Say Hello to your Therapist

Bethany Valenti, PsyD
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Mental Health

Finding a therapist can be daunting. Not every therapist is created equal and not every therapist is the right fit for you. Join Bethany Valenti, PsyD, as she chats with different therapists about the work they love to do. You can get a sense of what to look for in a therapist, but also nerd out with them about therapy along the way.

  1. 6d ago

    17. Reshaping People-pleasing, Choices, & Ourselves: Doing the Work with Briania Davis

    Bethany chats with licensed marriage and family therapist Briania Davis who works primarily with people—often moms—experiencing overwhelm, stress, people-pleasing, and perfectionism. Davis shares how identity evolves with life stages, parenting, and cultural influences. They discuss distinguishing “have to/need to/want to,” making choices based on intention, and reframing people-pleasing as dependability while examining motivations like loyalty, obligation, and the need for appreciation. The conversation covers grief for past selves, pacing and pausing, finding “sparkles” of gratitude, using language and metaphors to clarify experience, and how therapy offers support, tools, or information and access to resources. Learn more about Briania: Instagram Facebook  Website  Psychology Today To learn more about Bethany Valenti, PsyD: Podcast Website Bethany's Website Say Hello to Your Therapist Podcast Instagram Bethany's Instagram Bethany's Facebook Page Things we talked about: Kpop Demon Hunters Marvel Comics Iron Man/Tony Stark's Arc Reactor Battery different model evolutions Nsync Puppets Pinocchio Elsa from Frozen: Don’t feel it, don’t let it show  Sister act 2  Dave Matthews: The Space Between Lyrics  Denzel Washington quote: Don’t confuse movement with progress. My mother told me, she said, “Yeah you ‘cause you can run in place all the time and never get anywhere.”  Dillard University 2015 Commencement Address | Denzel Washington: 15 min & 4 min clip Aesop’s Fable The Tortoise & the Hare God Wink Movies  Ashton Kutcher movies: Just Married with Brittany Murphy. I had a moment where I was briefly thinking of What Happens in Vegas, which has Cameron Diaz in it  00:00 Meet Briania  00:09 From Detention to Therapy  02:48 Why Adolescents Changed  05:47 Pandemic and Digital Life  08:19 Therapy Ripple Effects  11:14 Choices and Why Questions  12:37 Have To Need To Want To  13:45 Time Management and Breaks  19:28 Parenting and Expectations  24:12 Metaphors for Feeling Stuck  30:47 Sparkles and Gratitude  39:00 People Pleasing and Worth  47:09 Invisibility and Identity  50:16 Grieving Old You  51:52 Nostalgia And Freedom  53:34 Reframing Perfectionism  55:46 Parenthood Identity Shifts  59:42 Belonging Without Masks  01:03:59 Too Much Not Enough  01:06:28 Burnout And The Cost  01:08:34 Chasing The Right Feeling  01:13:36 Tools For Emotional Release  01:15:15 Becoming The Professional  01:20:31 Therapy As Support And Access  01:24:44 Wrap Up And Rapid Fire  01:33:49 Misconceptions About Therapy  01:35:56 Final Thanks And Goodbye

  2. Sep 21

    16. Tinnitus Distress? There is Hope with Tracy Sisk

    Dr. Bethany Valenti interviews Tracy Sisk, a licensed mental health counselor in Florida who specializes in trauma, PTSD, relationship issues, and tinnitus distress. Sisk shares her lived experience developing constant tinnitus and explains that tinnitus presents differently across people. They discuss how distress can be associated with grief, anxiety, and other challenges, as well as individual triggers for higher levels of distress. Sisk describes therapy treatment and lifestyle adjustments, alongside possible ENT/audiology support. She emphasizes communicating about tinnitus, building agency, and the hope of reducing disruption over time. Learn more about Tracy: Her website Her Facebook Page Her Psychology Today To learn more about Bethany Valenti, PsyD: Podcast Website Bethany's Website Say Hello to Your Therapist Podcast Instagram Bethany's Instagram Bethany's Facebook Page Things we talked about: American Tinnitus Association Loop Earplugs Bruce Hubbard, PhD Cicadas ENT or Otolaryngologist Audiologist 00:00 Meet the Tracy 01:46 Why She Became a Therapist 03:03 Her Tinnitus Story 06:08 What Tinnitus Is 08:45 Tinnitus Distress Explained 12:56 Habituation and Hope 19:10 Triggers and Sound Tools 28:12 Sponsor Break 29:06 Mindfulness in Practice 31:09 What Progress Looks Like 32:39 Silent Suffering Explained 33:42 Cicadas Tinnitus Analogy 36:40 Communicating With Others 37:47 Habituation In Therapy 41:13 Finding The Right Providers 44:07 Therapist Lived Experience 46:16 Hope And Acceptance 48:44 Wrap Up And Resources

