Therapy for Women

Gabby and Fern interview our fellow Therapy for Women therapist, Hannah Mcgrath. Hannah shares about how she became a therapist, her history and experience getting her master's degree in divinity and how learning about spirituality and religion has shaped her ideas as a therapist. Hannah shares about how the idea of self compassion and being a friend to yourself has changed her life and provides listeners with tips if they struggle with self compassion and how you can tune into what your body needs. They also discuss ways therapy can help heal your inner child and how you can get in touch with this concept. Resources mentioned: Dr. Becky Kennedy, Good Inside on Instagram and her book also by the same name, Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/fleurdelisspeaks/ , "Self Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself" by Kristen Neff.To learn more about our practice or to book an appointment with one of our therapists (either in person in the Philadelphia area or in 24 states) visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com Keep up with us on instagram by following @therapyforwomencenterTo suggest a topic, ask us a question or make a suggestion visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com/podcast

Amanda and Fern interview one of our therapists, Zara and she shares about her experience and expertise as a South Asian woman and therapist. She shares with us how mental health is still very stigmatized in Pakistan (where she grew up) and in other countries in South Asia. She shares how valuable it was for her to have a therapist with the same culture and the importance of women of color to be able to see a therapist of color. We discuss the intricacies of culture and how it can show up in the therapy room as well as how some people are not able to access therapy if they cannot find a therapist who speaks the same language as them. We discuss common struggles Zara sees in her work with immigrants and first generation clients, and how our family history impacts us through generations. Zara is currently taking new clients at Therapy for Women in our Philadelphia offices and virtually if you live in PA. Resources mentioned: Instagram:@browngirltherapy; @wellnesswithintherapy; @southasianmentalhealth. Podcast: Loud Mouth Ladkis Books: Untold: defining moments of the uprooted ; Taboo: South Asian Mental Health Stories; A Place for UsTo learn more about our practice or to book an appointment with one of our therapists (either in person in the Philadelphia area or in 24 states) visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com Keep up with us on instagram by following @therapyforwomencenterTo suggest a topic, ask us a question or make a suggestion visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com/podcast

Amanda and Fern chat with one of our therapists, Sam about boundaries and the holidays! We discuss the misconceptions and barriers that prevent people from setting boundaries, such as the idea that you need to set them perfectly. We discuss the difficulties with family dynamics, why we tend to so easily fall back into old behavioral patterns when we are around our families and what you can do to prepare for the upcoming holiday season if you are trying to make a change. Sam gives a hilarious example of crabs in the bucket as a way to understand families that may completely change how you see seafood. Amanda discusses her gripes with the concept of “self betrayal” and Fern discusses how you can engage in aftercare after spending time with your family. Finally, we end the episode with homework for you of what you can do to prepare for this upcoming holiday season to make things go smoother and not lose your mind!To learn more about our practice or to book an appointment with one of our therapists (either in person in the Philadelphia area or in 24 states) visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com Keep up with us on instagram by following @therapyforwomencenterTo suggest a topic, ask us a question or make a suggestion visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com/podcast

Gabby and Fern interview Becca to talk all about our new therapy practice, Therapy for Kids! Parents, you are going to want to listen to this one. We discuss how you can decipher whether your child is struggling with anxiety or a normal developmental challenge. We dig deep into how anxiety and fears can show up in elementary school children and what our recommended approach is for parents and caregivers. We discuss emotions in children and how caregivers can support them in tolerating and modeling how to deal with emotions and why this is so important. Becca shares about how her experience as a nanny informs how she shows up as a therapist who specializes in working with children and teens. We also discuss consent laws in PA and what that means for teens and caregivers and how they can access therapy.To learn more about our practice or to book an appointment with one of our therapists (either in person in the Philadelphia area or in 24 states) visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com Keep up with us on instagram by following @therapyforwomencenterTo suggest a topic, ask us a question or make a suggestion visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com/podcast

