The Affirming Minds Podcast

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGvyVp7mfw/MkZ9W5JcGEnKew-cG8WmvA/view?utm_content=DAGvyVp7mfw&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h14f5d2fc1c --- This Episode is Sponsored by Jane This episode is proudly sponsored by Jane, the practice management software that simplifies scheduling, charting, billing, and running your therapy business – all in one place. Use code AFFIRM1MO to receive a 1-month grace period when you sign up: 🔗 https://jane.app --- Episode Summary: Dissociation is often misunderstood—even by clinicians. In this powerful and practical episode, Shaina Siber sits down with trauma and dissociation specialist Katy Kandaris-Weiner, MA, LPC, to unpack the continuum of dissociation and explore how complex trauma, early relational harm, and systemic forces contribute to the development of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). You’ll learn how to recognize dissociation in subtle and not-so-subtle forms, differentiate DID from other diagnoses, and respond with compassion, clarity, and evidence-based stabilization strategies. This episode blends clinical insight with fierce empathy—and invites you to challenge your assumptions about what trauma "should" look like. --- Topics Covered: How complex trauma disrupts identity development Why dissociation is a protective adaptation—not pathology The difference between normative dissociation, dissociative disorders, and DID What the DES-II is, and how to use it in practice How to build safety and stabilization before trauma processing Common myths and misconceptions about DID (and what the media gets wrong) How race, gender identity, disability, and neurodivergence affect diagnosis and treatment Why you don’t need to be a specialist to support dissociative clients --- Resources: DES-II Dissociative Experiences Scale: https://psychology-tools.com/test/dissociative-experiences-scale Finding Solid Ground (evidence-based workbook for dissociation): https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Solid-Ground-Skills-Dissociation/dp/143383373X Structural Dissociation Theory – van der Hart, Nijenhuis & Steele --- About Our Guest: Katy Kandaris-Weiner is a Licensed Professional Counselor, EMDRIA-Approved EMDR Consultant, and the Founder and Clinical Director of Inner Balance Counseling in Arizona. She specializes in complex trauma, dissociative disorders, and early attachment wounds, using an integrative approach grounded in EMDR, Structural Dissociation Theory, and Deep Brain Reorienting. Katy provides EMDR and dissociation consultation and is developing an EMDR manual and training pathway for early-career therapists. Learn more at: https://www.innerbalanceaz.com --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGvHxuVF7A/XIDfeQPGbsEWhtBwdSm6QQ/view?utm_content=DAGvHxuVF7A&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h350ff892e1 Episode Summary: In this powerful and practical episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber, LCSW, is joined by Dr. Shauna Pollard, PhD—a licensed psychologist and nationally recognized expert in executive functioning, ADHD, and culturally responsive care. In this episode we unpack the nuanced ways ADHD shows up in high-achieving BIPOC adults, how it often goes misdiagnosed or missed entirely, and how perfectionism and imposter syndrome can function as survival strategies. This episode explores how systemic bias, internalized messages, and structural barriers shape both the lived experience and the diagnostic process for BIPOC clients—and how therapists can provide more affirming, effective care. --- Topics Covered: Identify culturally shaped presentations of ADHD in adult clients Differentiate between executive dysfunction and internalized identity beliefs Understand the role of perfectionism, masking, and burnout in neurodivergent professionals Apply practical, culturally responsive interventions to support BIPOC clients with ADHD Challenge your own diagnostic assumptions and supervision practices --- Resources: Website: www.drspllc.com Instagram: @drshaunap --- About Our Guest: Dr. Shauna Pollard (she/her) is a licensed psychologist specializing in ADHD and executive functioning in high-achieving professionals, particularly those working in tech, healthcare, and academia. Through her private practice, she serves clients across multiple states and is authorized to practice in over 40 states via PSYPACT. Dr. P helps BIPOC professionals break limiting patterns and pursue their goals with greater ease and authenticity. Her approach integrates evidence-based practices with culturally attuned, strengths-based strategies. She also leads a virtual group for BIPOC clinicians with ADHD and delivers trainings and talks for organizations on neurodivergence, procrastination, perfectionism, and workplace well-being. For those seeking deeper transformation, she offers therapy intensives—customized, immersive sessions designed for lasting change. Before earning her doctorate, Dr. P spent six years conducting research aimed at increasing minority representation in STEM fields. She earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and her BA from Emory University. She completed her internship and postdoctoral fellowship at the Memphis VA Medical Center, where she trained in evidence-based treatments for trauma, mood disorders, and integrated behavioral health. --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- This Episode is Sponsored by Jane This episode is proudly sponsored by Jane, the practice management software that simplifies scheduling, charting, billing, and running your therapy business – all in one place. Use code AFFIRM1MO to receive a 1-month grace period when you sign up: 🔗 https://jane.app --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGuClYH3k4/ePrdi8BBImIDNOBlEFo82Q/edit?utm_content=DAGuClYH3k4&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton Episode Summary: In this impactful episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, Shaina sits down with therapist and religious trauma expert Mellissa Perry Hill, MS, LPC, to explore the deep and often invisible wounds caused by high-control religious environments. Together, they unpack the psychological, relational, and spiritual challenges that arise during and after a faith transition—and how therapists can show up with nuance, compassion, and trauma-informed care. Mellissa shares her clinical wisdom, personal lived experience, and practical therapeutic tools that help clients reclaim agency, make meaning, and reconnect with themselves after religious harm. If you work with clients struggling with shame, identity confusion, scrupulosity, or spiritual disconnection, this episode is a must-listen. --- Topics Covered: What religious trauma is and how it uniquely impacts mental health Signs of shame, scrupulosity, and moral injury in former high-control religious clients How to create safe, non-pathologizing spaces for clients in faith transitions Why grounding, somatics, and IFS are powerful tools for healing religious trauma How therapists can stay culturally responsive without pushing an agenda The importance of curiosity, humility, and self-work for clinicians doing this work --- Resources: Website:  www.innercompass-counseling.com Instagram: @mellissaperrytherapy Check out her Faith Transition Journal on Amazon for a guided step-by-step healing resource --- About Our Guest: Mellissa is a lifelong learner, therapist, and educator who specializes in helping people heal from religious trauma and navigate major life transitions. She grew up in Southern California in a large family, deeply immersed in a high-control conservative religion. After attending Brigham Young University–Idaho, Mellissa spent 10 years as a stay-at-home mom before going through her own divorce and faith transition—which became the catalyst for her career in mental health. She earned her master’s degree in professional counseling while working as an educator and now brings over four years of specialized clinical experience to her private practice. Her work is rooted in trauma-informed and somatic approaches, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, and DBT. She supports clients in finding healing in the present and building values-aligned futures. Outside of the therapy room, Mellissa loves hot yoga, beach cruiser rides, hiking with her dogs, brunch, late-night movies, and dancing with friends. She’s a mom to three kids and two fur babies, and she believes healing is a lifelong, embodied process. --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- This Episode is Sponsored by Jane This episode is proudly sponsored by Jane, the practice management software that simplifies scheduling, charting, billing, and running your therapy business – all in one place. Use code AFFIRM1MO to receive a 1-month grace period when you sign up: 🔗 https://jane.app --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGs9UIDD-Y/FxNxVKjXI1ajxr-gQavGoA/edit?utm_content=DAGs9UIDD-Y&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton Episode Summary: Cynophobia—the fear of dogs—can be deeply disruptive, especially for children and families navigating daily life in a dog-loving society. In this episode, we sit down with Stefani M. Cohen, LCSW, a clinical social worker and author who specializes in treating dog phobia across the lifespan. Drawing from personal experience, decades of clinical practice, and her unique Overcoming the Fear of Dogs Protocol (OFOD), Stefani walks us through what causes cynophobia, how it shows up differently in children and adults, and what really works when it comes to treatment. You’ll learn how to apply gradual exposure, dog safety education, and trauma-informed techniques to help clients build resilience and confidence—whether you're a therapist, parent, or educator. This episode is CE-eligible through the Affirming Minds Podcast. --- Learning Objectives: Describe the behavioral, developmental, and temperamental factors that contribute to cynophobia (fear of dogs) Identify at least two evidence-based intervention strategies for addressing dog phobia, including gradual exposure and psychoeducation on dog body language Apply trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate strategies when supporting clients working through cynophobia --- Resources: Website: https://www.overcomefearofdogs.