The Thoughtful Counselor

Dr. Amy Ritterbusch, associate professor of social welfare at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, shares her experiences with global participatory action research in Colombian and Uganda and describes her personal journal of liberation as an international Colombian adopted person. She also offers recommendations for collective and individual wellness in the midst of activism.   For more on o...

In this episode, Dr. Thelamour discusses the intricate journey of acculturation among Black immigrant adolescents and emerging adults. She brings a multicultural lens to her research, focusing on the experiences of Black immigrants from African and Caribbean countries as they navigate their adjustment to Black American culture. Through engaging discussion, listeners will gain insights into how cul...

Drs. Elliott and Murray discuss their program for training counselors to work in rural areas. They share the challenges they have faced and talk about how educators and supervisors can approach readying students to work in rural communities.  For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode visit https://concept.paloaltou.edu/resources/the-thoughtful-counselor...

This episode explores Dr. Stacey Litam's newly released book Patterns that Remain: A Guide to Healing for Asian Children of Immigrants. Drs. Tapia and Litam navigate the impact of this book and the chapters that were so thoughtfully written. Join us for the laughs and tears that came from reflecting on the Patterns that Remain. For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation...

In this episode we discuss the evolving needs of the trans and gender expansive community and what counselors can do to show up for this marginalized population. Dr. Clark Ausloos joins the podcast to discuss the population's needs, community building, and how counselors can show up as social justice advocates inside and outside of their offices. Listeners will learn concrete actions they can begi...

In this episode, The Importance of Mentorship in Counseling, we explore how meaningful mentorship relationships shape personal and professional growth in the counseling field. Join us as we discuss the benefits of mentorship for both counselors-in-training and seasoned professionals, including skill development, navigating challenges, and fostering inclusivity. Whether you're a mentee seeking guid...

In this episode, Dr. Kyrstin shares her professional experience working with survivors of narcissistic abuse. We discuss clinical signs that a client is in a relationship with a narcissist, strategies for empowering victims and survivors, and the importance of clinician self-awareness and self-care. For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode visit https:...

In this episode, Abiola shares how she prioritizes breaking down the system to pave the way for others. Abiola and Dèsa discuss how Disturbing Inequity continues to break dominant narratives through social media. Abiola chats about her experiences overcoming racism and hate while speaking about her personal experiences with mental health. For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and AP...

In this episode, Rachael Estes and Dr. Jessica Tyler dive into how ancient Stoic principles can be applied to modern counseling supervision, helping counselors build resilience in the face of challenges. They explore practical strategies for emotional regulation, mindfulness, and navigating stress, offering listeners actionable tools to strengthen their professional and personal well-being. Whethe...

In this episode, we talk about Fatmisia, a term meaning hatred of fatness. Gianna discusses how anti-fatness, diet culture, and fatmisia impacts our work and our lives. She provides information about the influence of capitalism and racism on the prevalence of anti-fatness and shares how she uses a disability justice lens and Bowen/Narrative interventions to work with clients. For more on our guest...

In this episode, Dr. Tiffanie Sutherlin discusses the pervasive issue of academic gaslighting, particularly as it affects BIPOC counselor educators. She explores the subtle and overt ways this phenomenon manifests in academic environments and its impact on professional identity and mental health. Listeners will gain insights into the unique challenges faced by BIPOC educators and discover strategi...

Join Dr. Mickey White in a compelling conversation with Dr. Arien Muzacz, a researcher, educator, and clinician who specializes in working with kinky clients. In this episode, Dr. Muzacz shares her personal journey into the field and the ways in which counselors can better support and advocate for clients who practice consensual kink or asymmetry (CKA) in their relationships.   For more on our gue...

Dr. Darius Green speaks with Dr. Dèsa Daniel about this work centering an abolition framework in his teaching, research, and clinical work. They discuss confidentiality, ethics, and the power of being in community with each other. Finally the end with talking about abolition as an action tied directly to social justice.   For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for th...

