Best Bridge Academy of Innovative Mental Health Podcasts (2025)

1
Who’s Behind Therapy First? The Leaders Dismantling Gender-Affirming Care (part 2) 1:15:12

3M ago1:15:12

1:15:12

Send us a text Who’s really behind Therapy First and Gender Exploratory Therapy? In this episode, licensed clinicians Juniper & Laurel discuss the key figures leading the charge against gender-affirming care, diving deep into their backgrounds, affiliations, and influence on trans healthcare policy. From Stella O’Malley to Sasha Ayad, Lisa Marciano…

1
The Truth About Gender Exploratory Therapy: Exposing the Anti-Trans Web (part 2 deep dive) 1:07:46

3M ago1:07:46

1:07:46

Send us a text In the second installment of our deep dive into Therapy First and Gender Exploratory Therapy, hosts Juniper and Laurel, both licensed clinicians, expose the growing network of anti-trans organizations operating under the guise of “evidence-based” care. We break down the interconnected web of groups like GenSpec, the Society for Evide…

1
After Billable Hours: 2025 Mental Health Trends: Ins, Outs, and Everything in Between 58:36

4M ago58:36

58:36

Send us a text Join hosts Laurel and Juniper as they share candid and semi-unhinged predictions about the mental health landscape (and beyond) in 2025. From rejecting toxic wellness and healing narratives to embracing intersectional feminist rage, dIY Zine culture and public grieving, we share our what we say goodbye to our outs and welcome our ins…

1
Updates on Unpacking Gender Exploratory Therapy series, and CMH is going on Winter Break! ❄️ 2:40

5M ago2:40

2:40

Send us a text Send us a text Hey friends! In this quick update episode, Laurel drops in to share where she and Juniper are in the process of producing the gender exploratory therapy series (spoiler alert…it’s a lot more of an in-depth and lengthy process than we anticipated!), and lets everyone know about CMH’s winter break. Don’t forget that our …

1
Unmasking Therapy First: The Myths and Realities of Gender Exploratory Therapy (PART 1) 1:07:29

6M ago1:07:29

1:07:29

Send us a text ‼️Content warning for sensitive discussions regarding the LGBTQ community. ⚠️ What is Gender Exploratory Therapy, and why is it raising concern amongst therapists and LGBTQ+ advocates? In part 1 of our series, Juniper and Laurel, delve into Therapy First, the organization behind this controversial model. We examine its claims about "…

1
After Billable Hours - Gratitude Fatigue: Why You Don’t Have to Be Thankful All the Time 39:40

6M ago39:40

39:40

Send us a text Gratitude is great—until it isn’t. 🦃 In this episode, we explore our complicated relationship with gratitude. From the pressure to “stay positive” during the holidays to the rise of forced gratitude culture, we unpack why it’s okay to feel everything all at once. Random topics explored: Blamesgiving National Day of Mourning Critique …

1
Dopamine & Serotonin Meme Myth Busting; Why Quick Fixes Fail 40:18

6M ago40:18

40:18

Send us a text From ‘dopamine fasting’ to ‘serotonin diets,’ the internet is full of neurotransmitter misinformation. Is the gut really your "second brain"? Can getting 5 minutes of sunlight "boost" your mood? Biohacking promises a shortcut to wellness, but what’s the real deal? We bust common myths about neurotransmitters and brain health, sheddin…

1
Psychology Family Dinner: Freud, Attachment Theory & Butter Boards 44:50

6M ago44:50

44:50

Send us a text Hey everyone! It’s Juniper and Laurel bringing you another episode of After Billable Hours. In this episode, we dive into our memes of the week, share stories from our high school extracurriculars, and play a super fun (and delightfully nerdy) game of assigning famous psychology legends their perfect dishes for the ultimate ‘psycholo…

1
Therapy Terms Explained: What Your Therapist’s Bio Really Means 30:04

7M ago30:04

30:04

Send us a text Ever read a therapist’s bio and thought, “What does ‘psychodynamic’ even mean?” Welcome to our first CMH Short, where we (allegedly) try to keep things brief. Juniper and Laurel, your friendly mental health educators, are here to give you the lowdown on therapy lingo. We tackle everything from ‘CBT’ to ‘parts work,’ and even the myst…

