The Thoughtful Counselor

EP313: AI Client Simulation in Counselor Education: What do we know?

20 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Rakesh Maurya shares research based practice guidance on how counselor educators can successfully utilize AI in client simulation training for stu...

EP312: Umoja Behavioral Health from Mind to Matter

20 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Kenneth Winfrey meets with Desa Karye Daniel to discuss his journey with mental health and the evolution of their shared clinical pra...

EP311: Becoming the Chair: Identity, Influence, and Impact in Counselor Education

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Explore what it meant for Dr. Kara Carnes-Holt to step into the role of Department Chair and her leadership journey. How does one transition from peer...

EP310: Working with Clients who Self-Diagnose

05 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss client self diagnosis with Dr. Taylor Falardeau. Taylor shares how and why clients might engage in this process, and what ...

EP309: The State of Counselor Educators: What Does the Research Tell Us?

05 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Greg Hatchett shares findings from their research on counselor educator faculty experiences. These findings include where counselor education and ...

EP308: Sexuality and Intimacy After Addiction and Trauma

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, The Thoughtful Counselor welcomes Dr. Vanessa Carlisle to discuss her newest co-authored work, Awaken Your Sexuality: A Guide to Conn...

EP307: Working Intergenerationally with Gen Z

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Margaret Lamar and Laura Rea dive into some of their research on Generation Z in classroom and counseling spaces. Learn some of the u...

EP306: Collective Healing and Community Care

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Roberto L. Abreu met with Dr. Desa Karye Daniel to discuss how his understanding of LGBTQ experiences within Latinx communities has evolved throug...

EP305: Implications of the CACREP Complaint: Boundaries of Academic Freedom

01 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Joined by Drs. Nathaniel Brown, Darius Green, and Frank Gorritz, the panel explores the implications of the civil rights complaint, boundaries of acad...

EP304: Remediation in Counselor Education: Changing the Perspective from Punishment to Growth

13 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Dr. Maddie Clark sits down with Dr. Lena Salpietro to discuss her research regarding remediation in counseling. They discuss best prac...

EP303: Graduate Admissions in Professional Counseling

29 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, The Thoughtful Counselor welcomes Dr. Jeanne Stanley to discuss the admissions process for graduate programs in counseling. Jeanne an...

EP302: Decolonization in counselor education and practice

15 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Two counselor educators, professional counselors, and researchers discuss what decolonization is and is not in counselor education. Drs. Smith-Yliniem...

EP301: Urban Indigenous Collective: For Urban Natives by Urban Natives

08 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dèsa meets with Sutton King and Ariel Richer, the co-founders of the Urban Indigenous Collective, to delve into the intersection of ...

EP300: The Reflective Lens: Sharpening Your Authentic Self

18 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This unstructured conversation explores the intentional shift towards ourselves. In environments and systems that reward achievement, Drs. Tapia and S...

EP299: Supporting the Needs of International Students and International Scholars in Counselor Education

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we discuss the challenges that international students and international scholars face in the current political environment, with Drs. ...

EP298: Organizational Consultation in Professional Counseling

30 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, The Thoughtful Counselor welcomes Kenneth Edwards to discuss how professional counselors can engage in organizational consulting. Ken...

EP297: The Adoptee Consciousness Model: What Mental Health Counselors Need to Know

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The co creators of the Adoptee Consciousness Model walk the listener through the process of adoptee awareness of systematic issues in adoption that im...

EP296: Voices of Resistance: Conversations with Dr. Autumn Asher BlackDeer

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Desa speaks with scholar-activist Dr. Autumn Asher BlackDeer on her experiences within higher education as she moved into her decolonial research. The...

EP295: How AI Can Enhance Your Counseling Practice

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this conversation, Donna Sheperis discusses the emerging role of artificial intelligence (AI) in counseling practice. Dr. Sheperis highlights how c...

EP294: EFT for LGBTQ+ Relationships: Guidelines for Culturally Responsive Practice

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This crucial conversation unpacks the findings of a Delphi study that gathered insights from EFT experts on how to make the model more culturally resp...

