Psyched for Psychology
Michelle Iversen, Brett Cushing
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Join Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) Michelle Iversen and Brett Cushing as they dive into all things mental health and psychology. Satisfy your curiosity about how the brain works and ways you can implement mental health tips from professional therapists. Hear from a variety of Nystrom & Associates clinicians on topics that also make them psyched to do what they do best – make a positive impact and change lives.
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Tools to Transform Any Relationship
In this podcast, Brett provides concrete behavioral changes anyone can practice to transform a relationship.
Often times we believe a relationship is doomed because another person is so fixed in their ways and or resistant to change. This podcast gives tangible hope and tools to apply and thereby realize that the power to change a relationship can reside in ourselves and not solely in the other.
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May 30, 2023
Therapy with Kids, Part 2: Early Childhood Mental Health
This week, Christa Overson, LMFT is once again joined by Mary Anderson, LMFT—an expert in Early Childhood Mental Health. Mary discusses that young children need mental health help too-- yes, even before they are born! If this seems surprising, you will definitely want to listen in to this episode. Don't forget to go back to Part 1 of Therapy with Kids: What It Is and Why It Matters.
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May 23, 2023
Therapy with Kids, Part 1: What It Is and Why It Matters
This week, Licensed Marriage Family Therapists Christa Overson and Mary Anderson cover the basics of therapy with children. An expert in Early Childhood Mental Health, Mary explains how kids utilize unique ways of coping not only with the events of everyday life, but with traumatic events as well. Don't forget to check out Part 2 next week, for a deeper dive into Early Childhood Therapy!
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May 16, 2023
Adolescent Suicide: What We Need to Know
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists Christa Overson and Brett Cushing are joined by special guest Becky Sanders, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Associate Program Director of Nystrom's Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Program. Listen in to learn about what we can do to address the growing epidemic of Adolescent Suicide.
Crisis Resources:
* Go to the local hospital Emergency Room or call 911 if you or someone you love is planning to attempt suicide
* Suicide Crisis and Lifeline-- Call or Text 988 or chat at 988lifelong.org
* Hope Line-- For Spanish speakers 1-800-SUICIDA or 1-877-YOUTHLINE for teen-to-teen counseling
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May 9, 2023
Do I Have to Talk About My Childhood?
Join Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists Brett Cushing and Christa Overson for an episode dedicated to a common concern from those who may be interested in seeking therapy. Will the therapist expect me to delve into details about my childhood? Will I have to blame my parents for things? Listen in as Brett and Christa explain why childhood experiences are relevant in therapy, while being only one of many topics that therapy can explore.
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May 2, 2023
The Importance of People and Purpose
This week, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists Brett Cushing and Christa Overson sat down with Mark Peterson, Chief Executive Officer at Nystrom and Associates since January 2023. Mark shares about his background and interest in overcoming barriers to mental health services (which he has been studying for over 20 years). Listen in as Brett and Christa discuss and learn about his approach to leadership and why his first four months in the role of CEO have been all about relationships and purpose.
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Apr 25, 2023
Better Thinking For Better Living
In this episode, In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Brett Cushing identifies the natural way we tend to think, why we think in such ways, and how it is not effective in many relational settings.
Listeners will be able to learn practical tips on how to more effectively view the world, others, and themselves, which can result in transformed and healthier relationships.
Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at podcast@nystromcounseling.com
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Apr 18, 2023
Why in the World Would I Want to do Couples Therapy?
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists Brett Cushing and Christa Overson discuss the work of Dr. John Gottman, one of the titans of Couples therapy, including the famous "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" that can signal that a relationship is in distress. Listen in with a friend or partner to learn about the most common reasons people don't want to try couples therapy, as well as what GOOD couples therapy should look like.
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Apr 11, 2023
Can I Forgive?
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists Brett Cushing and Christa Overson discuss forgiveness, what it is, why it helps our mental health, and who exactly it is for. They also examine questions: Does forgiveness mean I am condoning someone else's behavior? Does the other person have to apologize in order for me to forgive them? Listen in with a friend or partner to learn not just WHY to forgive but HOW to forgive.
