Podcasts for therapists in mental space will be reviewed in the blog. Podcasts are an easy and inexpensive way for mental health professionals to spread information about a variety of relevant topics. The best part is that the information is not just for clients. Many of the podcasts for therapists are geared toward other practitioners. Unfortunately, there are almost too many podcasts for therapists from which to choose. Although this is far from a complete listing, the following are some of the most helpful podcasts for therapists on several topics.
Anxiety and Depression Podcasts
Anxiety Slayer
This weekly podcast has been helping people with all things anxiety for over a decade.
Hosts Shann Vander Leek and Ananga Sivyer tackle a variety of issues involving panic attacks, generalized anxiety, and PTSD. They also have conversations with mental health experts who share practical tips and tools for coping with anxiety symptoms. Further, they produce a series of guided meditations and breathing exercises. Anxiety Slayer has truly become a full service operation.
Anxious in Austin
This series is co-hosted by Dr. Marianne Stout and Dr. Thomas Smithyman, two psychologists who specialize in treating anxiety disorders. Segments often feature in-depth interviews with experts in the field of anxiety. What is great about this podcast for therapists is that they discuss how to use specific cognitive-behavioral strategies for anxiety management. Other episodes provide tips in specific areas, such as how to treat childhood anxiety and effective group therapy strategies.
The Happiness Lab
Yale professor Laurie Santos offers research-based tips on boosting mood and debunking myths in this podcast for therapists. She teaches the science behind happiness in an accessible format, much like you would find in her lectures. There is a lot to learn for therapists in helping their depressed clients.
Feeling Good
The Feeling Good podcast, hosted by David D. Burns, MD., describes how cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be used to address the maladaptive thinking patterns that lead to anxiety and depression. It is ideal for clinicians who want to learn the finer points of practicing CBT.
Addiction Podcasts
Let’s Talk: Addiction and Recovery
Hosted by William C. Moyers, this award-winning series features interviews with leading experts in the field of addiction and recovery. Data on recent trends and relevant research is introduced in a consumable format. If you want to keep abreast of current developments in the addiction field, this podcast has you covered.
Landmark Recovery Radio
Do you want information on addiction? This podcast, sponsored by Landmark Recovery treatment centers, touches on all aspects of addiction and recovery. Experts discuss factors that play a role in the development of addiction, as well as tools and resources to aid in breaking the addictive cycle and starting on the path toward recovery.
Couples Therapy Podcasts
Where Should We Begin?
In Where Should We Begin?, famed couples therapist Esther Perel, LMFT, counsels real couples in actual sessions. The issues that are covered include the impact of mental illness on relationships, infidelity, parenting, and divorce.
We Heart Therapy
If you want to learn about emotionally focused couples therapy (EFT), then We Heart Therapy is for you. Host Anabelle Bugatti, a licensed marriage and family therapist, discusses a variety of couples therapy issues under the EFT umbrella. It is a valuable podcast for students and early career clinicians who want to learn more about working with couples.
Working with Families Podcasts
Power Your Parenting
One of the most difficult aspects of being a family therapist is helping parents with their children, particularly their teenagers. This podcast shares all the joys and frustrations of being a parent. While it does offer numerous practical tips, family therapist Colleen O’ Grady also brings in experts to share the most effective ways to work with children.
AAMFT podcast
If you want to learn about family therapy, you can’t do much better than the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) podcast. Each episode brings in another expert in the field of family therapy to discuss topics including systems theory and practical interventions for therapists.
Working with Minorities Podcasts
Between Sessions
This series is hosted by the two therapists, Eliza Boquin and Eboni Harris, who own a practice specializing in treating clients that are primarily African American and Latino. On their podcast for therapists, they discuss how to break down barriers to treatment in minority communities. Additionally, you will find episodes dedicated to cultural competency and racial issues that frequently arise during therapy.
Therapy for Black Girls
Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed psychologist, started this podcast to help destigmatize mental health in the Black community. Her series examines relationship issues, psychology, and personal development, aimed primarily at Black women. For a therapist, its value lies in examining therapy from a minority perspective.
Self-Care Podcasts
Most therapists are so focused on the problems of their clients they forget to take care of themselves. Here are a couple of podcasts that focus on self-care:
Gentler: Practical Self-Care
Maya Fleming shares tangible self-care tips in this podcast. Topics range from how to prevent burnout to financial self-care. A must-listen for any therapist who tends to forget about their own needs.
Meditation Minis
You don’t have to worry about fitting in a quick meditation with this series. The whole focus is on delivering guided mediations in a short amount of time. Take a break and calm your body and mind with this free podcast.
General Therapy Topics Podcasts
Some therapy podcasts are very targeted, but most touch on a variety of issues. Here are some podcasts with no particular topic but are full of a lot of useful information about different aspects of the field.
Other People’s Problems
One of the best ways to learn how to perform psychotherapy is to listen to it being conducted. In this podcast, Hillary McBride, Ph.D. lets us in on the audio recordings of actual psychotherapy sessions. This is especially beneficial for younger professionals and students of psychology and counseling.
Speaking of Psychology
Speaking of Psychology is produced by the American Psychological Association. It focuses on the latest research and current happenings within psychology. It is a good resource for clinicians trying to keep up to date on what is important in the world of mental health.
The Science of Happiness
Speaking of research, this podcast is produced by Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley. It discusses a variety of issues that are likely to be of interest to your clients. The best part is that the average runtime of each episode is around 20 minutes. Think of it as a quick shot of useful information.
Light Up the Couch
Continuing education, no matter the licensing body, is mandatory for all clinicians. And while it undoubtedly improves your skills, it can be a pain to acquire the necessary hours. Light Up The Couch covers a wide range of therapist issues, from theoretical orientations to diversity training. And all episodes can be used to fulfill continuing education credits. Many of the courses are free but subscribers can obtain unlimited access to all of the podcast’s episodes for $60.That is a small price for a lot of education.
Shrink Rap Radio
Hosted by psychologist David Van Nuys, Ph.D., this podcast brings experts together to discuss topics across the spectrum of mental health. This is one of the longest-running podcasts in the field and there is a ton of information here, much of it about the practice and theory of psychotherapy. What’s more, all past transcripts are available for the 740 episodes created so far.
Private Practice Podcasts
If you have ever begun—or been a part of—a private practice, you immediately find out how difficult it is to start and maintain a successful business. There is a considerable amount to know that no one ever tells you. These podcasts (and accompanying websites) will help you on your way:
The Private Practice Startup
Most clinicians do not have great business minds. Fortunately, Kate Campbell, Ph.D., LMFT, and Katie Lemieux, LMFT are happy to share their expertise in starting a private practice with others. Their experiences and interviews with others create a resource that is critical to anyone who is thinking of starting a private practice.
The Practice of the Practice
This podcast covers every area of developing a private practice. Whatever challenge you might face, including financial or cultural problems, you can find the answers here. Listeners learn about developing solo and group practices, different ways to obtain payments, and effective marketing strategies.
