The Self Careapist Therapist Podcast

Lorain Moorehead
  • 5.0 (14)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

A podcast for therapists and mental health pros; real talk, clinical tools, and self-care in under an hour. You’ll leave every episode with something you can apply with your clients today. The Self Careapist Therapist Podcast is your go-to space for therapists, interns, and lifelong students who want both professional growth and personal resilience. Hosted by Lorain Moorehead, LCSW, EMDR Certified Consultant, Clinical Supervisor, and ASU Faculty Associate, this show blends evidence-based practice with therapist-to-therapist conversations that pull back the curtain on real clinical work.  You’ll hear about:  Trauma treatment, EMDR, DBT, CBT & specialty careSupporting neurodivergent and marginalized communitiesPerinatal mental health, supervision hacks, and practice-buildingSelf-care for therapists and emotional clarity for clients New episodes every other Wednesday: education in under an hour. If you’ve been searching for one of the best new podcasts, self-help podcasts, or podcasts for therapists and mental health, this is the show that connects learning with action.  

  1. DEC 17

    Healing Through ACT: A Trauma Journey with Dr. Westrup and Dr. Walser

    You Are Not Your Trauma: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Healing In this episode, I'm joined by two remarkable clinicians who together have over 60 years of combined experience working with trauma: Dr. Darrah Westrup and Dr. Robin Walser. These two have been collaborating for nearly two decades and three books. Their latest book, "You Are Not Your Trauma" published by Guilford Press, offers something different from traditional trauma treatments. While many approaches focus primarily on symptom reduction, Darrah and Robin take us further—into the territory of meaning, values, and vitality. They're not just asking "How do we make the pain go away?" but rather "How do you want to live your life, even while carrying a difficult history?" In this conversation, we explore: What Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is and why it's so effective for trauma workThe three pillars of ACT: Open, Aware, and EngagedThe paradox of avoidance—how our natural instinct to run from pain can actually keep us stuck in itWhy battling trauma is like swatting at a bee—you might survive if you let it pass, but once you engage in battle, things escalateThe distinction between the self that experiences trauma and the experiences themselvesHow values don't compete and don't depend on historyWhy trauma survivors don't need to wait until symptoms disappear to start living meaningful livesPowerful stories from this conversation: A client who spent 30 years stuck in a trauma story, believing they couldn't move forward until the trauma was "resolved"—and the breakthrough that came from accepting that history only goes in one directionA survivor of childhood sexual trauma who discovered that new memories surfacing no longer frightened her because she realized: "I'm larger than that"A veteran who learned his values were still available to him, regardless of what he'd seen or doneDarrah's personal experience with a visualization exercise that changed everything for herAbout our guests: Dr. Darrah Westrup began her career at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System, where she was director of a 90-day residential treatment program for military women with trauma and severe PTSD. She has been working with ACT since her dissertation work and brought ACT into residential treatment for the first time in 2000. Dr. Robin Walser worked at the National Center for PTSD and studied under Dr. Steve Hayes, the developer of ACT, at the University of Washington. She was part of Dr. Marsha Linehan's DBT team during graduate school and has been practicing ACT since 1991. Resources mentioned: You Are Not Your Trauma by Dr. Darrah Westrup and Dr. Robin Walser (Guilford Press)Learning ACT, Second Edition by Dr. Robin WalserAssociation for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS)Online mindfulness meditations accompanying the bookThe Self Careapist Therapist Podcast is a biweekly conversation with Lorain Moorehead, LCSW a therapist in private practice. With guests ranging from expert psychologists, therapists, researchers and authors, each episode offers a deep dive and keeps listeners from intern to advanced supervisor in mind while dropping gems and aha moments for everyone who loves to learn! If you love learning and want to keep track of some future learning opportunities, grab your learning map here! If you liked this episode, feel free to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us be a top mental health podcast and resource. See you next week!

