Humanity's Values

David Teachout, M.A., M.S.
  • 5.0 (6)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Explore the human experience through understanding your Stories and how they define your Values. Expand your emotional and behavioral flexibility through the lens of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Further material can be found at www.lifeweavings.com

  1. 11/11/2025

    Navigating Spirituality Without Harm: An Interview with SC Nealy

    In this conversation, SC Nealy and I discuss the impact of beliefs and oppressive systems on the creation of trauma, emphasizing the need for healthier approaches to spirituality and community involvement. We discuss their work in the LGBTQ+ community, with their dedication to the intersection of mental health and social involvement, where the role of the therapist doesn't just exist in the therapeutic space, but extends into advocacy for civil rights and support for minorities. Rather than promoting a binary choice of religious or secularism, we discuss the need for resources that support individuals who choose to remain within religious and/or spiritual communities while avoiding harmful ideologies. SC Nealy, LPC (they/she) is a therapist and owner of an all queer and trans-identifying therapy practice in Washington, DC that focuses on bringing therapists with lived experiences to the LGBT+ population. They specialize in religious trauma work and their first non-fiction book, Healing Sacred Wounds, will be published by Bloomsbury in Fall 2026. Visit lgbtcounselingdmv.com for more information, or follow SC Nealy online at @scnealy on Instagram and @booksbysarahrobinson on Facebook. www.lgbtcounselingdmv.com www.instagram.com/scnealy www.facebook.com/booksbysarahrobinson Takeaways Beliefs and oppressive systems can cause trauma. Spirituality can exist without harming others. Resources for deconstruction are often limited. Not everyone is ready to deconstruct their beliefs. Healthy engagement in religious communities is possible. Creating spaces for those who choose to stay is important. Support for mental health within religious contexts is needed. Deconstructing is not the only path to healing. Community health can be prioritized in spiritual practices.

    43 min

  2. 10/30/2025

    Exploring Identity in the Spirit of Halloween

    In this conversation, I talk with Heather Hester exploring the themes of parenting, identity, and the significance of traditions, particularly around Halloween and the upcoming holidays. Heather Hester is the host of the podcast More Human. More Kind., and the author of Parenting with Pride. As a speaker, coach, and LGBTQ+ advocate, she helps parents, allies, and organizations move from fear to fierce, informed love with clarity, compassion, and courage. She believes in the magic of connection and that kindness and belonging aren't just a feeling, they're a practice. We discuss the importance of allowing children to express themselves through costumes, the need for curiosity in parenting, and the value of setting boundaries in relationships. We also touch on the evolution of family traditions and the necessity of reevaluating what works for families as they grow and change. Ultimately, we encourage people to embrace change, explore new experiences, and prioritize authenticity in their lives. Takeaways Halloween is a time for kids to explore their identities through costumes. Parents should encourage curiosity about their children's choices. Traditions can evolve and should be reevaluated over time. Setting boundaries in relationships is essential for personal growth. It's okay to feel grief and sadness when traditions change. Family gatherings should prioritize open communication and respect for boundaries. Life is too short to be controlled by others' expectations. Embracing change can lead to new and fulfilling experiences. Parents should allow their children to express themselves freely. The importance of authenticity in family dynamics. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back 01:22 Halloween Traditions and Family Dynamics 04:35 Exploring Identity Through Costumes 10:14 The Importance of Curiosity in Parenting 15:43 Navigating Social Expectations and Personal Growth 22:22 Evolving Family Traditions and Personal Reflections 24:15 Reevaluating Traditions and Relationships 35:18 Empowerment and Setting Boundaries 39:48 Redefining Holiday Gatherings and Traditions

    46 min

  3. 09/03/2025

    Connecting Secular Minds: The Importance of Community

    Elliott, aka Secular Rarity, is a secular community builder who has worked with many different organizations over the years. He is the founder and current President of Secular Rising US, a non-profit dedicated to connecting and supporting atheists, humanists, and secular-minded people. He is also a founder of The Conversation Coalition, a monthly gathering where believers and nonbelievers have challenging yet cordial conversations on topics most people avoid. Site: http://www.secularrisingus.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SecularRisingUS/ Recovering from Religion: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ Reclaim Your Life, a class on moving forward from religious trauma: https://life-weavings.thinkific.com/products/courses/reclaim-your-life

