Here in Session with Dr. Connor McClenahan

connormcclenahan
  • 5.0 (2)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

If you're like me, you're tired of social media creating artificial boundaries between us and them. Yet we share our most basic desires, fantasies, fears, defenses, and conscious human experience. The more intently we peer outward to understand another, the more we find ourselves looking inward. These conversations are topical dives into specific issues pertaining to psychology, emotion, connection, pain and human potential. Follow along to grow your understanding of yourself and the human experience.

  1. JUL 18

    Why You Create the Pain You're Trying to Avoid (And How to Break Free)

    Avoiding painful emotions from childhood—like anger, helplessness, or shame—often recreates them in our closest relationships. Through real examples and concepts like introjection and projection (drawing from experts such as Nancy McWilliams and Otto Kernberg), discover how these defense mechanisms keep toxic cycles alive and learn a hopeful path to freedom by owning and integrating those feelings. Ideal for anyone tired of repeating relational patterns and ready for deeper emotional healing. #Psychology #MentalHealth #Relationships #EmotionalHealing Chapters: 00:00:00 Introduction: The Cost of Avoiding Pain 00:02:24 Why Avoidance Recreates Pain 00:04:03 Introjection: Internalizing the Critic 00:07:32 Projection: Attributing to Others 00:12:19 The Hopeful Path: Owning Your Pain for Freedom Try our AI Therapist Matcher Find a Therapist That's Right For You

    18 min

  2. JUN 12

    Why Asian Americans Experience Therapy Differently with Dr. Rose So

    Dr. Rose So explores the complexities of the Asian American experience in therapy, highlighting cultural nuances, emotional expression, and the expectations of both clients and their families. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding these cultural contexts to bridge gaps in therapy and promote mental well-being. Takeaways Asian American clients often feel confused about how to use therapy.Cultural expectations can create challenges in the therapeutic process.Emotional expression is often discouraged in Asian cultures.Therapy requires clients to vocalize feelings, which can be difficult.Parents may expect therapists to provide direct solutions.Therapy is not just about improving grades or performance.Understanding cultural backgrounds is crucial for effective therapy.The therapist's role is to facilitate self-discovery, not to dictate actions.Historical context influences current mental health perspectives.Building rapport may take longer with clients from different cultural backgrounds. Chapters 00:00 Understanding the Asian American Experience in Therapy 03:06 Cultural Nuances and Expectations in Therapy 05:54 The Role of Emotions in Asian American Culture 09:02 Parental Expectations and Therapy Outcomes 11:56 Bridging Cultural Gaps in Therapy 14:49 The Importance of Mental Well-Being 17:51 Historical Context and Its Impact on Therapy 20:42 Navigating Cultural Differences in Therapy 23:46 The Therapist's Role in Client Relationships 26:47 Conclusion and Reflections on Therapy

    25 min

  3. MAY 31

    5 Ways Trauma Rewires Your Brain... and How to Heal with McKenzie Laird, AMFT

    Trauma is the way our brains hold on to past negative environments. Trauma therapist McKenzie Laird dives into the brain science of trauma, revealing what it is, how it reshapes your mind, and the five key ways it alters your brain. This video also guides you through the healing process, showing why patience matters and how to spot progress along the way. McKenzie offers practical steps to start healing. Join us as we explore: What trauma really is (hint: it’s not just “big events”)How your brain adapts to survive tough timesThe five key ways trauma reshapes your mindWhy healing takes time—and how to spot progress If you’re ready to break free from the past and reclaim your life, this video is your first step. Watch now to gain insights and begin your journey toward peace. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction: What is Trauma? 00:30 - Trauma as Adaptation 02:00 - Signs You Might Have Trauma 05:00 - Five Ways Trauma Rewires the Brain 10:00 - The Healing Process 15:00 - Overcoming the 'It Wasn’t That Bad' Mindset 20:00 - Building Internal Resources for Healing 25:00 - The Role of Patience and Therapy 30:00 - Conclusion: Your Path to Healing More about McKenzie Laird, AMFT Get Therapy for Trauma in Pasadena and Los Angeles Here Counseling

