly, swinging, and more Consent, autonomy, and values-based agreements in relationships Supporting parents and families in non-monogamous structures Intersectionality: How queerness, neurodivergence, and race affect relational safety Best practices for documentation, intakes, and affirming communication Tips for becoming a more culturally humble, inclusive therapist --- About Our Guests: Sarah Wolfer is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with her own private practice, Courageous You, based in Seattle, WA and serving clients via telehealth in Washington, Idaho, and Florida. With an MSW earned in 2012, Sarah has spent the first half of her career in social services and community mental health as a clinician, supervisor, and program manager, and the second half thriving in private practice. Sarah specializes in working with LGBTQIA+, non-monogamous, and neurodivergent individuals and relationships—and identifies with these communities herself. They are an egalitarian, non-hierarchical polyamorist, relationship anarchist, and non-binary queer person. Their clinical approach integrates parts work and psychedelic-assisted therapy with previous training in CBT and trauma-focused modalities. They offer psychotherapy, relationship therapy, and ketamine-assisted therapy tailored to queer and non-monogamous clients. Sarah also provides clinical supervision and consultation on queerness, non-monogamy, and neurodivergence. You can learn more about their offerings at: CourageousYouTherapy.com Outside the therapy space, Sarah is a vegan, lifelong athlete, former tackle football player, and proud dog parent to two pups—Roxy and Ace. --- Resources: The Relationship Anarchy Manifesto Multi-Amory Podcast + RADAR Relationship Check-In https://instagram.com/decolonizing.love https://instagram.com/remodeledlove https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Oe5dGvmlSDrUehwAvjLtdOb_6nWfNnzOKCk_oFKSYM8/edit?usp=sharing --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health