Light Up The Couch

Dr. Peter Addy, LPC, LMHC, integrates foundational set and setting concepts with core therapeutic competencies to support clinicians working with clients who use psychedelics while outlining ethical responses, harm reduction strategies, and ways to incorporate these experiences into ongoing treatment. Interview with Elizabeth Irias. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.

Sarah Bergenfield, MA, IFS educator, explains how Internal Family Systems can help autistic clients reduce overwhelm, understand their parts, and build confidence through self-compassion and predictability. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.

Dr. Keith Klostermann, LMFT, MHC, shares practical, evidence-based ways to use early feedback data to spot dropout risk, repair ruptures before clients vanish, and foster lasting engagement and progress. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT. Quick Note: You may notice a little clicking in Beth’s audio during this episode — turns out her microphone needed replacing, which she discovered after recording. Our apologies for the sound quality; this conversation with Dr. Keith Klostermann was too insightful not to share. Thanks so much for your understanding and support! We’re not audio engineers… we’re therapists, and we’re grateful you’re listening. Ear...

Dr. Elyssa Helfer, CST, LMFT, explores the ethical and cultural dimensions of kink-affirming therapy, helping clinicians distinguish between abuse and healthy erotic expression to enhance ethical competence and cultural humility. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.

Dr. Matt Zakreski, PsyD, reframes “deficits” as different operating systems, highlighting neurodiversity across giftedness, autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and OCD (the "big five"), and explores how clinicians can adapt care with supports that build on clients’ strengths and maximize skills. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.

Lara Okoloko, LICSW, traces codependency’s roots in addiction culture, exposing the cultural and clinical gaps created when vague definitions pathologize normal caregiving. She then introduces evidence-based strategies that promote autonomy and reduce harm. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.

Dr. Jaimee Arnoff reviews evidence-based strategies to help caregivers support adolescents facing suicidal ideation or self-harm, including guidance on boundary setting, safety planning, and recognizing when to escalate to emergency services. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com. DISCLAIMER: Please note that this episode discusses death by suicide and various forms...

Linda Hershman, LMFT, examines how later-in-life parental divorce disrupts rituals, relationships, finances, and caregiving for Adult Children of Divorce (ACODs), highlighting ways to validate their grief and foster resilience across family systems. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.

Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC, offers a critical look at forgiveness in trauma therapy, clarifying its elective role and its distinction from reconciliation, as well as providing practical tools to help therapists integrate these concepts responsibly into treatment. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.

Dr. Beth Mullen-Houser explores how Internal Family Systems (IFS) can help therapists recognize and repair ruptures caused by disconnection. This episode examines the ethical responsibility of staying present and attuned, even when our own internal systems get activated. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.

Bronwyn Schweigerdt, LMFT explores how early attachment disruptions and alexithymia can impair a client’s ability to recognize and articulate anger. This interview offers structured strategies to support emotional identification and expression in session. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.

Dr. Erika Felix, PSY, discusses the psychological impact of natural and human-caused disasters, offering clinical strategies and protective factors that support healing in individuals and communities. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.

Dr. Nancy Grechko, PSY, explores how attachment wounds and nervous system dysregulation may draw clients to intense, but harmful, relationships, and how clinicians can gently intervene in support of safety and stability. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.

Dr. Kristin Dempsey, LMFT, LPCC, provides a framework for addressing unexpected client behavior without losing your ethical footing, talking through concerns like a client being inebriated in session to boundary issues. Dr. Dempsey discusses how to uphold therapeutic integrity while adapting to real-world challenges in virtual and in-person care. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed...

Angela Brooks-Livingston, LCMHCS, explores the evolution from affirming to competent care for transgender and gender expansive clients, offering guidance on historical context, gatekeeping, letter-writing, and creating a more deliberately inclusive practice. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.

Laurel Roberts-Meese, LMFT, equips therapists with practical tools and essential knowledge to foster cultural competency, navigate nuanced dynamics, and provide affirming, inclusive care to queer couples, from intake to intervention. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.

Dr. Lana Holmes teaches how erasure, bias, and repeated coming out shape the mental health of bi and pan individuals, including discussion about identity, stress, and clinical strategies for affirming care. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.

Julia Aziz, LCSW and interfaith ceremonialist, explores how ritual and ceremony can support clients through life transitions. This course offers culturally responsive tools for integrating meaning-making and spiritual practice into therapy. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.

Dr. Brittany Peters, LCSW, explores the complexities of clinical supervision, from interpersonal dynamics to systemic influences. This course offers tools for structured planning, effective feedback, and culturally aware leadership. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.

Dr. Robin Raniero Norris, LMFT, highlights how learning disorders may impact mental health and present in therapy. This episode provides tools to recognize signs and offer supportive, informed care. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com."

Dr. Kristin Dempsey, LMFT, LPCC, explores harm reduction as a clinical and social justice framework for supporting clients with substance use and process addictions. This course equips clinicians with tools to foster autonomy, safety, and nonjudgmental collaboration across the spectrum of recovery. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.