  3. Sep 14

    15. Narcissism & Narcissistic Abuse with Stephanie Lee

    Narcissism & Narcissistic Abuse with Stephanie Lee Say Hello to Your Therapist Dr. Bethany Valenti opens season two of the Say Hello to Your Therapist podcast with licensed clinical professional counselor Stephanie Lee, who specializes in narcissism and narcissistic abuse. They discuss how “narcissism” is often misused, the difference between narcissistic traits, narcissistic abuse, and Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and why diagnosis is difficult. Stephanie outlines multiple narcissism subtypes  and defines gaslighting, distinguishing it from lying, and introduces the DARVO pattern. They explore common abuse dynamics such as love bombing, discard, and hoovering, coercive control, and warning signs like chronic blame, lack of accountability, and survivors doubting their own judgment. The episode shares safety guidance, including contacting the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233, and notes the discussion is not medical advice. To learn more about Stephanie: Mentella Bio Page To learn more about Bethany Valenti, PsyD: Podcast Website Bethany's Website Say Hello to Your Therapist Podcast Instagram Bethany's Instagram Bethany's Facebook Page Things we talked about: DARVO: Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim & Offender DSM-5-TR 00:00 Podcast Intro and Safety Notes 02:01 Meet Stephanie Lee 02:13 From Paramedic to Therapist 04:16 Why Narcissistic Abuse 05:48 Narcissism vs NPD 09:21 Patterns and Change 22:16 Emotional Immaturity Overlap 25:39 Subtypes and Insecurity 29:14 Gaslighting and DARVO 37:21 Narcissism Subtypes Tour 46:07 Sponsor Break 46:21 How to Find Me 47:09 Communal Narcissism Explained 48:54 Self Righteous and Neglectful Types 51:11 Seven Subtypes Spectrum Review 54:22 Spotting Narcissistic Red Flags 58:38 Love Bombing Discard Hoovering 01:07:01 When It Becomes Abuse 01:14:05 Can Narcissists Change 01:16:28 DARVO and Self Doubt Signs 01:22:04 Tiger Cage Relationship Test 01:26:59 Wrap Up and Where to Find Stephanie

  4. Season 2 Trailer

    Season 2 Trailer

    Trailer for season 2 of the podcast where therapists get real about their work, their specialties, and what actually happens in therapy. First episode drops September 14th! To learn more about Bethany Valenti, PsyD or the podcast: https://www.bethanyvalenti.com/podcast www.bethanyvalenti.com https://www.instagram.com/sayhellotoyourtherapistpodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/bethanyvalentipsyd/ https://www.facebook.com/p/Bethany-Valenti-PsyD-61579092524236/

