Therapist Voices @ ReachLink

Therapist Voices @ ReachLink | Meriam Njah, LMFT

In this episode of Therapist Voices @ ReachLink, we speak with Meriam Njah, LMFT, a couples therapist at Wholehearted Healing, LLC, whose work centers on helping individuals and couples navigate trauma, relational patterns, and emotional growth—especially within marginalized and multicultural communities. Meriam shares her personal journey into the mental health field, including how her own experience feeling misunderstood in therapy shaped her commitment to creating spaces where clients feel seen, safe, and culturally understood. We explore the importance of accessibility in mental health care and why therapists must move beyond one-size-fits-all approaches to truly support diverse lived experiences. Throughout the episode, Meriam emphasizes the value of curiosity, emotional safety, and helping clients reconnect with parts of themselves they may have lost or hidden in survival mode. Her compassionate, deeply human approach shines through in every part of the conversation. Chapters 00:00 – Episode Introduction 00:20 – Meet Meriam Njah & Wholehearted Healing 00:56 – Supporting Marginalized Communities in Therapy 07:18 – What Is the Developmental Model for Couples Therapy? 11:47 – “But They…”: The Common Couples Therapy Pattern 15:56 – Helping Couples Stay Curious Instead of Defensive 17:57 – ReachLink Ad Break 20:43 – Trauma Resolution in Couples & Individual Therapy 21:57 – Gottman vs. Developmental Couples Therapy 24:07 – Introduction to Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) 26:36 – Using NET With Domestic Violence Survivors 31:28 – NET vs. EMDR for Trauma Treatment 32:06 – Supporting Marginalized & Biracial Couples 33:10 – Final Reflections & Closing Guest Bio Meriam Njah, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Minneapolis and practicing with Wholehearted Healing, LLC. Meriam integrates multiple therapeutic modalities, including the Gottman Method, the Developmental Model for Couples Therapy, and Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET), to help clients navigate relational challenges, developmental trauma, and emotional healing. Her work is grounded in curiosity, compassion, and creating safe spaces for clients from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. Links Follow Meriam Njah: Website → https://www.meriamnjah.com [https://www.meriamnjah.com] Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/meriam_njah/ [https://www.instagram.com/meriam_njah/] Learn More About the Modalities Discussed: The Gottman Method → https://www.gottman.com/ [https://www.gottman.com/] The Couples Developmental Model → https://www.couplesinstitute.com/ [https://www.couplesinstitute.com/] Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) Overview → https://www.vivo.org/en/narrative-exposure-therapy/ [https://www.vivo.org/en/narrative-exposure-therapy/] Connect with ReachLink Website → https://reachlink.com/ [https://reachlink.com/] LinkedIn → https://linkedin.com/company/reachlink [https://linkedin.com/company/reachlink] Learn more about therapist opportunities → https://reachlink.com/for-providers [https://reachlink.com/for-providers]

Therapist Voices @ ReachLink | Amanda Martin, PhD, LMFT-S, LPC, BCN-L

In this episode of Therapist Voices @ ReachLink, we speak with Amanda Martin, PhD, LMFT-S, LPC, BCN-L, a specialist in complex trauma and an expert in integrating modalities like EMDR, neurofeedback, and equine-assisted therapy. Amanda shares how her highly individualized approach allows her to treat complex clinical presentations without fragmenting care across multiple providers. We explore the foundations of EMDR, how past experiences shape present-day emotional and physiological responses, and why reprocessing those experiences can lead to profound shifts in regulation, behavior, and self-perception. We also dive into her unique work in peak performance—particularly with athletes and performers—where she applies EMDR not only to heal trauma but to enhance focus, confidence, and flow states. Amanda explains how fear-based patterns can disrupt performance and how reconnecting clients to their “best moments” can restore optimal functioning. Chapters 00:00 – Episode Introduction 00:25 – Meet Amanda Martin & Her Specialties 03:32 – EMDR 101: How It Works 07:09 – Do Clients Know Their Root Trauma? 08:55 – The Power of Connecting the Dots 09:49 – Vulnerability in the Therapy Process 11:03 – Single-Incident vs. Complex Trauma 13:38 – EMDR for Peak Performance 14:05 – Working with Athletes & Performers 15:21 – Fear vs. Flow States 18:33 – ReachLink Ad Break 19:50 – Who Seeks Peak Performance Work? 21:02 – Working with Youth & Early Intervention 23:05 – Parenting Opportunities for Emotional Support 23:42 – Teaching Emotional Awareness Early 26:24 – Can Systems Change? Schools & Beyond 26:45 – A School Model That Worked 29:10 – Seeing Beyond Behavior 30:33 – How Quickly EMDR Can Work 31:35 – Flexibility in Working with Athletes 32:27 – Accessibility of Care & Meeting Clients Where They Are Guest Bio Amanda Martin, PhD, LMFT-S, LPC, BCN-L, is a licensed therapist and trauma specialist with extensive training in EMDR, neurofeedback, and family therapy. She is board certified in neurofeedback and an EMDRIA Certified Therapist, Consultant, and Trainer. Amanda specializes in treating complex trauma through an integrative, individualized approach and is known for her work in EMDR-informed peak performance and equine-assisted therapy. She works with individuals, families, athletes, and performers to help them achieve regulation, healing, and optimal functioning. Links Follow Amanda Martin: Website → https://amandamartincounseling.com/ [https://amandamartincounseling.com/] Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/amandamartincounselingpllc/ [https://www.instagram.com/amandamartincounselingpllc/] LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-martin-99739b78 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-martin-99739b78] Additional Resources: Symbolic Experiential Family Therapy (2011) Is Intuition an Influential Factor in Marital Partner Selection? (Dissertation) Connect with ReachLink Website → https://reachlink.com/ [https://reachlink.com/] LinkedIn → https://linkedin.com/company/reachlink [https://linkedin.com/company/reachlink] Learn more about therapist opportunities → https://reachlink.com/for-providers/ [https://reachlink.com/for-providers/]