1
Afer Billable Hours: Monsters, Metaphors, and Mental Health (How Horror Movies Help Us Face Our Fears) 53:08

7M ago53:08

53:08

Send us a text What do horror films and mental health have in common? In this Halloween episode of After Billable Hours, Juniper and Laurel dive into how the spooky tropes we love (or hate) actually mirror the mental health struggles we face in real life. From intense grief (The Babadook) to that creeping sense of burnout (Scream), they talk about …

1
BONUS EPISODE: Therapy Is Not Neutral 36:05

7M ago36:05

36:05

By Bridge Academy of Innovative Mental Health

1
Outrage Fatigue is Real: Coping With the Stressors of Politics 1:00:16

7M ago1:00:16

1:00:16

Send us a text Let’s be real. Politics and elections are exhausting, and the stats back it up: In the US, 65% of people feel drained, and 55% are downright angry. In this episode, we discuss why everyone feels so burned out and what you can do about it. We’re talking about everything from social media outrage to election day stress and offering rea…

1
After Billable Hours: The Art of Being Disagreeable, Limerence, and Celeb Culture 50:44

7M ago50:44

50:44

Send us a text In this week’s After Billable Hours, Juniper and Laurel share their memes of the week, highlighting the art of being disagreeable. Then, they tackle the recent Chappell Roan controversy, including the weight of parasocial relationships and the mental health effects of this ongoing social media experiment we’re all living in. This epi…

1
After Billable Hours: Spirals, Dopamine Menus & Persistent Drive for Autonomy 56:40

8M ago56:40

56:40

Send us a text In this “After Billable Hours” episode, Juniper and Laurel banter about anxiety, guilt, and productivity, exploring how societal expectations (a.k.a. the Protestant work ethic and more) can turn even the smallest bit of relaxation or pleasure into a source of stress. Juniper shares a story about their most recent spirals, while Laure…

1
Therapy vs Coaching: Riffs, Red Flags & Rabbit Holes 1:37:58

8M ago1:37:58

1:37:58

Send us a text CW: a few f-bombs, discussion of trauma, mentions of SA and other abusive tactics What happens when two neurodivergent therapists get deep into a conversation about therapy vs coaching? It all started with a tweet, and suddenly, Laurel and Juniper found themselves down a rabbit hole, asking: Is there really a rift between therapists …

1
After Billable Hours - ADHD, memes and weekly surivial tips 48:20

8M ago48:20

48:20

Send us a text In this very first episode of After Billable Hours, Juniper and Laurel dive into a whole new format (because we like to keep things fresh, right?). Brace yourself for some laughs, cringey childhood memories, and more ADHD talk than you can spin a fidget at. “Quote-unquote” alert: Juniper says it… a lot. Like, more than 5 times (they …

1
Non-Violent Communication with Cory Lockhart 1:15:29

8M ago1:15:29

1:15:29

Send us a text In this episode, Laurel sits down with Cory Lockhart, a teacher, artist, writer, public speaker, and Nonviolent Communication facilitator. Cory shares about her experiences learning and living out the principles of Nonviolent Communication, the ways in which her intuitive, heart-led practices have shaped her own work and life, and th…

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CMH Is On Summer Break! ☀️ 4:02

12M ago4:02

4:02

Send us a text Laurel drops in to give an update on CMH’s summer break, and all of the awesome Academy of Integrative Mental Health resources you can check out until we’re back in the fall with Season 3! Make sure to give us a like, subscribe, and review while you’re here, so we can keep bringing you awesome, topical, and compassionate resources al…

1
All About Ambivalence: Common Client Conundrums 1:01:36

1y ago1:01:36

1:01:36

Send us a text In this episode of the Common Client Conundrum series on The Conscious Mental Health Podcast, host Juniper, the director of the Academy of Integrative Mental Health, delves into the complex world of ambivalence. Key topics include: Neurobiology of Mixed Emotions: Understanding what happens in the brain and body when experiencing fluc…

1
A Better Understanding of ADHD with Gabriel Villarreal, LPC 1:00:25

1y ago1:00:25

1:00:25

Send us a text In this episode, Laurel chats with Gabriel Villarreal, a licensed professional counselor, the owner of LostBoys Strength and Conditioning and ADHD Counseling, and one of our Academy collective members! This is a part 1 of a two-episode series with Gabriel, and in this first part they tackling the topic of ADHD - what’s helpful, what’…

