Perinatal mental health is one of the most important clinical issues therapists encounter and one of the most frequently overlooked. When a client is pregnant or newly postpartum, distress is often minimized as “just part of the transition,” even when something more serious is happening beneath the surface. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re asking the right questions, or worried you might be missing something with a pregnant or postpartum client, this episode is for you. In this episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists, I’m joined by my colleague Catherine Fredrickson, LMFT, a perinatal mental health–certified therapist at Growing Self. Catherine brings both clinical expertise and lived experience to a grounded, practical conversation about how perinatal mental health concerns actually show up in the therapy room. We talk about how to assess for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, how to differentiate between expected hormonal shifts and clinically significant symptoms, and the subtle language cues that can signal deeper distress, including disconnection, self-blame, and feelings of unworthiness as a parent. This conversation is a reminder that perinatal mental health is not a niche specialty but a core clinical competency for therapists working with adults, couples, and families. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why perinatal mental health is often missed in therapy 06:09 How therapists can get trained in perinatal mental health (PSI and more) 09:12 The “it’s just pregnancy” myth and perinatal mental health statistics 12:21 Perinatal mental health assessment: what therapists should ask and screen for 16:30 Hormonal shifts vs. perinatal mental health disorders 24:55 Supporting perinatal mental health through planning and social support 27:23 Perinatal mental health and couples after baby 34:35 Perinatal mental health in military families and solo parenting If you’ve been feeling isolated in your work, or quietly wondering how long you can keep doing this on your own, I want you to know you’re not alone. One of the primary ways I support therapists beyond this podcast is through The Growth Collective for Therapists, a professional home I created for clinicians who want real consultation, meaningful connection, and support building a practice that feels sustainable and life-giving, not depleting. The Growth Collective brings together licensed therapists who are ready to receive the same level of care they give every day through monthly consultation, clinical supervision, CEU trainings, and practical guidance for building a stable, fulfilling private practice. If you’ve been missing community, feeling isolated in your work, or edging toward burnout, this space was built with you in mind. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self

If you’re a therapist who uses acceptance commitment therapy with clients but quietly struggles to apply those same principles to your own life or practice, this conversation is for you. Acceptance commitment therapy offers powerful tools for values-based living, psychological flexibility, and sustainable change, yet many therapists find it surprisingly hard to turn that wisdom inward. In this episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists, I’m joined by clinical psychologist Dr. Diana Hill, a world-recognized expert in acceptance commitment therapy, to talk about why therapists so often mismanage their energy, undervalue their own genius, and stay stuck in versions of their work that no longer fit. We explore how ACT principles can help therapists evolve without burning out, abandoning the profession, or losing what makes this work meaningful. Diana shares how stories about who we’re “supposed” to be as therapists can quietly limit growth, why flexibility with identity matters just as much as flexibility with thoughts, and how the future of therapy will increasingly reward depth, attunement, and humanity over rigid protocols. We also talk candidly about career evolution, second chapters, and what it looks like to build a practice that supports your life rather than consumes it. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why therapists struggle to follow their own advice and how acceptance commitment therapy helps 03:24 The “leftovers” problem: energy depletion, burnout, and clients sensing it 05:15 Getting flexible with the stories that keep you stuck in one version of your career 07:30 Therapist genius, identity, and why this matters in a changing field 11:48 What can’t be replaced: attunement, challenge, and real change moments 22:47 Wings clipped vs. wings weighed down: overcommitting and the “buffet” trap 28:03 Process-based therapy and moving beyond manuals 35:09 The two common therapist traps: “shoulds” and undervaluing your work 39:09 Why therapists leave the profession and what actually supports sustainability If you’re feeling pulled toward a second chapter in your work as a therapist, or simply craving more support, clarity, and room to breathe, I want you to know you don’t have to figure this out alone. One of the primary ways I support therapists who want to stay engaged, energized, and genuinely fulfilled in this profession is through The Growth Collective for Therapists. It’s a professional home I created for therapists who want real consultation, thoughtful mentorship, and community with people who truly understand the weight and responsibility of this work. It offers the support of a high-quality group practice without giving up your independence, values, or financial autonomy, so you can build a career that feels sustainable and alive over the long haul. And if you’d like to stay connected, come find me on LinkedIn. I truly enjoy hearing what this work brings up for you and where you’re feeling ready to grow next. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self

