In this episode, Dr. Ryan DeLapp, licensed psychologist and author, discusses his work creating the Racial, Ethnic, and Cultural Healing Program (REACH) and his workbook, Empowering Yourself Against Racial and Cultural Stress.

In this episode, you will learn about:

• Cultural Stress Defined: Definition of cultural stress as the questioning of whether negative judgment, mistreatment, or denial of opportunity is connected to one's racial, ethnic, or cultural background.

• The REACH Program and Workbook: How this resource emphasizes building community, flexibility, and an iterative process for healing and coping.

• The "BEAT" Diagram: A practical, mindful check-in tool for identifying how cultural stress manifests—Body sensations, Emotions, Actions/urges, and Thoughts—to dictate specific coping needs.

• Three Impacts of Cultural Stress: An outline of the emotional, identity, and crucial agency stress—the feeling of struggling to have a sense of control or impact over the stressful experience.

• Values-Based Coping and Community: Strategies for balancing conflicting values (like justice vs. self-preservation) and the importance of intentionally building an intimate support circle.

Dr. Ryan DeLapp’s Contact:

Book link: https://www.amazon.com/Empower-Yourself-Against-Racial-Cultural/dp/1462553087

Ross Center Profile: https://www.rosscenter.com/team/ryan-delapp-phd/

REACH’s Therapeutic Services link: https://www.rosscenter.com/services/racial-ethnic-and-cultural-healing-the-reach-program/

REACH Resources for Organizations: https://www.rosscenter.com/services/racial-ethnic-and-cultural-healing-the-reach-program/reach-programs-for-schools-businesses-organizations-or-mental-health-clinicians/

Continuing Education Courses at The Multicultural Counseling Institute - https://www.tmcinstitute.org/continuing-education/recorded-webinars

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Support this Podcast:

Donate 1-time any amount - https://checkout.square.site/buy/DFUO7XYMQ27EZ6QVUL6PC6FA

Music Samples:

Intro 1 by Sergio Prosvirini - Joyful Whistle

Intro 2 by Mikhail Smusev - Heroic Quest

Outro by Alex Kizenkov - Inspirational Cinematic Adventure

Dr. Claire Martin discusses the critical role of educators and therapists in creating safe learning environments amidst socio-political uncertainty. She highlights how current policies, such as funding cuts to mental health services, directly impact both counselor trainees and their marginalized clients, leading to widespread exhaustion and uncertainty. Dr. Martin emphasizes the need for educators to be self-aware, build strong rapport with students from day one, and stay informed about community issues to facilitate authentic conversations. She also stresses the importance of cultural humility, authenticity, and transparency in the classroom. The episode concludes with a powerful reflection on Dr. Martin's personal experiences and her dedication to fostering positive change and support systems for marginalized communities and mental health professionals.

Dr. Claire Martin’s Contact:

Website - https://www.drclairemartin.com/

Psychology Today - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/dr-claire-martin-spring-to-life-counseling-llc-brentwood-mo/752081

Research - https://www.drclairemartin.com/publications

Continuing Education Courses at The Multicultural Counseling Institute - https://www.tmcinstitute.org/continuing-education/recorded-webinars

Enter “FRIENDS50” for 50% off CE courses!

Support this Podcast:

Donate 1-time any amount - https://checkout.square.site/buy/DFUO7XYMQ27EZ6QVUL6PC6FA

Music Samples:

Intro 1 by Mark Felix - Dreaming of Reggae

Intro 2 by Mikhail Smusev - Heroic Quest

Outro by Alex Kizenkov - Inspirational Cinematic Adventure

In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Jones-Damis discusses her book Racial Trauma in Black Clients: Effective Practice for Clinicians. She explores the impact of racial trauma in different clinical settings, why it matters for mental health, and how clinicians can play a vital role in healing and advocacy. Dr. J emphasizing that racial trauma is a natural reaction to unnatural societal issues, not a diagnosis. She shares compelling case examples due to systemic issues and a lack of cultural competency in the school environment. Dr. J highlights the importance of direct and validating conversations about race in therapy, urging clinicians to listen to clients' experiences rather than questioning their reality. She also discusses the concept of vicarious racial trauma and its unique symptoms, such as self-seclusion, advocating for healing over mere coping.