  5. Feb 17

    14. Putting Everyone Else First? Helping the Helpers with Maria Zabeti

    Helping the Helpers: Maria Zabeti on Fatigue, Boundaries, CBT, and Brainspotting Dr. Bethany Valenti interviews Maria Zabeti, a California-licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in working with helping professionals. Maria shares her path to therapy as a second career after years of service-oriented work, including as a medical assistant, and explains her passion for connecting with people and being part of their stories. They discuss common themes among helpers—fatigue, resentment, rumination, stress, anxiety, feeling unappreciated at work and at home, difficulty identifying personal needs and values, and challenges with boundaries that can be rooted in childhood roles and family messages. Maria describes her clinical approach using CBT (including a negative thought journal, feelings charts, evidence for/against thoughts, and alternative thoughts), values clarification, and boundary-setting as gradual “muscle-building,” along with elements of positive psychology focused on self-esteem and self-love. She also explains how and when she introduces brainspotting for trauma and difficult emotions. To learn more about Maria: Website Psychology Today Facebook LinkedIn To learn more about Bethany Valenti, PsyD: Bethany's Website Say Hello to Your Therapist Podcast Instagram Bethany's Instagram Bethany's Facebook Page Things we talked about: Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb Feelings Wheel Brainspotting 00:00 Welcome + Meet Maria Zabeti (Helping the Helpers) 01:12 Maria’s Path to Therapy: From Medical Assistant to MFT 04:13 Why Psychology Over HR: The Need for Real Connection 06:00 Who Are “Helping Professionals”? Defining the Umbrella 09:24 The Appreciation Gap: Stress at Work and at Home 10:39 Over-Functioning, Exhaustion & Resentment (The Push-Pull) 17:05 Losing Yourself: Needs, Hobbies, and Values Clarification 19:47 Tools in Session: Feelings Charts to Unlock Emotions 24:42 CBT for Helpers: Negative Thought Journal + Reality Testing 28:11 CBT Example: “My Boss Doesn’t Appreciate Me” Reframed 33:16 Pros, Cons, and Next Steps When Work Isn’t Meeting Your Needs 34:20 Your Worth Isn’t Your Job: Meaning, Identity, and Self-Esteem 35:30 Setting Boundaries at Work (After-Hours Calls & Saying No) 37:28 Where People-Pleasing Starts: Childhood Roles and Learned Beliefs 39:45 Roadblocks to Change: Spouse Expectations, Pressure, and Feeling Trapped 41:39 When to Use Brainspotting: Trauma, Loss, and Toxic Relationship Stress 46:52 How Brainspotting Works: Eye Position, Body Sensations, and Debriefing 54:43 Wrap-Up Q&A: Practice Details, Self-Care, Misconceptions, and Where to Find Her

  6. Feb 2

    13. Is it Anxiety or Trauma? An EMDR Deep Dive with Kimberly Richards

    Welcome to the Say Hello to your therapist podcast hosted by Dr. Bethany Valenti. In this episode, Dr. Valenti interviews Dr. Kimberly Richards, a therapist specializing in anxiety, trauma, and EMDR therapy. They discuss their experiences with community mental health and how trauma often manifests in various ways such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Dr. Richards shares her journey to becoming a therapist, the challenges faced, and her transition to private practice. The conversation delves into the intricacies of trauma therapy, including the use of EMDR, understanding dissociative symptoms, and the importance of addressing trauma for effective mental health treatment. The episode offers insights into how EMDR therapy works, its effectiveness, and the protocols involved. Listeners are encouraged to take care of themselves as the discussion involves heavy topics such as sexual abuse and trauma. To learn more about Kim: https://www.birchrunpsych.com/ To learn more about Bethany Valenti, PsyD: Bethany's Website Say Hello to Your Therapist Podcast Instagram Bethany's Instagram Bethany's Facebook Page Things we talked about: Dr. Amber Lyda and her episode on the podcast (Episode 1!) The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk Married with Children show DSM 5 The Living Legacy of Trauma Flipchart by Janina Fisher Got Your Six service dogs Coulda Had a V8 PsyPact Map Fiona Baker Marigold Island Series 00:00 Introduction and Content Warning 01:18 Kim's Journey to Becoming a Therapist 02:00 Challenges and Experiences in Education 05:31 Working in the Prison System 09:50 Transition to Private Practice 13:35 Understanding Trauma and Anxiety 20:19 Exploring Covert Trauma 31:33 Dissociation and Trauma Responses 44:41 Exploring Trauma and EMDR Therapy 45:13 Virtual EMDR: Tools and Techniques 47:12 The Science Behind EMDR 49:33 Explaining EMDR to Clients 52:38 EMDR Protocols and Phases 55:22 Using Olfactory Cues in EMDR 58:11 Client Experiences and Feedback 01:18:32 Concluding Thoughts and Resources

