Project I Am

The inner critic often disguises itself as responsibility and “honesty,” but it runs on threat. This episode helps you spot the disguise, understand what the critic is protecting you from, and practice nonviolent truth — the kind that leads to change without humiliation.In this episode:How to tell the difference between wisdom and threatWhy urgency + contempt are big “tells”A simple real-time practice: name it, locate it, ask what it’s protectingThe CFT “three systems” frame (threat, drive, soothing)Why self-compassion is not indulgence, it’s a different nervous-system strategy

In this special end-of-year episode, David steps away from teaching and enters the realm of blessing, offering an extended inspirational poem instead of a traditional talk. “The Year Is Turning: A Blessing for Your Becoming” is a gentle, hope-filled reflection for anyone standing at the edge of 2026 feeling tired, hopeful, conflicted, or all of the above.This poetic episode invites you to release harsh self-judgment, honor the year you’ve survived, and step into the new one with softer eyes and a kinder voice toward yourself. It’s not about resolutions or reinvention, but about learning to treat yourself like someone you’re committed to stay with—through every chapter, every stumble, every new beginning. If you need words that feel like a hand on your shoulder and a hand over your heart, this episode is for you.

In this episode of the Project I Am Podcast, David invites you into a compassionate conversation about the stories you tell yourself, especially the ones shaped by shame. Together, you’ll explore the difference between what happened to you and what you made it mean about you, and how those old meanings can quietly run your life in the present.David normalizes the deeply human experience of carrying harsh internal narratives like “I’m too much,” “I’m not enough,” or “I’m the problem,” and helps you trace where those stories came from (families, culture, relationships, faith communities) and how they once functioned as survival strategies. With humor, warmth, and shared humanity, he offers a new way to see your shame story: not as proof that you’re broken, but as a script you’re finally allowed to rewrite.By the end, you’ll feel less alone, more understood, and more empowered to say:“My old story made sense once… but it is not the whole truth of who I am. I’m allowed to write something new.”

What if the biggest barrier to your self-acceptance isn’t your past…but your refusal to forgive yourself for it?In this episode of Project I Am, David explores why unforgiveness toward self is the #1 block to genuine freedom, confidence, and wholeness. Together, you’ll unpack:· Why shame and guilt are not proof that you’re a good person· The hidden reasons we cling to self-punishment and can’t “let it go”· How unforgiveness becomes a prison we decorate and call virtue· What “delusional” self-forgiveness really means (and what it doesn’t)· How changing your internal narrator opens the door to real self-acceptanceThis episode is a compassionate, honest invitation to step out of lifelong self-condemnation and into a cleaner, freer inner world—where you can take bold action, love more fully, and actually enjoy being alive.If you’ve ever thought, “I can’t forgive myself for that,” this conversation is for you.

In this episode, we name a kind of grief that rarely gets spoken aloud: not grief for what happened, but for what couldn’t happen. The unlived life. The version of you that never got to thrive. The dreams that never had safe ground. The tenderness that had to go quiet just to survive. This is grief without ritual and often without witnesses—yet it shapes how we carry ourselves, love others, and imagine our future. Together, we slow down enough to honor what was missing, to tell the truth about what was lost, and to soften the shame that can form around invisible sorrow. And in the naming, something gentle opens: not a way to “move on,” but a way to make room for what is still possible. If you’ve ever felt an ache you couldn’t explain, this episode is for you—an hour of quiet companionship, remembrance, and hope.

In this soulful and meditative episode of Project I Am, Dr. David J. Schlosz gently guides you through the often-unseen experience of self-betrayal—the subtle ways we abandon parts of ourselves to fit in, be accepted, or feel safe. Drawing on wisdom from psychology, mystics, philosophers, and real-life reflection, we explore how self-betrayal fragments our wholeness and how we can begin to call our hidden parts home.Through compassionate insight, inspirational poetry, and practical steps for self-reclamation, you’ll be invited to rediscover your inner truth, embrace your unique self, and find belonging without compromise. This episode is a journey of remembering who you are beneath the masks—and welcoming yourself back with open arms.“This above all: to thine own self be true…” — William ShakespeareListen slowly. Reflect deeply. You are worth the return.

