On The Blue Couch Podcast

It's Been A Year: Reflections on 2020 with Dwight Hurst | Ep. 40

Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC, LPC-MHSP | EMDR Certified Therapist — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 20:53:54 +0000

“So much has happened that has been so tragic. . . it’s totally out of anything we have ever experienced.”

— Dwight Hurst

Watsu®: Aquatic Bodywork and Therapy with Hilary Marshall | Ep. 39

Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC, LPC-MHSP | EMDR Certified Therapist — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 15:42:42 +0000

“Imagine feeling weightless, flexible, supported and comfortable, completely relaxed and your body is exactly where it wants to be. Your mind is quiet and calm. ”

— Hilary Marshall

Hilary Marshal, LMT and Watsu and WaterDance practitioner shares her experience of providing this “water and shiatsu,” aquatic and body-work therapy. I was fortunate enough to have met Hilary over a year ago when I had my first Watsu session with her. Having had a positive and nervous system calming experience, I wanted to share this therapy with others. Hilary goes into depth about everything from what clients may experience during a session to the healing benefits of this therapy.

Watsu can calm the nervous system, bringing about a sense of well being and help with general anxiety, traumatic stress and PTSD. Watsu is sometimes recommended as an adjunct therapy to help process trauma, in conjunction and collaboration with a psychotherapist.

To find a practitioner in your area: Watsu Aquatic Body Work and Therapy; Watsu and WaterDance Therapy

Healing Wave Aquatics: provides bodywork therapies for military veterans, active duty personnel, and caregivers living with the debilitating impacts of post-traumatic stress.

For appointments with Hilary: hilarymars@gmail.com

Craniosacral Therapy with Michael Brightwood | Ep. 38

Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC, LPC-MHSP | EMDR Certified Therapist — Wed, 06 Jan 2021 18:00:34 +0000

“You survived and your’e okay now. And it will settle. . . So what I’m doing is, I’m not erasing the memory, I’m resolving the biochemical charge.”

— Michael Brightwood

In Episode 38, Michael Brightwood describes craniosacral therapy during this conversation on the science, healing framework and practice of Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy.

With extensive study and practice in psychology, healing arts and craniosacral therapy, Michael brings his decades of experience to this interesting discussion. Michael spans the conversation with discussion on topics such as central nervous systems, quantum physics, resolution, trauma healing and healing— to name a few.

Michael Brightwood holds an advanced degree in Craniosacral Biodynamics from the Karuna Institute in England. In 1998, Michael started a private practice in San Diego and began a Craniosacral Therapy practice at Rancho La Puerta, where he continues his healing work today

Click Here for More Info

How to Find Substance Abuse and Addiction Treatment with Siobhan Morse | Ep. 37

Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC, LPC-MHSP | EMDR Certified Therapist — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 15:48:25 +0000

Addiction, Intervention and Recovery During a Pandemic, Part 3 | Ep. 36

Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC, LPC-MHSP | EMDR Certified Therapist — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 15:23:50 +0000

“We actually have the ability to heal ourselves with a lot of good guidance.”

— Arthur Westinghouse

In Part 3 of this series on Addiction, Intervention and Recovery During a Pandemic, we focus on long-term recovery. With 30 years of sobriety at the time of this episode and many years of working with clients and their families as an interventionist, Arthur provides his wisdom for walking the paths of long-term recovery.

Upcoming Event

Virtual Event: April 5-8, 2021. For On The Blue Couch listeners, take $50 off conference registration using code: OTBC50.

To Register

Addiction, Intervention and Recovery During a Pandemic, Part 2 | Ep. 35

Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC, LPC-MHSP | EMDR Certified Therapist — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 20:21:31 +0000

“ Relapse is optional. It’s not necessary. It’s also not something to shame yourself over. ”

— Arthur Westinghouse

We continue our conversation about addiction, intervention, recovery during a pandemic. In part 2 of this series on addiction, we focus on relapse prevention during this time.

Arthur Westinghouse CIP, CADC, with Westinghouse Intervention and Family Coaching, shares past and more recent personal and professional experiences so that we can all better understand the recovery path. He believes that the good healthy life is available to all of us. No matter what we have been thru or what we are currently going through, we can choose to grab onto the lifelines that are there.

