The Self Careapist Therapist Podcast

Lorain Moorehead
  • 5.0 (17)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The Self Careapist Therapist is a therapist-to-therapist podcast with guests who cover practical clinical skills, evidence-based training, and sustainable self-care for mental health professionals. If you're a therapist, counselor, psychologist, social worker, or researcher looking for real continuing education you can use in your next session, look no further. Hosted by Lorain Moorehead, LCSW, PMH-C, EMDR Certified Consultant, Clinical Supervisor, and graduate school faculty associate, each episode offers conversations and training on trauma therapy, evidence-based interventions, mental health conditions, and specialty populations from EMDR, DBT, and CBT to attachment, professional ethics, and advancing and adapting to changing regulations.  Topics include: EMDR therapy, trauma treatment, and specialty interventionsClinical supervision, therapist training, and professional developmentPerinatal mental health and neurodivergent-affirming practiceCounseling techniques for real clinical decision-making and case conceptualizationTherapist burnout, therapist self-care, and building a sustainable private practiceWhether you're a seasoned therapist or a graduate student, The Self Careapist Therapist inspires continued learning, creativity, and meaningful work without burning out. Conference-level education and psych journal–quality conversations delivered while you're organizing, driving, or taking a self-care walk. May episodes offer a free CEU for licensure in Arizona through The Board of Behavioral Health Examiners.    

  1. 9H AGO

    Regulate, Relate and Reason: A Deep Dive into the Neurosequential Model

    What if the key to understanding your mental health and relationships lies in how your brain developed from the very beginning? I'm joined by Michelle Maikoetter, LPC from the Neurosequential Network, to demystify the Neurosequential Model developed by Dr. Bruce Perry. We explore how our earliest experiences, from in utero through childhood, shape our capacity for self-regulation, connection, and reasoning in adulthood. This conversation is a deep dive into the 'regulate, relate, reason' framework, revealing why we often struggle with emotional healing and how we can sequence our support for true mental wellness. We also discuss the vital role of rhythm, relational health, and creating healing environments, even in our workplaces. Listen now to explore how this transformative lens can change your understanding of your own healing journey and your approach to therapy. 0:00 - Intro 1:44 - Michelle’s personal journey discovering the Neurosequential Model 4:18 - Why the model is a transformational lens for all of life 5:15 - The core tenets of brain development and early childhood impact 7:48 - How the Neurosequential assessment differs from a standard diagnosis 9:36 - Understanding bottom-up brain development 10:57 - Why we must sequence interventions, starting with sensory activities 13:57 - Breaking down the ‘Regulate, Relate, Reason’ framework 19:15 - The essential self-exploration and personal transformation in learning the model 21:38 - The key components of regulation and creating a balanced system 29:51 - How to create a relational and supportive workplace culture 33:32 - The profound relevance of rhythm to regulation and connection 46:39 - The role of empathy and shared humanity in this work 49:57 - How to learn more about the Neurosequential Model Episode Highlights: The brain develops sequentially, and experiences from in utero to age three have a disproportionate impact on its organization.Our capacity for regulation, relationship, and reason is built upon foundational neural pathways laid down in our earliest years.To be effective, interventions must be sequenced developmentally, often starting with sensory and regulatory activities before cognitive work.The "Regulate, Relate, Reason" framework reflects the biological order in which our brain processes information.We cannot be relational or access our reasoning cortex when we are in a dysregulated, reactive state.Self-care is about maintaining a consistent baseline of arousal so we aren't overly reactive to daily stressors.Rhythm is a powerful and often overlooked regulatory tool, intertwined with our earliest developmental experiences.When someone is struggling, the goal should be to increase both structure and relational support, not withdraw connection.True empathy requires us to be in a regulated space to imagine another's experience and acknowledge our shared humanity.For change to be sustainable in any system, the leadership and environment muThe 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 personal curriculum 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!