Amanda and Gabby interview Fern about attachment. Fern studied attachment in graduate school so she is a wealth of knowledge and breaks down all our questions. First, Fern discusses the history of attachment as a therapeutic orientation, how it stems from childhood and how that impacts adult relationships. We breakdown the different styles of attachment, myths about it, how attachment can be different depending on your history with different groups of people and what social media tends to simplify about attachment. Finally, Fern shares tips and ideas for if you are not ready to go to therapy what she recommends you can do to work on your attachment and resources. Resources mentioned: "Attached" by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller, "I want this to work" by Liz Earnshaw.To learn more about our practice or to book an appointment with one of our therapists (either in person in the Philadelphia area or in 24 states) visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com Keep up with us on instagram by following @therapyforwomencenterTo suggest a topic, ask us a question or make a suggestion visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com/podcast

Gabby and Fern interview Simone to discuss peri-menopause, menopause and how hormones impact our mental health. We start by discussing how little education we receive about our bodies and how they change throughout our lives, especially as women. We discuss what menopause is by first discussing how puberty, periods, and ovulation work and what happens when your body changes and stops producing certain hormones in the same way. Simone discusses signs and symptoms of peri-menopause and menopause, how these hormones impact our mental health and where the research is lacking. She discusses how she works with clients experiencing these symptoms and what skills and techniques she recommends for managing it. If you would like more information about this and learn concrete skills sign up for Simone’s Workshop: Peri-menopause, Menopause & Mental Health which will take place virtually on October 26th at 7pm EST. It will be recorded if you cannot make it live. Sign up here www.therapyforwomencenter.com/events We also have an ADHD skills workshop coming up as well as a yoga and art therapy workshop as well. Check them all out on our website.To learn more about our practice or to book an appointment with one of our therapists (either in person in the Philadelphia area or in 24 states) visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com Keep up with us on instagram by following @therapyforwomencenterTo suggest a topic, ask us a question or make a suggestion visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com/podcast

The hosts chat about the first season! Amanda is back from maternity leave and updates everyone on how she has been adjusting to life as a new parent. Fern and Gabby share about how they are doing with their weddings just weeks away! Fern shares about how she made the choice to have children. The hosts talk at length about communication skills with your partner and how it can not only improve your relationship but also make parenting easier. Amanda also announces her new podcast, Recovered-ish which will air weekly starting next week June 22nd! Be sure to tune in while we are on a break. We will be back in September with new episodes.To learn more about our practice or to book an appointment with one of our therapists (either in person in the Philadelphia area or in 24 states) visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com Keep up with us on instagram by following @therapyforwomencenterTo suggest a topic, ask us a question or make a suggestion visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com/podcast

Fern and Gabby sit down with our newest therapist Julie Belling, where we discuss the affect we have seen on adolescents and younger adults from the pandemic. We discussed navigating life transitions that occur during your 20s and how it is not talked about enough, how many changes happen during this timeframe of life, and overall pressure felt to "have it all figured out". We focused on how to navigate and cope through this confusing time of life.To learn more about our practice or to book an appointment with one of our therapists (either in person in the Philadelphia area or in 24 states) visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com Keep up with us on instagram by following @therapyforwomencenterTo suggest a topic, ask us a question or make a suggestion visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com/podcast

Gabby and Fern sit down with eating disorder specialist Lauren Berardo to discuss eating disorders, disordered eating, body image, and body changes. We dip into discussions around pregnancy, IVF, and how both of these can bring up different emotions around our bodies and food. Tips are given on what not to say to those experiencing body changes and how to support yourself and loved ones who are experiencing challenges around their body and food.Resources mentioned:NEDA - https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/"The Body Is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love" by Sonya Renee Taylor"Health At Every Size: The Surprising Truth About Your Weight" by Lindo Bacon@bodyimagewithbri on InstagramTo learn more about our practice or to book an appointment with one of our therapists (either in person in the Philadelphia area or in 24 states) visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com Keep up with us on instagram by following @therapyforwomencenterTo suggest a topic, ask us a question or make a suggestion visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com/podcast

**Trigger Warning we will be discussing Intimate Partner Violence** Gabby and Fern discuss with Jess red flags of intimate partner violence, we define what gaslighting is and give some examples of gaslighting and how to identify if it's happening in your relationships. Jess explains the cycle of abuse. Followed by how can you support a loved one who is maybe in an abusive situation. Resources: https://www.loveisrespect.org/https://www.thehotline.org/https://www.rainn.org/https://www.breakthecycle.org/To learn more about our practice or to book an appointment with one of our therapists (either in person in the Philadelphia area or in 24 states) visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com Keep up with us on instagram by following @therapyforwomencenterTo suggest a topic, ask us a question or make a suggestion visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com/podcast

