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The world feels increasingly chaotic and unpredictable. Global events, endless news cycles, and persistent uncertainty have left many of us stuck in a state of nervous system dysregulation that doesn't seem to subside. Marie Sloane returns to the podcast to share practical wisdom about finding stability when everything around us feels unstable.

Marie introduces us to a transformative "bottom-up" approach to managing anxiety. She explains why our typical cognitive strategies often fall short when our bodies are in fight-or-flight mode, using the vivid metaphor of a kindergarten classroom during a fire drill. Just as kindergartners can't hear the teacher's reassurances while alarms are blaring, our rational brain can't effectively process information when our nervous system is activated.

Through her three-part regulation pyramid, Marie offers concrete techniques that address our physiology first, emotions second, and thoughts third. From surprising somatic tools like popping sour candy (which forces salivation and signals safety to your body) to bilateral stimulation that helps process emotions, each strategy is designed to meet you exactly where you are in moments of distress.

What makes this conversation particularly valuable is its practicality. These aren't abstract concepts but immediate, accessible tools you can use anywhere—during a stressful meeting, after reading troubling headlines, or when feeling overwhelmed by world events. The beauty of Marie's approach is its flexibility; different situations call for different strategies, and you're encouraged to discover what works uniquely for you.

Perhaps most reassuringly, Marie reminds us that regulation doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. Sometimes the simplest techniques—singing loudly in your car, taking three deep breaths, or simply shaking out your hands—are exactly what your nervous system needs. In a world where so much feels out of control, these tools offer a path back to feeling grounded in your own body and present in your own life.

Visit mariesloancounseling.com to access the full regulation pyramid resource mentioned in this episode and discover which techniques might work best for you.

This podcast is meant to be a resource for the general public, as well as fellow therapists/psychologists. It is NOT meant to replace the meaningful work of individual or family therapy. Please seek professional help in your area if you are struggling. #breakthestigma #makewordsmatter #thingsyoulearnintherapy #thingsyoulearnintherapypodcast

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health concerns, please contact 988 or seek a treatment provider in your area.

If you are a therapist or psychologist and want to be a guest on the show, please complete this form to apply: https://forms.gle/ooy8QirpgL2JSLhP6

Feel free to share your thoughts at www.makewordsmatterforgood.com or email me at Beth@makewordsmatterforgood.com

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Ever been caught in that awkward moment when someone recognizes you but you can't place them? For therapists living and working in the same community, these encounters create what I call "introverted therapist nightmares"—those uncomfortable moments when professional boundaries and social niceties collide.

In today's conversation, I share how these encounters unfold and why I often tell therapy clients I'll pretend not to know them in public. It's not about being cold or dismissive—it's about protecting confidentiality when they're out with friends or family who might not know they're in therapy. But what happens when roles blur, especially as I've transitioned to more community workshops and training? That moment of panic when someone approaches with a friendly "Hey Beth!" and I'm frantically searching my memory banks trying to determine if they were a client, a workshop participant, or someone else entirely.

The solution came in a beautiful moment of clarity during a recent encounter when someone approached me saying, "Hey Beth, it's me, Jessie. I used to work for the Y." That simple self-identification immediately dissolved any potential awkwardness. Consider this your invitation to adopt this practice—when approaching someone you haven't seen in a while, especially professionals who interact with many people, a quick reminder of how you know each other can be an act of genuine kindness that eases social anxiety on both sides.

Also in this episode, I'm excited to announce that Marie Sloane returns this Friday to share practical techniques for staying regulated when the world around us feels increasingly chaotic. Plus, registration remains open for my virtual Kindergarten Boot Camp starting June 1st—a comprehensive program designed to build social-emotional readiness skills in soon-to-be kindergartners while giving parents concrete tools to support this important transition. Visit bethtrammell.com for more details and to secure your spot! Have you experienced similar social navigation challenges? I'd love to hear your stories and solutions.

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What happens to your identity when you return to a place that once felt like home but now feels foreign? In this profound conversation, therapist Kindall Tyson opens up about her journey of repatriation after spending six years building a life and career in Beijing, China.

Kindall shares raw, vulnerable insights into the unexpected challenges of coming home—from the financial shock of American healthcare and housing costs to deeper questions about identity and belonging. "Success is equated with education. I have that. Money? I'm doing that financially. But I'm still single. I don't have children. I don't have a home," she reflects, highlighting how cultural expectations around success can feel suffocating after experiencing freedom abroad.

