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Trust and Thrive

Tara Montazeri, LMFT

Welcome to the Trust and Thrive podcast! I'm Tara Montazeri, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and host of the podcast. Through honest conversations, solo episodes, and interviews with guests, we explore topics related to mental health, relationships, OCD, anxiety, self-compassion, and the messy, nuanced parts of being human. I hope these conversations can help you feel curious, connected, understood, and less alone. Thank you for being here!

Instagram and TikTok: @trustandthrive; Email: trustandthrive@gmail.com

Cover photo taken by @jedzantphotography

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#346
Thursday · 45 min
346: How ADHD Shows Up In High-Achieving Adults - with Dr. Gilly Kahn, Clinical Psychologist and Writer
Gilly Kahn, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist, writer, and mother with ADHD. She practices in Atlanta and specializes in neurodiversity. She is the author of Allow Me to Interrupt: A Psychologist Reveals the Emotional Truth Behind Women’s ADHD. You can learn more about Gilly and her work by visiting her website at https://www.drgillykahn.com In this episode, we explore ADHD beyond the common stereotypes, including how it can show up in high-achieving adults and the ways neurodivergence can shape our experiences, relationships, and ability to pursue goals. We also discuss emotional dysregulation related to ADHD, common misconceptions, ADHD and autism, navigating barriers to diagnosis and support, and the grief that can come with recognizing how ADHD has impacted different areas of your life. We also explore rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD), along with overlaps and important differences between ADHD and OCD. We hope this conversation can offer a nuanced look at living with ADHD in adulthood. FOLLOW DR. KAHN: INSTA: @drgillykahn WEBSITE: www.drgillykahn.com BOOK: Allow Me to Interrupt STAY CONNECTED: INSTA: @trustandthrive TIKOK: @trustandthrive THREADS: @trustandthrive FACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramont EMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com
September 17 · 43 min
345: A Conversation on Suicide Prevention - with Dr. Kathryn Hope Gordon, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Kathryn Hope Gordon, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Boston area who specializes in cognitive-behavioral therapy. For the first 10 years of her career, she was a professor who taught classes and published research focused on eating disorders and suicide prevention. Currently, she is the Director of Clinical Training for a virtual eating disorder treatment organization. Dr. Gordon is passionate about sharing science-informed therapy tools with as many people as possible through trainings, public speaking, and writing. She is the author of The Suicidal Thoughts Workbook: CBT Skills to Reduce Emotional Pain, Increase Hope, and Prevent Suicide and The Suicidal Thoughts Guided Journal: CBT Practices to Soothe Emotional Pain, Build Coping Skills, and Find Hope. In this episode, we share an open conversation about suicide prevention, including common misconceptions, warning signs, reducing stigma and shame, and the importance of talking about suicide openly. We discuss the importance of compassionate listening, meaningful support, and addressing broader societal factors, including access to care, discrimination, and unmet basic needs. We also touch on how clinicians can approach suicide risk assessment with care, the importance of individualized support rather than responding out of anxiety, and considerations around hospitalization and avoiding further harm. This episode, like with all episodes, is not a replacement for professional support or crisis care. We hope to remind you that you're not alone and that there is hope. FOLLOW DR. GORDON: INSTA: @drkathryngordon WEBSITE: https://kathrynhgordon.com WORKBOOK: The Suicidal Thoughts Workbook: CBT Skills to Reduce Emotional Pain, Increase Hope, and Prevent Suicide JOURNAL: The Suicidal Thoughts Guided Journal: CBT Practices to Soothe Emotional Pain, Build Coping Skills, and Find Hope CRISIS LINE: https://988lifeline.org/ - Please call or text 988 for support. STAY CONNECTED: INSTA: @trustandthrive TIKOK: @trustandthrive THREADS: @trustandthrive FACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramont EMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com
#344
September 10 · 30 min
344: Understanding Suicidal OCD and Related Intrusive Thoughts
In this solo episode, I talk about Suicidal OCD, a subtype of OCD in which one may experience obsessions or intrusive thoughts related to suicide. I also hold space for the importance of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and the importance of speaking openly about a topic that leaves many feeling isolated. As a disclaimer, this episode is not a replacement for professional support or a place to differentiate between OCD thoughts and suicidal ideation. If you're experiencing thoughts of suicide or feel unsure of what you're experiencing, I encourage you to reach out to a qualified mental health professional who can provide individualized care and assessment or one of the resources below. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.) Call or text 988 or chat through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Free and confidential support is available 24/7. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline International Crisis Support If you're outside of the United States, Find A Helpline can connect you with verified crisis and emotional-support services in more than 150 countries. Find A Helpline International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) Information about OCD, evidence-based treatment, support groups, and a directory of clinicians who specialize in OCD and related disorders. IOCDF Resource Directory OCD & Suicidality The International OCD Foundation also offers information about OCD and suicidality, including considerations for individuals with OCD, loved ones, and mental health professionals. IOCDF: OCD and Suicidality STAY CONNECTED: INSTA: @trustandthrive TIKOK: @trustandthrive EMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com