Gabby and Fern speak with our virtual therapist Jess P about career explorations and transitions and how to decide what career and job works best for you when you are feeling burnt out by your current position. Jess shares a variety of techniques she uses with clients when she is supporting them through the process of considering job changes. We also discuss going back to school and the financial implications that can have both long term and short term on someone. Jess suggests the following for career explorations and job search.Resources:Myers-Brigg Personality Indicator: https://www.themyersbriggs.com/en-US/Products-and-Services/Myers-BriggsO*Net; and O*Net tools:https://www.onetcenter.org/https://www.onetcenter.org/tools.htmlStrengths Quest:https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/252137/home.aspxTo learn more about our practice or to book an appointment with one of our therapists (either in person in the Philadelphia area or in 24 states) visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com Keep up with us on instagram by following @therapyforwomencenterTo suggest a topic, ask us a question or make a suggestion visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com/podcast

Gabby and Fern speak with one of our art therapists, Andrea about using art therapy as an adult. We explore what art therapy entails and how it might be helpful for your therapeutic process during your therapy journey if you are feeling stuck. We also discussed anxiety and the pressures to be on social media and boundaries around social media and work.To learn more about our practice or to book an appointment with one of our therapists (either in person in the Philadelphia area or in 24 states) visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com Keep up with us on instagram by following @therapyforwomencenterTo suggest a topic, ask us a question or make a suggestion visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com/podcast

Amanda and Gabby speak with one our therapists Melissa about friendships, how to make them as an adult and also how to maintain them. We discuss how expectations of friendships are made worse by social media and the importance of communication and advocating for what you want in those relationships. We discuss the importance of having different types of friends, how to not put too much pressure on friends and Melissa and Amanda share their experiences moving and how it has impacted friends. We also discuss how the sitcoms we watched growing up have unhealthily shaped our ideas about what friendship should look like in our 20s and 30s. Also as 3 swifties the episode ends with a friendship question for Taylor Swift fans. Follow Melissa on IG at @meetwithmel. Resources Mentioned: Danielle Jackson on TT and IG @daniellebayardjackson and her podcast "Friend Forward", Dr. Miriam Kirmayer @miriamkirmayer, Liz Earnshaw @lizlistensTo learn more about our practice or to book an appointment with one of our therapists (either in person in the Philadelphia area or in 24 states) visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com Keep up with us on instagram by following @therapyforwomencenterTo suggest a topic, ask us a question or make a suggestion visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com/podcast

The hosts speak with one of our adolescent specialists, Becca, about how social media and TikTok is impacting the mental health of adolescents and Gen Z. We discuss the pros and cons of self-diagnosis and trends we have noticed around younger generations and their mental health. Becca discusses how she works with adolescents and their families and her best tips for parents if they notice their child is struggling with their mental health. Follow Becca on instagram @takeabreathwithbecca also sign up for her workshop about mindfulness for the anxious beginner at therapyforwomencenter.com/eventsTo learn more about our practice or to book an appointment with one of our therapists (either in person in the Philadelphia area or in 24 states) visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com Keep up with us on instagram by following @therapyforwomencenterTo suggest a topic, ask us a question or make a suggestion visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com/podcast

The hosts speak with Sam, who is one of our out-of-state therapists about her experience being raised in the Mormon church and her faith transition process. Sam shares what personally led to her faith transition and that she is still in the process of it and discusses what parts of her faith she has kept, versus what she has walked away from. She shares about what is was liking growing up in the church, her culture shock when she moved to Utah, what it is like being a single woman in her 30s and the sexism, racism and homophobia that exists in the church. She discusses how she works with clients in navigating faith transitions and tips and resources for how listeners who relate to her story can take care of themselves through this difficult process. Resources mentioned: Charlie Bird's instagram @mrcharliebird, Tiffany Roe Instagram @heytiffanyroe, The Mormon Stories Podcast, Faith Matters Podcast. Sam is also currently accepting new clients if you live in Utah, Illinois, Virginia or Massachusetts. Follow her on instagram @sam_the_therapisttTo learn more about our practice or to book an appointment with one of our therapists (either in person in the Philadelphia area or in 24 states) visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com Keep up with us on instagram by following @therapyforwomencenterTo suggest a topic, ask us a question or make a suggestion visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com/podcast

