The Affirming Minds Podcast

Shaina Siber, LCSW
  • 4.6 (17)
  • 课程
  • 一周一更

Build your elite therapeutic toolkit learning through expert-led "pod-courses" and interviews. CEs available for Affirm Academy members.

  1. Episode #55: The Asian American Teen Mental Health Crisis and the SPEAK Initiative with Dr. Teresa Hsu

    3天前

    Episode #55: The Asian American Teen Mental Health Crisis and the SPEAK Initiative with Dr. Teresa Hsu

    Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG45j7muyU/GyvsDQMgwhL4FHOY1FrELQ/view?utm_content=DAG45j7muyU&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h174d77b3d6 --- Episode Summary: In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber, LCSW sits down with Dr. Teresa Hsu-Walklet — clinical psychologist, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and Founder of S.P.E.A.K. (A Supportive Place for Empowering Asian Americans & Kin) — to explore the growing mental-health crisis among Asian American teens. Dr. Hsu discusses the historical and cultural context that shapes Asian American mental health — from early immigration and Japanese internment to the Vietnam War and the 2020 surge in anti-Asian hate during COVID-19. She shares how these systemic and generational experiences of trauma continue to influence today’s youth and why culturally responsive interventions are critical for prevention and healing. We dive into her groundbreaking new resource, The Asian American Teen’s Mental Health Workbook, and the community-based work of S.P.E.A.K., which empowers Asian American families and providers through education, destigmatization, and research-driven advocacy. --- Topics Discussed: How historical oppression and racialized trauma intersect with modern Asian American identity. The impact of COVID-19–related anti-Asian hate on mental health and belonging. Key takeaways from The Asian American Teen’s Mental Health Workbookfor clinicians, parents, and youth. The role of community-based participatory action research (CBPAR) in advancing culturally responsive care. --- About Our Guest: Teresa Hsu, PhD, is the Founder and Executive Director of S.P.E.A.K., a Supportive Place for Empowering Asian Americans & Kin, which focuses on Asian American mental health and wellness through education, destigmatization, research, and direct services. She is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and as the former Assistant Director of the Pediatric Behavioral Health Integration Program at Montefiore Medical Center, she helped establish one of the largest pediatric integrated behavioral health primary care programs in the nation. She uses evidenced-based approaches in her work with individuals and families to address race-related stressors, parent-child cultural issues including cultural dissonance, anxiety, mood disorders, and trauma. Her research focuses on collaborative care, prevention, and population health in diverse, historically marginalized communities, and she has presented nationally and published in peer-reviewed journals. She has been interviewed by The New York Times, WHYY PBS & NPR, VeryWell Family, Romper, Modern Healthcare, and City Limits, amongst others. Dr. Hsu-Walklet attended Northwestern University, where she received her B.A. in Psychology and Piano Performance, and she received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from The George Washington University. She completed her Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship at New York University. --- Connect with Teresa:  Website: www.connecttospeak.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drteresahsu & https://www.instagram.com/connecttospeak The Asian American Teen’s Mental Health Workbook: https://www.amazon.com/Asian-American-Mental-Health-Workbook/dp/1648485693 --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

    53 分钟
  2. Episode #54: Infertility, IVF, and Reproductive Grief: Supporting Clients Through Uncertainty with Hilary Hovis, LCSW

    11月4日

    Episode #54: Infertility, IVF, and Reproductive Grief: Supporting Clients Through Uncertainty with Hilary Hovis, LCSW

    Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG3p9dLjmY/4qwcHJ9bffOH5QItUeTI0Q/view?utm_content=DAG3p9dLjmY&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h90a91f5af6 --- This Episode is Sponsored by Jane This episode is proudly sponsored by Jane, the practice management software that simplifies scheduling, charting, billing, and running your therapy business – all in one place. Use code AFFIRM1MO to receive a 1-month grace period when you sign up: 🔗 https://jane.app --- Episode Summary: Infertility affects an estimated 1 in 6 people worldwide, yet remains one of the least explored topics in clinical education. In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, sits down with Hilary Hovis, LCSW to unpack the emotional and psychological dimensions of infertility and IVF treatment—and how therapists can offer informed, compassionate care to clients navigating these deeply personal experiences. Hilary brings both professional expertise and lived experience to the conversation. She specializes in helping women and non-binary clients explore the intersections of body image, disordered eating, and reproductive grief, and her insights illuminate what it means to hold space for grief, hope, and identity shifts when the body becomes the site of uncertainty. --- Topics Discussed: Common emotional and relational themes in infertility and IVF journeys Quiet grief, control, and shame as clinical targets rather than character flaws Containment planning, widening the window of tolerance, and distinguishing pain from danger The role of systemic barriers—cost, access, policy, and privilege—in shaping reproductive experiences Moving beyond toxic positivity toward authentic, trauma-informed compassion --- About Our Guest: Hilary Hovis, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, and founder of HLH Therapy, a private practice serving adults across New York. Hilary helps clients unpack the deeper roots of body image distress, disordered eating patterns, and reproductive grief. Her approach is trauma-informed, relational, and narrative-based—offering humor, honesty, and validation to those navigating complex relationships with their bodies and identities. --- Connect with Hilary:  Website: www.hlhtherapy.com TikTok: @hlhtherapy --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