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/overcomefearofdogs Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OvercomeFearOfDogs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefani-cohen-lcsw Email: stefanicohenlcsw@gmail.com --- About Our Guest: Stefani Cohen is a licensed clinical social worker in private practice with more than 30 years of experience working with children and families. She is the author of Overcoming Your Child’s Fear of Dogs and How to Face My Fear of Dogs: An Activity Guide for Kids, both of which offer accessible, evidence-based strategies for helping individuals of all ages overcome cynophobia. A parenting expert and longtime animal lover, Stefani was first drawn into this specialty when her own daughter developed a fear of dogs. Since then, she has developed and refined her Overcoming the Fear of Dogs Protocol (OFOD)—a unique therapeutic model using psychoeducation, exposure therapy, and the support of trained therapy dog teams. Stefani has led countless parent support groups, teacher trainings, and clinical workshops focused on anxiety, emotional regulation, and child development. She holds a B.A. in Sociology and a Master of Social Work from New York University. She lives in New Rochelle, NY with her husband and dog, Winnie, and is the proud grandmother of five dog-loving grandchildren. --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure/ Commercial Support Statement: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. This episode is sponsored by Jane, a practice management software. The presenter, Stefani M. Cohen, LCSW, also references her own published books and resources as potential tools for further learning. These materials are optional and not required to complete the CE activity. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGsgCVBvZw/WUvWX6znQ6KLK-Y3qdtC_w/edit?utm_content=DAGsgCVBvZw&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton Episode Summary: In this deeply compassionate and clinically rich episode, host Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW is joined by Michelle Zipser, LMSW—a seasoned therapist with over 22 years of experience supporting individuals and families impacted by dementia and life transitions related to brain changes. Michelle shares her insights from years in hospice and palliative care and her private practice, where she works closely with care partners navigating the emotional, psychological, and logistical toll of supporting a loved one with dementia. Together, we explore the challenges of ambiguous loss, caregiver identity shifts, compassion fatigue, and the trauma-informed clinical strategies therapists can use to support clients in these roles with empathy, nuance, and evidence-informed care. --- Topics Covered: Common emotional and psychological challenges caregivers face, including grief, guilt, anger, and exhaustion How ambiguous loss and identity shifts impact care partners over time The difference between “caregiver” and “care partner” language—and why it matters Strategies to support caregiver resilience, including mindfulness, EMDR, psychoeducation, and ritual When—and how—to help caregivers explore boundaries, role expectations, and even the choice to say no Systemic barriers to dementia care and the importance of clinician advocacy How to bring a person-centered, trauma-informed lens to dementia work in therapy --- Resources: Duet: Partners in Health & Aging Free support groups, resources, and counseling for family caregivers, including those supporting loved ones with dementia. Website: https://duetaz.org/family-caregivers Barrow Neurological Institute – Alzheimer’s & Memory Disorders Program Offers diagnostic care, educational materials, and support for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other memory disorders, as well as their care partners. Website: https://www.barrowneuro.org/centers-programs/alzheimers-and-memory-disorders Lisa Miller, Ph.D. Researcher and clinical psychologist specializing in the connection between spirituality and depression; author of The Awakened Brain. Website: https://www.lisamillerphd.com --- About Our Guest: Michelle is a therapist, educator, and consultant with over two decades of experience supporting individuals and families through dementia and life transitions. She spent nearly 20 years as a medical social worker at Hospice of the Valley before opening her private practice. Michelle brings deep empathy, advocacy, and insight to her work with care partners and older adults facing brain changes and cognitive decline. --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGr3EKa8Q0/wVAqVhTkNBhS1yJke7zrYg/edit?utm_content=DAGr3EKa8Q0&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton Episode Summary: In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber is joined by EMDR-certified trauma therapist Catrina Drinning-Davis, LPC-S to explore clinical considerations when working with individuals impacted by intimate partner violence (IPV). This episode blends therapeutic insights with trauma-informed strategies to support clinicians in providing compassionate, affirming care to survivors of IPV. Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of domestic violence, strangulation, homicide risk, and structural oppression. Please listen with care. --- Topics Covered: How IPV may present in therapy Safety planning tools that support harm reduction—whether or not a client is ready to leave High-risk indicators such as strangulation, stalking, and firearm access Why clinicians shouldn’t wait for clients to label abuse before taking steps to enhance safety How systemic and structural forces like poverty, racism, patriarchy, and immigration status affect survivors’ access to support The importance of client autonomy and why some common interventions may unintentionally replicate control --- About Our Guest: Catrina Drinning-Davis, LPC-S is a licensed professional counselor and supervisor based in Texas, with authorization to work with clients in Arizona, Florida, South Carolina, and Virginia. She is an EMDR-certified therapist specializing in supporting survivors of domestic and relationship abuse. Her work centers empowerment, autonomy, and reconnection with inner strength. --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGrMFVzLKQ/jqmpZUWaMHccXE5nw-1dxA/edit?utm_content=DAGrMFVzLKQ&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton Episode Summary: In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, Shaina sits down with psychiatric nurse practitioner, educator, and mental health advocate Maria Ingalla, founder of Paperflower Psychiatry, a neurodivergent-affirming practice rooted in compassion, accessibility, and social justice. Together, they tackle one of the most commonly misunderstood areas in clinical practice: psychiatric medication. If you're a non-prescribing therapist who feels unsure about how to talk to clients about meds—or how to collaborate with prescribers—this conversation will leave you feeling more informed, more confident, and more grounded in your role. Maria brings her signature no-BS style to break down the basics of psychopharm in a way that’s clear, compassionate, and completely accessible. She shares insights from her years in community mental health, tips for ethically supporting clients through medication changes, and why mental health professionals must stay vigilant in the face of growing political misinformation and stigma. Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned clinician, this is essential listening for anyone who wants to integrate affirming, evidence-informed, and collaborative care into their work. --- Topics Covered: When therapy alone isn’t enough: signs a client may benefit from a med consult What therapists should—and shouldn’t—say about medication The role of SSRIs, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and more (without needing a psychopharm textbook) How to collaborate with prescribers without overstepping scope Why psych meds are being politicized—and how that impacts your clients Real-world advice for supporting clients during med starts, switches, and tapers Tips for opening the door to med conversations with curiosity, not fear --- About Our Guest:  Maria Ingalla is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, educator, and mental health advocate. She is the founder of Paperflower Psychiatry, a neurodivergent-affirming practice rooted in compassion, accessibility, and social justice. With a background in community mental health and a decade of experience working with children, trauma survivors, and underserved populations, Maria brings a deeply human lens to psychiatric care. Her clinical interests include neurodevelopmental conditions like autism and ADHD, trauma recovery, and medication management that centers the patient’s lived experience.  She is especially passionate about dismantling systemic barriers in mental health, from Medicaid policy to stigma within professional spaces. Maria is also an educator, course creator, and content producer, known for her down-to-earth, no bullshit style on TikTok and YouTube, where she breaks down complex mental health topics for clinicians and the public alike. When she’s not building trauma-informed systems or supervising clinical teams, Maria can be found chasing her two toddlers, tending her herbal tea garden, or crafting raw, radical content on her podcast Brain Trash that calls out injustice and reimagines what psychiatric care should be. --- Resources Mentioned: Website: paperflowerpsychiatry.com Instagram: @paperflowerpsychiatry Podcast: Brain Trash: From DSM to Dumpster Fire TikTok: @drmariangalla --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGp4BJwVVA/7oGUd4ZQc5rI93u6Izwbig/edit?utm_content=DAGp4BJwVVA&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton Episode Summary: In this rich and wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Kendhal Hart joins host Shaina Siber to demystify Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and explore how it can be powerfully integrated with EMDR to