Shows
Here in Session with Dr. Connor McClenahanWhy You Create the Pain You're Trying to Avoid (And How to Break Free)Avoiding painful emotions from childhood—like anger, helplessness, or shame—often recreates them in our closest relationships. Through real examples and concepts like introjection and projection (drawing from experts such as Nancy McWilliams and Otto Kernberg), discover how these defense mechanisms keep toxic cycles alive and learn a hopeful path to freedom by owning and integrating those feelings. Ideal for anyone tired of repeating relational patterns and ready for deeper emotional healing.#Psychology #MentalHealth #Relationships #EmotionalHealingChapters:00:00:00 Introduction: The Cost of Avoiding Pain00:02:24 Why Avoidance Recr...
2025-07-1817 minHere in Session with Dr. Connor McClenahanWhy Asian Americans Experience Therapy Differently with Dr. Rose SoDr. Rose So explores the complexities of the Asian American experience in therapy, highlighting cultural nuances, emotional expression, and the expectations of both clients and their families. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding these cultural contexts to bridge gaps in therapy and promote mental well-being.TakeawaysAsian American clients often feel confused about how to use therapy.Cultural expectations can create challenges in the therapeutic process.Emotional expression is often discouraged in Asian cultures.Therapy requires clients to vocalize feelings, which can be difficult.Parents may expect therapists to provide direct solutions...
2025-06-1324 minHere in Session with Dr. Connor McClenahan5 Ways Trauma Rewires Your Brain... and How to Heal with McKenzie Laird, AMFTTrauma is the way our brains hold on to past negative environments. Trauma therapist McKenzie Laird dives into the brain science of trauma, revealing what it is, how it reshapes your mind, and the five key ways it alters your brain. This video also guides you through the healing process, showing why patience matters and how to spot progress along the way.McKenzie offers practical steps to start healing. Join us as we explore:What trauma really is (hint: it’s not just “big events”)How your brain adapts to survive tough timesThe five key ways trauma...
2025-05-3145 minHere in Session with Dr. Connor McClenahanNeuroplasticity and Recovery from Trauma - Dan HumphreyDan Humphrey, a board-certified neurologic physical therapist at Casa Colina, shares insights on treating stroke, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury. Explore neuroplasticity, functional neurologic disorders, and the mind-body connection in rehabilitation. Learn how personalized goals, virtual reality research, and jiu-jitsu-inspired problem-solving empower patients to regain independence.“We’re really relying on the neuroplasticity of the brain, the ability of the brain to change. And so that would involve teaching them new patterns, teaching them new strategies, and helping their brain work around whatever that injury is.” Timestamps:00:0...
2025-05-141h 17Here in Session with Dr. Connor McClenahanEMDR Questions Answered: 7 top questions people are asking about EMDR Therapy - with John Allan WhitacreWho is EMDR good for? What does an EMDR therapy session look like? Whether you're seeking relief from past trauma, curious about innovative mental health solutions, or eager to understand how this evidence-based method works, this video delivers all the answers you need. Join a trained EMDR therapist as he breaks down the essentials with expert insights, including:Who EMDR is designed for: Discover how it benefits individuals grappling with trauma, PTSD, and persistent negative beliefs like "I’m not enough," offering a lifeline to those in need of healing. How EMDR tackles PTSD: Learn ho...
2025-05-1325 minHere in Session with Dr. Connor McClenahanChronic Pain and the Power of Emotional Regulation - Lindsay MitchellDiscover how Lindsay Mitchell, founder of Vital-Side, turned her struggle with chronic Lyme disease into a powerful journey of healing by unlocking the brain’s remarkable ability to restore physical health. Frustrated by the limits of Western medicine, she reveals why emotional healing is the missing piece in chronic illness recovery. Learn how embracing personal responsibility and the mind-body connection can empower you to take charge of your wellness. This episode dives into the surprising ways stress impacts gut health and why community support is a game-changer for healing. If you’re battling chronic pain or seeking holistic health solutions, Lindsay’s in...
2025-05-0955 minHere in Session with Dr. Connor McClenahanWhy does Trauma Effect Some People and Not Others? - Dr. CONNOR MCCLENAHANTrauma can feel like a heavy shadow, but why does it linger for some and lift for others? In this episode, Dr. Connor McClenahan, a licensed clinical psychologist, explains how trauma isn’t just an event—it’s a “template” that shapes how we see the world. As he shares, “Trauma is this idea that there are scary things that happen to us, and that these scary things form a template in your mind… to try to anticipate something similar happening again.” Yet, there’s hope: “The good news is that your mind is made to heal.” This conversation offers a compassionate...
