Episode 79 | Beyond PTSD: Trauma-Informed Care, Evidence-Based Treatment, and Internal Family Systems with Mariah Zur, LPC

Episode 79 | Beyond PTSD: Trauma-Informed Care, Evidence-Based Treatment, and Internal Family Systems with Mariah Zur, LPC

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login  [https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login ]to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/offers/XMAbo9mh/checkout?coupon_code=POD [https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/offers/XMAbo9mh/checkout?coupon_code=POD] Featured Book: Using ACT and CFT for Burnout Recovery: The Beyond Burnout Blueprint by Shaina Siber Kindle: https://a.co/d/0iAlSrhC [https://a.co/d/0iAlSrhC] Paperback: https://www.routledge.com/Using-ACT-and-CFT-for-Burnout-Recovery-The-Beyond-Burnout-Blueprint/Siber/p/book/9781041074304 [https://www.routledge.com/Using-ACT-and-CFT-for-Burnout-Recovery-The-Beyond-Burnout-Blueprint/Siber/p/book/9781041074304] Course Information: https://canva.link/88hlzsfl7a02icw [https://canva.link/88hlzsfl7a02icw] --- Episode Summary: What does it mean to be trauma-informed, and how is trauma-informed care different from trauma treatment? In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, explores the foundations of trauma-informed care, PTSD, Complex PTSD, post-traumatic growth, and the current landscape of evidence-based trauma treatment. Listeners will learn about SAMHSA's Four R's and Six Guiding Principles, the impact of trauma across the lifespan, and several established and emerging approaches to trauma treatment. Shaina is joined by Mariah Zur, LPC, for a conversation about Internal Family Systems (IFS), including how the model conceptualizes trauma responses through protective parts, exiles, and self-leadership. --- About Our Guest: Mariah Zur, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor, private practice owner, and PhD Candidate in Counselor Education and Supervision. She specializes in trauma-informed care, Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic approaches, clinician resilience, and burnout prevention. --- Conflict of Interest Disclosures: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. No other financial conflicts of interest were reported. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com [https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com] Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth [https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/] TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Episode 78 | Hush Money: Why Clinicians Are Afraid to Want Wealth with Taylor Gilbert, LCSW & Faith Voss, LCSW [Mental Health Edit]

In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast: Mental Health Edit, Shaina sits down with Taylor Gilbert, LCSW, and Faith Voss., LCSW, co-hosts of the Social Work to Wealth Podcast, for a candid conversation about money, sustainability, and the hidden financial narratives within helping professions. Together, they explore: * The “you’re not in it for the money” culture in social work and mental health * Financial shame, burnout, and martyrdom in helping professions * Gender, systemic inequities, and compensation disparities * Why financial wellness is an ethical issue for clinicians * How money impacts career sustainability, burnout, and access to opportunity * Private practice, salary transparency, and wealth-building for social workers * The role of systemic barriers, financial literacy, and advocacy in mental health professions This episode is part of our Mental Health Edit series — conversational episodes focused on mental health, culture, systems, and professional life. These episodes are not eligible for CE credit. 🎧 Check out the Social Work to Wealth Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-work-to-wealth-podcast/id1783920058 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-work-to-wealth-podcast/id1783920058] Learn more about Taylor & Faith’s work and CE offerings: https://socialworktowealth.com/learn [https://socialworktowealth.com/learn] 💙 Join the AFFIRM Academy Membership Get access to: * 70+ CE-eligible podcast episodes and growing * Live CE workshops * Self-study webinars * CE book club offerings * Topics ranging from ACT, IFS, EMDR, Perinatal Mental Health, OCD, Burnout, Trauma, Ethics, Sleep, and more AFFIRM Mental Health is accredited by ASWB, NBCC, and NYSED for social workers and psychologists. ✨ Podcast listeners get $5 OFF their first month of membership using the link below: https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/offers/XMAbo9mh/checkout?coupon_code=POD [https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/offers/XMAbo9mh/checkout?coupon_code=POD] 📘 Shaina’s Book: Using ACT and CFT for Burnout Recovery: The Beyond Burnout Blueprint Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FVGKT76Z?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_PM97TMRJV2HQ49N1SXNE&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_PM97TMRJV2HQ49N1SXNE&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_PM97TMRJV2HQ49N1SXNE&bestFormat=true [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FVGKT76Z?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_PM97TMRJV2HQ49N1SXNE&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_PM97TMRJV2HQ49N1SXNE&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_PM97TMRJV2HQ49N1SXNE&bestFormat=true] Paperback: https://www.routledge.com/Using-ACT-and-CFT-for-Burnout-Recovery-The-Beyond-Burnout-Blueprint/Siber/p/book/9781041074304 [https://www.routledge.com/Using-ACT-and-CFT-for-Burnout-Recovery-The-Beyond-Burnout-Blueprint/Siber/p/book/9781041074304] Follow AFFIRM Mental Health & The Affirming Minds Podcast for more conversations grounded in science and fueled by compassion.

