The Affirming Minds Podcast

**Want CE/CEUs for this episode?**   View course information and earn CE/CEUs here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com/courses/883839f8-bb1a-4dab-97bf-4966b1a7be13  Looking for more? Explore our convenient, affordable CE bundles or browse our full library of podcast courses, on-demand webinars, and live virtual trainings at affirmmentalhealth.com  In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber, LCSW, is joined by Lou Lasprugato, LMFT, to explore how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can be applied within couples therapy. The conversation focuses on yearnings—deep, enduring psychological longings for experiences such as connection, security, validation, understanding, partnership, and shared meaning—and how they influence relationship patterns. Shaina and Lou discuss how ACT’s psychological flexibility processes can be extended interpersonally, how threat responses and underlying vulnerabilities can contribute to conflict, and how clinicians can help couples move toward greater flexibility, safety, connection, and values-guided action. The episode also highlights practical ACT-informed interventions for couples, including workability, “us as context,” co-regulation, and experiential exercises that support relational change.

**Want CE/CEUs for this episode?** Earn continuing education credit for this episode here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com/courses/9c5ad152-0781-4b43-8ec1-77cc4e1be9c0    Looking for more? Explore our convenient, affordable CE bundles or browse our full library of podcast courses, on-demand webinars, and live virtual trainings at affirmmentalhealth.com 

**Want CE/CEUs for this episode?** Earn continuing education credit for this episode here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com/courses/9ca63c70-af79-4f1b-8853-b5efcca3c0f6    Looking for more? Explore our convenient, affordable CE bundles or browse our full library of podcast courses, on-demand webinars, and live virtual trainings at affirmmentalhealth.com 

Child sexual abuse prevention is a conversation every therapist should be part of. In this Mental Health Edit episode, Shaina sits down with Chris Yadon of Saprea to discuss child sexual abuse prevention, survivor healing, child-on-child sexual abuse, healthy sexual development, disclosure, the evolving role of technology and AI in exploitation, and practical ways clinicians, parents, and communities can help protect children. Chris also introduces Saprea's incredible free resources, including prevention education, support groups, online learning, and a trauma-informed retreat for adult survivors. Resources: Saprea: https://saprea.org/ If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a colleague. Together, we can help bring these important conversations to more clinicians.

**Want CE/CEUs for this episode?** Earn continuing education credit for this episode here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com/courses/9e17027a-8651-4111-b994-8a5bb1a76741    Looking for more? Explore our convenient, affordable CE bundles or browse our full library of podcast courses, on-demand webinars, and live virtual trainings at affirmmentalhealth.com