What Your Therapist Is Reading ®

Episode 57: Devout:: A Memoir of Doubt with Anna Gazmarian

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*Information shared on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only.
*Trigger warning for episode and book as the author does share about struggles with mental health.
In this episode of What Your Therapist is Reading, Jessica Fowler is speaking with Anna Gazmarian about her book Devout: A Memoir of Doubt. (affiliate link) Anna shares how traditional views of faith and mental illness can be at odds, and explains how she redefined her spirituality to see God in moments of safety and love.  This conversation dives into themes of spiritual trauma, the intersection of faith and therapy, and the resilience of individuals with mental illness. Anna’s perspective offers hope and insight, showing that thriving with faith and mental illness is possible.
Highlights:
3:29 Anna shares how it was difficult to reconcile her faith with her diagnosis.  She shares how the book chronicles her experience.
5:21: Anna shares what her mental illness is like for her.
7:45: Anna shares how treatment was a miracle for her.
11:26: Anna sharing how she had to redefine what faith was for her.
 
About the author: 
Anna Gazmarian hold an MFA in Creative Writing from the Bennington Writing Seminars. Her essays have been published in The Guardian, The Rumpus, Longreads, The Sun Magazine and Quarterly West.
 

Episode 56: Tough Titties: On Living Your Best Life When You're the F-ing Worst with Laura Belgray

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*Information shared in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only.  
In this episode of What Your Therapist is Reading, Jessica Fowler is speaking with Laura Belgray, an award-winning copywriter, founder of Talking Shrimp, and author of Tough Titties: On Living Your Best Life When You're the F’ing Worst. (affiliate link) The discussion covers Laura’s unconventional journey to success, the themes in her book, and relatable personal stories.
Key Highlights:
-We discuss how Tough Titties explores Laura’s coming-of-age story and her winding path she took to find herself and her career through chapters that chronicle her life in NYC in a vulnerable, yet relatable way.
-Laura shares about a bully in 6th grade and lessons learned.
-Laura shares about having a father as a therapist and what that experience was like for her.
-Laura touches on different life experiences as she tried to find herself and what she would say to her younger self.
-Laura shares how she wants this book to help readers feel less alone.
About the author:
Laura is an award-winning copywriter, founder of Talking Shrimp, and author of Tough Titties: On Living Your Best Life When You're the F'ing Worst. (Hachette) She's written TV spots for clients like NBC, Fandango and Bravo; and she helps entrepreneurs find words that make buyers go bananas. Her course with Marie Forleo, The Copy Cure, helps you find your voice and sell your anything.

Episode 55: Trauma Impacts: Repercussions of Individual and Collective Trauma with Jessica Stone and Clair Mellenthin

*Trigger warning for this episode as we are discussing trauma.
After today’s episode, head on over to @therapybookspodcast to learn about the latest giveaway.
If you are enjoying these episodes, please leave us a 5-star review.
*Information shared on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only.
This episode is for those in the helping professions.
In this episode of What Your Therapist Is Reading, Jessica Fowler is speaking with Jessica Stone, Ph.D., RPT-S, and Clair Mellenthin, LCSW, RPT-S, two of the authors of the book, Trauma Impacts: Repercussions of Individual and Collective Trauma. (affiliate link) The episode focuses on the multifaceted effects of trauma, both on individuals and communities, and how these impacts ripple through generations.
 
Highlights include:
10:04 Shares how the book is set up including the 3 sections which include the impacts of trauma, trauma impacts with specific populations, and future implications.
13:01 Exploring relationships within the systems and need for healing.
18:19 Generational Trauma.
20:15 When the helper is in crisis too.
21:01 Trauma and neurodiversity.
27:03 Who this book is for.
About the authors:
Jessica Stone, Ph.D., RPT-S, is a licensed psychologist working in a private practice setting. She has been a practitioner, professor, presenter, mentor, and author for more than 30 years. Dr. Stone’s interest in therapeutic digital tools, specifically using virtual reality, tablets, and consoles and AI, has culminated in clinical mental health use and research for mental health, medical, and crisis settings. She is the co-creator of the Virtual Sandtray App for iPad (VSA) and the Virtual Sandtray for Virtual Reality (VSA-VR). Dr. Stone is the past Chief Psychology Officer for AscendantVR, is a member of various boards, and serves as an affiliate of the East Carolina University College of Education Neurocognition Science Laboratory.
Clair Mellenthin, LCSW, RPT-S, is a renowned clinical supervisor, international speaker, and acclaimed play therapist. As the author of best-selling books like "Attachment Centered Play Therapy," she brings unparalleled expertise to the field. With a wealth of experience as a play therapist and professor, Clair has significantly impacted the lives of numerous children and families. Recognized for her contributions, she is a sought-after expert in media, frequently sharing insights on children and family issues at both local and national levels.
Dr. Robert Jason Grant is the creator of AutPlay® Therapy. He is a therapist, supervisor, and consultant and utilizes several years of advanced training and his own lived neurodivergent experience to provide affirming services to children and their families. He is an international trainer and keynote presenter and multi-published author of several articles and books. He is currently serving on the board of directors for the Association for Play Therapy.