April 5-8, 2021

Use code OTBC50 for $50 off registration fee!

Permalink

Addiction, Intervention and Recovery During a Pandemic, Part 1 | Ep. 34

Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC, LPC-MHSP | EMDR Certified Therapist — Thu, 27 Aug 2020 19:07:43 +0000

In a podcast series on addiction, intervention and recovery, I speak with friend and colleague, Arthur Westinghouse with Westinghouse Intervention and Family Coaching . Arthur is a Certified Intervention Professional, Family Recovery Coach, Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor, Consultant. We talk about intervention, recovery and relapse prevention during this pandemic. How do we support ourselves, friends and loved ones during a time of social isolation and social distancing?

With an interweave of his own personal recovery story, professional experiences and how to think about intervention, recovery and relapse prevention during these times, Arthur provides sound consultation for being mindful and taking action for one’s own recovery path.

Anxiety and Meditation for Calm | Ep. 33

Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC, LPC-MHSP | EMDR Certified Therapist — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 21:50:27 +0000

Guided Meditation Music: In a Moment by Lee Rosevere

Things that support calm:

Have a routine with flexibility:

Routines help create foundation and help us to feel more settled because they offer intentional predictability. They anchor us. When we have the awareness that yes, of course things are going to change within those routines, we can better be prepared and available to make adjustments and adapt in those moments.

Attend to things that matter and need your attention. Priorities vs. Noise

Work email, checking social media again and again can get people stirred up. There is so much news right now. It is a good thing to be informed. No doubt about that. When we go down the news and social media rabbit hole, it can feel as though the world is coming to end. It can also feel like everyone else's lives are going great. Social media can often represent the "best of" peoples' lives. It's great to see how friends and family are doing but keep in mind that we all have struggles, monotony and no-so-great days.

Take moments to connect with people:

We are social animals and meant to mingle and be with other people. Our well-being is related to healthy inter-connectedness. It can mean making small talk with an acquantince or listening to someone you're closer to and sharing more of what is going on with you. Think of the last time you felt better after sharing with a person you trust.

Breathe:

Deep breaths and diaphragmatic breathing engages the part of the nervous system connected to calm. More intentional breathing can go a long way.

Meditation:

Guided. On your own. It can create calm in the moment and has longer lasting effects for bringing more mindfulness into our lives. Meditation promotes mindfulness. Mindfulness is the thinking about your thinking. When you're able to step back from your anxiety and notice it in a curios way, it has less power. Without internal dialogue, anxiety can just be one big mass of physical and emotional chaos.

Get Support:

If anxiety seems to be getting to be too much, making an appointment to meet with a therapist or psychiatrist who specializes in anxiety. In meeting with a professional, you will be able to share and find some answers and solutions to your anxiety.

On Being Human and The Guest House | Ep. 32

Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC, LPC-MHSP | EMDR Certified Therapist — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 17:25:10 +0000

In Episode 32, I share The Guest House by Rumi. Each and every time I encounter this poem, whether it is shared by a meditation teacher or colleague, I gain a sense of comfort and footing. I am reminded that our inner worlds are vast and wide and no matter what is arising within ourselves, we are going to be okay. Here are a few things that came up for me when I read this poem more recently and talk more about in this episode.

When we go into our inner world:

1) Make space for it all. All inner experiences. When we make room for all of our experiences, we can feel more enlivened. When we push down the harder feelings such as anger, shame, sadness, we push down the other stuff too. The other stuff can be happiness, joy. Every time we look inward with a gentle tone, it brings us closer to acceptance of our experiences and who we are.

2) Know that one emotion is not better or worse than another. They just are. Some emotions and thoughts we carry around can be more painful and uncomfortable than others, but when we start to give each one equal attention and respect, the feelings that can be more difficult to tolerate can become less intense.

3) Judgement gets us nowhere. When we label our experience or have harsh words for where we are in a particular moment, it can create a stuckness, a block to ongoing flow of emotions. Physically, we can become more tight, more anxious or more hard on ourselves.

The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.

