Shows
Connection Therapy78. Resistance to Change Can Instead Be Overwhelming Fear: Strategies to Determine the DifferenceTypical mental health interventions to support someone who is understood as “resistant” to making necessary changes include attempts to encourage and motivate the needed behavior modifications. However, for someone who is overwhelmed with fear, these interventions may further inhibit action.This episode considers the nonverbal communication signals that can assist mental health therapists in determining when other interventions would be more successful, enabling the best outcomes for the client.We Want to Hear Your Feedback! Please Contribute to the Conversation: Share your thoughts on the podcast and how these concepts work in your practice, or ask...
2026-01-2824 minConnection Therapy77. What a Regulated Nervous System State Looks and Sounds Like in a Therapy SessionAt this time of the year, it is common for patients to be interested in New Year’s Resolutions or other goals and aspirations. Mental health therapists are typically skilled in interventions to support crises and problems, but what about when things are calm for the moment and the main need is to observe and endorse a good outcome?This episode highlights non-verbal communication that signals a regulated nervous system state, in order to support the treating clinician in determining when their patients are experiencing these and makes suggestions for how to respond.We Want to...
2026-01-2118 minConnection Therapy76. Observing Non-Verbal Signals to Understand How to Reduce Anxious Responses During Times of ChangeIt is so natural to want changes at this time of the year, and as mental health therapists we are very likely going to support someone with a significant change that makes them anxious. Knowing how to support their exploration of possibilities while intervening non-verbally can help keep the momentum going in a way that simultaneously encourages a more regulated response that sustains the change process. Listen now for some potential ways to work in this way!
2026-01-1426 minConnection Therapy75. How to View Non-Verbal Signals to Determine Readiness for ChangeAs mental health therapists, it is common to hear someone speak of New Year’s Resolutions or other big changes they hope to see in the New Year. The challenge is sometimes people are not fully bought into the anticipated changes, despite their discussions of wanting them to happen. Learning to view nonverbal signals, such as eye-contact, can support the mental health therapist in best supporting their patient. That is, if there is consistency across the stated intentions in verbal and nonverbal communication, then typical mental health interventions usually work. However, when there is inconsistency, the mental he...
2026-01-0732 minConnection Therapy74. Highlights from the YearBrenda reflects on the highlights from the year on the podcast, including guest interviews and her own explorations. This year, episodes integrated the works of scholars including Stephen Porges, PhD and Jaak Panksepp, PhD, as well as reviewed many clinical research articles in the pursuit of improving the practice of mental health. As she reviews in the highlights, the podcast strives to find a balance between the art and science of practice, that is integrating theory and research while always recognizing and honoring what happens during the session as profoundly insightful.Highlights are from these episodes:
2025-12-3037 minConnection Therapy73. Reflections with Kinsey Rone, LCPC: What Works & What’s in the WorksKinsey Rone returns to the podcast for some reflections on the year. She and Brenda consider what interventions worked in their own practices. Brenda also shares feedback she has heard, particularly in the discussions across disciplines with the practice of equine-assisted services. And, the invitation is enthusiastically extended for listeners to share their feedback and questions, which will be shared and answered in future episodes. See below for ways to send in yours!We Want to Hear Your Feedback! Please Contribute to the Conversation: Share your thoughts on the podcast and how these concepts work...
2025-12-2343 minConnection Therapy72. Not Always Jolly: Nature’s Lessons for the HolidaysThis episode begins by normalizing difficulties over the holidays by sharing national statistics that demonstrate the commonness of this experience. Supporting patients with concerns over the holidays can be a challenge, in part because of the difficulties themselves and also because of the strong tendency to isolate these concerns at this time. Brenda then considers how nature operates during this time of winter as a helpful example for supporting these experiences.Enjoying the podcast?There are now playlists for you to navigate to your favorite topics: https://connection-therapy.com/playlistContribute to...
2025-12-1718 minConnection Therapy71. Expecting Great Outcomes - A Look at the Pygmalion (Rosenthal) EffectIn this episode, Dr. Brenda Murrow goes back to one of the foundational studies in psychology that still has resonance today. The Pygmalion or Rosenthal effect is from research that explored how when teachers viewed their students as having high-potential, the students did better. It speaks to the uncanny experience that when we expect greatness from others, especially young children in grade school as this study originally investigated, it sometimes becomes reality.Brenda combines the concepts from this foundational study with the idea of Winnicott’s potential space and incorporates recent real-life and timely examples from guests on t...
2025-12-1008 minConnection Therapy70. Supporting Veterans? Learn about the Research History that Drives Current TreatmentsBrenda continues the discussion about the research on mental health treatment with veterans, as referenced in earlier podcasts in order to assist practitioners in understanding the implications for practice. She provides historical context to some of the current treatments for PTSD and invites consideration for future possibilities.Enjoying the podcast?There are now playlists for you to navigate to your favorite topics: https://connection-therapy.com/playlistContribute to the Conversation! Share your thoughts on the podcast and how these concepts work in your practice, or ask a question and I’ll answer it in a...
2025-12-0313 minConnection Therapy69. The Research on Supporting VeteransDr. Brenda Murrow reflects on recent experiences of spending time with specialized professionals including interviewing Adam Magers, MA, LPC and presenting at the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH), International conference.In this episode, she shares an understanding about how to tie clinical practice to the existing research in support of veterans. This is done to support current practitioners who support veterans, whether in in-office settings or equine-assisted services. She also explains the importance of the guiding theories that drive the ways these can be connected.Contribute to the Conversation! Share your thoughts on the pod...