Episode 54: You're on Fire, It's Fine: Effective Strategies for Parening Teens with Self Destructive Behaviors with Katie K. May

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*The information shared on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only.
Trigger Warning: In this episodes, we discuss self-destructive behaviors, self-harm and suicide.
In this episode of What Your Therapist Is Reading, Jessica Fowler is joined by Katie K. May, LPC, to discuss her book You're on Fire, It's Fine: Effective Strategies for Parenting Teens with Self-Destructive Behaviors (affiliate link).
Highlights include:
What it means to be an "emotionally sensitive" teen 
Self-destructive behaviors as coping mechanisms
The importance of parental regulation
Practical strategies for emotional regulation
Building trust and communication
About the author:
Katie is the owner and executive director of Creative Healing, is a national speaker and trainer specializing in therapy for teens with depression, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. As one of only eleven Linehan board-certified Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) clinicians in Pennsylvania, she's an expert in this gold-standard treatment for life-threatening behaviors. Katie is committed to helping teens feel accepted for who they are while teaching them skills to build a life they love.

EMDR Workbook for Kids with Christine Mark-Griffin

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*The information shared on this podcast if for informational and educational purposes only.
In this weeks episode, Jessica Fowler is speaking with Christine Mark-Griffin about her book, EMDR Workbook for Kids. (affiliate link)
Highlights:
4:23 Christine describes EMDR therapy.
8:14 Christine shares how the book aligns with the 8 phases of EMDR therapy.
9:54 Christine describes how she involves parents in the book and how parents can be a part of the process including what to expect from your child who is receiving EMDR therapy.
15:12 We explore how play can be involved in EMDR therapy and it isn't just for kids.
About the author:
Christine Mark-Griffin is a licensed clinical social worker, EMDRIA approved consultant and advanced trainer. As an EMDR consultant & trauma-conscious yoga therapist, Christine passionate about playfully combining her love of music, movement, fitness & yoga with clinical practice to help children learn, grow and heal. She is the owner of Spark All Wellness, a small group practice located in San Francisco, California specializing in EMDR and trauma therapy with women and children. Additionally, she is the author of “EMDR Workbook for Kids” & founder of EMDR for Kids. The mission at EMDR for Kids is to empower therapists, parents, and children of all ages with resources, tools, and training to overcome trauma & adversities.
 

Birth Story Held for Loss with Emily Souder

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* The information shared on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only.
Trigger warning: This book is on various forms of perinatal loss and we are discussing that in this episode.
IN this weeks episode, Jessica Fowler is speaking with Emily Souder, LCSW-C, PMH-C about her book Birth Story Held for Loss: A Guide for Reflecting on Your Fertility Experience, Miscarriage, Abortion, TFMR, Stillbirth and Infant Loss. (affiliate link)
Highlights include:
4:40 Types of perinatal loss.
6:28: Discussing the prompts in the book.
8:21 Emily sharing why she wrote the book and the need that she saw.
10:09 The concept of holding is explored.
About the author:
Emily Souder is a therapist and social worker licensed in Maryland. She is certified in perinatal mental health and has written books to help readers explore and reflect on their birth and perinatal loss experiences, and on finding amusement and intuition in their daily lives. She enjoys time spent with her husband and two kids, and time reading, writing, and exploring small surprises in nature.
 