2025-05-0615 minHere in Session with Dr. Connor McClenahanHow to Heal Anger with Somatic Therapy - Arianne MacBean, LMFTSomatic therapy helps individuals face challenging emotions like anger and anxiety, and addresses common fears and misconceptions. Learn about the somatic framework for observing and moving through emotions, trusting the body’s wisdom, and building emotional resilience. Perfect for anyone curious about how somatic therapy can transform their relationship with their emotions.0:00 Introduction to Somatic Therapy0:23 The Dance of Emotions1:26 Arianne’s Journey from Dance to Therapy2:42 Evolution of Somatic Understanding3:56 Addressing Client Fears4:51 The Urge to Control Emotions5:51 Neutral Observation of Feelings6:54 The Fantasy of Control7:48 Accepting and Moving Through Emotions9:13 Signals from the Body10:06 Resourcing the Body’s Resi...
2025-05-0350 minHere in Session with Dr. Connor McClenahanAI TherapyBot as Effective as Therapist? The Future of Mental Health Care with Uriah GuilfordIn this conversation, Uriah Guilford discusses his journey as a therapist and group practice owner, emphasizing the importance of delegation and automation in therapy practices. The discussion shifts to the role of AI in therapy, exploring its potential benefits and challenges. Uriah shares insights from a recent study on AI chatbots in therapy, highlighting their efficacy in symptom reduction. The conversation delves into the balance between AI and human therapists, the accessibility of mental health care through technology, and the implications of AI on human experience and relationships. Ultimately, the dialogue emphasizes the need for human connection in therapy...
2025-04-2453 minHere in Session with Dr. Connor McClenahanThe Truth about EMDR with Dana Carretta-SteinSummaryThis conversation explores EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, its origins, and its effectiveness in treating trauma and other mental health issues. Dana Carretta-Stein explains the process of EMDR, including the importance of bilateral stimulation and the therapeutic relationship. The discussion also addresses common client experiences, resistance to therapy, and the necessity of feeling discomfort for healing. In this conversation, Dana Carretta-Stein and Connor McClenahan explore the profound impact of connection and vulnerability in healing, particularly through EMDR therapy. They discuss the rise of EMDR in popular culture, the historical context of...
2025-04-0343 minHere in Session with Dr. Connor McClenahanHealing Pelvic Floor Issues with Dr. Rachel DaofPelvic floor is an emotional topic. Dr. Rachel Daof of The Pelvic Model explores how emotional factors—such as trauma, shame, or stress—can affect pelvic health, alongside physical causes like childbirth. Dr. Daof also emphasizes a holistic approach, integrating physical therapy with nervous system healing. For example, healing isn't usually found in "strengthening" the pelvic floor muscles, as in Kegel exercises, but in elongating and relaxing the muscle. This is because our pelvic floor muscles are often too tense, making them unable to to be strong when they're needed. Finally, Dr. Daof shares exciting news about a new comm...
2025-03-2345 minHere in Session with Dr. Connor McClenahanADHD Brain Mapping with Dr. Giancarlo LicataADHD is commonly misunderstood. Learn about the cutting-edge world of brain mapping and neurofeedback with Dr. Giancarlo Licata, founder of Vital Brain Health. Forget the oversimplified ADHD label—here, we reveal how stress and experience rewire your prefrontal cortex and amygdala, driving behaviors often mistaken for attention deficits. We’ll also examine how collective trauma alters neural networks and why relationships are the unsung heroes of brain plasticity. Backed by peer-reviewed science, this conversation offers actionable reframes and strategies to optimize your brain’s potential—whether you’re a parent, a professional, or simply curious about what’s under the hood. Ex...
2025-03-201h 22Here in Session with Dr. Connor McClenahanAttachment Styles: Why your earliest relationships are still impacting your life todayIn this episode, we examine the science of attachment styles—fundamental frameworks that dictate how you form and sustain relationships across your life. Rooted in early developmental experiences, these styles (secure, avoidant, anxious, and disorganized) influence your interactions in romantic partnerships, friendships, and professional environments. We’ll unpack the evolutionary origins of attachment, driven by the prefrontal cortex’s role in fostering social bonds for survival, and delineate the four primary styles with clear, relatable examples. The discussion extends to their measurable impacts on adult behavior—how they shape conflict resolution, emotional regulation, and trust—an...
2025-03-1329 minHere in Session with Dr. Connor McClenahanChoosing a therapist makes all the difference with Dr. Connor McClenahanWhen you're looking for a therapist, you're focusing on 3 main things: availability, authenticity, and helpfulness. In this video, Dr. Connor McClenahan, director of Here Counseling, breaks down these essential qualities and explains their role in effective therapy.1. Available: The video emphasizes the importance of a therapist who responds quickly and is accessible when needed. Here Counseling addresses this by offering prompt replies and aiming to schedule appointments within a week.2. Real: A genuine, empathetic connection is highlighted as vital for building trust in therapy. Therapists at Here Counseling are trained to foster this authentic bond, strengthening the therapeutic relationship.3...
2025-03-0607 minHere in Session with Dr. Connor McClenahanTrauma in Young Adults, and How "Vibey" Therapists Aren't Helping - with Dr. Andrea BaileySome therapists leave young adults feeling stuck instead of strong. In this episode, Dr. Andrea Bailey tackles the provocative idea of the "vibey therapist"—a feel-good approach that might be doing more harm than good. We explore how this plays out for college students facing societal pressures and a digital world that demands instant results. Dr. Bailey oversees mental health support for a diverse student body of 24,000 at Pasadena Cit College, and has a unique perspective on the current mental health of young adults. Dr. Bailey shares how her team balances validation with challenge, offering a fresh take on co...