2025-11-2624 minConnection Therapy68. How to Provide Better Mental Health Treatment for Veterans with Adam Magers, MA, LPCIn this final segment of the conversation with Adam Magers, MA, LPC, he shares his views on how to improve mental health treatment for veterans. He provides specific steps that practicing clinicians can take immediately to see benefits.He draws from both perspectives, as a clinician and as a veteran receiving support, in his own work with veterans, first responders, and frontline medical professionals. In this episode, he shares freely how he works and what any therapist can do to improve their skills in treating veterans.Connect with our Guest:Adam Magers, MA, LP...
2025-11-1914 minConnection Therapy67. A Veteran’s Journey with Adam Magers, MA, LPCThe conversation continues with Adam Magers, MA, LPC who joined the podcast to discuss his work with veterans, first responders, and frontline medical professionals. He has experience both as a clinician and as a veteran receiving support, and he draws from both perspectives to share his expertise. This unique and candid discussion offers many engaging insights, and is likely to widen your perspective on the treatment of veterans.In this part of the interview, Adam shares his personal journey and offers listeners a view into what the return home is really like, and the many ways in wh...
2025-11-1222 minConnection Therapy66. Supporting Veterans Effectively with Adam Magers, MA, LPCAdam Magers, MA, LPC joins the podcast to discuss his work with veterans, first responders, and frontline medical professionals. He has experience both as a clinician and as a veteran receiving support, and he draws from both perspectives to share his expertise. This unique and candid discussion offers many engaging insights, and is likely to widen your perspective on the treatment of veterans.Adam wrote the book, Odysseus & the Oar: Healing After War and Military Service (2024) which serves as a guide for veterans, their loved ones, and those who counsel them. In his book, Adam applies the myt...
2025-11-0522 minConnection Therapy65. What if Someone Does Not Want to Look at Themselves?In this episode, Brenda reviews the links researchers found between self-disgust and avoiding self-gazing, in studies with both veterans and older adults. While the research is nascent in the ability to make significant conclusions, it does seem to have implications for clinical practice, especially in light of all the other factors associated with gaze and eye-contact. Brenda explores the potential considerations for therapy sessions in this novel perspective on the ways body behaviors can be linked to internal experiences.Contribute to the Conversation! Share your thoughts on the podcast and how these conc...
2025-10-2914 minConnection Therapy64. We Knew It! There are Connections Between BrainsAs a mental health therapist, you probably have had the intuition that there is some type of shared experience between brains, in the therapy session, in a community setting, perhaps in the world.Today’s research review confirms this notion and even opens up more possibilities in that it appears the shared connections are enhanced by cooperation and amplified with eye contact. Listen to consider the implications for mental health therapy, and your practice specifically. There is even an opportunity to contribute to the conversation if you would like to do so.Contribute to the Conv...
2025-10-2218 minConnection Therapy63. Gazes between Species and the Application to Mental Health PracticeHow does gaze following and responses to vocalizations from cats and dogs apply to the practice of psychology? This article was published by the American Psychological Association in the Journal of Comparative Psychology in order that mental health therapists would consider that exact question and we explore together in this episode how that might apply to your practice.Enjoying the podcast?There are now playlists for you to navigate to your favorite topics: https://connection-therapy.com/playlistReference:Bogese, M. J., Johnston, A. M., & Byosiere, S.-E. (2024). Gaze in cats (Felis c...
2025-10-1518 minConnection Therapy62. Honoring Dr. Jane Goodall and the Lessons She Leaves BehindDr. Brenda Murrow reflects on the life and legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall, who recently passed away, leaving behind a world forever changed by her compassion, curiosity, and scientific brilliance. In this episode, Dr. Murrow shares how Dr. Goodall’s discovery that chimpanzees use tools reshaped our understanding of what it means to be human and how her presence, kindness, and unwavering curiosity became a model for how to move through the world.Her passing also coincides with World Animal Day, now celebrating its 100th anniversary. Dr. Murrow shares how this global event connects with the...
2025-10-0813 minConnection Therapy61. Understanding Emotion in TherapyIn this episode, Dr. Brenda Murrow reflects on her journey as a clinician and how her early training shaped her approach to emotion-focused therapy (EFT), developed by Drs. Greenberg and Johnson. She explores the idea that all therapy, no matter the approach, involves emotions—because clients most often seek help in response to emotional challenges.Dr. Murrow discusses research by Steffen & Anderson (2025) highlighting affect as the “primary appraisal” in decision-making, connecting these findings to her own clinical observations. She reflects on how emotions guide clients’ responses, shape therapeutic interventions, and influence the choices therapists make in session.Dra...
2025-10-0124 minConnection Therapy60. Slowing Down and Listening for Emotional Cues in TherapyWelcome back to the Connection Therapy Podcast. In this episode, Brenda shares her reflections on Emotion Focused Therapy and the powerful contributions of Dr. Leslie Greenberg, a tremendous mentor in the field.Brenda walks through what makes this approach stand out from more traditional models. Rather than moving too quickly into problem-solving, EFT asks therapists to slow down and notice what’s happening in the moment. She highlights some of the subtle signs Greenberg points to—like when a client circles around a story, repeats something they’ve said many times before, or suddenly touches on some...
2025-09-2419 minConnection Therapy59. From Cognition to Emotion: A Shift in Mental Health PracticeMost interventions in our field are taught as cognitive-based. But in practice, what actually works often comes down to emotions, nonverbal cues, and affect. That gap between graduate training and what really helps clients is something every clinician has to navigate.In this episode, Brenda takes a closer look at why emotions sit at the center of lasting change. She reviews the landmark article The Rise of Affectivism in Nature Human Behaviour and explores how this new paradigm builds on behaviorism and cognitivism while placing emotions, motivations, and moods at the core of human experience. D...