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Apr 4, 2023
Try Change For a Change
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists Brett Cushing and Christa Overson go over the concept of neuroplasticity - the idea that our brains are much more malleable than we think. Actually, our thoughts, behaviors, and feelings are not set in stone but rather highly changeable over time. Brett and Christa share examples of how we can get "set in our ways" and some ideas for forging a new path. Listen with a friend or partner to find out why trying something new—and sticking to it-- can permanently pay off.
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Mar 28, 2023
Ruminate on This
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists Brett Cushing and Christa Overson break down rumination, a term that means thinking about the past over and over again-- often to the point of becoming bothersome. Brett and Christa discuss why we ruminate, as well as some ways to help ourselves stop ruminating. Listen in with a friend or partner to gain some ideas for breaking free of rumination.
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Mar 21, 2023
How to Get What You Want
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists Brett Cushing and Christa Overson discuss four main communication styles and how to know which one you tend to use in day-to-day life. They also wonder-- which of these communication styles will help me to get what I want? Brett and Christa share an easy-to-use formula for how to clearly share with a friend, partner, or boss what you actually want and why.
Listen, with a friend or partner, to find out your own way of communicating and whether it needs a little fine-tuning--Doing so might help you get what you are after.
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Mar 14, 2023
Personality Testing for Dummies
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists Brett Cushing and Christa Overson share the four different personality types, what motivates each type, how each respond when under stress and how this understanding can transform your work, home and personal self-talk.
Listen, with a friend or partner, and gain a super-easy understanding of personality types, that will effectively resource you towards greater connection, healing and effectiveness in your relationships at home, work and with yourself.
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Mar 7, 2023
Why Won't You Listen to Me?!
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists Brett Cushing and Christa Overson share how active listening bolsters connection and relational quality. Whether in a work setting, home setting, or any relational setting, Active Listening is imperative. However, it is a skill that does not come naturally; and takes practice.
Listen, with a friend or partner, to find out how you are doing in terms of using the skill of Actively Listening and what concrete steps you can take to improve this indispensable skill. It just might transform your relationship, your parenting, and your quality of work.
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Feb 28, 2023
Using Invalidation Effectively
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Brett Cushing shares how invalidation, whether it be intended to harm or to help, can be effectively utilized to maintain and enhance relationships. Brett shares why invalidation hurts, how to extend invalidation without harm, and how to respond to invalidation in helpful ways.
Listen to find out how to effectively utilize invalidation as a relational skill and transform relationships into safer, happier, and more secure ones. Invalidation can often be intrusive and unwelcome, and this episode highlights how our response to invalidating people can work to our advantage and help our relationships.
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Feb 21, 2023
The Superpower of Validation
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Brett Cushing shares the desperate need and relevant power of validation upon relationships, ourselves, and our culture. Brett provides clarity on what validation is and is not; while giving practical steps on being validating in a manner that can transform relationships with others and with oneself.
Listen to find out how to effectively utilize validation skills and transform relationships into safer, happier, and more secure ones. We often neglect validation because we believe validating someone means agreeing with them. This episode highlights how leading every interaction with validation does not mean approval but does convey acknowledgment and acceptance, and this is the beginning of most any change effort. Also, failure to lead with validation likely leads to defensiveness, stagnation, and a decline in relationships. The skill of validation is the superpower that can significantly remedy relational challenges.
Do you have…
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Feb 14, 2023
The Psychology of Goodbye
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFTs) Michelle Iversen and Brett Cushing discuss the psychology behind goodbyes and closure as the podcast says goodbye to co-host Michelle in her final episode. Michelle has been honored to be a part of the podcast from its very beginning, and you'll hear about her hopes for the podcast and our listeners.
Listen to find out why our brains seek out closures in our goodbyes and what research says about both the difficulties and benefits in having closure (versus being ghosted). We will continue to have weekly episodes available with Brett leading the helm, so please join us to listen today as Michelle graduates from co-host to devoted and passionate listener. Some of Michelle's favorite podcast episodes are linked below.
Episodes Mentioned:
Stories of Recovery and Hope: Vicky
The Link Between Toxic Diet Culture and Eating Disorders
Self-Esteem: How Do You Want to Slice the Pie?
The Wounded Healer
Anti-New Years Resolutions…
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Feb 7, 2023
Rebel With a Cause
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) Michelle Iversen and Brett Cushing discuss the use of DBT skills in your daily life of "Alternate Rebellion" and "Adaptive Denial."
