The Therapist Lounge

The Relationship Is The Therapy: Carl Roger's Client Centered Approach with Dr. Gregory Obert PhD

We talk with Dr. Greg Obert about client-centered therapy and why real change often starts when a therapist shows up as a genuine human being. We dig into deep listening, the power of presence, and how relationship-first work strengthens outcomes even in structured trauma treatment.  • Greg’s journey from early psychology classes to clinical practice and podcasting  • why an overly rigid CBT introduction can miss the person behind the symptoms  • what the Gloria therapy tapes teach about empathy and therapeutic presence  • training that builds listening skills by naming the underlying message  • client-centered therapy as collaborative rather than directive  • unconditional positive regard as nonjudgment rather than approval  • how authenticity lowers client resistance and builds trust  • trauma work with PTSD and veterans while keeping the person ahead of protocol  • why scripts work best as templates customized to the relationship  • Greg’s book The Man On The Bench and the impact of unexpected human connection  Visit the Royal Oasis Psychotherapy Institute, RoyalOasisPI.com.

Episode 9: Sex, Porn, Compulsion and Recovery with Ed Tilton from Begin Again Institute

I talk with Ed Tilton from Begin Again Institute about what sex addiction actually looks like in real life and why so many people miss it until relationships are on the brink. We connect compulsive sexual behavior to trauma, digital exposure, and shame, then lay out concrete ways to assess risk and start real recovery for both partners.  In this Episode: • how sex addiction presents as porn addiction, infidelity, emotional affairs, and fantasy  • why the “predator or pleasure” framing misses the suffering middle  • vacancy wounds and violation wounds as early drivers of compulsive sexual behavior  • the “three As” of online porn and why escalation happens fast  • sextortion and sexploitation risks for teens and adults  • mental health signals like anxiety, depression, hypervigilance, and suicidality risk  • clinical screening options including the Porn Addiction Use Survey and PATHOS  • referral paths to CSATs through ITAP  • trauma-informed recovery using brainspotting, Internal Family Systems, and somatic work  • partner betrayal trauma support and why relational repair needs its own track  • practical parenting boundaries for phones plus age-appropriate sex education  Visit begingaininstitute.com for more information and resources.

Episode 8: Self-Reflection Skills That Make Therapy Safer with author, Beth Canalichio LCSW

Sabrina talk candidly with LCSW and author Beth Canalichio about why therapists need consistent self-reflection and why getting our own therapy can make us more effective and less reactive with clients. We unpack blind spots, burnout, and the ethics of staying client-centered when our feelings, beliefs, or the broader culture get loud. • the case for therapists doing their own therapy • noticing reactions as signals to slow down • blind spots, biases, and cultural assumptions • countertransference, discomfort, and when to seek supervision • ethical duty to refer out when needed • burnout risks, boundaries, time off, and caseload limits • practical tools like journaling, mindfulness, and peer consult • using reflection to strengthen rapport and the therapeutic alliance • staying as neutral as possible amid politics, faith differences, and social media pressure

Episode 7: MindBridge. The Human Role in AI Therapy with Dr. Binyamin Klempner MSW, PhD

Sabrina talks with Dr. Binyamin Klempner MSW, PhD from Tel Aviv about using artificial intelligence in therapy without losing clinical judgment, privacy, or the human relationship. They break down how MindBridge uses structured prompts, therapist oversight, and safety flags to support clients between sessions. Learn about the following: • Binyamin's path from hypnotherapy influences to building a therapeutic AI tool  • Turning a structured clinical interview into an AI-guided experience  • Why “human in the loop” matters more than clever output  • Two models for use: subscription support vs therapist-integrated check-ins  • Safety flags for concerning language and the limits of algorithmic detection  • The gap between what clients tell AI and what they tell therapists  • Encryption, confidentiality, and sharing only what clinicians need  • A sacrosanct journal that stays private aside from AI  • Optional image-based reflections for self-development prompts  • Between-session continuity, DBT-style coaching possibilities, and shifting client expectations  • Customizing AI tone to match a therapist’s modality and approach  Go on to themindbridge.app, or email at admin@themindbridge.app

Episode 6: Bridging Faith & Mental Health: Training in The P.A.T.H. Model™

We walk with Dr. Jack Gaddy Hilton , Social Worker through the PATH model—Presence, Alignment, Truth, Healing—showing clinicians how to integrate faith ethically without preaching. We explore stigma in churches, training gaps on both sides, and practical tools for reducing shame, building hope, and tracking change. • why stigma keeps Christians from therapy  • consent-led spiritual assessment as standard practice  • presence for nervous system regulation before insight  • alignment to clarify identity and values-driven choices  • truth to surface narratives without judgment  • healing through repeated, adaptive action  • translating parts concepts to accessible language  • using the Transformation Index to measure progress  • options for training and ongoing support Follow-up: pathmodel.com — press Get In Touch Follow Dr. Hilton: @UnsungImpath pathmodel.com