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Stacy Schaffer is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Arvada, Colorado, with over twenty years of experience specializing in child and teen therapy. She is passionate about helping children heal from grief, anxiety, and childhood trauma through innovative approaches like Synergetic Play Therapy, which emphasizes therapist authenticity and creating a safe, understanding space for children. Stacy's work and her book, "From a Child Therapist with Love," offer valuable insights for parents seeking mental health support for their children and themselves. Her mission is to empower families to heal and to shift the origin stories of trauma through compassionate, evidence-based therapy. Stacy brings a heartfelt and knowledgeable perspective to the More Than Therapy podcast, sharing her journey and expertise in child mental health and trauma recovery.

Today on More Than Therapy, we have the profound pleasure of welcoming Leah Johnson, a transformational leader whose journey from a 25-year career in politics to a life devoted to creativity, healing, and joy is nothing short of inspiring. Leah is a best-selling author, internationally sought-after speaker, certified Intentional Creativity instructor, and retreat leader who helps people reconnect with their creative power and live intentionally aligned lives. After a long and demanding career in public service, Leah experienced profound burnout and depression, which became a catalyst for deep personal transformation. She courageously walked away from the identity and system that no longer served her and ventured into the world of art, spirituality, and self-advocacy. Through her books, workshops, and retreats — including her signature transformational journeys in Teotihuacan, Mexico — Leah guides others to shed limiting beliefs, cultivate authentic joy, and co-create lives filled with meaning and soul. Leah’s work reminds us that joy is not a luxury but a lifeline. As she often says, “You are the artist of your life — and the canvas is ready.” Today, she shares her wisdom on how to quit what no longer serves you with intention, reclaim your creativity, and embrace a joyful, resilient path forward. ------------ Hosted by: Felipe K. Blue, LCAS, LAC, LCMHC, LPC, CCS, CCTP, CMNCS, C-DBT Executive Director of More Than Therapy 201 W Main Street Suite 316 Durham, NC 27701 Office: 1-919-729-6300 Cell: 1-919-679-2263 www.morethantherapy.orghttps://amazon.com/author/mistertherapist Gratitude: I live and work on the ancestral lands of Occaneechi, Shakori, Lumbee, Catawba and Cheraw Native American tribes.  I gratefully acknowledge the past and present Native Peoples on whose ancestral homelands I make my life.

Born in Athens, Greece as an Air Force brat, Teri M. Brown now calls the North Carolina coast home. In 2020, she and her husband, Bruce, rode a tandem bicycle across the United States from Astoria, Oregon to Washington DC, successfully raising money for Toys for Tots. Teri’s debut novel, Sunflowers Beneath the Snow, is a historical fiction set in Ukraine, her second, An Enemy Like Me, is set in WWII, and her third, Daughters of Green Mountain Gap, is a generational story about Appalachian healers. Her short story, The Youngest Lighthouse Keeper, came out in the anthology Feisty Deeds: Historical Fictions of Daring Women. 10 Little Rules for a Double-Butted Adventure (Feb 2025), is an inspirational look at the life lessons she learned riding across the United States on a tandem bicycle. Her latest book, Little Lola and Her Big Dream, is a children’s picture book helping children realize that it is okay to have big dreams even in the face of opposition. Learn more at www.terimbrown.com. Facebook.com/TeriMBrownAuthor Twitter.com/TeriMBrown1 Instagram.com/TeriMBrown_Author LinkedIn.com/in/TeriMBrown Goodreads.com/terimbrown Tiktok.com/@terimbrown_author Amazon Author: https://www.amazon.com/author/terimbrown Youtube.com/@TeriMBrown_Author Bookbub.com/profile/teri-m-brown Hosted by Felipe K. Blue, LCAS, LAC, LCMHC, LPC, CCS, CCTP, CMNCS, C-DBT Executive Director of More Than Therapy 201 W Main Street Suite 316 Durham, NC 27701 Office: 1-919-729-6300 Cell: 1-919-679-2263 www.morethantherapy.orghttps://amazon.com/author/mistertherapist Gratitude: I live and work on the ancestral lands of Occaneechi, Shakori, Lumbee, Catawba and Cheraw Native American tribes.  I gratefully acknowledge the past and present Native Peoples on whose ancestral homelands I make my life.

Jim Marshall is a polymathic intellectual who has has devoted over 50,000 hours to the study and practice of multiple dimensions of human development. He received a classical education at a Jesuit Military School, was accepted into engineering school while still a junior in prep school, and attended college on academic scholarship. He graduated college with a Bachelor of Science cum laude. While still an undergraduate, he began the study of “alternative” Arts and Sciences which today would be described as Transformational and Holistic. Eventually, he became a professional practitioner and, after 28 years of formal education, had a long career as a Human Development Engineer. He has successfully worked with hundreds of clients, and is the inventor of Septemics and several consciousness-expanding systems. His areas of expertise include psychology, philosophy, theology, parapsychology, science, engineering, mathematics, law, literature, history, music, organization, metaphysics, military science, political science, physical culture, human potential and education.