    46 min

  4. MAY 14

    Neuroplasticity and Recovery from Trauma - Dan Humphrey

    Dan Humphrey, a board-certified neurologic physical therapist at Casa Colina, shares insights on treating stroke, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury. Explore neuroplasticity, functional neurologic disorders, and the mind-body connection in rehabilitation. Learn how personalized goals, virtual reality research, and jiu-jitsu-inspired problem-solving empower patients to regain independence. “We’re really relying on the neuroplasticity of the brain, the ability of the brain to change. And so that would involve teaching them new patterns, teaching them new strategies, and helping their brain work around whatever that injury is.” Timestamps: 00:00 Dan Humphrey’s Role in Neurologic Physical Therapy02:20 Neuroplasticity and Stroke Rehabilitation05:17 Restoring Function vs. Compensatory Strategies07:55 Meaningful Goals for Recovery13:57 Mind-Body Separation in Healthcare20:55 Functional Neurologic Disorder Explained27:36 Emotional Healing via Physical Therapy39:00 Therapeutic Alliance and Holistic Care44:06 Building Patient Self-Efficacy53:32 Treating Functional Dizziness Challenges01:04:45 Virtual Reality Research on Brain Injury01:11:00 Jiu-Jitsu’s Influence on Therapy01:16:41 Future of Holistic Care Here Counseling Trauma, Somatic, and Couples Therapy in Pasadena and Los Angeles

    1h 17m

  5. MAY 13

    EMDR Questions Answered: 7 top questions people are asking about EMDR Therapy - with John Allan Whitacre

    Who is EMDR good for? What does an EMDR therapy session look like? Whether you're seeking relief from past trauma, curious about innovative mental health solutions, or eager to understand how this evidence-based method works, this video delivers all the answers you need. Join a trained EMDR therapist as he breaks down the essentials with expert insights, including: Who EMDR is designed for: Discover how it benefits individuals grappling with trauma, PTSD, and persistent negative beliefs like "I’m not enough," offering a lifeline to those in need of healing. How EMDR tackles PTSD: Learn how it neutralizes overwhelming panic responses and reshapes your relationship with traumatic memories, providing lasting relief through a proven process. The science behind EMDR: Dive into over 33 years of research validating its effectiveness in reducing stress and promoting emotional resilience. What an EMDR session entails: Get an inside look at the structured eight-phase approach, including the role of bilateral stimulation (like eye movements) in processing distressing memories. Who should approach EMDR with caution: Understand if it’s right for you, especially if you’re managing conditions like schizophrenia, recent acute trauma, or other specific health factors. EMDR vs. brain spotting and hypnosis: Clarify how EMDR’s targeted, structured framework sets it apart from other therapies, making it a unique tool for trauma recovery. This video is your essential guide to gaining clarity, confidence, and a deeper understanding of EMDR therapy’s life-changing possibilities. 0:00 - Introduction to EMDR FAQs0:15 - Who is EMDR Good For?2:07 - Can EMDR Help with PTSD?3:27 - Is EMDR Evidence-Based?4:50 - How EMDR Helps with PTSD Symptoms6:46 - Who Should Avoid EMDR?9:36 - Which Issue Do You Focus on First?11:46 - Processing the Worst Memory13:56 - What Does an EMDR Session Look Like?17:28 - What Bilateral Stimulation Feels Like21:05 - Is EMDR Like Brain Spotting or Hypnosis?24:56 - The Structured Power of EMDR25:46 - Closing Thoughts View EMDR Therapists in Pasadena Here Counseling Trauma, Couples, and Somatic Therapy

    26 min

  6. MAY 8

    Chronic Pain and the Power of Emotional Regulation - Lindsay Mitchell

    Discover how Lindsay Mitchell, founder of Vital-Side, turned her struggle with chronic Lyme disease into a powerful journey of healing by unlocking the brain’s remarkable ability to restore physical health. Frustrated by the limits of Western medicine, she reveals why emotional healing is the missing piece in chronic illness recovery. Learn how embracing personal responsibility and the mind-body connection can empower you to take charge of your wellness. This episode dives into the surprising ways stress impacts gut health and why community support is a game-changer for healing. If you’re battling chronic pain or seeking holistic health solutions, Lindsay’s insights on brain retraining and nervous system regulation offer hope and practical steps forward. Dr. Connor McClenahan is the director of Here Counseling, a group private practice in Los Angeles and Pasadena. Connor has a background in psychoanalytic theory and interpersonal neurobiology. Trauma is experienced both psychologically and physically.The body can internalize trauma, leading to chronic illness.Western medicine often treats symptoms rather than root causes.Emotional regulation is crucial for physical healing.Personal responsibility empowers individuals in their healing journey.Fear can exacerbate physical symptoms and inflammation.Limbic brain retraining helps calm hyperreactive responses.Creating safety and nurturing is essential for healing.Community support plays a vital role in recovery. Chapters 00:00 What is the Mind-Body Connection in Trauma? 10:47 How Did Lindsay Overcome Chronic Illness? 22:04 Can Shifting Your Mindset Lead to Healing? 29:50 What Role Does Cortisol Play in Stress and Health? 32:11 Why Does Stress Cause Food Sensitivities? 36:14 How Can Personal Responsibility Transform Your Health? 42:13 What Do Pain Signals Really Mean? 46:19 What is Limbic Brain Retraining and How Does it Work? 51:29 What Hope is There for Those Suffering from Chronic Pain? Vital Side Retrain your Brain with Vital-Side Get 1 month of FREE access to Reset Intro Course Here Counseling See Our therapists for Trauma, Somatic Issues, and Couples