Be grateful for whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

~Rumi

Living Your Passions with Evan Center | Ep. 31

Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC, LPC-MHSP | EMDR Certified Therapist — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 12:00:00 +0000

Evan Center, MS, LCPC is a psychotherapist, business coach, mother, and co-founder of an independent high school. She is a go-getter, yet somehow manages to stay super grounded — perhaps because she has chosen to live in a mountain town where she skis, bikes, hikes, rafts, canoes, gathers huckleberries, goes to the farmers market, and carves out time to sketch floor plans, house renovation ideas, and interior design concepts keeping her mind and body happy.

You can learn more about Evan here: centerinstitute.com

Host: Kathleen R. Brennan is a Chicago-based psychotherapist and creator and host of On The Blue Couch.

The Walking Dead and Trauma | Ep. 30

Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC, LPC-MHSP | EMDR Certified Therapist — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 15:46:21 +0000

The Walking Dead follows this cast of characters as they navigate a world where zombies are predictably dangerous and the living have the potential to help or cause harm. The living are on an ongoing quest for survival and safety. Along the way, they encounter unimaginable traumas within the context of the zombie-plagued and human relationships.

The impact of trauma can differ when we look at traumas that involve forces of nature versus the force and harm from other people. So, in the context of this show, what does it mean to be bitten by a zombie versus being "bitten" by a human?

Trauma and the Aftermath | Ep. 29

Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC, LPC-MHSP | EMDR Certified Therapist — Thu, 06 Oct 2016 11:00:00 +0000

The aftermath of any kind of trauma can have a significant impact on one's life. Even when one makes it to safety and the trauma is over, the mind, body and brain can experience a storm of post-traumatic stress reactions.

Knowing and understanding the potential traumatic effects for oneself, friend, family member or person read about in the news, can bring about more compassion for self and others and create a place from which healing is always possible.

In Episode 29, I discuss the different types of trauma, post-traumatic stress reactions and effective trauma therapies.

The Daring Way™ with Sally Frau | Ep. 28

Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC, LPC-MHSP | EMDR Certified Therapist — Thu, 22 Sep 2016 11:00:00 +0000

Sally Frau, LCSW, is the owner of and sole practitioner at Compatible Counseling Solutions where she specializes in providing counseling and therapy to individuals going through life transitions, who struggle with conceptualizing alternative ways to create a happy and joyful life. In addition to her ongoing practice with individuals, Sally also provides an assessment and matched referral service to individuals, couples and families who want help in finding the right therapist to meet their needs. Sally works with a hand selected network of independent therapists that provide goal focused services to people struggling with a wide range of concerns.

In 2014 Sallly participated in the Daring Way™ National Training program and began the path toward becoming a Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator, which she achieved in 2015. The Daring Way™ is a highly experiential methodology based on the research of Dr. Brene´ Brown. The method was developed to help men, women, and adolescents learn how to show up, be seen, and live braver lives. Sally provides group and individual services using The Daring Way™ curriculum and also using the newer Rising Strong™ curriculum, based on Dr. Brown’s book of the same name.

Healthy and Unhealthy Coping with Dwight Hurst | Ep. 27

Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC, LPC-MHSP | EMDR Certified Therapist — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 14:06:10 +0000

Dwight Hurst is owner and director of Innovate Mental Health Solutions. A fellow therapist and expert in addiction and recovery, Dwight shares his insights and perspective on the human experience of coping. In this lively conversation, we discuss the many forms both healthy and unhealthy coping can take, why people may cope in the way they do and the potential for healing and engaging coping that can make life better.

Dwight is the creator and host of The Broken Brain Podcast that brings a lot of great information about all things related to mental health, therapy and of course: the brain!

Host: Kathleen R. Brennan is a Chicago-based psychotherapist and creator and host of On The Blue Couch.

Meditation: Welcoming Change | Ep. 26

Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC, LPC-MHSP | EMDR Certified Therapist — Thu, 11 Aug 2016 17:40:43 +0000

Guided Meditation Music: Still Water by Lee Rosevere

Gaming and Addiction: A Conversation with Dr. Jason Hacker | Ep. 25

Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC, LPC-MHSP | EMDR Certified Therapist — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 11:00:00 +0000

Episode 25

In Episode 25, I speak with Jason Hacker, Ph.D, an expert in gaming and internet addiction. Jason is a licensed adolescent and adult psychologist with a private practice in Chicago.