If you’ve ever noticed this work starting to feel heavier, flatter, or more draining than it used to, this is for you. “Why therapists need to grow too” is a question many clinicians never stop to ask, even though the answer is often at the heart of burnout, boredom, and long-term career dissatisfaction. When growth slows, even deeply meaningful work can begin to feel exhausting. This week on Love, Happiness, and Success For Therapists, I’m revisiting an essential conversation about why intentional personal and professional growth is critical for a sustainable, satisfying career as a therapist. Over the years, I’ve seen how easy it is for growth to quietly stall once you’re licensed and established, even for deeply committed clinicians. Self-care matters, but it isn’t enough on its own. What truly restores energy and engagement over time is learning, stretching, being challenged, and continuing to develop both clinically and personally. I share what I’ve seen over decades of practice about how stagnation shows up for therapists, how it affects our clients, and why checking the continuing education box is not the same as pursuing growth that is genuinely life-giving. We explore mentorship, consultation, self-of-the-therapist work, and new learning as powerful ways to reconnect with curiosity, confidence, and purpose in your work. We also talk about how growth looks different for different therapists. For some, that means new clinical modalities or specialization. For others, it may involve coaching psychology, research, leadership, or deeper self-reflection with trusted mentors. There is no single right path, but there is a shared responsibility to keep evolving alongside the clients who place their trust in us. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why Therapists Need to Grow Too 02:23 Growth, Energy, and Long-Term Career Satisfaction 04:49 What Happens When Therapists Stop Learning 07:07 Why Therapist Growth Matters for Clients 09:27 Mentorship, Feedback, and Finding New Professional Energy 16:37 Self-of-the-Therapist Work and Sustainable Practice 19:01 Growth as a Powerful Protection Against Burnout As you’re thinking about your own growth as a therapist, I want you to know this work was never meant to be done alone. One of the most meaningful ways I support clinicians who want to stay engaged, energized, and genuinely fulfilled over the long haul is through The Growth Collective for Therapists. It’s a professional home I created for therapists who want real consultation, thoughtful mentorship, and a community that understands the weight and responsibility of this work. If you’re ready to invest in your own growth with the same care you bring to your clients, I’d love to share this space with you. And if you’d like to stay connected, come find me on LinkedIn! I truly enjoy hearing what this work brings up for you and where you’re feeling ready to grow next. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self

Clinical hypnosis may be the closest thing we have to an “easy button” for helping clients follow through on the changes they want to make. This time of year, therapists and coaches see a surge of motivated clients. They're setting big goals for the new year, dreaming about who they want to become, and walking into sessions full of intention. But what happens next is all too familiar: action stalls, patterns repeat, and clients feel stuck between what they want to do and what they actually do. In this episode, I'm sitting down with Dr. David Spiegel, Stanford professor, past president of the American College of Psychiatrists, and author of over 400 peer-reviewed studies on clinical hypnosis. We’re exploring a powerful, research-backed tool that bridges the gap between intention and action and helps clients create real change. We talk about the science of clinical hypnosis and how it can shift thought patterns, physiological responses, and entrenched behaviors, why it works when insight alone doesn’t, and how technology is making it accessible to everyone. Dr. Spiegel also guides me (and you) through a live mini-session so you can feel what this approach is like yourself. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why Therapists Should Be Using Clinical Hypnosis 03:12 What Clinical Hypnosis Is and How It Works 07:26 How Hypnosis Changes Thoughts, Feelings, and Behavior 11:16 Hypnotizability: Who Benefits Most From Hypnosis 16:47 Why Hypnosis Fails and What Makes It Effective 23:58 Hypnosis vs Meditation for Behavior Change 27:47 Rapid Results With Self-Hypnosis Techniques 31:53 Inside the Reveri App and Scalable Clinical Hypnosis 34:19 The Neuroscience Behind Hypnosis and Mind-Body Change 39:09 Evidence for Hypnosis in Anxiety, Pain, and Medical Care 49:01 Guided Self-Hypnosis Session for Reducing Phone Use 57:50 Dr. Lisa’s Results Using Reveri for Better Sleep 59:55 Free CEU Training on Clinical Hypnosis for Therapists Dr. Spiegel’s work reframes hypnosis from a fringe intervention to an accessible, evidence-based technique that can help clients reduce anxiety, sleep better, and finally take the action they’re ready for. And the best news? Dr. David Spiegel is joining us for a free, 1-hour CEU-accredited training on clinical hypnosis on December 11th at 11am MT, exclusively for therapists. Dr. Spiegel has been teaching this to medical students and psychiatrists at Stanford for 40 years, he’s presented on this topic at the World Economic Forum in Davos, and he’s now making his time available for YOU. You’ll walk away with: A solid understanding of how clinical hypnosis supports neuroplasticity and mind-body connection The clinically proven uses of hypnosis for stress relief, pain management, addiction, sleep challenges, performance anxiety, and habit change Why clinical hypnosis works when other approaches don’t How technology is making hypnosis more accessible than ever 🔗 Register for the free clinical hypnosis CEU: https://courses.growingself.com/ceu-trainings-for-therapists Whether your clients want to reduce stress, change habits, or step into a new version of themselves in the new year, this is a training you won’t want to miss. Let’s learn from the best. I’ll see you there! xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self

If you’re a therapist who’s quietly thinking, “I cannot do 30 more years of back-to-back sessions… but I don’t know what else is possible,” you are so not alone. Also, you have tons of transferable skills and deep knowledge that could be deployed to help not just individuals, but organizations flourish and thrive. Most therapists are never exposed to organizational consulting or executive coaching. However, this can be a really exciting and lucrative career path for professional therapists. In fact, becoming an organizational consultant or executive coach is one path that opens far more doors than most clinicians realize. If this idea just lit something up inside of you, I am so glad that you are here for today's episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists. I’m talking with psychologist and trusted leadership advisor Dr. Shannon Sheehan Jennings (Dr. J), a PsyD in Business Psychology who supports mid-market CEOs with the “sticky human stuff” behind growth and change: hard conversations, power dynamics, trust ruptures, and decisions that actually stick. Dr. Shannon walks us through her own pivot from therapist to organizational consultant, what executive coaching really looks like in the wild (small businesses vs. big corporate settings), and the specific business concepts you’ll want to learn so you can take your existing clinical skills into boardrooms, leadership teams, and workplace systems with confidence and integrity as an organizational consultant or executive coach. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why Work Systems “Suck” (and Why Therapists Are Needed in Organizations) 01:48 Dr. Shannon’s Journey from Therapist to Organizational Consultant 08:20 How Therapists Help Leaders, Teams, and Workplace Systems 16:20 First Steps for Therapists Becoming Organizational Consultants and Executive Coaches 20:10 What Executive Coaching Really Involves in Small Business vs Corporate Settings 30:36 Coaching vs Therapy, Ethics, and Staying Within Your Scope 46:20 Community, Networking, and Next-Step Resources for Therapists Pivoting Careers We also talk honestly about coaching vs. therapy, scope of practice, and how to protect both yourself and the public in a largely unregulated coaching and organizational consulting landscape, while still giving yourself permission to grow past the therapy room and into the kind of work that lights you up. If you’re craving more support as you sort out your next professional chapter, including a possible move into work as an organizational consultant or executive coach, I’d love to invite you to The Growth Collective for Therapists - a space I created so you don’t have to do this work in isolation anymore. It’s a genuine professional home for therapists who want real consultation, real community, and guidance for building a career that feels sustainable and alive. And if you’d like to stay connected, come find me on LinkedIn! I truly enjoy hearing your thoughts, questions, and ideas about how we as therapists can step into leadership, coaching, and organizational life in a bigger way. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self