1
Therapy, Advocacy, & the Art of Hope with Molly Fitzgerald King, LPCC-S, LPAT 1:09:17

1y ago1:09:17

1:09:17

Send us a text In this episode, Laurel talks with Molly Fitzgerald King, a licensed art therapist and licensed professional counselor. They talk not only about Molly’s clinical work, but about the advocacy work she is doing on many different levels, about our understanding of advocacy as professionals, and even our understanding of the narratives t…

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Common Client Conundrums: Shame & Guilt part 2 (all about shame) 35:45

1y ago35:45

35:45

Send us a text Welcome to "Common Client Conundrums," a segment where we delve into the everyday issues that are discussed in therapy and share insights and evidence-based interventions. In this episode, host Juniper Owens, LCSW and Director of the Academy of Integrative Mental Health explores the intricate dynamics of shame in part two of our guil…

1
NSSI and the Art of Therapy with Big Emotions w/ Laura Hensley, LPCC-S 1:11:40

1y ago1:11:40

1:11:40

Send us a text In this episode, Laurel Sims-Stewart, Lead Content Developer at The Academy of Integrative Mental Health, speaks with Laura Hensley, a licensed professional clinical counselor and expert in treating non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). She and Laurel discuss 🎙️ 🗣️ The importance of understanding the nuances in treating NSSI and addressin…

1
Latest in Mental Health: Elmo's viral tweet, trauma dumping and loneliness (plus bonus trivia game) 34:07

1+ y ago34:07

34:07

Send us a text Join Juniper Owens, LCSW, director of the Academy of Integrative Mental Health, as they delve into the latest trends and topics in mental health on the Conscious Mental Health Podcast. From discussing the viral Elmo Tweet and the concept of trauma dumping to exploring the pervasive issue of loneliness, each episode offers insightful …

1
Working, Living, and Thriving with a Traumatic Brain Injury 1:10:58

1+ y ago1:10:58

1:10:58

Send us a text In this episode, Laurel talks with Kelly Tuttle, a neurology Nurse Practitioner and traumatic brain injury survivor. Kelly shares her story of healing after her TBI which resulted in a career shift to helping others walking similar paths. She discusses her book, “After the Crash: How to Keep Your Job, Stay in School, and Live Life Af…

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Stay Cure'ious: Law of Attraction: Helpful or Harmful? 1:25:07

1+ y ago1:25:07

1:25:07

Send us a text Welcome to Stay Cure-ious! Join Juniper Owens, licensed clinical social worker and mental health educator, as we dive deep into the world of self-help and wellness. In this episode, we're unraveling the Law of Attraction (LOA), a belief system with wide-reaching influence. 🔍 What to Expect: 1. Intro 2. What is the Secret? 3. Discover…

1
The Importance of Perinatal Mental Health Awareness with Masha Shapiro, LMHC 1:01:01

1+ y ago1:01:01

1:01:01

Send us a text In this episode, Laurel sits down with Masha Shapiro, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and perinatal mental health professional, to talk about anti- and postpartum mental health care, including how to best support perinatal clients in all stages - before, during, and after pregnancy. Masha graduated from Fordham University with a d…

1
Common Client Conundrums: Guilt and Shame part 1 36:05

1+ y ago36:05

36:05

Send us a text In this episode of Common Client Connudrums, join your host, Juniper Owens, director of the Academy of Integrative Mental Health, in a lively two-part discussion about guilt and shame. In Part One, the focus is on understanding shame. The episode delves into the definitions and distinctions between shame and guilt, highlighting their…

1
Bonus Episode! Money Psychology: Taking Charge of Your Financial Wellness with Karen Helfrich, LCSW-C 1:22:25

1+ y ago1:22:25

1:22:25

Send us a text In this episode, Laurel speaks with Karen Helfrich, LCSW-C about healing our relationships with money! Karen walks Laurel through the process of understanding financial wellness through narrative, trauma-informed, and systemic lenses - and addresses how we get to the roots of growing our financial health in sustainable ways, especial…

