The Thoughtful Counselor

In this heartfelt episode, Desa Karye Daniel sits down with Holly Truhlar to explore the profound themes of grief, liberation, rupture, and repair through the lens of community care. Together, they delve into personal experiences of how grief has manifested in their lives, sharing intimate stories and reflections. The conversation also touches on the concept of system collapse and Holly's unique passion for mules, weaving together ...

In this episode we learn about the first Mandarin language speaking counseling certification program in CACREP accredited counseling program and explore how the program was developed. The guests share their lived experiences as Mandarin speaking professional counselors and as instructors in the certification program.

For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode vis...

In this enlightening episode, host Dr. Dèsa Karye Daniel engages with Drs. Karen Suyemoto and Diane Jung Gallo from Psychologists for Justice in Palestine (PJP) to discuss the organization's mission and goals. They explore the challenges and victories of social justice action work, emphasizing the importance of their efforts in the current socio-political climate. The conversation delves into strategies for counteracting fatigue in...

In this episode, Dr. Margaret Lamar talks with counselor educator, researcher, and entrepreneur Dr. Carlos Castaneda about the evolving role of artificial intelligence in counseling and counselor education. They explore how AI can support clients between sessions, enhance counselor training through simulations, and reduce administrative burden while maintaining ethical, human-centered care. The conversation highlights both the oppo...

In this episode, The Thoughtful Counselor welcomes Dr. Dena Abbot to discuss her newest edited work: A Guide to Connection and Intimacy after Addiction and Trauma. Dena and contributing host Theo Burnes discuss the unique barriers for this frequently maligned and stigmatized demographic. Topics addressed include tips and strategies for counselors working with people about their desires and sexual pleasure. They also speak about wri...

In this episode, we explore the growing impact of integrated behavioral healthcare and why embedding mental health counseling into primary care settings leads to better outcomes for clients, providers, and health systems. Our guest, Dr. Nic Schmoyer-Edmiston discusses how integrated models improve access, reduce waitlists, support health equity, and ease provider burnout, while normalizing mental health as a core part of overall we...

Dr. Rakesh Maurya shares research based practice guidance on how counselor educators can successfully utilize AI in client simulation training for students. 

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 Uni...

In this episode, Kenneth Winfrey meets with Desa Karye Daniel to discuss his journey with mental health and the evolution of their shared clinical practice. He discusses the foundational origins of Umjoa, how remaining authentic fueled his work, and how curiosity became a core part of building community. They end by talking about how community-centered work can create spaces where everyone feels honored and valued.

Explore what it meant for Dr. Kara Carnes-Holt to step into the role of Department Chair and her leadership journey. How does one transition from peer to leader while maintaining an identity rooted in advocacy and empathy?

In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of academic leadership within counseling programs. We explore the shift from the classroom to leadership development. Join us to under...

In this episode, we discuss client self diagnosis with Dr. Taylor Falardeau. Taylor shares how and why clients might engage in this process, and what this might mean for the counseling relationship. The focus is on counselor skills, and how the client's role as expert and building a strong counseling relationship are keys to success.

For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode...

Dr. Greg Hatchett shares findings from their research on counselor educator faculty experiences. These findings include where counselor education and supervision doctoral graduates find full time faculty employment, differences in research publications, and details on the kinds of counselor education programs. Dr. Hatchett shares their thoughts on how loan cap limits may impact doctoral counselor education and supervision enrollmen...

In this episode, The Thoughtful Counselor welcomes Dr. Vanessa Carlisle to discuss their newest co-authored work, Awaken Your Sexuality: A Guide to Connection and Intimacy after Addiction and Trauma. Vanessa and contributing host Dr. Theo Burnes discuss the unique barriers for women and nonbinary people in recovery as they examine their sexualities. Topics addressed include tips and strategies for counselors working wi...

In this episode, Margaret Lamar and Laura Rea dive into some of their research on Generation Z in classroom and counseling spaces. Learn some of the unique experiences that have shaped the development of our Gen Z students and clients, along with empathic and accessible ways of working with them.

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

Dr. Roberto L. Abreu met with Dr. Desa Karye Daniel to discuss how his understanding of LGBTQ experiences within Latinx communities has evolved through his lived experiences. They reflected on how their research has influenced their perspectives on social justice issues, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based practices in advocating for marginalized groups. The conversation also highlighted the delicate balance between challe...

Joined by Drs. Nathaniel Brown, Darius Green, and Frank Gorritz, the panel explores the implications of the civil rights complaint, boundaries of academic freedom, and whether CACREP standards are veering away from neutrality in counselor training. This conversation will challenge assumptions and invite deeper reflection on the future of counselor education.

For more on our guests, links from the con...

In this episode Dr. Maddie Clark sits down with Dr. Lena Salpietro to discuss her research regarding remediation in counseling. They discuss best practices, concerns, and how counselor educators and students can best engage with an often difficult subject, gatekeeping and remediation.

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

In this episode, The Thoughtful Counselor welcomes Dr. Jeanne Stanley to discuss the admissions process for graduate programs in counseling. Jeanne and contributing host Dr. Theo Burnes discuss tips and strategies for master's-level counselors considering doctoral programs and undergraduate students contemplating graduate programs. Topics addressed include tips and strategies for students and mentors, advice for early career facult...

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.

For more on our guests, links from the...

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,...