Therapy Chat

Latest Episodes:

494: Soul Work For Uncertain Times with Francis Weller Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week, I’m sharing an incredibly rich and soul-stirring conversation with psychotherapist and author, Francis Weller.

Recently retired after 43 years in practice, Francis shares profound insights from his fieldwork—sitting with grieving people for over four decades to understand what the individual and collective psyche are trying to express through symptoms and suffering. We delve into how grief saturates almost every human experience, from addiction to childhood wounds, and how our culture often teaches us to avoid it.

This episode explores the concept of "soul work" and how indigenous traditions offer profound wisdom on community, ritual, and the "primary satisfactions" that keep us strong and fluid. Francis illuminates how Western individualism has ripped apart these vital connections and what it has cost us. We also discuss his new book, In the Absence of the Ordinary, Soul Work for Times of Uncertainty, and how it couldn't be more timely for the times we're living in.

Learn more about Francis Weller's work on his website and find his newest book here.

To view The Eternal Song, the film that Francis Weller described in this episode, go here:

https://theeternalsong.org/

If you're interested in being notified when I announce the details of the new Therapy Chat membership - open to anyone, not just therapists - which will open in September, 2025, submit your info on this form. Thanks!

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyChatPodcast

Therapists, visit the new For Therapists page on the Trauma Therapist Network website for discounts on CE trainings, recommended resources and more.

Find a trauma therapist near you via findtraumatherapy.com! We believe that trauma is real, healing is possible and help is available at Trauma Therapist Network.

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Love Therapy Chat? Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and subscribe where you listen to your podcasts! Thank you!

Podcast produced by Vaudeo Productions - https://vaudeoproductions.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

493: Re-Parenting The Inner Child Using Authenticity Therapy with Yudit Maros Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

In this conversation, I interviewed Yudit Maros, LMFT, founder of Authenticity Therapy. Yudit led the retreat I attended earlier this year in Italy, which was a powerful experiential training in her method. Authenticity Therapy is a form of inner child work which helps identify unmet emotional needs, emphasizing the importance of self-love and our relationship to ourselves. Yudit shares her journey of developing this therapy model, the significance of body awareness, and the process she teaches to guide individuals in responding to their feelings. I talked about my experience in the training.

Yudit Maros is an LMFT and Certified Hypnotherapist in private practice in Ridgefield, CT, with 32 years of clinical experience. She is an AAMFT Approved Supervisor, and an international trainer of psychotherapists in Authenticity Therapy© and Brief, Solution Oriented Trauma Resolution. She is author of „Apple of My I: The Four Practices of Self-Love”, and the originator of Authenticity Therapy©, a new integration in the field of psychotherapy. Yudit is a regular presenter at major National conferences. She leads Certification Trainings in Authenticity Therapy, and Deep Reset Retreats internationally for the Self of the Therapist.

Learn more about Yudit Maros's work and find her book here.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyChatPodcast

Therapists, visit the new For Therapists page on the Trauma Therapist Network website for discounts on CE trainings, recommended resources and more.

Find a trauma therapist near you via findtraumatherapy.com! We believe that trauma is real, healing is possible and help is available at Trauma Therapist Network.

Love Therapy Chat? Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and subscribe where you listen to your podcasts! Thank you!

Podcast produced by Vaudeo Productions - https://vaudeoproductions.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

492: Transforming Anxiety Into Self Love From the Adult Chair - with Michelle Chalfant Aug 06, 2025

Show notes

In this week's episode of Therapy Chat, I interviewed Michelle Chalfant, a licensed therapist and coach, about her journey from anxiety and self-hatred to self-love and healing. She describes her Adult Chair model, which includes understanding the ways the energy of our child parts, adolescent parts and adult parts show up in our lives.

Her recent book, The Adult Chair: Get Unstuck, Claim Your Power, and Transform Your Life, teaches readers about how these energies feel and how to work with them. Michelle shares insights on working with triggers and the role of the body in emotional healing, emphasizing that everyone has the potential to transform their lives with the right tools and support. In this warm, engaging and funny conversation with Michelle, you'll gain insight into how her Adult Chair method can help transform our lives as we learn to meet the unmet needs of our child parts. I love this book and have been recommending it to so many clients and friends!

Michelle Chalfant, MS, LPC, is a licensed therapist, holistic life coach, and author committed to helping individuals break free from limitations and discover their true selves. Her podcast, The Michelle Chalfant Show - Life from The Adult Chair, has over 10 million downloads, offering practical tools and relatable insights for overcoming life’s challenges.