Holidays can bring up a lot - gratitude, tenderness, loneliness, longing. It’s a season that puts belonging under a spotlight. That’s why this felt like the right time to bring back this conversation about A Home Within and the impact of being one steady, caring adult in the life of a young person who hasn’t had that before. Many young people in foster care grow up without one consistent adult who stays. In this conversation, Candice Simonds, Chief Program Officer at A Home Within, shares how their model changes that by pairing youth with therapists who can remain a steady presence without insurance limits or agency cutoffs. We talk about how A Home Within began, what repeated loss does to young people, and why one long-term, caring relationship can shift a life. Candice also shares how the organization supports therapists through consultation groups, CEUs, and community so no one is holding this work alone. Their long-term research is hopeful: less anxiety and depression, more stability, more possibility. We also name the hard reality that without support, many former foster youth end up unhoused or involved in the justice system. Through it all, Candice points out the resilience she sees in her clients and why this work continues to matter so deeply. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 A Home Within and Its Mission 02:32 How A Home Within Began and Why the Mission Matters 09:37 Dr. Lisa’s Experience Supporting a Young Adult Aging Out of Foster Care 13:51 How A Home Within Supports Therapists Through Community and Consultation 21:03 Long-Term Outcomes for Foster Youth With Consistent Therapy 38:42 How Therapists Can Get Involved With A Home Within Conversations like this always remind me how much heart therapists bring to their work and how much we hold behind the scenes. Being that steady person for someone else is sacred work, but it can also feel incredibly lonely when you don’t have your own circle of support. That’s why I created The Growth Collective for Therapists. It’s a place where you don’t have to be the strong one all the time. A place to think through hard cases with people who truly get it, to feel grounded again, and to have colleagues who care about you as a whole person, not just as a clinician. If you’ve been craving that kind of connection and steadiness in your own professional life, I’d love to welcome you in.  And if you want to stay connected in a simpler way, come find me on LinkedIn! I love hearing from fellow therapists who believe in relational, heart-forward work. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self

How can psychedelic-assisted therapy create deep, lasting transformation where conventional treatments only manage symptoms? Psychiatrist and integrative medicine pioneer Dr. Scott Shannon joins me to talk about how this emerging field is reshaping what’s possible for healing, not just for our clients, but for the future of mental health care itself. Dr. Shannon shares his decades of work exploring MDMA, psilocybin, and other psychedelic medicines as catalysts for safety, openness, and profound personal growth. We talk about how these experiences can unlock trauma healing, relational breakthroughs, and spiritual integration in ways that expand beyond traditional talk therapy. We also get into the ethics, boundaries, the training this work requires, and what it means for therapists who feel called to be part of this next frontier in care. Dr. Shannon is a psychiatrist, author, and founder of Wholeness Center, the largest integrative mental health clinic in the U.S., and a leader in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy research and education. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 From SSRIs to MDMA Therapy: A Different Model of Care 07:36 MDMA for Couples: Safety, Openness, Breakthroughs 12:25 PTSD Protocol: Prep, Medicine Sessions, Integration, Childhood Trauma 13:33 Psychedelic Treatment Framework: Container, Catalyst, Carrier 20:07 Paths and Policy: Legalization, Medicalization, FDA Outlook 24:55 Ethics and Safety in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy 39:53 Mystical Experience and Long-Term Outcomes 46:24 Training and Career Paths: How to Become a Psychedelic-Assisted Therapist Conversations like this remind me how much our field is growing and how important it is that we grow right along with it, in integrity and community. If you’ve been craving that kind of connection and support in your own work, come join me in The Growth Collective for Therapists! It’s a space where therapists can show up as real people to talk honestly about the work, get meaningful consultation, and be part of a community that understands what it takes to do this job well and stay well. And if you want to keep this conversation going, find me on LinkedIn. I’d love to hear what stood out to you from this episode and what’s inspiring your own path forward right now. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self