Listen to find out how these skills relate to our lives and the clients we work with daily. You'll even hear how Michelle's pink hair is a form of these skills, and why these skills will help you if you are feeling stuck, helpless, or even rebellious (in unhelpful ways).
Episodes Mentioned:
Are You Ready for Change?
How to Change Behavior (Letting Go of the Log)
What Do You Want to Know About Borderline Personality Disorder?
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Jan 31, 2023
The Fork and Spoon Theory
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) Michelle Iversen and Brett Cushing discuss the fork and spoon theory concepts and how they relate to understanding our stress and energy levels throughout the day. The theories are helpful in understanding the difference between our internal resources (spoons) and external stressors (forks).
Listen to find out why we might say the phrase "stick a fork in me, I'm done" when we have reached our maximum capacity for stress for the day, and how we might choose to spend spoons to help. You'll also find out how these theories apply to invisible illnesses like chronic pain, chronic illness, and even our own mental health needs.
Episodes Mentioned:
What You Didn't Know About Stress
Is Laughter Really the Best Medicine?
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Jan 24, 2023
EMDR Explained
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) Michelle Iversen and Brett Cushing learn about EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy with special guest Christa Overson, LMFT. Christa is the Clinical Site Director at Nystrom's Bloomington clinic and a lifelong Minnesotan raised in the north woods of Duluth. She has 10 years of clinical experience and seven years of experience with EMDR. She works with adults, couples, and families and provides supervision to therapists working toward their license. Outside work, she loves playing with her niece and two nephews.
Listen as Christa, Brett, and Michelle talk about what EMDR is, including the difference between how "regular" therapy works and how EMDR techniques work by accessing a different part of the brain. Christa shares her own experiences with EMDR and explains how to know if EMDR therapy might be the right kind for you.
Episodes Mentioned:
The Wounded Healer
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Jan 17, 2023
How to Change Behavior (Letting Go of the Log)
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) Michelle Iversen and Brett Cushing discuss the topic of behavior change, which many clients seek help for in therapy. They talk about what makes it hard to change a behavior, but also give strategies and tools for better understanding why the behavior itself occurs in the first place and giving yourself compassion when it is hard to make a change.
Listen to find out more about how therapists use a behavior chain to help clients better understand their behaviors and to hear why it can be hard to "let go of the log" when you feel as though you are drowning and still need that behavior to help you survive.
Episodes Mentioned:
Are You Ready for Change?
You Are Who you Choose to Be
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Jan 10, 2023
The Wounded Healer
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) Michelle Iversen and Brett Cushing talk about their lives and what led them to become the therapists they are today. They talk about Carl Jung's concept of "The Wounded Healer", and what it means to have a therapist who also gets their own therapy due to encountering and overcoming their own experiences with mental health and family dynamics.
Listen to learn more about Michelle and Brett's stories, how they navigate issues around countertransference in therapy, and how their journey with healing and self-awareness helps to increase their empathy and curiosity with those they work with daily.
Episodes Mentioned:
The Benefits of Vulnerability
Perinatal Mental Health - It's Not Just Postpartum Depression
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Jan 3, 2023
Anti-New Year's Resolutions
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Michelle Iversen discusses her "Anti-New Year's Resolutions" and why the New Year's resolutions we most commonly set are often linked to toxic diet culture and also fail 91% of the time. But rather than blame ourselves for this, Michelle would like us to think about the goals and whether they are designed in a way that isn't helpful for us and our self-esteem.
Listen as Michelle talks more about toxic diet culture and the new year and offers ideas for new resolutions to try throughout the new year instead. Happy 2023 to all of our listeners. We are thankful for you!
Episodes Mentioned:
The Link Between Toxic Diet Culture and Eating Disorders
Self-Esteem: How Do You Want to Slice the Pie?
The Problems with Perfectionism
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Dec 27, 2022
Mythbusters!
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFTs) Michelle Iversen and Brett Cushing discuss the most common myths around therapy and "bust" them along with special guest Scott Steinbarger, LMFT. Scott is the Clinical Site Director at Nystrom's Edina clinic and a "Midwestern Millennial Middle Child." He has always had an interest in counseling but needed to take a detour into Nuclear Engineering in college before figuring out Marriage and Family Therapy was just the ticket. A self-described nerd who loves storytelling and story listening even more, Scott is passionate about relationships and has a surprising amount of fun working with couples and individuals through their challenges and goals. When not counseling, Scott may be found reading fantasy novels or pretending to be a writer.