Episode 77 | Mental Health in Military & Law Enforcement: Endurance, Identity, and Relationship Strain with Caleb Chestnutt, LAMFT

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login  [https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login ]to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/offers/XMAbo9mh/checkout?coupon_code=POD [https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/offers/XMAbo9mh/checkout?coupon_code=POD] Featured Book: Using ACT and CFT for Burnout Recovery: The Beyond Burnout Blueprint by Shaina Siber Kindle: https://a.co/d/0iAlSrhC [https://a.co/d/0iAlSrhC] Paperback: https://www.routledge.com/Using-ACT-and-CFT-for-Burnout-Recovery-The-Beyond-Burnout-Blueprint/Siber/p/book/9781041074304 [https://www.routledge.com/Using-ACT-and-CFT-for-Burnout-Recovery-The-Beyond-Burnout-Blueprint/Siber/p/book/9781041074304] Course Information: https://canva.link/3zd9769bl3hwj38 [https://canva.link/3zd9769bl3hwj38] --- Episode Summary: What happens when survival mode becomes an identity? In this episode, Shaina sits down with Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist Caleb Chestnutt to explore the mental health impact of chronic stress, trauma exposure, hypervigilance, and emotional suppression within military and law enforcement culture. Drawing from both his clinical work and his lived experience serving in military law enforcement roles in the U.S. Air Force, Caleb offers a grounded and deeply nuanced conversation about the culture of endurance that exists within many first responder spaces — and the ways it can quietly shape relationships, emotional regulation, identity, and help-seeking over time. This is a thoughtful and deeply human conversation about trauma, endurance, identity, and the emotional cost of operating in systems that reward strength while often stigmatizing vulnerability. --- Topics Discussed: * Barriers to seeking therapy in military and law enforcement communities * Hypervigilance, emotional numbing, and chronic survival mode * Dark humor as adaptation and coping * Moral injury and institutional culture * Relationship strain in high-stress professions * The psychology of strength, control, and emotional suppression * Clinical considerations when working with first responders --- About Our Guest: Caleb Chestnutt is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who works with couples navigating the weight of high-stress lives. His work focuses on how long-term pressure from careers in military service, emergency response, healthcare, and other demanding professions quietly reshapes communication, emotional presence, and connection at home. Before becoming a therapist, Caleb served in the U.S. Air Force in military law enforcement roles, including overseas deployments and leadership within high-pressure operational environments. His own experience with stress, transition, and seeking help informs the way he shows up in the room: grounded, direct, and deeply human. Caleb helps couples slow down, understand what’s happening beneath the surface of conflict, and reconnect without shame or blame. He practices at Collaborative Counseling Institute in Gilbert, Arizona, and speaks on topics related to relationships, transition, identity, and chronic stress. --- Conflict of Interest Disclosures: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. No other financial conflicts of interest were reported. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com [https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com] Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth [https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/] TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Episode 76 | Ethical Gray Zones in Clinical Supervision: Risk, Judgment, and Decision-Making with Amelia Larson, RCSW