support trauma healing. A seasoned educator, IFS Consultant, and EMDRIA-Approved Trainer, Kendhal brings warmth, wisdom, and clinical clarity to a topic that has inspired both buzz and confusion in the therapy world. Together, Shaina and Kendhal unpack foundational IFS concepts—like protectors, exiles, blending, and Self-energy—while reflecting on real-life clinical applications, therapist parts in the room, and how IFS fosters consent, choice, and compassion. Whether you’re new to parts work or looking to deepen your integration across modalities, this episode offers both practical strategies and moments of soulful resonance. --- Topics Covered: The core principles of Internal Family Systems therapy and the roles of protectors, exiles, and Self-energy How IFS complements and enhances EMDR, especially with highly protected or trauma-impacted clients Clinical strategies to help clients unblend from parts and access Self-energy Ethical and trauma-informed implications of the IFS stance that “all parts are welcome” How to introduce IFS concepts to skeptical or non-clinical clients The therapist’s inner system: working with your own parts in the therapy room --- About Our Guest: Dr. Kendhal Hart is a trauma therapist, educator, and consultant specializing in the integration of EMDR and Internal Family Systems (IFS). She is an IFS Institute Approved Clinical Consultant, EMDRIA-Approved Basic Trainer, and the author of the forthcoming book Treating Trauma with EMDR and IFS: A Clinician’s Guide to Integrating Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy with Internal Family Systems (October 2025). She is passionate about accessibility, anti-oppressive practice, and therapist sustainability. Learn more at kendhalhart.com --- Resources Mentioned: Internal Family Systems (IFS Institute): https://ifs-institute.com EMDRIA: https://www.emdria.org --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health  

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGpP-2Z520/xhXO_oMzQaFYT1r5kTugQQ/edit?utm_content=DAGpP-2Z520&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton Episode Summary: In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, Shaina is joined by perinatal mental health expert and advocate Elyse Springer, MA-CLP, LMFT, PMH-C, for a rich and deeply human conversation on the realities of working with clients during the perinatal period. They explore what often gets overlooked in clinical training, how systemic gaps in policy and access compound suffering, and what therapists can do right now to offer more competent, compassionate, and inclusive care. While this conversation primarily centers on experiences related to wanted pregnancies, Elyse brings a nuanced lens that honors the full spectrum of perinatal experiences—including loss, trauma, non-birthing partner mental health, intersectionality, and the social determinants that shape who gets care and who gets missed. Elyse also shares powerful insights from her own personal journey, and offers practical, evidence-based strategies for assessing and supporting perinatal clients in both individual and systemic contexts. This episode is essential listening for any therapist working with adults, couples, or families—and especially for those looking to deepen their confidence and competence in this vital area of care. --- Topics Covered: Defining perinatal mental health beyond postpartum depression Clinical presentations of perinatal OCD, PTSD, and psychosis Ego-syntonic vs. ego-dystonic thoughts: why the distinction matters Mental health risks and hormonal shifts in non-birthing partners Why inclusive language and frameworks matter in perinatal care The absence of required training—and what clinicians can do about it Systemic barriers to access and advocacy opportunities at the policy level Trauma-informed approaches and integrative treatment modalities Shame reduction, storytelling, and the importance of psychoeducation --- About Our Guest: Elyse Springer, MA-CLP, LMFT, PMH-C is a licensed marriage and family therapist in California, Oregon, and Washington specializing in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, pregnancy and infant loss, LGBTQIA+ affirming care, trauma, anxiety, OCD, and HIV/AIDS. She is certified in EMDR, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, and Perinatal Mental Health. Elyse is the Policy and Advocacy Chair for Postpartum Support International California, an emeritus board member and faculty trainer with Maternal Mental Health NOW, and a trainer for Return to Zero: H.O.P.E. and Love, Dad. She maintains a clinical practice and lives in Los Angeles. --- Resources Mentioned: Postpartum Support International https://www.postpartum.net Maternal Mental Health NOW https://www.maternalmentalhealthnow.org Return to Zero: H.O.P.E. https://rtzhope.org Love, Dad  https://love-dad.org/ Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health – U.S. State Report Cards https://policycentermmh.org/state-report-cards/ Elyse Springer’s Website https://www.elysespringer.com --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGokRUt10A/PmXWtPyIpAlwh16xOnJDjQ/edit?utm_content=DAGokRUt10A&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton Episode Summary: In this powerful episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber sits down with Dr. Gwilym Roddick and Dr. Melanie Smith—two national leaders in the clinical integration of virtual reality (VR)—to explore how immersive technology is transforming psychotherapy. From exposure therapy and phobia work to trauma-informed care and culturally responsive adaptations, this conversation goes deep into how therapists can ethically and effectively use VR to expand client access, support emotional growth, and stay centered in human connection. The conversation also honors the late Dr. Elizabeth McMahon and her groundbreaking work in VR-assisted therapy for anxiety. Whether you're VR-curious or tech-skeptical, this episode offers practical insight, clinical guidance, and next steps for bringing innovation into your therapeutic practice. --- Learning Objectives: Describe at least two clinical applications of VR in psychotherapy. Identify one benefit and one limitation of integrating VR into evidence-based practice. Analyze ethical and practical considerations for using VR with clients. Explain how VR-based interventions can support trauma-informed and culturally responsive care. Evaluate the emerging research base and identify future areas of application. --- About Our Guests: Gwilym Roddick is a licensed clinical social worker, founder of CBT of Central & South Florida, Chair of the ABCT Masters-Level SIG, and a clinical advisor for PsyTech VR. He specializes in exposure-based treatment, anxiety, OCD, and immersive technology in therapy. Gwilym is also the founder of Behavioral Innovations Institute. Melanie Smith is a licensed mental health counselor, CEDS-C, and trainer in the Unified Protocol. She has nearly two decades of experience treating complex eating disorders and anxiety-based disorders and is a co-author of The Renfrew Unified Treatment Model for Eating Disorders and Comorbidity. She practices at CBT of Central & South Florida and is an advisor for PsyTech VR. --- About PsyTechVR - See the Tech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5CJNOzXxu8 --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGn7D3Aj68/DvLtfvUKOHrm26Z-bvP0mQ/edit?utm_content=DAGn7D3Aj68&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton Episode Summary: In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, we explore the transformative power of the SPACE model—Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions—an evidence-based, parent-led approach for treating childhood anxiety. Our guest, Dr. Ivy Ruths, is a licensed psychologist and the founder and Clinical Director of the Houston Anxiety & Wellness Center, where she specializes in treating anxiety, OCD, and related disorders using the SPACE model. With over 15 years of experience and PsyPact certification, Dr. Ruths offers therapy in 40+ states and is a nationally recognized leader in child and adolescent anxiety treatment. This episode is packed with compassionate, actionable insights for therapists, educators, and caregivers looking to help children, teens, and emerging adults rise to the occasion—even when therapy isn't happening in the therapy room. --- Topics Covered: What the SPACE model is and how it differs from traditional child-focused therapy approaches How parental accommodation can unintentionally maintain or worsen childhood anxiety The importance of supportive statements and clear behavioral shifts by parents Practical ways to guide families when children are resistant to therapy or disengaged What clinicians should consider when implementing SPACE across diverse family structures and clinical presentations --- About Our Guest: Ivy Ruths, PhD, LSSP is a licensed psychologist and licensed specialist in school psychology with over 15 years of experience treating anxiety, OCD, and related disorders across clinical, school, and hospital settings. She is the founder and Clinical Director of the Houston Anxiety & Wellness Center, where she supervises clinicians and leads parent-focused interventions including SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions). A PsyPact-certified provider, Dr. Ruths offers therapy across 40+ states and frequently consults with schools and professionals on best practices in anxiety treatment. She also serves in leadership roles with OCD Texas, the Houston Psychological Association, and the TLC Foundation for BFRBs. --- Connect with Dr. Ivy Ruths: Website: houstonanxiety.com Email: info@houstonanxiety.com Offers virtual therapy in 40+ states via PsyPact --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGnRMNOogU/EbgkXBFBMXXpfVh1hpopZw/edit?utm_content=DAGnRMNOogU&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton Episode Summary: In this affirming and insightful episode, host Shaina Siber sits down with Kara Cruz, LMFT — a therapist, clinical supervisor, and women's mental health educator — to unpack the often-invisible forces that contribute to burnout: emotional labor and the mental load. Together, they explore how these burdens