Listen as Scott, Brett, and Michelle talk about the various myths around therapy, and share from their own experiences and practice what the reality of therapy truly is (especially if you'v…
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Dec 20, 2022
Stories of Recovery and Hope: Vicky
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) Michelle Iversen and Brett Cushing interview their first client guest on the podcast, Vicky. Vicky is a Nystrom client who completed the DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) program. Today, she shares her story of how treatment helped her find happiness and a way out of suffering.
Listen to find out more about Vicky's story, how she continues to use skills to help her through the holiday season, and the hope that comes with treatment and recovery.
Episodes Mentioned:
Your Guide to Boundaries for the Holidays
Managing Holiday Expectations
Understanding Domestic Violence
What Do You Want to Know About Borderline Personality Disorder?
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Dec 13, 2022
Your Guide to Boundaries for the Holidays
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) Michelle Iversen and Brett Cushing continue their holiday stress series by talking about the importance of boundaries over the holiday season and learning what setting a boundary with others really means for your mental health.
Listen to learn more about how boundaries will reduce your stress and get a step-by-step guide on how to use assertiveness skills to help you have these conversations with others during the holidays and all year long.
Episodes Mentioned:
Managing Holiday Expectations
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Dec 6, 2022
Managing Holiday Expectations
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) Michelle Iversen and Brett Cushing continue their holiday stress series by talking about how to manage holiday expectations, including expectations related to spending time with others, finances, and gifts.
Listen to find out more about the "broken promises theory" that impacts our mood, how we experience high expectations around the holiday, and strategies to use that will help you feel prepared to handle the stress of the holiday season.
Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at podcast@nystromcounseling.com
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Nov 29, 2022
Understanding Domestic Violence
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) Michelle Iversen and Brett Cushing discuss domestic violence and dispel myths and assumptions about what it is and who it affects. Brett will share his training in using the "Duluth Model," a domestic abuse intervention program and an innovative way of holding batterers accountable and keeping victims safe.
Listen to find out more about what domestic violence is, who it affects, and better understand the characteristics of those who batter. You'll also learn more about the characteristics of healthy relationships and effective treatments for stopping cycles of abuse. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out and use the resources below:
National Domestic Violence Support Hotline - 800-799-SAFE (7233) or text "Start" to 88788Domestic Violence Support | The National Domestic Violence Hotline (thehotline.org)
Duluth Model: Home Page - Domestic Abuse Intervention Programs (theduluthmodel.org)
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Nov 22, 2022
The Link Between Toxic Diet Culture and Eating Disorders
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) Michelle Iversen and Brett Cushing discuss the relationship between increases in eating disorders in US society and its connection with diet culture. Eating disorders affect more than 28 million people in the US, and diet culture is the best-known environmental contributor to this... but what do we do about it?
Listen to find out more about myths and assumptions around eating disorders, why diet culture is toxic (especially during this time of year), and ways to combat stigma and misinformation around weight and health. Please check out our website and the NEDA link below for more information and support.
National Eating Disorders Association
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Nov 15, 2022
What an Attitude of Gratitude Will Do For You
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) Michelle Iversen and Brett Cushing discuss the concept of gratitude in the first part of our "Managing Holiday Stress" series. Did you know gratitude isn't just an action or saying "thank you"? Together we will look at what research says gratitude is, and the mental and physical health benefits of making gratitude an intentional daily practice.
Listen to learn more about how an "attitude of gratitude" helps with stress (not just during the holiday season, but all year long) and ways you can incorporate this every day using DBT skills. Brett and Michelle will demonstrate an "A, B, C" gratitude exercise for listeners and let you know what makes them feel grateful this time of the year.
Episodes Mentioned:
* You Are Who You Choose to Be
* The 5 Love Languages
* What You Didn't Know About Stress
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Nov 8, 2022
A Way Out of Suffering Through Radical Acceptance
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) Michelle Iversen and Brett Cushing discuss the concept of Radical Acceptance along with special guest Dr. Karin Ryan, PsyD.
Dr. Ryan is a psychologist and director at Nystrom's Eden Prairie clinic and has over 23 years of experience working in the field using a variety of evidence-based and trauma-informed approaches. You can also tune in to KSTP and listen to Dr. Karin Ryan on Twin Cities Live and Minnesota Live talking about mental health topics like this (and more!)