2025-03-0457 minHere in Session with Dr. Connor McClenahanHarness 3 Brain Areas to Accomplish Your Goals TodayWhy do we procrastinate? Why do we lack motivation? How can you leverage your neurology to accomplish meaningful goals? Today I examine the depressive spiral that often underlies this feeling, look at why typical strategies fall short, and explain how your brain can naturally help you stay motivated to achieve meaningful goals.Section 1: Understanding the Depressive PatternThe Depressive Spiral at WorkWhen you lack motivation, a depressive pattern often takes hold: you feel overwhelmed and sad, unable to tackle tasks, and then harsh self-criticism kicks in. This criticism doesn’t...
2025-02-2815 minHere in Session with Dr. Connor McClenahanTherapy 101: 3 Tips Most People don't consider when they start therapyNew to therapy or wondering if it’s right for you? In this episode, Dr. Connor McClenahan from Here Counseling shares the three must-know insights to kickstart your mental health journey. From why your connection with a therapist trumps their resume to the surprising costs of avoiding help, Dr. Connor blends research-backed wisdom with practical tips to guide you toward healing. Whether it’s anxiety, depression, or relationship woes, this episode will empower you to take that first step with confidence.In This Episode: [00:00] Why Trust Beats Training Every TimeDr. Connor explains why feeling safe...
2025-02-2407 minHere in Session with Dr. Connor McClenahanChange that Exhausting Couples Argument - John Allan WhitacreAre you the pursuer or withdrawer in your relationship? John Allan Whitacre explores the real reasons we blame and check out in our closest relationships. Many couples don't see or change their pattern, and live in constant tension and disconnection, harming their ability to rest, enjoy, and feel loved. John Allan gives us helpful ways to approach and communicate with our partners that steer us clear of blame and withdrawal, and toward open expression and care. If you're looking to resolve a difficult relationship pattern, this episode is for your relationship.Couples Therapy in...
2025-02-1238 minHere in Session with Dr. Connor McClenahanPsychology, Urbanism, and my perspective on this podcastPsychology hasn't always been around, but our desire for healing and growth is constantly evolving. This podcast comes from my desire to connect with other practitioners - therapists, nurses, chiropractors, healers - to learn about our common striving to heal.
I'm a licensed psychologist and director of Here Counseling, a group private practice helping people with depression, anxiety, trauma, and couples issues in the Los Angeles area.
Here Counseling
2025-02-0406 minHere in Session with Dr. Connor McClenahanHeal Depression with Awe - McKenzie LairdDepression creates a lens that diminishes our view of ourselves. Awe works by broadening and building our view, reconnecting us to the larger world and, simultaneously, our larger self. McKenzie Laird, AMFT provides therapy for depression in Pasadena.*We had technical difficulties with the video! Half way through we switch to subtitles. Thanks for your patience as we experiment.Here Counselinghttps://herecounseling.comMcKenzie Lairdhttps://herecounseling.com/mckenzie-laird
2025-02-0427 minHere in Session with Dr. Connor McClenahanWhat is somatic therapy? - Arianne MacBeanYour body is always talking. Create emotional relief by listening to your body's signals. Arianne MacBean is a somatic therapist in Pasadena who came into therapy through her rich career teaching dancing. She talks about her history of teaching dance to veterans, how trauma comes up in the body, and what she sees when clients come in with panic attacks, migraines, IBS, and other somatic complaints.
Arianne MacBean
Here Counseling
2025-01-3027 min
The Shrink Think Podcast125. Panel: On Being Men with Uriah Guilford, Ernesto Segismundo, Connor McClenahan (Part 2 of 2)We spent a weekend on a men's retreat in Las Vegas, NV at the home of Ernesto Segismundo with Uriah Guilford and Connor McClenahan-all therapists and business owners. Our goal was to connect, help each other with business ideas, and have fun! While we were there we recorded this episode around the table. We talked about how we, as men, take care of ourselves, connect with others, and be vulnerable. It was lively dialogue that we hope gives you insight and encourages you - whether you're a man or a woman, a therapist or not. This is the first of...
2023-01-1834 min
The Shrink Think Podcast124. Panel: On Being Men with Uriah Guilford, Ernesto Segismundo, Connor McClenahan (Part 1)We spent a weekend on a men's retreat in Las Vegas, NV at the home of Ernesto Segismundo with Uriah Guilford and Connor McClenahan-all therapists and business owners. Our goal was to connect, help each other with business ideas, and have fun! While we were there we recorded this episode around the table. We talked about how we, as men, take care of ourselves, connect with others, and be vulnerable. It was lively dialogue that we hope gives you insight and encourages you - whether you're a man or a woman, a therapist or not. This is the first of...
2023-01-1131 min