The Counseling Convos Podcast

Season 4: Mini Episode - A Fresh Perspective: Growing Up in a Digital World

Special Guest: Abram Shaheen, 12 years old- Youtube Channel creator "The Tooniest Panda". Author of "Divided Fronts, United Hearts". This Mini Episode explores how young people today navigate the digital landscape, balancing technology, friendships, schoolwork, and personal growth. We’ll dive into Abram's experience with social media, gaming, and how he stays grounded while balancing the real and digital worlds.*Also intended to help me brush up on my interviewing skills.

The Counseling Convos Podcast Season 3 Episode 5: Beyond the Self

🎙 Episode Description: Beyond the Self (Season 3 Finale) In this season finale of The Counseling Convos Podcast, host Geries Shaheen, LPC NCC takes us Beyond the Self to explore one of the most challenging and transformative aspects of clinical work: transference and countertransference. Across history, from Freud’s first observations to modern approaches, these dynamics have shaped how therapy unfolds. But what do they mean for us today, as practicing counselors? This episode unpacks: * The roots of transference and countertransference in psychology. * Sample case reflections where self-awareness changes the outcome of therapy. * Voices from the field — insights from Jung, Winnicott, and Yalom. * Common myths busted: why countertransference doesn’t mean failure, why it matters beyond psychoanalysis, and why therapists aren’t meant to be blank slates. * Powerful cinematic metaphors, including Tron: Legacy, reminding us of the “art of the selfless” in practice. * A guided journaling exercise to help you notice, process, and respond when countertransference shows up in your sessions. Whether you’re a seasoned clinician or early in your counseling journey, this episode offers both reflection and practical tools for managing the delicate balance between our story and the client’s story. ✨ Go beyond the surface. Go Beyond the Self. Learn more on LinkedInhttps://tinyurl.com/GeriesLinkedin Geries Shaheen is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor operating in and around St. Louis Missouri. Geries holds his MA in Professional Counseling from Lindenwood University, BA in Intercultural Studies from Lincoln Christian University, and holds a certificate in Life Coaching, Geries provides life coaching services to clients online globally. Geries is EMDR trained and DBT Certified, practicing from a TIC lens.You can find Shaheen's workbooks on Amazon: Pioneer Counseling Anger Workbook [https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-Counseling-Anger-Reflection-Workbook/dp/B0BNGRZCC3/ref=sr_1_1?crid=13DOXLUTAZQUC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8EQKkI3pLiyuxNoWTB212n70sDgPL4lJdKSUx2hvMLFrHLobUKChDzULiuYHEWu5cPC7SuN-jz8tNgwOuew_-bMa2mEBE8D323XuXbk-H0qxtGEtYpIIH7n__kOnBPKKgZ8VsfIJKJuvroZwriUrWAaVP4QZF29eq5G09jz0yBi18AO_mrYId5bZHcEc11ORg0Hfqnm5rh12ggYTAiDDU_CIDj8Mmx48FWq5AcsDsiA.BnGkqSny8ak5xGMDKVkjagdH7gyV46dsihs6OPstkbU&dib_tag=se&keywords=Pioneer+Counseling&qid=1755901314&sprefix=pioneer+counseling%2Caps%2C193&sr=8-1] Pioneer Counseling Trauma Informed Care Planner [https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-Counseling-Informed-Psychotherapy-Treatment/dp/B0BQ9FWFMT/ref=sr_1_2?crid=13DOXLUTAZQUC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8EQKkI3pLiyuxNoWTB212n70sDgPL4lJdKSUx2hvMLFrHLobUKChDzULiuYHEWu5cPC7SuN-jz8tNgwOuew_-bMa2mEBE8D323XuXbk-H0qxtGEtYpIIH7n__kOnBPKKgZ8VsfIJKJuvroZwriUrWAaVP4QZF29eq5G09jz0yBi18AO_mrYId5bZHcEc11ORg0Hfqnm5rh12ggYTAiDDU_CIDj8Mmx48FWq5AcsDsiA.BnGkqSny8ak5xGMDKVkjagdH7gyV46dsihs6OPstkbU&dib_tag=se&keywords=Pioneer+Counseling&qid=1755901314&sprefix=pioneer+counseling%2Caps%2C193&sr=8-2] Pioneer Counseling Parenting Workbook [https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-Counseling-Parenting-Workbook-adolescents/dp/B0BN2CZ8ZP/ref=sr_1_6?crid=13DOXLUTAZQUC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8EQKkI3pLiyuxNoWTB212n70sDgPL4lJdKSUx2hvMLFrHLobUKChDzULiuYHEWu5cPC7SuN-jz8tNgwOuew_-bMa2mEBE8D323XuXbk-H0qxtGEtYpIIH7n__kOnBPKKgZ8VsfIJKJuvroZwriUrWAaVP4QZF29eq5G09jz0yBi18AO_mrYId5bZHcEc11ORg0Hfqnm5rh12ggYTAiDDU_CIDj8Mmx48FWq5AcsDsiA.BnGkqSny8ak5xGMDKVkjagdH7gyV46dsihs6OPstkbU&dib_tag=se&keywords=Pioneer+Counseling&qid=1755901314&sprefix=pioneer+counseling%2Caps%2C193&sr=8-6] Pioneer Counseling Rebuilding Bonds Workbook [https://a.co/d/9FtauNO] The People's Children: Mending Values in Community [https://a.co/d/dzj6oQ2] Charting Love's Course: Couples and Marriage Workbook [https://a.co/d/91mJFWj]

