Podcast
The Affirming Minds Podcast
Hosted by Shaina Siber, LCSW · EN
Build your elite therapeutic toolkit learning through expert-led "pod-courses" and interviews. CEs available for Affirm Academy members.
38episodes
Episodes
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Episode #66 - DBT Dissemination for Real Life with Drs. Shireen Rizvi & Jesse Finkelstein
Feb 1000:55:05Tap to summarizeEarn 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 to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAHApTPhKtE/w9nd8Kx8V3-qXpSnLl8v7Q/view?utm_content=DAHApTPhKtE&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h7a16a97896 --- Episode Summary: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is one of the most empirically supported treatments in mental health, with strong evidence for reducing suicide risk, self-injury, and other high-risk behaviors. Yet access to full-fidelity DBT remains limited, raising important questions about dissemination, accessibility, and real-world use. In this episode, Shaina Siber is joined by Dr. Shireen L. Rizvi and Dr. Jesse Finkelstein for a thoughtful conversation about DBT dissemination—how evidence-based treatments evolve, travel beyond specialty settings, and become usable tools for real life without losing their integrity. The discussion centers on Real Skills for Real Life: A DBT Guide to Navigating Stress, Emotions, and Relationships, an accessible, visually engaging guide that presents 26 core DBT skills alongside decision trees to support flexible, context-responsive skill use. --- About Our Guests: Shireen L. Rizvi, PhD, is Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Montefiore Einstein Medical Center in New York, where she serves as Director of Psychology Training and Director of DBT Services and Research. Dr. Rizvi earned her doctorate under the mentorship of Marsha M. Linehan. She has received extensive grant funding and published dozens of research papers. Dr. Rizvi is board certified in cognitive and behavioral therapies and DBT. Her mission is to get DBT tools to as many people as possible. Jesse Finkelstein, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist, educator, and creator of innovative DBT-based interventions. He trained extensively in DBT and other evidence-based treatments, with a specialization in emotion dysregulation, posttraumatic stress disorder, and obsessive–compulsive disorder. Dr. Finkelstein’s work bridges clinical practice, research, and creative design to make DBT skills more accessible and engaging. --- Helpful Links & Resources: Real Skills for Real Life: A DBT Guide to Navigating Stress, Emotions, and Relationships https://a.co/d/2dGOZx0 https://www.guilford.com/books/Real-Skills-for-Real-Life/Rizvi-Finkelstein/9781462555574 DBT Skills YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/dbtru Shireen Rizvi, PhD: https://www.shireenrizvi.com Jesse Finkelstein, PsyD: https://axiscbt.com The Raha Hive: https://www.therahive.com --- 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. The guests featured in this episode, Dr. Shireen L. Rizvi and Dr. Jesse Finkelstein, are the authors of Real Skills for Real Life: A DBT Guide to Navigating Stress, Emotions, and Relationships, which is referenced during the episode. They receive royalties from the sale of this book. 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 Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health
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Episode #65 - Reimagining Career Pathways for Therapists with LeNaya Smith Crawford & Gabrielle Juliano-Villani
Feb 300:28:20Tap to summarizeGrad school trained us to practice therapy—but not the business of mental health or the range of career possibilities available to clinicians. In this episode of The Mental Health Edit, Shaina speaks with Gabrielle Juliano-Villani and LeNaya Smith Crawford, co-founders of the REIMAGINE Business Summit, about entrepreneurship, burnout, and reimagining careers beyond the therapy room. Join the REIMAGINE Business Summit 🗓 February 15–20 👉 Free General Admission:https://lenaya-crawford.mykajabi.com/a/2148214964/hNZ7bj8U 👉 VIP Bundle ($97):https://lenaya-crawford.mykajabi.com/offers/QkLmhfbp/checkout?ref=https%3A%2F%2Flenaya-crawford.mykajabi.com%2Fa%2F2148214965%2FhNZ7bj8U The VIP upgrade includes extended access, business intensives, coaching, and—if you’re not already an Affirm Academy member—a CE Podcast Pass for Affirming Minds (ASWB, NBCC, NYSED).
