Connection Therapy

Guest Dr. Patrick Steffen joins the podcast to discuss his important work. Dr. Murrow has studied the many facets of his research and writing, and it is an honor to speak with him directly about it.In this first of three segments, Dr. Steffen shares his views on how stress can be thought about as something that supports survival. Of course, it needs to be in moderation. Here, he shares his insights on how practicing mental health therapists might integrate this view into their work with patients.Attend a Course at Connection Therapy:https://connection-therapy.com/courses-and-eventsWe Want to Hear Your Feedback! Please Contribute to the Conversation: Share your thoughts on the podcast and how these concepts work in your practice, or ask a question and I’ll answer it in an upcoming episode: https://connection-therapy.com/contact-usLeave feedback or ask a question with a message on Instagram: @theconnectiontherapypodcastEnjoying the podcast?There are now playlists for you to navigate to your favorite topics: https://connection-therapy.com/playlistGuest: Patrick Steffen, PhDhttps://patrick-steffen.byu.edu/References:Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedbackhttps://aapb.org/Moss, D. & Steffen, P. (2024). Integrating Psychotherapy and Psychophysiology: Theory, Assessment, and Practice. Oxford University Press.

In this episode, Dr. Murrow considers a study that reviews a physiological intervention that demonstrates particular support for symptoms of depression. The intervention is heart rate variability biofeedback and it is not tied to any particular theoretical orientation or mode of practice. She reflects on the wide-ranging scope of this intervention and the importance for mental health therapists to be aware of this research and its potential impacts to their practices.Attend a Course at Connection Therapy:https://connection-therapy.com/courses-and-eventsWe Want to Hear Your Feedback! Please Contribute to the Conversation: Share your thoughts on the podcast and how these concepts work in your practice, or ask a question and I’ll answer it in an upcoming episode: https://connection-therapy.com/contact-usLeave feedback or ask a question with a message on Instagram: @theconnectiontherapypodcastEnjoying the podcast?There are now playlists for you to navigate to your favorite topics: https://connection-therapy.com/playlistReference:Vann-Adibe, S., Tsui, H. K. H., Zhou, H. Q., Ciren, Z., Li, C., & Cha, S. K. W. (2026). Efficacy and Methodology of Remote Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Interventions for Mental Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Applied Psychophysiology & Biofeedback, 51(3), 441–452. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-025-09750-w

Today’s research discusses experiences when therapists support patients affected by complex trauma. The research analyzed therapists’ own accounts of their work to arrive at themes that support patients best.And, oh my! How we deal with anger and aggression in the session affects therapy outcomes…quite a bit. Turns out encouraging the working through of that anger (as opposed to deflecting it) is the best for patients’ outcomes.Attend a Course at Connection Therapy:https://connection-therapy.com/courses-and-eventsWe Want to Hear Your Feedback! Please Contribute to the Conversation: Share your thoughts on the podcast and how these concepts work in your practice, or ask a question and I’ll answer it in an upcoming episode: https://connection-therapy.com/contact-usLeave feedback or ask a question with a message on Instagram: @theconnectiontherapypodcastEnjoying the podcast?There are now playlists for you to navigate to your favorite topics: https://connection-therapy.com/playlistReference:Parker, E., Mangiorou, L., & Slater, C. (2025). A thematic analysis of the impact of therapist attachment on intersubjectivity when working with clients with complex trauma. Counselling & Psychotherapy Research, 25(2), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.12897

As mental health practitioners we have a unique need to be attuned to our patients from session to session, as well as be aware of research and developments in the field that affect our patients’ long-term success.Today’s journal article highlights the ever-increasing data demonstrating the significant connections between mental and physical health. While interventions are outside the scope of practice for mental health practitioners, the awareness of these connections is increasingly paramount to patient care.Attend a Course at Connection Therapy:https://connection-therapy.com/courses-and-eventsWe Want to Hear Your Feedback! Please Contribute to the Conversation: Share your thoughts on the podcast and how these concepts work in your practice, or ask a question and I’ll answer it in an upcoming episode: https://connection-therapy.com/contact-usLeave feedback or ask a question with a message on Instagram: @theconnectiontherapypodcastReference:Chen, M. A., Suchting, R., Thayer, J. F., & Fagundes, C. P. (2023). Resilience to stress across the lifespan: Childhood maltreatment, heart rate variability, and bereavement. Psychology and Aging, 38(3), 247–262. https://doi.org/10.1037/pag0000738

The research is becoming more and more clear that the line between mental and physical is not so distinct. The practicing mental health practitioner is in a bind though, because our training is only for mental health, and yet we lose a lot of assessment information if we do not observe physical health indicators.This episode highlights some more reasons why it is imperative for mental health clinicians to be aware of physical health implications. It also provides some guidance on how to collaborate with medical professionals in support of patient overall outcomes.For more Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Episodes: https://feeds.captivate.fm/connection-therapy/physiology-psychology-heart-rate-variability-affective-systems-and-more/Attend a Course at Connection Therapy:https://connection-therapy.com/courses-and-eventsWe Want to Hear Your Feedback! Please Contribute to the Conversation: Share your thoughts on the podcast and how these concepts work in your practice, or ask a question and I’ll answer it in an upcoming episode: https://connection-therapy.com/contact-usLeave feedback or ask a question with a message on Instagram: @theconnectiontherapypodcastReferences:Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) Information:https://www.nimh.nih.gov/research/research-funded-by-nimh/rdocWoody, M. L., McGeary, J. E., & Gibb, B. E. (2014). Brooding rumination and heart rate variability in women at high and low risk for depression: Group differences and moderation by COMT genotype. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 123(1), 61–67. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0035450