#343
September 3 · 32 min
343: Relationship OCD and "Real" Relationship Concerns
In this solo episode, I talk about what happens when Relationship OCD thoughts and patterns overlap with "real" relationship concerns. I share some of my own experiences and examples of how OCD can latch onto genuine concerns, disagreements, or areas of uncertainty and turn them into something that feels urgent and impossible to stop thinking about. I also talk about the practice of recognizing when reflection may be shifting into rumination, the pressure to figure out what a concern "means" about your relationship, and the sense of urgency that can make it feel like you need an answer or decision right now. I hold space for multiple realities: something can be worth addressing in your relationship while OCD or anxiety might also be amplifying the need for certainty around it. As with all episodes on Relationship OCD, this episode is not intended to address relationships involving harm, abuse, or concerns about safety. Resonating with parts of this episode does not necessarily mean you live with OCD. STAY CONNECTED: INSTA: @trustandthrive TIKOK: @trustandthrive EMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com
#342
August 27 · 30 min
342: A Check-In on Comparison, Capacity, and Showing Up Online
In this solo episode, I share some recent reflections on showing up online, dealing with comparison, and learning to be honest with myself about my capacity. I talk about how I'm holding space for personal transitions, navigating social media while living with OCD, the pressure that can come with being consistent, and noticing when comparison creeps in. I also reflect on what it looks like to take breaks, to step away, and to recognize how our capacity can change day to day. This episode is a reminder that it's okay to slow down and to hold space for complex emotions that come up. STAY CONNECTED: INSTA: @trustandthrive TIKOK: @trustandthrive EMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com
#341
August 20 · 42 min
341: Performance Anxiety and Showing Up Under Pressure - with Dr. Kevin Chapman, Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Sport Performance Anxiety Expert
Dr. Kevin Chapman is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and internationally recognized expert in anxiety, CBT, and sport performance psychology. He is the founder and director of the Kentucky Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders (KYCARDS) and Mental Lock Sport Performance Psychology, where he specializes in anxiety, emotion regulation, and mental performance. A former collegiate track and field and football athlete, Dr. Chapman now works with athletes at the highest levels, including Team USA Weightlifting, Racing Louisville FC, and Louisville City FC. He is also a published author, researcher, and frequent media contributor, with expertise in helping athletes navigate performance anxiety and strengthen their mental skills. In this episode, we explore the psychology of performance anxiety, from athletics and high-pressure environments to everyday moments when anxiety can show up. We discuss the purpose of emotions, why trying to push anxiety away can often backfire, and the value in taking a nonjudgmental stance toward our internal experiences. Dr. Chapman also shares more about the concept of emotional conditioning, the brain’s role in storing threatening or traumatic experiences, and how exposure therapy can help us build a different relationship with fear and anxiety. We talk about practical anxiety regulation and management skills, navigating pressure without letting emotions dictate our decisions, and what it can look like to live authentically by taking action in alignment with our values, rather than feeling controlled by our emotional experiences. FOLLOW DR. CHAPMAN: INSTA: @drkevinchapman MORE INFO: Linktree WEBSITE: www.drkevinchapman.com STAY CONNECTED: INSTA: @trustandthrive TIKOK: @trustandthrive THREADS: @trustandthrive FACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramont EMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com
#340
August 13 · 33 min
340: The Pressure to Optimize Everything
In this solo episode, I explore the pressure many of us feel to optimize everything: our careers, productivity, relationships, interests, self-care, rest, therapy, and even "healing." I talk about how time-consuming and how mentally draining it can be to try to make the "best" choice every time and make the most out of very experience. I also touch on how optimization can show up in relation to OCD and ADHD. I share how these thoughts and experiences have shown up in my own life, and how I've leaned into making room for imperfection, uncertainty, and doing things despite the outcome - as hard as it may be. I also talk about how growing up as a child of immigrants can influence one's view of success, productivity, and making the most of opportunities. As always, resonating with this episode does not mean you live with OCD, ADHD, or any specific diagnosis. You can relate to these topics for a variety of reasons. If you can relate, you're not alone. STAY CONNECTED: INSTA: @trustandthrive TIKOK: @trustandthrive EMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com
#339
August 6 · 29 min
339: Is It Reflection or Rumination?