In this slow, contemplative episode of Project I Am, Dr. David J. Schlosz lingers with the luminous theme of belonging—guided by the Celtic hospitality of John O’Donohue and the tender wisdom of Henri Nouwen. What if belonging isn’t something we win, but a home we remember?Pour some tea. Let your shoulders drop. Come home to the truth that you already belong.

What if belonging isn’t a place you find, but a home you remember? In this sweeping, soul-level lecture, Dr. David J. Schlosz traces the long arc from exile to homecoming—guided by the luminous insights of Toko-pa Turner and echoed by voices like Maya Angelou, bell hooks, James Baldwin, John O’Donohue, Brené Brown, Henri Nouwen, and Parker J. Palmer.David explores why the ache to belong is more than a feeling—it’s human infrastructure—naming what culture, public health, and art are all saying out loud: we need each other or we break. This episode invites you to craft a life where your presence can bear its full weight—unshrunk, unperformed, and undismissed.Press play, exhale, and keep walking each other home.

In this deeply relevant and encouraging episode of Project I Am, Dr. David J. Schlosz explores the modern, secular wisdom behind the age-old phrase, "Forsake not the gathering together of the brethren lest you be deceived." Drawing from current psychological research, real-world stories, and lived experience, this episode uncovers how isolation leaves us vulnerable to believing lies about our worth, our value, and our place in the world—and how gathering in authentic community can offer clarity, healing, and strength.You’ll learn:· Why isolation is a serious mental and physical health risk· The specific false beliefs that thrive in disconnection· How community helps protect us from distorted self-narratives· Practical, modern ways to build and sustain meaningful connection· Real examples from around the world of people overcoming lonelinessWhether you’ve been feeling disconnected or simply want to deepen your experience of belonging, this episode offers both insight and hope.Listen now—and take one small step toward gathering. May you be well. Subscribe, share, and leave a review to support this show.

In this deeply grounding and inspirational episode, Dr. David J Schlosz guides you through a 20-minute meditation focused on resilience — the quiet, powerful strength that allows us to bend without breaking, to keep going even when life feels overwhelming.Whether you're walking through a season of challenge or simply needing a moment of rest, this practice invites you to reconnect with your inner capacity to endure, heal, and grow. With gentle breathwork, self-compassion exercises, and imagery rooted in research-backed principles of resilience, this meditation offers both calm and encouragement.You’ll be reminded: “You are stronger than you think. You will rise from this.”No prior meditation experience is needed — just an open heart and a few moments of stillness.What you’ll experience in this episode:A calming guided meditation to center your mind and bodyReflections on real resilience and what it truly looks likeAffirmations and visualizations to strengthen inner resolveInsights grounded in psychological research (APA, 2012; Bonanno, 2004)A supportive space to breathe, reset, and remember your strengthTune in now and take a moment to return to yourself. Share it with someone who needs encouragement today.

A calm, grounding practice for counselors. In this episode, I guide you through “I” statements designed to help you arrive in the room, hold spacious, compassionate presence, and loosen the grip of impostor thoughts. Use this as a pre-session centering, a between-clients reset, or an evening debrief to return to yourself. No fixing, no perfection—just breath, awareness, and the reminder that you are enough for the work in front of you.What you’ll getA paced, breath-aligned sequence of affirmationsLanguage for holding space with humility, clarity, and careGentle reframes for self-doubt and performance pressureHow to use Press play, sit or walk, and repeat each line silently (or out loud if private). If an affirmation doesn’t land, let it pass; linger where it does.For therapists, supervisors, trainees, and anyone who serves others from a human, present heart.

Loneliness and isolation are spiking worldwide—but connection is medicine. In this episode, Dr. David explores Relational-Cultural Theory’s Five Good Things—zest, clarity, worth, empowered action, and a desire for more connection—and shows how they function as vital signs of relational health. You’ll hear the origin story from the Stone Center, research linking social connection to better mental and physical health, and simple practices to track and grow the good. Come learn how to be seen for who you really are—and to build relationships that repair, energize, and last.