EP293: Building a Private Practice Grounded in Wellness

14 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Maddie discusses building a private practice with Leah Reed-Dailey, co-owner of the Mental Health Collaborative in Toledo, Ohio. Leah ...

EP292: Sexual Wellness and Counseling

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode. Dr. Hargons speaks about her new book, Good Sex, as well as her journey in the field of professional counseling and counseling sexolo...

EP291: Walking Alongside Marginalized Communities

10 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Amy Ritterbusch, associate professor of social welfare at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, shares her experiences with global participato...

EP290: Bridging Cultures: Black Immigrants and Cultural Integration

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Thelamour discusses the intricate journey of acculturation among Black immigrant adolescents and emerging adults. She brings a mu...

EP289: Preparing Counselors to Work in Rural Areas

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Drs. Elliott and Murray discuss their program for training counselors to work in rural areas. They share the challenges they have faced and talk about...

EP288: Patterns that Remain (Part 1)

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode explores Dr. Stacey Litam's newly released book Patterns that Remain: A Guide to Healing for Asian Children of Immigrants. Drs. Tapia and...

EP287: Showing Up for Trans and Gender Expansive Clients

13 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we discuss the evolving needs of the trans and gender expansive community and what counselors can do to show up for this marginalized ...

EP286: The Importance of Mentorship in Counseling

27 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, The Importance of Mentorship in Counseling, we explore how meaningful mentorship relationships shape personal and professional growth...

EP285: Working with Survivors of Narcissistic Abuse

06 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Kyrstin shares her professional experience working with survivors of narcissistic abuse. We discuss clinical signs that a client ...

EP284: Disturbing Inequity

15 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Abiola shares how she prioritizes breaking down the system to pave the way for others. Abiola and Dèsa discuss how Disturbing Inequi...

EP283: Stoic Strategies for Supervision: Empowering Counselors to Thrive

25 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Rachael Estes and Dr. Jessica Tyler dive into how ancient Stoic principles can be applied to modern counseling supervision, helping c...

EP282: Fatmisia: Exploring our Anti-Fat Bias, Body Justice, and Mental Health

11 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about Fatmisia, a term meaning hatred of fatness. Gianna discusses how anti-fatness, diet culture, and fatmisia impacts our w...

EP281: Understanding Academic Gaslighting of BIPOC Counselor Educators

20 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Tiffanie Sutherlin discusses the pervasive issue of academic gaslighting, particularly as it affects BIPOC counselor educators. S...

EP280: Mastering the Dynamics of Kink-Aware Counseling

23 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join Dr. Mickey White in a compelling conversation with Dr. Arien Muzacz, a researcher, educator, and clinician who specializes in working with kinky ...

EP279: Building Community Through Abolition and Social Justice

09 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Darius Green speaks with Dr. Dèsa Daniel about this work centering an abolition framework in his teaching, research, and clinical work. They disc...

EP278: Hope & Healing: Growth After Partner Betrayal

26 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Drs. Jessica Tyler and Simona Niculaes explore the complex emotional journey of individuals recovering from partner betrayal, especia...

EP277: Reshaping Patterns Through Somatic Practice in Counseling

12 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Alisha Guthery talks about her work as a somatic practitioner. She describes somatic practice in counseling, how counselors can b...

EP276: The Importance of Addressing Spirituality and Religion in Counseling

28 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Tune in to this insightful episode as Dr. Jeff Cline explores the crucial role of integrating spirituality and religion in counseling. Offering action...

EP275: Relational Cultural Theory: Moving Towards Connection

14 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Kashunda McGriff talks about Relational Cultural Theory. RCT is a theory rooted in feminist and social justice that recognizes ho...

EP274: Generations of Resilience: Counseling LGBTQ+ Older Adults

24 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Mickey speaks with Dr. Jordan B. Westcott about her work and research on counseling strategies and cultural considerations with older...