Listen as Dr. Ryan, Brett, and Michelle talk about what radical acceptance is (and isn't) and how this can be used to help people to find a way out of suffering. You'll hear examples of how they all use this skill in their real lives as therapists and what can help when it is difficult to radically accept painful situations in life.
Watch Dr. Karin Ryan on Twin Cities Live:
How to Manage Stress So It Doesn't Lead to a Breakdown
What Radical Acceptance…
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Nov 1, 2022
Election Stress is Real, but Here's How to Deal
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) Michelle Iversen and Brett Cushing discuss election stress. The APA has found that every election year, Americans are feeling more and more stressed. This year they found that 76% feel that the election has been a significant source of stress in their lives. Brett and Michelle explore the factors that cause people to experience election stress and strategies for managing and coping while increasing your ability to feel empowered with making a difference in what you can control.
Learn more about how radical acceptance and dialectical thinking can help reduce election stress and why exercising your right to vote matters. We'll also have fun discussing why we'd like to see a "therapist-in-chief" someday - maybe in 2024!
Please take time to check out how to vote in your area, and the national, state, and local votes happening on your ballot here: VOTE411
Podcast episodes mentioned:
What You Didn't Know About Stress
What…
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Oct 25, 2022
The Psychology of Fear
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) Michelle Iversen and Brett Cushing discuss Halloween and why some people seek out fear during the "spooky season." You'll learn the biochemical and emotional factors of fear, the benefits of experiencing fear, and how Halloween can provide safe ways to explore and challenge fears.
Learn more about how watching a scary movie and riding a roller coaster has similar effects on the body and brain and how our bodies jump into "superhero mode" when we experience fear. You'll also hear how Michelle had a high school movie date go wrong (but she still watches scary movies anyway).
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Oct 18, 2022
Making a Case for a Trauma-Informed Workplace
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Michelle Iversen is all alone in the studio this week and continuing to talk about psychology in the workplace. Studies show that 7 in 10 employees report the pandemic being the most stressful time in their careers, and more people than ever are reporting experiences with trauma. More organizations recognize their role in helping employees with their mental health, but how does becoming a trauma-informed organization help support employees?
Listen to find out how organizations become trauma-informed, the six factors to look for in trauma-informed organizations, and the 3 "I statements" that managers and leaders can implement to help employee mental health. Brett will be back in the recording studio next week!
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Oct 11, 2022
Joy to the Workplace!
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) Michelle Iversen and Brett Cushing discuss the idea of finding joy in work and why it is an integral part of our mental health. Studies show that 90% of people expect joy, but only 37% experience it at work. You'll learn more about why there is a disconnect and how to overcome this through "Harmony, Clarity, and Party!".
Listen to find out more about how to find meaning, purpose, and joy in work. If you like this topic, please also join us for next week's episode on trauma-informed workplaces.
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Oct 4, 2022
Hypnotherapy: Using Hypnosis To Unlock the Unconscious Mind
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Michelle Iversen discusses the therapy technique of Hypnotherapy along with special guest Jamie Houk, LPCC. Jamie is a therapist at Nystrom's Lakeville clinic and has 14 years of experience working in the field. Jamie is certified in multiple areas of expertise, including hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis to help clients achieve an altered state of consciousness, access their unconscious state of mind, and help them achieve specific goals in therapy.
Listen as Jamie and Michelle talk about the similarities and differences between stage hypnosis, guided meditation, and hypnotherapy and what conditions hypnosis can be used to treat in a therapeutic setting. You'll learn whether or not hypnotherapy is considered "mind control," what it would feel like to be hypnotized, and how to know whether hypnotherapy is right for you.
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Sep 27, 2022
Understanding Hoarding: What You Should Know
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) Michelle Iversen and Brett Cushing discuss the condition of Hoarding along with special guest Wade Crandall, LPCC. Wade has worked with people who hoard for the past 13 years in various capacities and is currently a Clinical Site Director of Nystrom's Hugo location. Wade served as the Vice President of the Minnesota Hoarding Task Force from 2018 - 2022, and he is currently their Mental Health Consultant.