The conversation evolves beyond personal experience into a deeper exploration on cultural responsiveness in therapy. Both clinicians explore how our cultural backgrounds permeate everything we do and how we perceive others unless we consciously examine our biases. "I can't extrapolate race and gender from my experience as a Black woman," Kindall explains. "That informs literally every interaction that I have with people, intended or unintended."

This episode offers wisdom for anyone navigating cultural transitions, identity shifts, or seeking to deepen their cultural responsiveness as clinicians. Kindall reminds us that cultural awareness isn't a destination but "an ongoing decision" requiring continuous curiosity and compassion—for others and ourselves. Whether you're an expatriate, a therapist working with diverse populations, or simply someone navigating life's transitions, this conversation offers validation and a roadmap for finding yourself when everything feels foreign.

Check out Kindall's work at aspirecounselingwell.com and follow her on Instagram at @aspire_counselingwell to learn about her upcoming support groups for educators and affirmation cards for travelers.

This podcast is meant to be a resource for the general public, as well as fellow therapists/psychologists. It is NOT meant to replace the meaningful work of individual or family therapy. Please seek professional help in your area if you are struggling. #breakthestigma #makewordsmatter #thingsyoulearnintherapy #thingsyoulearnintherapypodcast

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health concerns, please contact 988 or seek a treatment provider in your area.

If you are a therapist or psychologist and want to be a guest on the show, please complete this form to apply: https://forms.gle/ooy8QirpgL2JSLhP6

Feel free to share your thoughts at www.makewordsmatterforgood.com or email me at Beth@makewordsmatterforgood.com

Support the show

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Are you worried your child isn't ready for kindergarten? You're not alone. While many parents focus on teaching academic skills, I've discovered through years of consulting with teachers and families that five-year-olds often struggle with something more fundamental: the social and emotional skills needed to thrive in a classroom environment.

This episode introduces my Kindergarten Boot Camp, an innovative eight-week virtual program designed to help children develop these crucial skills before school begins. Through two live Zoom sessions and weekly content delivered straight to your inbox, you'll learn practical strategies to help your child develop emotional regulation, social skills, and classroom adaptability. We'll tackle the real challenges kindergartners face – sitting still during story time, taking turns with peers, managing frustration, and following classroom routines.

Why does this matter? Because children with strong social-emotional foundations transition more smoothly into kindergarten, build better relationships with teachers and peers, and position themselves for academic success. At just $27 for the full program (with scholarships available for families in need), this boot camp represents an investment in your child's confidence and classroom readiness. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or caregiver of an incoming kindergartner, this program provides the structure and support you need to make this summer count. Join our community of families preparing their little ones for this important milestone – registration is now open for our June 1st kickoff session! Have questions? Reach out directly to Beth@MakeWordsMatterForGood.com.

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What happens when one person in a relationship is ready to throw in the towel while their partner wants to keep trying? This emotional standoff creates a relationship limbo that can last for months or even years, preventing healing and growth for both individuals.

Therapist Lianna Purjes joins us to explore the powerful tool of discernment counseling - a specialized, short-term intervention created specifically for couples with mixed agendas about their future together. Unlike traditional couples therapy that assumes both partners want to improve the relationship, discernment counseling helps couples gain clarity and confidence about which direction to take: working on the relationship, moving toward separation, or maintaining the status quo temporarily.

The process is remarkably focused - just 1-5 sessions that primarily involve individual conversations with the therapist. This allows each partner to explore their contributions to relationship problems without the defensiveness that often emerges in joint sessions. Through this work, each person develops a "personal agenda for change" that benefits them regardless of the relationship's outcome.

While this process can feel frightening - especially for the partner who wants to preserve the relationship - it ultimately offers a faster path to healing than indefinite relationship limbo. Having clarity, even painful clarity, allows for movement rather than stagnation in recurring negative cycles.

Whether you're a therapist looking to expand your toolkit or someone navigating a difficult relationship crossroads, this episode offers insights into finding your way forward when the path seems unclear.

Learn more about Lianna at fuzzysockstherapy.com

This podcast is meant to be a resource for the general public, as well as fellow therapists/psychologists. It is NOT meant to replace the meaningful work of individual or family therapy. Please seek professional help in your area if you are struggling. #breakthestigma #makewordsmatter #thingsyoulearnintherapy #thingsyoulearnintherapypodcast

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health concerns, please contact 988 or seek a treatment provider in your area.