EP273: Queering Disabilities: Understanding Disability, the Forgotten Margin

10 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dèsa speaks with Dr. Tameeka L. Hunter about their 2020 article on Queering Disabilities. They do a deep dive into how counselors can better support ...

EP272: Youth Substance Recovery

26 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Tyler talks with Dr. Andrew Finch, delving into the complexities of substance recovery for youth. They discuss the unique...

EP271: How Holistic Admissions Can Help Us Identify the Next Generation of Counselors

12 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dominique S. Hammonds and Lucy L. Purgason describe holistic admissions in counselor education; a process that allows programs to determine if applica...

EP270: Are All "Black Folks" with Dreads for the Cause?

22 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, we are going to explore intersectionality through a different lens. We are going to explore the, at times, taboo subject of intra-rac...

EP269: Social Justice Beyond the Counseling Office

08 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we examine the experiences of Dr. Christopher Townsend.  Dr. Townsend takes us on a journey through advocacy and the courage to spea...

EP267: People of Color Psychedelic Collective (POCPC)

09 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The POCPC brings psychedelic education to people of color. The organization creates spaces for people of color to learn about the harms of the war on ...

EP266: From Passion to Purpose: A Conversation with Healing in the Margins

26 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this empowering episode, Jessica Tyler engages in a heartfelt conversation with Ashley Hampton, the Co-founder and Clinical Director of Hampton Hou...

EP265: Essential Clinical Care for Sex Workers

12 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Megan Speciale interviews Jamila Dawson, LMFT and Theodore Burnes, PhD on sex worker-affirming mental healthcare, the topic of t...

EP264: Transitioning from Counselor to CES Doctoral Student

15 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There are many counselors who are considering going back to school to get their PhD but are unsure what this process looks like. In this episode, Hele...

EP263: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

01 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Mickey White talks with Dr. Stacey Williams to discuss her research and experiences with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We di...

EP262: Worthiness, Values, and Self Love

18 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Andy Choi shares his journey from his graduate education to his current role as a licensed psychologist. Andy shares how scholars, mentors, frien...

EP261: Unveiling Maternal Mental Health Truths

03 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, join Dr. Jessica Tyler in an enlightening conversation on maternal mental health with Kellie Wicklund, psychotherapist and Clinical D...

EP260: Understanding Middle Adulthood Lifespan Development Through a Cultural Lens

20 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In our last episode of the series "Lifespan Development Through a Cultural Lens," Dr. J. Kelly Coker shares her work exploring middle adulthood devel...

EP259: Lived Experiences of African American Women in Counseling Leadership

06 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Asha Dickerson will discuss her journey as an African American women who has held several leadership roles in counseling.   For ...

EP258: Lift As You Rise: Getting Involved in Counseling Leadership and Advocacy

12 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Drs. Derek X Seward and Megan Speciale sit down for a compelling interview with Dr. Carlos Hipolito-Delgado as he shares his personal journey into cou...

EP257: The Neurodivergent Movement: A Multicultural Perspective

01 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Natasha Villalobos discusses her experience working with clients who identify with neurodivergent. She provides a multicultural lens...

EP256: Queer Womxn of Color: Healing and Liberation

18 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Drs. Ana Guadalupe Reyes (they/elle) and Mónica Rodríguez Delgado (she/ella) share their experiences working with and on behalf of...

EP255: Racial Battle Fatigue

04 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Asia Lyons meets with Dr. Dèsa Karye Daniel to discuss the tenants of Racial Battle Fatigue. Throughout their conversation, they...

EP254: The Intersection of Diagnosis and Social Justice

21 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Tyler sits with Christine Banks-Van Allen to discuss the intersection between mental health diagnosis and social justice....

EP253: Understanding Emerging and Late Adulthood Lifespan Development Through a Cultural Lens

07 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the fourth episode in our series on cultural and contextual approaches to lifespan development, Dr. Savitri Dixon-Saxon shares her expertise on the...

