The Relational Psych Podcast
The Relational Psych Podcast makes therapy more approachable by inviting real mental health professionals to explain what they do, why they do it, and why it works, using simple, understandable language that anyone can apply to their lifelong growth.
Debunking Eating Disorder Myths with Experts from The Emily Program

In this episode Dr. Claney speaks with three therapists from the Emily Program, a national eating disorder treatment organization. They discuss and debunk myths about eating disorders, including myths like “you can tell if somebody has an eating disorder by looking at them,” and “eating disorders are a choice.” The episode delves into the complexities of eating disorders, highlighting the role of genetic, psychological, and environmental influences. They also explore the damaging effects of societal diet culture and the misbelief that specific foods can be addictive, advocating for a broader understanding of size diversity and healthy eating habits.
Scarcity Money Mindset with Tammy Thomas

In this episode of the Relational Psych Podcast, host Dr. Carly Claney interviews Tamasin (Tammy) Thomas, a licensed mental health therapist and former financial planner. They delve into the concept of scarcity money mindset, discussing its impact on personal and relational dynamics. Tammy shares her own experiences and those of her clients, emphasizing the psychological underpinnings of financial anxieties and the importance of addressing these fears to gain empowerment. The conversation covers various manifestations of a scarcity mindset, from emotional spending to financial stress in relationships, highlighting the deeper emotional wounds that often drive these behaviors. They also discuss...
Embracing Midlife Career Transitions with Therapist Nick Nordberg

In this episode of the Relational Psych Podcast, host Dr. Carly Clayney talks to Nick Nordberg, a licensed mental health counselor specializing in life transitions. They discuss the topic of midlife career changes, sharing Nick's personal journey from business analyst to therapist. The conversation highlights the importance of being open to change, listening to oneself, and the challenges and rewards of such transitions. They also explore the broader implications of career change, including fear, regret, and the pursuit of meaningful work. The episode emphasizes the value of exploring one's vocational calling, regardless of age or circumstances.
<...Healing Through Connection: EFT for Couples and Attachment Styles with Rachel Orleck

In this episode of the Relational Psych Podcast, host Dr. Carly Clayney interviews Dr. Rachel Orleck, a licensed psychologist specializing in couple's counseling and infertility. They explore patterns that impact relationships, focusing on the principles of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Dr. Orleck explains how attachment styles, trauma, and past experiences influence adult relationships. The conversation delves into negative patterns like assumptions and blame, as well as positive behaviors such as gentleness, vulnerability, and mindfulness. They provide insights into how couples can improve their connection and move towards secure attachment, emphasizing the value of therapeutic support in this journey.<...
The Taboo of Grief, Death, and Dying with Rachel Stapleton

In this episode of The Relational Psych Podcast, Dr. Carly Claney sits down with Rachel Stapleton, a licensed independent clinical social worker specializing in grief, loss, chronic illness, and end-of-life care. Together, they explore the pervasive discomfort surrounding conversations about death, dying, and grief in our society. Rachel shares her insights from years of experience as a hospice social worker and discusses the parallels between birth and death, emphasizing the importance of normalizing and honoring both transitions.
Throughout the conversation, Dr. Claney and Rachel delve into the nuances of grief, from sudden loss to...
Exploring the Evolution and Impact of CBT with Blake Thompson

In this episode of the Relational Psych Podcast, Dr. Claney delves into the transformative world of personalized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Join us as we explore how tailoring therapy to individual needs enhances its effectiveness and patient satisfaction. We discuss the evolution from traditional manual-based CBT to a more adaptive, patient-centric approach, examining its impact on mental health treatment. We cover the challenges, benefits, and practical applications of personalized CBT, making it a must-listen for therapists, psychology enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the future of mental health care.
Seattle Anxiety Specialists (SAS)
<...The Current State of Psychedelic Treatment with Erin Wright

In this episode of the Relational Psych Podcast, host Dr. Carly Claney is joined by Erin Wright, a leading expert in the field of psychedelic therapy. They delve into the current state of legal psychedelic treatment, exploring the transformative power of substances like MDMA and psilocybin in mental health care. Wright offers invaluable insights into the latest research, ethical considerations, and the future of these groundbreaking treatments. Whether you're a mental health professional or someone interested in the evolving landscape of therapy, this episode offers a thoughtful and informative perspective on one of the most exciting developments in...
Exploring Life Without Children with Katie Maynard

