327: Authenticity & Social Change in the Mental Health Space - with Shahem McLaurin, Licensed Therapist & Mental Health Educator

328: I'm Officially Licensed! Life Updates, Reflections, & Embracing Uncertainty

And we're back! I'm excited to share that I've passed my state licensing exam and am now officially a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist!  In this catch-up solo episode, I share some professional and personal updates (including some exciting news!!). I reflect on the journey toward licensure, from grad school and practicum to the associate years. I also share my real-time experience navigating OCD-related thoughts while recording this episode and what it looks like to move through doubt when it shows up.  I'm leaning into embracing the unknowns and allowing this next chapter to feel new, exciting, confusing, overwhelming, relieving - all at the same time. As always, I want to express gratitude to each and every one of you for being here along the ride. I can't wait for what's to come and to share with you all :)  STAY CONNECTED: INSTA: @trustandthrive [http://www.instagram.com/trustandthrive] TIKOK: @trustandthrive [https://www.tiktok.com/@trustandthrive?] EMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com

327: Authenticity & Social Change in the Mental Health Space - with Shahem McLaurin, Licensed Therapist & Mental Health Educator

Shahem McLaurin is a licensed therapist, founder of an independent mental health agency, and public mental health educator whose work bridges clinical expertise with large-scale public engagement. They have led and participated in national mental health awareness campaigns in collaboration with institutions such as Harvard University and the National Ad Agency, and have partnered with brands and organizations to develop ethical, evidence-informed mental health messaging.  As the founder of their own agency, Shahem provides clinical leadership, strategic direction, and oversight of mental health programming rooted in trauma-informed and culturally responsive care. They are a sought-after speaker and keynote presenter, having delivered talks and trainings at universities including NYU and SUNY. Their work centers on making mental health education accessible, reducing stigma, and expanding equitable access to care through media, storytelling, and community-based dialogue.  In this episode, we explore what it looks like to show up authentically as a therapist, different career paths (including community mental health), and how these experiences can shape the way we understand care, access, and equity.  We also talk about the importance of advocating for clients not just within the therapy room, but outside of it as well. Shahem shares more about the importance of working toward more accessible and inclusive mental health care, and how there is no one-size-fits-all way to show up as a therapist. FOLLOW SHAHEM: INSTA: @5hahem [https://www.instagram.com/5hahem]; @freedomcollectivepod [https://www.instagram.com/freedomcollectivepod/] TIKTOK: @5hahem [https://www.tiktok.com/@5hahem] PODCAST: Freedom Collective Podcast [https://links.5hahem.com/freedom-collective-podcast] STAY CONNECTED: INSTA: @trustandthrive [http://www.instagram.com/trustandthrive] TIKOK: @trustandthrive [https://www.tiktok.com/@trustandthrive?] THREADS: @trustandthrive [http://twitter.com/trustandthrive] FACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramont [http://bit.ly/FBtaramont] EMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com

326: Moral OCD & Scrupulosity - The Pressure to Always Be "Good"

In this solo episode, I talk about Moral OCD (also known as scrupulosity), a subtype of OCD that can make everyday decisions feel heavy and high-stakes. I discuss how thoughts related to this subtype can show up as intense guilt, fear of being a "bad" person, perfectionism, people pleasing tendencies, and feeling responsible for doing the "right" thing at all times. In addition, I explore examples of compulsions that can show up, including mental reviewing, reassurance seeking, confessing, or trying to achieve certainty about what is morally “correct.” I share how social media, activism spaces, and being constantly exposed to information can intensify feelings of urgency and responsibility, and why this can feel so distressing.  As always, this episode is not one-size-fits-all and simply reflects a few ways OCD-thoughts related to morality can show up. I hope to bring language to an experience that can feel incredibly isolating, and to remind you that you are not alone if your mind makes morality feel urgent, overwhelming, or impossible to "get right." STAY CONNECTED: INSTA: @trustandthrive [http://www.instagram.com/trustandthrive] TIKOK: @trustandthrive [https://www.tiktok.com/@trustandthrive?] EMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com

325: EMDR, Social Media, & Humanizing Therapy - with Jennifer Bohle, Trauma-Informed Therapist

Jennifer Bohle, MS, LPC, is a trauma-informed therapist, content creator, and high-achieving creative based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She works with perfectionistic women to build self-trust, confidence, and worthiness while learning to relate to perfectionism as a strength. Through content creation, Jennifer blends humor, education, and real life - using creativity as a way to make therapy more human and accessible, and to stay connected to the playful, curious part of herself that still feels like a kid at heart. In this episode, we explore the intersection of therapy, social media, and authenticity. We discuss EMDR as a therapeutic modality that helps the brain process difficult experiences through bilateral stimulation, and how trauma-informed care emphasizes pacing, flexibility, and client choice. We also talk about how EMDR can be adapted to meet individual needs and isn’t limited to major traumatic events.  We explore common misconceptions about therapy modalities, the pressure clients can feel to do therapy a certain “right” way, and what it can look to humanize therapy online through the use of humor and play. We also have an open conversation about being therapists on social media, navigating boundaries online, and embracing authenticity both professionally and personally.  FOLLOW JENNIFER: INSTA: @jenniferanncounseling [https://www.instagram.com/jenniferanncounseling] TIKTOK: @jenniferanncounseling [https://www.tiktok.com/@jenniferanncounseling?_t=ZP-8wjfCLqfrxf] WEBSITE: www.jenniferanncounseling.com [http://www.jenniferanncounseling.com] STAY CONNECTED: INSTA: @trustandthrive [http://www.instagram.com/trustandthrive] TIKOK: @trustandthrive [https://www.tiktok.com/@trustandthrive?] THREADS: @trustandthrive [http://twitter.com/trustandthrive] FACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramont [http://bit.ly/FBtaramont] EMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com

324: Relationship OCD & Milestones (Anniversaries, Moving In, Engagement, & More)

Milestones like anniversaries, engagements, and other "big" moments can bring up pressure, doubt, and intrusive thoughts for those navigating relationship OCD. When there's a pressure of how a day "should" feel or look like, this can create an extra layer of meaning, making thoughts feel more urgent and significant than they really are.  In this episode, I reflect on recently celebrating my wedding anniversary and how my relationship to my intrusive thoughts has shifted over time. I share how I used to respond out of urgency and how I have been able to enjoy celebrations, trips, and other special moments without feeling overpowered by the thoughts.  That said, I also normalize the ups and downs of living with OCD, the grief that can come with recognizing how much space OCD can take up, and compassion for oneself as we navigate our personal experience.  If you've ever felt like you "should" feel "more" happy or joyful, you're not alone. There is hope, while remembering that progress can seem more subtle and gradual than we expect. STAY CONNECTED: INSTA: @trustandthrive [http://www.instagram.com/trustandthrive] TIKOK: @trustandthrive [https://www.tiktok.com/@trustandthrive?] EMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com