In this episode of Project I Am, I have a conversation with Phoebe Cocetti and Julia Berg about Limerence. These two Austin based therapists provide group therapy to people experiencing Limerence. Limerence is often described as an intense, involuntary state of romantic infatuation. It goes beyond having a crush—it’s a powerful emotional and physiological experience characterized by obsessive thoughts about another person, longing for reciprocation, and a deep need for emotional connection. People experiencing limerence often find themselves replaying interactions, daydreaming, or feeling heightened anxiety and euphoria depending on how the relationship—or even perceived signals—are going.Unlike healthy attraction or love, limerence can sometimes feel overwhelming and even disruptive to daily life. It can affect focus, relationships, and overall well-being, because the person’s attention is so consumed by the object of their affection.That’s why support groups like the one our guests lead are so important. They provide a safe space to talk openly about this experience, reduce shame, and explore healthier ways of relating. You can get in touch with Julia and Phoebe here:https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/groups/limerence-support-group-austin-tx/264051https://www.instagram.com/limerencegirlsatx/

In this episode of Project I Am, I interview Dr. Charle Heaton, a career educator and married gay man. From navigating deeply conservative spaces to fully embracing his authentic self, Dr. Charles Heaton’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, identity, and pride. In this inspiring episode, Charlie shares what it was like to live as a married gay man while building a career in education—and how he found the courage to defy societal expectations and choose a life of truth and freedom.Join us as we explore the complexities of identity, the cost of silence, and the liberating power of acceptance. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking to live more boldly, love more openly, and stand more firmly in who they truly are.https://www.linkedin.com/in/crheaton/

In this reflective and educational episode of Project I Am, Dr. David Schlosz explores the profound role of transference and countertransference in the therapeutic relationship—unpacking how these often misunderstood dynamics can become powerful tools for growth, insight, and healing.Through the lens of Relational-Cultural Therapy (RCT) and the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), David breaks down how the therapist-client relationship becomes a living classroom—one where old wounds show up in the room and where genuine connection creates the conditions for change. With real clinical vignettes, current research, and candid reflections from his own experience as a therapist and educator, David guides counseling students and emerging therapists through the art of staying present, relationally attuned, and grounded in the “now” of the therapeutic encounter.This episode challenges listeners to move beyond technique and theory into the heart of the work: the relationship itself. Whether you're navigating the emotional pull of countertransference or helping a client rewrite an old relational story, this episode will inspire you to lean into the complexities of the therapeutic process with humility, courage, and grace.This episode is ideal for Counseling graduate students, early-career therapists, supervisors, and anyone curious about the transformative potential of authentic therapeutic connection.Listen now and discover how the relationship is the therapy.Miller, J.B. & Stiver, I. (1991). A Relational Reframing of Therapy. Stone Center Colloquium. (Perspectives on reframing transference/countertransference in a relational context)growthinconnection.orggrowthinconnection.orgGrow Therapy (2024). What is Relational Therapy? – Discussion of transference and countertransference as tools in relational-cultural therapygrowtherapy.comgrowtherapy.comEdgewood Health Network (2022). Exploring NARM: A Complementary Model for Healing Developmental Trauma – NARM training insights on the importance of working with transference and countertransference in treating relational traumaedgewoodhealthnetwork.comLaPierre, A. & Heller, L. (2018). The Capacity for Connection in Healing Developmental Trauma. (Discussion of the challenge of transference in early trauma therapy and the need for nervous system stabilization)neuroaffectivetouch.comHavens, R., et al. (2022). Managing Transference and Countertransference in CBT Supervision. Dove Medical Press. (Contains meta-analytic findings: effective countertransference management linked to better therapy outcomes)pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.govAdditional: Various sources on mutuality, therapeutic alliance, and relational therapy principlespmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.govpmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.govgrowtherapy.com

In this vulnerable and powerful episode of Project I Am, Dr. David Schlosz peels back the mask many of us wear—the smile that hides the ache. Centered around his original spoken word poem, David explores how we often live on autopilot, clinging to humor, charm, and control as coping strategies rooted in early survival.Drawing from Internal Family Systems, trauma research, and personal reflection, this episode unpacks how defensive ego states and old patterns become our default identities—even when they no longer serve us. Through storytelling, insight, and a guided mindfulness practice, David gently invites us to come home to ourselves, reminding us that we don’t have to perform to be loved.This is an invitation to wake up. To be present. And to know, maybe for the first time, that being here—just as you are—is enough.

