EP317: Psychologists for Justice in Palestine (PJP)
The Thoughtful Counselor
In this enlightening episode, host Dr. Dèsa Karye Daniel engages with Drs. Karen Suyemoto and Diane Jung Gallo from Psychologists for Justice in Palestine (PJP) to discuss the organization's mission and goals. They explore the challenges and victories of social justice action work, emphasizing the importance of their efforts in the current socio-political climate. The conversation delves into strategies for counteracting fatigue in advocacy and highlights what excites the guests about future initiatives. This episode offers valuable insights into the intersection of psychology and social...
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EP316: AI Support Between Sessions
The Thoughtful Counselor
In this episode, Dr. Margaret Lamar talks with counselor educator, researcher, and entrepreneur Dr. Carlos Castaneda about the evolving role of artificial intelligence in counseling and counselor education. They explore how AI can support clients between sessions, enhance counselor training through simulations, and reduce administrative burden while maintaining ethical, human-centered care. The conversation highlights both the opportunities and challenges of AI, emphasizing the importance of cultural responsiveness, bias mitigation, and keeping counselors firmly "in the loop." For more...
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EP315: Counseling Research and Practice with Nonreligious Clients
The Thoughtful Counselor
In this episode, The Thoughtful Counselor welcomes Dr. Dena Abbot to discuss her newest edited work: A Guide to Connection and Intimacy after Addiction and Trauma. Dena and contributing host Theo Burnes discuss the unique barriers for this frequently maligned and stigmatized demographic. Topics addressed include tips and strategies for counselors working with people about their desires and sexual pleasure. They also speak about writing and publication process for authors interested in mental health topics. For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode...
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EP314: Counselors' Roles in Integrated Behavioral Health
The Thoughtful Counselor
In this episode, we explore the growing impact of integrated behavioral healthcare and why embedding mental health counseling into primary care settings leads to better outcomes for clients, providers, and health systems. Our guest, Dr. Nic Schmoyer-Edmiston discusses how integrated models improve access, reduce waitlists, support health equity, and ease provider burnout, while normalizing mental health as a core part of overall wellness. For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode visit The Thoughtful Counselor is created in partnership...
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EP313: AI Client Simulation in Counselor Education: What do we know?
The Thoughtful Counselor
Dr. Rakesh Maurya shares research based practice guidance on how counselor educators can successfully utilize AI in client simulation training for students. For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode visit The Thoughtful Counselor is created in partnership with Palo Alto University’s Division of Continuing & Professional Studies. Learn more at
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EP312: Umoja Behavioral Health from Mind to Matter
The Thoughtful Counselor
In this episode, Kenneth Winfrey meets with Desa Karye Daniel to discuss his journey with mental health and the evolution of their shared clinical practice. He discusses the foundational origins of Umjoa, how remaining authentic fueled his work, and how curiosity became a core part of building community. They end by talking about how community-centered work can create spaces where everyone feels honored and valued. For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode visit The Thoughtful Counselor is created in partnership with Palo Alto...
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EP311: Becoming the Chair: Identity, Influence, and Impact in Counselor Education
The Thoughtful Counselor
Explore what it meant for Dr. Kara Carnes-Holt to step into the role of Department Chair and her leadership journey. How does one transition from peer to leader while maintaining an identity rooted in advocacy and empathy? In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of academic leadership within counseling programs. We explore the shift from the classroom to leadership development. Join us to understand what your potential leadership path can be! For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode visit The Thoughtful Counselor is created in...
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EP310: Working with Clients who Self-Diagnose
The Thoughtful Counselor
In this episode, we discuss client self diagnosis with Dr. Taylor Falardeau. Taylor shares how and why clients might engage in this process, and what this might mean for the counseling relationship. The focus is on counselor skills, and how the client's role as expert and building a strong counseling relationship are keys to success. For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode visit The Thoughtful Counselor is created in partnership with Palo Alto University’s Division of Continuing & Professional Studies. Learn more at
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EP309: The State of Counselor Educators: What Does the Research Tell Us?
The Thoughtful Counselor
Dr. Greg Hatchett shares findings from their research on counselor educator faculty experiences. These findings include where counselor education and supervision doctoral graduates find full time faculty employment, differences in research publications, and details on the kinds of counselor education programs. Dr. Hatchett shares their thoughts on how loan cap limits may impact doctoral counselor education and supervision enrollment and offers guidance to prospective counselor education and supervision students. For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this...
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EP308: Sexuality and Intimacy After Addiction and Trauma
The Thoughtful Counselor
In this episode, The Thoughtful Counselor welcomes Dr. Vanessa Carlisle to discuss their newest co-authored work, Awaken Your Sexuality: A Guide to Connection and Intimacy after Addiction and Trauma. Vanessa and contributing host Dr. Theo Burnes discuss the unique barriers for women and nonbinary people in recovery as they examine their sexualities. Topics addressed include tips and strategies for counselors working with people in recovery about their desires and sexual pleasure. Drs. Carlisle and Burnes also speak about the writing and publication process for authors interested in mental...
info_outlineThis episode explores Dr. Stacey Litam’s newly released book Patterns that Remain: A Guide to Healing for Asian Children of Immigrants. Drs. Tapia and Litam navigate the impact of this book and the chapters that were so thoughtfully written. Join us for the laughs and tears that came from reflecting on the Patterns that Remain.
For more on our guests, links from the conversation, and APA citation for this episode visit https://concept.paloaltou.edu/resources/the-thoughtful-counselor-podcast
The Thoughtful Counselor is created in partnership with Palo Alto University’s Division of Continuing
& Professional Studies. Learn more at concept.paloaltou.edu