CLOSE THE CHAPTER
Podcast
Close the Chapter Podcast
May 17, 2023 // Healing from Trauma and School Shootings with Dr. Nicole Brathwaite, MD.
In this episode, Kristen talks with Dr. Nicole Brathwaite, a board-certified psychiatrist with expertise in trauma-informed care and mental health about trauma focusing on school shootings, the importance of acknowledging the abnormality and devastation of school shootings, and how to support the mental and emotional well-being of children, teachers, and parents impacted by violence.
May 10, 2023 // The Gift of Unlearning with Dina Scippa
In this episode, Kristen talks with Dina Scippa, Founder and CEO of Enough Labs about the power of unlearning. They delve into Dina’s personal journey with shame and the inner critic, and how unlearning can be a painful but necessary process for personal growth and moving forward.
May 3, 2023 // Born Into Crisis with Kenneth Nixon, Jr.
In this episode, Kristen talks with Kenneth Nixon, Jr., an African American Baptist Minister and author about his traumatic birth story and how being born into crisis has impacted his life.
April 26, 2023 // How to Work Through Shame and Guilt
In this episode, Kristen talks about the difference between shame and guilt, how shame can be passed down through generations and some healthy ways to work through it.
April 19, 2023 // Encore Edition- 10 Relationship Myths
In this encore episode, Kristen debunks the 10 relationship myths and provides practical advice on how to communicate better and have deeper intimacy in your relationship.
April 12, 2023 // How to Heal Your Body Image with Victoria Albina, NP, MPH
In this episode, Kristen talks with returning guest, Victoria Albina, a holistic nurse practitioner, master-certified life coach, and breathwork facilitator, about some of the factors influencing body image, how trauma affects body image and some helpful tips if you're struggling with body image issues.
April 5, 2023 // Understanding Parent-Child Dynamics in Romantic Relationships
In this episode, Kristen talks about what a parent-child dynamic looks like, how it plays out in romantic relationships and how to work through it.
March 29, 2023 // Mental Health and Sports
In this episode, Kristen talks with Mayor Chris Jensen and Elizabeth White, CEO of The Well Counseling and Consulting Group, about mental health among athletes, challenges in sports and how to work through them.
March 22, 2023 // Men's Work with Connor Beaton
In this episode, Kristen talks with Connor Beaton, the founder of ManTalks and author of Men's Work, about the impact of early exposure to pornography, how pornography is tied into shadow sides, and how shadow work helps you become more true to yourself and live an authentic life.
March 15, 2023 // Important Lessons Learned Being A Step And Foster Parent with Debbie Ausburn
In this episode, Kristen talks with Debbie Ausburn, the author of Raising Other People's Children, about Debbie's experience being a foster parent and a stepmom, parenting challenges and how she overcame them.
March 8, 2023 // Substance Use with Teens & How to Handle it with Richard Capriola
In this episode, Kristen talks with Richard Capriola, a mental health and substance abuse counselor and author of The Addicted Child, about addiction and substance abuse among teens pre-and-post-COVID-19 and some useful tips and recommendations on parenting teens struggling with addictions.
March 1, 2023 // The Impact of Family Imprints & How to Set Boundaries with Johanna Lynn
In this episode, Kristen talks with Johanna Lynn, a highly trained systemic therapist and founder of The Family Imprint Institute, about how family imprints play out in your life and how to set healthy boundaries in your relationships.
February 22, 2023 // 10 Ways We Self-Sabotage & How to Break the Cycle
In this episode, Kristen talks with Johanna Lynn, a highly trained systemic therapist and founder of The Family Imprint Institute, about how family imprints play out in your life and how to set healthy boundaries in your relationships.
February 15, 2023 // Breaking Free From Burnout with Amy Mangueira
In this episode, Kristen talks with Amy Mangueira, 4x entrepreneur, burnout + self-care expert, motivational speaker and author, about burnout, how to identify the signs and symptoms, personal experience with burnout and how to work through it.
