Therapy is Dope with Alicia and Laura

Alicia
  • 4.6 (7)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Biweekly

Alicia is an addiction and mental health therapist & Laura is a stress & mindset coach. We share a passion for helping people feel better inside and out, so our focus is making self-help free and easy! We dedicate this time to help those that maybe can't access services or just want extra support. We want you to know that you are powerful, capable, and have what you need to heal, connect, and feel better!

  1. 4d ago

    S3E30: Parts of Self, Connection, and the Free Mindset Shift

    In this episode of Therapy is Dope with Alicia and Laura, Alicia and Laura turn inward to explore one of the most compelling ideas in modern therapy: that none of us is just one thing. We are made up of parts, each with its own voice, history, and purpose, and understanding them can change the way we relate to ourselves and to everyone around us. The conversation begins with the question at the heart of it all: who are we, really? Alicia and Laura unpack the idea of the different parts of self, the protector, the critic, the one who carries old hurts, the one who keeps showing up anyway, and why these parts deserve curiosity instead of judgment. From there, they explore what it means to become integrated, not by silencing any part of ourselves, but by reframing things. As the discussion unfolds, the focus widens from the self to connection. How we relate to our own inner world shapes how we show up in relationships, and Alicia and Laura reflect on the ways we are linked to one another more deeply than we often realize. They close with something practical and accessible to anyone: gratitude. Not as a slogan, but as a real, research-supported tool for shifting mindset, one that costs nothing and can be practiced anywhere, starting today. A warm, grounded conversation about meeting every part of yourself with compassion, and discovering that one of the most powerful changes you can make is completely free. Topics Covered:● What "parts of self" means and why we all have them● Exploring who we are beneath our roles and reactions● Integration: bringing change to our default mode● How our experiences shape our connections with others● The ways we are connected to one another● Gratitude as a free, practical tool for shifting mindset● Simple ways to begin a gratitude practice #therapyisdope #partsofself #innerwork #selfcompassion #integration #gratitude #mindsetshift #mentalhealth #healing #mentalhealthpodcast #personalgrowth

  2. Sep 24

    S3E29: Living Bigger Than Your Fear with Anxiety Center of Tampa

    On this episode of Therapy is Dope with Alicia and Laura, we sit down with Lori Aitken, LMHC, and Mary-Eugenia Brizuela, LMHC, co-founders of Anxiety Center of Tampa. The two met while working in the Anxiety and OCD Intensive Outpatient Program at Rogers Behavioral Health and went on to build a practice devoted to treating anxiety, OCD, and related disorders with specialized, evidence-based care. We start with anxiety itself: what it is, what it's trying to do for us, and how it quietly shrinks a life through avoidance. Lori and Mary explain why the goal isn't to make fear disappear but to stop letting it make the decisions. The conversation turns to OCD, one of the most misunderstood diagnoses in popular culture. Far from being about tidiness or quirky preferences, OCD can mean intrusive, distressing thoughts and exhausting compulsions, many of them invisible. Lori and Mary walk us through Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard treatment, along with Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT), a newer evidence-based option for people who haven't responded to ERP. They also speak candidly about how many people arrive at their door after years with therapists who weren't trained to treat OCD, and how often those clients believe they're beyond help. We also add in phobias, from fear of flying to more specific fears, and how gradual, structured exposure helps people reclaim the parts of life fear has taken from them. A hopeful, practical conversation about fear, and about how much becomes possible when it no longer runs the show. Topics Covered:● What anxiety is and how avoidance keeps it going● Why reassurance can feed anxiety and OCD● Common myths and misconceptions about OCD● Intrusive thoughts and invisible compulsions● Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) explained● Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT) as an alternative to ERP● Treating phobias with gradual exposure● Why specialized training matters in anxiety and OCD treatment● Finding hope after treatment that didn't work Guest LinksWebsite: anxietycentertampa.comInstagram: @anxietycentertampaFacebook: facebook.com/anxietycentertampaInternational OCD Foundation clinic listing: iocdf.org/clinics/anxiety-center-of-tampa #therapyisdope #anxiety #OCD #phobias #ERP #ICBT #intrusivethoughts #anxietytreatment #mentalhealth #tampatherapist #mentalhealthpodcast