    1 小时 8 分钟
  3. Episode #53: Generational Trauma: How Family Pain Moves Through Relationships with Alyssa Scarano, LPC

    10月28日

    Episode #53: Generational Trauma: How Family Pain Moves Through Relationships with Alyssa Scarano, LPC

    Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG26R2OOgE/ty4ePFfNomzIu95FE4nomA/view?utm_content=DAG26R2OOgE&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h3abe042a1d --- This Episode is Sponsored by Jane This episode is proudly sponsored by Jane, the practice management software that simplifies scheduling, charting, billing, and running your therapy business – all in one place. Use code AFFIRM1MO to receive a 1-month grace period when you sign up: 🔗 https://jane.app --- Episode Summary: In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber, LCSW sits down with Alyssa Scarano, LPC, NCC, founder and Clinical Director of The Collective Therapy & Wellness, to explore how family pain and protection get passed down through relationships—and how therapy can interrupt those cycles. Grounded in the frameworks of Bowenian Family Systems Theory and Attachment Theory, the conversation looks at how early family roles like caretaker, peacekeeper, or over-functioner often repeat across generations. Shaina and Alyssa unpack what it means to notice these patterns, develop differentiation, and create new ways of relating that align with our values rather than our survival instincts. This episode offers a clinically rich, compassion-driven lens for therapists and anyone interested in understanding how healing within relationships can begin to transform entire family systems. --- Topics Discussed: How relational patterns from our families of origin influence adult relationships Key concepts from Bowenian Family Systems and Attachment Theory Practical ways to use genograms to identify intergenerational dynamics How mindfulness and compassion practices help interrupt inherited roles What it looks like when awareness becomes action in therapy --- About Our Guest:  Alyssa Scarano, LPC, NCC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor and the Founder/Owner of The Collective Therapy & Wellness. Known for her empathetic and compassionate approach, Alyssa views her work as a profound privilege—an opportunity to be invited into the most intimate and vulnerable parts of her clients’ lives to offer unwavering support and grace. Specializing in relationships, Alyssa is dedicated to helping individuals heal from childhood trauma, break generational patterns, and cultivate meaningful, authentic connections by first fostering a compassionate relationship with themselves. --- Connect with Alyssa:  Website:collective-therapy.com --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

    1 小时
  4. Episode #52: Integrating Music into Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): Creative Approaches to OCD Treatment with Desiree Untch, LISW-S

    10月21日

    Episode #52: Integrating Music into Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): Creative Approaches to OCD Treatment with Desiree Untch, LISW-S

    Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG2WyGmi0o/adhSJJgo9pXQxC25FH5QDw/view?utm_content=DAG2WyGmi0o&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=had1e1338e2 --- This Episode is Sponsored by Jane This episode is proudly sponsored by Jane, the practice management software that simplifies scheduling, charting, billing, and running your therapy business – all in one place. Use code AFFIRM1MO to receive a 1-month grace period when you sign up: 🔗 https://jane.app --- Episode Summary: Music can comfort us, move us, and even help us heal — but for some people, it can also provoke anxiety or fear. In this episode, host Shaina Siber, LCSW, explores the intersection between music therapy, exposure-based interventions, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) with guest Desiree Untch, LCSW — an independently licensed clinical social worker with advanced training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Shaina and Desiree discuss how music — a powerful activator of memory, emotion, and physiology — can become both a trigger and a pathway to healing. Desiree shares how she integrates music into ERP to help clients with moral and religious scrupulosity, a form of OCD characterized by intrusive fears of sinning or moral failure. Together, they explore how sound and rhythm can enhance emotional regulation, deepen exposure work, and transform avoidance into connection. Whether you specialize in OCD or not, this conversation offers creative, evidence-informed ways to bring music, embodiment, and emotional resonance into therapy — especially for clients who avoid sadness, shame, or grief.   If you’re new to ERP or OCD treatment, start with our self-study webinar: 🎓 An Introduction to Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) 🔗 https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/offers/LadRw3dq/checkout --- Topics Discussed: The neurobiological and emotional effects of music on the brain and body How moral and religious scrupulosity can lead to avoidance of music and environments where music is played How music can be used as an exposure stimulus within ERP The overlap between music therapy and modern exposure learning theory Creative ways to use sound and rhythm to reduce experiential avoidance and enhance engagement --- About Our Guest: Desiree Untch is an independently licensed clinical social worker specializing in anxiety disorders, OCD, and related conditions. She has received extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and completed the International OCD Foundation’s Pediatric Behavioral Therapy Training Institute (BTTI). Desiree is a professional member of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) and serves as Vice President and Social Media & Public Relations Chair for OCD Midwest, where she also contributes to the Education Committee. Driven by a passion for helping individuals manage intrusive thoughts and anxiety, she empowers clients with practical, evidence-based tools to reclaim their lives and live fully in the present moment. --- Connect with Desiree:  Email: desiree@aspireanxietysolutions.com www.aspireanxietysolutions.com https://www.instagram.com/Aspireanxietyandocdsolutions https://www.instagram.com/desireeuntch/ --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

    55 分钟
  5. Episode #51: Between Two Worlds - South Asian Identity, Family Pressure, and Mental Health with Shruthi Nair MHC-LP

    10月14日

    Episode #51: Between Two Worlds - South Asian Identity, Family Pressure, and Mental Health with Shruthi Nair MHC-LP

    Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG1r9olGRo/pwcm9HHNjwzJmvgcopOwmg/view?utm_content=DAG1r9olGRo&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h0bc8e717dc --- This Episode is Sponsored by Jane This episode is proudly sponsored by Jane, the practice management software that simplifies scheduling, charting, billing, and running your therapy business – all in one place. Use code AFFIRM1MO to receive a 1-month grace period when you sign up: 🔗 https://jane.app --- Episode Summary: In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW sits down with Shruthi Nair, MHC-LP, a New York–based mental health counselor whose work centers on the experiences of South Asian and other BIPOC individuals navigating identity, family dynamics, and mental health stigma. Together, they unpack the complex layers of shame, guilt, success, and family reputation that shape the mental health journeys of South Asian communities. Shruthi shares how historical and cultural forces—like colonialism, collectivism, and generational trauma—continue to influence help-seeking behaviors today. Whether you’re a therapist seeking to build cultural competence or someone personally navigating these themes, this episode offers powerful insight, validation, and tools for growth. --- Topics Discussed: How historical and cultural narratives impact South Asian mental health and stigma The difference between shame and guilt in family systems—and why this distinction matters How therapists can approach bicultural identity, people-pleasing, and intergenerational trauma with compassion and cultural responsiveness Practical strategies and therapeutic modalities that support healing, including mindfulness, IFS, and ACT-based approaches --- About Our Guest: Shruthi Nair is a Limited Permit Mental Health Counselor based in New York. As a second-generation Indian American and daughter of immigrants, Shruthi brings a deep personal understanding to her work with BIPOC communities, with a special focus on supporting South Asian individuals navigating the unique challenges of bicultural identity. Shruthi works primarily with adults dealing with anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem, chronic health conditions (such as PCOS and thyroid disorders), and issues related to people-pleasing, shame, guilt, and family dynamics. She also specializes in helping clients process intergenerational trauma and explore identity through a culturally responsive, trauma-informed lens. A passionate advocate for de-stigmatizing mental health in the South Asian community, Shruthi regularly appears on podcasts, panels, and speaking engagements across organizations. She shares educational, culturally informed content on Instagram and TikTok as @boldbrowntherapist — a platform she created to empower others through representation, storytelling, and healing. Shruthi lives in New Jersey with her husband, loves traveling the world, and has been learning and performing Indian classical dance since the age of four. --- Connect with Shruthi:  Instagram & TikTok: @boldbrowntherapist Website: www.shruthinair.com --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