Jason's interest in treating problematic technology use grew out of his experience treating a wide range of mental health concerns as a trainee and staff psychologist at university counseling centers in Chicago and Washington, D.C. He recognized a growing trend in students struggling to maintain a healthy relationship with technology. Having moved into private practice, he now works with adolescents and adults of all ages to limit unhealthy behaviors while building healthy coping and stronger relationships.

You can connect with Dr. Hacker at: jasondhackerphd.com

Resources:

On-line Gamers Anonymous (www.olganon.org): Online community that offers support for gamers and their families. Includes resources for online and in-person meetings.

reStart (http://www.netaddictionrecovery.com): Treatment program for excessive internet and video game use.

Permalink

Meditation: Knowing Your Truth | Ep. 24

Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC, LPC-MHSP | EMDR Certified Therapist — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 11:00:00 +0000

Guided Meditation Music:

Gone by Lee Rosevere

PODCAST ARCHIVE:

Permalink

Healing After Trauma: 7 Things | Ep. 23

Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC, LPC-MHSP | EMDR Certified Therapist — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 11:00:00 +0000

Caring for the Caregiver: A Conversation with R. Scott Boots | Ep. 22

Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC, LPC-MHSP | EMDR Certified Therapist — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 11:00:00 +0000

In Episode 22, R. Scott Boots, Founder and Director of The Health Cares Exchange Initiative, Inc., shares his insights on his own personal path of being a caregiver and shares why we need to celebrate and support other carers. The Health Cares Exchange Initiative confirms the need to celebrate the dedication and spirit of caring persons, while teaching self-preservation skills for the future. This resiliency skills building seminar teaches the symptoms of burnout, and reviews options and exercises to utilize in future responses to stress.

R. Scott has worked as a training and administration consultant with the Massachusetts Departments of Environmental Protection, and also Public Health. The former Co-Chair of Pastoral Care at Boston's largest Episcopal church, he has studied wellness at the Touch Therapy Institute and the Mind-Body Clinic at Boston’s Beth-Israel Deaconess Hospital. His seminars have been presented to thousands of persons including paid care providers and family carers across the US, Scotland, Wales and England.

5 Books for Understanding Mindfulness and Healing | Ep. 21

Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC, LPC-MHSP | EMDR Certified Therapist — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 11:00:00 +0000

Reading List

Bringing Home the Dharma by Jack Kornfield
Buddha's Brain by Rick Hanson
Now is the Time by Patrick Lindsay
Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach
Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn

Other Resources

Tara Brach talks and guided meditations
Jon Kabat-Zinn mindfulness guided practice
Rick Hanson TedTalk: Hardwiring Happiness

Permalink

Meditation for Getting Energized | Ep. 20

Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC, LPC-MHSP | EMDR Certified Therapist — Thu, 19 May 2016 11:00:00 +0000

Guided Meditation Music:
Artist: Lee Rosevere
Song: In A Moment

This guided meditation focuses on noticing your own energy that enlivens and brings forth awareness and consciousness to your here and now.

Finding Your Therapist | Ep. 19

Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC, LPC-MHSP | EMDR Certified Therapist — Thu, 05 May 2016 11:25:20 +0000

Taking Your Vacation | Ep. 18

Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC, LPC-MHSP | EMDR Certified Therapist — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 05:51:18 +0000

Permalink

Meditation: In Times of Uncertainty | Ep. 17

Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC, LPC-MHSP | EMDR Certified Therapist — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 11:00:00 +0000

This guided meditation focuses on encountering the unknown. Waiting on the "what comes next" can be uncomfortable, painful, overwhelming or be experienced as even dangerous or unsafe. Letting go of how something needs to turn out or a vision of how it has to be can offer space for something new. Uncertainty can involve fear, anxiety, hope, waiting for answers or hoping for a particular outcome.

Thinking about the future picture again and again will not change things. It can actually get in the way of problem solving, using resources that can useful or connecting with the very people who can offer support, advice or moments in relationship.

