The Counseling Convos Podcast

Special Guest: Abram Shaheen, 12 years old- Youtube Channel creator "The Tooniest Panda". Author of "Divided Fronts, United Hearts".

This Mini Episode explores how young people today navigate the digital landscape, balancing technology, friendships, schoolwork, and personal growth. We’ll dive into Abram's experience with social media, gaming, and how he stays grounded while balancing the real and digital worlds.*Also intended to help me brush up on my interviewing skills.

🎙️ Beyond Couples Feud Season 3, Episode 4 — Counseling Convos with Geries Shaheen, LPC

In this heart-level, brain-powered episode of Counseling Convos, host Geries Shaheen, LPC, NCC untangles a rising challenge in couples therapy: when well-meaning resourcing or clarifying questions are perceived as gaslighting.

How do we hold space for deep relational wounds without being caught in the crossfire? What happens when trauma-informed clients feel retraumatized—by the very act of inquiry?

In Beyond Couples Feud, we explore the tension between therapeutic neutrality and emotional safety. We unpack real-world scripts, interventions, and referral practices that honor autonomy, create clarity, and help clients move from relational shutdown to connection.

💡 Topics include:

• Gaslighting vs. clarifying: when the line gets blurry
  

• How trauma and attachment shape emotional responses in session
  

• Scripts for rebuilding safety in real time
  

• When and how to refer for sex therapy with compassion and clarity
  

• The philosophical differences between LPCs and LMFTs
  

• Evidence-based interventions for common couples conflicts
  

Whether you're a clinician, a couple navigating your own journey, or a curious listener who loves diving deep into the psychology of relationships, this episode brings rich tools, thoughtfulness, and just the right amount of meta-reflection.

🎧 Subscribe and join us as we go beyond conflict—and toward repair.

🔍 Cited Research & Resources:

• Carlson, D. L., Miller, A. J., Sassler, S., & Hanson, S. (2020). The division of housework, gender, and perceived fairness. Journal of Family Issues, 41(7), 1163–1186.
  

• Dew, J., & Stewart, R. (2012). A financial issue or marital issue? Family Relations, 61(4), 615–628.
  

• Gottman, J. M., & Silver, N. (2015). The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. Harmony Books.
  

• Johnson, S. M., & Greenman, P. S. (2013). Emotionally focused couple therapy. Psychotherapy in Australia, 19(3), 56.
  

• Rogge, R. D., et al. (2013). The CARE program. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 81(6), 1022.
  

• Weeks, G. R., Hertlein, K. M., & Gambescia, N. (2016). A Clinician’s Guide to Systemic Sex Therapy. Routledge.
  

• White, M., & Epston, D. (1990). Narrative Means to Therapeutic Ends. Norton & Company.
  

• Wiebe, S. A., & Johnson, S. M. (2016). Emotionally focused therapy review. Family Process, 55(3), 390–407.
  

• Williams, M. J., & Zweig, J. S. (2015). CBT for jealousy. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, 45(2), 83–91.

Welcome to The Counseling Convos Podcast, where we dive deep into the fascinating world of psychology and counseling. In this thought-provoking episode titled "Beyond AI," your host Geries Shaheen LPC takes you on a journey to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and mental health therapy.

In Part 1, we uncover the origins of AI anxiety, tracing its roots from science fiction to real-world applications. Join us as we unravel the psychological impact of fearing AI and discuss coping strategies for managing AI anxiety.

Moving into Part 2, we shift our focus to embracing AI acceptance. Discover the myriad benefits of integrating AI into our lives and learn how to overcome common barriers to accepting AI.

Finally, in Part 3, we explore the potential for integrating AI for human flourishing. From human-centric AI design to ethical considerations and collaboration between humans and AI, we envision a future where technology enhances, rather than detracts from, our well-being.

Join us on The Counseling Convos Podcast as we go beyond the surface of AI and delve into the complexities of its integration into the counseling and mental health therapy field. Tune in to gain valuable insights and perspectives on navigating the ever-evolving relationship between humans and technology.

In this empowering episode of "Nurturing Growth," we delve into the world of clinical supervision for provisionally licensed counselors. Join your host Geries Shaheen LPC, NCC as we navigate the unique challenges faced by these budding mental health professionals. From balancing the demands of work and personal life to wrestling with the imposter syndrome, our journey unveils the top 10 struggles and offers profound insights for overcoming each hurdle. Step into the shoes of those navigating client diversity, the legal tightrope, and the dynamic world of supervision itself. This episode is a basic guide, not just for provisionally licensed counselors but for anyone passionate about fostering growth and resilience in the field of mental health. Tune in, embrace the struggles, and discover the transformative power of clinical supervision.

In this episode of "The Counseling Convos Podcast," we explore the topic of spiritual trauma and its impact on mental health. We discuss the causes of spiritual trauma, including traumatic events, a sense of betrayal or abandonment by a higher power or spiritual community, conflicts between spiritual beliefs and personal or social identities, a lack of support or understanding from spiritual communities or leaders, and spiritual abuse. We also discuss the symptoms of spiritual trauma and the importance of addressing it in therapy. We provide tips for mental health professionals on how to approach the topic of spirituality in therapy and how to support clients who may be experiencing spiritual trauma. This episode is relevant for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of spiritual trauma and its impact on mental health.

Who are we when no one is looking? How well do you know the deepest parts of your mind? How can we exist in a paradoxical world that has both beauty and pain?

 In this episode we learn about Carl Jung and his theory of personality. Archetypes, Individuation, the persona, the shadow and much more. In this episode you will hear from Casarah Peng- LCSW, and Matt Geders- Director of Training at One Shepherd Leadership Institute.

Guests: Casarah Peng- LCSW, Matt Geders- Director of Training at One Shepherd Leadership Institute 

Learn more about One Shepherd here: https://1shepherd.com/

Learn more about Casarah Peng here: https://tinyurl.com/35d5e5s3

#Counseling #MentalHealth #Psychology

Episode 6: Social Resiliency Abroad- Special Guest Julia Sampolska 

Processing a pandemic is one thing, to do it overseas in an entirely different culture and language while in high school, well, that's something entirely different. Join me on a Covid edition of The Counseling Convos Podcast as I interview Julia Sampolska, an exchange student from Poland. Julia had to cut her stay short and head back to Poland on a government-issued plane. This was recorded the night before she left. 

Julie shares about her year in review, seasons of change, covid related dynamics, and having to transition on a dime.