In this episode of the Relational Psych Podcast, Dr. Carly Claney invites Katie Maynard to delve into the nuanced experiences of living without children. Whether by choice or circumstance, Katie shares her journey and sheds light on the societal pressures, personal reflections, and the psychological impact of being childfree or childless. Together, they explore the challenges, misconceptions, and unexpected joys that come with this path, offering insights and support for others navigating similar experiences. Join us for a compassionate conversation that broadens our understanding of family, fulfillment, and personal growth.
Links:<...
PMS and Mental Health with Dr. Christine Hutchison

In this episode of the Relational Psych Podcast, hosted by Dr. Carly Claney, guest Dr. Christine Hutchison delves into the intricate relationship between PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) and mental health. Dr. Hutchison, a clinical psychologist, explores the emotional and physical aspects of PMS, discussing its impact on women's lives from a psychodynamic perspective. The conversation includes insights from her research and clinical experience, examining how societal views and personal experiences shape the understanding and handling of PMS. The discussion also touches upon the broader implications of PMS on personal identity and relationships, offering a deep dive into this often...
How to Bring About Lasting Change with Caitlyn Liao, MSW

This week on the Relational Psych Podcast, Dr. Carly Claney has an in-depth conversation with fellow Relational Psych therapist, Caitlyn Liao, MSW. They take a deep dive into the subject of psychological change - why people desire change, why change can be difficult and complex, and strategies to bring about change.Â
Caitlyn provides three central points for change: making the unconscious conscious, reframing the problem, and having a new relational experience. They discuss concepts like the unconscious motivations, desires, fears, self-criticism, conflict avoidance, attachment styles, emotional insights, and therapeutic relationships, and conclude with the power of understanding, c...
Sex and Gender in Psychoanalysis with Sally Bjorklund

Tyson talks with Sally Bjorklund about a psychoanalytic understanding of sexuality and gender identity, tracing the evolution of theories about sex and gender from Freud through to Contemporary Relational analytic theory. Their conversation touches on the uses of sex and gender, polymorphus perversity, and exploding dice.
Sally is a psychoanalyst practicing in Seattle. She works with adults and couples and provides clinical consultation for therapists. She was co-founder and faculty of Relational Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy Seattle (RPPS). She is a clinical supervisor for the National Training Program of the National Institute fo...
Psychoanalytic Therapy for Adolescents with Don Schimmel

Adolescence can be a turbulent time full of big emotions, struggles with identity, and conflicts around independence. In this episode, licensed therapist Tyson Conner speaks with psychologist Don Schimmel about how psychodynamic psychotherapy can help teenagers navigate this critical developmental stage. They discuss important concepts like viewing symptoms as "coded communications," avoiding power struggles, and relating to teens through playfulness. Schimmel explains how therapy provides adolescents with a much-needed transitional relationship as they separate from dependence on parents. The therapists also talk about when psychodynamic therapy may not be the right approach, how to introduce reluctant teens to...
Grief that Breaks Us Open to Be Present with Peter Jabin

In this episode, Tyson Conner speaks with Peter Jabin, a pastoral psychotherapist and spiritual director, about the importance of grief and communal grieving practices. They discussed how grief is a natural and necessary part of being human, and how ritual and community can help us metabolize loss in a healthy way.
Peter explained the concept of the "five gates" of grief, outlining different pathways into the grieving process beyond just the loss of a loved one. They talked about how grieving builds resilience and connection, countering the common notion that it is a sign of weakness. Peter...
The Social Unconscious with Karen Weisbard, PhD

Tyson meets with Karen Weisbard to discuss the concept of the social unconscious, the law of interrelatedness, and a different approach to crossing the increasingly vitriolic political lines drawn in American society.Â
Karen is a clinical psychologist and psychoanalysts. She has been practicing as both for over 20 years.
Karen can be found at her website https://karenweisbard.com/ .
Further Learning:Â
https://www.routledge.com/Toward-a-Social-Psychoanalysis-Culture-Character-and-Normative-Unconscious/Layton-Leavy-Sperounis/p...
Breaking the Silence: The Importance of Discussing Suicidal Thoughts Openly with Dr. Tyson Bailey, PsyD, ABPP

In this thought-provoking episode, host Tyson Conner speaks with clinical psychologist Dr. Tyson Bailey about the importance of discussing suicidal thoughts openly in therapy. They cover the cultural taboos and shame around suicide that often prevent people from speaking up, even with a therapist. Dr. Bailey explains that research actually shows talking directly about suicide reduces risk, but it's most helpful within an established therapeutic relationship. He details the criteria clinicians use to determine if hospitalization is necessary, and emphasizes that hospital stays for suicidality are brief.Â
Tyson and Dr. Bailey explore how human c...
How do we teach and learn? with Rachel Newcombe, MA, LICSW