    58 min

  2. DEC 3

    A Multi-Faceted Approach to Understanding Motivation

    In this insightful conversation, Dr. Hillary Hurst Bush discusses her collaboration with Dr. Ellen Braaten on the Motivation Mindset Workbook, an extension of the book Bright Kids Who Couldn't Care Less. The discussion delves into the concepts of aptitude, pleasure, and practice, exploring how these elements interact to influence motivation in children and teens. Dr. Bush shares personal anecdotes and professional insights, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual motivations and the role of family and societal expectations. Takeaways Motivation is not a fixed trait; it ebbs and flows.Aptitude, pleasure, and practice are interconnected.The Motivation Mindset Workbook aims to make motivation accessible.Understanding individual motivations is crucial for growth.Family and societal expectations can impact motivation.Pleasure should be genuine and not just an escape.Overscheduling can hinder exploration and motivation.Mismatch in expectations can be mistaken for lack of motivation.Values and gratitude can guide motivation and pleasure.Motivation is fluid and can change over time.Sound bites Motivation is not a fixed trait. Aptitude is a muscle, not fixed. Pleasure should be genuine. Mismatch, not lack of motivation. Values guide motivation and pleasure. Motivation is fluid and changeable. Family expectations impact motivation. Understanding motivations is crucial. Overscheduling hinders motivation. Motivation Mindset Workbook insights. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Motivation Mindset* An overview of the Motivation Mindset Workbook 00:03:00 - Aptitude, Pleasure, and Practice Exploring the core concepts that drive motivation in children and teens. 00:09:00 - Personal Insights and Experiences Dr. Bush shares personal stories and professional insights on motivation. 00:15:00 - Family and Societal Expectations Discussing the impact of family and societal pressures on motivation. 00:21:00 - The Fluidity of Motivation Understanding how motivation can change and adapt over time. Resources Mentioned: Range- David Epstein Bright Kids Who Couldn't Care Less- Ellen Braaten The Motivation Mindset Workbook- Ellen Braaten & Hillary Hurst Bush The Self Careapist Therapist Podcast is a biweekly conversation with Lorain Moorehead, LCSW a therapist in private practice. With guests ranging from expert psychologists, therapists, researchers and authors, each episode offers a deep dive and keeps listeners from intern to advanced supervisor in mind while dropping gems and aha moments for everyone who loves to learn! If you love learning and want to keep track of some future learning opportunities, grab your learning map here! If you liked this episode, feel free to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us be a top mental health podcast and resource. See you next week!

    55 min

  3. NOV 19

    How We Can Help Parents Master Their Emotions with Dr. Alissa Jerud

    Dr. Alissa Jerud, clinical psychologist and author of Emotion Savvy Parenting joins us to discuss methods to assist parents with remaining emotionally aware while parenting. Dr. Jerud specializes in helping parents master their emotions during the most challenging moments of parenting. Discover why focusing on parental emotion regulation (rather than controlling children's behavior) creates better outcomes for the entire family. Dr. Jerud shares her ART framework (Accept, Regulate, Tolerate), adapted from DBT specifically for parents navigating everyday struggles. What You'll Learn Learn practical techniques for helping parents master their emotions in real time. Dr. Jerud demonstrates how to apply DBT principles without requiring formal training, making these tools accessible for any therapist working with parents. Key Topics: The ART framework for parents mastering their emotions in heated momentsCARE skills that reduce heart rate by 50% in 30 secondsChain analysis adapted for parenting reactions (not children's behavior)Why forcing apologies backfires and what to do insteadInhibitory learning approach for anxious parentsOpposite action and radical acceptance in parenting contextsHow to handle public tantrums, sibling conflicts, and teen independence anxietyTeaching emotion regulation without full DBT certification Perfect For Therapists, counselors, social workers, and mental health professionals working with parents, families, or anyone interested in emotion regulation skills. Especially valuable for clinicians seeking practical, evidence based tools to recommend or teach in session. Featured Resource Book: Emotion Savvy Parenting: How to Help Your Kids Cope, Regulate, and Thrive by Developing Your Own Emotional Intelligence by Dr. Alissa Jerud (now available in audiobook format) About the Guest Dr. Alissa Jerud is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety disorders and emotion regulation. She trained under Dr. Marsha Linehan (creator of DBT) at the University of Washington and now helps parents master their emotions through evidence based approaches rooted in DBT and exposure therapy with inhibitory learning. Episode Highlights The Grocery Store Scenario: Dr. Jerud walks through a classic parenting challenge (the checkout line candy bar meltdown) demonstrating how parents mastering their emotions changes the entire dynamic. Learn specific tools like slow exhales, opposite action, and reframing thoughts that work in real time. The Apology Paradox: Discover why demanding apologies from dysregulated children backfires and how modeling genuine apologies leads to children who naturally give heartfelt, handwritten apologies and repair attempts. Golden Opportunities: Shift perspective from dreaded meltdowns to practice opportunities. When parents view challenging moments as chances to strengthen their emotional mastery, the entire family benefits. The Heart Rate Demo: The Self Careapist Therapist Podcast is a biweekly conversation with Lorain Moorehead, LCSW a therapist in private practice. With guests ranging from expert psychologists, therapists, researchers and authors, each episode offers a deep dive and keeps listeners from intern to advanced supervisor in mind while dropping gems and aha moments for everyone who loves to learn! If you love learning and want to keep track of some future learning opportunities, grab your learning map here! If you liked this episode, feel free to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us be a top mental health podcast and resource. See you next week!