2025-09-1717 minConnection Therapy58. Do Feelings Drive Us More Than Thoughts? Affective Science in the Therapy RoomFor decades, the cognitive model has shaped therapy with the idea that our thoughts determine how we feel and behave. But new research suggests the opposite may be true—that emotions might actually be in the driver’s seat.In this episode, Dr. Brenda Murrow takes a closer look at a newly published article, “Primary Appraisal Is Affective Not Cognitive: Exploring a Revised Transactional Model of Stress and Coping,” and unpacks how it challenges long-held assumptions in mental health. Drawing from neuroscience and the work of philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, Kant, and Heidegger, she shares how the article...
2025-09-1020 minConnection Therapy57. How Goats Help Us Rethink Emotion in the Therapy RoomIn this episode of the Connection Therapy Podcast, host Dr. Brenda Murrow explores what surprising new research on goats can teach us about human connection and therapy. Two recent studies shed light on how these social animals respond to emotional cues, offering valuable lessons for anyone working in a helping profession.The first study, published in Frontiers in Zoology in 2019, found that goats could tell the difference between positive and negative calls from other goats. Not only did their behavior change, but researchers also noted shifts in heart rate variability, suggesting that positive vocalizations were related to...
2025-09-0316 minConnection Therapy56. Researching the Connection Between External Behavior and Inner StatesWhat we show on the outside doesn’t always reflect what’s happening on the inside—but sometimes the signals are there if we know how to read them. In this episode, Dr. Brenda explores her curiosity about the connection between behaviors, especially in children, and what’s happening internally for survivors of trauma.She draws from polyvagal theory and highlights research like the study by Park et al. (2011), which examined the relationship between autonomic function, voice, and mood states. Their findings show how closely our internal physiology—like pulse rate variability—lines up with the signals we send thro...
2025-08-2717 minConnection Therapy55. Supporting Children’s Emotional Growth Through Play TherapyWorking with children can be challenging, especially when they are experiencing emotional struggles. In this episode, Dr. Brenda Murrow examines how children decode emotions in voices and what this means for supporting their social and emotional development through therapy.Drawing on a 2023 study published in Cerebral Cortex, Dr. Murrow highlights how a child’s ability to recognize emotional tone—particularly sadness—is closely linked to their social communication skills. Rather than avoiding or downplaying negative emotions, tuning in to these cues can actually strengthen a child’s capacity for empathy and social responsiveness over time.Dr. Murr...
2025-08-2018 minConnection Therapy54. How Voice Reveals Emotion Beyond Words in TherapyIn this episode of the Connection Therapy Podcast, Dr. Brenda Murrow explores the concept of voice prosody — the way something is said beyond the words themselves. Prosody includes the tone, pitch, rhythm, and other vocal qualities that carry emotional meaning and influence how language is experienced, which has implications for therapy.Dr. Murrow draws from her personal experience with voice differences and discusses recent research, including a 2025 study showing that emotions such as sadness, anger, and joy can be effectively conveyed and recognized through a single spoken word. The episode covers the clinical importance of lis...
2025-08-1318 minConnection Therapy53. Inside the Emotional Systems That Shape UsIn this episode of the Connection Therapy Podcast, Dr. Brenda Murrow explores how our most basic emotional systems—shared with other mammals—shape both our behavior and overall well-being. Drawing from the work of Jaak Panksepp, Mark Solms, and Temple Grandin, she breaks down how concepts like allostasis, heart rate variability, and emotional flexibility connect to mental health and personality.You’ll hear how Panksepp’s seven emotional systems can be translated into meaningful clinical work, how Mark Solms defines consciousness through the lens of biology, and why it matters that living beings must stay within specific physiolo...
2025-08-0619 minConnection Therapy52. When Cognition and Behavior Don’t Match: Unconscious Motivation and the Emotional Systems Driving UsIn this episode, Brenda explores the often-overlooked mismatch between what clients say and what they do. It’s a common experience in therapy: insight is there, but behavior doesn’t shift. This conversation dives into why that happens—and how unconscious motivation plays a powerful role in human behavior.Grounding the conversation with contributions from the work of Fonagy, Freud, Schore, Panksepp, McWilliams, and more she explains how behavior is often driven by internal states we don’t even realize are there. It's not just about what we think—it’s about how we feel, and more importantly...
2025-07-3021 minConnection Therapy51. Integrating Nonverbal Communication into Clinical PracticeIn this episode, Dr. Brenda Murrow shares how learning from Dr. Rachaël Draaisma, an expert in horse behavior, has changed the way she shows up in the therapy room. What started as curiosity turned into a deeper appreciation for the power of observation, body awareness, and learning from unexpected places.Brenda talks about what it means to really pay attention—to notice what’s not being said, and how our bodies communicate even when our words don’t. She shares how working with horses challenged her to move beyond just reading and thinking, and instead practice noticin...
2025-07-2319 minConnection Therapy50. Why Body Language Matters with Dr. Rachaël DraaismaIn part three of her conversation with Dr. Rachaël Draaisma, Brenda dives straight into one of the most persistent myths in the horse world: that chewing always means a horse is thinking—or being submissive. Turns out, it’s not that simple.Dr. Draaisma helps us unpack what chewing actually communicates and why assuming a single meaning can cause us to miss what’s really going on. It’s not just about thoughtfulness or calm. Sometimes, it’s a signal of inner tension, an effort to self-regulate, or something entirely different. The context—and the rest of the body l...
2025-07-1623 minConnection Therapy49. From Fear to Curiosity: Exploring the Seeking System with Dr. Rachaël DraaismaIn today’s episode Brenda continues her conversation with Dr. Rachaël Draaisma. In part two of this discussion, they move deeper into what it means to support emotional health in animals—not just by shaping their behavior, but by helping them feel safe, curious, and motivated from within.Dr. Draaisma shares how she builds training sessions that work with the animal’s emotional state instead of against it. Drawing from the neuroscience of Jaak Panksepp and Lucy Biven, we focus on one powerful emotional system: the seeking system. In both animals and humans, it’s connected to feelin...
