Everything You Want To Know About Therapy *but were too afraid to ask

By the therapy podcast

A podcast for anyone looking for therapy but don’t know where to start, what to ask or who to look for. Hosts Jennifer Trivelli and Jessica Strang interview experts in the field and ask everything you were too afraid to ask.

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Episode 21: all about BFRBs and OCD with Dr Lisa Conway

Everything You Want To Know About Therapy *but were too afraid to askJun 02, 2023

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01:11:23

Episode 21: all about BFRBs and OCD with Dr Lisa Conway

In this episode, we interview Dr Lisa Conway, a Chicago based clinical psychologist with a private practice called Exposure Therapy Chicago. Dr Conway graduated with her PhD from the University of Wyoming in 2010 and then completed a two-year NIMH postdoctoral fellowship in Traumatic Stress at the National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center in Charleston, SC. She worked as an Assistant Professor in the Clinical Psychology Department at Northern Illinois University before entering full-time clinical work.

She opened Exposure Therapy Chicago in 2020 with a focus on providing evidence-based practices for anxiety, OCD, BFRBs and trauma to more adults in need of this care. As a member of PSYPACT, she can currently work with clients in 36 states. Dr Conway is board-certified in Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology, and serves on the board of OCD Midwest. She is also a member of the TLC Foundation, International OCD Foundation and Association for Contextual and Behavioral Science. She is also an active member of her therapy community, and participates in, and hosts, multiple consultation groups with local, national and international colleagues.

We ask all the hard hitting questions (like what are body focused repetitive behaviors and are they normal) and do a deep dive into all things related to anxiety, BFRBs and everything you’d ever want to know about treatment for these issues.

For more information about Dr. Conway, check out her website at www.exposuretherapychicago.com.

We will be posting more information on the therapy topics we discussed in our Instagram stories so give us a follow over there at @therapy_podcast_.

Jun 02, 202301:11:23

Episode 20: all about OCD and sports performance anxiety with Sarah Farris LCPC

In this episode, we interview Sarah Farris, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. Sarah has a private practice in Illinois and is also licensed to practice in Wisconsin. Sarah works with adults seeking individual therapy and uses evidence-based practices in her work. Her specialities include anxiety, OCD, sports performance anxiety and Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Sarah also participates in advocacy work through a program called Anxiety in Athletes which is affiliated with the International OCD Foundation. In the role, Sarah helps spread awareness regarding the unique mental health needs of athletes while also providing resources for coaches, family members and athletes.

We ask all the hard hitting questions (like what is the difference between an anxiety and panic attack and what’s sports performance anxiety all about) and do a deep dive into all things related to anxiety, OCD, and everything you’d ever want to know about exposure therapy.

For more information about Sarah Farris, check out her www.chicagomindandbody.com.

We will be posting more information on the therapy topics we discussed in our Instagram stories so give us a follow over there at @therapy_podcast_.

May 08, 202301:09:34

Episode 19: all about marginalized communities and EMDR with Dr Autumn Cabell Ph.D.

In this episode, we interview Dr Autumn Cabell, Assistant Professor in Counseling at DePaul University. Dr. Cabell also has a private practice and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Certified Career Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. She has expertise in racial, generational and complex trauma as well as depression, anxiety, grief and career development. Dr. Cabell is trained in evidenced based practices such as EMDR, CPT, CBT and Progressive Counting.

We ask all the hard hitting questions (like what are barriers to treatment for marginalized communities and what exactly is EMDR) and do a deep dive into all things related to trauma informed therapy, working with marginalized communities and everything you’d ever want to know about EMDR therapy and see if it’s right for you.

For more information about Dr. Cabell, check out her website at www.thecareerandwellnesscenter.com or email her at info@careerandwellnesscenter.com.

We will be posting more information on the therapy topics we discussed in our Instagram stories so give us a follow over there at @therapy_podcast_.