    53 min

  4. NOV 5

    Transforming Crisis Care With Revolutionary Vision and Partnerships

    Join therapist Lorain Moorehead, LCSW, as she interviews Kevin Curtis, LCSW from the Huntsman Mental Health Crisis Care Center about revolutionizing mental health access. Learn how innovative crisis intervention models are transforming care delivery and reducing clinician burnout. What You'll Learn Kevin Curtis shares groundbreaking approaches to mental health crisis care that eliminate traditional barriers to treatment. Discover how integrated services—including dental care, legal support, and flexible treatment pathways—create better outcomes for clients while supporting clinician wellbeing. Key Topics: Removing insurance barriers from mental health crisis careImplementing the CAMS framework for suicide interventionCreating partnerships that bridge gaps between systemsIntegrating dental and legal services into crisis careLeveraging peer support specialists effectivelyDesigning systems that reduce clinician burnoutBuilding flexible care continuums from hours to weeks Perfect For Therapists, social workers, mental health counselors, crisis intervention specialists, and behavioral health administrators seeking innovative approaches to reduce barriers, improve client outcomes, and create more sustainable practice environments. Featured Resources CAMS (Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality) FrameworkCertified Crisis Worker CertificationBook: 4,000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals About the Guest Kevin Curtis works in administration at the Huntsman Mental Health Crisis Care Center, where he focuses on creating accessible, barrier-free mental health systems and supporting clinicians to do their best work.  #MentalHealthCrisisCare #TherapistPodcast #CrisisIntervention #SocialWork #ClinicalInnovation #TherapistBurnout #MentalHealthAccess The Self Careapist Therapist Podcast is a biweekly conversation with Lorain Moorehead, LCSW a therapist in private practice. With guests ranging from expert psychologists, therapists, researchers and authors, each episode offers a deep dive and keeps listeners from intern to advanced supervisor in mind while dropping gems and aha moments for everyone who loves to learn! If you love learning and want to keep track of some future learning opportunities, grab your learning map here! If you liked this episode, feel free to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us be a top mental health podcast and resource. See you next week!

    56 min

  5. OCT 22

    Navigate the Nuances of AuDHD: A Deep Dive of Autism and ADHD with Dr. Tony Attwood and Dr. Michelle Garnett