What are you afraid of? What caused these fears originally? Are the same factors still in place now as when the fears were first created? In what ways can we face our fears? What happens to fear when we accept it for what it is instead of fighting it?---This episode was recorded by Felipe Blue, LCAS, LAC, LCMHC, LPC, CCS, CCTP, CMNCS, C-DBT at More Than Therapy. www.morethantherapy.org 201 W Main Street Suite 316 Durham, NC 27701 Check out the books authored by Felipe Blue available on Amazon: https://amazon.com/author/mistertherapist Are you looking for therapy services? Check out Felipe Blue, licensed therapist in South Carolina and North Carolina, at: www.misterblue.net

What kinds of thoughts keep you from feeling joy for the good fortune of others? How can you learn to feel this joy? How can you increase your awareness of your feelings towards others? How do you feel when someone else shows sincere joy for the happiness and good fortune in your life? This episode was recorded by Felipe Blue, LCAS, LAC, LCMHC, LPC, CCS, CCTP, CMNCS, C-DBT at More Than Therapy. www.morethantherapy.org 201 W Main Street Suite 316 Durham, NC 27701 Check out the books authored by Felipe Blue available on Amazon: https://amazon.com/author/mistertherapist Are you looking for therapy services? Check out Felipe Blue, licensed therapist in South Carolina and North Carolina, at: www.misterblue.net

Felipe Blue, LCAS, LCMHCA, CCS has created "Addicted to Surviving" which is a book and program from More Than Therapy, a non-profit organization, which explores the profound connection between past trauma and the development of compulsive and addictive behaviors. It posits that these behaviors are not personal failings but rather adaptive survival mechanisms that, while once necessary, can later hinder well-being. The text introduces trauma-informed care and practical healing tools, emphasizing self-regulation, resilience, and the importance of supportive relationships. Through a blend of scientific insights and personal narratives, the book guides readers toward understanding and transforming these deeply ingrained patterns, ultimately aiming for a life of conscious choice and thriving rather than mere survival. You can buy a copy for yourself and your agency at: https://amzn.to/4lHgr1y

It's Okay to Not Be Okay!: An Empowering Gude to Men's Mental Health by Felipe Blue, LCAS, LCMHCA, CCS from More Than Therapy... here's a comprehensive guide addresses men's mental health, exploring the historical and cultural roots of stoic masculinity that often hinder emotional expression. It emphasizes recognizing signs of distress and the power of vulnerability as crucial steps toward well-being. The text advocates for reclaiming emotional sovereignty through practices like setting healthy boundaries, cultivating self-compassion, and fostering emotional intelligence. Ultimately, it calls for a transformative shift toward a more authentic and balanced understanding of strength, integrating emotional openness with traditional resilience for lasting personal and societal change. You can buy your copy at: https://amzn.to/4ezE1L2

Andrain Horton meets with Felipe Blue to discuss trauma. Andrain Horton is the visionary founder of Bend The Mind Metamorphic Academies, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in October 2021. Driven by a commitment to serve underserved communities, Andrain co-founded the academies with Alexis Figueroa to provide healing and coping mechanisms for individuals impacted by trauma from social stressors, learned behaviors, and adverse environments, regardless of age, gender, or race. Under Andrain's leadership, Bend The Mind Metamorphic Academies aims to empower participants to heal themselves, become positive agents of change within their families and communities, and ultimately teach others to do the same. The organization fosters a "village" of wellness and recovery through empowerment, education, arts, and entertainment, collaborating with community partners to support transformation and growth. Find out more about the movement at: https://www.btmma.com/ Pick up your copy of Addicted To Trauma written by Felipe Blue at: https://amzn.to/4eA8bhf

This extensive book explores the profound impact of absent fathers and societal expectations of strength on Black men, emphasizing the "unspoken burden" of emotional suppression. It highlights how historical and systemic barriers intertwine with personal experiences of loss, leading to cycles of isolation. The source then transitions to discuss pathways to healing, stressing the importance of vulnerability, self-compassion, and open communication within families and communities. Ultimately, it advocates for a redefinition of masculinity that integrates resilience with tenderness and authentic emotional expression, aiming to foster a legacy of love, connection, and collective well-being for future generations. You can buy it now at: https://amzn.to/3Gsthlb Check it out and other books by Felipe Khristopher Blue and his team at: https://amazon.com/author/mistertherapist