Listen as Wade, Brett, and Michelle talk about hoarding, including how it affects those with the condition and why someone might seek treatment. Listen to learn more about hoarding and how to know if someone is struggling with this. Check out the links below for more information discussed in our episode.
Minnesota Hoarding Task Force in Minneapolis, Minnesota (mnhtf.org)
Wade's WCCO Interview
4 Most Misunderstood Disorders You Should Know About
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Sep 20, 2022
4 Most Misunderstood Disorders You Should Know About
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) Michelle Iversen and Brett Cushing discuss 4 of the most misunderstood mental health diagnoses: Dissociative Identity Disorder (aka Multiple Personality Disorder), Narcissistic Personality Disorder, Pyromania, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. They will discuss some of the most common misconceptions about these illnesses and how this diagnosis impacts people who experience it in their daily lives.
Listen to learn more about how to support those experiencing each of these disorders and the treatments available for those needing help.
Episodes mentioned:
* Psychosis: Movies vs. Reality
* What Do You Want to Know About Borderline Personality Disorder?
* Rotten Tomatoes: Therapy in Movies
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Sep 13, 2022
Why Won't You Listen to Me?!: Bias and Our Brains
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) Michelle Iversen and Brett Cushing discuss different kinds of cognitive bias and how this affects our ability to change the minds and opinions of other people. We will discuss how cognitive bias, confirmation bias, and brain bias reinforces our opinions, inform our decisions, and influences our relationships.
Listen to learn more about how to help yourself and others overcome these biases (even when it's hard to hear).
Episodes Mentioned:
* Are You Ready for Change?
* The Benefits of Vulnerability
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Sep 6, 2022
Rotten Tomatoes: Therapy in Movies
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) Michelle Iversen and Brett Cushing discuss and critique how therapy, mental health issues, and even therapists like us are shown and represented in some of our favorite TV shows and movies.
We will discuss why it can be hard to find accurate representations of therapists in the media. We also discuss some of our favorite examples of how therapy can be shown in helpful ways and challenge stigma (including examples from our favorite Disney/Pixar movies!)
Listen to find out more, and below, you can also find some of the other podcast episodes where we talk about movies, media, and combating mental health stigma. We might not be movie and rotten tomatoes critics, but we hope you'll enjoy our thoughts... as therapists and cinema fans!
Episodes mentioned:
* Psychosis: Movies vs. Reality
* 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse (and of our relationships)
* What Do You Want to Know About Borderline Personality Disorder?
* Is La…
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Aug 30, 2022
What Do You Want to Know About Borderline Personality Disorder?
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) Michelle Iversen and Brett Cushing discuss Borderline Personality Disorder (both what it is and how someone might know if they have it).
Listen to find out more about tools, resources, and strategies to help find relief and fight back against the stigma surrounding Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).
Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at podcast@nystromcounseling.com
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Aug 23, 2022
Time to Stop Letting Your Emotions Drive Your Life
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) Michelle Iversen and Brett Cushing discuss how to manage intense emotions, especially when they feel like they are behind the driver's wheel in your life (instead of you!). Michelle and Brett will talk about what intense emotions are, how DBT skills can help manage them when they occur, and how you can help others who might also experience these.
Listen to learn more about how you can revoke your emotional driver's license and get yourself back in the driver's seat again!
Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at podcast@nystromcounseling.com
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Aug 16, 2022
Psychosis: Movies vs. Reality
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) Michelle Iversen and Brett Cushing discuss psychosis. Michelle and Brett will talk about examples of how psychosis became stigmatized in media and horror films and the actual reality of what it is like for those who experience it.
Listen to learn more about the myths around psychosis, what psychosis is, and what to do (or not do) if a loved one is experiencing this illness.
Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at podcast@nystromcounseling.com
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Aug 9, 2022
Cannabis Use Disorder: Is Marijuana Actually Addictive?
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Michelle Iversen discusses Cannabis and Marijuana along with special guest Cheyenne Fendrich, LADC . Cheyenne has worked in the recovery community for 5 years, was a treatment technician at a women's substance use treatment facility, and is a licensed alcohol and drug counselor at Nystrom's Substance Use Disorder Program.
Listen as Cheyenne and Michelle talk about cannabis and marijuana, including how it affects those with substance use concerns and why someone might seek treatment for it. Listen to find out more about what cannabis use disorder is, and how to know if someone is struggling with this. Check out the links below for more information about our programs.
