Welcome to TNMFT! In today's episode, we delve into the complex terrain of dysfunctional family relationships. From strained communication to unresolved conflicts, we'll explore the various facets that characterize dysfunction within families. Join me as we navigate the challenges, shed light on common patterns, and discuss things to look out for within the family unit. Stay tuned for insights and real-life anecdotes that shed light on this often intricate and sensitive topic. Exercise "Just for fun, try the following experiment: Fold your hands across your chest, and then observe the position of your hands. Some people fold the left hand over the right, and others the reverse. After noting how you do it, unfold your hands. Now fold them again, but this time in the opposite way that is, if you normally put your right hand over your left, put your left hand over your right. You will probably notice how awkward this feels. The old way is normal and relaxing the new way may seem strange, and you may feel you could never relax in this position. If a simple change in the position of your hands is so uncomfortable, just think how uncomfortable it is to change part of your behavior or lifestyle." A J Twerski --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/william657/message

Explore the profound impact of generational trauma in this episode, delving into how experiences and hardships can be transmitted across generations, shaping individuals and communities alike. Uncover the complexities of this phenomenon and its far-reaching implications on mental health, relationships, and societal structures. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/william657/message

Our families of origin (our parents and siblings) are understood to lay the foundation for our cognitive, affective, and emotional development. Families are the very first group to which we belong, they are where we learn how to relate (or not relate) to other people, where we learn to manage conflict, and where we develop patterns of behavior. Of course there are other factors that influence our development, but there is no impact quite like our family leaves. Think about it.... our families began long before we are born and will continue long after we leave this earth. Families at their best have the potential to bring us great joy in our lives but families at their worst can also bring pain unlike any other. Family of origin exploration which refers to examining our relationships with our family members, can provide incredibly useful insight into family patterns and processes. All families have developed and passed down unhelpful patterns. The work lies in learning how to recognize certain processes that might need some adjusting in order to build stronger and closer relationships with our loved ones. Relationships that are built on authenticity and a good balance of togetherness and individuality. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/william657/message

Rock climbing is an activity where participants climb up, down or traverse natural rocks or artificial rock walls.   The goal is to reach the summit or the anchors of a route without falling. As we navigate the world in 2022, we too climb up and down across all "surfaces" and "walls". Our summit looks differently from person to person so at times we need the proper support to climb over the top. The person who pulls in the slack as you progress (and holds the rope if you fall) is your “belayer.” Whitney's therapeutic belaying is a critical role, as your guide, she will support you as you "Top Out" on your climb. Whitney works with young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction. She practices cognitive behavioral therapy through a trauma-informed lens. Utilizing mindfulness and EMDR, I help individuals rediscover their strengths and reclaim their life. Whitney adds a special component to her repertoire of therapeutic interventions. Listen as she describes how Rock Climbing saved her life and how it has expanded her therapeutic approach.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/william657/message

Dr. Samantha Meyer received her Bachelor’s degree with a major in psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2013. She recently graduated from Palo Alto University with her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2020. She began her clinical work at an outpatient, intensive case management clinic in San Francisco providing group and individual treatment to homeless and low-income individuals with serious mental illness and substance use disorders. This work inspired a passion to help individuals struggling with dual diagnoses. Samantha has worked with children, adolescents and adults helping them process and cope with a variety of issues, including trauma and adjustment disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, serious mental illness, relational issues, and more. She takes a trauma-informed, client-centered approach to therapy while being mindful of cultural identity. In her spare time, Samantha enjoys baking and cooking, playing with her dogs, buying new houseplants, and listening to true crime podcasts. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/william657/message

Sue Gauthier-Pin is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California who specializes in trauma-based integrative expressive arts therapy and Accelerated Resolution Therapy. By providing these experiential-based therapies, Sue offers her clients an outlet to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences for which they often “have no words.”  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/william657/message