In this episode, Drs. Jessica Tyler and Simona Niculaes explore the complex emotional journey of individuals recovering from partner betrayal, especially in the context of sexual addiction. Drawing from clinical experience and key findings of a qualitative study, this episode examines common emotional and psychological challenges faced by partner survivors and the factors that facilitate post-trau...

In this episode, Dr. Alisha Guthery talks about her work as a somatic practitioner. She describes somatic practice in counseling, how counselors can begin to include somatic approaches in their work, and how to grow as a somatic practitioner. We talk about client progress, other applications for somatic approaches, and how it can impact the personal life of the counselor. For more on our guests, l...

Tune in to this insightful episode as Dr. Jeff Cline explores the crucial role of integrating spirituality and religion in counseling. Offering actionable insights, Dr. Cline navigates the delicate balance between incorporating these facets into therapy while respecting the autonomy of the client. Gain practical wisdom on fostering a therapeutic environment that honors diverse belief systems witho...

In this episode, Dr. Kashunda McGriff talks about Relational Cultural Theory. RCT is a theory rooted in feminist and social justice that recognizes how people grow in and through connection. Dr. McGriff shares her experience as a counselor and professor using RCT as a conceptual framework for helping others.   For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode v...

In this episode, Mickey speaks with Dr. Jordan B. Westcott about her work and research on counseling strategies and cultural considerations with older LGBTQ+ adults. We take a look at how ageist, heterosexist, and cissexist stereotypes create barriers for older LGBTQ+ adults accessing mental healthcare, and ways that providers can avoid and challenge common misconceptions about what it means to ag...

Dèsa speaks with Dr. Tameeka L. Hunter about their 2020 article on Queering Disabilities. They do a deep dive into how counselors can better support clients experiencing seen and unseen disabilities. Dr. Hunter highlights the importance of leaning into uncomfortable moments by increasing our education and awareness to improve our cultural curiosity about disability work.  For more on our guests, l...

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Tyler talks with Dr. Andrew Finch, delving into the complexities of substance recovery for youth. They discuss the unique challenges young people face with substance use and highlight the shortcomings of support services during recovery. Dr. Finch sheds light on the concept of recovery high schools and advocacy efforts that have spurred their growth, offering valuable...

Dominique S. Hammonds and Lucy L. Purgason describe holistic admissions in counselor education; a process that allows programs to determine if applicants have the capacity to be practitioners, not just successfully engage graduate study, which traditional admissions typically accomplishes. They walk us through the process of faculty establishing what a good counselor in their community looks like...

In this podcast, we are going to explore intersectionality through a different lens. We are going to explore the, at times, taboo subject of intra-racism in African American culture and its possible impact on clients. For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode visit https://concept.paloaltou.edu/resources/the-thoughtful-counselor-podcast   The Thoughtful...

In this episode, we examine the experiences of Dr. Christopher Townsend.  Dr. Townsend takes us on a journey through advocacy and the courage to speak out against cultural injustice.  Dr. Townsend has co authored Senate bills to repair laws that impact vulnerable clients.  He shares his journey towards the state capitol and how he arrived at his own identity as a Social Justice Counselor and Educa...

The POCPC brings psychedelic education to people of color. The organization creates spaces for people of color to learn about the harms of the war on drugs and the healing properties of psychedelics. Co-host Desa chats with Ifetayo Harvey about the formation of the organization, the growing use of psychedelics, and how communities can educate themselves about psychedelics. For more on our guests ,...

In this empowering episode, Jessica Tyler engages in a heartfelt conversation with Ashley Hampton, the Co-founder and Clinical Director of Hampton House Counseling, a groundbreaking QPOC group private practice in Nashville, Tennessee. Ashley is also the Executive Director of Healing in the Margins. This non-profit organization drives systemic transformation and fosters recovery through tailored me...