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Episode #64 - Foster Care, Adoption, and Attachment Trauma: What Clinicians Often Miss with Jeanette Yoffe, MFT
Jan 2701:03:40Tap to summarizeEarn 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 to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG_lF-ZpCY/yC-Ro85UiUoGf2UFz-bwMg/view?utm_content=DAG_lF-ZpCY&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hf021a1b3e5 --- Episode Summary: In this episode of Affirming Minds, we explore foster care and adoption through an attachment-informed lens, focusing on how separation-related grief and loss are often minimized or left unacknowledged. We discuss how separations across infancy, childhood, and adolescence can shape emotional regulation, trust, and behavior—and how clinicians and caregivers can respond with greater accuracy and compassion. --- About Our Guest: Jeanette Yoffe, M.A., M.F.T., is a nationally recognized clinician and educator with over 20 years of experience specializing in foster care, adoption, and attachment-informed treatment. She is the Founder of Celia Center, Clinical Director of Yoffe Therapy, and the author of The Traumatized & At-Risk Youth Toolbox. --- Helpful Links & Resources: Website: www.JeanetteYoffe.com The Traumatized & At-Risk Youth Toolbox: https://www.pesi.com/item/the-traumatized-atrisk-youth-toolbox-150079 Children’s Books: https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B07V9L93XF Psychology Today – The Inner Life of Foster Care: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-inner-life-of-foster-care --- Connect with Jeanette Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanetteyoffe/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanette.yoffe YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Jeanette-icallySpeaking Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/JeanetteYoffe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanetteyoffe/ --- 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. The guest featured in this episode, Jeanette Yoffe, M.A., M.F.T., is the author of The Traumatized & At-Risk Youth Toolbox, which is referenced throughout the episode as a clinical resource. Jeanette Yoffe receives royalties from the sale of this book. 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 Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health
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Episode #63 - Cultural Humility in the Therapy Room: Repair, Power, and Identity in Clinical Practice with Dr. Lauren Wadsworth
Jan 2001:08:05Tap to summarizeEarn 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 to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG-3TMjq5c/qaWmfiu6RuKNQvsmn3MhCw/view?utm_content=DAG-3TMjq5c&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h61b36a0d1a --- Episode Summary: At a moment of expanding awareness and increasing constraint, clinicians are more attuned than ever to the potential for harm in the therapy room—yet many feel uncertain about how to respond when identity, power, and politics arise in session. In this episode, we explore cultural humility as a clinical stance, not a buzzword: What it means to practice with ongoing self-reflection, accountability, and repair How to navigate backlash, polarization, and institutional limits How to adapt evidence-based treatments through a culturally humble lens What it looks like to redistribute power, mitigate harm, and stay present when the work feels risky Our guest is Dr. Lauren Wadsworth, clinical psychologist, consultant, and co-founder of Twin Stars Diversity Trainers. Dr. Wadsworth brings deep clinical experience and a justice-oriented lens to the nuanced terrain where identity and therapy intersect. Whether you’re a seasoned clinician or in training, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about identity, power, harm, and ethics in everyday practice. --- About Our Guest: Dr. Lauren Wadsworth, PsyD, ABPP is: Co-founder, Mental Health Network and Training Institute (MHNTI) — a national platform for sustainable, identity-responsive clinical training Founder & Director of Genesee Valley Psychology — an insurance-based practice expanding access to evidence-based treatment Co-founder of Twin Stars Diversity Trainers, offering system-level consultation to practices and institutions Co-author of Did That Just Happen?! Beyond “Diversity”: Creating Sustainable and Inclusive Organizations Senior Advisor on Anti-Racist, Justice, and Health Equity at McLean Hospital Clinical Senior Instructor in Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center --- Helpful Links & Resources: 🔗 Mental Health Network and Training Institute (MHNTI) https://www.mhnti.com/ 🔗 Genesee Valley Psychology & Training Collaborative https://gviproc.org/ 🔗 Twin Stars Diversity Trainers https://www.twinstardiversity.com/ 📘 Did That Just Happen?! Beyond “Diversity” — Book https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/670590/did-that-just-happen-by-dr-stephanie-pinder-amaker-and-dr-lauren-wadsworth/ --- 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. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. 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 Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health
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Episode #62 - Who Gets to Shape the Future of Mental Health? Therapists, AI, and Innovation with Brandi Herring, LMHC