Michelle’s new book, The Adult Chair: Get Unstuck, Claim Your Power, and Transform Your Life, was released in May, 2025 through Penguin Random House and is available where all books are sold. Michelle leads transformative events, retreats, and courses through The Academy of Awakening Membership and trains others in her model via The Adult Chair® Coaching Certification Program where she is creating a new generation of coaches.

Order Michelle Chalfant's book and get her FREE masterclass here: https://courses.theadultchair.com/the-adult-chair-book

See everything Michelle offers at her website here: https://theadultchair.com/

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyChatPodcast

Therapists, visit the new For Therapists page on the Trauma Therapist Network website for discounts on CE trainings, recommended resources and more.

Find a trauma therapist near you via findtraumatherapy.com! We believe that trauma is real, healing is possible and help is available at Trauma Therapist Network.

Love Therapy Chat? Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and subscribe where you listen to your podcasts! Thank you!

Podcast produced by Vaudeo Productions - https://vaudeoproductions.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

491: Polyvagal Theory Helps Us Weather The Storm Together with Deb Dana Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Therapy Chat, I interviewed returning guest Deb Dana, LCSW. We explored the profound impact of Polyvagal Theory on emotional regulation and connection. We discussed the importance of co-regulation, the role of nature in fostering a sense of safety, and the significance of recognizing micro-moments of joy and connection in our daily lives.

We talked about the current trend of regulation "hacks" and challenged the idea that our goal is to be regulated. We also touchedthe power of glimmers as reminders of safety and connection. We talked about how we can move forward when things seem dark and discouraging. Ultimately, this conversation offers hope and practical insights for fostering emotional well-being in a dysregulated world, through the power of connection.

Deb Dana, LCSW, is a clinician, consultant, author and speaker. Deb’s work delves into the intricacies of how understanding and befriending the nervous system can change the way we navigate our daily lives. She is well known for translating Polyvagal Theory into a language and application that is both clear and accessible and for her significant contribution pioneering Rhythm of Regulation® methodology, tools, techniques and practices which continue to open up the power of Polyvagal Theory for professionals and curious people from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life.

Deb’s clinical work published with W.W. Norton includes The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy, Polyvagal Exercises, the Polyvagal Flip Chart, and the Glimmers Journal. Her work with Sounds True for a general audience includes Anchored and The Nervous System Workbook.

Learn more about Deb Dana's work and books via her website.

Therapists, visit the new For Therapists page on the Trauma Therapist Network website for discounts on training, recommended resources and more.

Find a trauma therapist near you via findtraumatherapy.com! We believe that trauma is real, healing is possible and help is available at Trauma Therapist Network.

Love Therapy Chat? Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and subscribe where you listen to your podcasts! Thank you!

Podcast produced by Vaudeo Productions - https://vaudeoproductions.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

490: GLP-1’s and Eating Disorders with Dr Vanessa Scaringi and Kathryn Garland Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week, we're talking about a subject that many people are curious about lately, GLP-1's the diabetes medications that are being used by non-diabetics for weight loss. Therapists need to know about these medications, because clients are exploring them.

I sat down with Dr. Vanessa Scaringi and Kathryn Garland, two therapists who specialize in eating disorders, to hear their perspective on whether these medications are helpful or harmful. Our conversation took us many places I wasn't expecting and challenged so many biases I had about these medications - some I wasn't aware of until we started talking.

We went into diet culture, various eating disorders, why people are using GLP-1's and what they're experiencing. Their perspective was much more nuanced than I expected and I'm grateful to them for educating me! Whether you're someone considering GLP-1's, or a therapist whose clients may be curious about these meds, you'll find a lot to think about in this episode.

Vanessa Scaringi, PhD, CEDS-C, is a licensed psychologist in Austin, TX. Vanessa co-owns with Kathryn Garland, LCSW, CALM Counseling, a group therapy practice. She primarily sees individuals in working on recovery from eating disorders or body image issues. Vanessa has dedicated much of her career to working in the eating disorder field. Kathryn Garland is a licensed clinical social worker and supervisor as well as a certified eating disorder specialist consultant in Texas, New York, Massachusetts and Colorado. She obtained postgraduate psychoanalytic training in New York City and incorporates relational and intuitive methods into her work with clients.

Learn more about Dr. Vanessa Scaringi and Kathryn Garland, LCSW via their CALM Counseling ATX website and their Instagram.

If you're interested in being notified when I announce the details of the new Therapy Chat membership which will open in September, 2025, submit your info on this form. Thanks!

Therapists, visit the new For Therapists page on the Trauma Therapist Network website for discounts on training, recommended resources and more.

Find a trauma therapist near you via findtraumatherapy.com! We believe that trauma is real, healing is possible and help is available at Trauma Therapist Network.