If you are a therapist or psychologist and want to be a guest on the show, please complete this form to apply: https://forms.gle/ooy8QirpgL2JSLhP6

Feel free to share your thoughts at www.makewordsmatterforgood.com or email me at Beth@makewordsmatterforgood.com

Support the show

www.bethtrammell.com

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What separates those who merely notice problems from those who actually solve them? In this enlightening conversation, Leslie Bolser and Dr. Beth Trammell tackle the powerful concept of initiative—defined as "seeing what needs to be done and doing it"—and why this two-part skill proves challenging for people of all ages.

The discussion moves through developmental stages, offering practical advice for nurturing initiative from preschool through adolescence. For the youngest children, initiative begins with explicit instruction and modeling, teaching them to notice when someone's crying or playing alone and giving them the words to respond. Elementary-aged children benefit from increased accountability and conversations that highlight the hundreds of small initiatives we take daily that often go unnoticed.

While adolescents often have brilliant solutions to problems, they may wait for permission or struggle with anxiety about taking action. The hosts share strategies for empowering teens to overcome "analysis paralysis" and act on their insights, while acknowledging that even as adults, they're still working on modeling initiative consistently in their own families.

This episode emphasizes initiative beyond household chores. While picking up after yourself matters, we explore the deeper relational aspects of initiative—noticing someone in need, including others who feel left out, and addressing community concerns.

This podcast is meant to be a resource for the general public, as well as fellow therapists/psychologists. It is NOT meant to replace the meaningful work of individual or family therapy. Please seek professional help in your area if you are struggling. #breakthestigma #makewordsmatter #thingsyoulearnintherapy #thingsyoulearnintherapypodcast

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health concerns, please contact 988 or seek a treatment provider in your area.

If you are a therapist or psychologist and want to be a guest on the show, please complete this form to apply: https://forms.gle/ooy8QirpgL2JSLhP6

Feel free to share your thoughts at www.makewordsmatterforgood.com or email me at Beth@makewordsmatterforgood.com

Support the show

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Have you ever been in a perfect rhythm only to let a tiny distraction derail your entire momentum? That's exactly what crossed my mind during a recent swim session that turned unexpectedly profound.

While gliding through the water in a perfect cadence of stroke-stroke-breathe, a single drop of water leaked into my goggles. That tiny irritation threatened to break my rhythm completely. My first instinct was to stop and fix it—but something made me push through instead. Two hundred meters later, I realized how often we abandon our positive habits, routines, and progress because of minor inconveniences that, with a bit of persistence, we could easily overcome.

This brief, reflective episode serves as both a personal check-in and a gentle nudge for anyone who might be letting small distractions pull them away from their goals. Whether you're working on fitness habits, creative pursuits, relationship building, or personal growth, the principle remains the same: sometimes the most important skill is simply continuing despite discomfort.

I'm also excited to share what's coming up on the podcast! We have fascinating conversations about burnout, culturally responsive practices within the biopsychosocial model, and practical strategies for managing anxiety in today's challenging social and political climate. Plus, don't miss this Friday's crossover episode with the Core Essential Values podcast where we explore parenting with initiative. Listen in, stay in your groove, and remember that your momentum matters more than momentary distractions.

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Cooperation sounds simple – working together to accomplish more than we could alone – but as parents and educators, we often struggle to maintain this focus as children grow. This candid conversation between Leslie Bolser and Dr. Beth Trammell explores how our emphasis on cooperation naturally diminishes as we begin prioritizing independence in our children.

For preschoolers, cooperation begins with sharing toys and parallel play, creating the foundation for teamwork. Surprisingly, allowing young children autonomy in tasks like tying shoes actually develops their capacity for future cooperation. The elementary years present a critical juncture where parents typically shift toward encouraging individual achievement rather than collaborative skills. Beth suggests intentionally highlighting moments when teamwork creates something "bigger, cooler, more amazing" than solo efforts.

The conversation takes an unexpectedly vulnerable turn when discussing the common mindset many parents inherited: "If you want something done right, do it yourself." This efficiency-driven approach – whether tackling children's school projects or household management – models isolation rather than cooperation. The hosts admit their own struggles with this mentality while offering practical alternatives: family projects with genuine collaboration, asking teenagers for specific help when overwhelmed, and openly discussing strategies for working with difficult people.

Perhaps most valuable is their emphasis on repair when cooperation breaks down. Showing children how to restart collaboration after conflict or isolation provides equally important lessons. Whether you're raising toddlers learning to share or teenagers preparing for their first job, this episode offers refreshingly honest perspectives on nurturing this essential life skill.

Subscribe and join us next month as we continue exploring character values that build stronger families, schools, and communities.

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