Advertise on podcast: The Affirming Minds Podcast

​​Grad school trained us to practice therapy—but not the business of mental health or the range of career possibilities available to clinicians. In this episode of The Mental Health Edit, Shaina speaks with Gabrielle Juliano-Villani and LeNaya Smith Crawford, co-founders of the REIMAGINE Business Summit, about entrepreneurship, burnout, and reimagining careers beyond the therapy room. Join the REIMAGINE Business Summit 🗓 February 15–20 👉 Free General Admission:https://lenaya-crawford.mykajabi.com/a/2148214964/hNZ7bj8U 👉 VIP Bundle ($97):https://lenaya-crawford.mykajabi.com/offers/QkLmhfbp/checkout?ref=https%3A%2F%2Flenaya-crawford.mykajabi.com%2Fa%2F2148214965%2FhNZ7bj8U The VIP upgrade includes extended access, business intensives, coaching, and—if you’re not already an Affirm Academy member—a CE Podcast Pass for Affirming Minds (ASWB, NBCC, NYSED).  

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG_lF-ZpCY/yC-Ro85UiUoGf2UFz-bwMg/view?utm_content=DAG_lF-ZpCY&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hf021a1b3e5 --- Episode Summary: In this episode of Affirming Minds, we explore foster care and adoption through an attachment-informed lens, focusing on how separation-related grief and loss are often minimized or left unacknowledged. We discuss how separations across infancy, childhood, and adolescence can shape emotional regulation, trust, and behavior—and how clinicians and caregivers can respond with greater accuracy and compassion. --- About Our Guest: Jeanette Yoffe, M.A., M.F.T., is a nationally recognized clinician and educator with over 20 years of experience specializing in foster care, adoption, and attachment-informed treatment. She is the Founder of Celia Center, Clinical Director of Yoffe Therapy, and the author of The Traumatized & At-Risk Youth Toolbox. --- Helpful Links & Resources: Website: www.JeanetteYoffe.com The Traumatized & At-Risk Youth Toolbox: https://www.pesi.com/item/the-traumatized-atrisk-youth-toolbox-150079 Children’s Books: https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B07V9L93XF Psychology Today – The Inner Life of Foster Care: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-inner-life-of-foster-care --- Connect with Jeanette Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanetteyoffe/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanette.yoffe YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Jeanette-icallySpeaking Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/JeanetteYoffe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanetteyoffe/ --- Conflict of Interest Disclosures: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. The guest featured in this episode, Jeanette Yoffe, M.A., M.F.T., is the author of The Traumatized & At-Risk Youth Toolbox, which is referenced throughout the episode as a clinical resource. Jeanette Yoffe receives royalties from the sale of this book. No other financial conflicts of interest were reported. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG-3TMjq5c/qaWmfiu6RuKNQvsmn3MhCw/view?utm_content=DAG-3TMjq5c&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h61b36a0d1a --- Episode Summary: At a moment of expanding awareness and increasing constraint, clinicians are more attuned than ever to the potential for harm in the therapy room—yet many feel uncertain about how to respond when identity, power, and politics arise in session. In this episode, we explore cultural humility as a clinical stance, not a buzzword: What it means to practice with ongoing self-reflection, accountability, and repair How to navigate backlash, polarization, and institutional limits How to adapt evidence-based treatments through a culturally humble lens What it looks like to redistribute power, mitigate harm, and stay present when the work feels risky Our guest is Dr. Lauren Wadsworth, clinical psychologist, consultant, and co-founder of Twin Stars Diversity Trainers. Dr. Wadsworth brings deep clinical experience and a justice-oriented lens to the nuanced terrain where identity and therapy intersect. Whether you’re a seasoned clinician or in training, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about identity, power, harm, and ethics in everyday practice. --- About Our Guest: Dr. Lauren Wadsworth, PsyD, ABPP is: Co-founder, Mental Health Network and Training Institute (MHNTI) — a national platform for sustainable, identity-responsive clinical training Founder & Director of Genesee Valley Psychology — an insurance-based practice expanding access to evidence-based treatment Co-founder of Twin Stars Diversity Trainers, offering system-level consultation to practices and institutions Co-author