The hosts talk to Simone, who is one of our therapists licensed in California & New Jersey. Simone shares about her experience becoming a therapist and what led her to it. She also shares about her journey as a parent after her children came out- she has a daughter who is transgender as well as a son who is gay. She shared about how she coped with it as a parent and her recommendations as a therapist for parents or other family members who learn their family members are part of the LGBTQ+ community. Simone also shares about her children's experience as anti-trans legislation has been passing around the country and how it has real life consequences for individuals like her children. Simone shares about how she supports LGBTQ+ clients whose parents are not supportive, the risks for LGBTQ+ youth when they are not supported by their families and her advocacy work with Free Mom Hugs. Simone is accepting new clients if you live in NJ or CA. Follow Simone on instagram @rainbowcounselor. Simone's suggestions for ways to get involved: Free Mom Hugs (freemomhugs.org), The Mazzoni Center in Philadelphia (Mazzonicenter.org), PFLAG (pflag.org), San Fransisco State University (health.sfsu.edu/lgbtqi-health). Books- "Trans Bodies, Trans Selves: A Resource by and for Transgender Communities" by Laura Erickson-SchrothTo learn more about our practice or to book an appointment with one of our therapists (either in person in the Philadelphia area or in 24 states) visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com Keep up with us on instagram by following @therapyforwomencenterTo suggest a topic, ask us a question or make a suggestion visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com/podcast

The hosts talk to one of our therapists based out of Ohio, Julia about her day job where she works as a director of a Medication Assisted Therapy Clinic. We discuss what MAT is, who is a candidate for it, stigma in the substance use community about it and the huge crisis of the opioid epidemic. Julia also discusses her passion for supporting women and especially mothers and pregnant folks who pursue MAT. If you are interested in booking a session with Julia, she is accepting new clients (if you live in Ohio) at our practice. Follow Julia on Instagram @therapywithjuliaj. Other resources mentioned: "Chasing the Scream" by Johann Hari, "Dreamland: The True Tale of America's Opiate Epidemic" by Sam Quinones, and the show "Dopesick" on Hulu.To learn more about our practice or to book an appointment with one of our therapists (either in person in the Philadelphia area or in 24 states) visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com Keep up with us on instagram by following @therapyforwomencenterTo suggest a topic, ask us a question or make a suggestion visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com/podcast

If you are thinking about becoming a therapist, this is the episode for you! Amanda, Gabby, and Fern break down what the different letters behind their names mean, how to choose what type of therapist you want to be and what grad school to go to. They also discuss why they didn't pursue doctorates. They share how they discovered their niches and populations they like to work with and the different types of theories they use in practice.To learn more about our practice or to book an appointment with one of our therapists (either in person in the Philadelphia area or in 23 states) visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com Keep up with us on instagram by following @therapyforwomencenterTo suggest a topic, ask us a question or make a suggestion visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com/podcast

TW: If you are dealing with infertility or trying to conceive we recommend you skip this episode. Leah Wright comes on the podcast today to discuss how to decide if you want to have children. Amanda shares about her experience with how she made the decision and shares about her mental health journey while being pregnant. We also discuss mental health medication if you are pregnant and how to make that choice. Leah specializes in postpartum, fertility and working with parents and she shares her best advice for deciding whether you want to have kids and how she supports individuals trying to conceive. Fern shares about how she works with couples who have differing beliefs about having kids. Resources Mentioned: Emily Oster's books "Expecting Better" and "Crib sheet", "The Baby Decision" by Merle Bombardieri.To learn more about our practice or to book an appointment with one of our therapists (either in person in the Philadelphia area or in 23 states) visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com Keep up with us on instagram by following @therapyforwomencenterTo suggest a topic, ask us a question or make a suggestion visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com/podcast

Both Gabby and Fern are getting married in less than 6 months, so we discuss how planning a wedding can impact your mental health, how to set boundaries around family members, curbing expectations, and ways you can stay present on your wedding day. Amanda shares some of her favorite things she did on her wedding day to reduce anxiety. Follow @therapyforwomencenter on instagram. To book an appointment with one of our therapists (either in person in the Philadelphia area or in 23 states) visit www.therapyforwomencenter.com