Join Dr. LaToya Smith and Dr. Donya Wallace, licensed professional counselors and counselor educators, to learn why the Strong Black Woman Schema remains relevant for professional counselors and all mental health providers working with Black and African American identifying women. Drs. Smith and Wallace define the Strong Black Woman schema and offer practical strategies, based on their clinical experiences and research findings, that counselors can implement in session. For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode visit https://concept.paloaltou.edu/resources/the-thoughtful-counselor-podcast  The Thoughtful Counselor is created in partnership with Palo Alto University's Division of Continuing & Professional Studies. Learn more at concept.paloaltou.edu  

In this episode, The Thoughtful Counselor welcomes Drs. Anneliese Singh (she/they) and Sand Chang (they/them) to discuss their new book A Clinician's Guide to Gender-Affirming Care (2nd ed.). Anneliese, Sand, and contributing host Dr. Theo Burnes discuss unique strategies and tips for integrating gender-affirming care and liberation into the multiple work domains of professional counseling. Topics addressed include centering the deconstruction of the gender binary in practice, writing books as a professional counselor, and tips and strategies for counseling practice.  For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode visit https://concept.paloaltou.edu/resources/the-thoughtful-counselor-podcast  The Thoughtful Counselor is created in partnership with Palo Alto University's Division of Continuing & Professional Studies. Learn more at concept.paloaltou.edu  

Occupational therapist Kristi Harris joins Margaret Lamar to explore how understanding a child's sensory system can transform the way counselors, parents, and educators respond to challenging behaviors. Together they discuss the "hidden senses" of proprioception, vestibular processing, and interoception, and why so many behaviors that appear oppositional are actually signs of dysregulation or sensory overwhelm. Kristi offers practical guidance for recognizing when occupational therapy may be an appropriate referral and highlights the value of interdisciplinary collaboration between counselors and occupational therapists. Whether you work with children in schools, private practice, or community settings, this conversation offers a fresh lens for understanding behavior through the body. For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode visit https://concept.paloaltou.edu/resources/the-thoughtful-counselor-podcast  The Thoughtful Counselor is created in partnership with Palo Alto University's Division of Continuing & Professional Studies. Learn more at concept.paloaltou.edu  

In this heartfelt episode, Desa Karye Daniel sits down with Holly Truhlar to explore the profound themes of grief, liberation, rupture, and repair through the lens of community care. Together, they delve into personal experiences of how grief has manifested in their lives, sharing intimate stories and reflections. The conversation also touches on the concept of system collapse and Holly's unique passion for mules, weaving together insights that resonate deeply with listeners. Join them for an enlightening discussion that encourages healing and connection in challenging times. For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode visit https://concept.paloaltou.edu/resources/the-thoughtful-counselor-podcast  The Thoughtful Counselor is created in partnership with Palo Alto University's Division of Continuing & Professional Studies. Learn more at concept.paloaltou.edu  

In this episode we learn about the first Mandarin language speaking counseling certification program in CACREP accredited counseling program and explore how the program was developed. The guests share their lived experiences as Mandarin speaking professional counselors and as instructors in the certification program. For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode visit https://concept.paloaltou.edu/resources/the-thoughtful-counselor-podcast  The Thoughtful Counselor is created in partnership with Palo Alto University's Division of Continuing & Professional Studies. Learn more at concept.paloaltou.edu  

In this enlightening episode, host Dr. Dèsa Karye Daniel engages with Drs. Karen Suyemoto and Diane Jung Gallo from Psychologists for Justice in Palestine (PJP) to discuss the organization's mission and goals. They explore the challenges and victories of social justice action work, emphasizing the importance of their efforts in the current socio-political climate. The conversation delves into strategies for counteracting fatigue in advocacy and highlights what excites the guests about future initiatives. This episode offers valuable insights into the intersection of psychology and social justice, making it a must-listen for those interested in the ongoing fight for justice in Palestine. For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode visit https://concept.paloaltou.edu/resources/the-thoughtful-counselor-podcast  The Thoughtful Counselor is created in partnership with Palo Alto University's Division of Continuing & Professional Studies. Learn more at concept.paloaltou.edu  

In this episode, Dr. Margaret Lamar talks with counselor educator, researcher, and entrepreneur Dr. Carlos Castaneda about the evolving role of artificial intelligence in counseling and counselor education. They explore how AI can support clients between sessions, enhance counselor training through simulations, and reduce administrative burden while maintaining ethical, human-centered care. The conversation highlights both the opportunities and challenges of AI, emphasizing the importance of cultural responsiveness, bias mitigation, and keeping counselors firmly "in the loop."   For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode visit https://concept.paloaltou.edu/resources/the-thoughtful-counselor-podcast  The Thoughtful Counselor is created in partnership with Palo Alto University's Division of Continuing & Professional Studies. Learn more at concept.paloaltou.edu  

In this episode, The Thoughtful Counselor welcomes Dr. Dena Abbot to discuss her newest edited work: A Guide to Connection and Intimacy after Addiction and Trauma. Dena and contributing host Theo Burnes discuss the unique barriers for this frequently maligned and stigmatized demographic. Topics addressed include tips and strategies for counselors working with people about their desires and sexual pleasure. They also speak about writing and publication process for authors interested in mental health topics. For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode visit https://concept.paloaltou.edu/resources/the-thoughtful-counselor-podcast  The Thoughtful Counselor is created in partnership with Palo Alto University's Division of Continuing & Professional Studies. Learn more at concept.paloaltou.edu  

In this episode, we explore the growing impact of integrated behavioral healthcare and why embedding mental health counseling into primary care settings leads to better outcomes for clients, providers, and health systems. Our guest, Dr. Nic Schmoyer-Edmiston discusses how integrated models improve access, reduce waitlists, support health equity, and ease provider burnout, while normalizing mental health as a core part of overall wellness.   For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode visit https://concept.paloaltou.edu/resources/the-thoughtful-counselor-podcast  The Thoughtful Counselor is created in partnership with Palo Alto University's Division of Continuing & Professional Studies. Learn more at concept.paloaltou.edu

Dr. Rakesh Maurya shares research based practice guidance on how counselor educators can successfully utilize AI in client simulation training for students.  For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode visit https://concept.paloaltou.edu/resources/the-thoughtful-counselor-podcast  The Thoughtful Counselor is created in partnership with Palo Alto University's Division of Continuing & Professional Studies. Learn more at concept.paloaltou.edu