    57 min

  2. JAN 14

    A Therapist's Toolkit for Working with Anxious teens

    Helping Parents Master Their Emotions: A Conversation with Sophia Vale Galano In this episode, I sit down with clinical social worker and author Sophia Vale Galano to discuss her newly released book, Calming Teenage Anxiety: A Parent's Guide to Helping Your Teenager Cope with Worry (published by Hatherley Press, distributed by Penguin Random House). Sophia shares practical tools and strategies for parents navigating teenage anxiety, exploring the unique challenges teens face today including academic stress, social media pressures, and delayed developmental stages post-COVID. We discuss how parents can shift from fixing and controlling to coaching and collaborating, and why curiosity and open-ended questions are a parent's best friend. In this conversation, we explore: How to distinguish between typical teenage behavior and clinical anxietyThe importance of tracking patterns with curiosity rather than judgmentWhy social media isn't all bad (and how to help teens find the positive)Moving from directive parenting to a coaching approachThe developmental delays we're seeing post-COVID and what that means for familiesHow well-intentioned parenting can accidentally push teens awayPractical phrases and approaches parents can use todayKey takeaway: Sometimes what looks like typical teenage moodiness requires a closer look. By tracking how often and to what extent a teen is struggling, parents can better understand when it's time for additional support. Sophia also shares her publishing journey, offering insights for aspiring authors on how to navigate the process without a literary agent and turn your message into a book that helps people. About Sophia Vale Galano: Sophia is an LCSW who has been working with teens and their families for nearly 11 years in private practice, residential treatment centers, and school settings. Her book provides a compassionate, practical blueprint for parents who want to support their anxious teens. Resources mentioned: Calming Teenage Anxiety: A Parent's Guide to Helping Your Teenager Cope with Worry by Sophia Vale GalanoAvailable on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, Walmart, and local bookstoresPort Light Books for bulk salesThe 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 personal curriculum 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

  3. 12/31/2025

    The Top 5 Self Care Tips of 2025

    Welcome to the final episode of the year! In this solo wrap-up, Lorain revisits the most powerful self-care insights, quotes, and practical strategies shared by the incredible guests who joined The Self Careapist Podcast in 2025. This episode weaves together short audio clips from guests—researchers, clinicians, authors, and innovators—to highlight the patterns, contradictions, and surprising themes that emerged around what real self-care looks like for mental health professionals. Whether you’re reflecting on the year behind you or preparing intentionally for the one ahead, this episode gives you a grounded, compassionate, evidence-informed way to think about your own self-care plan. Key Themes Across All Guests Self-care is individualized, not prescriptive.Movement often regulates faster than stillness.Micro-practices matter: two minutes can shift everything.Physiological rhythm informs emotional capacity.Creativity is deeply restorative for mental health clinicians.Self-care is both internal (mindset, skills) and external (hobbies, movement, community).Leaders set the tone for collective self-care culture.Passion and purpose are protective against burnout.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Self-Care and the Podcast 00:52 Reflections on Self-Care Trends of the Year 02:30 The Importance of Activity in Self-Care 04:25 Mindset and Internal Processes in Self-Care 06:34 Community and Connection in Self-Care 08:44 Quick Self-Care Techniques 09:57 Visualization and Trauma Management 12:24 Mitigating Secondhand Trauma and Burnout 13:52 Nutrition and Self-Care 15:58 Emotion Regulation Skills 17:54 Distress Tolerance Toolkit 19:06 Motivation and Goal Setting for the New Year 19:50 Creative Expression in Work 21:53 Conclusion and Community Engagement Resources Mentioned The Self Careapist Podcast Episode ArchiveEach referenced guest’s full episode Want to Share Your Self-Care Values? Visit LorainMoorehead.com/podcast to submit: Self-care strategies that worked for you this yearSkills you want to practice more oftenGuests you’d like to hear in 2026Connect with Lorain Website: LorainMoorehead.com  Instagram: @lorainmoorehead  Podcast: The Self Careapist Podcast 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 personal curriculum 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!

    25 min

  4. 12/17/2025

    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 personal curriculum 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

  5. 12/03/2025

    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 personal curriculum 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

  6. 11/19/2025

    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: Learn about the CARE skills (adapted from DBT's TIP s 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 personal curriculum 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

  7. 11/05/2025

    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 personal curriculum 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

  8. 10/22/2025

    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 personal curriculum 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
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About

The Self Careapist Therapist is a therapist-to-therapist podcast with guests who cover practical clinical skills, evidence-based training, and sustainable self-care for mental health professionals. If you're a therapist, counselor, psychologist, social worker, or researcher looking for real continuing education you can use in your next session, look no further. Hosted by Lorain Moorehead, LCSW, PMH-C, EMDR Certified Consultant, Clinical Supervisor, and graduate school faculty associate, each episode offers conversations and training on trauma therapy, evidence-based interventions, mental health conditions, and specialty populations from EMDR, DBT, and CBT to attachment, professional ethics, and advancing and adapting to changing regulations.  Topics include: EMDR therapy, trauma treatment, and specialty interventionsClinical supervision, therapist training, and professional developmentPerinatal mental health and neurodivergent-affirming practiceCounseling techniques for real clinical decision-making and case conceptualizationTherapist burnout, therapist self-care, and building a sustainable private practiceWhether you're a seasoned therapist or a graduate student, The Self Careapist Therapist inspires continued learning, creativity, and meaningful work without burning out. Conference-level education and psych journal–quality conversations delivered while you're organizing, driving, or taking a self-care walk. May episodes offer a free CEU for licensure in Arizona through The Board of Behavioral Health Examiners.    

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