EP252: Hip Hop, Mental Health and Black Males

16 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. James Norris discusses how he utilizes hip hop music in his counseling practice to encourage authentic communication with clients...

EP251: A Call to Action: Counselors Against Sex Trafficking

02 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Drs. Romero, Interiano-Shiverdecker, and Prasath discuss their research lab and scholarly contributions to the topic of sex traffick...

EP250: Let's Roll Play: D&D in Therapy

19 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) are an increasingly popular modality of therapy, especially among adolescents and young adults. One popular TTRP...

EP249: LGBTQ+ Communities of Color and Health Dispartities

05 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join Dr. Dèsa Daniel and Dr. James García as they discuss health disparities in LGBTQ+ communities of color, and how mental health providers can ad...

EP248: Counseling for Undue Police Violence

21 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Tyler talks with Dr. Darius Green about undue police violence (UPV) and the mental health impact on our clients. We discu...

EP247: Demystifying the Court Experience

07 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, Dr. Speedlin Gonzalez interviews judges from the criminal and civil courts to discuss counselors' roles in the judiciary. Three judge...

EP246: Supporting Caregivers to Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury

17 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

According to the CDC there were approximately 223,135 Trauma Brain Injury (TBI) related hospitalizations in 2019. TBI has a large emotional impact on...

EP245: Queering Counseling: LGBTQ+ Counselor Self-Disclosure in Practice

03 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Whitney Akers and Dr. Mickey White talk about their research and experiences disclosing queer and trans identities as counselors,...

EP244: Community, Activism & Generational Challenges

03 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dèsa Daniel speaks with African American Student Services Director Brandi Stone on the generational challenges impacting leadership and students with...

EP243: Professional Protection: Safeguarding the Future of Counseling

20 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Victoria Kress shares her work in advocacy and talks about the importance of counselors engaging in professional protection. She ...

EP242: Athletes: Moving Beyond the Entertainment

06 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Tyler talks with Dr. Lindsey Portela and Olivia Dedels, counselors and previous Division-1 athletes, to talk about athlet...

EP241: Emotion Regulation Strategies for Children and Adolescents

21 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Raissa Miller speaks with Yale social-emotional learning researchers ZJ Ng and Jenny Seibyl about their work on school-based SEL projects. Specificall...

EP240: Navigating Intergenerational Trauma

07 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Intergenerational trauma can impact the mental health and emotional wellbeing of many individuals, especially Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAP...

EP239: Ending the HIV Epidemic: Why Mental Health Matters

16 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The National HIV/AIDS Strategy (2022–2025) provides stakeholders across the nation with a roadmap to accelerate efforts to end the HIV epidemic in t...

EP238: Navigating Middle Childhood and Adolescent Development with Empathy

02 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Kristi Cannon talks about the challenges and strengths of development through the middle childhood and adolescent years. She and Margaret talk abo...

EP237: Belief in a Just World and Working in Urban Communities

19 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Tyler talks with Dr. Sejal Parikh Foxx, a professor and department chair at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte...

EP236: Failing Forward: Defining Success in Private Practice

03 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Melanie Varney is a counselor educator who started her own private practice by learning about herself and doing her own work. She shares why she i...

EP235: Understanding Early Childhood Development Through Culture and Context

14 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Karen Roller continues her discussion about lifespan through the lens of culture in context. Dr. Roller specifically examines the...

EP234: An Expansive Perspective on the Science of Psychotherapy

01 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Raissa Miller interviews Richard Hill and Matthew Dahlitz about their recent book, A Practitioner's Guide to the Science of Psychotherapy. Richard...

EP234: An Expansive Perspective on the Science of Psychotherapy

01 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Raissa Miller interviews Richard Hill and Matthew Dahlitz about their recent book, A Practitioner's Guide to the Science of Psychotherapy. Richard...

EP233: Understanding Why Youth View Pornography: An Interview with Braxton Dutson and Dr. Stacey Diane Arañez Litam

10 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered why youth view sexually explicit material? Curious about how to respond, provide sex education, and address topics related to d...