In this heartfelt and deeply insightful episode of Project I Am, Dr. David Schlosz sits down with somatically-oriented psychotherapist Whitney Sutherland to explore what it truly means to heal from complex trauma. Drawing from both clinical expertise and personal experience, Whitney shares how early attachment wounds shape our sense of self—and how healing becomes possible through presence, curiosity, and authentic relationship.Together, they unpack the nuances of C-PTSD, the difference between disconnection and avoidance, and the powerful role of the nervous system in trauma recovery. Whitney also introduces the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), offering a compassionate framework for understanding survival strategies not as pathology, but as brilliant adaptations.This episode is a must-listen for therapists, trauma survivors, and anyone longing to reclaim their aliveness. It’s a gentle reminder that healing doesn’t require force—just the right relationship, safety, and time.Topics include:The difference between shock trauma and complex traumaHow childhood survival strategies shape adult relationshipsWhy honoring disconnection is essential for building capacityThe therapeutic power of authenticity and consentHow healing ripples out from the individual to the collectiveResources Mentioned:www.whitneysutherland.comwww.complextraumatrainingcenter.comTransforming Trauma Podcast by the NARM Institute

In this episode, we explore one of the most powerful — and often overlooked — truths in therapy: the healing lies not in the techniques we use, but in the authentic relationships we build. Drawing from Carl Rogers’ person-centered approach, Relational-Cultural Theory, and current research, we’ll unpack why the therapeutic relationship is more important than any core theory or intervention.We’ll talk honestly about why therapists sometimes hesitate to prioritize connection, the personal and professional costs of staying guarded, and the courage it takes to lean into real relational work. Through composite case examples, published studies, and reflections from practice, we’ll look at the profound beauty and benefits that unfold when we show up fully — human to human.Whether you’re a mental health professional, counseling student, or someone passionate about the heart of healing, this episode invites you to deepen your understanding of what truly transforms lives inside the therapy room.Join me for an encouraging, challenging, and inspiring conversation about the real work behind the work: connection.

In this deeply reflective and empowering episode, Dr. David Schlosz explores the transformative power of sitting in your feelings—fully allowing yourself to feel, process, and move through emotional discomfort rather than escaping it. Drawing on cutting-edge research in psychology, counseling theory, and somatic practice, this episode challenges the cultural and personal habits of avoidance and emotional suppression.This episode weaves together clinical wisdom, real-life anecdotes, and powerful therapeutic tools from mindfulness, DBT, and somatic experiencing. Listeners will learn why avoidance increases suffering, how emotions live in the body, and what it really means to ride the wave of emotion with courage, self-compassion, and presence.Whether you’re guiding others through emotional healing or navigating your own inner world, this episode offers a grounded, research-based, and soul-nourishing invitation: feel it fully, and let healing begin.

In this episode of Project I Am, Dr. David Schlosz explores the powerful and often unspoken roles that therapists embody throughout the healing process. Far beyond techniques or treatment plans, effective therapy relies on presence, attunement, and the fluid ability to shift roles as the relationship deepens.Drawing from recent research in interpersonal neurobiology, attachment theory, and relational-cultural therapy, David reflects on nine core archetypal roles therapists may take on—including midwife, surrogate, mirror, confessor, and sanctuary keeper. Each role invites us into a deeper understanding of the relational alchemy that underpins true transformation.Whether you’re a counseling student, a practicing therapist, or someone who’s experienced the power of therapy firsthand, this episode will offer rich insight into what makes the therapeutic relationship a sacred, healing space.