Felipe Khristopher Blue discusses men's mental health, and the title of his book, "It's Okay to Not Be Okay." He talks about how societal expectations have shaped the way men express themselves, and how this can lead to issues like anger, irritability, depression, and substance abuse. He provides practical strategies and self-care practices for men, such as mindful journaling, cognitive reframing, and building Supportive relationships. The book also covers the importance of confronting barriers to connection and seeking help. IT IS OK TO NOT BE OK - A MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH EVENT ON 6/28/2025 at 12pm Join us for an afternoon of honest conversation, reflection, and community as we launch It’s Okay to Not Be Okay: An Empowering Discussion Regarding Men’s Mental Health in recognition of Men's Mental Health Awareness Month. This event is designed to break the silence around men’s mental health, challenge outdated narratives, and empower attendees to embrace vulnerability as a pathway to resilience and connection.Who Should Attend:Men seeking support, understanding, or a new perspective on mental health.Allies, partners, and community members interested in breaking down stigma.Therapists, counselors, educators, and advocates for men’s wellness.Anyone ready to challenge the old script and help build a new, more inclusive narrative.Why Attend?Despite progress, many men still struggle in silence, caught between inherited expectations and the realities of modern life. This event offers a safe space to explore the roots of stoic masculinity, unpack cultural myths, and discover that real strength comes from authenticity and connection, not suppression. What's Included?Community, discussions, food and light beverages, a signed copy of the newly released book on the same subject matter which includes an 8 week programming one can use for self empowerment or use in a group setting, resources, and ongoing support via networking, and for mental health professionals, up to 3 CEU from the NCSAPPB board under General Skill Building. https://nextevent.morethantherapy.org/

This document summarizes the key themes and "Golden Rules" for mastering a new skill, as presented in the provided excerpts from "Mastering Skills: Guitar and Beyond." The author uses their journey of learning guitar as a framework to outline universal principles applicable to a wide range of skill-based pursuits. The central idea is the transformation of theoretical knowledge into practical ability through consistent, focused, and analytical practice. The core message of the source revolves around the deliberate and structured approach required for effective skill acquisition. The author emphasizes that simply acquiring knowledge is insufficient; it must be actively converted into demonstrable proficiency. This transformation is guided by a set of "Golden Rules," which are presented as crucial for sustained progress and avoiding common pitfalls. Most Important Ideas/Facts (Golden Rules): The author outlines seven key rules for mastering any new skill, drawing parallels from their guitar learning experience: Consistency is King: The most critical element is regular practice, even in short bursts. The author states, "It's far more important to pick up that axe for a little bit almost every single day than to attempt an all-nighter once a month." This steady engagement builds momentum and reinforces learning. The author's personal goal of "30-60 minutes daily, broken into short bursts" exemplifies this principle. Immerse Yourself to Speak the Language of Licks: To truly master a skill, one must become deeply familiar with its fundamental elements, treating it like learning a new language. The author describes becoming a "musical sponge," "immersing myself in basic patterns, chord progressions, and simple melodies, repeatedly and daily." This foundational fluency is essential before attempting more complex aspects. Analyze Your Faux Pas to Fix Your Fretting Fails: Identifying and understanding mistakes is paramount for improvement. The author highlights the importance of dissecting "screw-ups" to understand "why your fingers are doing the funky chicken instead of a smooth chord change." Seeking feedback from "a more experienced jam buddy, a sympathetic teacher, or some online tutorials" is suggested as a means to pinpoint and correct these errors. Focus on the Fretboard, Not the Fame: Rather than fixating on distant goals or rapid progress, learners should concentrate on controllable actions in the present. The author advises against obsessing over achieving a certain level, which can lead to frustration. Instead, focus should be placed on "practicing your scales, drilling those tricky chord changes, learning new songs, and just playing for the sheer joy of it." Don't Try to Learn Every Solo Ever Written – Just a Few Key Riffs: Being strategic with learning is crucial. Attempting to absorb all available knowledge at once can be overwhelming. The author advocates for focusing on "a few targeted exercises" and resisting the urge to get "sidetracked by the siren song of a new, impossibly fast lick." This focused approach allows for deeper understanding and mastery of specific areas. Turn Knowledge into Skill with Tiered Tremolos: Theoretical knowledge must be translated into practical skill through systematic and repetitive practice at increasing levels of difficulty. The author describes a "tiered approach," starting with slow practice without pressure, then adding pressure, and finally increasing tempo and intensity. Each tier involves striving for perfect execution, moving to the next when proficiency is achieved. Don't Forget to Rock Out (and Have Fun!): Maintaining enjoyment in the learning process is vital for avoiding burnout. The author acknowledges that learning can be challenging but stresses the importance of finding joy in the process. They note that the "sheer joy of making even a slightly recognizable melody has only grown" during their guitar journey. If learning feels like a chore, motivation will likely wane.

