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Passionate soccer fan and esteemed academic, Dr. Gülşha Kemer, joins us to share her journey through the world of academia and her love for the Turkish soccer team, Beşiktaş. Her insights shine a light on the importance of informal interactions in building strong professional relationships, akin to a "marriage" among colleagues. In this engaging conversation, we explore how seemingly simple activities like group chats and shared hobbies, such as Dungeons & Dragons, can create a supportive and collaborative atmosphere within academic settings.

Have you ever felt like an imposter in your academic or professional role? In our second chapter, we tackle this common experience head-on, particularly in the context of doctoral supervision. Both students and supervisors often grapple with the pressure to appear knowledgeable, but Dr. Kemer emphasizes the power of vulnerability and open-mindedness as tools for growth. By embracing the uncertainties of academia, we learn how imposter syndrome can be transformed from a barrier into a motivator for continuous development and learning.

Navigating the cultural dynamics and systemic challenges within academic institutions can be a daunting task. Through personal anecdotes, we discuss the vital need for alignment between personal and professional values, and the role of strong leadership in fostering a healthy faculty culture. We also explore the complexities of faculty responsibilities, balancing the demands of teaching, research, and service with personal boundaries. This episode encourages educators to model professional growth for students by prioritizing tasks and navigating the unique pressures faced by counselor educators, ultimately promoting a holistic approach to personal and professional development.

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Discover how the world of Dungeons & Dragons can transform therapy sessions with our guest, Joseph Bennett, an LPC associate from Central Texas. Joseph shares his innovative approach to incorporating this beloved role-playing game into clinical settings. By weaving together the immersive experiences of D&D with therapeutic practices, Joseph offers a unique perspective on enhancing client engagement and personal growth. Whether you're a counselor curious about creative methods or someone interested in the intersections of gaming and mental health, this episode promises to expand your horizons.

Join us as we unravel the concept of "bleed" in role-playing games, where players' emotions and identities interact with those of their characters. Joseph Bennett elaborates on how this dynamic can enrich therapeutic work, as clients explore parts of themselves through their in-game avatars. We discuss how creating and embodying characters can promote insight and development, drawing interesting parallels to therapies like sand tray. This creative approach particularly resonates with neurodivergent individuals, offering a safe space for exploration and skill-building.

In our conversation, Joseph provides a practical guide for therapists interested in integrating D&D into their practice. From crafting vivid worlds to facilitating meaningful client interactions, he shares his experiences and the challenges faced. We explore how role-playing can be a tool for family and couples therapy, breaking down traditional roles and fostering communication through shared narratives. Joseph's passion for this innovative method shines through, as he extends an invitation to counselors and supervisors eager to explore the potential of D&D in therapy. Be prepared to rethink the boundaries of traditional therapeutic techniques with this exciting episode.

If you have any questions about any counseling related topics or would like the twins to share their thoughts about a particular counseling case - reach out with the info below:

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Imagine a world where podcasting hurdles and academic pressures collide in a whirlwind of humor and insight. That's the reality we tackle in this episode as we brainstorm zany product ideas like a scent named "Burnout" and a unique retreat for therapists. Amid the laughter, we address mid-semester stress and plan a faculty and student Halloween bash, always mindful of the tightrope walk between professionalism and building connections with students. Our playful banter sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the educational journey from undergraduate to graduate studies, where students rise to the challenge of active participation, even when it means questioning their instructors.

The pressures of academia, particularly during those frantic October days, become a canvas for contrasting teaching philosophies. Some educators enforce strict deadlines and formats, while others champion the value of genuine relationships, sharing personal tales of how empathy can transform student experiences. Listen in as we recount the story of a student who pushed himself to the brink, prompting reflections on the importance of balancing demands with understanding and care. The discussion underscores the need for meaningful engagement over rote adherence to rigid academic rules.

Our vision for structured professional development groups emerges as a solution for those seeking community and mentorship in the counseling world. With a touch of humor, we dream of inviting guests like Yalom to enrich our gatherings, all while candidly acknowledging the workload involved. From modern dating anecdotes to the necessity of accountability in our lives, we wrap up with a commitment to reconnecting with our listeners soon. This episode promises laughter, insight, and a reimagined approach to education and professional growth, all served with a side of wit and warmth.

If you have any questions about any counseling related topics or would like the twins to share their thoughts about a particular counseling case - reach out with the info below:

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What happens when your little soccer star decides to hang up their cleats, but the family legacy of sports beckons with open arms? Join us as we navigate the twists and turns of parenting with a smile, sharing the tale of Valen's candid farewell to soccer and our amusing exploration of new athletic avenues like tennis or golf. Amidst the laughter, we find time to chat about our academic pursuits and the epic battles of our Dungeons & Dragons campaign, where reaching level three has brought a new wave of excitement and adventure.