Apr 01, 202350:31

Episode 18 all about PHP and IOP with Compass Health Center Adolescent Director Adam Honecker LCSW

In this episode, we interview Adam Honecker LCSW, Director of Adolescent Programs at Compass Health Center in Chicago. Adam helps to oversee the Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) at the Chicago location for Compass and these programs focus in treating adolescents with mood and anxiety disorders. Treatment addresses issues including school refusal, OCD, trauma and complex anxiety.

Jen is away from the podcast this episode so I will be asking Adam all the hard hitting questions (like what does IOP and PHP mean and what’s it really like to be in these programs) and do a deep dive into all things related to higher level treatment programming, adolescent mental health and everything you’d ever want to know about this type of psychological treatment.

For more information about Compass Health Center and their programming for adolescents and adults, call 844-552-0242 or check out their website at www.compasshealthcenter.net. Compass Health Center is located in Chicago, Northbrook, Oak Brook and offer virtual services.

We will be posting more information on the therapy topics we discussed in our Instagram stories so give us a follow over there at @therapy_podcast_.

Mar 03, 202349:45

Episode 17 all about anxiety and depression in kids with Rachel Spizzirri LPC & Lauren Solarz LCSW

In this episode, we interview Rachel Spizzirri LPC & Lauren Solarz LCSW, two Illinois based therapists. Rachel has had extensive experience working with children and adolescents in PHP and IOP programs and currently works in a group practice where her clinical area of focus include eating disorders, anxiety, OCD, depression, academic stress, kids on the autism spectrum,and she is an LGBTQIA+ ally. Lauren Solarz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Illinois. Her background includes extensive training in direct clinical therapy in both the school and behavioral hospital settings and across various child and adolescent PHP/IOP programs. Lauren currently works in a a group practice and her specialities include OCD, anxiety, eating disorders, ADHD, emotional dysregulation, coping mechanisms, and anger. Together, Rachel and Lauren run Understanding Your Anxious Child: A series of five online group sessions for parents. This process group for caregivers to help them understand and collaborate with their anxious children using strategies to help children gain mastery over their anxiety. We ask them hard hitting questions (like how exactly does anxiety present in children and teens and when does our brain really mature) and do a deep dive into all things related to treatment for anxiety, depression, parent coaching and ways to help young people manage their anxiety and depression symptoms. For more information about Rachel Spizzirri LPC, call 847-920-7250. For more information about Lauren Solarz LCSW, call 312-841-7752 or email at Lauren.Solarz@chicagotherapy.com. You can also find both of their profiles on the Psychology Today website. We will be posting more information on the therapy topics we discussed in our Instagram stories so give us a follow over there at @therapy_podcast_.

Feb 13, 202301:01:06

Episode 16: all about gray area drinking and postpartum depression with Kelley Kitley LCSW

In this episode, we interview Kelley Kitley, an Illinois based Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been working in the field for over 20 years and owns her own private practice, Serendipitous Psychotherapy. Kelley is a sought after speaker and media expert, author and producer. She wrote and self-published an award winning, Amazon best selling autobiography, My Self. Kelley also produced a short film called GRAY AREA with her husband, adapted form her own book. She travels the country and uses her film to educate others about mental health.

Kelley is known as Chicago’s go to expert on mental health and is a regular contributor to daytime television and talk shows. She has been featured on the TODAY show, CNN, The Drew Barrymore Show, and Tamron Hall. Her work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, WebMD, Shape, Cosmopolitan and the Washington Post. Currently, she is a weekly mental health expert contributor for NBC News Daily.

We ask her hard hitting questions (like what exactly is gray area drinking and what are the symptoms of postpartum depression) and do a deep dive into all things related to treatment for gray area drinking, postpartum depression and ways to help others when we see signs of these two issues.

For more information about Kelley Kitley, LCSW, please visit her website at: www.kelleykitley.com.

We will be posting more information on the therapy topics we discussed in our Instagram stories so give us a follow over there at @therapy_podcast_.