Therapists hold the power to transform not only individual lives but the systems that shape mental health care itself. In this episode, I’m joined by Gino Titus-Luciano, a licensed mental health counselor, nationally certified counselor, and the CEO of Kokua Mental Health & Wellness Group. As president of the Hawaii Counselors Association, Gino has spent years advocating for systemic change in mental health, and he brings so much insight into what that actually looks like - from expanding telehealth access to supporting the next generation of therapists. We talk about how systemic issues in mental health (like underfunded internships, rigid policies, and burnout) affect both clients and clinicians, and how meaningful advocacy starts with us. Gino shares examples of how small policy shifts can open big doors for access and equity, and how we can all engage in systemic advocacy in our own ways: through community, policy, education, and mentorship. We also explore how supervision, consultation, and community keep us grounded and ethical in this work. And if you’ve been feeling the weight of isolation in private practice, I think this one will really speak to you. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why a Systemic Lens in Therapy Matters 03:03 When Systems Fail Clients: Beyond Symptom Management 07:09 Policy Win: Expanding Telehealth Access in Hawaii 11:21 Internship & Workforce Reform: Funding, Training, Shortage 15:15 Burnout and Exploitation: Fixing Systemic Issues in Mental Health 21:49 How Therapists Engage in Systemic Advocacy (Orgs, Policy, Culture) 36:18 Supervision That Prevents Burnout: Separate Self vs. Clinician 48:03 Get Involved: Hawaii Counseling Association Trainings & Advocacy 53:00 Join the Growth Collective for Therapists I’d love to invite you to join The Growth Collective For Therapists - a space I created so you don’t have to do this work in isolation anymore. You’ll find a genuine professional home where therapists can show up as real people, not just clinicians. It’s a place for deep consultation, honest connection, and meaningful continuing education that supports your growth in every sense - personally, professionally, and emotionally. If you’ve ever wished for a trusted circle of colleagues to lean on, to talk through hard cases, to celebrate wins, or to simply remind you that you’re not alone in this work, this is that space. The Growth Collective was designed to care for you the way you care for others - with warmth, integrity, and community. And if you’d like to stay connected, come find me on LinkedIn. I love hearing your thoughts, reflections, and ideas about how we can all be part of systemic change in our field. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self

Your client’s mood might be shaped as much by their gut and their screen as by their thoughts. We talk so much about emotions, attachment, and insight in therapy - but what if physiology and media are quietly steering the wheel? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Tatyana El-Kour, a psychologist and registered dietitian who studies how media and technology shape our everyday choices. Together, we’re unpacking how the gut-brain axis and digital exposure affect mental health, and why understanding these forces matters for our work as therapists. Dr. Tatyana shares her “Three Ps” framework (plate, physiology, and platform), a simple, science-backed way to think about how nutrition, stress, and media interact to influence mood and behavior. We explore how inflammation, poor sleep, and doomscrolling can drive anxiety and irritability, and how even small “circuit breakers” like more fiber, deep breathing, or curating your digital feed can help restore balance. This is an invitation to expand your clinical lens - to look beyond the purely psychological and consider the full system your clients live in: body, brain, and the world around them. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why Therapists Must Look Beyond Psychology 01:40 The Gut–Brain Axis Explained for Therapists 05:40 The “Three Ps” Framework: Plate, Physiology, and Platform 08:20 How Therapists Can Expand Client Assessments 16:20 Simple Circuit Breakers for the Gut–Brain Loop 21:10 Digital Diets and Algorithmic Hygiene 27:10 The Future of Gut–Brain Research in Mental Health I’d love to keep learning together. You can explore our free CEU trainings library to watch on-demand trainings and sign up for upcoming live webinars. These are my way of supporting you in deepening your work, while also earning CEUs that actually feel meaningful. And if you’d like to stay connected and get updates when new free CEU trainings for therapists are released, come join my For Therapists newsletter. I’ll share resources, reflections, and real conversations about what it means to grow in this field, personally and professionally. Connect with me on LinkedIn - it’s one of my favorite spaces to connect with colleagues, share reflections, and hear what’s inspiring you lately. And if something from this episode is staying with you, I’d love to hear about it. Let’s talk - tell me what came up for you, what questions you’re sitting with, or what you’d love for me to explore in a future episode.  This podcast is for us, and your voice always matters here. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self

This episode originally aired on May 21, 2025 (Episode 67), and I’m bringing it back because it changes the way we treat our clients’ mental health diagnoses. Metabolic psychiatry invites us to look beyond the mind - to the brain, the body, and the biological energy systems that make healing possible. I’m joined by Nicole Laurent, a licensed mental health counselor, founder of the Brain Fog Recovery Program, and a leading voice in metabolic psychiatry, to explore how chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and mitochondrial dysfunction may be driving the mental health symptoms we’ve been trying to treat with insight and coping skills alone. Nicole breaks down what a medical ketogenic diet can do that medications can’t, and why more clients with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and even schizophrenia are experiencing full psychiatric recovery when metabolic interventions are part of a coordinated treatment plan. We also talk about her personal recovery journey, what therapists need to know before discussing ketogenic interventions, and how to practice ethically and within scope when clients bring this into the therapy room. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 What Full Psychiatric Recovery Really Looks Like 02:55 Understanding Metabolic Psychiatry: A Clinical Overview 11:20 How Metabolic Dysfunction Drives Mental Health Symptoms 15:43 What Ketogenic Diets Do That Medications Can’t 22:42 Nicole’s Personal Story of Cognitive Recovery 27:07 Real-Life Transformations: From Surviving to Thriving 31:10 Scope of Practice, Ethics, and Building Treatment Teams 43:12 GLP-1 Medications vs. Ketogenic Intervention 46:41 What Makes a Medical Ketogenic Diet Different 50:50 How Nicole’s Nonprofit Expands Access to Care If this topic made you rethink how you understand “treatment resistance,” you’ll want to stay in touch because Nicole is joining me for a free CEU webinar on Metabolic Psychiatry this November. We’ll dig deeper into the science, the ethics, and how to start thinking metabolically in your own clinical practice. It’s one of the most important conversations we can be having right now, and I’d love for you to be part of it! If we’re not already connected on LinkedIn, let’s fix that! I share new opportunities, therapist reflections, and honest behind-the-scenes thoughts on the work we do. I’d also love to stay in touch and hear how these ideas are landing for you. What did it bring up for you? Are you starting to see your clients, or even yourself, through a new lens? Share your reflections with me - let’s talk! xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self