Dr. Jennifer Jones-Damis’ Contact:

Email - Dr.JenniferJones@yahoo.com

Resources:

Jones-Damis, J. R., Moore, K. N. (2025). Racial Trauma in Black Clients: Effective Practice for Clinicians. United States: Guilford Publications.

Addressing Race and Trauma in the Classroom - https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources/addressing_race_and_trauma_in_the_classroom_educators.pdf

Continuing Education Courses at The Multicultural Counseling Institute - https://www.tmcinstitute.org/continuing-education/recorded-webinars

Enter “FRIENDS50” for 50% off CE courses!

Support this Podcast:

Donate 1-time any amount - https://checkout.square.site/buy/DFUO7XYMQ27EZ6QVUL6PC6FA

Music Samples:

Intro 1 by Sergio Prosvirini - Joyful Whistle

Intro 2 by Mikhail Smusev - Heroic Quest

Outro by Alex Kizenkov - Inspirational Cinematic Adventure

Join us as therapist and emotional intelligence expert Deepika Kaushik discusses her unique approach to culturally attuned therapy. With over two decades of experience, Deepika specializes in helping individuals from collectivist backgrounds navigate identity, relationships, and major life transitions by fostering emotional honesty and challenging cultural expectations of perfectionism. She shares personal anecdotes, including her own immigration experience and a pivotal moment that shaped her understanding of authority figures, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and a non-judgmental stance in clinical practice. This episode explores redefining success and healthy striving, encouraging clients to embrace vulnerability and critical thinking. Tune in to learn how to cultivate authentic selves while honoring cultural heritage.

Deepika Kaushik’s Contact:

Website - deepikakaushik.com

PsychologyToday Profile - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/deepika-kaushik-austin-tx/754446

Continuing Education Courses at The Multicultural Counseling Institute - https://www.tmcinstitute.org/continuing-education/recorded-webinars

Enter “FRIENDS50” for 50% off CE courses!

Support this Podcast:

Donate 1-time any amount - https://checkout.square.site/buy/DFUO7XYMQ27EZ6QVUL6PC6FA

Music Samples:

Intro 1 by Sergio Prosvirini - Joyful Whistle

Intro 2 by Mikhail Smusev - Heroic Quest

Outro by Alex Kizenkov - Inspirational Cinematic Adventure

Join us as we speak with Chelsea Curlett, a licensed professional counselor, about her "growth orientation" approach to therapy. Discover how she helps clients actively participate in their own evolution, reflecting on past experiences and setting future goals. Chelsea also shares unique insights as a Black therapist, offering tips for clinicians on personal growth and supporting marginalized clients. Learn about her innovative use of voice notes in therapy and the importance of collaboration among therapists of color.

Chelsea Curlett’s Contact:

Website - http://frameofmindpa.com/

Email - ChelseaCthrerapy@gmail.com

Resources:

https://www.frameofmindpa.com/free-resources

Continuing Education Courses at The Multicultural Counseling Institute - https://www.tmcinstitute.org/continuing-education/recorded-webinars

Enter “FRIENDS50” for 50% off CE courses!

Support this Podcast:

Donate 1-time any amount - https://checkout.square.site/buy/DFUO7XYMQ27EZ6QVUL6PC6FA

Music Samples:

Intro 1 by Sergio Prosvirini - Joyful Whistle

Intro 2 by Mikhail Smusev - Heroic Quest

Outro by Alex Kizenkov - Inspirational Cinematic Adventure

This episode features LeNaya Smith Crawford, a licensed therapist and holistic mental health educator. LeNaya discusses integrating holistic practices like yoga, breath work, and sound healing into therapeutic work, emphasizing the importance of self-care for mental health professionals to prevent burnout. She also delves into her private practice, Kaleidoscope Therapy and Holistic Wellness, where she specializes in working with ambitious women, therapists, and healers navigating life transitions, helping them to prioritize their well-being.

