The Notorious MFT

The Fourteenth Episode: The Impact of Dysfunctional Families on Mental Health

Welcome to TNMFT! In today's episode, we delve into the complex terrain of dysfunctional family relationships. From strained communication to unresolved conflicts, we'll explore the various facets that characterize dysfunction within families. Join me as we navigate the challenges, shed light on common patterns, and discuss things to look out for within the family unit. Stay tuned for insights and real-life anecdotes that shed light on this often intricate and sensitive topic. Exercise "Just for fun, try the following experiment: Fold your hands across your chest, and then observe the position of your hands. Some people fold the left hand over the right, and others the reverse. After noting how you do it, unfold your hands. Now fold them again, but this time in the opposite way that is, if you normally put your right hand over your left, put your left hand over your right. You will probably notice how awkward this feels. The old way is normal and relaxing the new way may seem strange, and you may feel you could never relax in this position. If a simple change in the position of your hands is so uncomfortable, just think how uncomfortable it is to change part of your behavior or lifestyle." A J Twerski

The Thirteenth Episode: Healing from Generational/Family Trauma

Explore the profound impact of generational trauma in this episode, delving into how experiences and hardships can be transmitted across generations, shaping individuals and communities alike. Uncover the complexities of this phenomenon and its far-reaching implications on mental health, relationships, and societal structures.

The Twelfth Episode: Family of Origin

Our families of origin (our parents and siblings) are understood to lay the foundation for our cognitive, affective, and emotional development. Families are the very first group to which we belong, they are where we learn how to relate (or not relate) to other people, where we learn to manage conflict, and where we develop patterns of behavior. Of course there are other factors that influence our development, but there is no impact quite like our family leaves. Think about it.... our families began long before we are born and will continue long after we leave this earth. Families at their best have the potential to bring us great joy in our lives but families at their worst can also bring pain unlike any other. Family of origin exploration which refers to examining our relationships with our family members, can provide incredibly useful insight into family patterns and processes. All families have developed and passed down unhelpful patterns. The work lies in learning how to recognize certain processes that might need some adjusting in order to build stronger and closer relationships with our loved ones. Relationships that are built on authenticity and a good balance of togetherness and individuality.

The Eleventh Episode: Whitney and Reaching the Summit with CBT and Experiential Therapy

Rock climbing is an activity where participants climb up, down or traverse natural rocks or artificial rock walls.   The goal is to reach the summit or the anchors of a route without falling. As we navigate the world in 2022, we too climb up and down across all "surfaces" and "walls". Our summit looks differently from person to person so at times we need the proper support to climb over the top. The person who pulls in the slack as you progress (and holds the rope if you fall) is your “belayer.” Whitney's therapeutic belaying is a critical role, as your guide, she will support you as you "Top Out" on your climb. Whitney works with young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction. She practices cognitive behavioral therapy through a trauma-informed lens. Utilizing mindfulness and EMDR, I help individuals rediscover their strengths and reclaim their life. Whitney adds a special component to her repertoire of therapeutic interventions. Listen as she describes how Rock Climbing saved her life and how it has expanded her therapeutic approach.

The Tenth Episode: Dr. Sam and The impact of Positive Psychology

Dr. Samantha Meyer received her Bachelor’s degree with a major in psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2013. She recently graduated from Palo Alto University with her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2020. She began her clinical work at an outpatient, intensive case management clinic in San Francisco providing group and individual treatment to homeless and low-income individuals with serious mental illness and substance use disorders. This work inspired a passion to help individuals struggling with dual diagnoses. Samantha has worked with children, adolescents and adults helping them process and cope with a variety of issues, including trauma and adjustment disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, serious mental illness, relational issues, and more. She takes a trauma-informed, client-centered approach to therapy while being mindful of cultural identity. In her spare time, Samantha enjoys baking and cooking, playing with her dogs, buying new houseplants, and listening to true crime podcasts.