Are you a therapist struggling to figure out how to run a business? Valid! Most of us became therapists to help people, not to run a business. But, ironically, close to 50% of therapists are doing exactly that. If you’re in private practice without an entrepreneurial mindset, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, overworked, and wonder if this was a terrible idea. Help is here: We’re getting advice from a business legend, and you’re going to love her perspective. In this episode, I’m talking with Melissa Bernstein, the creative force behind Melissa & Doug and now founder of the wellness brand Lifelines, about what it really takes to build a private practice that’s not just sustainable, but joyful and aligned with who you are. We talk about offloading the parts of your business that drain you (yes, even if you’re just starting out), how to build a team as a solo practitioner, and the mindset shift that helps therapists stop trying to be everything to everyone. Melissa also shares her own mental health journey and how it led her to create sensory-based tools that help regulate the nervous system and how therapists are using them to support their clients and expand their practices. This conversation is full of heart, hope, and wisdom for any therapist who’s ready to rethink how they work. If you’ve been feeling stuck or secretly burned out, I hope this episode cracks open a new path for you! Episode Breakdown: 00:00 The Hidden Challenges of Private Practice 05:18 Melissa Bernstein’s Journey to Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship 08:33 Why Therapists Burn Out in Private Practice 10:30 Building a Support Team (Even If You're Solo) 17:20 Regulating the Nervous System with Sensory Tools 29:05 Helping Clients Carry Therapy Into Daily Life 38:22 Creative Revenue Streams for Private Practice 44:00 Tapping Into Your Entrepreneurial Mindset as a Therapist If this episode left you thinking, “I needed to hear that,” come connect with me on LinkedIn where I share behind-the-scenes reflections, resources, and conversations with other therapists who are reimagining what’s possible in this field. Lastly, I’d genuinely love to know what’s on your mind after this one. What part of Melissa’s story resonated with you? What are you dreaming about building next? Let’s talk! Your thoughts and questions shape where we go next, and this space was made for us. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self

Relationships are breaking under the weight of political differences, and more clients are bringing these divides into the therapy room. So what do we do when values-based conflict becomes the problem in the relationship - and the therapist is part of the system too? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Bill Doherty: Professor Emeritus at the University of Minnesota, creator of the discernment counseling model, and co-founder of Braver Angels - a national initiative that brings liberals and conservatives together to bridge America’s political divide. Together, we unpack what it takes to stay steady and clinically effective when you’re working with couples, individuals, or families caught in ideological conflict. From understanding the macro-forces of affective polarization to the subtle ways therapists may reinforce it in the room, Dr. Doherty offers an honest, deeply human, and skillful path forward. We talk about the self-of-therapist work required to manage our own reactivity, the ethical tension between neutrality and our personal values, and how to avoid misattunement that can subtly harm the very relationships we’re trying to help. You’ll also hear real consultation examples and learn about the free resources Braver Angels offers to therapists ready to deepen their competencies in this area. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 When Political Conflict Enters the Therapy Room 02:10 Understanding Affective Polarization and Its Impact on Relationships 05:26 The Three Therapist Challenges in Politically Charged Cases 10:54 Hidden Bias in Consultation Groups and Clinical Culture 12:57 How Braver Angels Helps Heal Political Division 18:59 Internalized Polarization: What It Is and Why It Matters 21:19 A Real-World Case: Reframing Ideological Conflict with Curiosity 45:31 Setting Boundaries Without Demonizing Clients or Loved Ones 48:53 Courageous Citizenship and the Therapist’s Role in Divided Times 59:19 Free Tools to Support Clients Caught in Political Conflict If you’re still turning this over in your mind (like I have been), you’ll want to keep the conversation going. When you sign up for my For Therapists newsletter, I’ll send you more interviews with thought leaders like Dr. Doherty, along with fresh insights, real tools, and honest reflections to help you grow - both as a clinician and as a person. Come say hi on LinkedIn! I share behind-the-scenes updates, new episodes, and the kind of therapist-to-therapist support I wish more of us had. If something from this conversation is still sitting with you or showing up in your work, I’d truly love to hear about it. Let’s stay in this together. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self