of Did That Just Happen?! Beyond “Diversity”: Creating Sustainable and Inclusive Organizations Senior Advisor on Anti-Racist, Justice, and Health Equity at McLean Hospital Clinical Senior Instructor in Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center --- Helpful Links & Resources: 🔗 Mental Health Network and Training Institute (MHNTI) https://www.mhnti.com/ 🔗 Genesee Valley Psychology & Training Collaborative https://gviproc.org/ 🔗 Twin Stars Diversity Trainers https://www.twinstardiversity.com/ 📘 Did That Just Happen?! Beyond “Diversity” — Book https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/670590/did-that-just-happen-by-dr-stephanie-pinder-amaker-and-dr-lauren-wadsworth/ --- Conflict of Interest Disclosures: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

🎉 Exclusive Listener Offer: Cymbiose AI x AFFIRM 2 months FREE + 2 months at 50% off No commitment. Cancel anytime. How to claim: Go to https://app.cymbiose.ai/login  Click “I’m new here” to create your account Use code CYM4 Episode Show Notes In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, Shaina Siber, LCSW sits down with Brandi Herring, LMHC — co-founder and CEO of Cymbiose AI, a culturally responsive, HIPAA-compliant AI assistant built by clinicians, for clinicians. Together, they explore what it looks like when therapists don’t just adapt to systems — but help design them. This conversation covers: Ethical AI in mental health and why clinician leadership matters Bias, cultural responsiveness, and diagnostic clarity Turning documentation into a clinical and professional asset Moving from clinician to founder — even without a tech background If you’ve been curious about AI but cautious about ethics, privacy, or impact on care, this episode offers a grounded, clinician-centered perspective on how technology can support — not replace — human-centered therapy. About Cymbiose AI Cymbiose AI supports clinicians with documentation, cultural and structural insights, supervision tracking, and CE recommendations — all designed to strengthen care quality while reducing administrative burden. Connect Brandi Herring: @brandithetherapist Cymbiose AI: @cymbioseai  Cymbiose AI Learn more about AFFIRM’s CE offerings at Affirm Mental Health or Join the Affirm Academy AFFIRM Mental Health Courses

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG9j8Q1isU/xvwgaGz5kPfsJcS5m--L7w/view?utm_content=DAG9j8Q1isU&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hd1e5d859a3 --- Episode Summary: Why is behavior change so hard—even when we genuinely want to change? In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, we explore how survival wiring, unconscious patterns, and longevity science shape habit formation and behavior change. Drawing from behavioral science, psychodynamic psychology, and emerging healthspan research, this conversation examines why willpower alone rarely works—and what supports sustainable, values-aligned change instead. Shaina is joined by Laura Elorza Isaza, Clinical Psychologist, to discuss autopilot living, discipline vs. motivation, shame-free approaches to habit change, and how understanding unconscious processes can help individuals design behaviors that support long-term mental and physical well-being. --- About Our Guest: Laura Elorza Isaza: I am a clinical psychologist, graduated from Universidad EAFIT, with a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with a psychodynamic focus from Universidad del Norte. I work with adults in therapeutic processes focused on navigating significant life changes, healing emotional bonds, strengthening self-esteem, and cultivating motivation and consistency — all through a deep, human-centered approach. My experience spans both individual and group settings, in person and online, integrating tools such as projective and psychotechnical tests, crisis intervention, psychological first aid, and clinical research. I have had the opportunity to work with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, which has enriched my clinical perspective and allowed me to tailor therapeutic support to a wide range of sensitivities and worldviews. With psychology I help people break free from autopilot living and uncover genuine happiness. Through my private practice and my work with Unconscious Moderation (UM), a platform built on “change your thoughts, change your drink, change your life”, I guide individuals through major life changes, emotional healing, and self-esteem building. At UM, I create content and support tools that combine hypnotherapy, journaling, and movement practices to transform people’s relationships with alcohol without shame or perfectionism. I emphasize in understanding unconscious patterns over forcing change, fostering conversations that empower people to discover what truly works for their lives. --- Conflict of Interest Disclosures: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. The guest for this episode, Laura Elorza Isaza, Clinical Psychologist, disclosed a financial relationship with Unconscious Moderation (UM). She receives compensation from the company and referenced the UM app during the course of the discussion. This relationship has been disclosed in the interest of transparency. The content of this episode is educational in nature and was not influenced by any commercial entity.   Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Mental Health Edit (Non-CE Episode) 📄 FREE Guide: Podcasting for Therapists https://www.canva.com/design/DAG8ibvnb3k/wc9YVR0csvGvsvDgZRWRaQ/view  Thinking about starting a podcast as a therapist or clinician? This episode offers a realistic conversation about podcasting, creativity, sustainability, and lessons learned from building a therapist-led show. 🎙️ Guest: Tobin Richardson, creator of Save the Therapist 🔗 More Resources 🎧 Save the Therapist Podcast & Platform https://savethetherapist.com  🎓 Live Training: Ethical Decision-Making for Public-Facing Therapists (Free for Affirm Academy Members) Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1977913650974  🌱 Join Affirm Academy – $29/month https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/offers/XMAbo9mh/checkout 

Perinatal OCD on Screen with Little Disasters Author Sarah Vaughan In this episode of The Mental Health Edit, Shaina Siber, host of The Affirming Minds Podcast, speaks with Sarah Vaughan, bestselling author of Anatomy of a Scandal and Little Disasters, about perinatal obsessive-compulsive disorder, maternal mental health, and why accurate media representation matters far beyond the therapy room. Little Disasters—now a limited series streaming on Little Disasters—offers a rare, thoughtful portrayal of intrusive thoughts, shame, avoidance, and institutional response, and Sarah generously reflects on how her experiences of motherhood informed both the novel and its screen adaptation. Watch: https://www.paramountplus.comRead: Little Disasters: A Novel: Vaughan, Sarah: 9781501172229: Amazon.com: Books (or your preferred bookseller)Learn more about AFFIRM Mental Health, including CE-eligible podcasts: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com  

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG7l1eTh1Q/_ZLnM4mT596WGPoe3v709w/view?utm_content=DAG7l1eTh1Q&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hd0b27cafe4 --- Episode Summary: As mental health knowledge increasingly moves beyond the therapy room and into public-facing spaces—social media, podcasts, blogs, and newsletters—therapists are navigating new ethical terrain. In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber, LCSW is joined by licensed psychologist and DBT expert Dr. Kiki Fehling for a thoughtful conversation about what it means for therapists to show up publicly with integrity, clarity, and ethical care. Together, they explore how public-facing psychoeducation can expand access, reduce stigma, and counter misinformation—while also examining ethical considerations around visibility, self-disclosure, confidentiality, political expression, and professional identity. Rather than offering rigid rules, this episode invites clinicians into a more reflective, values-driven approach to public engagement. --- Topics Discussed: Why therapists are increasingly visible in public-facing spaces Public psychoeducation as a public health intervention Ethical self-disclosure and boundary-setting online Responding to comments and DMs without practicing therapy in public Navigating politics, human rights, and professional responsibility Protecting confidentiality and scope of practice in digital spaces --- About Our Guest: Dr. Kiki Fehling is a licensed psychologist, author, speaker, and Linehan Board–Certified Clinician in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She is known for her public-facing psychoeducation through @dbtkiki, her Substack How To Queer Joy, her book Self-Directed DBT Skills, her DBT Cards for Coping Skills deck, and her work with the suicide prevention nonprofit Now Matters Now. Learn more about DBT at behavioraltech.org. Dr. Fehling is also a WomenHeart Champion, using both clinical expertise and lived experience to advocate for equity in cardiac health. --- Upcoming Workshop With Our Guest Ethics of Personal Branding for Therapists: How to Get Started, Show Up Wisely, and Maintain Boundaries in Digital Spaces March 27, 2026 @12:00PM-3:00PM EST Live via Zoom 3 CEs – Meets NYSED Boundaries Requirement (SW & Psychologists) Free for AFFIRM Academy Members Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1977913650974?aff=oddtdtcreator --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: This episode includes discussion of an upcoming continuing education training offered through Affirm Mental Health. The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health and will receive financial benefit from course registrations. Dr. Kiki Fehling is a paid presenter for this training. The workshop is free for Affirm Academy members. No other financial conflicts of interest are reported. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG6RMxBArE/68btywE2DPvr8nnoE_j8uA/view?utm_content=DAG6RMxBArE&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=he417b57f34 --- Episode Summary: Today we explore how Internal Family Systems (IFS) and attachment theory intersect—and why this integration offers such powerful clinical clarity. We discuss how early attachment experiences shape protectors, how authenticity gets exiled in favor of connection, and what it looks like to build a secure internal attachment between Self and parts. If you’d like an IFS foundation first, listen to Episode #35 with Kendall Hart. --- Topics Discussed: How attachment adaptations form protectors Why certain relational patterns repeat in adulthood What internal secure attachment actually means The role of Self-energy as an internal secure base How IFS + attachment deepens trauma work, parenting, and self-leadership --- About Our Guest: Alyce Messer, LCSW-S, is an EMDRIA-Approved Consultant and IFS Level 2-trained therapist specializing in complex trauma and therapist wellness. She integrates EMDR and IFS to help clinicians, clients, and humans cultivate Self-leadership and healing through differentiation --- Connect with Alyce:  Website: https://alycemesser.com Instagram:    @alycerachel Trainings, retreats & consultation: See offerings on her website Newsletter: Sign up via her homepage for updates on IFS + attachment trainings --- Upcoming Workshop with Our Guest Introduction to Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy: Foundations for Clinicians Tuesday, February 24, 2026 12–3 PM EST Live via  Zoom 3 CEs (ASWB, NBCC, NYSED SW/Psychology) $60 — Free for Affirm Academy Members - BECOME A MEMBER – Affirm Mental Health Part of Affirm Reads — read No Bad Partsbeforehand for additional CEs Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/introduction-to-internal-family-systems-therapy-foundations-for-clinicians-tickets-1931966617159?aff=oddtdtcreator --- Resources Mentioned Episode #35: Kendall Hart on IFS Foundations Book: No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz IFS Institute: https://ifs-institute.com Attachment theory basics: Bowlby & Ainsworth foundational work --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

In this special Mental Health Edit episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber, LCSW speaks with the brilliant Megan Gallagher, the Oslo-based, American-born writer behind All Her Fault — the #1 show on Peacock and a breakout hit that blends psychological suspense with piercing social commentary. Megan’s adaptation of Andrea Mara’s novel delivers a propulsive, twist-heavy thriller while unearthing deeper themes: the mental load of parenthood, weaponized incompetence, gendered blame, disability representation, caregiving, and the quiet emotional burdens that shape family life. If you love psychologically rich storytelling — or you’re a therapist who wants to explore how mental health shows up in the stories we consume — this conversation is essential. About Megan Gallagher Megan Gallagher is an acclaimed screenwriter known for bold, emotionally grounded, character-driven thrillers. Her work includes: ALL HER FAULT (Peacock #1 in the U.S.; Sky & NOW TV in the UK), starring Sarah Snook, Dakota Fanning, Michael Peña, and Jake Lacy WOLF (BBC), based on Mo Hayder’s Jack Caffery novels THE BLAME (currently in production for ITV and Quay St.) Adaptation of Robert Harris’s Act of Oblivion for Carnival Two episodes of Suspicion for Apple TV+, starring Uma Thurman An episode of the Harlen Coben/Amazon thriller series Lazarus Her writing is known for its emotional honesty, sophisticated tension, and ability to frame genre storytelling through a deeply human lens. Listen & Learn Watch All Her Fault on Peacock Explore CE-eligible podcourses at affirmmentalhealth.com Follow @affirmmentalhealth on Instagram for updates If You Loved This Episode Please follow, rate, and share with fellow clinicians and pop-culture enthusiasts. Your support helps expand thoughtful, nuanced conversations about mental health in media.

