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On this episode psychotherapist, Kaytee Gillis, LCSW-BACS, chats about her article 6 Steps Toward Recovery From a Toxic Relationship.  She describes the six steps, discusses how survivors can move between the steps, Kaytee is a psychotherapist, author, and consultant with a passion for working with survivors of relationship and family trauma. Her first book, Invisible Bruises: How a Better Understanding of the Patterns of Domestic Violence Can Help Survivors Navigate the Legal System, released in 2021, sheds light on the ways that the legal system can perpetuate the cycle of domestic violence by failing to recognize patterns that would otherwise hold perpetrators accountable and protect survivors. Her new book, It's not High Conflict, It's Post Separation Abuse is set to be released in February. Kaytee has been featured on Psychology Today, iheart radio, Psychotherapy Networker, The Dr. Wendy Walsh Show, CP24 News out of Toronto, Newsweek, The Mind Journal, Shaye Ganam's radio show, and numerous others. To get in touch with Kaytee: www.kaytlyngillislcsw.com Instagram: @KurleeKaytee Instagram: @Claras_ _Voice – support for survivors and allies Facebook: Claras Voice- a group in support of survivors and allies Twitter: @Kaytee_Gillis Blog: Invisible Bruises, Psychology Today

Dr. Zoe Ross-Nash stops by to discuss the link between trauma and eating disorders/disordered eating. She defines different eating disorders and discusses which type of trauma is associated with each eating disorder.  Dr. Ross-Nash explores the importance of not having preconceived notions of what eating disorders "look like".  She also discusses resources available to those struggling with disordered eating. Dr. Zoe Ross-Nash (she/her) earned her PsyD in Clinical Psychology at Nova Southeastern University and completed an APA accredited internship at the University of California, Davis in the Eating Disorder Emphasis. Ross-Nash won the Division 29 Student Excellence in Clinical Practice Award in 2022 and is the Associate Editor for Website Content for the division. Zoe's clinical interests include trauma, eating disorders, wellness, mentorship, and advocacy. She is originally from Allendale, New Jersey and earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Human Service Studies and Dance from Elon University. In her spare time, Zoe likes to practice yoga and ballet, read and write poetry, and try new restaurants with her loved ones. To get in touch with Dr. Ross-Nash: Click Here Need to talk? Contact the National Eating Disorders Association to phone/chat/text about what you are experiencing: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline More resources are available through the Eating Recovery Center: https://www.eatingrecoverycenter.com Need a podcast to help? Dr. Ross-Nash recommends Food Psych: https://christyharrison.com/foodpsych Want to learn about intuitive eating? Check out http://www.intuitiveeating.org/10-principles-of-intuitive-eating/ Want to diversify your social media feed? Here is a great place to start: https://scplab.files.wordpress.com/2020/10/body-diversity-resource-guide-i.pdf

Julie Sweet stops by to speak about the phenomen known as the "perfect victim" and how it affects survivors of abuse and violence. Julie is an experienced Clinical Psychotherapist of 10 years with a demonstrated history of working in the mental health and human services industry. Skilled in Drug and Alcohol counselling, counselling adult survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA), Trauma Informed clinical practice, crisis counselling, family counselling, advocacy, negotiation, business planning, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and media relations. Julie has strong community and social services professional experience and a Bachelor of Counselling and Human Change (Psychotherapy) focused in Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy from Jansen Newman Institute. She is an approved Counsellor with the Approved Counselling Service, Victims Services, NSW. and an approved Counsellor on the Blue Knot Foundation Helpline Referral Database. To get in touch with Julie please visit any of the following: Linkedin Facebook Twitter Instagram