In this solo episode, I break down some differences between rumination and reflection, and explore why rumination can be so sneaky. Using both personal and professional experiences, I share how we can start to recognize rumination, and discuss how it often shows up in OCD and anxiety. I also discuss common signs of rumination, how it can function as a mental compulsion in OCD, why it often feels productive when it keeps us stuck, practical strategies to help you respond differently, and the importance of approaching yourself with self-compassion in these moments, rather than shame or self-criticism. In addition, I talk about the grief that can come with recognizing how much time, energy, and emotional space ruination may have taken over the years. For example, someone may have grown up believing they were just really "self-aware," when in reality they may have been caught in a cycle of distressing rumination. As always, I hope this episode can remind you that you're not alone. STAY CONNECTED: INSTA: @trustandthrive TIKOK: @trustandthrive EMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com
#338
July 30 · 46 min
338: The Lasting Impact of Parentification and Childhood Responsibility - with Sarah Ann Saeger, Internal Family Systems Therapist
Sarah Ann Saeger, LPC, LCADC, LAMFT, is an Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist who specializes in complex trauma, addiction, and relationships. She is trained in IFS and an array of somatic,attachment-informed therapies. Sarah shares psychoeducation and reflections on parts work and the healing journey on her Instagram and Substack platforms. She is dedicated to helping survivors embrace the wisdom of their whole selves, and she supports survivors in her PA-based therapy practice. In this episode, we explore parentification: what it is, how it develops, and the ways it can continue to shape our lives after childhood. We discuss what can happen when a child grows up feeling responsible for the emotional well-being of others, learns to suppress their own needs, and takes on roles that were never theirs to carry. We also unpack the many nuances of these experiences, recognizing that family, culture, and generation has its own context. In addition, we talk about what it can look like to incorporate Internal Family Systems (IFS) into the work of complex trauma and parentification. We discuss how these early roles can show up in adult relationships through familiar relational patterns and reenactments. This includes why we may find ourselves drawn to partners who reinforce what once felt familiar, along with the grief that can come from recognizing what we needed but didn't receive. FOLLOW SARAH: INSTA: @sarahannsaeger MORE INFO: Linktree WORKBOOK: The Internal Family Systems Workbook For CPTSD STAY CONNECTED: INSTA: @trustandthrive TIKOK: @trustandthrive THREADS: @trustandthrive FACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramont EMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com
#337
July 23 · 48 min
337: Healing After Pet Loss and Honoring Our Animals - with Beth Bigler, Pet Loss Grief Counselor
When society says "it's just a pet," Beth Bigler says "your grief is valid and profound." As a double-certified Pet Loss Grief Counselor and founder of Honoring Our Animals, Beth is a pioneering voice in pet loss support, offering personalized care to individuals and families before, during, and after their beloved's transition. After the sudden death of her soulmate cat Arnie, she transformed her loss into a mission they began together: guiding guardians to honor their grief, connect with their beloveds, and integrate loss into their lives. Beth is the author of Honoring Our Animals: 365 Meditations for Healing After Pet Loss (Quarto/Wellfleet Press, 2025), the first daily grief companion created specifically for pet guardians, available worldwide and a go-to resource for therapists, veterinary clinics, and animal care organizations. Her second book is forthcoming from HarperCollins in 2027. She has been featured in Forbes, Psychology Today, The Sunday Times, USA Today, Business Insider, Daily Mail, and numerous television and radio outlets including KFI AM 640. Beth also built a 20-year career breaking ground as a writer, producer, and educator across stage, film, and television. Find her on Instagram @honoringouranimals. In this episode, we discuss the complexity of pet loss and grief that can follow. We discuss the societal judgment around grieving animals, why grief does not need to be justified or compared, and why loss of a pet can feel more painful than other losses for some. We hold space for the valid, complex emotions that can come with pet loss and remind listeners that there is no "one right way" to grieve. We touch on the beauty of bonding more deeply with certain animals and discuss the guilt that can arise when bringing a new pet after a loss. In addition, we discuss being able to hold space for both grief and love at the same time. We hope this episode can provide support, validation, compassion, understanding, and hope for those who need it. FOLLOW BETH: INSTA: @honoringouranimals WEBSITE: www.honoringouranimals.com BOOK: Honoring Our Animals: 365 Meditations for Healing after Pet Loss STAY CONNECTED: INSTA: @trustandthrive TIKOK: @trustandthrive THREADS: @trustandthrive FACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramont EMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com