Jan 1300:39:18Tap to summarize🎉 Exclusive Listener Offer: Cymbiose AI x AFFIRM 2 months FREE + 2 months at 50% off No commitment. Cancel anytime. How to claim: Go to https://app.cymbiose.ai/login Click “I’m new here” to create your account Use code CYM4 Episode Show Notes In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, Shaina Siber, LCSW sits down with Brandi Herring, LMHC — co-founder and CEO of Cymbiose AI, a culturally responsive, HIPAA-compliant AI assistant built by clinicians, for clinicians. Together, they explore what it looks like when therapists don’t just adapt to systems — but help design them. This conversation covers: Ethical AI in mental health and why clinician leadership matters Bias, cultural responsiveness, and diagnostic clarity Turning documentation into a clinical and professional asset Moving from clinician to founder — even without a tech background If you’ve been curious about AI but cautious about ethics, privacy, or impact on care, this episode offers a grounded, clinician-centered perspective on how technology can support — not replace — human-centered therapy. About Cymbiose AI Cymbiose AI supports clinicians with documentation, cultural and structural insights, supervision tracking, and CE recommendations — all designed to strengthen care quality while reducing administrative burden. Connect Brandi Herring: @brandithetherapist Cymbiose AI: @cymbioseai Cymbiose AI Learn more about AFFIRM’s CE offerings at Affirm Mental Health or Join the Affirm Academy AFFIRM Mental Health Courses
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Episode #61 - From Survival to Longevity: How Unconscious Patterns Sabotage Habit Change with Laura Elorza Isaza, Clinical Psychologist
Jan 601:03:08Tap to summarizeEarn 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 to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG9j8Q1isU/xvwgaGz5kPfsJcS5m--L7w/view?utm_content=DAG9j8Q1isU&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hd1e5d859a3 --- Episode Summary: Why is behavior change so hard—even when we genuinely want to change? In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, we explore how survival wiring, unconscious patterns, and longevity science shape habit formation and behavior change. Drawing from behavioral science, psychodynamic psychology, and emerging healthspan research, this conversation examines why willpower alone rarely works—and what supports sustainable, values-aligned change instead. Shaina is joined by Laura Elorza Isaza, Clinical Psychologist, to discuss autopilot living, discipline vs. motivation, shame-free approaches to habit change, and how understanding unconscious processes can help individuals design behaviors that support long-term mental and physical well-being. --- About Our Guest: Laura Elorza Isaza: I am a clinical psychologist, graduated from Universidad EAFIT, with a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with a psychodynamic focus from Universidad del Norte. I work with adults in therapeutic processes focused on navigating significant life changes, healing emotional bonds, strengthening self-esteem, and cultivating motivation and consistency — all through a deep, human-centered approach. My experience spans both individual and group settings, in person and online, integrating tools such as projective and psychotechnical tests, crisis intervention, psychological first aid, and clinical research. I have had the opportunity to work with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, which has enriched my clinical perspective and allowed me to tailor therapeutic support to a wide range of sensitivities and worldviews. With psychology I help people break free from autopilot living and uncover genuine happiness. Through my private practice and my work with Unconscious Moderation (UM), a platform built on “change your thoughts, change your drink, change your life”, I guide individuals through major life changes, emotional healing, and self-esteem building. At UM, I create content and support tools that combine hypnotherapy, journaling, and movement practices to transform people’s relationships with alcohol without shame or perfectionism. I emphasize in understanding unconscious patterns over forcing change, fostering conversations that empower people to discover what truly works for their lives. --- 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. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. The guest for this episode, Laura Elorza Isaza, Clinical Psychologist, disclosed a financial relationship with Unconscious Moderation (UM). She receives compensation from the company and referenced the UM app during the course of the discussion. This relationship has been disclosed in the interest of transparency. The content of this episode is educational in nature and was not influenced by any commercial entity. 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 Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health
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Episode #60 - How to Start a Podcast: A Guide for Therapists and Clinicians
Dec 3000:40:50Tap to summarizeMental Health Edit (Non-CE Episode) 📄 FREE Guide: Podcasting for Therapists https://www.canva.com/design/DAG8ibvnb3k/wc9YVR0csvGvsvDgZRWRaQ/view Thinking about starting a podcast as a therapist or clinician? This episode offers a realistic conversation about podcasting, creativity, sustainability, and lessons learned from building a therapist-led show. 🎙️ Guest: Tobin Richardson, creator of Save the Therapist 🔗 More Resources 🎧 Save the Therapist Podcast & Platform https://savethetherapist.com 🎓 Live Training: Ethical Decision-Making for Public-Facing Therapists (Free for Affirm Academy Members) Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1977913650974 🌱 Join Affirm Academy – $29/month https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/offers/XMAbo9mh/checkout
