Just Therapist Things

Navigating school or work as a young adult is challenging enough — adding a cancer diagnosis can make it feel overwhelming. In this episode, we explore how young adults living with cancer can find balance, support, and purpose in their educational and career paths. Listen to hear tips for the workplace or educational institute, laws to pay attention to, and more! Disclaimer: I am not a legal, empl...

Trigger warning: suicide, death, and grief. In honor of September being Suicide Awareness Month, this episode spreads awareness regarding suicidal ideation specifically when it comes to people who are affected by chronic health conditions. This episode discusses suicide awareness and prevalence generally, important language when discussing suicide, suicidal ideation specifically related to chronic...

This is the seventh episode in my series of “Diagnosing” where I, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, analyze and, if necessary, diagnose fictional characters from TV and movies. In this episode I analyze and diagnose characters from the hit series The Summer I Turned Pretty (: In honor of the last two episodes coming out this week and next, hear my takes on diagnoses, and treatment recommen...

A serious medical diagnosis—like cancer or a chronic illness—can turn a family’s world upside down. But it doesn’t have to break it. In this episode, I share guidance on how to navigate these challenging conversations, including age-appropriate communication strategies, common questions children may ask, and ways to emotionally prepare yourself. Whether you're supporting your own child or work...

This episode reflects on what type of mental health assessments Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) are trained and licensed to do. Whether you're thinking about implementing assessments in your practice or already do, this episode will help you feel more confident navigating assessment in your clinical work. This episode covers... Common assessments in the categories of psychological, neuro...

Today marks one year since starting my private practice Vital Mind Therapy! I didn’t always know I wanted to be a business owner or have my own private practice. But looking back over the past year, there were subtle signs—values, interests, and moments of clarity—that pointed me in this direction. This episode shares some of those reflections: the clues I overlooked at the time, and how they ulti...

The "summer slump." What it is, why it happens, and how to deal with it. Website:  https://www.vital-mind-therapy.com Book: “Anxiety In My Body” https://www.amazon.com/Anxiety-My-Body-Jordan-Long/dp/B0DX18Y4GZ/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0 Instagram: @just_therapist_things E-Guides: ⁠https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/just-therapist-things  #therapy #therapypodcast #anxietypodcast #podcast...

This episode explores the little known therapy niche called Medical Family Therapy. MedFT aims to further close the gap between physical and mental health, and recognizes how medical challenges affect the entire family unit. This episode details the credentialing therapists need to be a MedFT, the origins of this specialization, why it is important, and more! Book mentions: “Between Two Kingdoms:...

This is the sixth episode in my series of “Diagnosing” where I, a licensed marriage and family therapist, analyze and, if necessary, diagnose fictional characters from TV and movies. In this episode I analyze and diagnose Carmy from “The Bear.” Yes chef! *Disclaimer: this podcast episode is just for entertainment, not meant to be used to diagnose and treat real people. Over-diagnosing is a big iss...

In this episode I welcome Ghadir Saad, AMFT and APCC. Together we explore life post-therapy graduate program including the transition out of the practicum experience, graduation, applying for your associate number, looking for a job, and more!  Special shout out to where we met and the place we adore! http://www.cancersupportsgv.org  *This episode is simply for information and entertainment purpos...

This is the fifth episode in my series of “Diagnosing” where I, a licensed marriage and family therapist, analyze and, if necessary, diagnose fictional characters from TV and movies. In this episode I analyze and diagnose The Joker, in honor of the new movie coming out on October 4th.  *Disclaimer: this podcast episode is just for entertainment, not meant to be used to diagnose and treat real peop...

This episode details what support groups are, why they are meaningful, and specific examples of life changing moments that I have been witness to as a support group leader. In this episode, I use knowledge and experience from my four years at Cancer Support Community. All personal stories are altered to protect confidentiality.  Cancer Support Community resource: https://www.cancersupportcommunity...

