What Your Therapist Is Reading ®

Episode 30: Postpartum Depression Workbook: Strategies to Overcome Negative Thoughts, Calm Stress, and Improve Your Mood

After today’s episode, head on over to @therapybookspodcast to learn about the latest giveaway.
 
*The information shared in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only.
 
In this week’s episode, Jessica Fowler  interviews Abigail Burd, LCSW, PMH-C  about her workbook The Postpartum Depression Workbook: Strategies to Overcome Negative Thoughts, Calm Stress, and Improve Your Mood   Abby shares about her book which includes reviewing the diagnosis, tools for self-help for decreasing symptoms and case studies.  Abby reviews the modalities that she teachers in the book and some of her perspective about the struggles one can have after becoming a parent.
Some highlights from this episode include:
(2:06) Abby shares what Postpartum Support International and their training.
(5:06) We begin discussing the book.
(6:20) We discuss tools in the workbook.
(9:30) Abby shares about expectations and self-care in motherhood
(11:30) Abby shares about the reproductive story exercise.
(13:14) We discuss modalities in the book including CBT, mindfulness,  and interpersonal psychotherapy
(16:00) Abby shares about clinical hypnosis and strategic psychotherapy (which is not in the workbook).
(18:46) We discuss how common postpartum depression is.
(19:28) One of Abby’s takeaways is she wants her readers to walk away with is that things can get better with postpartum depression.
(20:00) Abby shares why she wrote the book and how she wanted people to have these tools if they could not access therapy.
About the author:
Abigail Burd, LCSW, PMH-C, is a perinatal mental health specialist in San Diego, CA. She is a licensed clinical social worker and certified in perinatal mental health by Postpartum Support International. Abby is a member of the Postpartum Health Alliance and has served on their executive board.
You can follow Abby on Instagram/Twitter @burdtherapy, Facebook at Burd Psychotherapy and Education or visit BurdTherapy.com.

Episode 29: Role-Playing Games in Psychotherapy: A Practioner’s Guide

After listening today's episode make sure you head on over to  @therapybookspodcast to learn about the latest giveaway.
*The information shared in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only.
This weeks episode is for mental health professionals.
In this weeks episode, Jessica Fowler interview's Daniel Hand about his book Role-Playing Games In Psychotherapy: A Practitioner's Guide.  Daniel shares about role playing games (aka RPG's), what they are and how they can be useful in therapy.  
Some highlights from the episode:
(1:30) What role playing games are
(3:45) How Daniel began to merge role playing games and therapy
(8:00) What using RPG’s in therapy can look like.
(12:33) Daniel begins to explain what is in the book. The beginning of the book which where one can learn about RPG's.  He also shares about taking the best parts of RPG and applying it to your client work. 
(14:03) We begin to discuss theory and how it can be applied to RPG’s
(18:36) Importance of supervision and ethics when playing RPG's in therapy.
Author:
Daniel Hand is an author, game designer and therapeutic counsellor in private practice.  His work as appeared in venues such as  Tales of Ruma, Therapy Today, DEKHO!, the Journal of the Burma Star Association and the Popular Culture Psychology series. He regularly speaks on the uses of gameplay and story telling in psychotherapy.
You can connect with Daniel at his website  www.monomythcounselling.co.uk; or you can find him on Youtube @RPGTherapist.

Episode 28: Understanding Ruptured Mother-Daughter Relationships: Guiding the Adult Daughter’s Healing Journey Through The Estrangement Energy Cycle

After today's episode, head on over to instagram to hear about the latest giveaway.
*All information shared in this podcast episode of for informational and educational purposes only.
In this weeks episode, Jessica Fowler interviews Khara Croswaite Brindle about her book Understanding Ruptured Mother-Daughter Relationships: Guiding the Adult Daughter's Healing Journey Through the Estrangement Cycle.  
1 out of 12 people have an estranged family member so this is an important topic.  Although this book is written for therapists, Khara did share that she wrote it with adult daughters in mind and recognized they to may pick up this book. 
We discuss reasons for estrangement and how long it has been around.  Khara shared how this book is about how to support a client who is making their own choice towards estrangement.  In addition, she discusses the estrangement cycle which includes phases of identifying the abuse, questioning, therapy, a relationship rupture, boundaries and then estrangement if that is what the person decides.   
Khara shares how she tells the stories of 9 different women throughout the book to share about the estrangement cycle can look and how to support you client.
IN THS EPISODE: 
(1:48) The background about why estrangement might show up in mother daughter relationships
(3:15) The estrangement energy cycle
(4:43)  Grief and loss around the relationship and expectations about what the adult daughter thought the relationship would be
(7:08) Ways that therapists can support their clients with 24 theraputic tools listed in the book
(8:55) Holding space the for the clients and recognizing it is not their fault
(9:30) Who this book was written for
(11:00) What community members can do
(12:25) How people can be supportive to someone
 