EP232: Understanding Infant Mental Health

27 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Infant mental health involves promoting emotional and social wellbeing in young children from the prenatal period to 5 years of age through culturally...

EP231: Consensual Non-Monogamy Affirming Mental Health Care

15 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today on The Thoughtful Counselor, Dr. Megan Speciale talks with Drs. Theodore Burnes and Michelle Vaughan about their new book, The Handbook of CNM-A...

EP230: The Flawless Counselor: Perfectionism and Over Control

29 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Tyler talks with Sara Ellison, an associate licensed counselor, nationally certified counselor, and doctoral student on p...

EP229: For Us By Us Serving Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Communities

15 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Anne Saw shares her work within Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. She gives us a deep dive into the work that wen...

EP228: The Black Male Experience: Mentorship and Mental Health

19 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Dr. Jones and Dr. Townsend discuss the positive effects that mentorship has on Black men. They talk about the lived experiences of Bla...

EP227: Aperture Awareness: A Neurobiological Grounded Approach to Connected Conversation

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Raissa Miller interviews Dr. Kathryn Ford about the centrality of openness in relationships. Dr. Ford discusses the relational neuroscience underl...

EP226: Rethinking Lifespan Development

20 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Margaret Lamar interviews Drs. Kelly Coker, Kristi Cannon, Savitri Dixon-Saxon, and Karen Roller about their new project taking a new look at life...

EP225: Connecting to Ethics in Crisis Intervention

30 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Tyler talks with Dr. Julia Whisenhunt, Associate Professor at the University of West Georgia, about how counselors can ma...

EP224: College Counseling: Creating Community for Holistic Student Wellness

16 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Amanda Waters speaks with us about the power of responsive vs reactive intentionality when creating community. She shares with us the importance o...

EP223: Healthy Body, Healthy Mind--Exercise Psychology Considerations for Work with Athletes and Non-Athletes in Counseling

03 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Michele Kerulis discusses the relationship between movement and mental health. She shares insights from the interdisciplinary field o...

EP222: Empowering the Counseling Profession to be a More Parent-Affirming Place

17 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Balancing intersecting roles as parents, counselors, and counselor educators can be difficult. In this episode, Dr. Stacey Litam and Dr. Maddie Clark ...

EP221: Pandemic Parenting with Dr. Margaret Lamar

02 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we introduce a new member of the Thoughtful Counselor team, Dr. Margaret Lamar! We learn about her specializations in parent mental health, soci...

EP220: Building Synergy to Mind, Body, and Spirit

19 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Tyler talks with Sydney Wasdin as she shares her story of becoming a therapist and yoga instructor and integrating these ...

EP219: Making Black Lives Matter and Understanding Cultural Mistrust

05 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Kevin Cokley speaks to Dèsa Daniel about the formation of his edited book Making Black Lives Matter Confronting Anti-Blackness Racism. During the...

EP218: Decolonizing Counseling Practice

16 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Tyler talks with Dr. Brandee Appling, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling and Human Development Servic...

EP217: Body-Positivity in Counseling: Working with Teens with Eating Disorders

02 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Megan Speciale interviews Emily Behrs, AMFT and Kaila Hattis, LMFT about using a body-positive framework for working with teens w...

EP216: Advancing Despite Adversity--Resilience Through the Lens of Neuroscience

18 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Raissa Miller talks with Jurie Rossouw, author of Executive Resilience and founder of the resilience training and development com...

EP215: Making the Invisible Visible: Advocacy and Allyship for AMENA Communities

03 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dèsa speak with Dr. Germine "Gigi" Awad about the formation of AMENA PSY and her advocacy efforts for AMENA communities. They briefl...

EP214: Creating Inclusive Spaces for Transgender and Gender Expansive Young People in K-12 Settings

20 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Megan Speciale and Dr. Clark Ausloos discuss how professional counselors can work toward building more inclusive spaces for trans...