1
What the Heck is Algospeak? What Mental Health Professionals need to know. 22:41

1+ y ago22:41

22:41

Send us a text CW:://Mentioning words like suicide, sexual abuse, etc. Welcome to a Shallow End episode, where we cover various mental health topics in short form, bite-sized format, all while retaining professional and educational rigor. Have you heard of algospeak? Well, we hadn't either. Once we started looking into this, we ended up in a vortex…

1
Mental Heath News - Holiday Edition 35:01

1+ y ago35:01

35:01

Send us a text In today’s holiday mental health news special: The holiday blues and tips for navigating the season Psychology of gift-giving Paradox mindset and winter solstice Supportive resource for yourself and others this holiday season Podcast listeners will receive 15% off our upcoming live training, Liberating Joy From Loss Through Prescript…

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The Grieving Therapist: Caring for Yourself and Your Clients When It Feels Like the End of the World with Larisa Garski, LMFT and Justine Mastin, LMFT, LADC 1:39:58

1+ y ago1:39:58

1:39:58

Send us a text In this episode, Laurel chats with Larisa Garski, LMFT and Justine Mastin, LMFT, LADC about their newest book “The Grieving Therapist: Caring for Your Clients and Yourself When It Feels Like the End of the World.” Larisa and Justine take Laurel on a journey through the Realms of Grief as a therapist, walking through their writing pro…

1
Stay Cure-ious: Amen Clinics - Legit or Scam? 1:08:34

1+ y ago1:08:34

1:08:34

Send us a text Welcome to the 'Stay Cure-ious' series, where we embark on an investigative journey through the complex modern mental health landscape. Join us as we delve deep into individuals, products, companies, and theories within the mental health arena, all of which boldly proclaim to be the ultimate "cure-all" or a one-size-fits-all interven…

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Bonus Episode! Common Client Conundrums: Holiday Prep Edition with Vanessa Blades, LPCC, IMHP 1:03:47

1+ y ago1:03:47

1:03:47

Send us a text In this special bonus episode, Laurel and Vanessa Blades, therapist and integrative mental health professional, chat all things holiday-prep and focus on Common Client Conundrums that arise during the holiday season! Setting your pace and intentions Whose needs are you prioritizing? Yellow Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree - how to s…

1
Living Mindfully Using the GREAT Model with Dr. Angel Jackson 1:07:34

1+ y ago1:07:34

1:07:34

Send us a text In this episode, Laurel sits down with Dr. Angel Jackson to discuss her books The Power of Change and The Gratitude Awakening Practice. Dr. Jackson is an entrepreneur, author, podcaster, consultant, licensed and ordained minister who provides opportunities for others to look inward to discover their greatness through her transformati…

1
Mental Health News Update: September/October 22:36

1+ y ago22:36

22:36

Send us a text ****Content warning - mentions of suicide, weight loss, and violence*** In this episode of Mental Health News Updates: In the Headlines - Examining the Link Between Ozempic and Mental Health: What Healthcare Professionals Need to Know Research Review - Understanding Incels' Dating App Experiences: A Journey into Mental Health and Rel…

1
The Power of Co-Regulation with Masha Shapiro, LMHC 1:02:17

1+ y ago1:02:17

1:02:17

Send us a text In this episode, Laurel sits down with Masha Shapiro, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and trauma professional, to talk about the use of co-regulation in trauma work, her research on the prodromal phase in the development of PTSD, and more! Masha graduated from Fordham University with a degree in Mental Health Counseling in 2013, a…

1
Sleep & Dreams: The Science & The Spiritual with Dr. Rubin Naiman 1:37:21

1+ y ago1:37:21

1:37:21

Send us a text In this episode, Juniper chats with Dr. Rubin Naiman, psychologist and clinical assistant professor of medicine at the University of Arizona Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine. Dr. Naiman, a sleep and dreams specialist, shares wisdom about the importance of sleep and dreaming, how to shift our perspective on sleep and dreams…

1
Welcome to the New Season of CMH! 7:08

1+ y ago7:08

7:08

Send us a text Laurel drops in to welcome everyone back for the new fall season of CMH, and updates on new training offerings from the Academy! If you’re interested in being a guest on a future episode of the CMH Podcast, or you have an idea for a topic or guest you’d love to hear about from us, you can reach out to us at www.academyimh.com/cmh-pod…