Nov 21, 202253:27

Episode 15: all about therapy with the LGTBQ+ community, anxiety and OCD with Grace Dickman LCSW

In this episode, we interview Grace Dickman, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has a private practice, Real Therapy, in Brooklyn, NY. Grace has over 10 years of nonprofit experience working in schools in the south and west sides of Chicago and transitioned to working in private practice in 2017. She holds a MSW from the University of Chicago and is trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, and EMDR. Grace has been awarded several international fellowships and professional exchanges in the UK, Morocco, Egypt, and India to study the intersections of gender, trauma, and community services. She is currently licensed in three states and actively working on expanding her private practice. She is passionate about working with young adults, teens, women, and people exploring their gender and sexual identities. She specializes in trauma and the many ways the brain and body adapt to it. Many of her clients struggle with anxiety, OCD, difficulties in relationships, low self-esteem, life transitions, and are members of the LGBTQ+ community. She uses a mix of several evidence-based therapy modalities to help clients deepen their relationship to self, experiment with new ways of living, and move confidently towards the things that matter most. We ask her hard hitting questions (like does the acronym LGBTQ+ stand for and what is OCD) and do a deep dive into all things related to two of her specialities- working with the LGBTQ+ community and helping clients with anxiety and OCD.

For more information about Grace Dickman, LCSW, please visit her website at: www.realtherapy.co and Instagram @realtherapyco.

We will be posting more information on the therapy topics we discussed in our Instagram stories so give us a follow over there at @therapy_podcast_.

Oct 24, 202201:02:43

Episode 14: all about couples therapy with Kate Engler LMFT

In this episode, we interview Kate Engler, a licensed marriage and family therapist who has a private practice in Skokie, Illinois. Kate has been featured in publications including Fatherly.com, Bustle, Rewire, Insider and The Toronto Sun. Currently, she is working on her book dealing with Gen X relationships. We ask her hard hitting questions (like what to expect in a marital session and what are some reasons couples should not be in therapy) and do a deep dive into all things related to marital therapy.

For more information about Kate Engler LMFT, please visit her website at: www.threepointsrelationships.com and Facebook/Instagram @threepointsrelationships. We will be posting more information on the marital therapy topics we discussed in our Instagram stories so give us a follow over there at @therapy_podcast_

Sep 16, 202201:59:21

Episode 13: all about procrastination with Dr. Linda Sapadin

In this episode, we interview Dr. Linda Sapadin, a licensed clinical psychologist who has a private practice in Long Island, New York, has been featured in publications including The NY Times, Washington Post and on tv programs such as The Today Show and Good Morning America. Dr. Sapadin’s books focus on the area of procrastination across the lifespan. We ask her hard hitting questions (like what is procrastination all about anyway) and do a deep dive into all things related to productivity and reaching our personal goals. We also get insights into Dr. Sapadin’s therapeutic approach.

For more information about Dr. Linda Sapadin, please visit her website at www.psychwisdom.com. We will be posting more information on the procrastination topics we discussed in our Instagram stories so give us a follow over there at @therapy_podcast_

Jun 09, 202201:08:26

Episode 12: all about anxiety with Dr. David Carbonell

In this episode, we interview Dr. Dave Carbonell, a licensed clinical psychologist who has a private practice in Illinois, is the author of four books and has a popular self help website, www.anxietycoach.com. Dr. Carbonell has spent his career studying and working on the topic of anxiety disorders and had taught workshops on the treatment of anxiety disorders to more than 10,000 therapists in the U.S. and abroad. We ask him hard hitting questions (like can we get rid of this anxiety or what) and do a deep dive into all things related to anxiety disorders. We also get some insights into treatment modalities to seek out and how to use humor to curb our anxiety.