    1 小时 9 分钟
  6. Episode #50: Why We Can’t Sleep: The Psychology Behind the Modern Sleep Crisis with Dr. Sarah Silverman, PhD

    10月7日

    Episode #50: Why We Can’t Sleep: The Psychology Behind the Modern Sleep Crisis with Dr. Sarah Silverman, PhD

    Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG1B5maVjU/UTrIiHCa8kRtPVj3Cg2r4A/view?utm_content=DAG1B5maVjU&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hed17b23331 --- This Episode is Sponsored by Jane This episode is proudly sponsored by Jane, the practice management software that simplifies scheduling, charting, billing, and running your therapy business – all in one place. Use code AFFIRM1MO to receive a 1-month grace period when you sign up: 🔗 https://jane.app --- Episode Summary: Sleep is one of the most fundamental human needs—and yet, so many of us struggle to get enough of it. In this episode, Shaina sits down with Dr. Sarah Silverman, a Stanford-trained sleep psychologist and insomnia expert, to unpack the modern sleep crisis and explore what’s really keeping us awake. Together, they explore the biological, psychological, and cultural factors that shape how—and how well—we sleep, from stress and technology use to our individual chronotypes and nervous system responses. Dr. Silverman shares practical, science-backed tools for improving sleep naturally, including insights from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), the gold-standard, drug-free treatment for chronic insomnia. This episode invites clinicians and listeners alike to rethink sleep beyond “sleep hygiene,” integrating compassion, nervous system awareness, and evidence-based strategies for better rest. --- Learning Objectives (CE Eligible): Identify the psychological and physiological factors that interfere with restorative sleep, including the impact of stress, anxiety, and modern lifestyle demands. Describe how chronotypes and circadian rhythms influence individual sleep patterns and the challenges posed by societal expectations. Apply at least one evidence-based intervention from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) to support clients struggling with sleep difficulties. --- About Our Guest: Dr. Sarah Silverman is a Stanford-trained sleep psychologist and insomnia expert passionate about helping women get to the root cause of their sleep struggles. Using a personalized, mindfulness-based approach, she empowers clients to improve sleep naturally and sustainably. Dr. Silverman is an expert in CBT-I, the first-line, drug-free treatment for chronic insomnia, and has been published in leading journals including Sleep Health: Journal of the National Sleep Foundation. She regularly provides digital media commentary on sleep health and advocates for greater access to science-backed sleep education—because quality sleep is not a luxury; it’s a human necessity. Connect with Dr. Silverman on Instagram @drsarahsleep and learn more about her work at drsarahsleep.com. --- Resources:  To find a local sleep psychologist or insomnia / CBT-I specialist near you, visit the Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine (SBSM) online directoryand search based on your state.  To find a local sleep medicine physician or sleep center near you, visit the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) sleep center directoryand search with your zip code.  --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

    1 小时 20 分钟
  7. Episode #49: High-Functioning Codependency Explained: Signs, Patterns, and Recovery with Alyssa Kushner, LCSW

    9月30日

    Episode #49: High-Functioning Codependency Explained: Signs, Patterns, and Recovery with Alyssa Kushner, LCSW

    Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG0ZDQh5zI/Ri-sVLz-V9-USJN4HxEa1g/view?utm_content=DAG0ZDQh5zI&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hcc4e682b1b --- This Episode is Sponsored by Jane This episode is proudly sponsored by Jane, the practice management software that simplifies scheduling, charting, billing, and running your therapy business – all in one place. Use code AFFIRM1MO to receive a 1-month grace period when you sign up: 🔗 https://jane.app --- Episode Summary: In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, sits down with trauma therapist Alyssa Kushner, LCSW, to unpack the complexities of codependency, enmeshment, and parentification—especially as they show up in high-functioning clients. Alyssa shares her expertise in helping over-functioners, anxious perfectionists, and people-pleasers recognize the subtle ways self-abandonment, hypervigilance, and external validation shape their identities. She explores how cultural and systemic messages reinforce patterns of self-sacrifice and people-pleasing, and offers evidence-informed strategies to help clients build boundaries, self-compassion, and autonomy. Listeners will gain insight into how nervous system healing, EMDR, somatic approaches, mindfulness, and attachment theory can support recovery from codependency and create more secure, balanced, and fulfilling relationships. --- Learning Objectives (CE Eligible): Define and differentiate codependency, enmeshment, and parentification, and describe how these dynamics intersect in high-functioning clients Identify common clinical presentations of codependent patterns (e.g., over-extending, self-abandonment, hypervigilance) and analyze how external validation and worth-based identity reinforce them Apply evidence-informed strategies to help clients develop boundaries, self-compassion, and autonomy, while considering the influence of cultural and systemic factors --- About Our Guest: Alyssa Kushner, LCSW, is a trauma therapist and the owner of AK Psychotherapy, serving clients in NYC, DC, NJ, and MD. She works primarily with adults navigating the impact of relational and complex trauma, facilitates women’s support groups, and offers EMDR intensives for clients who feel “stuck” despite having insight. --- Resources:  Website: ak-psychotherapy.com Instagram: @alyssaktherapy --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