In the first episode of Season 2, Tyson sits down with his supervisor and mentor, Rachel Newcombe, to discuss how people teach and learn. They talk about disruptions, the similarities between psychoanalysis and teaching, and what this podcast is trying to do.
Rachel Newcombe is a psychoanalyst, supervisor and teacher in the San Juan Islands, Seattle, Washington, and New York City. Her writing has appeared in Contemporary Psychoanalysis, The Psychoanalytic Review, The Rumpus, 7X7LA, Anti-Heroin Chic, Ellipsis Zine, and elsewhere.
Rachel’s twitter and instagram handle is @rachelnewcombe8
An example of her hybrid wr...
Season 2 Trailer

Season 2 of the Relational Psych Podcast begins on September 19th!
© Relational Psych 2023
W: www.relationalpsych.group
E: hello@relationalpsych.group
P: (206) 589-1018
The Relational Psych Podcast is on Summer Break!
We’re going on a break! In this episode, Tyson explains our release schedule, the summer break, and some plans for Season 2 of The Relational Psych Podcast.
Further Learning:Â
Go fly a kite.
© Relational Psych 2023
W: www.relationalpsych.group
E: hello@relationalpsych.group
P: (206) 589-1018
What is Religious Trauma? With Dr. Kerry Horrell

Tyson talks with Dr. Kerry Horrell, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor College of Medicine and Clinical Psychologist at the Menninger Clinic, in Houston, TX. They discuss religious trauma, what it is, how it interacts with shame, attachment, and self-image, and what helps people who have experienced religious trauma.Â
Experiment:
The Self-Compassion Break
Further Learning:Â
Jesus and John Wayne by Kristin Kobes Du Mez
Healing Spiritual Wounds by Carol Howard Merritt
Pure by Linda Ka...
ADHD and Executive Dysfunction: Confronting Shame and Embracing Healthier Ways to Adapt with Dr. Baylee Hoey

Tyson sits down with Dr. Baylee Hoey to discuss the kinds of executive dysfunction someone with ADHD might encounter, the kind of shame they might feel throughout their life as they have difficulties adapting to the world, and how they can create healthier and creative coping strategies to help navigate life.
Further Learning:Â
The Neurodivergent Friendly Workbook of DBT Skills by Sunny Jane Wise
ADHD, Executive Functioning, and Shame by Dr. Baylee Hoey
ADHD, Anxiety, and Depression by Dr. Baylee Hoey
© Relational Ps...
What are SSRIs and how do they work? With Matias Massaro, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP

Tyson once again talks with Matias Massaro, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP. They discuss SSRIs, the most common (and most reliable) form of psychotropic medication. They explain what is known about how SSRIs work, the risks and side effects, and how to discuss SSRIs with a provider. They also talk a lot about messenger pigeons and serfdom.Â
Further Learning:Â
Mati’s Website: http://cogniahealth.com/
Radiolab Episode on The Placebo Effect: https://radiolab.org/podcast/91539-placebo
© Relational Psych 2023
W: www.relationalpsych.group
E...
What is psychopharmacology and how can it help with therapy? With Matias Massaro, PMHNP

Tyson sits down with Matias Massaro, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP. They discuss psychiatric medications, how to get them, how they help alongside psychotherapy, and reasons that people may be resistant to medications.Â
Further Learning:Â
Mati’s Website: http://cogniahealth.com/
Guest Info:Â
Matias Massaro, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
© Relational Psych 2023
W: www.relationalpsych.group
E: hello@relationalpsych.group
P: (206) 589-1018
What is EMDR? Part 2 with Dr. Olivia Painter

Tyson and Dr. Painter continue their conversation about EMDR, what it is, how it works, and the process of going through EMDR treatment. In this second half of the conversation, they discuss the final four phases of EMDR, who might benefit from EMDR, and how to find an EMDR therapist.
The eight stages of EMDR therapy are:Â
History takingClient preparationAssessmentDesensitizationInstallationBody scanClosureReevaluation of treatment effectFurther Learning:
https://www.emdria.org/
Butterfly Taps
Guest Info: (name, qualifications, handles/links)
Dr. O...
What is EMDR? Part 1 with Dr. Olivia Painter

