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 …

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 wh…

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…

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 i…

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 thems…

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 trans…

In this episode, Dr. Megan Speciale interviews Jamila Dawson, LMFT and Theodore Burnes, PhD on sex worker-affirming mental healthcare, the topic of their new book, “Essential Clinical Care for Sex Workers.” The authors discuss common issues faced by individuals involved in the sex industry, the impact of stigma and whorephobia on the mental and emo…

There are many counselors who are considering going back to school to get their PhD but are unsure what this process looks like. In this episode, Helen Jennings-Hood discusses her personal journey and insights that can help others if they are considering starting a doctorate program in Counselor Education and Supervision. For more on our guests, li…

In this episode, Dr. Mickey White talks with Dr. Stacey Williams to discuss her research and experiences with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We discuss what PCOS is and how PCOS impacts mental health, stigma, and resiliency across gender. For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode visit https://concept…

Dr. Andy Choi shares his journey from his graduate education to his current role as a licensed psychologist. Andy shares how scholars, mentors, friends, and family influence his work today. For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode visit https://concept.paloaltou.edu/resources/the-thoughtful-counselor-po…

In this episode, join Dr. Jessica Tyler in an enlightening conversation on maternal mental health with Kellie Wicklund, psychotherapist and Clinical Director of the Maternal Wellness Center. Kellie delves into her 20-year career, spotlighting her dedication to perinatal mental health and helping clients navigate the complexities of parenthood. Unpa…

In our last episode of the series "Lifespan Development Through a Cultural Lens," Dr. J. Kelly Coker shares her work exploring middle adulthood development. She dives into topics that are not often discussed in public or the literature, including psychological, emotional, and physical changes that adults experience as they age. Dr. Coker tackles em…

In this episode, Dr. Asha Dickerson will discuss her journey as an African American women who has held several leadership roles in counseling. 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 Counselor is created in pa…

Drs. Derek X Seward and Megan Speciale sit down for a compelling interview with Dr. Carlos Hipolito-Delgado as he shares his personal journey into counseling leadership and professional advocacy. Throughout this episode, Carlos offers invaluable insights on navigating counseling organizational structures, developing equity-focused approaches to lea…

In this episode, Natasha Villalobos discusses her experience working with clients who identify with neurodivergent. She provides a multicultural lens on how to work with this population in an affirming, nonpathological way. Natasha describes how the movement towards more affirmative care for this population can increase connection while remaining p…

In this episode, Drs. Ana Guadalupe Reyes (they/elle) and Mónica Rodríguez Delgado (she/ella) share their experiences working with and on behalf of queer womxn of color in counseling. They discuss the importance of attending to the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality with queer womxn of color, as well as navigating sharing such nuanced liv…

In this episode, Dr. Asia Lyons meets with Dr. Dèsa Karye Daniel to discuss the tenants of Racial Battle Fatigue. Throughout their conversation, they reflect on the experiences of Black Teachers and how sharing these experiences can change the narrative for future Black educators. Dr. Lyons gives examples of how mental health practitioners can supp…

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Tyler sits with Christine Banks-Van Allen to discuss the intersection between mental health diagnosis and social justice. We explore the real-life impact of diagnoses on individuals from marginalized communities, share stories highlighting the importance of cultural understanding, and uncover ways to advocate for change…

In the fourth episode in our series on cultural and contextual approaches to lifespan development, Dr. Savitri Dixon-Saxon shares her expertise on the development of adults. She discusses emerging adulthood and late adulthood, challenging the way we think about aging. Dr. Dixon-Saxon talks about the biases that counselors may have about older adult…

In this episode, Dr. James Norris discusses how he utilizes hip hop music in his counseling practice to encourage authentic communication with clients. He gives practical suggestions on how to incorporate hip hop with clients who are drawn to this genre of music. For more on James, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode visi…

In this episode, Drs. Romero, Interiano-Shiverdecker, and Prasath discuss their research lab and scholarly contributions to the topic of sex trafficking. They outline research findings and how they developed the CAST Lab. Implications for counselors, researchers, and educators are discussed. For more on Devon, Claudia, & Priscilla, links from the c…

Tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) are an increasingly popular modality of therapy, especially among adolescents and young adults. One popular TTRPG is Dungeons and Dragons, a fantastical adventuring game that can address themes of connection, confidence, and self-exploration. In this episode, Julia Stamman shares her experiences as a Game Counse…

Join Dr. Dèsa Daniel and Dr. James García as they discuss health disparities in LGBTQ+ communities of color, and how mental health providers can advocate for better care and services. They also talk about their work with students, mentorship, and the importance of HIV PrEP medication. Tune in to learn more about the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ indiv…

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Tyler talks with Dr. Darius Green about undue police violence (UPV) and the mental health impact on our clients. We discuss the concepts of police legitimacy, UPV, and Dr. Green’s article, Undue Police Violence Toward African Americans: An Analysis of Professional Counselors’ Training and Perceptions, published in the J…

In this podcast, Dr. Speedlin Gonzalez interviews judges from the criminal and civil courts to discuss counselors' roles in the judiciary. Three judges describe their experiences working with counselors and how valuable our work is with both arms of the law (criminal and civil). The judges also talk about the concept of therapeutic jurisprudence an…

According to the CDC there were approximately 223,135 Trauma Brain Injury (TBI) related hospitalizations in 2019. TBI has a large emotional impact on the caregivers of these individuals. In this episode Dr. Kim Jenkins-Richardson will discuss practical ways that clinicians can provide support for the caregivers of individuals with TBI. For more on …

In this episode, Dr. Whitney Akers and Dr. Mickey White talk about their research and experiences disclosing queer and trans identities as counselors, educators, and supervisors. What is the role of identity disclosure in counseling? The decision-making processes are complex and nuanced. Drs. Akers and White explore the complexity of identity discl…

Dèsa Daniel speaks with African American Student Services Director Brandi Stone on the generational challenges impacting leadership and students within Black communities. They process the triumphs made by Black elders who established Cultural Centers and Africana Studies during the civil rights movement. Director Stone discusses her experiences of …

In this episode, Dr. Victoria Kress shares her work in advocacy and talks about the importance of counselors engaging in professional protection. She shares her "1-minute elevator speech" and emphasizes that, as counselors, we need to build a strong professional identity. Dr. Kress imparts strategies for "little a" and "big A" advocacy, with the ai…

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Tyler talks with Dr. Lindsey Portela and Olivia Dedels, counselors and previous Division-1 athletes, to talk about athletes and mental health. With the world enjoying the entertainment of the 2022 World Cup, what are the counseling needs of this population? What are their challenges, and how has the counseling world met…

Raissa Miller speaks with Yale social-emotional learning researchers ZJ Ng and Jenny Seibyl about their work on school-based SEL projects. Specifically, the researchers discuss the individualized and contextualized nature of emotion regulation, highlighting eight strategies and evaluating the pros and cons of each strategy. For more on ZJ and Jenny…

Intergenerational trauma can impact the mental health and emotional wellbeing of many individuals, especially Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. Join Dr. Stacey Litam and Dr. Monica P. Band as they explore the nuanced topics associated with understanding intergenerational trauma and outline specific strategies for counselors. F…

The National HIV/AIDS Strategy (2022–2025) provides stakeholders across the nation with a roadmap to accelerate efforts to end the HIV epidemic in the United States by 2030. In this episode, Dr. Michael Jones and Dr. Richelle Joe discuss why counselors need a better understanding of the HIV epidemic and the mental health implications for the indivi…

Dr. Kristi Cannon talks about the challenges and strengths of development through the middle childhood and adolescent years. She and Margaret talk about changes in parenting practices, social media, and the impact of COVID on this cohort of children adolescents. They also discuss how community and school counselors can support this group. For more …

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Tyler talks with Dr. Sejal Parikh Foxx, a professor and department chair at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, to discuss urban education and counselor beliefs and attitudes about their role in social justice and advocacy. Dr. Foxx discusses how she has used her lived experiences, mentoring, and the ACA and …