  3. Sep 14

    S3E28: Breathwork, Parts Work, Plant Medicine, and healing Trauma with Keith Fiveson

    In this episode of Therapy is Dope with Alicia and Laura, Alicia sits down with Keith W. Fiveson — contemplative coach, founder of the Work Mindfulness Institute, and author of two books, The Mindfulness Experience and Return of the Exiled Child. Drawing on more than thirty years of inner work, Keith makes the case that breath is the foundation of everything: the one function of the nervous system we can consciously regulate, and the original bridge between what happens to us and what we can choose. From there, the conversation moves into the heart of Keith's approach — IFS-informed parts work, and the idea that healing isn't about fixing or silencing the difficult parts of ourselves, but understanding the protective roles they've taken on and welcoming the exiled ones home. Keith and Alicia explore how mindfulness and somatic awareness build the safety the nervous system needs before that deeper work can begin. The second half turns to Keith's work with psychedelics and plant medicine. He and Alicia dig into how low-dose cannabis and ketamine can be used in trauma work — not as a shortcut, but as doorways into the wordless interior, held inside careful preparation and integration. It's an honest look at what these plant medicines can, why the container matters as much as the substance, and how the breath stays the thread running through all of it. This is a grounded, spacious conversation about presence, protection, and what it means to come home to yourself. Topics Covered:● Why breath is the foundation of nervous-system regulation and inner work● Mindfulness and somatic awareness as the ground for deeper healing● IFS-informed parts work: understanding protectors and welcoming exiled parts home● The through-line between Keith's two books, The Mindfulness Experience and Return of the Exiled Child● His work with psychedelics and plant medicine● How low-dose cannabis and ketamine can support trauma work● Why preparation and integration matter as much as the medicine itself Guest LinksWebsite: fiveson.comInstagram: @keithfiveson #mindfulness #breathwork #partswork #IFS #internalfamilysystems #psychedelicintegration #plantmedicine #ketamine #traumahealing #nervoussystemhealing #somatichealing

  4. Sep 9

    S3E27: Bodies of Light with Andrew Molnar

    What does it mean to be a body of light? In this episode of Therapy is Dope with Alicia and Laura, holistic healer and author Andrew Molnar joins the conversation to explore the meeting point of quantum physics, consciousness, and spiritual awakening — as well as how these ideas can support real healing in both the mind and the body. Drawing on his book Bodies of Light, Andrew unpacks the science and history behind embodiment and awareness, and looks at ascension and expanding consciousness as part of stepping into humanity's full potential. Whether you're drawn to consciousness studies, energy and healing, the awakening process, or simply curious about how spiritual growth connects to mental and physical health, this conversation offers a grounded, open-minded look at what it means to live — and evolve — as a body of light. About the guest : Andrew Molnar is a holistic healer, guide, and author of Bodies of Light. Over nearly three decades of practice, he spent fourteen years as executive director of two retreat centers and trained in modalities including meditation, Reiki, Craniosacral healing, and past-life regression. His book draws on quantum physics — including physicist David Bohm's idea of humans as "frozen light" — alongside spiritual wisdom traditions to explore humanity's highest potential. Based in Destin, Florida, he works with clients remotely and in person. Where to find Andrew: Website: embodyourlight.comBook: Bodies of Light on Amazon (print, Kindle, and audiobook)Video course: the Bodies of Light course, based on the book

  5. Aug 31

    S3E26: One Last Hit with Austin Rampt

    What does it actually take to come back from the edge? On this episode of Therapy is Dope with Alicia and Laura, we sit down with Austin Rampt—author of One Last Hit: The Remarkable True Story of an Addict's Journey to Find Himself—for an unflinching conversation about addiction, sobriety, and the long road to recovery. Austin's story starts right here in Tampa, and spans across decade of chasing drugs, multiple rehabs, fleeing the country, and hitting a bottom he barely survived. Today he's a father, entrepreneur, and an honest voice in the recovery community. We go past the redemption-arc clichés and into the real work: mindset, the relapse recoveries, and the keys to the turning points that finally stuck. Austin opens up about what genuinely moved the needle for him, and together we highlight the keys to lasting healing—honesty, connection, accountability, authenticity, love, and helping others. Whether you're in recovery, sober-curious, loving someone through addiction, or simply drawn to stories of transformation, this conversation is a reminder that no matter how far gone you feel, there's a way back. Grab Austin's book and learn more at onelasthitbook.com.