In this first of a two part episode, Tyson talks with Dr. Olivia Painter, Psychological Resident at Relational Psych, about EMDR therapy, how it works, and some of the process. Their conversation will continue in the next episode.
Further Learning:Â
The EMDR International Association: https://www.emdria.org/
Safe Calm Place Protocol: https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/media/wwbbstpx/safeplace.pdf
Dr. Olivia Painter, PsyD/ Psychological Resident @ Relational Psych and Undergraduate Psychology Adjunct Professor @ Azusa Pacific UniversityÂ
www.relationalpsych.group/dr-olivia-painter
...
Me Myself and I: Multiplicity of Self with Brian Pendergast

Tyson talks with one of the inspirations for this podcast, Brian Pendergast, MA. They explore what it means to have multiple parts of the self, how multiplicity relates to trauma, and how it shows up in therapy. They also create a new tabletop RPG and discuss the infinitude of selves.Â
Brian is a Seattle area psychoanalyst and writer about multiplicity of self, multiple self-states, trauma, and personality.Â
Brian can be found on TikTok @the_psycho_analyst, on instagram @edgeofthecouch, and at his website brianpendergastcounseling.com
Further Le...
What is Psychoanalytic and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy? with Dr. Carly Claney

On this episode, Tyson talks with Dr. Carly Claney, founder and CEO of Relational Psych, about psychodynamic psychotherapy, the history of psychoanalysis, the difference between “psychoanalytic” and “psychodynamic,” and the particular benefits of this kind of treatment. They also talk a lot about Freud.
Further Learning
In Treatment on HBO Max
Shrink the Box by Something Else Productions
Between Us: A Psychotherapy Podcast by John Totten & Mason Neely
Freud and Beyond by Stephen Mitchell
Psychoanalytic Case Formulation by Nancy McWilliams
What is Psychological Testing? with Dr. Jessica Kim

Dr. Kim returns to explain what is psychological testing, how it works, and what it can be used for. She describes comprehensive ADHD testing and how this is more in depth than only focusing on symptoms. We also discuss Dr. TikTok, projective measures, and Tyson’s special interest in Star Wars.
Dr. Jessica Kim has her PsyD in clinical psychology and is a post doctoral resident at Relational Psych.
Further Learning:
Attachment Styles and Close Relationships Quiz:
http://www.web-research-design.net/cgi-bin/crq/crq.pl...
What should I expect from my first therapy session? with Dr. Dave McNew

In this episode, Tyson talks with Dr. Dave McNew, psychological resident at Relational Psych, about what sorts of things someone can expect from a first session with a new therapist. They also talk about common concerns that new clients have about therapy, and why it might be worth giving therapy multiple tries if your first therapist isn’t a great fit.
**Disclaimer: Content Warning
Tyson and Dave have a discussion about suicidal thoughts and conversations about suicide that someone might have with their therapist. That discussion starts around 15 minutes into this episode and ends around 19 minutes in...
What is therapeutic fit and why does it matter? with Dr. Jessica Kim

On this episode, Tyson sits down with Dr. Jessica Kim to discuss the idea of finding a good therapeutic fit, what that means, and why it matters.
Further Learning
Ardito, R. B., & Rabellino, D. (2011). Therapeutic alliance and outcome of psychotherapy: Historical excursus, measurements, and prospects for Research. Frontiers in Psychology, 2. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2011.00270
Rogers, A. G. (1996). A shining affliction: A story of harm and healing in psychotherapy. Penguin. https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/73384.A_Shining_Affliction
© Relational Psych 2023
W: www.relationalpsych.group
How do I get connected with a therapist at Relational Psych? With Ally Raye

Tyson talks to Ally Raye, owner of Virtual Ally, LLC and care coordinator for Relational Psych. They discuss the process of getting connected to a therapist at Relational Psych and her role as care coordinator, while demystifying the process of getting started with therapy.
Ally's website is https://www.virtualally.info/
© Relational Psych 2023
W: www.relationalpsych.group
E: hello@relationalpsych.group
P: (206) 589-1018
Welcome to the Relational Psych Podcast!

Welcome to the Relational Psych Podcast!
On this Episode, Tyson talks with Dr. Carly Claney, Founder and CEO of Relational Psych, about what this podcast is, how it came about, and what listeners can expect from future episodes.
© Relational Psych 2023
W: www.relationalpsych.group
E: hello@relationalpsych.group
P: (206) 589-1018