#336
July 16 · 39 min
336: Relationship OCD and Romanticizing the Past
We're back with a solo episode on Relationship OCD. In this episode, I talk about a common experience many with ROCD may experience: romanticizing the past - whether that's the beginning of your current relationship, past relationships, or past experiences, including being single. I explore how this pattern can show up in the context of Relationship OCD. I also touch on the anxiety, doubt, shamem and guilt that can arise from these thoughts and experiences. If you can relate to feeling the need to find meaning in every thought and feeling, you are not alone. As always, resonating to this episode does not necessarily mean you live with OCD. These thoughts can show up for a variety of reasons. As a reminder, I created a Spotify playlist with ROCD-focused episodes. You can listen here. STAY CONNECTED: INSTA: @trustandthrive TIKOK: @trustandthrive EMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com
#335
July 9 · 45 min
335: Making Space for Grief After Diagnosis
In this solo episode, I talk about the grief that can come with receiving a diagnosis, or simply understanding patterns and behaviors that have impacted your day-to-day life. I share my personal experience in hopes of normalizing and validating anyone who might feel similar. You might be grieving experiences and how different they could have been, for younger you who did not get the support they deserved and needed, and more. Whatever this may look like you for you, you are not alone. While I speak about my experience with OCD, I hope this episode can support anyone processing the impact of their experiences with compassion. I will also be hosting a support group in-person at the OCD Conference in Seattle. If you'll be there, you can join me in room 603 (Skagit) at 8pm on Friday, July 10th. The conference will be hosted at the Hyatt Regency in Seattle. Learn more here. STAY CONNECTED: INSTA: @trustandthrive TIKOK: @trustandthrive EMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com
#334
July 2 · 55 min
334: Self-Reparenting and Childhood Complex Trauma - with Barlas Günay, Registered Psychologist and Mindfulness Teacher
Barlas Günay is a registered psychologist and certified meditation and mindfulness teacher based in the Netherlands, who over the past 13 years has guided thousands of people across the globe through profound journeys of healing and self-discovery. Trained in both the USA and Canada, he is the founder of Accept and Act, a healing platform offering online psychotherapy and a membership-based self-reparenting community with a combined following of over 100,000 across social media. He specializes in (childhood) trauma recovery, relationships, and holistic psychology, with a particular focus on the transformative practice of self-reparenting. His mission is to help as many people as possible heal from their traumas, reconnect with themselves, and step into life as conscious, free, and authentic adults and parents, because he believes that when individuals heal, the world becomes a safer, happier place for all. In this episode, we share a conversation around complex trauma and the nuance that can show up from these childhood experiences. We explore the potential impacts of childhood complex trauma, how the nervous system might response, and examples of survival responses. We hold space for the real and valid grief that may arise related to working through these wounds. We also discuss how trauma can influence our sense of safety in relationships, and why healing is less about "fixing" and more on holding compassion for parts of ourselves that did what they needed to do to survive. As always, this episode is not a replacement for therapy or individualized care. We simply hope to bring validation and education around these heavy topics. We hope you can take care of yourself in whatever ways support you, whether that's taking a step away from listening or simply checking in with what's coming up for you. FOLLOW BARLAS: INSTA: @acceptandact TIKTOK: @acceptandact FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/acceptandact/ STAY CONNECTED: INSTA: @trustandthrive TIKOK: @trustandthrive THREADS: @trustandthrive FACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramont EMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com
#333
June 25 · 37 min
333: Noticing Urgency and Slowing Down