On this episode, coauthor of Kendall Ann's book "What I Wish I Knew: Surviving and Thriving After An Abusive Relationship", Dr. Amelia Kelley, stops by to answer reader and listener questions with Kendall Ann.  They discuss how the book came to fruition, suggest other books survivors can read to help them thrive, chat about the difference between an abusive partner and a "jerk" and much more. Dr. Amelia Kelley is a trauma-informed therapist who has conducted research on the effects of exercise on ADHD symptoms as well as a the effects of resiliency on PTSD. She is a trained Hypno-therapist, Art therapist, HSP Therapist, EMDR-informed therapist, meditation teacher, as well as a Certified Yoga instructor integrating therapeutic yoga and psychotherapy. She is a presenter and writer in the “science-help” field focusing on Highly Sensitive Persons, trauma, motivation, healthy living, and adult ADHD.  She is a guest podcast presenter focusing on women’s issues and coping with the trauma of unhealthy relationships, as well as a coach and trainer for SAS’s Work/Life Program in Cary, NC and a resident trainer for the NC Art Therapy Institute. Her practice is also currently part of the Traumatic Stress Research Consortium at the Kinsey Institute. For more information about Dr. Kelley visit her site and follow her social media HERE. Click HERE to purchase, rate, or review What I Wish I Knew: Surviving and Thriving After an Abusive Relationship.

Darlene Lancer stops by to chat about what to do if you are in a relationship with a narcissist.  Darlene is an internationally sought after relationship expert and media spokesperson on narcissism and codependency, a psychotherapist and author of 9 books, including Dating, Loving, and Leaving a Narcissist, Conquering Shame and Codependency: 8 Steps to Freeing the True You and Codependency for Dummies.  She’s counseled individuals and couples for 30 years and coaches internationally. Her ebooks include: 10 Steps to Self-Esteem, How To Speak Your Mind - Become Assertive and Set Limits, Dealing with a Narcissist: 8 Steps to Raise Self-Esteem and Set Boundaries with Difficult People, "I'm Not Perfect - I'm Only Human" - How to Beat Perfectionism, and Freedom from Guilt and Blame - Finding Self-Forgiveness. They’re available on Amazon, other online booksellers and her website, www.whatiscodependency.com, where visitors can get a free copy of “14 Tips for Letting Go". To find Darlene's fantastic resources please visit: LinkedIn Youtube Twitter Instagram Facebook Codependency Page Facebook Profile Facebook Professional Page Pinterest

Chelli Pumphrey, MA, LPC stops by to discuss what to do if someone in your life is in an unhealthy, toxic, or abusive relationship. Chelli is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Relationship Coach, Reiki Master, and author with almost 30 years of clinical experience. She specializes in working with trauma, adult attachment, narcissistic abuse and pathological love relationships. Chelli founded Trilogy Holistic Mental Health in Denver, CO, and currently serves as Clinical Director of both Trilogy and Strength in Motion Counseling in Boulder, CO. She also maintains her own private practice where she offers toxic relationship recovery coaching programs. As a Certified Integrated Medicine Mental Health Practitioner and Reiki practitioner, Chelli is passionate about integrative, holistic mental health, believing that mind, body, and spirit should be nurtured throughout the healing journey. Chelli has hosted an internet talk show, Destination Love, and was a featured relationship coach in LEAP: The Coaching Movie with John Gray and Jack Canfield in 2018. Her book, Insight is 20/20:How To Trust Yourself To Protect Yourself From Narcissists and Toxic Partners will be published in May 2022 with New Degree Press. SOCIAL LINKS: https://www.facebook.com/chellipumphreytherapy https://www.instagram.com/chellipumphrey/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/chellipumphrey/

Why do we dream? In this episode, John Cline, Ph.D. stops by to help us navigate the science of sleep and the theories on why humans dream. John Cline, Ph.D., D,ABSM, FAASM, is a licensed clinical psychologist and is board certified in clinical sleep disorders. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Sleep. He is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the New York Academy of Sciences, and the American Psychological Association; and a fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Connecticut Psychological Association. He is a past president of the Connecticut Psychological Association and served as a member of the Council of Representatives of the American Psychological Association. In 1996 he was awarded the American Psychological Association’s Karl F. Heiser Presidential Award for Advocacy in Psychology. He is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at the Yale Medical School. While actively working in sleep medicine, health psychology and general clinical psychology he also writes the “Sleepless in America” blog for Psychology Today Magazine. To read Dr. Cline's blog for Psychology Today CLICK HERE.