LeNaya Smith Crawford’s Contact:

Website - www.lenayasmithcrawford.com

Resources:

• Holistic Therapist Conference 2025A one-of-a-kind gathering specifically for holistic, integrative, and unconventional therapists who are passionate about embodied healing and ethical integration. This in-person experience will be held in Atlanta from October 24–26, 2025, and is designed to support meaningful connection, continuing education, and personal restoration.Learn more and register here.

• Holistic Therapist AcademyA learning space for therapists and wellness professionals ready to ethically and confidently integrate trauma-informed yoga, breathwork, and sound into their clinical or wellness practice—while also prioritizing their own healing.Join the waitlist here.

Continuing Education Courses at The Multicultural Counseling Institute - https://www.tmcinstitute.org/continuing-education/recorded-webinars

Enter “FRIENDS50” for 50% off CE courses!

Support this Podcast:

Donate 1-time any amount - https://checkout.square.site/buy/DFUO7XYMQ27EZ6QVUL6PC6FA

Music Samples:

Intro 1 by Sergio Prosvirini - Joyful Whistle

Intro 2 by Mikhail Smusev - Heroic Quest

Outro by Alex Kizenkov - Inspirational Cinematic Adventure

In this episode we feature Dr. Connesia Handford, a psychologist building a consulting practice to contribute her racial trauma expertise to systems invested in turning anti-racist intention into culturally responsive action. Dr. Handford explores the impact of racial trauma, discusses the inspiration behind her book Racial Trauma in the School System: Naming the Pain, and provides tips and strategies to help systems think critically about how they are perpetuating or alleviating racial trauma through their policies, procedures, and practices.Dr. Handford’s contact:

Website: https://drhandfordpsyd.kit.com/consultant

Book: https://drhandfordpsyd.kit.com/racialtraumabook

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connesia-handford-psyd-7b271224/

Continuing Education Courses at The Multicultural Counseling Institute - https://www.tmcinstitute.org/continuing-education/recorded-webinars

Enter “FRIENDS50” for 50% off CE courses!

Support this Podcast:

Donate 1-time any amount - https://checkout.square.site/buy/DFUO7XYMQ27EZ6QVUL6PC6FA

Music Samples:

Intro 1 by Jeannette Poulson - I’ll be there for you

Intro 2 by Mikhail Smusev - Heroic Quest

Outro by Alex Kizenkov - Inspirational Cinematic Adventure

In this episode, Dr. Nicole McKelvey, a licensed pediatric psychologist, shares her expertise on providing culturally responsive care, particularly for Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) communities. Dr. McKelvey specializes in working with children facing chronic medical issues, trauma, and neurodevelopmental concerns, and highlights the importance of a holistic approach that considers the broader context of a child's life, including socioeconomic factors.

Key points include:

• Addressing Health Disparities

• Challenging Biases in Healthcare

• Collectivistic vs. Individualistic Approach

• Trauma-Informed Care

• Avoiding Assumptions

• Advocacy and Support

Dr. Nicole McKelvey’s Contact:

Email - nicoleflpsyd@gmail.com

Resources:

PCRF: https://www.pcrf.net

Heal Palestine: https://www.healpalestine.org

Bloom Charity: https://bloomcharity.org

Dignity for Palestinians: https://dignity4palestine.org

Continuing Education Courses at The Multicultural Counseling Institute - https://www.tmcinstitute.org/continuing-education/recorded-webinars

Enter “FRIENDS50” for 50% off CE courses!

Support this Podcast:

Donate 1-time any amount - https://checkout.square.site/buy/DFUO7XYMQ27EZ6QVUL6PC6FA

Music Samples:

Intro 1 by Arabic Music

Intro 2 by Mikhail Smusev - Heroic Quest

Outro by Alex Kizenkov - Inspirational Cinematic Adventure