For more information about Dr. Dave Carbonell, please visit his website at www.anxietycoach.com. We will be posting more information on the anxiety topics we discussed in our Instagram stories so give us a follow over there at @therapy_podcast_

Apr 01, 202201:15:25

Episode 11: sex therapy with Asya Brodsky, LCSW, CST, CADC

In this episode, we interview Asya Brodsky, a licensed clinical social worker and Certified Sex Therapist (and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor) who has a private practice in Illinois. Asya has spent her career studying and working with the LGBTQIA+ community, veteran sexual health, sexuality and sexual trauma. She has provided presentations, trainings and has been interviewed for topics including sexual health, eroticism in psychotherapy, and therapeutic interventions for trauma survivors. We ask her hard hitting questions (like what is/is not sex therapy and what do most people come in to discuss) and do a deep dive into all things sex therapy. We also get some insights into sexuality, fetishes, and the purpose of her work.

For more information about Asya Brodsky, please visit her website at www.speakchicago.org. You can also look her up on the Psychology Today website and her email is: asya@speakchicago.org. We will be posting more information on the sex therapy topics we discussed in our stories.

For more information on sex therapy or to find a certified sex therapist near you, check out:

* ASSECT- the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therpists at www.aasect.org/

*SSTAR-Society for Sex Therapy and Research at sstarnet.org/ This episode deals with a frank discussion of sex and may not be suitable for younger audiences.

Feb 04, 202201:14:19

Episode 10: suicide risks and prevention with Sheri Richardt, LCSW

In this episode, we interview Sheri Richardt, a licensed clinical social worker who has private practices in Illinois and Tennessee and is also a Manager at a National Telehealth initiative. Sheri has over twenty years of experience working with the public in emergency room settings and frequently provides presentations and trainings regarding suicide prevention, the role of social workers in trauma settings and compassion fatigue to healthcare professionals. We ask her hard hitting questions (like the risk factors for suicide, best practices for suicide prevention and what to expect when going to the ER) and do a deep dive into the ins and outs of suicide prevention and working in emergency room settings. We also have a deep discussion on why we must address suicide and view mental health with the same lens as other health issues. This episode deals with a frank discussion of suicide and this may be triggering to some listeners. If you or someone you know would like to seek help, please contact:
▪️National Suicide Prevention Hotline, offering services 24-7 at 1 (800)-273-TALK (8255)
▪️Crisis Text Line, 24-7 message support for those in crisis, text the National Alliance on Mental Illness at 741741
▪️CARES, a crisis hotline abs mental health evaluation for youth and adults with Medicare, 1 (800) 345-9049
▪️You are not alone

Jan 14, 202256:17

Bye to 2021- co-hosts Jennifer and Jessica review the podcast highlights of this year

In this bonus mini episode, the EYWTKAT podcast co-hosts Jennifer and Jessica discuss the debut of the podcast, highlights from this past year and maybe drop hints of what is to come in 2022. It’s a don’t miss episode and a thank you for all the amazing subscribers and listeners who have enjoyed listening to this mental health podcast.

Dec 31, 202112:06

Episode 9: Therapeutic day school, diagnostic testing and tips for stress with Dr. Christina Bailey

In this episode, we interview Dr. Bailey, a licensed clinical psychologist working in Illinois at a therapeutic day school and group practice. Dr. Bailey supervises psychology students in the assessment rotation at the facility she works at as well as conducts diagnostic testing for children and adolescents. We ask her hard hitting questions (like what is an IEP and 504 plan) and do a deep dive into the ins and outs of therapeutic day schools. We also get some handy tips on how to manage stress for children, parents and just about anyone during this pandemic holiday season.

Dec 30, 202101:04:40

Episode 8: Discussing working with the Latinx community with Paty Peńa, LMFT

In this episode, we interview Paty Peńa, a Spanish-speaking Mexican-American licensed marriage and family therapist working in Chicago, IL in private practice and at a non-for-profit mental health agency. Paty focuses her work on children, adolescents and adults and has specialized training in Theraplay, Child-Parent Psychotherapy, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Brainspotting- a treatment modality which we discuss in depth.

We ask her hard hitting questions (like why being culturally competent matters) and do a deep dive into acculturation factors when working with the Latinx community, breaking generational stigmas and which treatment modalities she uses to work with clients who have experienced trauma. Don’t miss this episode if you are interested in the ins and outs of seeking treatment specific to the Latinx community. For more information about Paty’s practice, please visit her profile at www.psychologytoday.com, www.therapyden.com or her email: patypenamft@gmail.com. Also, check out our Instagram account: @therapy_podcast_ for more information on topics discussed in this episode including brainspotting, marriage and family therapy and more.

