#4 The Most Effective Style of Therapy

Embark on a journey through the intricacies of therapy and entrepreneurship with me, Steve Bisson, and my esteemed guest, Laura Long. We're tearing down the curtains to reveal the unspoken challenges and triumphs of therapists who are not just clinicians but innovators at heart. Laura, with her vast experience in marriage and family therapy, takes us behind the scenes of her mastermind groups and retreats, offering a fresh perspective on how authenticity shapes the therapeutic journey and powers personal growth.

Grapple with me as I recount the reality of therapy sessions. We're laying it all on the table, from the frustrations with punctuality to the dance of therapist-client dynamics. It's not just a look into the therapist's office—it’s a mirror reflecting our own expectations and the hurdles therapists jump through to deliver care amidst the maze of client numbers and insurance battles.

Finally, we take the plunge into the world of therapist entrepreneurship, where risks are the currency, and innovation is the prize. I peel back the layers of my own ventures into podcasting and authoring, while Laura and I explore the parallels between the strategies of soccer and the agility needed in business. It's not just talk; it's a celebration of the diverse paths that lead to a vibrant and dynamic practice. So, tune in and get ready to be inspired to think differently about therapy, entrepreneurship, and the spaces in between.


You can see Laura's work on her website here.

You can also get Freed.ai here. Use code Steve50 for $50 off your first month.

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Ever toss and turn at night, wondering what eludes you for that perfect slumber? Wake up, sleep enthusiasts, as Dr. Catherine Darley joins us to unravel the mysteries of restorative sleep and how it can dramatically reshape your life. Together, we journey through personal sleep struggles, discuss natural sleep medicine, and celebrate the triumph of greeting the day rejuvenated. Dr. Darley's dedication to sleep science isn't just about the shut-eye; it's about equipping busy professionals and families with the tools for balancing their bustling lives with the peace of a good night's rest.

A good laugh and a long sleep are often hailed as the best cures in the doctor's book, and this episode marries the two as we dissect the bond between sleep and mental health. We'll chat about the allure of quick-fix pills versus the empowering path of managing our health through habits. I'll even get personal, sharing my own therapy journey and how it has helped me forge a healthier relationship with sleep. Additionally, we consider how positive conversations can truly be a balm for the mind, reducing stress hormones and setting the stage for a tranquil retreat into dreamland.

As the stars twinkle outside, we'll share practical nocturnal nuggets, like why those blue light-blocking glasses might just be your new best friend. But it's not just gadgets and gizmos; we touch on the power of light in regulating our sleep-wake cycles and how the right boundaries can keep the boogeyman of stress at bay. For those brave first responders or anyone battling the midnight mind races, we've gathered a treasure trove of strategies for you.

You can do Catherine's course by clicking  SkilledSleeper Course: Transform Your Sleep and Energize Your Days

She also offers a free downloadable guide by clicking  Get your 7 Step Sleep Guide (skilledsleeper.com)

She also has a YouTube channel  Be A Skilled Sleeper - YouTube

You can also get her a Substract by clicking Be A Skilled Sleeper | Dr. Catherine Darley | Substack

And here is her Instagram:  Dr. Catherine Darley | Natural Sleep Expert (@skilledsleeper) • Instagram photos and videos

If the night gets too heavy, there's a lifeline at 988. So, tuck in as we offer a heartfelt 'goodnight' and a promise of more enlightening conversations in episodes to come.

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Embark on a journey with us as we peel back the layers of what it really takes to start a private therapy practice. From those crucial first steps in establishing your practice to the finer points of branding and self-care, we'll uncover the often-unspoken challenges and how to triumph over them.

Strap in for an episode that promises not just theoretical knowledge, but also practical mentorship. If you're flirting with the idea of hanging your own shingle, or if you simply crave a deeper understanding of the private practice landscape, this is your invitation to a comprehensive training that's both enlightening and actionable. This episode is a buffet of guidance and expertise you won't want to miss. Remember, your feedback fuels our journey, so keep those reviews coming and join us on this enlightening path.

To register for March 2nd 2024, or to receive the recording, please contact me at stevebissonlmhc@gmail.com to set it up. 

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Get ready to unlock the transformative power of drama therapy with our enlightening conversation featuring the insightful Krista Verrastro. As we traverse the realms of emotional healing and personal growth, Krista, a dedicated drama therapist, joins guest host, Courtney Romanowski, to share her expertise in helping individuals confront relational trauma and societal disconnection. This episode is a treasure trove of knowledge, spotlighting how drama therapy's innovative techniques, like storytelling and puppetry, offer a vibrant alternative to traditional talk therapy.