Love Therapy Chat? Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and subscribe where you listen to your podcasts! Thank you!

Podcast produced by Vaudeo Productions - https://vaudeoproductions.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

489: Cuddle Therapy with Michelle Renee Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to `Therapy Chat! This week, I interviewed Michelle Renee of Cuddlist about cuddle therapy. Michelle and I discussed what cuddle therapy is, what it can do and who can benefit from it. Our conversation brought up many thoughts about loneliness, platonic touch, consent, boundaries, attachment and much more.

Michelle Renee (she/her) is a human connection coach based in San Diego, California, dedicated to helping individuals overcome challenges related to emotional and physical connection. As a Cuddlist certified relational-based touch practitioner, she offers platonic nurturing touch in a safe and supportive environment, and she works collaboratively with licensed talk therapists to help clients address deeper issues surrounding trust, vulnerability, and connection. Michelle is deeply passionate about supporting individuals with a history of trauma, guiding them toward building safety within themselves and their relationships. In addition to her coaching and therapy work, Michelle is the Co-Owner and Director of Training for Cuddlist.com.

Visit Michelle’s website at:

https://humanconnectioncoach.com

Learn more about Cuddlist at: www.cuddlist.com

Get a 10% discount on Cuddlist training at:

https://cuddlist.podia.com/cuddlist-certification/6dnxo?coupon=REFERRAL

Therapists, visit the new For Therapists page on the Trauma Therapist Network website for discounts on training, recommended resources and more.

Curious about SSP after listening to the most recent episodes of Therapy Chat? On behalf of our friends at Unyte Health, we are pleased to share this Trauma Recovery Toolkit, a free resource aimed to support you as you work with clients who present with trauma and nervous system dysregulation. Download the toolkit and access an exclusive discount code for the SSP training! More new episodes about SSP are coming this summer!

Find a trauma therapist near you via findtraumatherapy.com! We believe that trauma is real, healing is possible and help is available at Trauma Therapist Network.

Love Therapy Chat? Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and subscribe where you listen to your podcasts! Thank you!

Podcast produced by Vaudeo Productions - https://vaudeoproductions.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

488: The Power Of Community For Mind/Body/Spirit Connection with Eugene Ellis Jun 26, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to `Therapy Chat! This week's guest, Eugene Ellis, is a UK-based therapist with a background in systems theory, play therapy and adoption work who identifies as a Buddhist and is helping people talk about race through his recent book, "Transforming Race Conversations - A Healing Guide for Us All," which was previously released in 2021 as "The Race Conversation".

Eugene's book delves into the story of race, exploring its historical and social construction, the language of race, the impact of race trauma on the body, and how intergenerational race trauma continues to impact us today. For the past 22 years, he has been the director and founder of the Black, African and Asian Therapy Network, the UK's largest independent organisation to specialise in working therapeutically with Black, African, Caribbean and Asian people.

We talked about the importance of supportive communities in helping us stay connected in mind, body and spirit through the tumultuous times we're living through. This conversation, which relates well with the discussion of authenticity from last week's episode, was deep and vulnerable, and I hope you'll find it inspiring as you listen.

Find Eugene Ellis's book, Transforming Race Conversations: A healing guide for us all on the WW Norton publishing website here.

Learn about the Black, African and Asian Therapy Network (BAATN) here.

Find Therapy in Colour on Jessica Kingsley Publishers site.

TRAUMA THERAPISTS - TTN membership will be open for new members from Friday, 6/27/35 to Wednesday, 7/2/25. If you've been waiting for your chance to join, this is it! Join us for a FREE webinar on Friday, June 27, 2025 at 2 pm Eastern time where you can get a taste of the TTN experience, and a special discount to save on your membership fee. Register for the webinar here! If you are a therapist working with trauma survivors who would like to join our amazing community, add your name to the waiting list! You'll be the first to know when membership opens, and you'll get a coupon code to save on your first month of membership.

Therapists, visit the new For Therapists page on the Trauma Therapist Network website for discounts on training, recommended resources and more.

Find a trauma therapist near you via findtraumatherapy.com! We believe that trauma is real, healing is possible and help is available at Trauma Therapist Network.

Love Therapy Chat? Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and subscribe where you listen to your podcasts! Thank you!

Podcast produced by Vaudeo Productions - https://vaudeoproductions.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

487: Authenticity In Therapy With Dr. Sabrina Ndiaye Jun 18, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week's guest is Dr. Sabrina N'Diaye, a wise and deep clinician, author, teacher, speaker and leader. We had a heartfelt conversation about showing up authentically as a therapist. Not "trying to show up authentically," but living and working as our authentic selves. Sabrina speaks about how spirituality fits in with the process of reclaiming your authenticity. This was a beautiful and inspiring conversation which I hope you will enjoy.