February 8, 2023 // The Power of Awe: Easing Anxiety, Burnout and Chronic Pain with Jake Eagle, LPC
In this episode, Kristen talks with Jake Eagle, a former psychotherapist for 27 years and now a meta-therapist and co-author of “The Power of Awe,” about how accessing flow and the emotion of awe help reduce chronic pain, stress, loneliness, depression and anxiety.
February 1, 2023 // Co-Dependency & Finding the Way Back To Yourself with María-Victoria Albina, NP, MPH
In this episode, Kristen talks with María-Victoria Albina, NP, MPH. Victoria, a holistic nurse practitioner, master certified life coach, and breathwork facilitator, about codependency, how it impacts our nervous system, how to break free from looking to others for your acceptance and how to reconnect with yourself and your body.
January 25, 2023 // Encore Edition-Setting Boundaries Will Set You Free with Nancy Levin
In this encore episode, Kristen interviews Nancy Levin, author of “Setting Boundaries Will Set You Free,”‘about her healing journey from childhood wounds and divorce, how to set healthy boundaries and speak your truth.
January 18, 2023 // The Courage to Be You & Stop Catastrophizing
In this episode, Kristen talks about catastrophizing, why you catastrophize, how it prevents you from being yourself, and how you can overcome it.
January 11, 2023 // What is Displacement & It's Impact
In this episode, Kristen talks about displacement and why it’s important to be aware of this type of defense mechanism along with some examples and how to handle it.
January 4, 2023 // 6 Fears of Intimacy & Closeness
In this episode, Kristen talks about some themes in intimate relationships, why are people afraid of intimacy and closeness, and how to overcome them.
December 28, 2022 // The Psychology of A New Year: Reflect, Reset & Renew
In this episode, Kristen talks about the psychology of a new year and how you reframe your new year's resolution with an authentic mindset.
December 21, 2022 // How to Take Feedback from Your Kids
In this episode, Kristen talks about getting feedback from your kids (no matter their ages) as a parent, some personal examples of getting feedback and why it’s one of the most important elements in parenting.
December 14, 2022 // How Surrender & Acceptance Leads to Clarity and Calm
In this episode, Kristen talks about how to surrender and accept each moment as it is, and her own process of acceptance and surrendering.
December 7, 2022 // Exploring Attachment & Healing Trauma with Laura Reagan, LCSW-C
In this episode, Kristen talks with her dear friend, Laura Reagan, LCSW-C, an integrative trauma therapist and host of Therapy Chat Podcast, about attachment styles and how they impact your relationships.
December 30, 2022 // Transparency Transforms Your Life & Relationships
In this episode, Kristen talks about why transparency is the key to joy, happiness and connection, and the ways you can become more transparent.
November 23, 2022 // A Conversation About Psychiatric Medications with Justin Bethoney, Psych NP
In this episode, Kristen talks with Justin Bethoney, Psych NP, a nurse practitioner and author of The Mental Wellness Diet, about medications, different types and viewpoints on medications that will help you along as you explore healthy modalities for your healing process.
November 16, 2022 // Highly Sensitive People with Rachel Butler Dorneanu, LPC, NCC
In this episode, Kristen talks with Rachel Butler Dorneanu, LPC, NCC, an Individual and Premarital Couples Psychotherapist, about what it’s really like being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) and how to cope with it.
November 9, 2022 // How to Face Uncertainty and Anxiety with Carrie Bock, LPC-MHSP
In this episode, Kristen talks with Carrie Bock, LPC-MHSP, owner of By the Well Counseling, about letting go of control and the ways to deal with anxiety and life’s uncertainties.
November 2, 2022 // Healing with Creativity & Art & The Aftermath of a Hurricane with Reina Lombardi, ATR-BC, ATCS, LMHC-QS
In this episode, Kristen talks with Reina Lombardi, ATR-BC, ATCS, LMHC-QS, founder of Florida Art Therapy Sevices, about using art therapy to help recover from natural disaster and heal trauma.
October 26, 2026 // The Healing Power of Empathy
In this episode, Kristen talks about how to cultivate compassion and empathy, and why empathy is essential to healing.
October 19, 2022 // How to End Your Suffering with Dr. Manoj Krishna
In this episode, Kristen talks with Dr. Manoj Krishna, an author and former spine surgeon, about how to end suffering and work through anxiety and pain.