In a delightful shift, we explore the world of youth sports through Cairo's lens, as he faces the thrill and pressure of trying out for a development program. With a mix of humor and sentiment, we discuss the balance between fostering a competitive edge and ensuring the joy of the game remains intact. Celebrate with us as we cherish these pivotal moments, witnessing young athletes like Cairo embrace their potential and savor the journey of growth and resilience on the field.

Ever wondered what it feels like to captivate an audience at a prestigious conference? Picture this: delivering a keynote at the Louisiana Counseling Association and the blend of nerves and excitement it brings. We recount the highlights of our talk, the quirky moments, and the warm atmosphere that made it all feel like a home game. From the challenges introverts face in the spotlight to the unexpected energy that comes from audience engagement, we reflect on the importance of mentorship in navigating the professional world and balancing personal comfort with public visibility.

If you have any questions about any counseling related topics or would like the twins to share their thoughts about a particular counseling case - reach out with the info below:

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Ever wondered why a simple sandwich could stir such deep emotions? Join us as we kick off our latest episode with a passionate homage to the now-discontinued Jimmy John's Frenchie sandwich. We share our personal quests to replicate that perfect buttered baguette experience and swap stories about our quirky food cravings. Get ready for a hilarious and heartfelt session as we celebrate the foods that have left a lasting impact on us.

The conversation then takes a poignant turn as we explore the rollercoaster journey of a father dealing with his son's sudden decision to quit soccer. Through candid reflections, we discuss the balance between supporting your child’s autonomy and pushing them to confront their fears. Listen as we share strategies and tough love moments that highlight the challenges and rewards of parenting and the invaluable lessons of effort and courage.

Wrapping up the episode, we dive into the importance of resilience and competitive spirit in young athletes. We'll recount personal stories that underline how a supportive but demanding environment can nurture determination. We also touch on the critical role of therapy in recognizing one's agency and the resilience needed to rebuild after setbacks. Finally, we examine the multifaceted nature of teaching, balancing genuine care for students with professional realities. Tune in for an episode filled with humor, honesty, and touching moments!

If you have any questions about any counseling related topics or would like the twins to share their thoughts about a particular counseling case - reach out with the info below:

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Ever wondered how to juggle family life, professional duties, and a hurricane? That's our life recently! Join us as we reconnect after a long hiatus filled with illness, school challenges, and a natural disaster. You'll hear all about our chaotic start to the school year, the hurdles we've faced, and our excitement about starting a Dungeons & Dragons campaign with colleagues for some much-needed therapeutic fun. Our kids' antics and the introduction of a token economy system in the classroom are just a few highlights you'll enjoy.

Being part of a community-focused program is incredibly rewarding, and we share our personal experiences of integrating family life with professional responsibilities. From attending a D1 football game to supporting students at their internship open houses, we discuss the importance of balancing these roles. Managing client schedules, especially with unexpected rescheduling and the need for clear communication, is a recurring theme. We also explore the humorous dynamics of sibling relationships and celebrate the growth of our children.

Let's get real about the emotional residue left in therapy rooms. We dive into the complexities of maintaining long-term client relationships and the necessity of setting boundaries. Have you ever pondered whether a room absorbs the emotions of its occupants? We have, and we discuss everything from using collected client tears as a purifying ritual to naming air fresheners "Unmet Expectations." Plus, we share a laugh over the idea of adult diapers like Depends for those challenging days, emphasizing the importance of being non-judgmental and meeting people where they are. Tune in for a candid, humorous, and heartfelt conversation that promises to leave you both entertained and reflective.

If you have any questions about any counseling related topics or would like the twins to share their thoughts about a particular counseling case - reach out with the info below:

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Ever pondered the deeper meaning of life through the lens of teaching? This episode takes you on a journey through existential reflections and the importance of authentic relationships. We discuss the energy it takes to keep long classes engaging and the crucial role of genuine connections in both teaching and therapy. Plus, a touching story from a multicultural class reveals the intricate dance of personal beliefs and client relationships, stressing that authenticity and honesty are key to meaningful connections.

If you have any questions about any counseling related topics or would like the twins to share their thoughts about a particular counseling case - reach out with the info below:

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Discover the intriguing world of collegiate student-athletes versus non-athletes and hear how "NARPs" navigate their academic lives differently. We dive into the therapeutic magic of Dungeons & Dragons, exploring how this innovative approach is transforming therapy sessions and even gaining traction among faculty members.

Finally, we tackle the playful yet real struggles of parenting, from financial hurdles to the chaos of youth sports. Laugh along as we share anecdotes about coaching toddler soccer teams and preserving precious family memories through videos and pictures. We also discuss the resilience needed in both athletic and therapeutic settings and our ambitious goal to redefine and innovate therapy for a global audience. Don’t miss our light-hearted banter about podcast scheduling, personal errands, and a humorous tale involving Kofi’s knack for alerting monsters in tense situations.

If you have any questions about any counseling related topics or would like the twins to share their thoughts about a particular counseling case - reach out with the info below:

https://thetwintherapists.com/

Instagram: thetwintherapists

Contact: thetwintherapists@gmail.com