In this episode of What Your Therapist is Reading' Jessica Fowler interviews Deirdre Fay, MSW, about her book 'Becoming Safely Embodied'. The conversation delves into the imprinting of early childhood experiences, trauma, attachment theory, and how these can be transformed into a fulfilling life. Deirdre shares insights from her 40 years of experience in trauma and yoga, discussing practical steps for organizing the mind, body, and heart. The episode underscores the importance of self-compassion, understanding inner needs, and the lifelong journey of healing and transformation.

In this episode of What Your Therapist is Reading, host Jessica Fowler speaks with Amanda Ann Gregory about her book 'You Don't Need To Forgive: Trauma Recovery on Your Own Terms.' Amanda, a trauma psychotherapist, discusses all things forgiveness. They explore Amanda's definition of forgiveness as a fluid, process-oriented experience rather than a definitive end-point. The conversation extends to Amanda's personal and professional journey dealing with trauma, the importance of finding safety before addressing forgiveness, and practical ways trauma survivors can address external pressures to forgive. The episode includes a discussion of therapeutic strategies for trauma recovery, including EMDR, somatic therapy, and community support groups. Both trauma survivors and clinicians are encouraged to approach forgiveness and healing with flexibility and openness.

In this weeks episode of What Your Therapist is Reading, Jessica Fowler speaks with Christine Mark-Griffin, LCSW about her book "EMDR Coloring and Activity Book for Kids”, which integrates therapeutic techniques into fun and engaging activities. Christine shares insights on EMDR therapy, especially for children, and highlights how the book uses interactive elements to make therapy approachable and playful. The episode also covers the book's practical applications and its potential benefits for kids and therapists alike.

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, so we are starting October with The Adult Side of Dyslexia by Dr. Kelli Sandman Hurley.  The discussion covers the long-term impact of dyslexia on individuals, particularly focusing on adult experiences and the lack of resources available post-school years. Dr. Hurley shares insights from her interviews with adults who have dyslexia, revealing the emotional and psychological challenges they face. The episode emphasizes the importance of early intervention, proper support, and self-advocacy for individuals with dyslexia to improve their quality of life and mental health. Listeners are encouraged to consider the lifelong effects of dyslexia and the role educators and therapists can play in supporting affected individuals.

In this episode of What Your Therapist is Reading, host Jessica Fowler speaks with Dr. Pearis Jean about her workbook Strategically Navigating Anti-Black Racism in Professional Spaces: A Practical Guide for Black People Responding to Racism in the Workplace. Dr. Jean, an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Towson University, discusses her research and the development of the SNAP model (Strategically Navigating Anti-Black Racism in Professional Spaces). The conversation also delves into the importance of community and the emotional and psychological tools necessary for addressing workplace racism.

In this episode of What Your Therapist is Reading, Jessica Fowler discusses Therapeutic Conversations with Teens alongside Dr. Janet Edgette.  Dr. Edgette is an experienced psychologist and author. She shares insights from her new book 'Therapeutic Conversations with Adolescents,' highlighting effective ways to engage with teens in therapy by being authentic, respectful, and avoiding a question-based approach. She emphasizes the importance of talking 'with' teens rather than 'at' them, addressing real issues, and fostering genuine communication. The episode also delves into how cultural expectations about adolescence often lead to misunderstandings and provides practical advice for therapists and parents on how to build stronger connections with teenagers.

In this episode of 'What Your Therapist is Reading,' host Jessica Fowler talks with Dr. Angela Wood about her book, 'The Motivational Interviewing Workbook: Exercises to Help You Decide What You Want and How to Get There.' Dr. Wood, an experienced clinical social worker and academic, discusses the origins and applications of motivational interviewing, a counseling approach that helps individuals facilitate personal change through self-reflection and guided questioning. They delve into the key stages of motivational interviewing: focusing, evoking, and planning, and highlight the importance of understanding one's values and motivation for sustained change. Additionally, the episode touches on the impact of reading and writing on Dr. Wood's life, her experiences with depression, and the role of community in maintaining personal growth.

We are starting season 8 with Teaching With A Strength-Based Approach: How to Motivate Students and Build Relationships by Steven Baron, Psy.D., which seems fitting as we are in the swing of back to school. Dr. Barons, a seasoned school psychologist and private practice therapist, shares insights on how highlighting students' strengths rather than focusing on their deficits can significantly impact their success and well-being. The discussion includes practical strategies for educators to incorporate strength-based methods in their classrooms, emphasizing the long-term positive effects these relationships can have on students. The episode concludes with Dr. Barons reflecting on his motivation for writing the book and his thoughts on extending these principles to parenting.

In this weeks episode, Jessica Fowler speaks with Christina Cipriano, PhD. about her book Be Unapologetically Impatient: The Mindset Required to Change the Way We Do Things. Dr. Cipriano, shares ways to work toward inclusion with her own stories and the science on how to change the way we do things.

In this weeks episode, Jessica Fowler is speaking with Khara Croswaite Brindle, MA, LPC, ACS, CFT about her book Moving from Alert to Acceptance: Helping Clinicians Heal from Client Suicide. This book covers suicide assessment and safety planning in a way that takes the fear out of asking. In this episode, we explore how Khara writes client stories and therapist stories of healing. We explore how impactful this event is to clinicians and the struggles that can be had while trying to heal.