Learning a new skill, like playing the guitar, requires transforming theoretical knowledge into practical ability. The author shares "Golden Rules" for mastering any new skill, derived from their guitar-learning journey. These rules include: Consistency is King: Regular, short practice sessions are more effective than infrequent, long ones.Immerse Yourself: Become deeply familiar with the fundamental elements of the skill, much like learning to speak a language.Analyze Your Faux Pas: Identify and understand the root causes of your mistakes to correct them.Focus on the Fretboard, Not the Fame: Concentrate on controllable actions like practicing, rather than obsessing over long-term goals or rapid progress.Don't Try to Learn Everything: Be strategic and focus on a few key areas for improvement instead of trying to absorb all available knowledge at once.Turn Knowledge into Skill with Tiered Tremolos: Systematically practice new concepts at increasing levels of difficulty and pressure to build proficiency.Don't Forget to Rock Out (and Have Fun!): Maintain enjoyment in the learning process to prevent burnout.Spoken by Felipe Khristopher Blue of More Than Therapy as his alias, the creative, Jamari Leonard. Do you need a therapist? More Than Therapy 201 W Main Street Suite 316 Durham, NC 27701 Specializing in CBT, CBT-I, DBT, Solution Focused Therapy, stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, addictions, and more....

What is the origin of Mother's Day? Mother's Day, celebrated on the second Sunday in May, has its roots in the early 20th century. It was initiated by Anna Jarvis who sought to honor her mother's sacrifices and, by extension, the sacrifices of mothers everywhere. In 1914, it officially became a holiday in the United States, serving as a day to acknowledge the crucial role mothers play in shaping lives and communities.How does Mother's Day typically feel for people with positive relationships with their mothers? For many, Mother's Day is a joyful occasion filled with gratitude and celebration. It's a time to express heartfelt appreciation for a mother's support, love, and guidance. This can involve simple acts like a phone call, a handwritten note, or quiet reflection on shared memories. Expressing this appreciation can strengthen bonds and create lasting positive memories.What are some joys of being a mother that are highlighted on Mother's Day? For mothers, the greatest joy often comes from witnessing their children grow, evolve, and become independent individuals. Simple moments like laughter, a heartfelt thank you, or observing a child's unique way of understanding the world are deeply meaningful. Motherhood is described as an honor, an experience marked by unconditional love, pride, and the astonishing depth of connection shared with a child.How can Mother's Day be difficult for individuals with challenging relationships with their mothers? Mother's Day can bring up significant pain for those with complicated or tumultuous relationships with their mothers. Experiences marked by criticism, control, or unresolved hurt can leave deep wounds affecting self-esteem, other relationships, and mental health. It's acknowledged that these feelings are valid and that healing from such relationships is a potentially long journey.What advice is offered for those struggling with pain from a difficult maternal relationship on Mother's Day? For those experiencing pain on Mother's Day due to a challenging maternal relationship, it's emphasized that their feelings are valid and they are not alone. It is okay to set boundaries, seek support, and prioritize personal well-being. Allowing oneself to feel whatever emotions arise—anger, sadness, or even relief—is encouraged.What message is there for mothers who feel they have failed? Mothers who carry guilt or shame about their parenting journey are reminded that struggling is a normal part of being a parent. Moments of doubt, regret, or fear of repeating past patterns are common. These feelings often stem from a desire to be a good parent and do better. Parenting is viewed as a journey, not a destination, with no such thing as a perfect mother.How should mothers who feel like failures approach their feelings on Mother's Day? Mothers who feel they have failed are encouraged to offer themselves compassion, just as they would their children. Reflecting and growing are key aspects of the parenting journey. Instead of seeing mistakes as final judgments of their worth, they are encouraged to view them as opportunities for connection and healing.How can Mother's Day impact those who are grieving a deceased mother? For individuals whose mothers have passed away, Mother's Day can bring a wave of grief. Longing, memories, and "what ifs" may resurface. It is important for those grieving to allow themselves space to mourn, remember, and honor their mother in a way that feels right, whether through lighting a candle, sharing stories, or sitting with memories. Grief is acknowledged as a testament to love, and it's okay to feel both gratitude.

Happy Mother's Day! Mother's Day is a holiday with a specific historical origin (Anna Jarvis, 1914).The experience of Mother's Day is highly individual and can range from joy and celebration to pain, grief, and struggle.It is important to validate all these diverse emotions and experiences without judgment.Compassion, both for oneself and others, is a key element in navigating the emotional complexities of Mother's Day.Healing from difficult relationships and accepting imperfections in motherhood are important aspects discussed.Grief for a deceased mother is a valid and important emotion to acknowledge.The personal tribute highlights the profound impact a positive mother-child relationship can have. Recorded by Felipe Blue, LCAS, LCMHCA, CCS for More Than Therapy which is located at: 201 W Main Street Suite 316 Durham, NC 27701. Accepting new clients!!