show up across caregiving roles, relationships, and professional life, particularly for those who are cisgender, femme-presenting, or socially perceived as women. Kara and Shaina also explore the societal conditioning that encourages self-abandonment, people-pleasing, and perfectionism in caregiving roles, and how these patterns often show up in the therapy room — both for our clients and for us as clinicians. Listeners will gain tools to better identify and validate these experiences, along with practical interventions rooted in Internal Family Systems (IFS), values clarification, and boundary work. This episode offers both validation and direction — a must-listen for therapists, caregivers, or anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by the invisible labor they carry. --- Topics Covered: The difference between emotional labor and mental load Gendered and cultural expectations around caregiving How perfectionism, people-pleasing, and self-abandonment contribute to burnout Working with high-functioning, high-achieving clients who carry invisible emotional burdens Boundary-setting as a clinical and personal skill Using IFS and parts work to address internalized caregiving roles Intersectional considerations: class, gender identity, and relationship structure Naming guilt and shame without pathologizing it --- About Our Guest: Kara Cruz is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, private practice owner, clinical supervisor, women’s mental health advocate, and educator. She specializes in reproductive mental health, ADHD, trauma, mood and anxiety conditions, and provides therapy for individuals and couples, alongside CE trainings for therapists. Kara co-founded the Women’s Support Circle and also leads the Wellness for Women Healers Community — a free network for professionals in women’s health and wellness. --- Connect with Kara Cruz: Website: karacruz.com Instagram: @karacruzwellness --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGmjIs2ImM/7U8a9oywAdlYlnAKgHmOFg/edit?utm_content=DAGmjIs2ImM&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton Episode Summary: In this episode, you’ll get a clear, beginner-friendly introduction to Brainspotting—a powerful brain-body therapy that helps clients process trauma stored deep in the nervous system. You’ll hear a thorough overview of Brainspotting's theoretical framework, including the neurobiological mechanisms behind it, the concepts of the Inside Window and Outside Window, and the principle of dual attunement. Miranda Campbell, LCSW, MSM joins the conversation to share how she’s begun integrating Brainspotting into her clinical work. Miranda brings a relational, attachment-focused lens to her practice and offers honest reflections on what it looks like to begin using Brainspotting in real-world sessions. Whether you're brand new to Brainspotting or looking for ways to deepen your use of somatic interventions, this episode offers both foundational context and thoughtful clinical insights. --- About Our Guest: Miranda Campbell, LCSW, MSM, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in attachment trauma, relationship healing, and Brainspotting. As the co-author of Attachment Style Makeover (a bestseller on Amazon), she helps individuals break generational cycles, set boundaries, and build secure connections. Through her practice, Miranda has worked with diverse clients to heal relational wounds and unlearn unhealthy patterns. Her approach blends neuroscience, attachment theory, and practical tools to empower people to move from survival mode to thriving relationships. --- Connect with Miranda Campbell: Website: https://www.therapistmirandacampbell.com/ Location: Atlanta, GA (Telehealth available in Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina) --- Resources Mentioned: Miranda’s Book: Attachment Style Makeover on Amazon: https://a.co/d/1PAXXwA Official Brainspotting Trainings: https://brainspotting.com/get-trained/brainspotting-phase-1/ --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGlv1JbZqk/FC8xKXjkBaWi5_UlqUhwyQ/edit?utm_content=DAGlv1JbZqk&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton Episode Summary: In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber sits down with Dr. Ashley Stevens to explore the transformative power of clinical supervision—not only as a tool for elevating clinical care but also as a strategy for burnout prevention and professional growth. Whether you're supervising in private practice, a group setting, or preparing to step into a supervisory role, this episode offers a deeply insightful and practical conversation. Dr. Ashley Stevens is a Board-Certified Licensed Clinical Social Work Supervisor, currently licensed in nine states and supervising clinicians in five. She brings a unique interdisciplinary lens to her work, having earned her doctoral degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Grand Canyon University, along with a master’s in social work from East Tennessee State University and a bachelor’s in psychology from UNC Chapel Hill. Ashley’s experience spans Veterans Affairs, private