On this episode I welcome guest Maureen Codispodi who is a Licensed Counselor and founder of Help Clinic Canada which provides low-fee and accessible mental health support across Canada. Maureen and I discuss the necessity of inclusive mental health practices, and how therapists can cultivate cultural humility and competence into their practice. Find Maureen’s practice, clinic and recommended reso...

This is the fourth episode in my series of “Diagnosing” where I, a licensed marriage and family therapist, analyze and, if necessary, diagnose fictional characters from TV and movies. In this episode I analyze and explore an already established diagnosis for Miranda Bailey from Grey’s Anatomy. *Disclaimer: this podcast episode is just for entertainment, not meant to be used to diagnose and treat r...

This episode details what I have done to build my private practice so far, what I have learned, and what mistakes I have made. The details in this episode are specific to California business practices. I hope this is helpful to anyone in the midst of, or thinking of starting a private practice! *This episode is simply for information and entertainment purposes. This episode is not a substitute for...

This is the third episode in my series of “Diagnosing” where I, a licensed marriage and family therapist, analyze and, if necessary, diagnose fictional characters from TV and movies. In this episode I analyze and diagnose Michael Scott from The Office. *Disclaimer: this podcast episode is just for entertainment, not meant to be used to diagnose and treat real people. Over-diagnosing is a big issue...

A discussion on neuroplastic pain! What it is, how it occurs, and treatment methods. Please leave any thoughts and questions below.  This episode is simply for information and entertainment purposes. This episode is not a substitute for therapy. Instagram: @just_therapist_things E-Guides: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/just-therapist-things Mentions from the episode: https://www.painpsy...

This is the second episode in my series of “Diagnosing” where I, a licensed marriage and family therapist, analyze and, if necessary, diagnose fictional characters from TV and movies. I will have audio of scenes to show presenting problems. *Disclaimer: this podcast episode is just for entertainment, not meant to be used to diagnose and treat real people. Over-diagnosing is a big issue, so I am on...

Prevalence inflation is a widely talked about topic right now, and in this episode I explore the question…. “Are we talking about mental health too much and is that leading to an increase in mental health challenges among youth?” Take a listen and comment what you think! Articles mentioned: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/23/health/mental-health-crisis-teens.html?campaign_id=9&emc=edit_nn_20240506...

First episode of the “Diagnosing” series! Hear audio clips from the show, and a case study analysis of Oliver’s presenting problems, my diagnosis for him and treatment recommendations. Thanks for listening!! Instagram: @just_therapist_things *Correction in episode of “3x more females than males” for diagnosis. Compilation of Oliver scenes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqpLhnwP4KM #spotifypodcas...

When seasons change, client load & consistency changes too. Listen to get some tips on how to manage summer break with pre-break preparations, rethinking time off, and ideas for suppplemental income! View my E-guides as inspiration: https://www.vital-mind-therapy.com/e-guides Dr. Marie Fang side hustle video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NuATqpwkik Instagram: @just_therapist_things #spotifypod...

Tune in for some mental health advice while you are going through the wedding planning process! Topics include finances, family, health, body image, staying present & more! Find information here: https://www.brides.com/care-for-mental-health-while-wedding-planning-5191882 Instagram: @just_therapist_things #spotifypodcast #spotifyforpodcasters #applepodcasts #amazonpodcasts #newepisode #therapypodc...

This episode is the recording of a workshop that I presented for Cancer Support Community of San Gabriel Valley. This workshop focuses on navigating relationships during the holidays. Topics include how to carry out conversations about cancer diagnosis and treatment, navigating relationship dynamics, and how to best navigate holiday traditions amidst the cancer experience. Full Workshop video: htt...

Listen to hear what I did right & wrong while studying for and passing the CA MFT Licensure Exam! This episode includes specific details on study materials, methods and information. Also has details on errors that I made so that you don’t make the same ones! Instagram: @just_therapist_things #spotifypodcast #spotifyforpodcasters #applepodcasts #amazonpodcasts #newepisode #therapypodcast #podcaster...

A short episode which goes over Freud’s defense mechanisms in Psychodynamic theory. Includes definitions and examples. Good luck studying!