Trauma psychotherapist, Amanda Ann Gregory, discusses why forgiveness isn't necessary in trauma recovery.  She walks us through possible messages we are internalizing about forgiveness and five reasons why forgiveness should not be imposed in the process of healing from trauma. Click here to check out her Psychology Today article "Why Forgiveness Isn't Required in Trauma Recovery". Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC, is a trauma psychotherapist, national speaker, and author. She holds licenses in the states of Illinois, Texas, and Missouri, as well as an EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Certification, and a National Counselor Certification. Gregory has provided individual, group, and family therapy for more than a dozen years in outpatient and residential settings and is currently in private practice in Chicago. Her work has appeared in Psychology Today, Psychotherapy Networker, Happiful Magazine, Addiction Professional, Adoption Today, All Creatures, Highlights Magazine, and New Therapist Magazine. Gregory has served as a presenter for clinical conferences, employee trainings, and community events and has spoken for the ACA (American Counseling Association), NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), the Missouri Department of Mental Health, Symmetry Counseling, the Missouri School Counselor Association, Prevent Child Abuse Illinois, and the Missouri Association of Marriage and Family Therapy to name a few. She tailors all presentations to meet the needs of your audience. Click here to check out her awesome blog "Transforming Trauma Blog" on her website.

Sharon Martin stops by to discuss unsolicited advice.  She defines unsolicited advice, tells us how to stop giving and what we should do when we receive it! Sharon Martin, MSW, LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist who has been practicing in San Jose, CA for over 20 years. She specializes in helping individuals struggling with perfectionism, codependency, and people-pleasing. Her own struggle to feel “good enough”, inspired her passion for helping others learn to accept and love themselves. Sharon is the author of The Better Boundaries Workbook and The CBT Workbook for Perfectionism. Her work has also been featured in various media outlets including Psychology Today, Highly Sensitive Refuge, Web MD, and Psych Central. Blog post: https://www.livewellwithsharonmartin.com/unsolicited-advice/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Better-Boundaries-Workbook-CBT-Based-Relationships/dp/1684037581

On this episode, Dr. Chloe Carmichael stops by to teach us how we can use the principles for mindfulness to drink alcohol moderately. Dr. Chloe Carmichael, Ph.D, is a licensed clinical psychologist, known as Dr. Chloe. She holds a master’s degree and Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Long Island University and graduated Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude, with a bachelor’s degree and departmental honors in psychology from Columbia University in New York. Her practice in New York City employs multiple therapists to serve high-functioning business executives, people in the arts, and everyday people seeking support with personal or professional goals. Dr. Chloe is the author of the book Nervous Energy: Harness the Power of  Your Anxiety, endorsed by Deepak Chopra! She is a member in good standing of the American Psychological Association, as well as the National Register of Health Psychologists, an elite organization for psychologists with gold-standard credentials. She is also a consultant at Baker McKenzie, the third largest law firm in the world.  She is an Advisory Board member for Women’s Health Magazine (Hearst), and a featured expert for Psychology Today. Dr. Chloe enjoys relating with the media, as well as public speaking.  She has been featured as an expert on VH1, Inside Edition, ABC Nightline and other television; and has been quoted in the New York Times, Forbes, Vanity Fair, Shape, Cosmopolitan, Rolling Stone, and other print media. Don't forget to check out Dr. Chloe's books: Nervous Energy: Harness the Power of Your Anxiety and Dr. Chloe’s 10 Commandments of Dating. You can also check Dr. Chloe's vlog on mindful drinking here. Dr. Chloe would also be happy to connect with you on social media. Below are her social media handles: Twitter: @DrChloe_ Instagram: drchloe_ Facebook: @DrChloePhD LinkedIn: chloe@drchloe.com

On this episode of the podcast, Dr. Tiffany Millacci discusses how toxic positivity can be affecting your health and interpersonal relationships! Dr. Millacci gives examples of toxic positivity and suggestions on how to eliminate it in our daily lives and relationships. Tiffany Millacci, Ph.D. has over 14 years of experience in the education field and is an educator for both elementary special education students and university students. She is a researcher and content writer for Positive.Psychology.com and is just beginning her writing career with her collaboration on a teen version of Dr. Ken Martz's Manage My Emotions: What I Wish I'd Learned in School About Anger, Fear, and Love. She is also a military spouse, mother, and avid runner. To read Dr. Millacci's article about toxic positivity click here!