Embark on a captivating exploration of aesthetic distance and its synergy with the 'window of tolerance'—a cornerstone in trauma work. We delve into the delicate balance between thought and emotion, a crucial aspect for genuine emotional processing. Krista and I discuss the enchanting world of drama and dance therapy, where the body is integrated into sessions to deepen emotional expression. By debunking common misconceptions, we illuminate the universal accessibility of creative arts therapies, inviting you to discover their profound impact, regardless of your background in the arts.

As we wrap up our journey, we reflect on the harmonious relationship between creative arts therapies and the challenges of daily life. Role-plays that mirror personal struggles and strengths become tools for empowerment, allowing individuals to reinforce their inner resilience and foster a sense of gratitude. With insights into the importance of working with a registered creative arts therapist, we guide you through the possibilities that await in your own therapeutic adventure, encouraging trust in the process and the unique path every client walks towards healing and self-discovery.

You can follow her on Instagram here.

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Navigating the labyrinth of our minds can be daunting, but with the guidance of Jenny Helms Calvin, we make the journey both enlightening and accessible. Jenny, whose own battle with an eating disorder propelled her into a life of helping others, returns to share her profound insights into the world of therapy and personal development. We tackle the delicate art of setting boundaries, the value of cognitive behavioral therapy in maintaining emotional health, and the dance between professional and personal growth. With each story and piece of advice, we map out a path toward self-worth and healing from attachment trauma.

Laughter and learning go hand in hand as we dissect the complexities of human interaction and the necessity of context when interpreting the boundaries within different relationships. With humor as our compass, we navigate through the awkward, the uncomfortable, and the all-too-human moments that come with setting personal limits. I offer anecdotes from my own life, illuminating the often-overlooked flexibility required in maintaining healthy boundaries, whether with family, friends, or colleagues. Our conversation is a reminder that while the lines we draw may shift, the importance of respecting them remains constant.

As we close this chapter, we reflect on the transformative power of connection, the importance of active listening in nurturing relationships, and the hopeful message that growth is an ever-present possibility thanks to neuroplasticity. Through shared experiences and candid vulnerability, Jenny and I affirm that the road to recovery, though winding, is paved with continuous learning, self-awareness, and the courage to face our emotional baggage. This episode isn't just a discussion—it's an invitation to join us on a path to a more connected, conscious, and compassionate life.

Follow her TikTok here.
Follow Jenny on Instagram here.
Her coaching program is available here. 

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In this eye-opening episode, join me, as I sit down with the incredible Amita Sharma, co-founder of Nourishdoc, to shed light on the often-taboo topics of menopause and perimenopause. We dive deep into the physical and psychological toll these life phases can take on women, including the rarely discussed subjects of miscarriages and the journey through perimenopause. Amita shares her personal and professional evolution, from a career in architecture to her passion for holistic wellness, inspired by her own experiences with perimenopause. Discover the importance of balancing hormones naturally and the impact of lifestyle choices on both body and mind. We explore the power of holistic practices such as aromatherapy and yoga, and how comprehensive self-care and a supportive community can guide women through the challenges of menopausal changes.

Tune in to this thought-provoking episode as we demystify menopause and perimenopause, stripping away the taboo and embracing open conversation. We address the societal pressures around beauty and aging that contribute to the emotional distress many women face during this phase of life. Learn about the importance of understanding hormonal imbalances and the impact they have on both physical and mental health. We emphasize the need for education and empowerment, advocating for holistic lifestyle changes that encompass diet, exercise, and alternative therapies. Our discussion delves into the limitations of relying solely on medication and the power of nurturing the mind, body, and soul to achieve overall well-being during this transitional phase.

Join us for an insightful exploration of menopause toxins and cultural sensitivity in managing menopause symptoms. We uncover the ancient therapies that can detoxify the body and improve overall health, from skin to gut. Discover the role of herbs like turmeric and ashwagandha, but also the importance of seeking professional guidance before incorporating them into your regimen. We acknowledge the diverse experiences of women from different ethnic backgrounds, emphasizing the need for personalized care that respects cultural nuances and promotes a holistic path to wellness. This episode highlights the complexity of menopause and the importance of a shift in lifestyle and mindset for a high quality of life. Don't miss out on this empowering conversation that will enlighten and empower you on your own journey.

Please visit their website: https://www.nourishdoc.com/ 

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Picture a reunion decades in the happening; the Mental Men—Dennis Sweeney, Robert Cherney, Patrick Rice, and Andrew Kang—reconvene, swapping tales from the trenches of mental health practice. Their voices are rich with the wisdom of experience, from Pat's pivot toward the nexus of spirituality and grief counseling to our collective metamorphosis from clinical collaboration to sharing laughs on the golf course. It's not just a trip down memory lane; it's a celebration of personal evolution and the resilience of friendships forged in the fires of therapeutic work.