October 12, 2022 // Healing From Divorce And Separation with Alicia Robertson
In this episode, Kristen talks with Alicia Robertson, an author, speaker, and trained life & divorce coach, about healing and discovering your true self after divorce and some important keys when navigating a separation or divorce.
October 5, 2022 // Finding Freedom From Shame Stories with Rachel Hall, MS., LMHC
In this episode, Kristen talks with Rachel Hall, MS., LMHC, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, EMDR and Brainspotting-Trained, about shame and how to break free from it so you can move from surviving to thriving.
September 28, 2022 // Perfectionism in Motherhood & the Birth Process with Amelia Kriss, CPCC, RDT
In this episode, Kristen talks with Amelia Kriss, CPCC, RDT about how to overcome perfectionism and guilt in motherhood and some helpful ways to explore and heal birth story and trauma.
September 21, 2022 // How Seeking Approval Blocks Us From Our Truth with Alyssa Pfennig
In this episode, Kristen talks with Alyssa Pfennig, an intuitive business coach, digital marketing strategist, and certified yoga therapist, about how to stop seeking approval from others so you can create the life that you desire for yourself.
September 14, 2022 // How to Talk to Children & Teens about Grief with Katie Lear, LCMHC, RPT, RDT
In this episode, Kristen talks with Katie Lear, a licensed counselor, play therapist and author, about how to talk to children and teens about grief and death, and some practical tools to help them cope with grief.
September 7, 2022 // 5 Myths About Grief with Dr. Sonya Lott
In this episode, Kristen talks with Dr. Sonya Lott, a Prolonged Grief Disorder Specialist and CEO of CEMPSYCH, LLC, about 5 myths about grief, how grief and loss affect your well-being, and how to cope with it.
August 31, 2022 // Episode 176-Helpful Strategies to Work Through OCD & Anxiety with Madina Alam, M.S., LMHC, LCMHC
In this episode, Kristen talks with Madina Alam, M.S., LMHC, LCMHC, Director of Clinical Operations-NOCD, about the symptoms and different types of OCD, how it develops and some helpful strategies to manage it.
August 24, 2022 // How to Get Unstuck & Move Into Action with Dr. Jennifer Blossom
In this episode, Kristen talks with Dr. Jennifer Blossom, a leadership coach & CEO of Blossom Leadership, about how to get unstuck and overcome your resistance to change, and move forward with your goals.
August 17, 2022 // Addiction Warning Signs, Prevention & Treatment in Teens with Richard Capriola
In this episode, Kristen talks with Richard Capriola, a mental health and substance abuse counselor, about warning signs that teenagers are struggling with addiction, what makes them vulnerable to addiction, and how you can help them.
August 10, 2022 // How Men's Fears of Women Shape Their Intimate Relationships with Dr. Avrum Weiss
In this episode, Kristen talks with Dr. Avrum Weiss about how men's fears of women can impact their intimate relationships and why they hide their fears and vulnerabilities.
August 3, 2022 // Unmasking Who You Really Are with Dr. Heather Browne
In this episode, Kristen talks with Dr. Heather Browne about unmasking your true self and how to honor your reality.
July 27, 2022 // The Impact of Secrets and Hidden Stories
In this episode, Kristen talks about secrets, how keeping secrets can harm you and how do you move through them.
July 20, 2022 // The Best Communication Strategies & Obstacles
In this episode, Kristen talks about obstacles to communication and how to handle difficult conversations.
July 13, 2022 // Episode 169-Getting Out of Your Head and Looping Thoughts with Brian Sachetta
In this episode, Kristen talks with Brian Sachetta about his mental health journey and some helpful strategies to cope with looping thoughts.
July 6, 2022 // The Pain of Powerlessness & Getting to Empowerment
In this episode, Kristen talks about the pain of powerlessness and how to reclaim your power after feeling powerless
June 29, 2022 // Encore Edition - Family Roles & The Impact on Your Relationships
In this encore episode, Kristen talks about the importance of understanding the role each family member plays, how it affects your relationships and how you can work through them.