Dr. Brett Furst holds a B.S. in Child and Adolescent Development from The University of California, Davis, an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Chapman University, and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He has his Doctorate in Psychology from Alliant International University. Dr. Furst is a fully trained, EMDRIA approved, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapist. Dr. Furst, in addition to his focus on the underlying causes of addiction, specializes in academic and educational difficulties, and provides supportive services to those clients pursuing continuing education Therapeutically, Brett comes from a Gestalt perspective, placing emphasis on the exploration of the authentic self and how inauthenticity and the negative personas clients create contribute to their unhealthy habits and the disconnection from themselves through substance --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/william657/message

"It's all a mindset" LA Native, an Enthusiast helping those in need through his coaching, training and creative writings. He's a Life Coach and Personal Trainer. Elijah pushes his clients past their limiting beliefs to achieve their goals physically and mentally.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/william657/message

Bipolar I disorder. This involves experiencing manic episodes for 1 week or longer. Some people also experience depressive episodes for at least 2 weeks. You don’t have to have depressive episodes to be diagnosed with bipolar I disorder — one episode of mania is enough for this diagnosis. Bipolar II disorder. This involves experiencing hypomanic episodes for 4 days and depressive episodes for 2 weeks. Hypomania is less intense than mania, while the depressive episodes in bipolar II tend to be incredibly debilitating. During an episode of mania, bipolar symptoms can include: inflated self-esteem or the belief that you’re more important, talented, or powerful than others endless energy talking very quickly racing thoughts seeming or feeling easily distracted feeling like you can accomplish anything intense irritability or acting aggressively not needing much sleep acting impulsively and finding yourself in riskier situations, such as unprotected sex, overspending, or reckless driving During a hypomanic episode, people experience milder symptoms of mania. During a depressed phase, bipolar symptoms can include: feeling sad or hopeless losing interest in pleasurable or usual activities trouble sleeping exhaustion or feeling lethargic feeling guilty or worthless trouble focusing negative thoughts about the future gaining or losing weight suicidal thoughts or actions Keeping yourself on track With knowledge comes power — the power to stay on track with your treatment plan and play an active role in making decisions regarding your health. This means you can do two important things: recognize your triggers monitor your moods Remember, things change. What was true for you a few months ago might no longer be the case. Keeping track of your symptoms will allow you to acknowledge changes and measure your progress. This is a process. The more you learn, the more you’ll be able to apply to managing your bipolar disorder.    https://www.dbsalliance.org https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/ https://psychcentral.com/disorders/hypomanic-episode-symptoms#how-to-manage-an-episode --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/william657/message

Depression and the intensity of the symptoms may vary from person to person. Also, if you have depression, you might not experience every symptom. If you’ve experienced most of the following symptoms every day over 2 or more weeks, you might meet the criteria for a depression diagnosis:  😓 a persistent feeling of loneliness or sadness  😓 lack of energy  😓 feelings of hopelessness  😓 getting too much or too little sleep eating too much or too little  😓 difficulties with concentration or attention  😓 loss of interest in enjoyable activities or socializing  😓 feelings of guilt or worthlessness  😓 thoughts of suicide  As with most mental health conditions, researchers still aren’t sure what causes depression. But most experts consider the following to be contributing factors:  ✔️genetics  ✔️gut bacteria  ✔️family history  ✔️personality  ✔️environment  ✔️social factors and upbringing Anyone can experience depression But some risk factors indicate how likely you are to experience it. For instance, women might be 2 to 3 timesTrusted Source as likely as men to develop depression. According to the NIMH, other risk factors for depression can include:  🔺a family history of mood disorders major life changes  🔺trauma or chronic stress  🔺medical conditions  🔺certain medications  🔺alcohol or other substance use  According to the NIMH and countless research studies over the past 6 decades, clinical depression is readily treated with short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy or talk therapy and antidepressant medications. For most people, a combination of the two works best and is often recommended by healthcare professionals. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/william657/message