Therapy with Dave

Brendan McCarthy is a therapist and owner of sessions psychology located in Nashville Tennessee. I originally reached out to Brandon to talk with him about a common passion, both of ours, which is therapy intensive intensive's are an opportunity for someone to meet with a therapist for a concentrated amount of time, rather than hourly once a week. Our conversation quickly spun in a different direction in which we discussed a book that both of us are fan of titled Comedy, Sex, God by the comedian Pete Holmes.  Brendan, I had a great conversation about spirituality, religious observance, deconstruction, and ultimately reconstruction.

Dave sits down with Justin Martin, a licensed therapist and expert in Internal Family Systems (IFS), to discuss how this trauma-informed therapy model can help individuals, couples, and men work through relational and personal challenges. They explore Justin’s journey from discovering IFS early in his career to building a thriving practice in Orlando, Florida, and discuss his approach to therapy, which balances structure with humor and authenticity. Justin shares his personal struggle with letting humor into the therapy room, explaining how he’s learned to integrate it meaningfully without letting it overshadow the work. The conversation also dives into the nuances of working with men, particularly around emotional regulation and relationship dynamics, as well as the challenges therapists face when using social media for professional purposes. Justin touches on his popular Instagram page, where he combines humor with educational content, offering a lighter take on mental health topics while staying mindful of the potential impact social media has on well-being. They conclude with insights into how trauma, addiction, and relational issues can be addressed through the IFS model, with an emphasis on the importance of genuine connection in therapy.

Dave talks with Carol Kim, a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in play therapy, about finding balance in parenting by discussing the four key domains of nurturing, engaging, structure, and challenge. They explore the polarizing tendencies in parenting styles, sharing their personal experiences—Carol identifies as conflict avoidant, and Dave as more rigid and structured—highlighting the impact of self-awareness on parenting. Carol discusses the importance of handling emotional regulation in both parents and children, the role of authenticity in therapeutic settings, and the significance of addressing both emotional and practical problems in parenting. With insights into different therapy models and the concept of the "window of tolerance," the conversation underscores the need for parents to model real emotions and coping strategies to build secure attachments and promote resilience in their children.

Tammy Sollenberger is an author, podcaster, and psychotherapist. She is a Certified IFS therapist and Consultant who enjoys helping people new to IFS discover their Authentic Self. She co-authored a chapter on the Enneagram and IFS in the book "Altogether Us: Integrating the IFS Model with Key Modalities, Communities and Trends." She authored the book, "The One Inside: Thirty Days to Your Authentic Self," and she hosts and produces a weekly podcast called "The One Inside." She has a part who always wishes she was reading on a sunny beach.

Whether you're an Enneagram novice or a seasoned enthusiast, this episode provides valuable perspectives on using this dynamic tool to foster deeper understanding and empathy in relationships. Learn how to move beyond surface interactions and create meaningful, heart-to-heart connections that last.