This episode isn't shy about confronting the raw edges of recovery and the potent influence of early attachments. We tackle how these profound connections can either impede or ignite personal growth, sharing stories that illustrate the enduring power of the therapist-client relationship—often surpassing the relevance of therapy methods themselves. Discover the philosophy of giving back that sustains recovery, and join us as we delve into the shared humanity of helping others heal, a process that's as much about grief as it is about growth.

Stepping into the future, we examine the mind-body dance and its fascinating implications for mental health treatments. The conversation sails from 'hearting' versus 'thinking' to the prospects of new brain-targeted therapies, and the critical influence of diet on our mental landscapes.

Don't forget to check out The Peer Network. A great tool to help everyone out!

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Struggling with the aftermath of trauma can feel like being lost in a maze with no clear way out. That's where Malka Shaw's poignant insights come into play. As a clinical social worker and founder of Kesher Shalom Projects, Malka joins us to share her invaluable experiences from the trenches of 9/11 to the heart-wrenching events in Israel last October. Our conversation meanders through the transformative world of therapy, discussing EMDR's profound impact on those haunted by traumatic memories and highlighting the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

In a climate where mental scars are often overlooked, we shine a spotlight on the necessity for therapists to receive specialized training in trauma therapy, an area where Malka's expertise is unparalleled. Her stories paint a vivid picture of the complexities within the Jewish community, illustrating the urgent need for validation and understanding amidst the rising tides of anti-Semitism. We also delve into the significance of peer support, which Malka emphasizes as a cornerstone of healing, and explore how cultural and historical contexts, like Zionism, influence our interpretation and response to trauma.

Ending on a note of hope and solidarity, our episode spotlights the Kesher Shalom project, a beacon of support that transcends religious and cultural barriers within the Jewish community. Malka's passion for fostering empathy and cultural understanding in therapy is a thread that runs through our discussion, reminding us of the power that lies within our interconnectedness. As we bid farewell to Malka, she leaves us with a call to action—to educate ourselves, to engage with sensitivity, and to never underestimate the value of mental health in shaping a more compassionate world.

Please visit http://www.keshershalom.com/ 
For more information. Kesher Shalom seeks to foster healing, resilience, and understanding within the diverse Jewish communities and beyond.

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When the weight of the badge becomes a burden too heavy to bear alone, it's the invisible wounds that need tending. Dr. Hayden Duggan steps into our podcast realm, offering a lifeline of understanding to first responders grappling with the echoes of trauma. We unravel the complex tapestry of mental health challenges these heroes face, debunking the stigma and fears that often shroud their path to therapy. 

Embarking on a journey through the psychological landscape of public safety personnel, our conversation with Dr. Duggan reveals the critical necessity for specialized mental health support. We tackle the barriers that stand in the way — from insurance battles to finding authentic, rigorously trained clinicians. It's a candid exploration of the hurdles and heartaches, but also a testament to the resilience and unspoken camaraderie that bind these protectors of our peace.

As our dialogue traverses the spectrum of first responder experiences, from the adrenaline rush of danger to the profound grief of loss, we underscore the lifesaving role of mental health counseling. We spotlight the power of peer support networks and therapeutic alliances, and the transformative potential of specialist treatments. This episode is a salute to the courage of those who run towards chaos, and a reminder that seeking help is the bravest step towards healing.

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Navigating the intense world of first responders, Dr. Hayden Duggan and I uncover the layers of mental health struggles beneath the badges of our everyday heroes. With Dr. Duggan's vast experience, from being on the front lines as a firefighter and EMT to his current role guiding police and EMS personnel through psychological challenges, we delve into stories that reveal the true impact of stress and trauma. Join us as we venture into a discussion that's as heartfelt as it is enlightening, punctuated with the kind of humor that only those who've walked through fire – quite literally – can share.

This episode takes you through the winding roads of our memories, where familiar turns are sometimes missed in the haze of a crisis. We touch on the transformative power of life-altering events and how our personal narratives have been shaped by them. From my own shift in career  to Dr. Duggan's intriguing Rorschach test revelation, our conversation bridges the gap between vulnerability and the quest for understanding the human mind in the aftermath of trauma.

Wrapping up with a call to action, we spotlight the indispensable support systems that safeguard the mental well-being of those who stand on the front lines. The importance of critical incident stress management and the push for better transitional care for emergency personnel take center stage as we acknowledge the gaps in current support structures. Tune in to absorb the wisdom of Dr. Duggan and to fortify your appreciation for the silent battles fought by our first responders. 

And if the stories strike close to home, remember that help is just a phone call away at 988.

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