    In this insightful episode of The Self-Careapist Podcast, we are joined by world-renowned autism experts Dr. Michelle Garnett and Dr. Tony Attwood of Attwood and Garnett Events to explore the evolving understanding of combined autism and ADHD often referred to as AuDHD. Together, they unpack how the field has shifted from  autism as a standalone, to understanding it as “autism plus,” often intertwined with ADHD, anxiety, mood disorders, BPD, learning disorders, and other experiences of neurodiversity. The conversation moves from diagnostic history and gender differences to the lived experience of camouflaging, self-identity, and the importance of emotional awareness in therapy. They introduce practical, affirming tools like energy accounting, the spoken social story, and considerations for alexithymia and burnout. Whether you’re a seasoned clinician looking to update your approach or a new learner, this episode offers compassion, clarity and humor for understanding how to connect and serve our AuDHD clients. Resources Mentioned CAT-Q: Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire Modified Questionnaire for Autism Spectrum Conditions (MQ-ASC) Wheel of Emotion Maja Toudal – Energy Accounting Lawson’s Work on Monotropism Attwood & Garnett’s Library of Trainings Episode Chapters 00:00 – Introduction: Autism’s evolution  02:56 – Personal Journeys into Autism Research  06:10 – Understanding the Autism Spectrum  08:58 – Autism Plus: The Intersection with ADHD  11:58 – Camouflaging and Masking  15:09 – Gender Differences in Autism  17:49 – Diagnosis and Self-Identity  20:46 – Therapeutic Approaches for Neurodivergent Clients  23:56 – Mindfulness and Emotional Awareness  26:54 – Creative Therapies and Self-Expression  30:01 – Energy Accounting and Burnout Prevention  32:50 – Understanding Neurodiversity  36:11 – Final Reflections The Self Careapist Therapist Podcast is a biweekly conversation with Lorain Moorehead, LCSW a therapist in private practice. With guests ranging from expert psychologists, therapists, researchers and authors, each episode offers a deep dive and keeps listeners from intern to advanced supervisor in mind while dropping gems and aha moments for everyone who loves to learn! If you love learning and want to keep track of some future learning opportunities, grab your learning map here! If you liked this episode, feel free to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us be a top mental health podcast and resource. See you next week!

    59 min

  6. OCT 8

    Identification, Prevention, and Care for Sex Trafficking Survivors

    Human trafficking is often hidden in plain sight. In this episode of The Self Careapist Podcast,  Dr. Dominique Roe-Sepowitz, professor at Arizona State University and director of multiple anti-trafficking programs, stops by to speak with Lorain about about identification, prevention, and care for sex trafficking victims and survivors. Content Warning: This episode discusses human trafficking, sexual violence, and exploitation. Please listen with care. This conversation explores the full arc of identification, prevention, and trauma-informed care for human trafficking victims. From validating survivor experiences and creating prevention programs with law enforcement, to treatment models designed for healing, Dominique shares both research and real-world strategies for working with this population. You’ll learn: How to identify human trafficking victims using accurate, client-driven languagePrevention strategies involving law enforcement, housing programs, and community partnersTreatment approaches for sex trafficking victims, including the STAR Group, a CBT-based model for recoveryWhy clinicians should seek expertise beyond client sessions to avoid harmStrategies for therapist self-care and managing burnout when working with highly traumatized survivorsWhy this matters Supporting human trafficking survivors requires more than compassion—it demands knowledge, collaboration, and trauma-informed care. By focusing on identification, prevention, and treatment, clinicians and advocates can play a critical role in helping victims reclaim safety and dignity. Resources: Gale Dines Ted Talk Sex Trafficking Training Materials Listen now for expert insights on human trafficking identification, prevention, and care plus practical tools you can use to support survivors. The Self Careapist Therapist Podcast is a biweekly conversation with Lorain Moorehead, LCSW a therapist in private practice. With guests ranging from expert psychologists, therapists, researchers and authors, each episode offers a deep dive and keeps listeners from intern to advanced supervisor in mind while dropping gems and aha moments for everyone who loves to learn! If you love learning and want to keep track of some future learning opportunities, grab your learning map here! If you liked this episode, feel free to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us be a top mental health podcast and resource. See you next week!

