The Thoughtful Counselor

Two counselor educators, professional counselors, and researchers discuss what decolonization is and is not in counselor education. Drs. Smith-Yliniemi and Malott describe what motivates them to continue learning about ways to infuse decolonizing principles in their educational and clinical work. Both share  practical examples and hopes for the future of decolonized practice.

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In this episode, Dèsa meets with Sutton King and Ariel Richer, the co-founders of the Urban Indigenous Collective, to delve into the intersection of collective healing and natural medicine, exploring how culturally tailored health services can empower Indigenous communities. Sutton and Ariel share their insights on reclaiming space for urban Indigenous peoples, fostering kinship, community-based participatory research,...

This unstructured conversation explores the intentional shift towards ourselves. In environments and systems that reward achievement, Drs. Tapia and Spears examine how ongoing dynamic self-reflection attends to ourselves while simultaneously modeling wellness to others.

For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode visit https://concept.paloaltou.edu/...

In this episode we discuss the challenges that international students and international scholars face in the current political environment, with Drs. Ching-Chen Chen and Jungnam Kim. From challenging and unclear immigration and visa policies, to issues obtaining licensure, to the overall fear that uncertainty brings, counselors and counselor educators are encouraged to engage with the population with empathy and understanding.

In this episode, The Thoughtful Counselor welcomes Kenneth Edwards to discuss how professional counselors can engage in organizational consulting. Kenneth and contributing host Theo Burnes discuss the multiple ways that counselors can use their skills to facilitate and empower organizational change. Topics addressed include advocacy efforts within professional organizations in counseling, engaging in organizational cou...

The co creators of the Adoptee Consciousness Model walk the listener through the process of adoptee awareness of systematic issues in adoption that impact their identity and mental health outcomes. They share what mental health counselors and practitioners need to know to support adoptee clients.

For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode visit https://concept.paloaltou.edu/...

Desa speaks with scholar-activist Dr. Autumn Asher BlackDeer on her experiences within higher education as she moved into her decolonial research. They talk about their experiences finding a balance between academic work with the community heart work that refills them. The end by talking about how grief has continued to inform them now and into the future.

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In this conversation, Donna Sheperis discusses the emerging role of artificial intelligence (AI) in counseling practice. Dr. Sheperis highlights how counselors are using AI and emphasizes the rapid adoption of AI compared to past technological shifts. She shares the opportunities and challenges AI presents for clinicians, educators, and counselors-in-training.

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This crucial conversation unpacks the findings of a Delphi study that gathered insights from EFT experts on how to make the model more culturally responsive to LGBTQ+ clients. Discover why traditional relationship literature often falls short and how this research offers practical guidelines for therapists working with same-sex and same-gender couples across all three stages of EFT.

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In this episode Maddie discusses building a private practice with Leah Reed-Dailey, co-owner of the Mental Health Collaborative in Toledo, Ohio. Leah started her private practice with a focus on taking great care of clients and the clinicians who work there in a continuum of care environment. This episode will help listeners understand the process of starting a private practice.

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In this episode. Dr. Hargons speaks about her new book, Good Sex, as well as her journey in the field of professional counseling and counseling sexology.

For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode, visit https://concept.paloaltou.edu/resources/the-thoughtful-counselor-podcast 

The Thoughtful Counselor is created in partnership with Palo Alto University’s Division of Continui...

Dr. Amy Ritterbusch, associate professor of social welfare at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, shares her experiences with global participatory action research in Colombian and Uganda and describes her personal journal of liberation as an international Colombian adopted person. She also offers recommendations for collective and individual wellness in the midst of activism.

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In this episode, Dr. Thelamour discusses the intricate journey of acculturation among Black immigrant adolescents and emerging adults. She brings a multicultural lens to her research, focusing on the experiences of Black immigrants from African and Caribbean countries as they navigate their adjustment to Black American culture. Through engaging discussion, listeners will gain insights into how cultural dynamics shape t...

Drs. Elliott and Murray discuss their program for training counselors to work in rural areas. They share the challenges they have faced and talk about how educators and supervisors can approach readying students to work in rural communities. 

For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode visit https://concept....

This episode explores Dr. Stacey Litam’s newly released book Patterns that Remain: A Guide to Healing for Asian Children of Immigrants. Drs. Tapia and Litam navigate the impact of this book and the chapters that were so thoughtfully written. Join us for the laughs and tears that came from reflecting on the Patterns that Remain.

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In this episode we discuss the evolving needs of the trans and gender expansive community and what counselors can do to show up for this marginalized population. Dr. Clark Ausloos joins the podcast to discuss the population's needs, community building, and how counselors can show up as social justice advocates inside and outside of their offices. Listeners will learn concrete actions they can begin today to support and protect tran...

In this episode, The Importance of Mentorship in Counseling, we explore how meaningful mentorship relationships shape personal and professional growth in the counseling field. Join us as we discuss the benefits of mentorship for both counselors-in-training and seasoned professionals, including skill development, navigating challenges, and fostering inclusivity. Whether you're a mentee seeking guidance or a mentor hoping to inspire,...

In this episode, Dr. Kyrstin shares her professional experience working with survivors of narcissistic abuse. We discuss clinical signs that a client is in a relationship with a narcissist, strategies for empowering victims and survivors, and the importance of clinician self-awareness and self-care.

For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode visit https://concept.paloaltou.e...

In this episode, Abiola shares how she prioritizes breaking down the system to pave the way for others. Abiola and Dèsa discuss how Disturbing Inequity continues to break dominant narratives through social media. Abiola chats about her experiences overcoming racism and hate while speaking about her personal experiences with mental health.

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