Therapist Voices @ ReachLink | Madeline Maldonado, LCSW-R

In this episode of Therapist Voices @ ReachLink, we speak with Madeline Maldonado, LCSW-R, President and Founder of Minnette Psychotherapy Services and Executive Director of the Minnette Foundation, about the realities of building a private practice, the gaps in graduate training, and what it truly takes to succeed as both a clinician and a business owner. Madeline shares her journey from an early passion for helping others to pivoting from engineering into social work, and how her early experiences in community mental health—particularly during times of crisis—shaped her clinical identity. We explore the “bootcamp” nature of community clinics, the importance of supervision and diagnostic confidence, and why many therapists underestimate the demands of running a practice. Finally, we discuss her vision behind the Minnette ecosystem, expanding mental health beyond therapy rooms into community impact, and creating a pipeline of confident, well-trained clinicians ready to meet growing demand. Chapters 00:00 – Episode Introduction 00:25 – Meet Madeline Maldonado & Her Roles 02:42 – Pivot from Engineering to Social Work 05:56 – Starting as a Therapist Pre-9/11 06:38 – Baptism by Fire: Working Through Crisis 10:20 – Challenges of Community Mental Health 16:39 – Transitioning Toward Private Practice 20:00 – Learning Business Responsibilities Early 25:21 – Financial Reality of Private Practice 31:05 – Reducing Stigma in Mental Health Settings 34:12 – Launching a Practice During COVID-19 38:30 – Financial Struggles in Early Practice Years 41:48 – ReachLink Ad Break 43:05 – Therapists as Multi-Skilled Professionals 44:18 – Mentorship & Training New Clinicians 48:05 – The Minnet Ecosystem Explained 50:00 – Training Future Therapists 52:36 – Making the Field More Accessible 53:51 – Full Circle: Giving Back to Community 57:21 – Final Reflections & Closing Guest Bio Madeline Maldonado, LCSW-R, is a licensed clinical social worker with over 25 years of experience in mental health. She is the President and Founder of Mannette Psychotherapy Services and Executive Director of the Minnette Foundation. Madeline specializes in clinical training, supervision, and building accessible, culturally competent mental health services. She is passionate about mentoring therapists and expanding care for underserved communities. Links Follow Madeline Maldonado & Minnette: Website → https://www.minettepsychotherapy.com/ [https://www.minettepsychotherapy.com/] Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/madelinemaldonado_lcsw/ [https://www.instagram.com/madelinemaldonado_lcsw/] LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmaldonado-lcswr/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmaldonado-lcswr/] Latinx in Social Work → https://www.amazon.com/Latinx-Social-Work-Stories-communities/dp/1952779766 [https://www.amazon.com/Latinx-Social-Work-Stories-communities/dp/1952779766] Connect with ReachLink Website → https://reachlink.com/ [https://reachlink.com/] LinkedIn → https://linkedin.com/company/reachlink [https://linkedin.com/company/reachlink] Learn more about therapist opportunities → https://reachlink.com/for-providers/ [https://reachlink.com/for-providers/]