Adult Substance Use Disorder Treatment - Nystrom & Associates (nystromcounseling.com)
Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Treatment - Nystrom & Associates (nystromcounseling.com)
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Aug 2, 2022
The Controversy with Co-dependency
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) Michelle Iversen and Brett Cushing talk about the concept of co-dependency and what it can mean when examining complex relationship patterns.
Listen to find out more about warning signs of these relationship patterns, and the new concept of "pro-dependence" when exploring how to help those who are struggling with loving unconditionally while also maintaining healthy boundaries.
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Jul 26, 2022
Whose Feelings Am I Responsible For?
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) Michelle Iversen and Brett Cushing talk about the concept of self-differentiation, which is all about knowing "where I end, and you begin." You will learn from Brett about knowing who and what you are responsible for, especially when it comes to enmeshed feelings and relationships.
Listen to find out more about self-differentiation, over-functioning behaviors in relationships, and how to create your own awareness of whether you experience enmeshment with others in your life.
Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at podcast@nystromcounseling.com
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Jul 20, 2022
What Do You Want to Know About Depression?
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) Michelle Iversen and Brett Cushing talk about depression (both what it is and how someone might know if they have it).
Listen to find out more about tools, resources, and strategies to help find relief and fight back against stigma surrounding depression.
Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at podcast@nystromcounseling.com
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Jul 12, 2022
What Do You Want to Know About Anxiety?
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) Michelle Iversen and Brett Cushing talk about anxiety (both what it is and how someone might know if they have it).
Listen to find out more about tools, resources, and strategies to help find relief and fight back against the stigma surrounding anxiety.
Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at podcast@nystromcounseling.com
We'd love to hear from you!
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Jul 5, 2022
Perinatal Mental Health - It's Not Just Postpartum Depression
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Michelle Iversen discusses Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) along with special guest Samantha Huguelet, DNP, APRN, PMH-C . Samantha has been an advanced practice nurse for over 20 years, and has worked in perinatal mental health for the last 12. She developed and has been the director of the Mother-Baby Program at Nystrom for the last 6 years. She is also on one of the director boards and is a faculty member for Postpartum Support International. She was also the past assistant director of Pregnancy and Postpartum Support Minnesota. Samantha provides clinical supervision for graduate students hoping to specialize in this area of mental health. She also has two kids and two grandkids and has worked at Nystrom for over 15 years.
Listen as Samantha and Michelle talk about what PMADs are (as they are much more than just postpartum depression), the risk factors involved, how often they occur, and when to seek help. F…
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Jun 28, 2022
Why We Should Embrace Boredom (you might be surprised, but definitely not bored)
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) Michelle Iversen and Brett Cushing talk about the surprising benefits of boredom, and you will hear how and why more boredom in our lives can actually be beneficial to our focus, attention, self-control and creativity.
Listen to find out research into boredom, how technology has impacted our ability to bored, and ideas on how to incorporate "good boredom" into our lives.
Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at podcast@nystromcounseling.com
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Jun 21, 2022
Self-Esteem: How Do You Want to Slice the Pie?
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) Michelle Iversen and Brett Cushing talk about self-esteem, and Michelle will engage listeners in different therapeutic activities aimed to help us better understand our own self-esteem and determine what small changes can help improve self-esteem in our lives.
Listen to find out more about your self-esteem bucket and how the use of a self-esteem pie chart can help you determine how to find balance in the areas of your life that make you feel valued and worthy.
Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at podcast@nystromcounseling.com
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Jun 14, 2022
What You Didn't Know About Stress
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) Michelle Iversen and Brett Cushing talk about stress, including how stress affects us, the difference between good and bad stress, recycled stress, and understanding when stress can become anxiety.
Listen as Michelle and Brett talk about improving stress in your life using various strategies, including the stress bucket analogy and a progressive muscle relaxation exercise that you can use in your everyday life.
Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at podcast@nystromcounseling.com
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Jun 7, 2022
Pride and the LGBTQIA+ Community
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Michelle Iversen discusses the importance of Pride and finding your support for the LGBTQIA+ community along with special guest Nathaniel Churchill, LPCC. Nathaniel is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor at Nystrom and Associates. He is a seasoned child and adolescent therapist and specializes in LGBTQIA+ issues, anxiety, mood, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorders.