practice, clinical supervision, and executive consulting. Her focus? Training the next generation of clinicians and leaders with a strong emphasis on sustainability, clinical excellence, and designing a career that supports—not depletes—the therapist. She’s on a mission to help social workers not just survive, but thrive. --- Topics Covered: The core functions and value of external supervision How supervision enhances clinical competency and ethical decision-making Supervision as a burnout prevention strategy Key considerations when supervising across multiple states and licensure boards Best practices for structuring supervision sessions Common pitfalls in supervision—and how to avoid them Why person-centered, transparent relationships between supervisor and supervisee matter The importance of preparing supervisees not just as clinicians, but as leaders --- About Our Guest: Ashley Stephens is a Board Certified Licensed Clinical Social Work Supervisor, licensed in nine states and supervising provisionally licensed clinicians in five. She completed her doctoral degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Grand Canyon University in 2023. She earned her master’s in social work from East Tennessee State University and her bachelor’s in psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As a therapist, Ashley has worked with severe and persistent mental illness, substance abuse, trauma, homelessness, and has trained in a variety of therapeutic styles. The bulk of her training and experience was with Veterans Affairs, working with combat Veterans. As a consultant and trainer, Ashley has taught courses in cultural awareness and competency, mindfulness, brain injury, and leadership development. She has coached executive leaders, managers, and front-line employees, while providing opportunities for individuals to grow in the areas of organizational development, team building, executive development, and training. As a supervisor, Ashley’s main goal is to train the next generation of therapists AND leaders, with a particular focus and emphasis on building a life that serves them. The social work profession often has a reputation for being hard to survive and thrive. Ashley’s goal is to help create clinical social workers who are prepared for the realities of the field, and ready to take on growing their own practices into thriving businesses. --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGkpMepIls/lcfw8nwQyWQwrd6m20q2nA/edit?utm_content=DAGkpMepIls&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber welcomes Gabrielle Giuliano-Valli, LCSW, for a deep and accessible dive into Polyvagal Theory and its real-world applications for clinicians. Gabrielle breaks down the core principles of the theory, explains how it maps onto trauma-informed care, and shares practical ways to support client regulation and engagement using body-based interventions. Learn how to decode your clients' physiological responses, co-regulate in the therapy room, and integrate tools that widen the window of tolerance. This episode is perfect for clinicians who want to enhance their clinical toolkit with neuroscience-informed, compassion-forward techniques. --- Topics Covered: Understanding ventral vagal, sympathetic, and dorsal vagal states The role of neuroception and co-regulation in therapy Using nervous system mapping to deepen client insight and empowerment Differentiating fight/flight and freeze responses in trauma Somatic and bottom-up strategies to support client engagement Music, movement, and breath as nervous system anchors Addressing systemic and cultural considerations in safety and resilience How Polyvagal Theory supports clinician well-being and burnout recovery --- About Our Guest: Gabrielle Juliano-Villani is a business mindset coach, consultant, and former group practice owner who helps therapists scale, sell, and thrive without burning out. After building and successfully selling her own 7-figure group practice in 2021, she made it her mission to help other entrepreneurs create sustainable, profitable businesses without sacrificing their mental health. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Small Business Administration coach, Gabrielle brings a unique blend of clinical expertise and business strategy to her work. She specializes in supporting practice owners as they navigate complex systems like Medicare and Medicaid billing. Her approach combines practical business strategies with mind-body techniques, drawing from her experience as an EMDR and Polyvagal-informed therapist. Based in Sarasota, FL, Gabrielle is an international speaker and retreat leader who has been featured on NBC News, Spruce Health, and dozens of top industry podcasts. When she's not helping practice owners transform their businesses, you'll find her teaching Zumba, traveling the world, or reading psychological thrillers on the beach. --- Resources: Website: https://linktr.ee/gabriellejv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gjvconsulting Retreats in Costa Rica (Nov 2025) & New Zealand (March 2026) --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health