2025-07-0929 minConnection Therapy48. Understanding Calming Signals and Scentwork with Dr. Rachaël DraaismaIn this episode, Dr. Brenda Murrow welcomes Dr. Rachaël Draaisma for a truly fascinating conversation about the subtle, yet powerful, language of calming signals—what many in the clinical and animal behavior world might also recognize as appeasement behaviors.Rachaël shares how her work with horses opened a path to understanding the nervous system in a whole new way. What began as an interest in horse behavior quickly evolved into a deep study of nonverbal communication, and even scent tracking, which she has found enhances the mental stimulation of horses.Part 1 of their conv...
2025-07-0220 minConnection Therapy47. From Horsework to Human Work: Reading the Signals We MissIn this episode, Dr. Brenda Murrow explores the powerful role of calming signals—those subtle, nonverbal cues used to manage social dynamics, reduce conflict, and build connection. Building on past episodes on appeasement behaviors in dogs and humans, this conversation turns to horses—drawing on the work of two influential authors: Turid Rugaas (dogs) and her mentee, Rachaël Draaisma (horses) who have both published books on calming signals, also known as appeasement behaviors.Brenda shares takeaways from a hands-on class with Dr. Draaisma, where she learned that horses use a wide range of calming signals—like looking...
2025-06-2522 minConnection Therapy46. How Trauma Shapes Behavior: A Look at Appeasement in ChildrenIn today’s episode, Dr. Brenda Murrow takes a look into behaviors we sometimes see in children that can feel confusing or hard to understand—like why a child might stay very close to a caregiver who’s actually causing them harm or distress. To start, she shares an example of how horses react unpredictably to things in their environments which helps us begin to see how behaviors in animals—and humans—can be shaped by their environment and survival needs.Dr. Brenda Murrow then builds on the article we unpacked in episode 45, Entrapped Mother Entrapped Child: Agonic Mod...
2025-06-1826 minConnection Therapy45. How Trauma Shapes Children’s Behavior and Their Need to Stay ConnectedDr. Brenda Murrow began her career working with children and quickly realized that young kids don’t always use the language adults expect to describe their experiences. Each child has their own unique way of expressing what they feel and see, which makes understanding them a careful process. This is especially true when working with children who have experienced trauma or difficult home environments.Recently, Dr. Brenda Murrow has been exploring research on appeasement signals—nonverbal behaviors that both humans and animals use to show peaceful intentions and avoid conflict. She found a study titled Entra...
2025-06-1129 minConnection Therapy44. How Embarrassment Builds Trust in RelationshipsWe often think we need to show up perfectly, but the truth is—our imperfections are doing more work than we realize. In this episode, Dr. Brenda Murrow talks about how information moves between beings, especially through non-verbal signals, and how something as simple as embarrassment can actually build trust.Humans, like many species, show appeasement signals—subtle ways of communicating their peaceable intent. When we are embarrassed, we often show these signals along with care, concern, or social awareness - all without saying a word. It’s a non-verbal way of showing we care what others think, t...
2025-06-0423 minConnection Therapy43. The Psychology of Appeasement: What Dogs Teach Us About ConnectionIn this episode of the Connection Therapy Podcast, Dr. Brenda Murrow explores how understanding animal behavior—especially in dogs—can deepen our insight into human communication and relationships. Dr. Murrow reflects on her own experience learning French and how it made her more aware of cultural nuances in language—particularly terms of endearment. Something as simple as the word “sweetheart,” which might feel universal, actually varies widely depending on context and culture. This realization led her to consider how observing other species could offer a fresh perspective on human psychology. The episode centers on appeasement signals—su...
2025-05-2821 minConnection Therapy42. Observing Eye Contact in Dogs for Better ConnectionMay is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to reflect on what helps us feel seen, safe, and connected. And sometimes, the most powerful connection doesn’t need words at all. It begins with eye contact. In this episode, Brenda reflects on the power of eye contact and what it tells us about connection, safety, and trust—both in our relationships with people and with animals. We often think of eye contact as a simple social skill, but it’s so much more than that. It plays a key role in human development, emotional regulation, and comm...
2025-05-2114 minConnection Therapy41. Art and Science Combined for Better Mental Health PracticeAccording to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 U.S. adults and 1 in 6 children experience mental health challenges each year. And, 122 million people live in areas with a shortage of mental health professionals, highlighting a critical gap in care. This is why Brenda is passionate about podcasting on mental health—both to raise awareness and provide resources for practitioners in the field, creating a community of professionals committed to this important work. While Brenda often discusses science-based interventions, she’s also drawn to the "art" of psychology—the more intuitive, experiential ways of understanding. Art evokes...
2025-05-1417 minConnection Therapy40. Insights from Research That Transform Therapy PracticeIn this episode, Brenda takes a step back to reflect on several of her recent research-based episodes—and how what she’s learned is continuing to shape the way she practices. Revisiting past studies has helped her see just how much of what we do in the therapy room is grounded in awareness, relationship, and presence. Across these episodes, one theme kept surfacing: we’re always in communication, even when nothing is being said. Posture, silence, pacing, eye contact—these all play a role in how connection is built. Reflecting on that has reminded Brenda to slow down and...
