Here in Session with Dr. Connor McClenahan

Avoiding painful emotions from childhood—like anger, helplessness, or shame—often recreates them in our closest relationships. Through real examples and concepts like introjection and projection (drawing from experts such as Nancy McWilliams and Otto Kernberg), discover how these defense mechanisms keep toxic cycles alive and learn a hopeful path to freedom by owning and integrating those feelings...

Dr. Rose So explores the complexities of the Asian American experience in therapy, highlighting cultural nuances, emotional expression, and the expectations of both clients and their families. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding these cultural contexts to bridge gaps in therapy and promote mental well-being. Takeaways Asian American clients often feel confused about how to us...

Trauma is the way our brains hold on to past negative environments. Trauma therapist McKenzie Laird dives into the brain science of trauma, revealing what it is, how it reshapes your mind, and the five key ways it alters your brain. This video also guides you through the healing process, showing why patience matters and how to spot progress along the way. McKenzie offers practical steps to start h...

Dan Humphrey, a board-certified neurologic physical therapist at Casa Colina, shares insights on treating stroke, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury. Explore neuroplasticity, functional neurologic disorders, and the mind-body connection in rehabilitation. Learn how personalized goals, virtual reality research, and jiu-jitsu-inspired problem-solving empower patients to regain independen...

Who is EMDR good for? What does an EMDR therapy session look like? Whether you're seeking relief from past trauma, curious about innovative mental health solutions, or eager to understand how this evidence-based method works, this video delivers all the answers you need. Join a trained EMDR therapist as he breaks down the essentials with expert insights, including: Who EMDR is designed for: Di...

Discover how Lindsay Mitchell, founder of Vital-Side, turned her struggle with chronic Lyme disease into a powerful journey of healing by unlocking the brain’s remarkable ability to restore physical health. Frustrated by the limits of Western medicine, she reveals why emotional healing is the missing piece in chronic illness recovery. Learn how embracing personal responsibility and the mind-body c...

Trauma can feel like a heavy shadow, but why does it linger for some and lift for others? In this episode, Dr. Connor McClenahan , a licensed clinical psychologist, explains how trauma isn’t just an event—it’s a “template” that shapes how we see the world. As he shares, “Trauma is this idea that there are scary things that happen to us, and that these scary things form a template in your mind… to...

Somatic therapy helps individuals face challenging emotions like anger and anxiety, and addresses common fears and misconceptions. Learn about the somatic framework for observing and moving through emotions, trusting the body’s wisdom, and building emotional resilience. Perfect for anyone curious about how somatic therapy can transform their relationship with their emotions.0:00 Introduction to So...

In this conversation, Uriah Guilford discusses his journey as a therapist and group practice owner, emphasizing the importance of delegation and automation in therapy practices. The discussion shifts to the role of AI in therapy, exploring its potential benefits and challenges. Uriah shares insights from a recent study on AI chatbots in therapy, highlighting their efficacy in symptom reduction. Th...

Summary This conversation explores EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, its origins, and its effectiveness in treating trauma and other mental health issues. Dana Carretta-Stein explains the process of EMDR, including the importance of bilateral stimulation and the therapeutic relationship. The discussion also addresses common client experiences, resistance to therapy, and...

Pelvic floor is an emotional topic. Dr. Rachel Daof of The Pelvic Model explores how emotional factors—such as trauma, shame, or stress—can affect pelvic health, alongside physical causes like childbirth. Dr. Daof also emphasizes a holistic approach, integrating physical therapy with nervous system healing. For example, healing isn't usually found in "strengthening" the pelvic floor muscles, as in...

ADHD is commonly misunderstood. Learn about the cutting-edge world of brain mapping and neurofeedback with Dr. Giancarlo Licata, founder of Vital Brain Health. Forget the oversimplified ADHD label—here, we reveal how stress and experience rewire your prefrontal cortex and amygdala, driving behaviors often mistaken for attention deficits. We’ll also examine how collective trauma alters neural netwo...

In this episode, we examine the science of attachment styles—fundamental frameworks that dictate how you form and sustain relationships across your life. Rooted in early developmental experiences, these styles (secure, avoidant, anxious, and disorganized) influence your interactions in romantic partnerships, friendships, and professional environments. We’ll unpack the evolutionary origins of attac...

When you're looking for a therapist, you're focusing on 3 main things: availability, authenticity, and helpfulness. In this video, Dr. Connor McClenahan, director of Here Counseling, breaks down these essential qualities and explains their role in effective therapy.1. Available: The video emphasizes the importance of a therapist who responds quickly and is accessible when needed. Here Counseling a...

Some therapists leave young adults feeling stuck instead of strong. In this episode, Dr. Andrea Bailey tackles the provocative idea of the "vibey therapist"—a feel-good approach that might be doing more harm than good. We explore how this plays out for college students facing societal pressures and a digital world that demands instant results. Dr. Bailey oversees mental health support for a divers...

Why do we procrastinate? Why do we lack motivation? How can you leverage your neurology to accomplish meaningful goals? Today I examine the depressive spiral that often underlies this feeling, look at why typical strategies fall short, and explain how your brain can naturally help you stay motivated to achieve meaningful goals. Section 1: Understanding the Depressive Pattern The Depressive Spiral...

New to therapy or wondering if it’s right for you? In this episode, Dr. Connor McClenahan from Here Counseling shares the three must-know insights to kickstart your mental health journey. From why your connection with a therapist trumps their resume to the surprising costs of avoiding help, Dr. Connor blends research-backed wisdom with practical tips to guide you toward healing. Whether it’s anxie...

Are you the pursuer or withdrawer in your relationship? John Allan Whitacre explores the real reasons we blame and check out in our closest relationships. Many couples don't see or change their pattern, and live in constant tension and disconnection, harming their ability to rest, enjoy, and feel loved. John Allan gives us helpful ways to approach and communicate with our partners that steer u...

Psychology hasn't always been around, but our desire for healing and growth is constantly evolving. This podcast comes from my desire to connect with other practitioners - therapists, nurses, chiropractors, healers - to learn about our common striving to heal. I'm a licensed psychologist and director of Here Counseling, a group private practice helping people with depression, anxiety, trau...

Depression creates a lens that diminishes our view of ourselves. Awe works by broadening and building our view, reconnecting us to the larger world and, simultaneously, our larger self. McKenzie Laird, AMFT provides therapy for depression in Pasadena. *We had technical difficulties with the video! Half way through we switch to subtitles. Thanks for your patience as we experiment. Here Counselinght...

Your body is always talking. Create emotional relief by listening to your body's signals. Arianne MacBean is a somatic therapist in Pasadena who came into therapy through her rich career teaching dancing. She talks about her history of teaching dance to veterans, how trauma comes up in the body, and what she sees when clients come in with panic attacks, migraines, IBS, and other somatic complaints...