Melody Stanford Martin joins the show to discuss her article "Five Practices of Resilient Relationships" and teach us how to enhance our conflict resolution skills. Melody Stanford Martin is a social ethicist, communications expert, and author of Brave Talk: Building Resilient Relationships in the Face of Conflict (Broadleaf Books, 2020). She is the Founder of educational platform Brave Talk Project, the Founder & CEO of Cambridge Creative Group, a narrative marketing and design company specializing in non-profit outreach, and a regular contributor to Psychology Today. Melody grew up as a Pentecostal pastor’s kid in California and studied theology for ten years, obtaining her Masters of Divinity in 2016. During her graduate studies, she developed a passion for social ethics and anti-oppression work through the Religion and Conflict Transformation Program at Boston University School of Theology. Today, Melody works with people across all political backgrounds and religious traditions, focusing on rhetorical innovation, courageous community engagement, and out-of-the-box thinking to solve social problems. In addition to her work, Melody is also an artist, musician and avid gardener. She lives in Portland, Maine with her partner Corey and their dogs, Baxter and Benedict Cumberbatch. To read the Five Practices of Resilient Relationships click here. Click here to purchase Melody's book Brave Talk. For more information on Base Camp click here. To sign up for Melody's workshops and classes click here.

In this episode I chat with Valerie Pena and Mary Lous Randour about Safe Havens for Pets, an organizing helping survivors of domestic violence and their pets find safety.  We discuss how to find a safe haven in your area, why it is critical that safe havens exist, how Safe Havens for Pets is connecting safe havens to each other and survivors, and what you can do to help. Don't forget to follow their social media accounts! Click here for:

On this episode I chat with Beverly Engel about how to overcome the shame that many survivors of emotional abuse experience. Beverly Engel has been a practicing psychotherapist for thirty-five years. She is the author of 22 books, including the bestsellers The Emotionally Abusive Relationship, The Right to Innocence, and Healing Your Emotional Self. Her latest book is entitled, It Wasn't Your Fault: Freeing Yourself from the Shame of Childhood Abuse with the Power of Self-Compassion. In addition, Beverly lends her expertise to national TV talk shows. She has appeared on Oprah, CNN, Starting Over, Sally Jesse Raphael, Donahue, and other programs in the U.S. and Canada. She has regularly contributed to O Magazine and Psychology Today, and has been featured in newspapers and magazines, including The Chicago Tribune, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, Cosmopolitan, Ladies Home Journal, and Shape. To check out all of Beverly's books click HERE.

Sari Cooper joins the show to discuss if porn addiction is a disorder and how to communicate better when it comes to all things sex! Sari Cooper  LCSW-R, CST is the Director of Center for Love and Sex, a group practice specializing in holistic embodied sex therapy and sex coaching in NYC. She is an AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist and Certified Sex Therapy Supervisor who has been seeing individuals and couples from diverse cultural, religious, and sexual orientation and practices for over 20 years.  Sari presents frequently at international professional conferences on helping individuals and couples heal from infidelity, out of control sexual behaviors, sexual communication, low desire, sexual disorders, consensual non-monogamy and expanding sexual practices. She is Kink and Poly aware and a culturally attuned therapist who frequently sees interracial couples. Sari is also the creator of Sex Esteem® LLC, a company devoted to enriching people’s confidence and knowledge about their own sexuality, the choices in their relationship agreements and how to communicate with partners about the sex life they desire. Through creative live events, webinars and her Sex Esteem® talks she is cultivating a community ready to take on the topic of erotic desire, sexual pleasure, empowerment and exploration . She is frequently called upon in the media to comment on relationships and sexuality issues. She has been interviewed on outlets like: CBS This Morning, The Wall Street Journal, NBCLX, Women’s Health, Lifehacker, Bustle, HuffPost and Vice Media. You can follow her on: Facebook: @centerforloveandsex, Twitter: @saricoopercls Instagram: @saricoopersexesteem. Her site is www.centerforloveandsex.com You can sign up to stay connected about upcoming Sex Esteem® events at: centerforloveandsex.com/se-events.