In this solo episode, I share recent life updates and reflect on what I've been noticing come up for me lately. After a few weeks of travel and starting my own practice, I've recognized the ways anxiety has shown up amidst an inconsistent schedule. I talk about the importance of checking in with one's capacity, recognizing urgency and guilt, and practicing slowing down instead of immediately reacting, even if it doesn't come naturally. I explore how anxiety can convince us that everything needs to be immediate and why guilt doesn't always need our attention. I hope this episode is a reminder that feeling the need to "do more" does not always need to be acted on and it's okay to check in with ourselves, and honor our limits. STAY CONNECTED: INSTA: @trustandthrive TIKOK: @trustandthrive EMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com
#332
June 11 · 44 min
332: Emotional Intelligence and Navigating Uncomfortable Emotions - with Genny Rumanczik, Creator of The EQ School
Genny Rumancik is a mental health advocate and educator, and the creator of The EQ School, which offers courses and online resources to improve self-awareness, navigate emotional self-management, and shift relational patterns for healthier relationships. Her debut book, The Wisdom of Feeling, will be published by Penguin Random House in June 2026. In this episode, we explore the topic of emotional intelligence and discuss why these skills are important, yet often overlooked. we discuss Genny's personal and professional journey, including her experience as a former teacher and impact on her work as a mental health advocate. Genny shares how she often draws from Daniel Goleman's framework, breaking down four key areas of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, emotional self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. In addition, we discuss the difference between intellectualizing emotions and what it can look like to truly feel them, the role of self-compassion and trauma-informed care, the role of acceptance in building resilience, and how authenticity can help us cultivate deeper connections with ourselves and others. FOLLOW GENNY: INSTA: @theeqschool WEBSITE: http://www.theeqschool.co/ BOOK: The Wisdom of Feeling FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/theeqschool STAY CONNECTED: INSTA: @trustandthrive TIKOK: @trustandthrive THREADS: @trustandthrive FACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramont EMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com
#331
June 4 · 36 min
331: Real Event OCD and Replaying the Past
In this solo episode, I discuss the topic of Real Event OCD, a subtype of OCD that can involve rumination around something that actually happened in the past. This can come with feelings of guilt, shame, and doubt. Real Event OCD can leave one feeling trapped in a cycle of analyzing, replaying, and trying to "figure out" what their past says about them. I share a few examples of how Real Event OCD can show up, including some lighter experiences while also normalizing heavier themes such as past regrets, relationship dynamics, and fears of being a "bad" person. In addition, I touch on how Real Event OCD can crate doubt around one's memory, leadong to distress and a strong urge to revisit, review, and make sense of past events. As always, this episode is not a replacement for professional support and does not reflect every OCD experience. STAY CONNECTED: INSTA: @trustandthrive TIKOK: @trustandthrive EMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com
May 28 · 29 min
330: The Nuance of Mental Health and Showing Up Online
In this solo episode, I reflect on a topic that’s been on my mind and explore the complexity and nuance of mental health, especially in online spaces. As someone who shares both personal and professional experiences with OCD and anxiety, I’ve noticed the pressure to reflect so many different experiences within just a few of my posts. I talk about why social media does not capture the complexity of living with OCD and/or anxiety, the limitations of online content and my own personal boundaries I've been exploring, and the importance of holding space for one person’s experience without invalidating someone else’s. I also discuss my own journey with showing up online, reasons behind making these darker and often isolating experiences feel more digestible, and how humor can support us in feeling less alone. I share some of my own doubts around showing up online and my desire to continue showing up despite internal and external judgment. I hope this episode is a reminder to stay curious, hold space for nuance, and support one another in experiences that can already feel so isolating. We don’t have to fully understand someone’s experience in order to hold space for it. STAY CONNECTED: INSTA: @trustandthrive TIKOK: @trustandthrive EMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com
#329
May 21 · 51 min
329: Mental Compulsions and the Invisible Side of OCD - with Mary Feldman, OCD and Anxiety Therapist
