Everyday Therapy

We get to determine what kind of relationship we are going to have with our partner.  However, often times we are unaware of what kind of relationship we are building because we unaware of what we are doing, what we are communicating, what the other is saying, etc. and as a result, we can be quite dissatisfied. Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at Podcast@SagentBH.com   We'd lo...

We are sometimes under the impression, "Never run from a fight."  And could this be true with our partner?  The purpose of fighting is to pursue a win-win scenario and too often our fights are made into win-lose propositions and in the end, the couple as a whole loses out.  Today's podcast address the purpose of fighting and learning how to fight fair with your partner. Do you have feedback or top...

In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) Michelle Iversen and Brett Cushing discuss the importance of laughter along with their special guest Dan Miller, LMFT. Dan is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Clinical Site Director at Nystrom and Associates. He is an experienced therapist practicing since the mid-90s and completed his master's thesis on the topic of la...

When it feels like your life is falling apart and you start to feel yourself unravel, you’re not out of options. You still have things you can do to improve these difficult moments! In today’s episode, Brett and Christa provide practical tools to feel better in any distressing moment.  Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at Podcast@SagentBH.com   We'd love to hear from you! &nbsp...

We have ways to get our energy boosts to keep us going during the day, but what if we had empowerment boosts for those incredibly stressful times of the day? In today’s episode, Brett and Christa discuss how to create a “Mental Health Go Back,” which you can always keep with you to empower yourself whenever you need it quickly.  Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at Podcast@SagentBH....

No one likes to stop and slow down. But when we’re feeling very emotional, we have to stop, or we might say or do something we regret. In today’s episode, Brett and Christa discuss how to STOP and look inward and outward so we don’t go wayward. Plus, they give genuine tips on how to practice this every day.   Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at Podcast@SagentBH.com   We'd love...

IMPROVE isn't just an acronym; it's a roadmap to transforming how we respond to life's challenges. We'll unravel each element—Imagery, Meaning, Prayer, Relaxation, One Thing in the Moment, Vacation, and Encouragement—empowering you to expand your toolkit for improving emotional regulation. Tune in to discover how integrating the IMPROVE skill into your life can lead to profound shifts in managing...

In this episode, we dive into Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and explore the powerful TIPP skill for distress tolerance. The TIPP Skill equips you to manage intense emotions without resorting to unhealthy coping mechanisms. We'll break down each step, making it a practical tool you can use to manage these overwhelming emotions. Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at Podcast@Sagent...

Time travel is real. That’s right. Anytime we’re preoccupied with thoughts of the past or the future, we’re no longer living in the present, which is the only place we have any control over. In this week’s episode, Brett and Christa discuss how to be in the present moment—the place where the process of change begins. Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at Podcast@SagentBH.com   W...

Ever feel like your emotions hijack you? Do they jump in the driver’s seat and prevent you from thinking rationally? Or do you wish you weren’t so factual and could be more sensitive, nurturing, or emotive? In this week’s episode, Brett and Christa share how to find a balance between our Reason Mind and Emotion Mind so that we can regularly access our Wise Mind and make more balanced decisions. Do...

In this very special 100th episode, Brett and Christa describe the importance of preserving others' dignity, even when they offend you. They explore the personal and societal benefits of humility, accountability, and resisting the urge to “discard” someone’s dignity when you disagree.  Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at Podcast@SagentBH.com   We'd love to hear from you! &nbsp...

In this episode, Brett and Christa talk about why we gossip and how it serves to give us relief from the strain we feel in our relationships. They also share practical tips to address anxiety in your relationship and the boundaries you need to avoid getting involved in harmful dynamics with others. Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at Podcast@SagentBH.com   We'd love to hear fr...

Sometimes, trying too hard to be liked can have the opposite effect. In this episode, Brett and Christa identify common mistakes people make in social interactions and offer solutions for changing those behaviors to build stronger connections. Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at Podcast@SagentBH.com   We'd love to hear from you!   Follow along: Instagram Facebook Nystrom...

Are you feeling loneliness and social anxiety? You’re not alone. Social anxiety, loneliness, and isolation are on the rise, leaving many people feeling worse than ever. Brett and Christa share some easy ways to overcome social anxiety, connect with others, and even become more confident along the way. Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at Podcast@SagentBH.com   We'd love to hear...

Brett and Christa introduce another skill called DEAR MAN to help you get what you want in your relationship without losing your relationship. In fact, not using skills like DEAR MAN might be the reason some relationships are in jeopardy! Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at Podcast@SagentBH.com   We'd love to hear from you!   Follow along: Instagram Facebook Nystrom &...

Want to speak up for yourself, but you’re afraid it’ll threaten your relationship? Brett and Christa introduce the GIVE skill – a skill that allows you to ask for what you need while making sure your relationship stays intact and even improves! Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at Podcast@SagentBH.com   We'd love to hear from you!   Follow along: Instagram Facebook Nystrom...

Interpersonal effectiveness skills are essential for every area of life. In every relationship, we can learn to get what we want, maintain the relationship, and maintain our self-respect. In this episode, Brett and Christa address how many of us deny ourselves and defer to others, which results in not only losing our sense of self, but also in resentment toward others. Listen and learn how to main...

Has anyone ever said these things to you? You're so emotional! You need to calm down. Why are you so sensitive? If you're inclined to be more sensitive, emotional, or expressive, life can be difficult. Sometimes, people have expectations of you that you can't live up to. In this episode, Brett and Christa unpack why we're either more emotional or facts-driven and how to feel confident no matter wh...

Assuming that everything is connected and has a cause actually calms us down and increases our quality of life. This week, Brett and Christa highlight the final assumption of DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy). They help us see that simple, intentional changes in how we see the world can change our lives. Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at Podcast@SagentBH.com   We'd love t...

Often times we get into trouble when we think of people in simplistic terms, also known as "all or nothing thinking". This mode of thinking disrupts our society and leads to suffering and stagnation. We can truly find real change and improved quality of life when we simply add a little more to how we think. Christa and Brett will address this new way of thinking, called Dialectical thinking, and i...

In this episode, Brett and Christa share a different take on the Fourth Agreement from don Miguel Ruiz’s “The Four Agreements.” They discuss how when we choose to believe that “everyone is doing their best,” life and the holidays get a lot better for us.   Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at Podcast@SagentBH.com   We'd love to hear from you!   Follow along: Instagram Face...

Don't make assumptions. In this episode, Brett and Christa get into the Third Agreement from don Miguel Ruiz’s “The Four Agreements.”  They discuss how we often make assumptions about others, reality, and ourselves that we believe to be facts but are actually just...assumptions. They also talk about how our assumptions are often negative and lead us to believe the worst in people and ourselves.  L...

"Nothing other people do is because of you.” In this episode, Brett and Christa get into the Second Agreement from don Miguel Ruiz’s “The Four Agreements”: Don’t Take Anything Personally. Learn about the freedom of realizing this agreement and how it can even help you “cope ahead” for seeing family this holiday season.    Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at Podcast@SagentBH.com &nb...

In this four-part series, Brett and Christa review the popular self-help book, The Four Agreements, by don Miguel Ruiz. This episode covers "Be Impeccable With Your Word," and explains how to empower yourself with the creative force of your words.   Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at Podcast@SagentBH.com   We'd love to hear from you!   Follow along: Instagram Facebook Ny...

Why is it so hard NOT to avoid things that make us anxious and sad? Why do our instincts tell us to avoid topics and situations that may not have even happened...yet? Find out the answers to these and more questions this week, as Brett and Christa take on the concept of anticipatory anxiety and grief-- and find out what you can do to cope when you are worried or distraught about a future event.  ...