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. 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

    1h 5m

  2. 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

    1h 28m

  3. 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

    1h 19m

  4. 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

    1h 7m

  5. Jan 5

    10. Therapy for Christian Women with Michelle Coyle

    Therapy for Christian Women: Navigating Faith and Trauma with Christian Counselor Michelle Coyle Join Bethany as she chats with Michelle Coyle, a licensed professional counselor specializing in EMDR treatment for Christian women. In this episode, they discuss Michelle's journey into therapy, her work with Christian women dealing with trauma, religious abuse, and self-esteem issues, and how she integrates faith into her practice. They explore common themes in Michelle's therapy sessions, how faith and psychology can work together, and tools like prayer and medication for healing. Michelle shares her approach to intensive therapy and the importance of kindness, boundaries, and empowering clients to take control of their mental health.   To learn more about Michelle: Emdrpittsburgh.com Mental Health for Christian Women Podcast Instagram   Things we talked about: How We Love By Milan and Kay Yerkovich Holy Disruptor by Amy Duggar King Monte Mader Instagram To learn more about Bethany Valenti, PsyD: www.bethanyvalenti.com Say Hello to Your Therapist Instagram Bethany's Instagram Bethany's Facebook 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 01:48 Meet Michelle Coyle: Journey to Becoming a Therapist 03:33 Specializing in Christian Counseling 07:36 Addressing Church Hurt and Abuse 11:22 Empowering Christian Women 29:57 Balancing Science and Spirituality 31:33 The Intersection of Psychology and Faith 32:34 Therapists' Views on Spirituality in Therapy 34:00 Challenges in Integrating Faith and Therapy 35:05 Personal Experiences with Faith and Mental Health 38:25 Tools and Techniques in Therapy 45:31 Incorporating Faith in EMDR Therapy 49:31 The Rise of Intensive Therapy Sessions 51:33 Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts

    57 min

  6. Jan 5

    9. What is Executive Functioning Coaching & How can it help? with Dr. Sophia Haeri

    In this episode, Bethany is joined by Dr. Sophia Haeri, an ADHD, academic strategy, and executive functioning coach. Sophia shares her journey to becoming a therapist, her experiences with ADHD, and the importance of executive functioning coaching. We explore what executive functioning coaching is, who can benefit from it, and how it can help individuals struggling with studies or life's demands. Additionally, Sophia shares about common themes of shame and anxiety, and the ways coaching can provide customized support for each individual's needs.   To learn more about Sophia: Organized-mind.com Bellewoodpsychology.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: How to Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis You Mean I’m Not Lazy, Stupid or Crazy? By Kate Kelly and Peggy Ramundo 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 01:30 Sophia's Journey to Becoming a Therapist 04:31 Discovering ADHD and Executive Functioning Challenges 07:38 The Role of Executive Functioning Coaching 20:51 Understanding Executive Functioning Skills 26:31 Diagnosing and Managing ADHD and Related Challenges 29:31 The Beginning of an Executive Functioning Coaching Practice 30:04 Transforming a Struggling Student's Academic Performance 30:57 The Importance of Diagnosis and Labels 31:55 Long-Term Coaching and Its Impact 32:17 How People Discover Executive Functioning Coaching 33:29 Expanding the Client Base Beyond Students 34:11 The Intersection of Therapy and Coaching 36:38 Practical Strategies for Managing ADHD 37:52 The Role of Prioritization in Executive Functioning 44:59 Finding the Right Support for Executive Functioning 46:39 Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts

    57 min

  7. 12/11/2025

    8. A Fast Pass for Healing? What are Therapy Intensives? with Steffeny Feld

    What are Therapy Intensives with Steffeny Feld Join Dr. Bethany Valenti on the 'Say Hello to Your Therapist' podcast as she chats with Steffeny Feld, a therapist who only provides therapy intensives in her practice. Steffeny shares her unique journey from traditional therapy to intensives, alongside practical insights about what therapy intensives are, how they work, the types available, and who might benefit from them. Tune in for valuable info for both clients and therapists!  Learn more about Steffeny: Her Practice Steffeny’s YouTube Playlist on EMDR Intensives For Therapists: Steffeny’s YouTube Playlist of Free Trainings for Therapists https://www.intensivedesignlab.com/ Intensive Design Lab Facebook Group Which Intensive Format is Right for You? Quiz 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: EMDR Intensives: What is an EMDR Intensive? House of Colour: Color Matching/Styling  Tony Paramenter, Therapeutic Fly-fishing with EMDR (TF-EMDR),  Group Grief Intensives Joanna Barrett: Widows and Wellness Retreat The Diplomat with Keri Russell 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 02:26 Meet Steffeny Feld: Journey to Becoming a Therapist 05:40 Transition to Private Practice and EMDR 08:34 Discovering Therapy Intensives 12:30 The Impact and Benefits of Therapy Intensives 18:21 Different Formats and Customization of Therapy Intensives 35:51 Exploring Trauma Modalities 36:16 Addressing Anxiety, OCD, and Phobias 38:41 Perinatal Therapy and New Parents 39:59 Seasonal and Flexible Therapy Options 40:33 Cultural and Neurodivergent Considerations 41:19 Debriefing After Intensives 44:07 Unique and Niche Therapy Approaches 48:53 Finding and Funding Therapy Intensives 56:35 Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts

    1h 4m

  8. 12/05/2025

    7. Men's Mental Health, Group Therapy for Black Men, and Personal Growth Dr. Ritch Hall

    It can be hard to find the right therapist for you.  Trying to find a therapist as a man, or as a black man? Welcome to the Say Hello to Your Therapist podcast, hosted by Dr. Bethany Valenti. In this episode, Dr. Valenti welcomes Dr. Ritch Hall, a licensed clinical psychologist and the owner of Psych Works Clinic, specializing in African American cultural issues and treating various mental health concerns. Dr. Hall, also the president of the Cincinnati chapter of the Association of Black Psychologists, shares insights into his career journey, his approach to therapy, and his work with men and mental health. The conversation covers everything from Dr. Hall's motivations for becoming a therapist, the challenges and rewards of working with diverse populations, to the importance of systems-oriented therapy. Tune in for an engaging discussion that touches on development, the importance of therapeutic relationships, and the role of personal interests and experiences in shaping professional practice. This is a must-listen for those interested in mental health, therapeutic practices, and personal growth. Learn more about Ritch and PsychWorks: https://psychworksllc.com/ Black Men's Support Group Psychologize U Podcast Instagram TikTok Hallspace Podcast 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: PsyPact Map NewPath Child & Family Solutions (formerly St. Joseph Orphanage) Lindner Center of Hope Beckett Springs Central Clinic Behavioral Services Peppermint Peak Tea Old Spice Lavender & Mint Soap Marvel Movies Steven Universe Zelda Fallout Superman Foundations The Three Body Problem Moby Dick K-Pop Demon Hunters Squishmallow Fantastic Four 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 01:38 Welcoming Dr. Ritch Hall 01:54 Dr. Hall's Journey to Becoming a Therapist 04:09 Therapist Office and Personal Interests 04:33 Podcasting and Personal Life 06:22 Challenges and Rewards of Therapy 10:30 Graduate School and Family Life 14:18 Working with Children and Adolescents 17:21 Philosophy and Societal Reflections 34:32 Therapeutic Relationships and Ethics 39:14 Navigating Relationship Dynamics 39:48 Men's Mental Health Insights 42:18 Therapeutic Challenges and Growth 43:52 The Role of Systems in Therapy 50:48 Group Therapy for Black Men 53:51 Choosing the Right Therapist 56:43 Nerdy Connections in The

    1h 18m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

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
    15
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Say Hello to your Therapist
  • Show Website
    Say Hello to your Therapist