Not Allowed to Die

Lately I have been wrestling with the appropriate time to push clients, question them, challenge them, encourage them, and/or just support them. As a therapist or a friend you want the people you talk to to feel comfortable and safe, but sometimes what a person needs to hear is not comfortable. In this episode Mariska and I delve into some of the challenges I have been facing in working with my cl...

In this episode we explore several of my clients who are beating themselves up for not having their lives where they want them. Mariska and I hope to give them a way to reframe and have a little less self judgment.

In this episode Mariska and I discuss some things to think about for therapists, clients, and anyone who is about to consider disclosing something or receiving disclosure of a memory that feels toxic and shameful to the person sharing it.

Mariska and I get the chance to talk to Dana Slowinski, who has been teaching me about DBT for years. Dana is the co-founder of the Family Recovery Centers: https://familyrecoverycenters.com/ This is just a brief overview of DBT to learn more: https://depts.washington.edu/uwbrtc/our-team/marsha-linehan/

When you or people you care about have had their safe space violated how do you not let yourself be consumed by anger and hate for the bullies who did it?  In this episode Mariska and I discuss the violation of the privacy of the group room of the school where I work and how that impacts the kids who see that space as a refuge.  Lots of references to my favorite movie It's a Wonderful Li...

Ever wonder what a therapist is thinking after a client discloses that they made a suicide attempt?   Mariska and I talk through my feelings after a recent disclosure.  

In this episode Mariska and I talk to author and support group leader Steve Wilson about living with bi-polar disorder for decades and how he has used his experiences to help others by leading support groups.  It inspires me to see Steve's 50 year marriage and dedication to maintaining his mental health hygiene.   A link to his book:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/teetering-on-a-...

Mariska and I were elated to talk with Nate Gates host of Altered States of Context podcast, to talk about misconceptions and things to consider at the intersection of mental health and psychedelics.  I am a genuinely big fan of Nate's perspective and feel like I always learn a lot from him.   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/altered-states-of-context/id1574529959

Mariska and I summarize what several of my clients have been struggling with this week including chronic pain,  chronic non-suicidal depression, and writing a victim impact statement for a judge.  We also touch at the end of a different way to view Valentines Day as perhaps a reason to celebrate the end of the HOLIDAYS.  

In this episode Mariska and I discuss some things to consider when thinking about calling Child Protective Services (or Department of Children and Family Services in Illinois 1800-25-ABUSE).  Never a fun thing to have to consider BUT if you do don't be afraid to consult with us. 

Mariska and I explore  a number of mental health topics and treatments with Erik DaRosa, co-host of the Survivor to Thriver mental health podcast.  Erik shares a great deal about his struggles with OCD, among other things, and his Equilateral Triangle of Healing with Western medicine on one side, Eastern approaches to healing on another, and nature therapy as a third (there is a reason w...

What do you do when someone upsets you but it isn't their fault and there is no one to blame?  Mariska and I explore a couple dilemmas my students are facing AND we get pretty assertive in asking you to not just rate and review, but also FOLLOW and RECOMMEND the podcast.  

Eric Daddario joins Mariska and I to share his experience of losing his younger brother to a drug overdose and how that led him to a path of public speaking to young people and college hockey teams.   Learn more about Eric and the Herren Project:  https://thedecisionswemake.com/ https://herrenproject.org/

My emotions are not supposed to come in to sessions, but when one of my clients gets treated really poorly by a trusted friend I make a mistake and give advice rather than listening and offering possible options for her to decide what is best for herself.  Listen in to hear the background and learn what rule 29 is.   

Mariska and I talk to Dr. Masha Hojat-Khoshniyat of Heal and Thrive Psychotherapy and Coaching https://www.heal-thrive.com  She talks about how her experience immigrating from Iran, becoming a therapist, and working with populations from abused children to inmates in the correctional system led her to feel like something was missing in helping people to heal.  That something turned out t...

Mariska and I wind down 2022 with some thoughts on connection related to dating.  Thinking of this time of year as  one to be softly open but saving the grand opening for spring.   We wish you gratitude, awe, and healthy paws as you leave 2022 behind and head into 2023.  

I subscribe to over 100 podcasts.  On this episode I read my list and give you one sentence about each.  Here is the list I can fit.   99% invisible, Atlas Obscura, The Al Franken Podcast, Think Differently, Impact Theory, The Dungeoncast, The Life and Times of Frederick the Great, Fantasy Footballers Podcast, The NPR politics Podcast, Bears Insider Podcast, What Roman Mars can Lear...

At long last my son Ryan joins Mariska and I to talk about how to tell when video games are becoming a problem, healthy hobbies, and stress management.  

Hospice is a really scary term for what can be a truly beautiful opportunity.  In this episode Mariska and I (with my awful  I have a mild cold voice) explore hospice, how it works, and how to reframe it.   

Mariska and I welcome back our first repeat guest, Talia, who talks about difficult aspects of getting treatment for physical health issues while also having mental health challenges.  Talia doesn't sugar coat it or make this process feel easy, because it isn't, but she shares an important message of strong self advocacy and hope.  If you have ever felt anxiety walking into a doctor's of...

In this episode Mariska and give a positive plug for the documentary Stutz on Netflix, and talk about some tips for getting through the holidays for people with eating issues and tips to support teens and treat them how they want to be treated.  

In this episode Mariska and talk to writer, podcast host, parenting mentor, and LGBTQIA super ally Heather Hester.  We discuss how to not freak out about your kid dating an older person and how to handle the holidays and family members in different places in their level of support.   Check out her website at:  https://chrysalismama.com/ And her podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/...

Mariska and I make a bold declaration of being grossed out by both political parties but particularly the Republicans.  We make an appeal for listeners to think of fairness as everyone getting what they need and asking themselves which candidates are supporting that and other values that align with supporting mental health.  

In this episode Mariska and I discuss body dysmorphia and dysphoria and ways in which they can protect us from accepting ourselves and the love of others.  

In this episode Mariska and I share our feelings about losing another one of my former students to suicide and how we, as a society, need to do a better job of taking mental health into account as we build our expectations for school, work, etc...