Episode 51: Dyslexia Advocate! with Kelli Sandman-Hurley Ed.D

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If you are enjoying these episodes, please leave us a 5-star review.
*The information shared in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only.
In this weeks episode, Jessica Fowler is speaking with Kelli Sandman-Hurley, Ed.D, about her book Dyslexia Advocate! How to Advocate for a Child with Dyslexia within the Public Education System (affiliate link).  
Highlights include:
Discussing what dyslexia is and the signs.
Supports for middle and high school students.
Exploring some of the myths about dyslexia.
The mental health impacts of dyslexia.
About the author:
Kelli Sandman-Hurley, Ed.D. is the author and founder of the Dyslexia Training Institute. She co-created and produced “Dyslexia for a Day: A Simulation of Dyslexia,” as well as writing the well-received books, Dyslexia Advocate! How to Advocate for a Child with Dyslexia within the Public Education System, Dyslexia & Spelling: Making Sense of it All and The Adult Side of Dyslexia.

Episode 50: A Handbook on Counseling African American Women with Dr. Kimber Shelton

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If you are enjoying these episodes, please leave us a 5-star review.
*The information shared in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only.
*This episode is primary for mental health professionals.
In this weeks episode, Jessica Fowler is speaking with Dr. Kimber Shelton about her book A Handbook on Counseling African American Women: Psychological Symptoms, Treatment and Case Studies (affiliate link) by Kimber Shelton, Michelle King Lyn and Mahlet Endale (Editors).
Highlights from this episode include:
4:48 Kimber Shelton shares about the intention of the book.
5:57 Kimber Shelton shares about the 2 other editors of the book and how they came together to write this book.
7:54 Kimber Shelton shares how the book is organized including intersectionality, cultural competency and treatment interventions.
13:04 Kimber shares who this book is for.
14:03 Kimber shares how she wanted to write this book as more black women were coming to therapy then before and wanted therapist to be culturally competent.
About the author:
Dr. Kimber Shelton is a licensed psychologist, author, and speaker. She is the owner of KLS Counseling & Consulting Services in Texas; where she specializes in cultural diversity, LGBTQ issues, trauma, and relationship concerns. The 2023 Black Mental Health Symposium Distinguished Practitioner of the Year, Dr. Shelton is an award-winning psychologist committed to creating transformative healing spaces to empower minoritized groups. She has over 20 publications including the Amazon Best Seller, A Handbook on Counseling African American Women.

Episode 49: Speaking with the Heart with Heather Browne, PsyD, LMFT

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If you are enjoying these episodes and would like to support the podcast, please leave us a 5-star review.
*The information shared in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only.
*Trigger warning: Although not discussed in detail, abuse and suicide are mentioned in the episode.
 
In this weeks episode, Jessica Fowler is speaking with Heather Browne, PsyD, LMFT about her book Speaking with the Heart: Transforming Your Relationship and Communication with Compassion and Connection. 
Highlights from this episode include:
5:37 Discussing love and younger parts of self.
7:37 What is missing in communication.
11:38 Heather explores the topics that she discusses in the books and the ones that she does not.
14:05 Heather shares how she wrote a book to help people learn to connect and communicate.
25:01 Heather shares about the importance of receiving information from our loved ones.
27:52 Heather shares about the importance of asking for what we need.
About the author:
Dr. Heather Browne PsyD, LMFT, TedX speaker, best seller author of: Speaking with the Heart Transforming Your Relationship and Communication with Compassion and Connection helps people recognize the power of communication.  It is one of our most important skills that we have, and yet we don’t consider our understanding, approach, belief, and therefore, miss our possibilities.  Living with a paranoid schizophrenic mother gave Dr. Heather a unique and powerful awareness that no one has the same reality, though we believe we do.  Utilizing this revolutionary awareness has allowed her to transform communication within self and within all other types of relationship.  This is the hidden key to acceptance. 

Episode 48: The Heart Word: How I lost It All and Found Myself with Lauren Chava Rose

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If you are enjoying these episodes and would like to support the podcast, please leave us a 5-star review.
*The information shared on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only.
In this weeks episode, Jessica Fowler interviews Lauren Chava Rose about her memoir, The Heart Word: How I lost It All and Found Myself (affiliate link)   *Trigger warning as their is abuse discussed in the book.
Highlights from this episode include:
2:56 Lauren shares how reading books help her because she could see herself in the characters.
5:25 Lauren shares how the book begins with her estranging herself from her parents and how this lead to her uncovering and healing things that were not hers such as conditioning and generational trauma.
7:49 Lauren shares about ways that she engaged in healing including therapy, energy work and a Mivah (a ritual in Judaism). 
10:06 Lauren shares what it is like to write something so personal as a therapist.
14:23 We discuss how changes happens and being in the struggle of something.
17:33 Lauren shares about the takeaways she would like her readings to walk away with.