I’ll be honest with you. I’ve had moments in my own career where I sat with that quiet, terrifying thought: I don’t know if I want to be a therapist anymore. If you’ve ever felt that, you know how disorienting it is. You’ve invested so much of yourself into this path, and suddenly the work that once gave you meaning begins to feel heavy, lonely, or even incompatible with who you are becoming. That’s why I’m so grateful to have Dr. Jen Blanchette back with me for this conversation. She’s the host of The Therapist Burnout Podcast, left private practice in 2023, and now helps therapists who want to close their practices and figure out their next steps. Considering leaving your therapy practice is bigger than burnout. It touches your integrity, your grief, and the permission you give yourself to change. Jen shares her own story of reaching this truth in the aftermath of the pandemic, why the private practice dream can quietly become a trap, and the deeply emotional process of exiting the profession - not just logistically, but at the level of identity. I’ve lived through every stage Dr. Jen talks about in this episode, and I know how isolating it feels. My hope is that this conversation helps you feel less alone and reminds you that walking away is not a failure. Sometimes it’s the bravest and healthiest choice you can make for yourself and for your clients. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 “I Don’t Know If I Want to Be a Therapist Anymore” 01:20 The Existential Crisis of Leaving the Therapy Profession 05:30 Shame, Expectations, and the Myth of Private Practice Success 09:41 Clinical Stagnation and Ethical Questions in Long-Term Work 11:37 Isolation, Burnout, and the Hidden Admin Load 15:48 When Caregiving at Work and Home Drains Everything 23:20 Bridge Jobs, Finances, and Finding a Way Forward 31:02 Grieving Your Therapist Identity and Saying Goodbye to Clients 37:02 How to Ethically Exit: When Private Practice No Longer Fits And because I know how hard this crossroads can be, I want to give you something that might help. Jen and I are hosting a free CEU training! We’ll walk you through how to know if it’s time to leave, the steps to close a practice responsibly, and ways to begin imagining what could come next. Don’t miss out: 🎓 How to Ethically Exit: When Private Practice No Longer Fits 🗓️ October 17 | 11am MT / 1pm ET  👉 Reserve your spot now! If we’re not connected yet on LinkedIn, come say hi! That’s where I share behind-the-scenes reflections and continue conversations like this with thoughtful therapists like you. And if this episode stirred something in you, I’d truly love to hear from you. Share what’s on your heart, suggest a future topic, or just let me know you’re out there - let’s talk! xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self

Therapists, it’s not a “maybe” to prioritize self-care - it’s part of our JOB! We can’t be of service to others (or have this be a sustainable career path) if we don’t. In this episode, we’re getting real about what self-care for counselors actually means in practice. Not the Instagram version but the deep daily practices that keep  you grounded, present, and well enough to keep showing up for others and for yourself. We’ll talk through how to recognize your personal red flags - those subtle dashboard lights that tell you something’s off - and what it looks like to build a sustainable self-care system around five essential pillars: space, physical well-being, mental clarity, social connection, and personal alignment. This is to help you reconnect with your own needs, create stronger boundaries between life and work, and remember why self-care isn’t a luxury in this field - it’s a clinical responsibility. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why Self-Care Is Essential for Counselors 04:52 Recognizing Early Warning Signs of Burnout 11:42 Building a Daily Self-Care System That Works 14:05 The Five Pillars of Self-Care for Counselors 30:05 Aligning Your Career with Your Values I know how easy it is to put yourself last when you're a helper. If this episode nudged you to start tuning back in to you, I made something I hope will help: Take the Flourish + Thrive Quiz. This free, research-informed quiz is designed to help you get real about where you’re thriving - and where your reserves might be running low. It’ll give you personalized insight into how you”re doing, along with reflection prompts to help you reconnect with your values and your “why.” Want a tool to help you take action, not just reflect? Come connect with me on LinkedIn, and I’ll personally send you my Self-Care Action Plan Workbook - the same one I use with my supervisees. It’s totally free, thoughtfully designed, and gives you a gentle structure to start building your own sustainable self-care system. Just message me and I’ll send it your way. And if you're sitting with something this episode brought up… let’s talk. This podcast is for you, and your voice matters here. You can share what’s on your heart, what support you’re craving, or what you’d love to explore in future episodes by filling out this quick form. I’d truly love to hear from you! xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self

Can we really change our personalities? Dr. Dan Siegel says “NO” but also that nobody needs to. We can help our clients heal, grow, and unleash the fullest of their potential by helping them lean into who and what they really ARE. Crazy but true: We therapists are not taught how to work with personality in therapy. Unless you have a “personality disordered” individual (as we used to call it back in the day) we don’t tailor our interventions or our conceptualization to accommodate someone’s intrinsic way of being. Who else is ready to change this? (Lisa raises hand!) Well, help is here: In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Dan Siegel to explore his Patterns of Developmental Pathways (PDP) model: a science-based framework that weaves together neuroscience, attachment, and developmental psychology to help us understand personality more deeply and work with it more effectively. We unpack the nine core patterns, explore how to differentiate temperament from attachment conditioning, and look at how healing at the right level can help clients shift from limitation to possibility. Whether you’re new to PDP or already exploring it, this conversation will expand your clinical lens and give you tools you can use right away. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Freeing Personality from the Prison of Pathology 05:51 The Nine Patterns of Personality 25:59 Emotions, Energy, and the Body’s Personality Response 35:25 Mapping Personality to Clinical Strengths 44:59 Dr. Dan Siegel’s Personal PDP Pattern 01:04:15 Flexibility and Growth Through PDP Integration If this episode lit you up, I hope you’ll check out my Free CEU Trainings for Therapists! These on-demand workshops (each worth 1–2 CEUs) are designed to support your growth—both as a clinician and as a human. You can also stay in the loop about live CEU events, new podcast episodes, and exclusive resources by subscribing to my For Therapists newsletter. It’s the best way to get fresh ideas, practical tools, and meaningful support for the work you do. I’d love to connect with you on LinkedIn, where I share reflections, behind-the-scenes updates, and continue the conversations we start here. And if something from this conversation is staying with you, whether it’s showing up in your clinical work or sparking something new, I’d truly love to hear about it. This podcast is a space for us, so don’t be a stranger. Let’s talk! xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self P.S. This is Dr. Siegel’s second time joining me on the podcast - don’t miss Episode #39, where we explore the foundations of attachment styles and how they connect to the PDP model.