Mary Feldman, A-LPC/MHSP, is an OCD & anxiety therapist, educator, and speaker with lived experience. Mary first encountered OCD in middle school, which became the catalyst for a deep commitment to psychology, leadership, and systemic change in how anxiety and related disorders are understood and treated. While earning her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Mary worked full-time as a behavioral specialist within Rogers Behavioral Health’s Partial Hospitalization Program. There, she received extensive, specialized training in the treatment of severely debilitating OCD, anxiety, and related conditions. This immersive clinical experience sharpened her expertise and solidified her dedication to advancing evidence-based, compassionate, and effective treatment models. Now an outpatient therapist, educator, and content creator, Mary integrates clinical rigor with lived experience to help individuals reclaim agency over their lives. She is also deeply invested in increasing access to education and uses her training and firsthand experience to create practical, empowering tools for those who struggle to find effective support. Through both clinical work and public engagement, Mary aims to foster confidence, compassion, resilience, and lasting freedom in those she serves. In this episode, we deep dive into mental compulsions and discuss the often misunderstood and invisible side of OCD. We talk about common misconceptions around OCD, what mental compulsions can actually sound and look like, and why these experiences can feel isolating, confusing, and lonely. We also emphasize how OCD is not one-size-fits-all and how many people struggle for years without realizing what they're experiencing. In addition, we discuss how OCD can sometimes be overlooked or misdiagnosed, the importance of increasing clinician awareness and training, and what OCD treatment can look like when compulsions happen internally, rather than externally. Whether you struggle with rumination, mental checking, reassurance seeking, self-doubt, or are simply curious, we hope this episode can help you feel less alone while offering a nuanced conversation around OCD and anxiety. FOLLOW MARY: INSTA: @ocdrebeltherapist CONTACT: Linktree STAY CONNECTED: INSTA: @trustandthrive TIKOK: @trustandthrive THREADS: @trustandthrive FACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramont EMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com
#328
May 15 · 40 min
328: I'm Officially Licensed! Life Updates, Reflections, and Embracing Uncertainty
And we're back! I'm excited to share that I've passed my state licensing exam and am now officially a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist! In this catch-up solo episode, I share some professional and personal updates (including some exciting news!!). I reflect on the journey toward licensure, from grad school and practicum to the associate years. I also share my real-time experience navigating OCD-related thoughts while recording this episode and what it looks like to move through doubt when it shows up. I'm leaning into embracing the unknowns and allowing this next chapter to feel new, exciting, confusing, overwhelming, relieving - all at the same time. As always, I want to express gratitude to each and every one of you for being here along the ride. I can't wait for what's to come and to share with you all :) STAY CONNECTED: INSTA: @trustandthrive TIKOK: @trustandthrive EMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com
#327
April 30 · 46 min
327: Authenticity and Social Change in the Mental Health Space - with Shahem McLaurin, Licensed Therapist and Mental Health Educator
Shahem McLaurin is a licensed therapist, founder of an independent mental health agency, and public mental health educator whose work bridges clinical expertise with large-scale public engagement. They have led and participated in national mental health awareness campaigns in collaboration with institutions such as Harvard University and the National Ad Agency, and have partnered with brands and organizations to develop ethical, evidence-informed mental health messaging. As the founder of their own agency, Shahem provides clinical leadership, strategic direction, and oversight of mental health programming rooted in trauma-informed and culturally responsive care. They are a sought-after speaker and keynote presenter, having delivered talks and trainings at universities including NYU and SUNY. Their work centers on making mental health education accessible, reducing stigma, and expanding equitable access to care through media, storytelling, and community-based dialogue. In this episode, we explore what it looks like to show up authentically as a therapist, different career paths (including community mental health), and how these experiences can shape the way we understand care, access, and equity. We also talk about the importance of advocating for clients not just within the therapy room, but outside of it as well. Shahem shares more about the importance of working toward more accessible and inclusive mental health care, and how there is no one-size-fits-all way to show up as a therapist. FOLLOW SHAHEM: INSTA: @5hahem; @freedomcollectivepod TIKTOK: @5hahem PODCAST: Freedom Collective Podcast STAY CONNECTED: INSTA: @trustandthrive TIKOK: @trustandthrive THREADS: @trustandthrive FACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramont EMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com

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