Renowned psychologist Dr. Donald Meichenbaum explores the science of resilience, examining why some individuals recover from trauma while others struggle with lasting distress. Through evidence-based strategies, clinicians will learn how to enhance protective factors, support meaning-making, and apply cognitive-behavioral techniques to foster resilience in their clients. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT. Proudly sponsored by Berries: AI mental health assistant for personalized notes and treatment plans. Get 20 sessions free at heyberries.com, plus 50% off your first month with code Light50! Disclaimer: Please note that this episode discusses self-harming behaviors, suicide, abuse, and other traumatic experiences, including discussion of redacted case examples. ...

Khara Croswaite Brindle, LPC, ACS, CFT-I, explores the silent burden clinicians carry after a client’s suicide, addressing grief, ethical dilemmas, and self-care. This course provides essential strategies for navigating loss while maintaining professional integrity and resilience. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.

Patricia Young, MSW, a neurodivergent coach and former LCSW, explores the complexities of high-masking autism in AFAB individuals, highlighting late diagnosis, internalized masking, and mental health impacts. This course equips therapists with neurodivergent-affirming tools to recognize overlooked traits, support autistic clients, and foster self-understanding. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.

Dr. Tamora Callands, PsyD, examines intimacy across emotional, physical, and social domains to help clinicians better conceptualize its complexities, providing a framework for understanding intimacy’s interplay with attachment, boundaries, and vulnerability to support client growth. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.

Elder abuse expert E. Penny Jacobo, LCSW, shares key insights on identifying, addressing, and preventing elder abuse. This episode covers its forms, the role of Adult Protective Services, and clinicians’ legal and ethical reporting duties. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.

Helen Bennett explains the profound mental health impacts of the menopause transition, from hormonal shifts to emotional and cognitive challenges. This podcast equips therapists with practical tools, including CBT, lifestyle interventions, and insights into hormone replacement therapy, to better support clients navigating this transformative life stage. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https...

Drs. Julia Mackaronis and Ken Critchfield provide a practical framework for clinicians to navigate therapeutic challenges, interpret relational patterns, and strengthen therapeutic alliances using insights from SASB and psychotherapy process research. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.

Dr. Anjuli Amin delves into intergenerational trauma, cultural values, and tailored therapeutic strategies to provide compassionate care for Asian American (AA) and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (NHPI) communities. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.

Dr. Judy Ho offers new insight on attachment styles, exploring their origins, impacts, and practical strategies for helping clients foster secure relationships and enhance emotional well-being in personal and professional contexts. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT. Proudly sponsored by Berries: AI mental health scribe for personalized notes and treatment plans. Get 20 sessions free at Berries.icu, plus 50% off your first month with code Light50! Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and...

Expert Couple Therapist Lambers Fisher, LMFT, shares practical strategies for helping politically divided couples navigate the challenges of interpolitical relationships. From fostering connection beyond politics to maintaining objectivity as a therapist, this episode offers tools to strengthen relationships in an increasingly polarized world. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.

Zander Keig, LCSW, provides essential guidance for clinicians supporting gender-diverse clients considering or undergoing gender-affirming surgeries, including practical strategies for navigating insurance, preparing support networks, understanding surgical options, and addressing emotional preparedness and recovery. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.

Political division expert Dr. Tania Israel shares research-backed strategies for managing polarization and fostering empathy in the therapy room. This course equips clinicians with practical tools to bridge divides, support clients (and ourselves) in divided environments, and cultivate resilience and understanding, even in challenging times. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical...

Dr. Dain Kloner, LMFT, offers practical insights for therapists navigating the challenges of a polarized sociopolitical climate, providing strategies for maintaining neutrality, preventing burnout, and fostering compassionate, ethically-minded therapy. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.

Julia Kristina, RCC, shares strategies for helping clients build healthy boundaries that foster meaningful relationships, addressing challenges in changing boundaries and considering sociocultural factors. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.

This on-demand podcast CE course features 'The Documentation Divas' sharing vital insights on progress notes, including actionable guidance for therapists to enhance documentation quality, manage time efficiently, and reduce clinician burnout. Interview with Elizabeth 'Beth' Irias, LMFT, featuring Dr. Ajita Robinson, Dr. Maelisa McCaffrey, Barbara Griswold, LMFT, and Beth Rontal, LICSW. For more information about the free CE credit associated with this podcast interview, please visit us at https://courses.clearlyclinical.com/pages/free-ceu-courses. To watch the entire interview with both audio and video, please visit our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/BMJrLmYO2-c. This episode was proudly sponsored...

Dr. Sangeeta Prasad discusses the impact of election stress on individuals and highlights the importance of addressing internalized oppression in therapy, emphasizing integrating identity into clinical conversations to foster healing and promote positive change during challenging sociocultural events. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.

La Shanda Sugg, LPC, explores how cultural narratives shape our perception of pain and may also influence our clinical interventions, discussing the importance of understanding personal and historical views on suffering to better support clients in their healing journeys. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.

Dr. Beth Mullen-Houser explores Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, discussing how IFS fosters healing through the clinical use of compassionate curiosity and IFS's unique integration with other therapeutic models. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.

Stacy Nakell, LCSW, explores the importance of skin-based connection in early attachment, the role of touch in physiological and emotional regulation, and the development of body-focused repetitive behaviors like skin-picking and trichotillomania. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com.