Listen as Michelle and Nathaniel talk about the upcoming 50th anniversary of Pride, and explore what helps to create a sense of community for clients identifying as LGBTQIA+. Together they explore how we work with clients on finding their personal community and how we can have ways to celebrate Pride all throughout the year.
Please also stop by and say hi to us at our Pride Festival booth in Loring Park on Saturday, 6/25 and Sunday, 6/26!
Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at podcast@nystromcounseling.com
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May 31, 2022
Have a Good Night (tips for better sleep)
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) Michelle Iversen and Brett Cushing talk about sleep, including why it is so important and which tips and tricks therapists teach to help all of us get a better night's rest.
Listen as Michelle and Brett talk about improving sleep using different therapy approaches and common sleep complaints including nightmares, sleepwalking, night terrors, and more.
Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at podcast@nystromcounseling.com
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May 24, 2022
4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse (and of our relationships)
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) Michelle Iversen and Brett Cushing explore the 4 Horsemen. This is a metaphor used to describe communication styles in relationships, consisting of the following: 1. Criticism 2. Defensiveness 3. Stonewalling and 4. Contempt.
Listen as Michelle and Brett help to identify the 4 Horsemen in conflict discussions to order to reduce them and replace them with healthy, productive communication patterns instead (and you'll find out how to apply the antidote for each one).
Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at podcast@nystromcounseling.com
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May 17, 2022
Is Laughter Really the Best Medicine?
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) Michelle Iversen and Brett Cushing discuss the importance of laughter along with their special guest Dan Miller, LMFT. Dan is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Clinical Site Director at Nystrom and Associates. He is an experienced therapist practicing since the mid-90s and completed his master's thesis on the topic of laughter.
Listen as Dan, Michelle, and Brett talk about the research on laughter, the importance of choosing laughter in our lives, and exploring whether it really is the best medicine. You'll hear us explore how we experience laughter in our lives and incorporate it into our practice, and why we encourage it for others as well.
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May 10, 2022
You Are Who You Choose to Be
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) Michelle Iversen and Brett Cushing discuss fixed and growth mindsets and how it relates to our emotions. Even as therapists, we deal with fixed mindsets and have experienced how it affects our emotions and our future when we develop a growth mindset instead,
Listen as Michelle and Brett talk about different kinds of mindsets and real-life examples that demonstrate the power and impact that growth mindsets can have in our lives.
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May 3, 2022
The Problems with Perfectionism
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) Michelle Iversen and Brett Cushing discuss perfectionism along with their special guest Rick Rittmaster, LPCC. Rick is a Licensed Professional Counselor, DBT, and outpatient therapist at Nystrom and Associates. He is an experienced therapist, former pastor, and has 20 years of military service.
Listen as Rick, Michelle, and Brett talk about perfectionism and the problems it can cause in our lives. Rick is passionate about sharing his personal experiences with perfectionism, and you will learn how he became a "reformed perfectionist" and skills to help identify and change the factors that lead to any "problems with perfectionism".
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Apr 26, 2022
The 5 Love Languages
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) Michelle Iversen and Brett Cushing discuss "The 5 Love Languages", based on the books by Gary Chapman. You will learn what each of the 5 love languages are, why they are important to know for our relationships, and what to do if we don't have the same love language as others.
Listen as Michelle and Brett talk about how to make sure that our expressions of love don't get lost in translation with others and ideas on how to learn what your loved one's love languages are.
Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at podcast@nystromcounseling.com
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Apr 19, 2022
Are You Ready for Change?
In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) Michelle Iversen and Brett Cushing discuss change. While change in our lives is inevitable, it can be challenging. Even as therapists, change can be hard.
Listen as Michelle and Brett talk about both research and real life examples of why we resist change and how we can lean into change in a positive way. You'll hear answers to questions like:
* Why is change so hard?
* Why change in the first place?
* How do I change?
* And more!
Do you have feedback or topic requests? Email us at podcast@nystromcounseling.com
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Apr 6, 2022
The Benefits of Vulnerability
About Psyched For Psychology:
Join Brett Cushing and Michelle Iversen as they dive into all things mental health and psychology. Satisfy your curiosity about how the brain works and ways you can implement mental health tips from professional therapists.
Hear from a variety of Nystrom & Associates clinicians on topics that also make them psyched to do what they do best – make a positive dent in the universe and change lives.
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