Guided Meditation Music
Song: Squinting at the Sun
Artist: Lee Rosevere
Website: freemusicarchive.org

Permalink

Intervention: A Conversation with Arthur Westinghouse | Ep. 16

Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC, LPC-MHSP | EMDR Certified Therapist — Thu, 24 Mar 2016 12:00:00 +0000

Honest Interventions

Arthur Westinghouse is a Credentialed Intervention Specialist and Substance Abuse Counselor. He is the founder of Honest Interventions, a Las Vegas based empowerment education company that provides intervention services.

Arthur has provided hundreds of successful interventions over many years and remains very active in the field of addiction.

“We are inviting them to accept help.”

— Arthur Westinghouse

Tag Cloud Block This is an example. Double-click here and select a page to create a cloud of its tags or categories. Learn more

Meditation for Getting Back on Track | Ep. 15

Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC, LPC-MHSP | EMDR Certified Therapist — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 13:00:00 +0000

Participate in this short guided meditation, get centered and move on in your day.

Purposeful Listening: 5 Things | Ep. 14

Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC, LPC-MHSP | EMDR Certified Therapist — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 14:51:37 +0000

In The News

Are Smartphones Killing our Conversation Quality?

10 Steps to Effective Listening

Text Me? Ping Me? Communications Overload in the Digital Age

EMDR Therapy. A Conversation with D. Michael Coy | Ep. 13

Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC, LPC-MHSP | EMDR Certified Therapist — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 13:00:00 +0000

D. Michael Coy, LCSW, LICSW, is a clinical social worker currently in independent practice in Chicago. Michael’s treatment interests include attachment trauma, pre-verbal trauma, addictions and compulsions, PTSD and complex PTSD, and disorders spanning the dissociative continuum, including Dissociative Identity Disorder. Most recently, Michael has developed a specialty in helping clients heal early, pre-verbal trauma in an intensive treatment format.

“I’m very clear with people that they don’t get to choose what still hurts. Their brain decided that for them. ”

— D. Michael Coy

Michael is certified by the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, and is an EMDRIA Approved Consultant. Michael has been a member of EMDRIA’s Standards & Training Committee since June 2014. Michael also has Basic Training in Clinical Hypnosis through the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis.

Listen to this episode on iTunes

Click on image for more info.

In this podcast and other resources

Getting Past Your Past by Francine Shapiro

EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)

EMDR Institute

In the news

Can Eye Movement Work Like Therapy?

Can You Benefit From EMDR Therapy?

Using EMDR Therapy to Heal Your Past: Interview with Creator Francine Shapiro

3 Apps for Mindfulness and Meditation | Ep. 12

Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC, LPC-MHSP | EMDR Certified Therapist — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 16:54:00 +0000

Mentioned in this podcast

Click on Image: Pranayama App

Click on Image: Breathe: Stop Breathe & Think

Click on Image: Headspace

APPS

Pranayama (Free)

Pranayama

Breathe: Stop, Breathe and Think

Headspace

Meditate. An Interview with Andrew Shykofsky | Ep. 11

Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC, LPC-MHSP | EMDR Certified Therapist — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 13:15:00 +0000

Whether you are a first-time meditator or have previous meditation experiences, discover meditation from the perspective of a meditation teacher. Listen to this podcast interview with Andrew and join us for a guided meditation. An ordained Priest through the Holy Order of MANS, Andrew is both owner and teacher at meditate. He is also the author of his new book, Pressure.

Andrew Shykofsky with meditate

The Walking Dead and Trauma | Ep. 10

Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC, LPC-MHSP | EMDR Certified Therapist — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 19:15:36 +0000

The Walking Dead television series follows the lives of people trying to survive a post-apocolyptic, zombie-ridden world. We follow and witness this cast of characters navigating a world where zombies are predictably dangerous and the living have the potential to help or cause harm. The living are on an ongoing quest for survival and safety. Along the way, they encounter unimaginable traumas within the context of the zombie-plagued and human relationships. The impact of trauma can differ when we look at traumas that involve forces of nature versus the force and harm from other people. So, in the context of this show, what does it mean to be bitten by a zombie versus being "bitten" by a human?

This podcast will look at The Walking Dead through the trauma lens to provide further understanding about the different kinds of trauma, trauma aftermath and healing. Discussion will include information on: Type I and Type II traumas, PTSD, Complex PTSD.

MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST

The Walking Dead

Trauma and Recovery by Judith Herman

Private Violence (Documentary)

After the Trauma | Ep. 9

Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC, LPC-MHSP | EMDR Certified Therapist — Thu, 05 Mar 2015 14:00:00 +0000

On Trauma:

Capturing the nature and gravity of trauma and its aftermath can indeed be daunting. To convey what one experiences in that traumatic moment, ongoing moments or aftermath requires some attention to wording and a balance of sharing the truth of it without overwhelming. For people who have experienced trauma, conveying the nuances is not needed. What is needed is normalizing these experiences and sharing knowledge around the possible traumatic event or ongoing-trauma aftermath. One who has survived the one-time or chronic, ongoing traumatic events can be impacted in different ways. Knowing and understanding the potential traumatic effects for oneself, friend, family member or person read about in the news, can bring about more compassion for self and others and create a place from which healing is always possible.

This podcast will define trauma and differential between Type I and Type II traumas. I will talk about PTSD, traumatic re-experiencing, triggers, flashbacks and healing. There are effective therapies available for treating post-traumatic stress and I will mention these in this episode. Future podcasts will provide information on other trauma-related topics.

On The Blue Couch is created and hosted by Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC

MENTIONED IN PODCAST

Trauma and Recovery by Judith Herman

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)

Somatic Experiencing

Trauma Sensitive Yoga

VIDEOS

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) 20/20

Ray's Story -- Dr. Peter Levine and Somatic Experiencing

IN THE NEWS

A Revolutionary Approach to Treating PTSD by Janeen Interlandi

Powerful Photos Depict Veterans Who Use Art Therapy To Heal

Ancient Mesopotamian Texts Show PTSD May Be As Old As Combat Itself

American Psychological Association (APA) resources and articles

Permalink

Let's Start a Resolution | Ep. 8

Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC, LPC-MHSP | EMDR Certified Therapist — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 19:36:54 +0000

This podcast will focus on how to make a solid goal or resolution and walk you through reflection and creating a plan that is realistic and fits your life. You can set an intention at any time of the year and this podcast can serve as a guide whenever change moves you. Differentiate between not-so-great habits and addiction. Know that you may need support around reaching your goal(s) and be open to getting creative and reaching out to online forums, support groups and/or professionals that can help guide you through your process.

APPS FOR REACHING YOUR GOALS

Article on Best Apps

A FEW RESOURCES FOR ADDICTION

How To Tell if It's A Habit or An Addiction by Susan Shapiro

What is a Twelve-Step Program?

A List of Different 12-Step Programs

A Few Fellowships: Alcoholics Anonymous, Eating Addictions Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous

Search Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) on GoodTherapy.org

FURTHER READING

Just 8% of People Achieve Their New Year's Resolutions. Here's How They Do It by Dan Diamond

Resolutions 1 Month Later

The Odds of Actually Keeping your New Year's Resolution by Louis Firth Campbell, Amram Shapiro

New Year's Around the World

Greetings Season | Ep. 7

Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC, LPC-MHSP | EMDR Certified Therapist — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 14:52:19 +0000

With another set of societal and self-made expectations and pressures, holiday-season life can become busier, more rushed and stressful. Encounter the season and make small changes that can help you to create more self awareness, do what makes you happy and navigate the season in a meaningful way.

This podcast will include information on: potential stressors, grief and loss during the holiday season, navigating family and friend gatherings, increasing mindfulness.

IN THIS PODCAST:

Chris Rock and Saturday Night Live 2014

A Christmas Story (1983)

Study: Holiday Stress. Greenberg, Quinlan and Rosner

Bloom Yoga: Interview with Kerry Maiorca | Ep. 6

Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC, LPC-MHSP | EMDR Certified Therapist — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 15:38:57 +0000

Listen to this interview with Kerry Maiorca! Founder and Director of Bloom Yoga Studio and its Teacher Training Programs, Kerry has been teaching yoga since 1998 and is an experienced registered yoga teacher (E-RYT), registered prenatal yoga teacher (RPYT) and author of her blog, Thinking Yogi. Kerry brings her years of yoga experience and teaching to this conversation and shares her knowledge, insights and passion for all things yoga, mindfulness and meditation. Kerry and her husband, Zach Maiorca, teamed together to create Bloom Yoga Studio and are celebrating the 10-year anniversary on Saturday, November 22nd at 7:00pm.