1
CMH Podcast on Summer Break 3:14

2y ago3:14

3:14

Send us a text Laurel drops in to give an update about the CMH Podcast being on bereavement leave for the summer. We’ll be back to our regular release schedule in the fall! If you’re interested in being a guest on a future episode of the CMH Podcast, or you have an idea for a topic or guest you’d love to hear about from us, you can reach out to us …

1
Topic of the Month - Grieving as a Therapist with Robin Monson-Dupuis 44:12

2y ago44:12

44:12

Send us a text CW::// Substance Related Death For this month's episode: the topic of the month, I spoke with Robin Monson-Dupuis about grieving as a mental health professional. We discussed the unique experience of grief as a therapist, returning to work after loss, tending to our grief, considering what and how to discuss our grief with clients, a…

1
Mental Health News Updates - Feb/March 34:36

2y ago34:36

34:36

Send us a text CW:// Suicide and Climate Related Disasters In this mental health news update, we cover the 21 states with proposed or passed laws restricting gender-affirming care, public art engagement, and its mental health benefits, research reviews on the impacts of natural disasters and disaster fatigue, and we close with a very interesting di…

1
Interpersonal Neurobiology and Relational Neuroscience with Robyn Gobble 1:08:57

2y ago1:08:57

1:08:57

Send us a text Learn about interpersonal neurobiology and relational neuroscience with Robyn Gobbel, who hosts the Parenting After Trauma Podcast, Creator of Being With, an Immersion course for parenting professionals, and The Club, a virtual community for parents of kids with big baffling behaviors. Robyn is also the author of Raising Kids with Bi…

1
Topic of the Month: Abortion Care in 2023 - How to Support Clients 42:24

2+ y ago42:24

42:24

Send us a text We spoke with Meg Sasse Stern (she/her), the Outreach and Operations Coordinator at Just The Pill, a non-profit telehealth abortion provider offering virtual and mobile clinic visits in Colorado, Minnesota, Montana, and Wyoming. Just The Pill sees patients from over 30 states, and last year their mobile clinics provided no-cost abort…

1
Invitation to Change and CRAFT with Heather Ross 1:09:16

2+ y ago1:09:16

1:09:16

Send us a text This podcast episode is a conversation with Heather Ross, host of the popular Living With Your Child's Addiction podcast, trained in CRAFT, and certified ITC parent coach. We discuss how CRAFT (community reinforcement and family training) and Invitation to Change models support your loved one (and yourself) struggling with substance …

1
Duty to Warn and Protect Law and Ethics Refresher 25:14

2+ y ago25:14

25:14

Send us a text CW// suicide and homicide In this episode we discuss the cases that provide legal precedents for the laws and standards we practice under today and then discuss how to balance liability, safety and practicing therapy in the way you were trained and makes sense to you. Reminder, please review and stay up-to-date on your state's laws, …

1
Mental Health News Updates Dec/Jan 2023 30:23

2+ y ago30:23

30:23

Send us a text In this mental health news update, our research review breaks down a study that looked at the distorted time perception and memory lapses after the covid 19 pandemic. In the headlines, we discussed the life and death of Stephen Twitch Boss in the public eye. Our advocacy alert shares updated information and resource about abortion ac…

1
Dreamscaping with Nancy Gershman, LMSW 1:00:32

2+ y ago1:00:32

1:00:32

Send us a text In this episode, Juniper talks with Nancy Gershman, a psychotherapist, memory artist, and creator of Dreamscaping, to discuss the development and many uses of this innovative modality. Their conversation covers: Nancy’s professional journey and how she came to the creation and use of Dreamscaping as a therapeutic tool. Discussion abo…

1
A Quick Holiday Public Service Announcement 7:02

2+ y ago7:02

7:02

Send us a text Juniper here, director of the Academy of Integrative Mental Health. In this short episode, I wanted to share my experience of how the holiday season is showing up for me and possible ways you can make space for others who are having a tough time. Words are powerful, and language matters. Please share your voice with us! We would love…

1
Mental Health News Updates - Nov 2022 29:00

2+ y ago29:00

29:00

Send us a text Research Review A new study reports that major political events affect the public's collective wellbeing, sleep and mood. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352721822001498?via=ihub Advocacy Alert Content warning//This story discusses suicide. Healthcare workers deserve stigma-free, accessible mental health services.…

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