#156. What? Therapy in a Wetsuit?!: A Fun (Inspiring!) Conversation With Gary Katz

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Today, we’re going to get out of the office, out of our heads, and back into our bodies, my friends.  Woot! 🥳

In this episode, I've brought back one of my favorite guests - the brave and oh-so-creative Gary Katz - for a deep dive into the magic of experiential work.

Gary is a licensed therapist and founder of the Center for Intimacy Recovery, a group practice with services now in seven states around the U.S.  

He's also the most wonderfully creative human who takes therapy way beyond the traditional office setting. 

We're talking surf therapy in New York, boxing classes with clients, even summer camp for 80 year olds …

But there's more.

Gary has brought that same creative spirit he uses in his clinical work to the connections he has with colleagues, too. 

With his "Therapy Tribe", he’s created a whole community for mental health professionals that is equally creative - and fun! - with pickleball, salsa dancing, summer camps and Mexico retreats! 

(He thinks we therapists need more play in our lives. I think he’s right.)

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why physical exhaustion can be a helpful "backdoor" into helping clients connect with their bodies (particularly those with a history of abuse or trauma).
• How one experience while surfing with a client completely transformed his perspective as a therapist (... and what crashing waves can teach us about our feelings and emotions 🤔).
• Important factors that you need to consider BEFORE you take a client on an experiential session (because this is NOT something you do casually).
• The super simple (but incredibly powerful) way you could start exploring experiential work right away.

So, if you've ever had a little voice in your head whisper, "What if I tried something different with my clients?" - this episode is for you.

Because maybe, just maybe, YOUR willingness to step out of your comfort zone is the exact medicine your clients need to step out of theirs.

Give it a listen.

~Wendy
xoxo

P.S. So was I right? Did you love this? If so, could you give us a quick review or thumb’s up over on Apple Podcasts or Spotify? Thank you SO much! 

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TODAY’S GUEST:  

Gary Katz is a psychotherapist and founder of The Center for Intimacy Recovery, centered in New York, which focuses primarily on intimacy and relationships. The practice has grown into a large group practice of 20 therapists, 12 weekly groups (all private pay), now with therapists in 7 or 8 states across the country.

Without a sense of intimacy with oneself, people can’t fully experience intimacy with someone else. Our hearts are fragile so we develop strategies to keep them safe and avoid getting hurt. The Center for Intimacy Recovery helps clients find ways to have the intimacy and connection in life that we are all seeking. 

Website: www.intimacyrecovery.com
Email: [e-mail]

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Wendy Pitts Reeves, LCSW
Host, Ideal Practice
Private Practice Coach and Mentor

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[e-mail]