Dr. Melanie Varney is a counselor educator who started her own private practice by learning about herself and doing her own work. She shares why she is in private practice today and encourages others to find what makes them most happy. For more on Melanie, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode visit concept.paloaltou.edu Th…

In this episode, Dr. Karen Roller continues her discussion about lifespan through the lens of culture in context. Dr. Roller specifically examines the development that happens in early childhood. She talks about how counselors can use culture as a lens through which to view development, the current challenges she sees for this age group, and how co…

Dr. Raissa Miller interviews Richard Hill and Matthew Dahlitz about their recent book, A Practitioner's Guide to the Science of Psychotherapy. Richard and Matthew unpack the meaning of the word 'science' and discuss its real-world application in the counseling room. They share multiple analogies and personal antidotes that emphasize the importance …

Have you ever wondered why youth view sexually explicit material? Curious about how to respond, provide sex education, and address topics related to distress, out of control sexual behaviors, and sexually explicit material within therapeutic counseling settings? Join Braxton Dutson (LCSW) and Dr. Stacey Diane Arañez Litam to learn more about why yo…

Infant mental health involves promoting emotional and social wellbeing in young children from the prenatal period to 5 years of age through culturally responsive and relationship-based care. In this episode Dr. Humes will discuss why this important specialty area of counseling does not receive the amount of attention it deserves. For more on Camill…

Today on The Thoughtful Counselor, Dr. Megan Speciale talks with Drs. Theodore Burnes and Michelle Vaughan about their new book, The Handbook of CNM-Affirming Mental Health Practice. The conversation explores the counseling considerations for working with diverse clients involved in consensually non-monogamous relationships, as well as some of the …

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Tyler talks with Sara Ellison, an associate licensed counselor, nationally certified counselor, and doctoral student on perfectionism and overcontrol. They discuss how perfectionism impacts individuals' wellness, along with the parallel process of being a counselor or counselor-in-training who struggles with perfectioni…

Dr. Anne Saw shares her work within Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. She gives us a deep dive into the work that went into the Covid-19 Needs Assessment Project and how community-engaged research made it possible. She ends with her hopes for the future, advice to others wanting to do similar work, and encouragement…

In this episode Dr. Jones and Dr. Townsend discuss the positive effects that mentorship has on Black men. They talk about the lived experiences of Black men and the protective factors needed to support Black men in their career/family life. For more on Christopher, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode visit concept.paloalt…

Dr. Raissa Miller interviews Dr. Kathryn Ford about the centrality of openness in relationships. Dr. Ford discusses the relational neuroscience underlying her Aperture Awareness approach and offers practical and concrete strategies for fostering and enhancing openness. Dr. Ford shares specific examples from her clinical practice and provides listen…

Dr. Margaret Lamar interviews Drs. Kelly Coker, Kristi Cannon, Savitri Dixon-Saxon, and Karen Roller about their new project taking a new look at lifespan development. They share the importance of understanding lifespan development within the context and culture the clients experience and grow. The conversation includes how we can better conceptual…

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Tyler talks with Dr. Julia Whisenhunt, Associate Professor at the University of West Georgia, about how counselors can make ethically wise decisions when in crisis intervention. As part of her co-authored book, "Crisis Intervention Ethics Casebook," she discusses the SAFETY framework (Nobbman et al., 2014), Triage Asses…

Dr. Amanda Waters speaks with us about the power of responsive vs reactive intentionality when creating community. She shares with us the importance of doing our own cultural identity work in order for us to create our own firm centers while retaining our soft edges. She gives examples of how lifelong learning will help us address mental health dis…

In this episode, Michele Kerulis discusses the relationship between movement and mental health. She shares insights from the interdisciplinary field of exercise psychology and from her extensive work with athletes, including how to help enhance motivation, increase self-awareness, and support athletes' unique mental health challenges. For more on M…

Balancing intersecting roles as parents, counselors, and counselor educators can be difficult. In this episode, Dr. Stacey Litam and Dr. Maddie Clark dive into the challenges of becoming new parents in the productivity-driven world of academe. Listen along as they describe strategies for counselors and counselor educators to support clients and stu…