Misconceptions

70. A New Look At Suicide: What We Need To Change

Elan Javanfard, M.A., LMFT is a licensed psychotherapist, professor, author, and thought leader in the fields of mental health, mindfulness, and crisis care. He currently serves as Senior Director at Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, where he focuses on behavioral health redesign and systems-level transformation to improve care for individuals experiencing mental illness, suicidal ideation, and emotional distress. With over a decade of experience, Elan has provided clinical services in diverse settings, including community-based clinics serving individuals with chronic and severe mental illness. His integrative therapeutic approach emphasizes present-focused discovery, mind-body awareness, and the reintegration of the whole self. He has completed extensive clinical training in multiple evidence-based modalities such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Seeking Safety, Crisis Oriented Recovery Services (CORS), Narrative Family Therapy, and PEERS® (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills). He holds advanced certification in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), and Recognizing and Responding to Suicide Risk. Elan is also an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at both Pepperdine University and Touro University, where he lectures on a wide range of topics including evidence-based clinical practices, mindfulness, and suicide prevention. In addition to his academic and clinical work, he is a national speaker and educator, regularly presenting to mental health professionals, faith-based communities, and leadership groups. He is a published author and the creator of Psycho-Spiritual Insights: Exploring Parasha & Psychology, a weekly blog that bridges Jewish thought and psychological wisdom. A respected voice in both clinical and spiritual spaces, Elan blends his expertise in psychotherapy with deep cultural and religious understanding. Elan is a member of the Board of Directors of the Crisis Residential Association, helping shape policy and innovation in alternatives to hospitalization. He lives in the Pico-Robertson community of Los Angeles with his wife and three children. To learn more or get in touch, visit www.elanjavanfard.com, email Elan.Javanfard@gmail.com, or call 424-256-6546. CONNECT WITH DVORA ENTIN: Website: https://www.dvoraentin.com/ [https://www.dvoraentin.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dvoraentin [https://www.instagram.com/dvoraentin] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@misconceptionspodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@misconceptionspodcast]

68. Andrea Wetterau Therapist Edition: It's Not About The Food

Andrea is a mother of two and a therapist with 11 years of experience. She specializes in working with people in pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenthood, specifically in using EMDR and IFS to help empower them on their journeys toward healing from trauma and finding peace in their relationships with food and body. Andrea has her own private psychotherapy practice, Wetterau Wellness, provides IFS-informed EMDR consultation to fellow therapists, and loves spending her free time with friends and family. CONNECT WITH DVORA ENTIN: Website: https://www.dvoraentin.com/ [https://www.dvoraentin.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dvoraentin [https://www.instagram.com/dvoraentin] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@misconceptionspodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@misconceptionspodcast]

67. It's Not Too Late! Disrupted Attachment and PMAD Recovery

Ruthie Arbit, LICSW, MA is a seasoned therapist, educator, and national leader in the treatment of perinatal and pediatric mental health. She is the Founder and Director of Arbit Counseling — a psychotherapy and pharmacology practice based in Washington, D.C., with specialized expertise in family mental health. Ruthie teaches, writes, and contributes to mental health research; she has been published in a number of acclaimed publications and presents at national conferences. She is also on the Board of Washington DC's Postpartum Support International Chapter. Arbit Counseling offers trauma-informed, evidence-based care for families navigating a range of mental health challenges and parenting concerns. The team consists of award-winning authors, clinicians, and researchers who bring extensive expertise in gold-standard, evidence-based modalities—including CBT, ERP, EMDR, Circle of Security, SPACE, and more. CONNECT WITH DVORA ENTIN: Website: https://www.dvoraentin.com/ [https://www.dvoraentin.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dvoraentin [https://www.instagram.com/dvoraentin] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@misconceptionspodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@misconceptionspodcast]

66. Transgenerational Trauma: Exploring The Family, The System, and Resilience

Karen Simms, MAMFT, LMHC, is a seasoned consultant, trainer, facilitator, and coach with over 30 years of experience in building trauma-informed, healing-centered, and equitable systems and communities. She is the founder of Trauma & Resilience Initiative, Inc. (TRI) a not for profit that trains, educates, advocates for, and promotes resilience and justice for individuals, families, organizations, and communities. TRI works to reduce the impact of adverse community experiences by healing and repairing those who have been impacted by trauma; and equipping organizations, communities, and providers to be trauma and justice informed. CONNECT WITH DVORA ENTIN: Website: https://www.dvoraentin.com/ [https://www.dvoraentin.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dvoraentin [https://www.instagram.com/dvoraentin] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@misconceptionspodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@misconceptionspodcast]

65. The Aftermath: NICU Trauma Part II

Part II of NICU Trauma. Toby Tabak is a mother and nonprofit leader whose work is shaped by lived experience and deep community engagement. She serves as a director at Yad Rachel / Project Ima, supporting maternal mental health through education, advocacy, and compassionate care. She is a co-founder of WeeCare Preemies and WILLPOWER, a coalition of women in leadership roles in Lakewood CONNECT WITH DVORA ENTIN: Website: https://www.dvoraentin.com/ [https://www.dvoraentin.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dvoraentin [https://www.instagram.com/dvoraentin] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@misconceptionspodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@misconceptionspodcast]