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG45j7muyU/GyvsDQMgwhL4FHOY1FrELQ/view?utm_content=DAG45j7muyU&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h174d77b3d6 --- Episode Summary: In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber, LCSW sits down with Dr. Teresa Hsu-Walklet — clinical psychologist, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and Founder of S.P.E.A.K. (A Supportive Place for Empowering Asian Americans & Kin) — to explore the growing mental-health crisis among Asian American teens. Dr. Hsu discusses the historical and cultural context that shapes Asian American mental health — from early immigration and Japanese internment to the Vietnam War and the 2020 surge in anti-Asian hate during COVID-19. She shares how these systemic and generational experiences of trauma continue to influence today’s youth and why culturally responsive interventions are critical for prevention and healing. We dive into her groundbreaking new resource, The Asian American Teen’s Mental Health Workbook, and the community-based work of S.P.E.A.K., which empowers Asian American families and providers through education, destigmatization, and research-driven advocacy. --- Topics Discussed: How historical oppression and racialized trauma intersect with modern Asian American identity. The impact of COVID-19–related anti-Asian hate on mental health and belonging. Key takeaways from The Asian American Teen’s Mental Health Workbookfor clinicians, parents, and youth. The role of community-based participatory action research (CBPAR) in advancing culturally responsive care. --- About Our Guest: Teresa Hsu, PhD, is the Founder and Executive Director of S.P.E.A.K., a Supportive Place for Empowering Asian Americans & Kin, which focuses on Asian American mental health and wellness through education, destigmatization, research, and direct services. She is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and as the former Assistant Director of the Pediatric Behavioral Health Integration Program at Montefiore Medical Center, she helped establish one of the largest pediatric integrated behavioral health primary care programs in the nation. She uses evidenced-based approaches in her work with individuals and families to address race-related stressors, parent-child cultural issues including cultural dissonance, anxiety, mood disorders, and trauma. Her research focuses on collaborative care, prevention, and population health in diverse, historically marginalized communities, and she has presented nationally and published in peer-reviewed journals. She has been interviewed by The New York Times, WHYY PBS & NPR, VeryWell Family, Romper, Modern Healthcare, and City Limits, amongst others. Dr. Hsu-Walklet attended Northwestern University, where she received her B.A. in Psychology and Piano Performance, and she received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from The George Washington University. She completed her Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship at New York University. --- Connect with Teresa:  Website: www.connecttospeak.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drteresahsu & https://www.instagram.com/connecttospeak The Asian American Teen’s Mental Health Workbook: https://www.amazon.com/Asian-American-Mental-Health-Workbook/dp/1648485693 --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG3p9dLjmY/4qwcHJ9bffOH5QItUeTI0Q/view?utm_content=DAG3p9dLjmY&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h90a91f5af6 --- This Episode is Sponsored by Jane This episode is proudly sponsored by Jane, the practice management software that simplifies scheduling, charting, billing, and running your therapy business – all in one place. Use code AFFIRM1MO to receive a 1-month grace period when you sign up: 🔗 https://jane.app --- Episode Summary: Infertility affects an estimated 1 in 6 people worldwide, yet remains one of the least explored topics in clinical education. In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, sits down with Hilary Hovis, LCSW to unpack the emotional and psychological dimensions of infertility and IVF treatment—and how therapists can offer informed, compassionate care to clients navigating these deeply personal experiences. Hilary brings both professional expertise and lived experience to the conversation. She specializes in helping women and non-binary clients explore the intersections of body image, disordered eating, and reproductive grief, and her insights illuminate what it means to hold space for grief, hope, and identity shifts when the body becomes the site of uncertainty. --- Topics Discussed: Common emotional and relational themes in infertility and IVF journeys Quiet grief, control, and shame as clinical targets rather than character flaws Containment planning, widening