June 22, 2022 // Enmeshment Trauma & Its Impact
In this episode, Kristen talks about enmeshment trauma and its impact on your relationships, and how you can heal from it.
June 8, 2022 // Encore Edition - Emotional Childhood Neglect with Dr. Jonice Webb
In this encore of episode 47, Kristen interviews Dr. Jonice Webb - a recognized psychologist and the author of the best-selling books Running on Empty and Running On Empty No More - about how to heal from childhood emotional neglect.
June 1, 2022 // The Essential Key to Healing and Relationships
In this episode, Kristen helps you understand the three parts of yourself and how you can work through them so you can have a healthy relationship with yourself and others.
May 25, 2022 // How to Have a Thriving Relationship? with Dr. MIchael and Dr. Barbara Grossman
In this episode, Kristen talks with Dr. Michael and Dr. Barbara Grossman about making relationships thrive and the secrets to having a lasting romantic partnership.
May 18, 2022 // Love Addiction, Co-Dependency & Toxic Relationships with Sherry Gaba
In this episode, Kristen talks with Sherry Gaba, LCSW about what love addiction is, why are toxic relationships so addictive, and what are the first steps to breaking free from it.
May 11, 2022 // What Are You Addicted To?
In this episode, Kristen talks about addiction, the different types and stages of addiction, and how you can break free from them.
May 4, 2022 // The Healing Power of Inner Child Work
In this episode, Kristen talks about inner child work, why it's so powerful, and what are the ways to start your inner child healing.
April 27, 2022 // Building the Courage to Say Things Out Loud with Vasavi Kumar
In this episode, Kristen talks with Vasavi Kumar about gaining the courage to free yourself by saying it out loud - showing up your authentic self without the fear of being judged.
April 20, 2022 // How to Create Ease and Flow in Your Life with Dr. Stacie Lauro
In this episode, Kristen talks with Dr. Stacie about how to bring ease and flow to your life, and reconnect with your authentic self.
April 13, 2022 // Encore Edition-Triangulation: A Toxic Relationship Pattern
In this encore episode, Kristen talks about triangulation, how it affects your relationships, and how to stop this toxic pattern.
April 6, 2022 // Key Ways to Be A Better Listener
In this episode, Kristen shares some key ways to be a better listener and how listening can improve your relationships.
March 30, 2022// How to Stop Second Guessing Yourself to Create More Freedom and Fun with Aprille Franks
In this episode, Kristen talks with Aprille Franks about second-guessing yourself and how to stop it so you can experience true freedom and happiness.
April 13, 2022// 10 Tips for Overcoming Your Fear of Rejection
In this episode, Kristen shares the 10 tips for overcoming your fear of rejection, the different types of rejection, and how do you work through them.
March 16, 2022// Healing Your Insecurities
In this episode, Kristen talks about insecurity, where it really comes from, and helpful strategies to help you move through it.
March 9, 2022 // The Freeze Response & How to Work Through It
In this episode, Kristen talks about the freeze response, what happens during a freeze response, and how you can overcome it.
March 2, 2022 //The Spotlight Effect: Releasing What Other People Think About You
In this episode, Kristen talks about the spotlight effect, how it impacts your anxiety, and ways to work through it.
About the show
Each week, I release a new podcast episode designed to help you close the chapter on the stress, anxiety, and negativity in your life—and open the door to more beautiful possibilities.
2021 winner of the Podcast for Business Awards - Best Health and Wellness Podcast and with 20 years of experience under my belt as a practicing psychotherapist, the CTC Podcast is designed to show you ways to navigate life’s hardest (and most joyful) transitions; with practicable, actionable takeaways and coping strategies you can apply immediately.
Featuring frequent guest interviews alongside my own insights from 20 years as a practicing psychotherapist, every episode features a combination of empowering information and inspirational, motivational content as we explore topics like:
• Relationships
• Self worth/Self love
• Stress management
• Work/life balance
• Parenthood
• Divorce
• Retirement
• And more
The ultimate goal? To give you a different way of looking at life, and the tools you need to feel calmer, happier, and lighter—every day.
Press play to begin your journey. The therapist is in.