  7. Jan 19

    12. Brainspotting vs EMDR and Working with Midlife Women with Keely Rodriguez

    Join Dr. Bethany Valenti on the 'Say Hello to Your Therapist' podcast as she interviews Keely Rodriguez. Keely shares her journey from various careers to becoming a therapist specializing in trauma, anxiety, and grief for middle-aged and perimenopausal women. The discussion also delves into therapeutic techniques like EMDR and brain spotting, comparing their uses and benefits. Additionally, the conversation touches on the unique challenges faced by midlife women and the importance of addressing mental health during this transitional phase. To learn more about Keely: Website Keely's Instagram Keely's Blog Therapy for Grown Ass Women Keely's YouTube Channel To learn more about Bethany Valenti, PsyD: Bethany's Website Say Hello to Your Therapist Podcast Instagram Bethany's Instagram Bethany's Facebook Page Things we talked about: We Do Not Care Club aka Melani Sanders EMDR: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Brainspotting and Dr. David Grand Dr. Dan Siegel Hand Model of the Brain Perimenopause 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 01:17 Meet Keely Rodriguez: A Journey to Becoming a Therapist 02:27 Keely's Career Transition and Early Experiences 04:27 Specializing in Women's Mental Health 09:53 Working with the Hispanic Community 13:51 Exploring Brainspotting and EMDR 38:44 Session Structure and Client Follow-Up 40:15 The Importance of Therapeutic Relationships 42:36 Brainspotting and EMDR Techniques 43:41 Impact of COVID on Therapy 44:22 Understanding Midlife and Perimenopause 46:11 Emotional and Physical Challenges of Midlife 56:39 Addressing Anxiety and Depression in Midlife 58:46 Biological and Lifestyle Factors in Mental Health 01:10:30 Therapist's Personal Insights and Practices 01:17:13 Contact Information and Final Thoughts

  8. Jan 13

    11. Are You a Burned Out People Pleaser? with Nicole Byrne

    Join Bethany Valenti as she chats with Nicole Byrne, a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in people pleasing and burnout. In this episode, they discuss the signs of people pleasing, the impact of being a people pleaser on personal fulfillment, and the role of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Nicole shares her five-point checklist for identifying trustworthy relationships and offers insights into managing people pleasing behaviors. They explore actionable strategies for self-compassion, setting boundaries, and fostering authentic connections. To learn more about Nicole: Website: https://counselingwithnicole.com/ Is This Person Trustworthy? A 5-Point Checklist for People-Pleasers: https://counselingwithnicole.com/new-blog/2025/9/17/is-this-person-trustworthy-a-5-point-checklist-for-people-pleasers YouTube video: 5 traits of trustworthy people https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNmb17LUdG8 General blog page: https://counselingwithnicole.com/new-blog YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NicoleByrne-LMFT   To learn more about Bethany Valenti, PsyD: Bethany's Website Say Hello to Your Therapist Podcast Instagram Bethany's Instagram Bethany's Facebook Page   Things we talked about: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy The Resident on Netflix Kpop Demon Hunters on Netflix The Big Year Film Surface Pressure from Encanto The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna House of the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 01:07 Meet Nicole Byrne: Journey to Becoming a Therapist 03:31 Understanding People Pleasing and Burnout 05:19 Defining People Pleasing 10:35 Challenges of People Pleasing in Motherhood 14:30 Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Insights 24:30 Balancing Kindness and Self-Care 35:20 Distinguishing Between Good and Kind 35:53 The Hollow Nature of Niceness 36:31 Authenticity in Relationships 37:37 The Challenge of Simple Truths 38:28 Recovering from People Pleasing 39:57 Building Balanced Relationships 40:17 Traits of Trustworthy People 40:52 The Importance of Consideration 49:33 Sincerity and Responsibility 51:58 Reliability and Competence 55:06 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

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About

Finding a therapist can be daunting. Not every therapist is created equal and not every therapist is the right fit for you. Join Bethany Valenti, PsyD, as she chats with different therapists about the work they love to do. You can get a sense of what to look for in a therapist, but also nerd out with them about therapy along the way.

Information

  • Creator
    Bethany Valenti, PsyD
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Say Hello to your Therapist
  • Show Website
    Say Hello to your Therapist