the window of tolerance, and distinguishing pain from danger The role of systemic barriers—cost, access, policy, and privilege—in shaping reproductive experiences Moving beyond toxic positivity toward authentic, trauma-informed compassion --- About Our Guest: Hilary Hovis, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, and founder of HLH Therapy, a private practice serving adults across New York. Hilary helps clients unpack the deeper roots of body image distress, disordered eating patterns, and reproductive grief. Her approach is trauma-informed, relational, and narrative-based—offering humor, honesty, and validation to those navigating complex relationships with their bodies and identities. --- Connect with Hilary:  Website: www.hlhtherapy.com TikTok: @hlhtherapy --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG26R2OOgE/ty4ePFfNomzIu95FE4nomA/view?utm_content=DAG26R2OOgE&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h3abe042a1d --- This Episode is Sponsored by Jane This episode is proudly sponsored by Jane, the practice management software that simplifies scheduling, charting, billing, and running your therapy business – all in one place. Use code AFFIRM1MO to receive a 1-month grace period when you sign up: 🔗 https://jane.app --- Episode Summary: In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber, LCSW sits down with Alyssa Scarano, LPC, NCC, founder and Clinical Director of The Collective Therapy & Wellness, to explore how family pain and protection get passed down through relationships—and how therapy can interrupt those cycles. Grounded in the frameworks of Bowenian Family Systems Theory and Attachment Theory, the conversation looks at how early family roles like caretaker, peacekeeper, or over-functioner often repeat across generations. Shaina and Alyssa unpack what it means to notice these patterns, develop differentiation, and create new ways of relating that align with our values rather than our survival instincts. This episode offers a clinically rich, compassion-driven lens for therapists and anyone interested in understanding how healing within relationships can begin to transform entire family systems. --- Topics Discussed: How relational patterns from our families of origin influence adult relationships Key concepts from Bowenian Family Systems and Attachment Theory Practical ways to use genograms to identify intergenerational dynamics How mindfulness and compassion practices help interrupt inherited roles What it looks like when awareness becomes action in therapy --- About Our Guest:  Alyssa Scarano, LPC, NCC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor and the Founder/Owner of The Collective Therapy & Wellness. Known for her empathetic and compassionate approach, Alyssa views her work as a profound privilege—an opportunity to be invited into the most intimate and vulnerable parts of her clients’ lives to offer unwavering support and grace. Specializing in relationships, Alyssa is dedicated to helping individuals heal from childhood trauma, break generational patterns, and cultivate meaningful, authentic connections by first fostering a compassionate relationship with themselves. --- Connect with Alyssa:  Website:collective-therapy.com --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG2WyGmi0o/adhSJJgo9pXQxC25FH5QDw/view?utm_content=DAG2WyGmi0o&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=had1e1338e2 --- This Episode is Sponsored by Jane This episode is proudly sponsored by Jane, the practice management software that simplifies scheduling, charting, billing, and running your therapy business – all in one place. Use code AFFIRM1MO to receive a 1-month grace period when you sign up: 🔗 https://jane.app --- Episode Summary: Music can comfort us, move us, and even help us heal — but for some people, it can also provoke anxiety or fear. In this episode, host Shaina Siber, LCSW, explores the intersection between music therapy, exposure-based interventions, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) with guest Desiree Untch, LCSW — an independently licensed clinical social worker with advanced training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Shaina and Desiree discuss how music — a powerful activator of memory, emotion, and physiology — can become both a trigger and a pathway to healing. Desiree shares how she integrates music into ERP to help clients with moral and religious scrupulosity, a form of OCD characterized by intrusive fears of sinning or moral failure. Together, they explore how sound and rhythm can enhance emotional regulation, deepen exposure work, and transform avoidance into connection. Whether you specialize in OCD or not, this conversation offers creative, evidence-informed ways to bring music, embodiment, and emotional resonance into therapy — especially for clients who avoid sadness, shame, or grief.   