    1 小时 8 分钟
  8. Episode #48: Eating Disorders in Midlife: Myths, Stigma, and Effective Treatment Approaches with Heidi J Dalzell, PsyD

    9月23日

    Episode #48: Eating Disorders in Midlife: Myths, Stigma, and Effective Treatment Approaches with Heidi J Dalzell, PsyD

    Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button. SIGN IN: Affirm Academy Members: Log in to get your CEs! If you're already a member, you can log in to your account https://shaina-siber-sanderowitz.mykajabi.com/login to take your post-test/evaluation and get your certificate within minutes. SIGN UP: Become a member here: https://affirmmentalhealth.com/become-a-member/ Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGzvkB6Nic/VS0qO6U5JW7lweRl_wWMWQ/view?utm_content=DAGzvkB6Nic&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hafae8fbf9e --- This Episode is Sponsored by Jane This episode is proudly sponsored by Jane, the practice management software that simplifies scheduling, charting, billing, and running your therapy business – all in one place. Use code AFFIRM1MO to receive a 1-month grace period when you sign up: 🔗 https://jane.app --- Episode Summary: Eating disorders don’t just affect teens. Midlife is a critical yet often invisible period where disordered eating can emerge, relapse, or persist — complicated by ageism, diet culture, and medical stigma. In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber sits down with Heidi J. Dalzell, PsyD, a psychologist, author, and coach with over 30 years of experience in eating disorders treatment. Together, they unpack the myths, stigma, and evidence-based strategies for supporting adults navigating eating disorders in midlife. Dr. Dalzell brings both professional expertise and lived experience as a clinician in recovery, offering a deeply compassionate perspective. She is the author of A Clinician’s Guide to Gender Identity and Body Image and has a forthcoming book with Routledge — A Definitive Guide to Midlife Eating Disorders — releasing January 2026. --- Learning Objectives (CE Eligible): Identify unique risk factors, clinical presentations, and diagnostic considerations for eating disorders emerging or persisting in midlife Describe how sociocultural, developmental, and biological changes (e.g., menopause, aging, medical comorbidities) impact body image concerns in adults Apply at least one evidence-based therapeutic strategy for addressing body dissatisfaction and disordered eating in midlife clients Discuss ethical and scope-of-practice considerations when treating eating disorders in midlife, including collaboration with medical providers --- About Our Guest: Heidi J Dalzell, PsyD is a psychologist, author and coach specializing in midlife eating disorders, spirituality and trauma. She has over 30 years’ experience in the field of eating disorders and has been widely quoted in various outlets and on podcasts, speaking to the need for developmentally appropriate, sensitive care. She is in recovery from an eating disorder. Heidi is the author of two books on eating disorders, one exploring gender identity and the newest in press which is a definitive guide to midlife eating disorders. The latter will be released by Routledge in January, 2026. --- Resources:  Talk to Grow: https://www.talktogrow.com/ Soulful Connections Coaching: https://www.soulfulconnectionscoaching.com/ A Clinician’s Guide to Gender Identity and Body Image (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/Clinicians-Guide-Gender-Identity-Image/dp/1785928309 --- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional. --- Don't Forget to Subscribe: If you love this episode, be sure to follow The Affirming Minds Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Share it on your socials and help us grow the community of engaged, empowered, and educated mental health professionals. Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaways! Find Us Here: https://www.affirmmentalhealth.com Instagram: @affirmmentalhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFFIRMMentalHealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556924200735 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-siber-sanderowitz-905089249/ TikTok: @affirm_mental_health

    1 小时 23 分钟
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Build your elite therapeutic toolkit learning through expert-led "pod-courses" and interviews. CEs available for Affirm Academy members.

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