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Episode #36: Partnering on Psych Meds: What Therapists Need to Know with Dr. Maria Ingalla DNP, PMHNP-BC
Jun 24, 2025Tap to summarizeEarn 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 to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGrMFVzLKQ/jqmpZUWaMHccXE5nw-1dxA/edit?utm_content=DAGrMFVzLKQ&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton Episode Summary: In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, Shaina sits down with psychiatric nurse practitioner, educator, and mental health advocate Maria Ingalla, founder of Paperflower Psychiatry, a neurodivergent-affirming practice rooted in compassion, accessibility, and social justice. Together, they tackle one of the most commonly misunderstood areas in clinical practice: psychiatric medication. If you're a non-prescribing therapist who feels unsure about how to talk to clients about meds—or how to collaborate with prescribers—this conversation will leave you feeling more informed, more confident, and more grounded in your role. Maria brings her signature no-BS style to break down the basics of psychopharm in a way that’s clear, compassionate, and completely accessible. She shares insights from her years in community mental health, tips for ethically supporting clients through medication changes, and why mental health professionals must stay vigilant in the face of growing political misinformation and stigma. Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned clinician, this is essential listening for anyone who wants to integrate affirming, evidence-informed, and collaborative care into their work. --- Topics Covered: When therapy alone isn’t enough: signs a client may benefit from a med consult What therapists should—and shouldn’t—say about medication The role of SSRIs, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and more (without needing a psychopharm textbook) How to collaborate with prescribers without overstepping scope Why psych meds are being politicized—and how that impacts your clients Real-world advice for supporting clients during med starts, switches, and tapers Tips for opening the door to med conversations with curiosity, not fear --- About Our Guest: Maria Ingalla is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, educator, and mental health advocate. She is the founder of Paperflower Psychiatry, a neurodivergent-affirming practice rooted in compassion, accessibility, and social justice. With a background in community mental health and a decade of experience working with children, trauma survivors, and underserved populations, Maria brings a deeply human lens to psychiatric care. Her clinical interests include neurodevelopmental conditions like autism and ADHD, trauma recovery, and medication management that centers the patient’s lived experience. She is especially passionate about dismantling systemic barriers in mental health, from Medicaid policy to stigma within professional spaces. Maria is also an educator, course creator, and content producer, known for her down-to-earth, no bullshit style on TikTok and YouTube, where she breaks down complex mental health topics for clinicians and the public alike. When she’s not building trauma-informed systems or supervising clinical teams, Maria can be found chasing her two toddlers, tending her herbal tea garden, or crafting raw, radical content on her podcast Brain Trash that calls out injustice and reimagines what psychiatric care should be. --- Resources Mentioned: Website: paperflowerpsychiatry.com Instagram: @paperflowerpsychiatry Podcast: Brain Trash: From DSM to Dumpster Fire TikTok: @drmariangalla --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: 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. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. 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 Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health
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AI in Mental Health: Ethics, Equity, and the Environmental Cost with Alexis Cate, LCSW, CCTP, CASAC
Feb 4, 202501:02:37Tap to summarizeEarn 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 to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGeBPnYXpk/fJ2PX_ZZcCFwT56wDUSF8g/edit?utm_content=DAGeBPnYXpk&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton Episode Summary: AI is rapidly transforming healthcare, and mental health is no exception. But what does this mean for therapists and clients? In this episode, Shaina sits down with clinical social worker and EMDR-certified therapist Alexis Cate, LCSW EMDR-CT, CASAC to explore the evolving role of AI in mental health care. They discuss how AI can enhance therapy, the ethical challenges it presents, and how clinicians can integrate these tools responsibly while maintaining human connection and ethical integrity. --- What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How AI is shaping mental health care – from diagnostic tools to clinical documentation support The biggest ethical concerns – including data security, informed consent, and potential biases in AI algorithms Environmental implications of AI development and strategies for responsible use How AI can expand access to care for underserved populations while avoiding over-reliance on technology Practical tips for clinicians on integrating AI tools while maintaining ethical standards and prioritizing human connection --- About Our Guest: Alexis Cate is a Clinical Social Worker & Certified EMDR Therapist with a