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login  [https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login ]to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/offers/XMAbo9mh/checkout?coupon_code=POD [https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/offers/XMAbo9mh/checkout?coupon_code=POD] Featured Book: Using ACT and CFT for Burnout Recovery: The Beyond Burnout Blueprint by Shaina Siber Kindle: https://a.co/d/0iAlSrhC [https://a.co/d/0iAlSrhC] Paperback: https://www.routledge.com/Using-ACT-and-CFT-for-Burnout-Recovery-The-Beyond-Burnout-Blueprint/Siber/p/book/9781041074304 [https://www.routledge.com/Using-ACT-and-CFT-for-Burnout-Recovery-The-Beyond-Burnout-Blueprint/Siber/p/book/9781041074304] Course Information: https://canva.link/022jklmnz1q4fl6 [https://canva.link/022jklmnz1q4fl6] --- Episode Summary: This episode explores the realities of clinical supervision—what it’s meant to do, where it can fall short, and what’s at stake when it does. I’m joined by Amelia Larson, MSW, RCSW, to break down the ethical gray zones clinicians and supervisors navigate every day—from recognizing early “pink flags” to making high-stakes decisions in complex systems. Whether you’re receiving supervision or providing it, this episode offers a grounded look at navigating uncertainty in real-world clinical work. --- Topics Discussed: * What gets missed in supervision * Skills deficits vs. avoidance vs. countertransference * Ethical decision-making in high-risk situations * The impact of burnout, systems, and AI on clinical practice --- About Our Guest: Amelia Larson, MSW, RCSW is a clinical social worker, therapist, and supervisor based in Calgary, Alberta. She is the founder of As You Are Therapy, Clinical Supervision & Consulting and serves as Clinical Director of a large non-profit providing accessible mental health care. --- Resources: * Website: https://asyouaretherapy.ca [https://asyouaretherapy.ca/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/as_you_aretherapyandconsulting [https://www.instagram.com/as_you_aretherapyandconsulting] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amelia-larson-msw-rcsw-78135239/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amelia-larson-msw-rcsw-78135239/] --- Conflict of Interest Disclosures: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. No other financial conflicts of interest were reported. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com [https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com] Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth [https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/] TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

Episode 75 | Family Trauma and Dysfunction: Clinical Tools for Breaking Generational with Kara Lissy, LCSW

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login  [https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login ]to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ [https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/] Course Information: https://canva.link/3j4cfb8py56le1o [https://canva.link/3j4cfb8py56le1o] Episode Summary: In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, Shaina Siber, LCSW is joined by Kara Lissy, LCSW to explore how dysfunctional family dynamics shape adult relationships, self-worth, and emotional regulation. Grounded in CBT, DBT, and ACT, this conversation offers practical, evidence-based strategies to help clinicians and clients understand—and break—generational patterns. Topics Discussed: * Family trauma vs. dysfunction * How early adaptations show up in adulthood * Boundaries, people-pleasing, and burnout * Practical tools to interrupt maladaptive patterns About Our Guest: Kara Lissy, LCSW is a psychotherapist and author specializing in adult children of alcoholics and dysfunctional family systems. She works with adults navigating anxiety, shame, and the long-term impact of emotionally unpredictable homes. Resources: * Healing From a Dysfunctional Family: A Workbook to Break the Generational Cycle: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Dysfunctional-Family-Healing-from-a-Dysfunctional-Family-Workbook-Generational/dp/1648486134 [https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Dysfunctional-Family-Healing-from-a-Dysfunctional-Family-Workbook-Generational/dp/1648486134] Conflict of Interest Disclosures: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. No other financial conflicts of interest were reported. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com [https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com] Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth [https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/] TikTok: @affirm_mental_health