This episode first aired on December 4, 2024 (Episode 44). We’re revisiting it because many therapists continue to experiment with coaching without realizing the risks. What begins as a way to broaden your work can expose you and your clients to real vulnerabilities if you’re not equipped with the right training. In this episode, I unpack the differences between therapy and coaching, the pitfalls of offering coaching without preparation, and what it takes to step into this role with clarity and confidence. Lots of therapists are adding “coach” to their title without going through coach training first. It may feel like a natural extension of therapy, but the reality is that coaching and therapy are not the same thing. And if you’ve ever wondered, do you need a license to be a life coach? - this episode will help you understand why the answer is complicated, especially for therapists. I’ll explore why calling yourself a coach without certification can put your practice, your reputation, and your clients at risk. I’ll walk you through the key distinctions between the two disciplines, the ethical and legal challenges therapists face when blurring those lines, and the steps you can take to integrate coaching into your work in a way that’s both professional and protective. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction: The Risks of DIY Coaching 01:59 Risks of Coaching Without Training 05:01 Why Coaching Certification Matters 09:06 Choosing the Right Coaching Credential (BCC vs. ICF) 14:09 Legal Issues and Protecting Your Practice 18:06 The Reputation of Uncertified Coaches 20:12 Evidence-Based Coaching and Client Outcomes 27:05 Free Resource: Therapist’s Guide to Coaching If this conversation resonates, I encourage you to explore Coaching Certification For Therapists (BCC-Accredited). This credential was designed specifically for therapists and builds on the foundation of our clinical training while aligning with the ethical standards we already uphold. Pursuing certification strengthens your competence, clarifies the boundaries between therapy and coaching, and equips you with evidence-based tools to create the kind of results your clients are truly seeking. I’d also love to keep this dialogue going with you. What questions came up for you while listening? Have you ever wrestled with how to draw the line between therapy and coaching, or whether it’s time to pursue additional training? Share your reflections with me. Let’s talk! And if you know another therapist who would benefit from this discussion, consider passing it along. That’s how we strengthen our professional community together. If this podcast resonated with you, please share it with your colleagues or professional network so we can keep supporting one another. And if we haven’t already connected, I’d love to meet you on LinkedIn and continue exchanging ideas and resources in real time. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self

What would happen to your clients if you died tomorrow? The New York Times recently highlighted just how devastating it can be when a therapist falls ill or dies without a plan in place. Clients are left confused, abandoned, and without the closure they deserve. It’s a hard question, but one every therapist has an ethical obligation to face. Psychologist Dr. Robyn Miller—Founder of TheraClosure, the first psychotherapist professional executor service—knows this firsthand. When her closest colleague became terminally ill, she stepped in as practice executor—supporting clients, managing records, and grieving her best friend all at once. That experience inspired her to help others create a professional will for therapists that protects clients, families, and the legacy of their work. In this episode, we explore why having a professional will isn’t optional—it’s part of our ethical duty as clinicians. We’ll talk about the logistics of professional wills, the emotional burden of asking loved ones to step in, and why a real plan is more than just a name on a form. So let me ask you: Do you have an ethical plan in place if you were suddenly unable to practice? Have you ever asked someone to be your backup—without realizing what you were really asking of them? What would it feel like to know your clients, your records, and your legacy are truly protected? We’re therapists. We know how to sit with hard things. Let’s not leave this one in the shadows. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Ethical Guidelines & Continuity of Care 05:03 When a Therapist Dies: A Colleague’s Story 08:49 Breaking the News to Patients 15:05 Patient Reactions & Clinical Risk 18:18 Business Logistics & Record Retention 23:06 Why Friends and Family Shouldn’t Be Executors 30:29 Costs & Contracting a Professional Executor 40:10 Continuity of Care Plan Options 44:46 TheraClosure: Professional Will for Therapists If this conversation stayed with you, I’d love for you to check out my Free CEU Trainings For Licensed Therapists. These resources are here to support you—not just in your clinical work, but as a whole person navigating a complicated profession. And if we’re not connected yet, please come find me on LinkedIn. It’s my favorite place to continue these kinds of conversations with thoughtful therapists like you. I also want to spotlight the incredible work of my guest, Dr. Robyn Miller. She’s the founder of TheraClosure, the first psychotherapist professional executor service, where she helps therapists create ethical plans for continuity of care. You can connect with Dr. Robyn on LinkedIn and follow her on Instagram. Lastly, I’d also love to hear what’s working for you, what could be better, and what’s on your wishlist for future episodes. Share your thoughts—let’s talk! xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self