MENTIONED IN EPISODE 06:

Kerry's blog: Thinking Yogi

30 Essential Yoga Poses for Beginning Students and Their Teachers by Judith Lasater

Yoga Journal

Mindfulness, Meditation and Charlie Bucket | Ep. 5

Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC, LPC-MHSP | EMDR Certified Therapist — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 20:07:10 +0000

Welcome to Episode 05!

This podcast will:

Provide the mindfulness basics to begin or continue the practice of mindfulness.

Connect and differentiate mindfulness and meditation. What is the difference?

Illustrate what mindfulness can look like through the character of Charlie in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The Chocolate Room scene.

Introduce you to Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Wise Mind and Tripod to Mindsight.

RESOURCES:

21-Day Meditation Experience

Tara Brach Audiotalks, Podcast and Books

Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn

Breathing App

IN THE NEWS:

Meditation is Not What you Think by LD Thompson

Mindsight by Daniel Seigel

Bridging the Stress Gap | Ep. 4

Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC, LPC-MHSP | EMDR Certified Therapist — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 15:16:07 +0000

Build more self-awareness and observation muscle around your own stress. In doing so, you can bring together your own knowing with doing and move into action. Invest in your health today.

This podcast will:

Walk you through getting in touch with your own strengths, people and resources that can make your life better.
Help you to identify and acknowledge the stressors in your life.
Present an inventory that can put your stress into perspective.
Give you an opportunity to envision a picture of your now and future life balance.
Promote health, engage your creativity and get you moving.
Provide some ideas for mitigating stress.

Take this short inventory (described during the podcast) to check in around your stress. This inventory provides one snapshot of presenting stress: Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale

A FEW RESOURCES:

Full Catastrophe Living by Jon Kabat-Zinn

Stop. Breathe & Think App

Breathing App (Pranayama)

Stress it Down | Ep. 3

Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC, LPC-MHSP | EMDR Certified Therapist — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 13:30:12 +0000

This podcast will:

Define stress.
Discuss why our continued conversations about stress are important.
Identify factors that lead to stress reactions.
Talk about stress reactions. Fight-or-flight (or freeze).
Look at the impact of Chronic Stress.
Focus on your own internal map of stress and the intersection of mind, body, brain with your world.
Help you be the change in stressing it down in your life!

MENTIONED DURING EPISODE 03:

Stress is Killing You!

Tara Brach Meditations and Talks

Diaphragmatic Breathing (Harvard Newsletter)

APPS:

Stop, Breath & Think App

I Want To Go To Therapy. Finding a Therapist | Ep. 2

Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC, LPC-MHSP | EMDR Certified Therapist — Thu, 25 Sep 2014 02:51:44 +0000

Whether you have been thinking about going to therapy for some time or might need a therapist in the future for yourself, friends or family, finding the right therapist can be done! I will take you through steps that will make your search more seamless. From laying the foundation for your search all the way to making it to your first appointment, while being organized and knowing what to expect along the way, can make this "going to therapy" a more informed process from the start. Steps for finding the right therapist include: Prep Step, The Search, The Making an Appointment, The Making it to Your Appointment.

In this podcast, I talk about:

Simple steps that can help organize your therapist search.
Questions to ask yourself prior to beginning your search.
What to know about insurance.
Therapist-client "fit." One size does not fit all when working with a therapist.
Resources to help make an informed search.
First appointments.

Resources mentioned in this podcast include: Mentalhealth.gov, PsychologyToday.com, GoodTherapy.org, WebMD

Email me with any questions or topics you want to hear about in the future at: kathleen@onthebluecouch.com

Website: onthebluecouch.com

Practice: kathleenrbrennantherapy.com

Permalink

Welcome to On The Blue Couch | Ep. 1

Kathleen R. Brennan, LCPC, LPC-MHSP | EMDR Certified Therapist — Thu, 25 Sep 2014 02:13:13 +0000

Listen to the first podcast of On The Blue Couch

Permalink