Author:
Khara Croswaite Brindle, MA, LPC, ACS, CFT-I is passionate about turning pain points into possibilities for mental health professionals and Financial therapists. She is a TEDx Speaker, Consultant, Licensed Mental Health Therapist, Professor, and Financial Therapist in Colorado. She is originally from the Pacific Northwest and gets her best ideas walking outside and being around water. When Khara’s not writing her next book or supporting fellow professional helpers on their own self-discovery journeys, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, reading, and indulging in gluttonous, gluten-free desserts with her family. Khara is the author of 6 books.
You can connect with Khara on her campsite link or instagram

Episode 27: The CBT Workbook for Perfectionism: Evidence-Based Skills to Help You Let Go of Self-Criticism, Build Self-Esteem, and Find Balance

Hey Listeners!  Make sure you follow along on instagram @therapybookspodcast as many of the authors are giving away copies of their books. That is the best way to know about the latest book give away!
In this weeks episode, Jessica Fowler interviews Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW about her book The CBT Workbook for Perfectionism: Evidenced-Based Skills to Help You Let Go of Self-Criticism, Build SElf-Esteem and Find Balance.  A Step-by-Step Approach to Help You Stop People Pleasing - Avoid Street - Burnout - Overcome Your Need for Control - End Procrastination - Find the Courage to Try New Things.
Sharon shares about the 5 pieces of perfectionism which include impossibly high standards, how we look at flaws, self-criticism, self-worth based on achievements, and fear of failure.
We explored how do you know if they struggle with perfectionism. 
The guilt and shame cycle that can happen with perfectionism.
Sharon explained CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), mindfulness and self-compassion.
Sharon also identified struggles that include asking for help and being vulnerable but also shared strategies to work on one's perfectionism. 
Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW  is a licensed psychotherapist specializing in codependency recovery with an online practice serving California residents. For the past 20 years, she’s been helping perfectionists and people-pleasers overcome self-doubt and shame, embrace their imperfections, and learn to set boundaries. Sharon is the author of two books: The CBT Workbook for Perfectionism and The Better Boundaries Workbook. She also writes the blog Conquering Codependency for Psychology Today and has been featured in various media outlets including PsychCentral, Web MD, and Highly Sensitive Refuge
You can connect with Sharon on instagram
*Please note that the information shared in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. 

Episode 26: Gaslighting: A Step-by-Step Recovery Guide to Heal from Emotional Abuse and Build Healthy Relationships

After listening, make sure you follow along on instagram @therapybookspodcast to learn about the latest giveaway!
In this weeks episode Jessica Fowler interviews Dr. Deborah Vinall, PsyD, LMFT about her book Gaslighting: A Step-by-Step Recovery Guide to Heal from Emotional Abuse and Build Healthy Relationships.
In this episode we discuss what gaslighting is and isn't.  Deborah shares how the book is in two parts.  The first part discusses what gaslighting is, techniques someone will use and an overview of emotional abuse and recovery.  The second step walks readers through 7 steps to healing from gaslighting and emotional abuse.  Topics covered include accepting that it is happening, understanding the cycle of gaslighting, grief and loving yourself.
Deborah shares some of the various places in our lives that we can experience gaslighting and explores some of the reasons someone might stay in the relationship.  Deborah also explores some of the safety issues that can exist within the relationship.
Deborah also shares about exploring healthy relationships and green flags.  We discuss some of the exercises in the book which include self assessment quiz, journaling and emotion freedom technique.  
Deborah Vinall, PsyD, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and doctor of psychology, certified in both EMDR and Brainspotting Therapy. She incorporates these approaches  into her work with survivors of trauma and difficult relationships in her private practice.  Deborah has spoken as a subject matter expert on human trafficking and domestic violence at colleges and nonprofits across Southern California.  She was awarded the EMDR Research Foundation's Sandra Wilson Memorial Dissertation Grant Award for her research on the impacts on and treatment response of survivors of mass shootings.  Born and raised in Kelowna, Canada, Deborah presently lives in Southern California with her husband and son.
Deborah has also written a second book called Trauma Recovery Workbook for Teens.
You can connect with Deborah on her website or on instagram.
 
