Therapy, Without the Couch

In this episode, I have a conversation with attorney Mark Astor, a nationally recognized behavioral health law attorney with over 30 years of courtroom experience, specializing in criminal law, trial strategy, and behavioral health issues. He frequently appears as a legal analyst on various news outlets, providing insights on criminal justice, behavioral health law, and public safety matters. He is the co-founder of Astor Simovitch Law and The Mental Health & Addiction Law Firm, focusing on legal issues related to severe mental illness, substance use disorders, and involuntary commitment.We discuss laws around mental health treatment and privacy, cases...

I interview guest Pavini Moray, a somatic coach and Relational Life Therapy (RLT) practitioner with a PhD in Somatic Psychology. We discuss relationships, communication skills, gender differences, how to access emotions (verbally and physically), coping mechanisms, the value of rituals in our spiritual and emotional life, and the practice of RLT, in which traumatic issues are processed in therapy with the relationship partner also in the room. PaviniMoray.com

Let's discuss the benefit and the place for boundaries, by defining the circles of trust among circles of friends. We will elaborate on the levels of comfort with people in our social circles, clarifying how and when to open up, and what determines access to your inner circle!

Here I break down: what affects attraction in relationships, why we're attracted to certain people, how to balance your wants and needs in a partnership, what issues of yours may be affecting your success, where to look for future mates, and what are your goals for dating around? Lots and lots of thoughts, tips and information.

I sit down with Toni Will, sports executive, author, speaker, and leadership coach. She currently serves as the General Manager and Governor of the Kalamazoo Wings, making her one of a small number of women leading a men’s professional hockey franchise. Toni is the founder of a growing coaching and speaking practice. She hosts the Women In… podcast, is the author of Rebellious Success, a forthcoming book that redefines achievement through self-trust, alignment, and sustainable ambition, and is a TEDx speaker. Toni and I discuss the juggling act of being a woman in a man's world, a working mom...

Are you afraid you're a bad mom? Every mom asks this question at some point. Let's explore the common fears and worries, to normalize this experience. You are not alone! You are probably not a bad mom. It is likely due to companies selling products, influencers seeking followers, and shifts in the mom landscape that have you doubting yourself.

I explore the notion of the shadow self, made famous by Jung but known across many cultures. We talk about balancing dark and light, and accepting that all humans have urges and desires that may not be socially front and center, but should be acknowledged and felt. Repressing or denying those aspects of oneself almost always lead to worse outcomes.

Here I discuss the WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, HOW, AND WHY of healthy lifestyle change. Backed by research and witnessed in my clinical practice, I provide guidance to understand why you have struggled with quitting smoking or getting to the gym - and the tips to make better choices for your health in the future. #healthyliving #healthbehaviorchange #stagesof change #quitsmoking

I sit down with OB/GYN Dr Ingrid Paredes to discuss so many factors affecting my women patients - fertility, hormones, mood, PCOS, PPD, perimenopause and more! We discuss how mental health interacts with so many of the gynecologic aspects of womanhood. Are antidepressants okay during pregnancy? When should you seek postpartum help? Listen in. Follow her for more info @dr_ingrid_paredes at femcare OB/GYN in Miami.

Psychiatrist Dr Pati Guiribitey joins me to discuss trends in psychiatry and mental health - ADHD, Xanax, Antidepressants - the need for collaboration and therapy alongside medications - dispelling myths and false assumptions about psychiatric care.Find more info on IG @dynamic.psychiatry and @patiguiribitey

I sit down with 3 colleagues to discuss a fictional case from differing perspectives. Myself and Gabriela Reyes both work from an eclectic/integrative theory but with different approaches and types of experiences. Tiffany Perez is bringing existential theory into her views from a trauma perspective. Bianca Gabay is newer to the team but with a rich life experience, working from a relational model of therapy. It's a speed dating event, but with therapists. Learn how therapy is for everyone! But, you need to find your match.

I discuss the books "Attached" and "The 5 Love Languages," in the context of finding healthy adult romantic relationships. I will show you that you are not doomed, but must use these labels and this information to inform your choice of partner. I will teach you different ways to communicate to take into account your attachment style and your partner's, including the male/female gender differences in heterosexual relationships.

People use that phrase, "trust your gut." But first we need to learn your gut, and know if it's giving you any good guidance...Then we need to make that information actionable. This episode gives you some tips.

When labeling yourself and your identity, do you need a villain to push against, so you can be the hero? Are you defining yourself by the opposing view? Does this help or hurt us?

I discuss the changing face of American healthcare with new political leaders in DC and a larger voice on social media of people wanting something different. However, we must face the tradeoffs - there are no free lunches, there is no gain without loss. The yearned for days of yore had perhaps less processed foods, but also a less mobile lifestyle and less opportunity for women in the workplace. People want to live longer but may not want to sacrifice the daily comforts that are the price of a longer lifespan. I attempt to shine a light on the...

I try to be a good man and father. Maybe I don't always succeed. But what and who shaped me? What mentors, models and guides did I have? Perhaps this self-disclosure episode will offer insight into how I got here, and how you might seek to shape the little man you are raising? #becomingaman #parentingtips

Both PPD and midlife crises can be seen as depressive episodes requiring medication and therapy. Here we explore alternate ways of understanding and managing these significant lows anyone may face in their lives - are there beliefs and behaviors that should be considered along with the biologic factors after giving birth for women, or with age-related factors for men? In both cases, more accepting of reality of one's circumstances can be key!

Health Anxiety, Health-related OCD, Hypochondriasis - many names, pretty much the same struggle. Here we discuss fear of illness and death, why it hits some more than others, and how to manage the struggle for yourself and your loved ones.

A former patient and current clinician joins me to discuss her journey through trauma and the therapy that helped her. We talk about facing shame, owning your narrative and embracing your sexuality. We also discuss how trauma impacts intimate partnered relationships.*Trigger warnings: Rape, sexual assault and suicide are discussed.

Here I discuss the danger of rating our "goodness" or status only on visible, quantifiable metrics. What about being a good person, or happiness, or feeling energetic, or connecting with your family? While less visible, comparable, or tangible - aren't these areas just as important? Even more so...than say, wealth or number or kids or cars? This gets more personal than usual as I share some of my own struggles and insecurities - hey y'all, we all have our issues!