Nov 15, 202101:09:14

Episode 7: Discussing individual therapy and good/bad therapists with Steph Meyers, LCPC

In this episode, we interview Steph Meyers, a licensed clinical professional counselor working in Evanston, IL in private practice. Steph has been in the field for 15 years and focuses her work on adolescents and adults and specializing in working with mood disorders, crisis intervention and ADHD.

We ask her hard hitting questions (like what is a first session really like) and do a deep dive into what makes a therapeutic connection a good one and also when it’s not a good fit with your therapist. Don’t miss this episode if you are interested in all the ins and outs of the process of entering (and ending) individual therapy. For more information about Steph’s practice, please visit her website at www.stephmeyerscounseling.com where you can send her a message through a secure contact form. Also, check out our Instagram account: @therapy_podcast_ for more information on topics discussed in this episode including boundaries.

Oct 07, 202101:00:30

Episode 6: Discussing college experiences, student mental health and HBCUs with Dr. Hideko Sera

In this episode, we interview Dr. Sera, clinical psychologist and Director of Equity, Inclusion and Belonging at Morehouse College, a private historically black men's liberal arts college in Atlanta, Georgia and part of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the United States. In addition to her role at this prestigious college, Dr. Sera is also an elected board member of the American Psychological Association’s Board of Educational Affairs. Most recently, she was awarded the APA’s Presidential Citation for her leadership in the psychology education and training, and her lifelong work to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion in higher education. We engaged in a thought provoking discussion about racial reckoning, the mental health needs of college students and what it takes to make actual change in our current higher education institutions and culture. Please check out and follow our Instagram account: @therapy_podcast_ for more information about Dr. Sera.

Sep 03, 202101:17:06

Everything You Want To Know About Therapy *but were too afraid to ask

By the therapy podcast

Available on

Episode 21: all about BFRBs and OCD with Dr Lisa Conway

Everything You Want To Know About Therapy *but were too afraid to askJun 02, 2023

Episode 21: all about BFRBs and OCD with Dr Lisa Conway

Episode 20: all about OCD and sports performance anxiety with Sarah Farris LCPC

Episode 19: all about marginalized communities and EMDR with Dr Autumn Cabell Ph.D.

Episode 18 all about PHP and IOP with Compass Health Center Adolescent Director Adam Honecker LCSW

Episode 17 all about anxiety and depression in kids with Rachel Spizzirri LPC & Lauren Solarz LCSW

Episode 16: all about gray area drinking and postpartum depression with Kelley Kitley LCSW

Episode 15: all about therapy with the LGTBQ+ community, anxiety and OCD with Grace Dickman LCSW

Episode 14: all about couples therapy with Kate Engler LMFT

Episode 13: all about procrastination with Dr. Linda Sapadin

Episode 12: all about anxiety with Dr. David Carbonell

Episode 11: sex therapy with Asya Brodsky, LCSW, CST, CADC

Episode 10: suicide risks and prevention with Sheri Richardt, LCSW

Bye to 2021- co-hosts Jennifer and Jessica review the podcast highlights of this year

Episode 9: Therapeutic day school, diagnostic testing and tips for stress with Dr. Christina Bailey

Episode 8: Discussing working with the Latinx community with Paty Peńa, LMFT

Episode 7: Discussing individual therapy and good/bad therapists with Steph Meyers, LCPC

Episode 6: Discussing college experiences, student mental health and HBCUs with Dr. Hideko Sera

Episode 5: Veteran and mental health 101 with Dr. Arena Mueller

Episode 4: Psychology testing 101 with Dr. Jeff Stine

Episode 3: Psychiatry 101 with Dr. Pacis

Episode 2: Therapist Training 101

Episode 1: Who are these hosts anyway?

A Brief Intro