 
 
 

Episode 25: Parent Proof Shaming: Find Your Unique Parenting Voice, Feel Empowered, and Raise Whole, Healthy Children

In this weeks episode, Jessica Fowler interviews Mercedes Samudio, LCSW about her book Shame Proof Parenting: Find Your Unique Parenting Voice, Feel Empowered, and Raise Whole Healthy Children.  
Mercedes shares in this episode how she does not teach people how to parent but rather become shame proof in their parenting.  Shame proof parenting is understanding that people will have their opinions and judgments but exploring how you are going to let it impact self.  Some ways to do this that we explored are empathy, knowing needs, boundaries, and awareness.
Other topics we discussed were confidence, developing your shame proof village, understanding behaviors are needs and permission to grow into the parent you want to be.
Lastly, we discussed culture, spirituality and religion.
 
Mercedes Samudio, LCSW is a Mercedes Samudio, LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist, bestselling author, international speaker, and visionary entrepreneur. She works with parents worldwide to develop a healthy identity with her revolutionary Parental Identity Development Model – incorporating her Shame-Proof Parenting framework to help reduce the shame parents experience as they raise healthy children. Mercedes is also trained in trauma-informed modalities, which she uses in her work with parents to help them heal the past traumas that can influence how they interact with themselves and their children. 
You can connect with Mercedes at her website. 

Episode 24: Conversations Worth Having for Clinicians, Caseworkers, and Coaches: Using Appreciative Inquiry to Foster Wellbeing

In this weeks episode, Jessica Fowler interviews Micheal Emmart, Ed.D and Laura Torres, LCMHC who co-authored Conversations Worth Having for Clinicians, Case Workers, & Coaches: Using Appreciative Inquiry to Foster Wellbeing by Michael Emmart, Laura Torres, Cheri Torres, and Jackie Stavros.  
Laura and Michael shared how the books is based off of two simple Appreciative Inquiry practices- generative questions and positive framing which allows for important conversations to happen.  
We also discuss the importance of tuning into ourselves while working with clients and asking what is happening to me if I am feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, etc.  
Laura and Michael also shared the importance of being in a place of curiosity and we can get back to curiosity while with our clients.  
Conversations Worth Having Website
Biographies
Laura Torres, LCMHC
Laura has been practicing psychotherapy for more than 10 years. She is currently working in private practice in Asheville, North Carolina, where she lives with her partner and 10-year-old son. Laura has worked in a wide range of settings with various populations spanning community mental health settings, residential and outpatient settings.  Laura's therapeutic approach and background is eclectic in that it draws on a variety of different modalities including Internal Family Systems, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Hakomi, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Somatic and Attachment Focused EMDR.  Laura is also a certified life coach and yoga instructor. 
You can connect with Laura on instagram or facebook. 
www.lauratorrescounseling.com   
www.lauratorrescoaching.com
Michael Emmart, Ed.D
Michael is often sought out as a subject matter expert on child welfare, justice involved, and cross-over youth.  He has filled a variety of roles over more than 25 years in the field, including: direct care staff, caseworker, counselor, trainer, senior administrator, nonprofit executive, and university-based consultant.  Michael is also a founding member of the Institute for Just Outcomes through Conversation (IJOC), which is housed within Case Western Reserve University’s Fowler Center for Business as an Agent of World benefit, currently serving as Executive Director.  He has taught and written extensively on the value of incorporating appreciative inquiry-based conversations within the human services field.
Michael lives in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of Central New York where he lives with his wife and children. 
Institute for Just Outcomes through Conversation: https://case.edu/weatherhead/fowler/programs/just-conversations 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelemmart/
 