    55 min

  7. MAY 6

    Why does Trauma Effect Some People and Not Others? - Dr. CONNOR MCCLENAHAN

    Trauma can feel like a heavy shadow, but why does it linger for some and lift for others? In this episode, Dr. Connor McClenahan, a licensed clinical psychologist, explains how trauma isn’t just an event—it’s a “template” that shapes how we see the world. As he shares, “Trauma is this idea that there are scary things that happen to us, and that these scary things form a template in your mind… to try to anticipate something similar happening again.” Yet, there’s hope: “The good news is that your mind is made to heal.” This conversation offers a compassionate look at why trauma affects us differently and how we can find our way back to wholeness. From flashbacks to hypervigilance, trauma’s symptoms can feel overwhelming, but their intensity varies widely. Dr. McClenahan introduces allostatic load—the balance between stress and support—to explain why. A kind friend, a trusted therapist, or inner strength can make all the difference. He also explores the brain’s role, noting, “There’s a natural process that your mind is looking to enter into, to help it repair and heal that memory so that you can move forward.” By sharing our pain in a safe space, we transform chaos into clarity, a process he describes with care: “When we can understand that emotion not as something we need to suppress, but it’s something we need to express… so that we can heal.” Healing is about weaving our experiences into a story of resilience, and Dr. McClenahan’s insights light the way. He asks, “The main difference that exists between people who recover from trauma and people who don’t”—and answers with the power of connection and courage. As the owner of Here Counseling, a group private practice in Pasadena and Los Angeles, Dr. McClenahan leads a team offering in-person and virtual therapy for trauma. With empathy and expertise, they create a safe space for healing. If this episode resonates, let it be a gentle nudge to explore your own path forward, knowing you’re not alone. Here Counseling, Trauma Therapy in Pasadena Timestamp Chapters00:00 Introduction: Why Does Trauma Affect Some People Differently?00:19 What is Trauma?01:20 Symptoms of Trauma05:13 Allostatic Load and Support Systems10:10 The Neurology of Trauma14:29 Healing Through Expression and Support15:22 Conclusion and Therapy Information

    16 min

  8. MAY 3

    How to Heal Anger with Somatic Therapy - Arianne MacBean, LMFT

    Somatic therapy helps individuals face challenging emotions like anger and anxiety, and addresses common fears and misconceptions. Learn about the somatic framework for observing and moving through emotions, trusting the body’s wisdom, and building emotional resilience. Perfect for anyone curious about how somatic therapy can transform their relationship with their emotions.0:00 Introduction to Somatic Therapy0:23 The Dance of Emotions1:26 Arianne’s Journey from Dance to Therapy2:42 Evolution of Somatic Understanding3:56 Addressing Client Fears4:51 The Urge to Control Emotions5:51 Neutral Observation of Feelings6:54 The Fantasy of Control7:48 Accepting and Moving Through Emotions9:13 Signals from the Body10:06 Resourcing the Body’s Resilience11:10 Transcending Pain12:22 Growing the Emotional Container13:10 Common Somatic Complaints14:58 Identifying Numbness and Disconnection16:08 Emotional Health vs. Flatlining18:00 Avoidant Attachment and Suppression20:16 Societal Pressures on Emotions22:08 Therapy as a Safe Space for Rewilding23:17 Creative Approaches in Therapy25:27 Reassuring Clients in the Process27:33 The Value of Anger29:00 Interactive Journal for Emotional Connection31:19 The Cost of Suppression33:00 Honoring Anger’s Purpose34:39 Building Emotional Awareness36:07 Anger as a Desire for Connection37:48 Navigating Shame and Numbness40:23 Inviting Others into Emotional Worlds42:28 Life’s Inevitable Pain44:25 Selling Somatic Therapy Honestly45:27 Physical Acknowledgment of Pain48:36 The Power of Observation50:01 Immediate Shifts in Therapy

    51 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

If you're like me, you're tired of social media creating artificial boundaries between us and them. Yet we share our most basic desires, fantasies, fears, defenses, and conscious human experience. The more intently we peer outward to understand another, the more we find ourselves looking inward. These conversations are topical dives into specific issues pertaining to psychology, emotion, connection, pain and human potential. Follow along to grow your understanding of yourself and the human experience.

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