demonstrated history working in hospital and community-based agencies across New York City. She is an integrative therapist, specializing in trauma treatment, and how early traumatic experiences impact the development of post-traumatic stress, mood & anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and substance use disorder later in a person's life. Alexis has focused her work in supporting underserved communities, specifically with adolescents, young adults, and their families. Alexis is an experienced educator in behavioral health and psychosocial wellness. She strives to provide comprehensive courses to fellow professionals and collegiate-level students. Alexis bridges theory and practice throughout her courses to ensure learners leave feeling they can apply the tools discussed the following day in their work. She is a compassionate and highly motivated self-starter with a strong desire to empower the individuals, families, and learners with whom she works. --- Key Takeaways from the Episode: AI’s role in mental health: Enhancing accessibility, streamlining clinician workflow, and personalizing treatment plans The risks of bias in AI models and how this may reinforce systemic inequalities in mental health care The environmental impact of AI, including energy consumption and electronic waste Why informed consent and transparency are critical when incorporating AI into clinical practice Strategies for responsible AI integration, balancing innovation with ethical considerations --- Resources Mentioned: Connect with Alexis Cate, LCSW, EMDR-CT, CASAC: https://www.empoweredpsychotherapy.org/ Follow Alexis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-cate-lcsw-cctp-casac/ --- 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. Conflict of Interest Disclosure: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. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. --- 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 Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health
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Burnout in the Fast Lane: Supporting Athletes and High Performers with Anastasia Sfiroudis-Rodriguez, LCSW
Jan 28, 202501:04:55Tap to summarizeEarn 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 to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGcLwM4F78/-lC79Gw7E5Fgpum601Sn8w/edit?utm_content=DAGcLwM4F78&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton Episode Summary: In today’s episode, we explore the unique challenges faced by athletes and high performers who push themselves to the limit. Burnout in this population can result from emotional exhaustion, unrelenting standards, and performance anxiety. Our guest, Anastasia Sfiroudis-Rodriguez, LCSW, brings her expertise as a psychotherapist and mental performance consultant to unpack these issues and offer practical, evidence-based strategies to help athletes and high achievers thrive. If you’re a therapist working with high performers or someone navigating the pressures of peak performance, this conversation is full of actionable insights on fostering resilience, promoting psychological flexibility and sustaining long-term success while staying aligned with your values. --- Episode Highlights: The unique risk factors of burnout in athletes and high performers, including emotional exhaustion, unrelenting standards, and performance anxiety. The role of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and other integrative approaches in addressing burnout and enhancing resilience. How to foster mindfulness, acceptance, and values-driven actions to sustain performance in high-stakes environments. Practical recovery strategies for athletes, such as cultivating flow states, prioritizing rest, and aligning actions with long-term goals and values. --- Key Takeaways: Burnout and flow states exist on opposite ends of the performance spectrum. Identifying drivers like values can help bridge the gap. Athletes often struggle with perfectionism, making ACT's focus on psychological flexibility particularly effective. Recovery is critical but often overlooked—practical tips include rest, pre-performance routines, and mindfulness-based exercises. --- About Our Guest: We’re joined by Anastasia Sfiroudis-Rodriguez, LCSW, a psychotherapist, mental health leader, and trainer based in New York. Anastasia specializes in treating anxiety, perfectionism, and burnout in high achievers and athletes. As the founder of Meliora Psychotherapy, she uses ACT and integrative approaches to help clients build resilience and live authentically in alignment with their values. Anastasia is also pursuing her Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) certification to expand her expertise in performance consulting. --- Resources Mentioned: Visit Anastasia’s website: https://meliorapsychotherapy.com/ Follow Anastasia on Instagram: @thepursuitofbettertherapy Explore courses and membership options at Affirm Mental Health: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/ --- January Impact Initiative: If you’re listening in January 2025, Affirm is donating $7 from every continuing education purchase this month to support those impacted by the devastating fires in Los Angeles. Whether it’s registering for a live course, purchasing a self-study, or joining our monthly membership, you can make a difference while enhancing your skills. Visit AffirmMentalHealth.com to explore our CE products. 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 Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ Tiktok: @affirm_mental_health
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