2025-05-0730 minConnection Therapy39. The Research on Mimicking and ConnectionThere are so many things that influence a therapy session—and not all of them are spoken. In this episode, Brenda is continuing the exploration into the less obvious dynamics that shape the therapeutic relationship. Encouragement, presence, attunement—they’re all part of the work. But there are also layers we don’t always consciously notice. One of those layers is mimicking. Brenda walks us through the research that supports this—multiple studies showing that when someone is subtly mimicked through facial expressions, posture, or gestures, they often report that the interaction felt smoother. They tend to fe...
2025-04-3015 minConnection Therapy38. Increasing Alignment in the Therapy Room: Ways to Make Sense of Differences Between Statements and Nonverbal SignalsIn therapy, we often listen closely to what’s being said—but what’s not being said can sometimes offer even more insight. A client may describe their week as “fine” or say they’re “managing,” but their body is heavy, their eyes are downcast, and their facial expressions suggest something else entirely. This kind of misalignment—between verbal language and nonverbal signals—isn’t uncommon. In today’s episode, Brenda explores what’s happening when someone’s internal emotional state doesn’t match how they present on the outside. Brenda brings in the foundational work of Jaak Panksepp and team...
2025-04-2315 minConnection Therapy37. Strengthening Relationship Patterns Through Disruption and RepairIn today’s episode, Brenda explores how relationships—whether with clients in our professional lives or in our personal lives—are strengthened not by perfection, but by disruption and repair. Drawing from Beebe and Lachmann’s 1994 paper, she explains how the concept of a "good enough therapist" and the ability to repair mistakes is essential in building trust and deepening connections. Beebe and Lachmann’s paper identifies three core principles that enhance relationships: ongoing regulations, disruption and repair, and heightened affective moments. Their work shows that there’s no such thing as a perfect bond. What leads to success i...
2025-04-1624 minConnection Therapy36. How Animals Detect Human Nervous System States Through ScentBrenda has often shrugged off the question, “Can horses really smell fear?” But in this episode, she takes a closer look—and the research is fascinating. When someone walks into their first equine session feeling nervous, it’s not just body language the horse is picking up on. There’s now scientific evidence that animals, including horses, can detect chemosignals—part of the odors released through human sweat that reflect emotional states like fear or calm. One study Brenda shares involves a group of 40 retrievers exposed to human body odor samples. The dogs responded differently based on the...
2025-04-0917 minConnection Therapy35. Exploring Physiological Synchrony in Therapy SettingsBy exploring the latest research on how our nervous systems interact—whether between humans or across species—Brenda aims to provide therapists with the knowledge to deepen their connections with clients and improve therapeutic outcomes. In recent podcast episodes, Brenda has explored how physiological interactions, both between humans and animals, can impact therapeutic outcomes. Through research on heart rate variability (HRV) and the autonomic nervous system, she reveals new ways therapists can enhance client connections and regulation during therapy. Earlier episodes laid the groundwork for understanding HRV and its importance to mental and physical health. These...
2025-04-0224 minConnection Therapy34. Observing Physical Reactions to Strengthen InterventionsMental and physical health don’t operate in isolation; they influence each other in profound ways. Stress, anxiety, and emotional distress often manifest physically, whether through muscle tension, changes in posture, or even pupil dilation. But what do we do with this information as therapists? Understanding these real-time physical responses can provide deeper insight into a client’s emotional state and the effectiveness of our interventions. Eye movements, pupil dilation, and facial expressions offer powerful clues about what’s happening internally. Research from nonverbal communication experts like Judy Burgoon and team, and Paul Ekman has demonstrated how eye be...
2025-03-2614 minConnection Therapy33. How Your Natural Skills as a Therapist Help Improve HRV and How to Strengthen The ImpactHeart rate variability (HRV) plays a crucial role in emotional regulation and mental health. Research shows that higher HRV is linked to improved well-being, making it an important consideration for therapists. In this episode, Brenda continues the discussion on HRV, exploring how it connects to psychotherapy and how clinicians can integrate it into their practice. In this episode, Brenda reviewed an article written by Dr. Donald Moss who highlights how the vagus nerve acts as a “two-way highway” between the brain, heart, and gut, directly influencing stress regulation, emotional flexibility, and social engagement. Brenda reviews his insights and...
2025-03-1917 minConnection Therapy32. The Connection Between Horse and Human HRV—Why It’s ImportantIn this episode, Brenda dives into two studies about heart rate variability (HRV) in horses and humans, and how they can inform therapy practices. These studies reveal some surprising similarities between our nervous systems and those of horses, giving us new ways to think about improving therapeutic approaches. The first study, published in 2011 by Drs. Gerke, Baldwin, and Schiltz, measured HRV in horses during equine-assisted therapy. The findings showed that HRV in horses follows the same patterns as in humans, confirming that both species share similar nervous system responses. This discovery opened avenues for understanding how measuring...
2025-03-1211 minConnection Therapy31. Understanding Heart Rate Variability to Improve Therapy OutcomesHeart rate variability (HRV) is one of the most powerful yet often overlooked indicators of both mental and physical health. It’s closely linked to anxiety, depression, trauma, heart disease, and more. But for therapists, HRV offers even greater value—it provides insight into whether a patient is in shutdown, stuck in fight-or-flight mode, or able to engage and process emotions. While traditional therapy often focuses on thoughts and behaviors, the nervous system plays a critical role in whether interventions actually succeed. A patient stuck in survival mode cannot engage in deep reflection or emotional processing, no matt...
2025-03-0520 minConnection Therapy30. How Do We Know When Mental Health Needs Support?Mental health is deeply personal and shaped by emotional well-being, behavioral adjustment, and the ability to handle daily life. Emotions like anxiety and depression are normal responses to challenges, but when they interfere with functioning, they may require support. The key question is: When does a normal emotional experience become a mental health condition? Brenda explains that two central questions help guide this understanding: How do we define mental health, and how do we recognize when it’s interfering with life? Everyone experiences emotions like sadness and anxiety. These conditions only become problematic when they are too se...