Episode 23: Mental Health Uncensored: 10 Foundations Every Parent Needs to Know

In this weeks episode, Jessica Fowler interviews Keri Cooper, LCSW about her book Mental Health Uncensored: 10 Foundations Every Parent Needs to Know.  Keri shares her insight in what parents and teens need to know about mental health.  She shares about physical foundations which includes things like eating healthy, exercise and sleep (something teens are not always getting a lot of).  The second section of the book shares mental health foundations which include topics of saying no, not being responsible for others feelings and disappointment. Keri highlights the importance of teaching kids boundaries, whether it is with friends or with their phone.  Lastly, Keri shares some of her tips to help implement these strategies for your own family.  
Keri Cooper, LCSW is the owner of Keri Cooper Holistic Therapy in northern New Jersey.  In her private practice, she counsels teens and works to give them the tools they need to navigate life.  Keri takes a holistic approach to therapy, looking at the whole person, not just their symptoms.  Keri is the author of Mental Health Uncensored: 10 Foundations Every Parent Needs To Know, a book designed to give parents steps on how to improve their child's mental health.  Her second book is a workbook for teens, Mental Health Uncensored: 10 Foundations Every Teen Needs To Know.  She is a speaker and writer who helps educate teens and parents on the topics teens face in everyday life.  She is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and continues to further her education by obtaining additional certifications in her field, one of her favorite pastimes!  When Keri isn't busy working with teens, she is busy with her own four children and her flock of chickens.  You can reach Keri at Keri@kericooperholistictherapy.com or on instagram @kericooperholistictherapy

Episode 22: After Your Person Dies: Affirmations for Grief, Making Meaning, and Going On.

In this weeks episode, Jessica Fowler interviews Dr. Linda Shanti McCabe about her book After Your Person Dies: Affirmations for Grief, Making Meaning, and Going On.  
 
In this episode we discuss how this book is meant to be a short companion for someone who has lost a person they loved.  Linda kindly reads two of her affirmations as well.
 
Linda shares how this book started with her own paintings she made through her own grief.
 
We discussed how the stages of grief of descriptive, not prescriptive.  Linda shared ideas for rituals and making meaning for those that are grieving.  
 
We discuss complicated grief as a new diagnose in the DSM-5.  
 
Dr. Linda Shanti McCabe is a psychologist, registered expressive arts therapist, coach, and person traveling with grief. She has been passionate about helping women recover from disordered eating and body image distress for the past 25 years and, now, assisting grievers move forward (NOT on. We don't move on) with grace.
 
You can connect with Dr. Linda Shanti McCabe at  here, on facebook or instagram.

Episode 21: Strong: A Relationship Field Guide for the Modern Man

Welcome to season 3!  
 
In this weeks episode, Jessica Fowler interviews Kristal DeSantis, LMFT about her book Strong: A Relationship Field Guide for the Modern Man.  Kristal shares how she wrote this book after recognizing that there was a lack of resources for men. There is often books and groups she could refer her female clients to, but not her male clients. 
 
Kristal shares that one day she was scrolling twitter and saw the quote "Everybody is busy empowering women.  The worry is, who is preparing men for these empowered women?" Lillian Orwah. We discuss this quote, the importance for resources for men and how relationship roles have changed.
Kristal DeSantis, LMFT also shares how the book is divided into two parts.  Section one is about safety, as we all need to feel safe in relationships.  Section two is about thriving.  
 
We also discuss some of the history of how roles that women and men have had and misconceptions that continue today.
 
You can connect with Kristal DeSantis, LMFT on instagram @atxtherapist or connect with her on linktr.ee  
Kristal DeSantis is a Texas Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a Clinically Certified Trauma Professional, a Certified Sex Therapist Informed Professional, and a State of Texas approved Premarital Education Provider. She is the creator of The STRONG Model of Relational Therapy.Her specialties include: Couples’ Therapy (including sexual desire discrepancy/ out of control sexual behaviors/recovery from infidelity), EMDR for trauma and PTSD recovery, PREPARE/Enrich Premarital Counseling, Conflict and Communication skill-building for high conflict couples, Emotional regulation and healing from attachment trauma. Her passion populations are high performing/self-identified hyper-masculine men and those who love them.
 
S.T.R.O.N.G.: A Relationship Field Guide for the Modern Man is her first book.