    1h 27m

  4. 08/13/2025

    Interview with Everett Uhl

    Everett Uhl - media contacts Site: Everett Uhl Therapy Email: euhl@committed-action.com Instagram @everettuhltherapy In this conversation, I interview Everett Uhl, a licensed marriage and family counselor, about her role as a therapist. We discuss the importance of authenticity in therapeutic practices, the need for action-oriented approaches, and some critiques of traditional therapy models, especially in relation to religious influences. I loved how Everett emphasized the significance of understanding human experiences in context rather than through rigid diagnoses, and of course, I'll always cheer on an advocate for integrating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into one's practice, with Everett combining it with the Bowen family systems approaches. A Few Highlights Authenticity in therapy fosters a genuine connection with clients. Therapy should empower clients to take action, not just vent. Understanding context is crucial for accurate diagnoses. Expectations of therapy should be realistic and not solely focused on validation. ACT encourages clients to make choices and move forward. Rigid definitions in Christian counseling can lead to harm. Secular therapy provides a safe space free from religious judgment. Therapists should be aware of their biases and dual relationships. The future of therapy should embrace flexibility and critical thinking. Chapters 00:00 From Conservation to Counseling: A Journey of Purpose 04:38 Therapeutic Approaches: Authenticity and Action 08:48 The Role of Therapy: Beyond Venting to Empowerment 12:46 Understanding Human Experience: Context Over Diagnosis 17:02 Critiquing Therapy: The Need for Realistic Expectations 21:25 Integrating ACT and Family Systems: A Holistic Approach 25:49 The Impact of Religion in Therapy: A Critical Perspective 30:18 Navigating Secular Therapy: A Personal Commitment 34:41 The Future of Therapy: Moving Beyond Rigid Models 39:24 Conclusion: Embracing Change in Therapeutic Practices

    54 min

  5. 07/07/2025 · VIDEO

    Interview with Dr. Kristen Hornung

    BIO:    Kristen Hornung is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor #2071, offering in-person therapy in Encinitas and virtual therapy throughout California. She holds a Ph.D. in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute, an M.A. in Counseling from the University of San Diego, and a B.A. in Chemistry from Brown University. She is an EMDR Certified Therapist by EMDRIA. Kristen specializes in helping deep-thinking, over-functioning individuals with anxiety, trauma, and relationship problems.   Therapy website: https://kristenhornung.com/ Author website: https://kghornung.com/   Resources EMDR:  https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/   Pacifica's webpage on depth psychology: https://www.pacifica.edu/about-pacifica/what-is-depth-psychology/

    1h 10m

  6. 06/08/2025

    Interview with Steve Ghikadis

    Steve Ghikadis is a Humanist Officiant, who conducts secular marriages, memorials, and many more meaningful life-affirming celebrations. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Bachelor of Education in primary, junior, and intermediate grades. Raised as a freethinker, Steve has been married to a Christian for over a decade. He and his wife, Cindy, believe in the importance of bridging the gap between believers and non-believers. Their two young children are being raised in an interfaith household and are free to choose their own path. He serves as an Ambassador for Humanist Canada, Recovering from Religion, and Sunday Assembly. In 2024, Steve was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for significant contributions to his community in Windsor/Essex, Ontario, Canada. Book Description: Humanism from the Heart by Steve Ghikadis is a heartfelt exploration of what it means to build bridges of understanding in a world divided by conflicting beliefs. Through personal stories and candid reflections, Steve shares his transformative journey—from struggling with religious apathy and growing resentment to embracing secular humanism, a philosophy rooted in empathy, reason, and meaningful connection.

    50 min

  7. 06/01/2025 · VIDEO

    Interview with Rafa Zuniga

    Rafael is a clinical social worker in North Texas. He has experience working with CPS, Psychiatric settings, hospitals, and is currently a Behavioral Health Officer in the Army National Guard. As a former Catholic, religion and apologetics have always been interesting and engaging. After going through his own personal deconversion, Rafa realized how underrepresented the non-believing populations were in finding treatment, community, and care. That's how he ended up joining the Secular Therapist Project. Rafa can be found at: Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1311429 Headway: https://care.headway.co/providers/rafael-zuniga-2?utm_source=pem&utm_medium=direct_link&utm_campaign=83274 Zocdoc: https://www.zocdoc.com/professional/rafael-antonio-iii-zuniga-lcsw-589214?refPageLoadId=6a01c513-78f3-4934-92d0-13711df68f5b

    53 min

  8. 05/26/2025 · VIDEO

    Interview with Casey McFarland

    Casey McFarland, LAPC, NCC. Along with my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, I also earned a certificate in Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Counseling, which gives me a professional framework to deconstruct religious structures that have caused harm.  As a secular therapist, I offer care that honors each person's values without imposing religious frameworks—something especially important for those who've felt unseen or harmed in traditional spaces. At the heart of my work is the belief that healing is possible, that growth comes in many forms, and that we all have the ability to reclaim our lives and move forward with strength and purpose.   Links: Website- www.coreclarityco.com FB Page- https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554031901122

    47 min
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About

Explore the human experience through understanding your Stories and how they define your Values. Expand your emotional and behavioral flexibility through the lens of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Further material can be found at www.lifeweavings.com

Information

  • Creator
    David Teachout, M.A., M.S.
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2025
  • Episodes
    51
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © David Teachout
  • Show Website
    Humanity's Values