2025-02-2615 minConnection Therapy29. Understanding Mental Health and How Healing BeginsMental health is a complex and essential part of our lives, but many people overlook how many ways we can improve it. Therapy is often the go-to solution, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. So, what does mental health really mean, and how can we know when we’ve made progress? This week, Brenda has been reflecting on these big questions and exploring what mental health and healing truly look like. As she dug deeper into this, she wanted to go back to the basics and examine the core ideas behind mental health itself.
2025-02-1919 minConnection Therapy28. Brenda and Kinsey Rone on the Power of Therapist ConnectionBrenda and Kinsey bring their series to a close with one final episode—but this time, the tables turn. Instead of Kinsey leading the conversation, Brenda takes the opportunity to ask Kinsey a few questions about what led her to pursue psychology, her motivations, and the licensing that shaped her career. Kinsey shares how her path in mental health counseling has been heavily focused on clinical skills, holding an LCPC, and her dedication to always learning more. This conversation is a beautiful reflection of what this podcast has become—a space for like-minded professionals to learn...
2025-02-1220 minConnection Therapy27. More Than a Profession: Brenda’s Love for PsychologyBrenda and her colleague and friend, Kinsey Rone, LCPC, continue their conversation from last week, digging deeper into what drives Brenda’s work and the heart behind it. This isn’t just about therapy—it’s about the love for psychology that inspired the podcast and the curiosity that keeps her learning. So much of this work is about staying open. Open to learning. Open to new perspectives. Open to the reality that no one gets it right all the time. That same openness is what fuels Brenda’s curiosity about human behavior and makes her so dedicated...
2025-02-0518 minConnection Therapy26. A Conversation with Brenda: Exploring Passion and Purpose in TherapyToday’s episode is a special one. We’re switching things up as Brenda takes a seat on the other side of the conversation. Joining her is longtime friend and colleague, Kinsey Rone, a fellow mental health therapist who knows Brenda’s journey in the field firsthand. But today, Kinsey isn’t just here as a friend—she’s here to interview Brenda, giving listeners an opportunity to hear her story, her passion, and the deeper motivations behind her work. Many listeners know Brenda as a dedicated mental health therapist, but her work goes beyond sitting with...
2025-01-2927 minConnection Therapy25. Aligning Intentions and Actions: Lessons from Dance TherapyNon-verbal communication holds incredible power in therapy. In today’s episode Brenda highlights the intersection of Dance Movement Therapy and Video microanalysis, inspired by research from Rebecca Houghton and Dr. Beatrice Beebe. Together, these approaches offer new insights into movement and communication in therapeutic settings. Brenda reflects on how actions and movements often reveal more about interactions than words. Drawing from her favorite research articles, she explains how Dance Movement Therapy and video microanalysis influence her own practices, including work with young children and animals. Brenda emphasizes that movement is a significant part of how we...
2025-01-2231 minConnection Therapy24. Exploring the Research Behind Awe Walks and Their Emotional ImpactIn today’s episode, Brenda unpacks a research study that explores the profound impact of something as simple as a walk. The study focused on older adults and how engaging with awe during a walk could change their emotional and mental well-being. Participants were asked to take weekly walks and snap photos along the way—pictures of themselves and anything that caught their attention. They were encouraged to seek out things that sparked wonder, whether it was the beauty of a natural setting or something unexpected. What the study revealed was fascinating. The participants who sough...
2025-01-1523 minConnection Therapy23. How Erikson’s Stage 5 Guides Therapy for AdolescentsToday, Brenda wraps up her series on Erik Erikson’s 8-stage model by focusing on Stage 5: Identity vs. Role Confusion, a pivotal phase for adolescents aged 12-18. This stage, that Brenda often calls the "trying on coats" phase, is all about self-discovery and the search for identity. Why is this important? As Brenda explains, understanding Erikson’s stages gives therapists a framework to contextualize what they hear in sessions. Adolescents are impressionable, and their brains are still developing rapidly, processing new information and experiences at an incredible pace. This constant evolution makes them emotionally and cognitively unique.
2025-01-0818 minConnection Therapy22. Understanding and Supporting the Industry vs. Inferiority Stage in TherapyIn today’s episode, Brenda takes listeners into the 4th stage of Erikson’s model—Industry vs. Inferiority. This stage, typically between the ages of 6 and 11, is all about children figuring out their abilities and learning to feel competent. Brenda highlights how, during this stage, kids start putting in a lot of effort, but they’re also grappling with the reality that they can’t always be the best, even when they've tried their hardest. As mental health therapists, it’s essential to understand the internal conflict that children in this stage often face. They’re trying to balance the...
2024-12-1819 minConnection Therapy21. A Closer Look at Erikson’s Stage 3: Navigating Initiative vs. Guilt in Early ChildhoodIn this week’s episode, Brenda brings listeners into one of her favorite stages in Erikson’s eight-stage model: Stage 3, which focuses on children aged 3 to 5. This is the stage of initiative versus guilt, a time when little ones are beginning to assert their independence and explore the world in new and exciting ways. Brenda reframes the concept of “initiative” into something easier to grasp. It’s that spark of independence we see when children try new things and take their first steps toward confidence. This stage is all about testing boundaries and discovering what they’re capable of d...
2024-12-0420 minConnection Therapy20. Understanding Autonomy vs. Shame: A Closer Look at Erikson’s Second Stage of DevelopmentBrenda introduces Erikson’s second stage of development, Autonomy vs. Shame, and highlights the importance of supporting a child’s growing sense of independence. Occurring between the ages of 18 months and 3 years, this stage is a pivotal time when toddlers begin to explore their abilities and assert their own choices. At this stage, children are just beginning to understand that they are separate from the people around them. This newfound awareness can lead to a desire for autonomy, but it can also bring feelings of shame and doubt when they face challenges or are met with d...