In this weeks episode, Jessica Fowler speaks with Lori Elliot Sacks about her book Unlucky Lori: A Raw and Unfiltered Look at One Woman's Battle with Ovarian Cancer and How HOPE Wins.  In this book, Lori shares her journal of over almost a decade about her experience of going through treatment for Ovarian Cancer and then also being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. In this episode, listen is as Lori shares about the difficult times and how she has coped to continue to live a life she wants. She shares examples of ways she could take control in times that it could be difficult.  Lori shares her excitement for life and love of her family, while managing her own struggles through her illness.  Take a listen as Lori shares the insights that have helped her along the way. 

In this weeks episode, Jessica Fowler speaks with Larissa Nickson, LCSW, PMH-C, RYT 200 about her book I Hold You In My Heart: A Children's Book & Parent Guide to Helping Children Cope with Loss.  In this book, the characters explore and navigate difficult emotions like grief, sadness and anger and along the way learn different coping strategies. 

Highlights from the episode:

3:46 Larissa shares how the book is for children and parents to explore loss and shares some examples of the coping skills that are taught in the book.

4:59 Larissa shares a little about her story of grief and what inspired the book.

6:25 Larissa shares how she choose to use the word loss, so this book can be used in a way that it can be about losing anything.

8:37 Larissa shares who the book is for.

In this weeks episode, Jessica Fowler speaks with Dr. Arielle Jordan about her book United We Serve, United We Heal: A Practice Guide to Healing Racial Trauma. In this book, Dr. Arielle sheds light on the racial trauma, offering a path to healing that is both personal and communal.  

In this weeks episode, Jessica Fowler speaks with Pamela Lowell about her book, My Summer With The Ospreys: A Therapist Journey Toward Hope, Community and Healing Our Planet. Through her book, Pamela guides the reading through the connections between therapy, life as an artist and the natural world as a place of healing.

Highlights from the episode:

4:36 We discuss some of the science behind the benefits of being in nature.

7:39 We discuss Pamela bring a trauma lens to her experience and how mother earth has been traumatized.  What would Mother Earth say if she showed up in her therapy office?

15:10 Who this book is for.

17:13 How therapist integrate nature into their work.

In this weeks episode, Jessica Fowler speaks with Steve Bisson, LMHC about his book, Finding Your Way Through Therapy: A Navigation Tool for Therapists and Clients. This book is described as a tool to help clients and therapists get the most our of therapy.

Highlights include:

4:55 Steve shared that he wrote the book because people shared that he had a unique style and was encouraged to write the book.

6:39 Steve shared the step up of the book.

7:09 Demystifying Therapy

8:49 We explore what therapy is and isn't.

14:43 Steve shares who the book is for.

In this weeks episode, Jessica Fowler speaks with Tara Sanderson, PsyD, MBA about her book, Too Much, Not Enough: A Guide to Decreasing Anxiety and Creating Balance Through Intentional Choices.

This book is for the overachiever and perfectionist. You may struggle with "am I good enough, worthy enough or just enough". If these are some of the thoughts you might have, listen as Tara Sanderson and I explore these struggles, and she shares how to decrease anxiety to take care of yourself.  

After today's episode, head on over to @therapybookspodcast to learn about our latest giveaway.

If you are enjoying these episodes, please leave us a 5-star review. 

*Information shared in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only.  

*Trigger warning for this episode at book, as we do discuss briefly some of the traumatic experiences that are written about in the book.

After today's episode, head on over to @therapybookspodcast to learn about our latest giveaway.  

If you are enjoying these episodes, please leave us a 5-star review.  

*Information shared on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. 

In this weeks episode, Jessica Fowler speaks with Dr. David Dorado Romo about his book Borderlands and the Mexican American Story. We discussed a lot in this episode about stories that are often not taught about Mexican American History, why it is important to know for ourself, to teach about it, how it can be related to mental health and intergenerational trauma.

Highlights include:

4:16 Dr. Romo shares why he wrote this book, including for himself as he was taught very little about his own history in school.  

7:03 We discuss the bath riots.

18:53 Institutionalized racism. 

20:37 Examples of young people protesting.

28:36 The importance of younger people knowing these stories.

In this week’s episode, Jessica Fowler speaks with Katesha Reid, LPC about her book Beyond Someone's Something: A Guide to Self-Discovery for Every Woman Trapped in Labels.

Highlights Include:

3:09 Katesha sharing how she would like women to pick up this book and feel seen.

3:36 Identity and roles.

7:30: The importance of identifying multiple emotions.

9:46: Katesha shares how the book is set up and explains how it is an interactive book.

11:30: Balance vs. juggling our lives.

14:04: Unlearning

In this weeks episode of What Your Therapist is Reading, Jessica Fowler speaks with Jamie Marich, Ph.D. about her book Dissociation Made Simple: A Stigma-Free Guide to Embracing Your Dissociative Mind and Navigating Life. In our discussion, Dr. Marich explores what dissociations is, examples and various treatments.  

*Information shared on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only.

In this weeks episode of What Your Therapist is Reading, Jessica Fowler speaks with Chris Gamble about his book Tales of a Black Therapist. In our discussion, Chris shares how he uses storytelling to highlight the unique challenges and perspectives of Black therapists.

Highlights include:

-Chris shares about the premise of the book and how although a novel wanted to share some of the lessons he was learning in community mental health work, although the stories are fictional.

-Systemic issues in mental health care.

- Chris shares who this book is for and how he provides book club questions.

-We discuss how often students are not made away of what it is like to really work in the mental health field.