Therapist Voices @ ReachLink | Jodi Mullen, PhD, LMHC, RPT-S

In this episode of Therapist Voices @ ReachLink, we speak with Jodi Mullen, PhD, LMHC, RPT-S, about child-centered play therapy, working effectively with children in therapy, and why most clinicians aren’t fully trained to treat kids. Jodi shares how she discovered play therapy after struggling with traditional, structured approaches—and how shifting to a child-led model transformed her work. We explore how play functions as a child’s primary language, the importance of boundaries and limit-setting, and how therapists can build real trust and safety with young clients. We also discuss common misconceptions about play therapy, adapting sessions for telehealth, and the critical gap between learning child development and actually practicing child therapy. Chapters 00:00 – Episode Introduction 00:25 – Meet Jodi Mullen & Her Credentials 01:09 – Journey into Working with Children 02:24 – Struggles with Early Clinical Work 02:49 – Discovering Play Therapy 03:26 – Gaps in Training for Child Therapy 05:33 – Working with Systems (Family & Schools) 06:07 – Jodi’s Role as Counselor Educator 08:22 – Clinical Work Across Settings 08:51 – Adapting Play Therapy to Telehealth 10:17 – Creativity in Virtual Sessions 11:13 – Building Connection with Children Online 12:00 – What is Child-Centered Play Therapy? 13:18 – Misconceptions & System Pressures 14:17 – Letting the Child Lead (With Limits) 15:05 – Creating True Safety in Therapy 16:04 – Addressing Criticism of Play Therapy 16:51 – Limit-Setting as a Core Skill 19:04 – Play as Communication 20:47 – Thinking on Your Feet in Sessions 23:14 – Why Therapists Avoid Questions 22:45 – ReachLink Ad Break 24:00 – Final Reflections & Closing Guest Bio Jodi Mullen, PhD, LMHC, RPT-S, is a counselor educator, licensed mental health counselor, and registered play therapist supervisor with over 30 years of experience. She specializes in child-centered play therapy and trains clinicians worldwide to work effectively with children using developmentally appropriate, play-based approaches. Links Follow Jodi Mullen: Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/drjodimully/ [https://www.instagram.com/drjodimully/] YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-wIAbDLKThMNSDBvZRsmHw [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-wIAbDLKThMNSDBvZRsmHw] LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodi-mullen-phd-lmhc-d-rpt-s-748ba521/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodi-mullen-phd-lmhc-d-rpt-s-748ba521/] Connect with ReachLink Website → https://reachlink.com/ [https://reachlink.com/] LinkedIn → https://linkedin.com/company/reachlink [https://linkedin.com/company/reachlink] Learn more about therapist opportunities → https://reachlink.com/for-providers/ [https://reachlink.com/for-providers/]

Therapist Voices @ ReachLink | MeKenzie Russell Lane, LPC/MHSP

In this episode of Therapist Voices @ ReachLink, we speak with MeKenzie Russell Lane, LPC/MHSP, Owner & Therapist at Bloom Well Counseling, about grief work, trauma integration, and building meaningful community support systems for those navigating loss. A unique highlight of this conversation is MeKenzie’s integration of therapy animals into her practice. She shares how her French bulldog, June Lane, became an unexpected but powerful therapeutic presence, offering grounding, comfort, and even emotional regulation during sessions. We also dive into MeKenzie’s work with Heartlight Center, where she facilitates grief support groups that emphasize accessibility, community, and shared experience. She discusses the power of peer support, the universality of grief, and how group settings can help individuals feel less alone in their most difficult moments. Above all, this episode highlights the complexity of grief—the coexistence of love, anger, guilt, and longing—and the importance of spaces where all emotions are valid, welcomed, and understood. Chapters 00:00 – Episode Introduction 00:25 – Meet MeKenzie & Her Therapy Dog, June 01:52 – Journey into Grief Work 03:00 – Understanding Grief Literacy 03:54 – Trauma and Loss Connection 05:12 – EMDR in Grief Therapy 06:55 – The Role of Therapy Animals 08:30 – Heartlight Center & Community Grief Support 13:03 – Building a Group Practice 16:50 – Navigating Complex Emotions in Grief 17:40 – “Both Can Be True” – DBT Perspective 22:30 – Is It Ever “Too Soon” for Grief Support? 24:58 – Types of Grief Groups Offered 26:00 – Preventing Therapist Burnout 29:00 – Seasonal Triggers & Grief 31:00 – The Healing Path Experience 34:00 – Final Thoughts & Closing Guest Bio MeKenzie Russell Lane, LPC/MHSP, is a licensed professional counselor and Owner of Bloom Well Counseling. She specializes in grief, trauma, and EMDR, and is passionate about creating accessible, community-centered mental health support. She also serves as a community liaison with Heartlight Center, where she facilitates grief support groups and helps expand resources for individuals navigating loss. Links Follow MeKenzie Russell Lane: Website → https://www.bloom-well-counseling.com [https://www.bloom-well-counseling.com] Heartlight Center → https://www.bloom-well-counseling.com/heartlight-center [https://www.bloom-well-counseling.com/heartlight-center] Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/bloomwellcounselingtn/ [https://www.instagram.com/bloomwellcounselingtn/] Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/bloomwellcounselingtn [https://www.facebook.com/bloomwellcounselingtn] LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekenzie-russell-lane-m-ed-lpc-mhsp-47567763/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mekenzie-russell-lane-m-ed-lpc-mhsp-47567763/] Connect with ReachLink Website → https://reachlink.com/ [https://reachlink.com/] LinkedIn → https://linkedin.com/company/reachlink [https://linkedin.com/company/reachlink] Learn more about therapist opportunities → https://reachlink.com/for-providers/ [https://reachlink.com/for-providers/]