    52 min

  7. SEP 24

    A Psychologist’s Guide to Recognizing Pathological Demand Avoidance

    In this compelling episode of The Self Careapist Podcast, Dr. Maylin Griffiths, a clinical psychologist and founder of the Arizona Pediatric Assessment Center, joins Lorain Moorehead, LCSW, to demystify the misunderstood profile of Pathological Demand Avoidance/ Pervasive Drive for Autonomy (PDA). Dr. Griffiths explains how PDA often hides behind misdiagnoses like ODD or ADHD and share actionable tips for therapists conducting assessments and collaborating with school systems. She emphasizes the role of curiosity in assessments and valuable resources for clinicians and families. Notes: Curiosity drives effective assessment practices.Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a unique profile that requires specific strategies.Social strategies can be misinterpreted as manipulative behavior.Strengths of PDA kids include creativity and leadership skills.Collaboration among professionals is vital for comprehensive assessments.Shift from “manipulation” to “equalizing” when thinking about client behaviorLinks: Arizona Pediatric Assessment Center Navigating PDA in America PDA North America Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Assessment in Psychology 02:57 The Role of Assessments in Therapy 06:05 Understanding ODD and ADHD 08:56 Exploring Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) 12:00 Key Components of PDA 14:58 Social Strategies and Coping Mechanisms 18:09 The Impact of Autonomy on Behavior 20:43 Role-Playing and Social Strategies 23:43 Fixation and Its Effects 25:46 Understanding PDA and Autism Profiles 28:23 Navigating Social Dynamics and Self-Identification 30:09 Strategies for Effective Communication 36:13 Managing Demands and Autonomy 39:24 The Role of Sensory Sensitivities 44:15 Strengths and Unique Abilities of PDA Kids 45:46 Resources for Clinicians and Families 47:45 The Importance of Collaborative Assessments The Self Careapist Therapist Podcast is a biweekly conversation with Lorain Moorehead, LCSW a therapist in private practice. With guests ranging from expert psychologists, therapists, researchers and authors, each episode offers a deep dive and keeps listeners from intern to advanced supervisor in mind while dropping gems and aha moments for everyone who loves to learn! If you love learning and want to keep track of some future learning opportunities, grab your learning map here! If you liked this episode, feel free to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us be a top mental health podcast and resource. See you next week!

    51 min

  8. SEP 10

    Why Clinical Ethics and Supervision Matter More Than Ever with Patricia Dobratz, JD, LMFT

    In this episode, Lorain Moorehead sits down with Patricia Dobratz, JD, LMFT, a former prosecutor turned LMFT clinical supervisor, to explore ethical gray zones, common regulatory mistakes, and the evolving role of supervision in clinical practice. This episode offers insight into how to protect your license, your clients, and your professional growth whether you're a student, therapist, practice owner or in an adjacent profession. And highlights that often ethical missteps come from a lack of answers and supports rather than intention. Patricia shares guidance on building systems that support ethical decisions, creating separation between administrative and clinical supervision, understanding licensing compacts, and the future of behavioral health. Episode Highlights: [10:15] Ethical challenges in modern clinical practice[20:00] Support systems for clinicians and supervisors[30:00] The evolving role of clinical supervision[40:00] Future trends in behavioral health: AI, intensives & compacts[45:00] Documenting critical incidents to protect your license[50:00] Supervision as professional development, not just licensure[52:00] Lifelong learning, consultation, and avoiding stagnationResources Mentioned: Clinical Best Practice InstituteNot Your Typical Therapy ConferenceNBCC CE'sLorain Moorehead’s Clinical Supervision & Consultation The Self Careapist Therapist Podcast is a biweekly conversation with Lorain Moorehead, LCSW a therapist in private practice. With guests ranging from expert psychologists, therapists, researchers and authors, each episode offers a deep dive and keeps listeners from intern to advanced supervisor in mind while dropping gems and aha moments for everyone who loves to learn! If you love learning and want to keep track of some future learning opportunities, grab your learning map here! If you liked this episode, feel free to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us be a top mental health podcast and resource. See you next week!

    56 min
See All (16)

5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

A podcast for therapists and mental health pros; real talk, clinical tools, and self-care in under an hour. You’ll leave every episode with something you can apply with your clients today. The Self Careapist Therapist Podcast is your go-to space for therapists, interns, and lifelong students who want both professional growth and personal resilience. Hosted by Lorain Moorehead, LCSW, EMDR Certified Consultant, Clinical Supervisor, and ASU Faculty Associate, this show blends evidence-based practice with therapist-to-therapist conversations that pull back the curtain on real clinical work.  You’ll hear about:  Trauma treatment, EMDR, DBT, CBT & specialty careSupporting neurodivergent and marginalized communitiesPerinatal mental health, supervision hacks, and practice-buildingSelf-care for therapists and emotional clarity for clients New episodes every other Wednesday: education in under an hour. If you’ve been searching for one of the best new podcasts, self-help podcasts, or podcasts for therapists and mental health, this is the show that connects learning with action.  

Information