The Counseling Convos Podcast Season 3 Episode 4: Beyond Couple's Feuds

🎙️ Beyond Couples Feud Season 3, Episode 4 — Counseling Convos with Geries Shaheen, LPC In this heart-level, brain-powered episode of Counseling Convos, host Geries Shaheen, LPC, NCC untangles a rising challenge in couples therapy: when well-meaning resourcing or clarifying questions are perceived as gaslighting. How do we hold space for deep relational wounds without being caught in the crossfire? What happens when trauma-informed clients feel retraumatized—by the very act of inquiry? In Beyond Couples Feud, we explore the tension between therapeutic neutrality and emotional safety. We unpack real-world scripts, interventions, and referral practices that honor autonomy, create clarity, and help clients move from relational shutdown to connection. 💡 Topics include: * Gaslighting vs. clarifying: when the line gets blurry * How trauma and attachment shape emotional responses in session * Scripts for rebuilding safety in real time * When and how to refer for sex therapy with compassion and clarity * The philosophical differences between LPCs and LMFTs * Evidence-based interventions for common couples conflicts Whether you're a clinician, a couple navigating your own journey, or a curious listener who loves diving deep into the psychology of relationships, this episode brings rich tools, thoughtfulness, and just the right amount of meta-reflection. 🎧 Subscribe and join us as we go beyond conflict—and toward repair. 🔍 Cited Research & Resources: * Carlson, D. L., Miller, A. J., Sassler, S., & Hanson, S. (2020). The division of housework, gender, and perceived fairness. Journal of Family Issues, 41(7), 1163–1186. * Dew, J., & Stewart, R. (2012). A financial issue or marital issue? Family Relations, 61(4), 615–628. * Gottman, J. M., & Silver, N. (2015). The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. Harmony Books. * Johnson, S. M., & Greenman, P. S. (2013). Emotionally focused couple therapy. Psychotherapy in Australia, 19(3), 56. * Rogge, R. D., et al. (2013). The CARE program. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 81(6), 1022. * Weeks, G. R., Hertlein, K. M., & Gambescia, N. (2016). A Clinician’s Guide to Systemic Sex Therapy. Routledge. * White, M., & Epston, D. (1990). Narrative Means to Therapeutic Ends. Norton & Company. * Wiebe, S. A., & Johnson, S. M. (2016). Emotionally focused therapy review. Family Process, 55(3), 390–407. * Williams, M. J., & Zweig, J. S. (2015). CBT for jealousy. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, 45(2), 83–91.

The Counseling Convos Podcast Season 3 Episode 3: Beyond the Binary

🎙️ Beyond the Binary Season 3, Episode 3 — Counseling Convos with Geries Shaheen, LPC In this powerful and nuanced finale to Season 3, host Geries Shaheen, LPC, NCC steps into one of the most complex and culturally charged conversations in modern mental health: gender identity and the DSM-5 diagnosis of gender dysphoria. Join us as we go Beyond the Binary—exploring the interplay of biology, psychology, environment, and identity. From fetal hormone development and genetic research to cultural conditioning and spiritual frameworks, this episode examines how gender forms and evolves within the human experience. We take a critical yet compassionate look at gender-affirming care, its alternatives, and what it means for therapists to truly offer person-centered, nonjudgmental support. Whether you're a clinician, student, or simply curious about how mental health professionals navigate this evolving topic, you'll walk away with deeper insight, empathy, and practical wisdom. 💡 Topics include: * Gender identity vs. sex: scientific and clinical distinctions * DSM-5 criteria for gender dysphoria * Current statistics and the social climate * Affirming care vs. conversion therapy * The ethics of neutrality, support, and therapeutic empowerment 🔗 Stay through to the end for trusted resources and research links to further your understanding. This is more than a conversation—it’s a call to listen well, think critically, and lead with care. 🎧 Subscribe now and join us as we wrap the season with heart, depth, and honesty. 🔍 Cited Resources & Further Reading: * The Biological Contributions to Gender Identity and Gender Diversity https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33176072/ [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33176072/] * Causes of Gender Incongruence (Wikipedia Overview) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Causes_of_gender_incongruence [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Causes_of_gender_incongruence] * What is Gender Dysphoria? (APA) https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/gender-dysphoria/what-is-gender-dysphoria * APA Policy on Inclusive and Evidence-Based Care for Transgender and Nonbinary People https://www.apa.org/about/policy/resolution-gender-identity-change-efforts.pdf [https://www.apa.org/about/policy/resolution-gender-identity-change-efforts.pdf] * APA Resolution Opposing Gender Identity Change Efforts (Conversion Therapy) https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2015/11/affirming-transgender.aspx [https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2015/11/affirming-transgender.aspx] * Gender Dysphoria: A Psychological Model (ResearchGate) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330853333_Gender_Dysphoria_A_Psychological_Model [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330853333_Gender_Dysphoria_A_Psychological_Model]

The Counseling Convos Podcast Season 3 Episode 2: Beyond Ai

Welcome to The Counseling Convos Podcast, where we dive deep into the fascinating world of psychology and counseling. In this thought-provoking episode titled "Beyond AI," your host Geries Shaheen LPC takes you on a journey to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and mental health therapy. In Part 1, we uncover the origins of AI anxiety, tracing its roots from science fiction to real-world applications. Join us as we unravel the psychological impact of fearing AI and discuss coping strategies for managing AI anxiety. Moving into Part 2, we shift our focus to embracing AI acceptance. Discover the myriad benefits of integrating AI into our lives and learn how to overcome common barriers to accepting AI. Finally, in Part 3, we explore the potential for integrating AI for human flourishing. From human-centric AI design to ethical considerations and collaboration between humans and AI, we envision a future where technology enhances, rather than detracts from, our well-being. Join us on The Counseling Convos Podcast as we go beyond the surface of AI and delve into the complexities of its integration into the counseling and mental health therapy field. Tune in to gain valuable insights and perspectives on navigating the ever-evolving relationship between humans and technology.