Dr. Lea Lis, The Shameless Psychiatrist, stops by to chat about if social media causes depression in teens and adult. She gives a brief overview of her new book! Dr. Lea Lis is the ‘Shameless Psychiatrist.’ She is a double board certified Adult and Child psychiatrist, and Assistant Clinical Professor at New York Medical College. She has a bustling practice in the Hamptons where she sees patients from all family arrangements. Her book “No Shame: Real Talk With Your Kids About Sex, Self-Confidence, and Healthy Relationships” helps people pass down intergenerational wisdom, instead of trauma, by using modern psychotherapy techniques which she perfected throughout her many years of experience. She is an expert in the field of psychology, and hopes to change the way we speak about sex. Learn more about Dr. Lea Lis here: WEBSITE: www.drlealis.com INSTAGRAM:[https://www.instagram..com/shamelesspsychiatrist/] @shamelesspsychiatrist TWITTER: @shamelesspsych FACEBOOK: @drlealis PSYCHOLOGY TODAY: www..psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-shameless-psychiatrist

Dorris Walker-Taylor, Senior Ambassador for Thistle Farms, joins the show to discuss how Thistle Farms, a nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to helping women survivors recover and heal from prostitution, trafficking, and addiction changed the direction of her life.  Thistle Farms is a residential program that provides housing, case management, healthcare, counseling, education, and employment for two years – free of charge. It was a true joy speaking with Dorris and listening to her story is guaranteed to brighten your day.     Click HERE to learn more about how you can support Thistle Farms.

Gretta Gordy Gardner and Megan Simmons from Ujima: The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community, discuss how systemic racism affects black survivors of domestic violence. Gretta Gordy Gardner, Esq., is the Deputy Director and co-founder of Ujima, Inc.: The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community, a project of the DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Ms. Gardner’s career as a legal advisor for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault was inspired by her early work as a prosecutor in the Domestic Violence Unit of the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office. She has worked for two decades to help shape guidelines, policies, and procedures that local, state, and federal policy makers and college/university campuses can use to end intimate partner violence and racial bias. She is licensed to practice law in DC, MD, TX, and the Supreme Court of the United States and is a certified mediator. Ms. Gardner sits on the Board of Trustees for Garrison Forest School and belongs to a multitude of local, state, and national committees that address violence against women and their children. She is the proud mom of two boys who love basketball and make a lot of noise. Megan Simmons, MPA/JD, is the Sr. Policy Advisor of Ujima, Inc.: The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community, a project of the DC coalition Against Domestic Violence. Ms. Simmons’ education in Women’s Studies and Political Science was the catalyst for her career in legal compliance, policy, and advocacy work. She has served as a Federal Agent and was tasked with investigating sexual assault for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). She was also collaterally tasked with representing law enforcement on various committees, including holistic approaches to combating violence against women attached to the Navy installations. She later earned a law degree wherein she combined her education and her experience by contributing to policy, and conducting investigations into allegations of sexual assault within higher education. Ms. Simmons has conducted various trainings on sexual harassment awareness, Equal Employment Opportunity, investigation execution, and diversity and inclusion. She spends her spare time cooking, bike riding, and reading. For more information about the mission of Ujima, click here. For more information about intimate partner violence in the black community, click here.

Dr. Ameila Kelley and Dr. Stephanie Moulton Sarkis answer your questions about how anxiety affects the body and how to spot gaslighting in our leaders! Dr. Kelley is the owner and supervisor of Kelley Counseling and Wellness.  Her practice is offering free sessions to those on the front lines fighting against COVID-19 (nurses, doctors, hospital staff, etc). For more information call (919) 238-9741.         Dr. Stephanie Moulton Sarkis is a best-selling author and counselor. She also hosts her own podcast called "Talking Brains". Check it out HERE! Her best selling book about gaslighting called, Gaslighting: Recognize Manipulative and Emotionally People--And Break Free, HERE!

Dr. Denise Fournier and Dr. Candice Creasman join me to answer your questions that have arisen during the pandemic. You can find more information about Dr. Creasman's Insight Timer class on Healing Your Inner Critic HERE                 Check out Dr Fournier's Instagram meditations HERE