Dr. Sabrina N'Diaye is a thought leader in integrating spirituality with psychotherapy. As an integrative therapist, author, and peacebuilder, she blends ancient spiritual practices with the latest scientific research and wisdom to guide others on their healing journeys. She is affectionately referred to as, “Sister Sabrina” in the communities that she serves.

Dr. Sabrina holds a PhD in Mind-Body Medicine from Saybrook University, where her research focused on the use of guided imagery as a healing tool for African-American women with chronic STIs. She is also the founder of The Heart Nest Center for Peace and Healing, where she lovingly serves women, couples, and small groups. Her first book, Big Mama Speaks: Love Lessons from a Harlem River Swan, draws on her maternal grandmother’s resilience in overcoming trauma and chronic illness. Dr. Sabrina is deeply passionate about mentoring other therapists in creating fulfilling careers while serving humanity. She is a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, who remains humbled by the healing powers of compassion, forgiveness, and love.

Find Dr. Sabrina N'Diaye's book, Big Mama Speaks: Love Lessons From a Harlem River Swan here.

Visit Dr. Sabrina's website here.

Therapists, visit the new For Therapists page on the Trauma Therapist Network website for discounts on training, recommended resources and more.

TTN will be opening for new members in June. If you are a therapist working with trauma survivors who would like to join our amazing community, add your name to the waiting list! You'll be the first to know when membership opens, and you'll get a coupon code to save on your first month of membership.

Find a trauma therapist near you via findtraumatherapy.com! We believe that trauma is real, healing is possible and help is available at Trauma Therapist Network.

Love Therapy Chat? Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and subscribe where you listen to your podcasts! Thank you!

Podcast produced by Vaudeo Productions - https://vaudeoproductions.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

486: Micro- + Macro- Dosing Psilocybin WithPam Conboy + Dr. Leah Linder Jun 09, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week I'm talking with Pam Conboy and Dr. Leah Linder, co-founders of Setas Seminary. Pam, whose background is in biology, was trained as a clinical laboratorian and is currently a doctoral student in naturopathic medicine.

She is an IIN certified health coach, trained psychedelic facilitator, medical marketing|business development entrepreneur, and ordained minister.With a background in biochemistry and emergency medicine, Leah is a naturopathic physician trained in psychedelic assisted therapy with deep expertise in natural supplement formulation and manufacture and an ordained minister.

We spoke about micro- and macro-dosing psilocybin mushrooms - why people do it, how it may help, and the importance of ceremony when using these medicines. Many people are micro- and macro-dosing psilocybin, so this information is valuable for clinicians and those considering using psilocybin therapeutically.

Learn more about Setas Seminary via their website.

Therapists, visit the new For Therapists page on the Trauma Therapist Network website for discounts on training, recommended resources and more.

Find a trauma therapist near you via findtraumatherapy.com! We believe that trauma is real, healing is possible and help is available at Trauma Therapist Network.

Love Therapy Chat? Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and subscribe where you listen to your podcasts! Thank you!

Podcast produced by Vaudeo Productions - https://vaudeoproductions.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

485: High Functioning Codependency with Terri Cole Jun 02, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week we are talking about a newly coined term, "high functioning codependency," which was defined by our guest, Terri Cole. Terri Cole is a licensed psychotherapist and global relationship and empowerment expert who authored two books, Boundary Boss and her newest, book, Too Much, which we discuss in this week's episode. For over 20 years, Terri has worked with a diverse group of clients that includes everyone from stay-at-home moms to celebrities and Fortune 500 CEOs. She has a gift for making complex psychological concepts accessible and actionable so that clients and students achieve sustainable change - and she's hilarious, in my opinion.

She inspires over a million people weekly through her blog, social media platform, signature courses, and her popular podcast, The Terri Cole Show. You'll hear us discuss how HSP's and narcissists go together like peanut butter and jelly, why, and what can be done about it. I couldn't put her book down - it opened up a new level of understanding of this subject for me. I hope you'll enjoy this conversation as much as I did!

Find Terri's website with her books, courses, podcast and everything she is doing at www.terricole.com .

Therapists, visit the new For Therapists page on the Trauma Therapist Network website for discounts on training, recommended resources and more.

Find a trauma therapist near you via findtraumatherapy.com! We believe that trauma is real, healing is possible and help is available at Trauma Therapist Network.

Love Therapy Chat? Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and subscribe where you listen to your podcasts! Thank you!

Podcast produced by Vaudeo Productions - https://vaudeoproductions.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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