This episode first aired on January 31, 2024 (Episode 3). We’re revisiting it because deciding when to let a client go is one of the most nuanced — and often unspoken — challenges therapists face. The reflections in this conversation are just as relevant today as they were when it was first released, offering guidance, perspective, and a reminder that you’re not navigating these decisions alone. How do you know when to let therapy clients go? This can be a tough call to make! But to practice ethically, we all need to know when to make it. Our mission is to help people grow, heal, and create positive change in their lives. When we can’t fulfill that mission, for whatever reason, it’s important that we acknowledge that, with compassion and courage. But sometimes it’s not so straightforward. How do you know if your client is making progress? How do you know when you’re the right person to help them, and when you’re not? That’s what we’re talking about on this episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 The Challenge of Letting Clients Go 03:05 Ethical Considerations in Therapy 05:05 Recognizing Client Progress and Stagnation 11:05 Making Thoughtful Referrals With Compassion 12:12 Empathy and Unconditional Positive Regard 15:13 Counter-Transference and Therapist Growth 17:17 Therapist Safety and Boundary Violations 20:24 Navigating Toxic Work Environments 24:00 When Therapy Turns Into Casual Conversation 27:05 Coaching vs. Therapy: Key Differences 31:01 Compassion, Responsibility, and Letting Go 33:09 Resources and Support for Therapists If this conversation resonates, I’d love for you to explore my Free CEU Training Library for Therapists. It’s filled with on-demand trainings to support your growth as both a clinician and a person. You’re also welcome to connect with me on LinkedIn so we can continue exchanging ideas and resources in real time. If you’d like ongoing support and inspiration, you can also join my newsletter created especially for therapists. It’s a space where I share weekly podcast updates, practical tools for your work, free resources, and encouragement for you in this meaningful — and often demanding — career. And I’d love to keep this dialogue going with you. What questions are on your mind after listening? What situations have challenged you in deciding whether to continue or refer a client? Share your reflections with me. Let’s talk! And if you know another therapist who might find this episode meaningful, consider passing it along. That’s how we build a stronger, more supportive professional community together! xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self

Toxic mental health internships are quietly breaking down early career therapists before their careers even begin. In this episode, I’m talking with my brilliant friend and colleague Dr. Ambra Born about one of the hardest, least-discussed realities in our profession: what happens when training programs don’t protect their students. We’re opening up about what it’s like to feel overworked, underpaid, unsupported — and then told to be grateful for it. If you’ve ever felt undervalued in your early career… if you worked in a system that took more than it gave… if you’re still carrying the weight of being dismissed or diminished during training — I want you to know, you are not alone. Ambra and I get into the systemic issues that allow this to happen, the risks across different settings (yes, even private practice), and what a truly supportive training environment should look like. We also talk about what healing can look like if that wasn’t your story — and how becoming a mentor or advocate can be one of the most powerful ways to take your worth back. So let me ask you this: Have you ever looked back at your training and thought, “That wasn’t okay”? Do you catch yourself overgiving or saying yes when you should say no — because of how you were shaped early on? What kind of support do you wish you’d had? If that hits home, this conversation is for you. You deserved better. And it’s not too late. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 The Hidden Dangers of Mental Health Internships 01:35 Dr. Ambra Born on Supporting Early Career Therapists 03:36 Exploitation and Structural Issues in Training Programs 07:18 Why Medical Models Don’t Work for Therapists 13:31 Creating Human-Centered Training Environments 17:10 Financial Struggles and Systemic Barriers for Trainees 26:37 Red Flags of Toxic Training Sites 43:08 Healing and Advocacy: Building a Better Future If this episode struck a chord, I’d love to invite you to join my newsletter for therapists. It’s a community created just for us — with weekly podcast updates, free resources, thoughtful tools for your work, and support for you as a clinician and as a human. And if we’re not already connected, come say hi on LinkedIn! It’s where I share new episodes, behind-the-scenes reflections, and hear what’s on your mind. I also want to shout out the incredible work Dr. Ambra Born is doing. She’s the co-founder and executive director of Reaching Hope, a trauma-informed mental health nonprofit in Colorado. You can also follow them on Instagram at @reaching_hope_colorado. Lastly, I’d love to hear from you. What topics would you like to explore in future episodes? What support are you craving right now? Let’s talk! And if this episode meant something to you, share it with a friend or colleague. We make this profession stronger when we lift each other up. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self

This episode originally aired on February 14, 2024 (Episode 5), and we’re bringing it back because ghosting is one of those challenges every therapist encounters at some point in their career. It’s an important conversation worth revisiting, both for the insight it offers and the reminder that you’re not alone in navigating it. Have you ever been ghosted by a therapy client? This unfortunate experience is something that every therapist goes through eventually. And just like in any other relationship, when a therapy client ghosts, it can leave you feeling a little haunted. You might wonder if it was something you said, or worry that your therapy client is not okay. Most of all, you’ll be asking yourself — How can I avoid this kind of thing in the future? If you’ve been here before, then this episode is for you! We’re talking about why therapy clients ghost, how to process it when a client stops coming to therapy without saying goodbye, and how you can use this experience to grow, personally and professionally. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why Therapy Clients Ghost 01:15 The Role of Trust in Building Strong Client Relationships 04:49 Creating Emotional Safety and Open Communication in Sessions 07:20 Recognizing Relational Patterns That Lead to Ghosting 10:06 When Missteps and Ruptures Cause Clients to Leave 12:05 The Importance of Consultation and Professional Support 14:05 Why Clients Feel Stuck and How to Re-Engage Them 18:32 Therapy Limitations and the Shift Toward Coaching 20:30 Coaching vs. Traditional Therapy: What Clinicians Need to Know 24:15 Free Resources and Growth Opportunities for Therapists As you’re listening, remember you don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. My Free CEU Trainings For Therapists is always available with on-demand resources designed to support both your clinical work and your personal wellbeing. You can explore it anytime, and if we’re not yet connected on LinkedIn, let’s change that. It’s one of my favorite spaces to continue these conversations with colleagues. And since this podcast is created with you in mind, I’d love to know what’s on your heart. What questions do you have, what topics do you want me to unpack in future episodes? Let’s talk! Share your thoughts with me, and if you know another therapist who would benefit from this conversation, send them this episode so our community of support keeps growing. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self