If you’re new to ERP or OCD treatment, start with our self-study webinar: 🎓 An Introduction to Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) 🔗 https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/offers/LadRw3dq/checkout --- Topics Discussed: The neurobiological and emotional effects of music on the brain and body How moral and religious scrupulosity can lead to avoidance of music and environments where music is played How music can be used as an exposure stimulus within ERP The overlap between music therapy and modern exposure learning theory Creative ways to use sound and rhythm to reduce experiential avoidance and enhance engagement --- About Our Guest: Desiree Untch is an independently licensed clinical social worker specializing in anxiety disorders, OCD, and related conditions. She has received extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and completed the International OCD Foundation’s Pediatric Behavioral Therapy Training Institute (BTTI). Desiree is a professional member of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) and serves as Vice President and Social Media & Public Relations Chair for OCD Midwest, where she also contributes to the Education Committee. Driven by a passion for helping individuals manage intrusive thoughts and anxiety, she empowers clients with practical, evidence-based tools to reclaim their lives and live fully in the present moment. --- Connect with Desiree:  Email: [email protected] www.aspireanxietysolutions.com https://www.instagram.com/Aspireanxietyandocdsolutions https://www.instagram.com/desireeuntch/ --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG1r9olGRo/pwcm9HHNjwzJmvgcopOwmg/view?utm_content=DAG1r9olGRo&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h0bc8e717dc --- This Episode is Sponsored by Jane This episode is proudly sponsored by Jane, the practice management software that simplifies scheduling, charting, billing, and running your therapy business – all in one place. Use code AFFIRM1MO to receive a 1-month grace period when you sign up: 🔗 https://jane.app --- Episode Summary: In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW sits down with Shruthi Nair, MHC-LP, a New York–based mental health counselor whose work centers on the experiences of South Asian and other BIPOC individuals navigating identity, family dynamics, and mental health stigma. Together, they unpack the complex layers of shame, guilt, success, and family reputation that shape the mental health journeys of South Asian communities. Shruthi shares how historical and cultural forces—like colonialism, collectivism, and generational trauma—continue to influence help-seeking behaviors today. Whether you’re a therapist seeking to build cultural competence or someone personally navigating these themes, this episode offers powerful insight, validation, and tools for growth. --- Topics Discussed: How historical and cultural narratives impact South Asian mental health and stigma The difference between shame and guilt in family systems—and why this distinction matters How therapists can approach bicultural identity, people-pleasing, and intergenerational trauma with compassion and cultural responsiveness Practical strategies and therapeutic modalities that support healing, including mindfulness, IFS, and ACT-based approaches --- About Our Guest: Shruthi Nair is a Limited Permit Mental Health Counselor based in New York. As a second-generation Indian American and daughter of immigrants, Shruthi brings a deep personal understanding to her work with BIPOC communities, with a special focus on supporting South Asian individuals navigating the unique challenges of bicultural identity. Shruthi works primarily with adults dealing with anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem, chronic health conditions (such as PCOS and thyroid disorders), and issues related to people-pleasing, shame, guilt, and family dynamics. She also specializes in helping clients process intergenerational trauma and explore identity through a culturally responsive, trauma-informed lens. A passionate advocate for de-stigmatizing mental health in the South Asian community, Shruthi regularly appears on podcasts, panels, and speaking engagements across organizations. She shares educational, culturally informed content on Instagram and TikTok as @boldbrowntherapist — a platform she created to empower others through representation, storytelling, and healing. Shruthi lives in New Jersey with her husband, loves traveling the world, and has been learning and performing Indian classical dance since the age of four. --- Connect with Shruthi:  Instagram & TikTok: @boldbrowntherapist Website: www.shruthinair.com --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health