2024-11-2017 minConnection Therapy19. Understanding Children Through Erikson’s First Stage of DevelopmentIn today’s episode, Brenda introduces Erikson’s first stage of development, Trust vs. Mistrust, and explores how to understand a child’s world beyond direct questions. This foundational stage, typically ranging from 0-18 months old, lays the groundwork for their entire emotional and cognitive development, making it essential to tune into behaviors and subtle cues rather than relying on verbal answers alone. In Erikson’s model, the first stage of development — Trust vs. Mistrust — is all about creating a safe and dependable environment for a child. When children sense that their caregivers and surroundings are trustwort...
2024-11-0616 minConnection Therapy18. The Role of Developmental Stages in Child TherapyIn today's episode, Brenda shares her experience working with children in therapy and how understanding child development can make therapy more effective. Measuring progress with kids can be tricky, as they often can’t express how they feel or recognize changes. What may look like simple play can actually be therapeutic when approached with the right understanding of where the child is developmentally. Brenda takes a developmental approach, emphasizing that emotional and psychological growth in children isn’t as easily defined as physical growth. Trauma can disrupt development, so it’s crucial to observe behaviors within the contex...
2024-10-2325 minConnection Therapy17. Social Learning and Emotional Bonds: What We Can Learn from Humans and AnimalsThis week, Brenda brings listeners into a research-based episode to explore the fascinating concept of social learning and emotional transference, touching on the profound ways these ideas shape our understanding of human and animal behavior. Social learning—learning through observation—goes beyond simple imitation. It's about how we absorb emotions, behaviors, and intentions from those around us. Through Brenda’s discussion, she takes a closer look at how infants can even recognize the reliability of adults, how emotions are transferred among animals and humans, and how these insights open up new questions about emotional bonds and relationships. ...
2024-10-1215 minConnection Therapy16. Transference in Therapy: How Animals Help Us Understand Non-Verbal CuesAnimals have a unique ability to signal non-verbally, reflecting our internal emotional states. By learning to interpret these signals, therapists can enhance their effectiveness and deepen their understanding of clients. In today’s episode Brenda highlights transference—the phenomenon where feelings about one person are unconsciously redirected to another. This is especially relevant in therapy settings, where non-verbal cues can reveal much about a client's emotional landscape. Understanding transference is crucial for therapists. For instance, when a child enters a therapy session, their emotional state can be influenced by their surroundings. If the waitin...
2024-09-2518 minConnection Therapy15. Using Non-Verbal Communication and Animal-Assisted Therapy to Enhance Patient CareIn today’s episode, Brenda dives into two compelling areas of therapy: the role of projections and non-verbal communication, and the evolving field of animal-assisted therapy. This dual focus provides valuable insights into how therapists can better understand and diagnose their patients. Brenda starts by exploring projections—those non-verbal behaviors that reveal underlying thoughts, feelings, and experiences. In therapy, understanding these projections is crucial. They often manifest as subtle cues, like body language or facial expressions, that can provide a window into a patient’s emotional state. Brenda reminds listeners of the importance of deciphering non-ve...
2024-09-1126 minConnection Therapy14. Understanding and Managing Negative Projections in Child TherapyProjections are a powerful dynamic in therapy, revealing the hidden emotions and thoughts that children might not even be aware they're expressing. While much attention is given to positive projections, today, Brenda is shifting the focus to the negative ones. Negative projections are spontaneous and often unconscious, making them challenging to recognize and address. They can show up as statements or behaviors that feel like a blow, not because they are intended to hurt. In therapy, negative projections might emerge when a child expresses something that feels critical or hurtful. For example, a child might s...
2024-08-2824 minConnection Therapy13. Spotting and Responding to Positive Projections in Child TherapyBrenda has introduced us to the concept of projections, both positive and negative, and how they appear in our interactions with clients. These projections, especially the positive ones, can be subtle and challenging to identify, yet they play a crucial role in the therapeutic process. Today, Brenda is focusing on positive projections and how they might show up when working with child clients. These projections are often disguised as compliments or statements that might seem insignificant at first glance but carry deeper meaning. They can be hard to spot because they blend in with everyday c...
2024-08-1418 minConnection Therapy12. Understanding and Reflecting on Projections in Therapy with ChildrenChildren often project their feelings, both positive and negative, onto others as a way to express emotions they cannot fully articulate. These projections are a normal part of development and can provide valuable insights into a child's inner world. In today’s exploration episode, Brenda shares her findings from her research project on how the children in her study made both positive and negative projections. Understanding these projections can greatly enhance therapeutic practices. Through her study, Brenda has learned to use projections reflectively, which has significantly informed how she now practices therapy. Brenda shares concrete ex...
2024-07-2426 minConnection Therapy11. Recognizing Eye Movement Patterns to Improve Treatment Effectiveness in Equine Assisted Services: Understanding the Initial EncounterThe first interaction with a horse can be a profound and eye-opening experience. In today’s episode Brenda brings listeners into an exploration of observing the eye contact of the participant during Equine-Assisted Services. These interactions with horses are known for their therapeutic benefits. Brenda provides listeners with strategies to enhance the treatment’s effectiveness by analyzing the participant’s behaviors during the interaction when meeting the horse. She explains how these behaviors can inform the treatment plan and offer insight into how therapists can can observe and interpret the participant’s eye movements during interactio...