  6. Aug 26

    S3E25: Beyond Behavior with Dr. Katrina Ostmeyer

    In this episode of Therapy is Dope, Alicia and Laura sit down with Dr. Katrina Ostmeyer — Licensed Psychologist, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and CEO of Beyond the Individual — for an honest conversation about emotional regulation, mindfulness, and letting go of the pressure to be a perfect parent. Katrina shares how she blends applied behavior analysis (ABA), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and cognitive-behavioral approaches to help kids and adults build real emotional regulation skills. We talk about what mindfulness actually looks like in everyday life (not just on a meditation cushion), why "imperfect parenting" is often good parenting, and how modeling our own coping — messiness and all — teaches children more than getting it right ever could. Whether you're a therapist, a BCBA, or a parent doing your best to keep it together, this conversation will help you breathe a little easier and parent with more self-compassion. 🎧 Listen now, and connect with Dr. Ostmeyer's work at beyondtheindividual.com. #emotionalregulation #mindfulness #imperfectparenting #selfcompassion #acceptance #ACT #ABA #mentalhealth

  7. Aug 17

    S3E24: Consciousness & Mental Health- Stress, Identify, and Connection

    What if consciousness isn't some abstract philosophical puzzle, but the thing quietly shaping your stress levels, your sense of identity, and how much meaning you find in a given day? In this episode of Therapy is Dope with Alicia and Laura, we get into the layers of consciousness and why awareness matters on a very grounded, practical level. We talk about how our relationship with consciousness shows up in everyday life—from how we handle stress and use meditation, to how we gather and filter information, building identity, and stay connected to ourselves and each other. We also dig into the spiritual side of the conversation: how consciousness ties into connection, and how it plays a role in one of the most human things we do—creating meaning. No scare tactics, no oversimplifying, just an honest look at something that touches every part of mental and emotional life. Whether you're deep into consciousness studies or just curious about why awareness matters for your wellbeing, this one's for you. #consciousness #mentalhealth #meditation #stressmanagement #mindfulness #identity #spirituality, #meaningmaking #selfawareness #connection #consciousness #TherapyIsDope

  8. Aug 13

    S3E23: Putting the pieces of consciousness together with Rebecca Hardcastle Wright

    What if human consciousness is a force in the cosmos — and our capacity to connect, communicate, and co-create with intelligences beyond ourselves is innate rather than fringe? In this episode of Therapy is Dope with Alicia and Laura, we sit down with Rebecca Hardcastle Wright, PhD — futurist, author, and the founder of the Institute for Exoconsciousness (IEXO) — who coined the term Exoconsciousness to describe the human ability to consciously engage with extraterrestrial, multidimensional, and spiritual realities. Rebecca brings a rare blend of backgrounds to this conversation: trauma therapy, attachment theory, hypnotherapy, neuroscience, and parapsychic research. We explore what it means to develop psychic intelligence and discernment in an age of AI, algorithmic ethics, and synthetic reality — and why she believes moral sovereignty, individual dignity, and natural human consciousness matter more now than ever. We also dig into her work on "the digital pull," where attachment science meets our compulsive relationship with technology, and what it takes to reclaim a grounded, intentional sense of self. Whether you're deep into consciousness studies, curious about disclosure and ufology, or simply drawn to spirituality as a non-linear journey, this conversation will stretch how you think about being human. Topics we cover: exoconsciousness and cosmic consciousness • psychic intelligence and discernment • attachment theory and the psychology of technology • AI, and staying human • trauma-informed approaches to integrating extraordinary experiences • disclosure as opportunity rather than threat. 🔗 Learn more about Rebecca's work at exoconsciousness.com

See All (130)

Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Alicia is an addiction and mental health therapist & Laura is a stress & mindset coach. We share a passion for helping people feel better inside and out, so our focus is making self-help free and easy! We dedicate this time to help those that maybe can't access services or just want extra support. We want you to know that you are powerful, capable, and have what you need to heal, connect, and feel better!

Information