2024-07-1027 minConnection Therapy10. Assessing Eye Contact Cues to Increase Effectiveness of InterventionsEffective communication is at the heart of successful interactions, whether you are a therapist, teacher, or anyone aiming to improve their relational skills. One often overlooked yet vital aspect of communication is eye contact. Understanding and recognizing eye contact patterns can significantly enhance your ability to connect with others, particularly in a therapeutic setting. For mental health providers, observing eye contact is not just about noticing where someone is looking, it's about understanding what their gaze patterns reveal about their need for support and connection. In today’s episode Brenda helps listeners in rec...
2024-06-2622 minConnection Therapy9. Understanding Blink Rates: What Horses Teach Us About Stress and TherapyEye contact is a fundamental aspect of human interaction, conveying emotions, intentions, and levels of engagement. Various studies have explored its significance, revealing how direct gazes can establish trust, convey confidence, and facilitate deeper connections. In today’s episode Brenda continues her discussion on eye contact and how it appears in research, especially in relation to horses. Understanding eye contact and gazing, not just in humans but in animals like horses, offers a fascinating perspective on emotional communication and stress responses. One specific area of interest is the blink rate in domestic horses. Stu...
2024-06-1219 minConnection Therapy8. Connecting Through Eye Contact: Play Therapy Interventions for Better Eye ContactEye contact plays a crucial role in communication and mental health. It can build connections, enhance understanding, and foster trust. However, making eye contact can be challenging for some individuals. In today’s episode, Brenda explores the importance of eye contact in therapy and shares practical interventions to help increase eye contact, drawing inspiration from the natural world and play therapy techniques. Brenda's journey into understanding the significance of eye contact began with observing animals. She noted how dogs and wolves use play bows as signals to initiate play, highlighting the importance of non-verbal communication in...
2024-05-2226 minConnection Therapy7. Unlocking the Importance of Eye Contact in Mental HealthMost of us would agree that eye contact is important. It's a fundamental aspect of communication, a silent language that conveys understanding, empathy, and connection. But how often do we truly think about its significance beyond the surface level? In today’s episode Brenda shines a spotlight on the often underestimated yet crucial element of human interaction: eye contact. In therapy, the ability to make eye contact is often assessed at the initial session, yet it may not be revisited in subsequent sessions. However, eye contact remains a crucial element in building and maintaining therapeutic relationships. It's a n...
2024-05-0825 minConnection Therapy6. Navigating Life's Stages: Intervening with Projections Through Erikson's Developmental ModelIn life we often find ourselves facing projections—visions of our future selves, our desires, fears, and aspirations. These projections can guide our actions and decisions, but they can also hinder our growth if left unexamined. Understanding and intervening with these projections is key to navigating the complexities of life's various stages. In today’s episode, Brenda unpacks Erikson’s developmental model to decode projections and pave the path for intervention. Brenda's approach is grounded in Erik Erikson's seminal work on psychosocial development, which delineates eight stages spanning from infancy to late adulthood. Today, ou...
2024-04-2446 minConnection Therapy5. Understanding Positive Projections: A Guide to Identifying and Addressing Them in Therapy for AdultsIn today's episode, Brenda delves into the concept of projections. Projections, both positive and negative, play a significant role in our interactions, shaping our perceptions and relationships. Brenda guides listeners through the process of identifying positive projections, offering concrete examples and practical insights to integrate into your therapy practices. Drawing from her own experiences, Brenda offers concrete examples and practical techniques to aid therapists in recognizing and addressing these projections effectively. Brenda educates listeners through an imaginary conversation, demonstrating how to assess statements for signs of positive projection. She underscores the importance of r...
2024-04-1036 minConnection Therapy4. Insights from Research: Exploring Human-Animal BehaviorIn today’s episode, Brenda offers listeners a deeper insight into her research study, focusing on the behaviors she observed and scored, as well as the hypotheses she formulated and their unexpected outcomes. Listen in as she guides listeners through an overview of the behaviors and how she specifically chose them to be represented in her study. Her study, inspired by the principles of the Strange Situation assessment, involved observing and scoring participants' behaviors across 15 different criteria during interactions with the therapy dog. During the study, she meticulously noted the behaviors exhi...
2024-03-2738 minConnection Therapy3. Exploring Attachment Theory: Understanding the Influence of Assessments and Human-Animal ConnectionsIn today’s episode Brenda delves deeper into the setup of her study, shedding light on the profound influence of attachment theory and how it shaped her research. Join her as she uncovers the intricacies of two influential assessments in the field of attachment theory and explores their impact on her research study. Brenda begins by discussing the renowned work of Mary Ainsworth, a pioneer in attachment theory. She highlights the relevance of such assessments in today's world, where children are often exposed to new environments and unfamiliar faces. Drawing inspiration from attachment theo...
2024-03-1331 minConnection Therapy2. Animal Assisted Therapy: Overview of a Research Study and Its FundamentalsIn today’s episode Brenda provides listeners with an insightful overview of her research project. She introduces the comprehensive journey through her own research beginning with the foundational aspects and progressing through the details of attachment theory, animal-assisted therapy, and the biological framework of empathy. Brenda provides listeners with the foundational aspects of her study, focusing on children aged 4-12 who had experienced domestic violence and abuse, honed in on participant behaviors. Through the lens of attachment, Brenda aimed to uncover the connection between humans and animals and its profound effects on emotional expression and emp...
2024-02-2825 minConnection Therapy1. Introduction to ProjectionsThis is part of a series of episodes about the psychological phenomena of projection. The series features multiple episodes on projections, including an episode that introduces the topic of projections, a research episode that explores what has been found with regard to projections, and what we still need to learn, and then there are episodes with the goal of assisting therapists who may want to help their clients work with projections in therapy to encourage development, and those are further categorized depending on if you are supporting adults or children. This episode is focused on supporting adult clients who ar...
2023-09-0224 min