Building Self-Worth and Better Mental Health Outcomes with AutPlay Therapy Founder, Robert Jason Grant

What does it mean to center neurodivergence as identity, not pathology? In this episode, Robert Jason Grant—founder of AutPlay Therapy—shares how therapists can use neurodiversity-affirming practices to make therapy a space of inclusion and acceptance. From “all-the-time goals” like self-worth, identity awareness, autonomy, and advocacy, to building better mental health outcomes for neurodivergent kids, this conversation is a call for therapists to lead the way in creating inclusive, identity-affirming practices. Brought to you by Psychotherapy.net, the home of timeless and timely conversations in mental health.

The Gift of Stuckness: Travis Heath on Not Knowing Where to Go

Therapists aren’t immune to feeling lost. In this solo reflection, Travis Heath shares candidly about what it’s like to sit in silence, to admit “I don’t know where to go,” and to discover that being stuck often opens the door to the most important work. From small talk that becomes big talk to humility in the face of hopelessness, this episode is an invitation to embrace not knowing as part of the therapeutic journey.

Systems at Play: Attachment Centered Play Therapy with Clair Mellenthin

“Humans need humans. We need relationships in order for us to survive in this world.” In this episode, play therapist Clair Mellenthin shares her attachment-centered approach to play therapy that fosters child-led, systemic healing. From maximizing safety and security to reframing play as an attachment need, Mellenthin shows how change happens when parents are invited into the playroom — becoming resources, partners, and safe bases for their children. Brought to you by Psychotherapy.net, the home of timeless and timely conversations in mental health.

What Words Can’t Reach: Judy Rubin on the Spirit of Art Therapy

“When you express yourself non-verbally, it’s really different from when you try to put something into words. And so you discover things that you couldn’t have discovered any other way.” – Judy Rubin Judy Rubin didn’t just practice art therapy — she helped shape the field. In this intimate conversation, The Art Lady reflects on her naïve beginnings as a school teacher, her transformative work with children in psychiatric care, and the discovery of rich emotional experiences that could only be shared outside the limitations of language. As a pioneer at the intersection of mental health and the arts, Rubin reminds us why art touches places words cannot reach. Brought to you by Psychotherapy.net, the home of timeless and timely conversations in mental health.

Labels, Language and the Lives They Miss: A Bonus Conversation with Sanni Paljakka and Tom Stone Carlson Part 2

In this second half of an expansive conversation, Sanni Paljakka and Tom Stone Carlson return to join Travis Heath for a deeper dive into narrative therapy’s evolving landscape. Together, they confront the implications of labels, the erosion of lived experience, and the role of neoliberalism in shaping modern therapy. With equal parts compassion and provocation, the trio explores what it means to honor the human story behind the diagnosis. From poetic interludes to powerful case illustrations, this episode brings narrative therapy back to its radical, relational roots. A Psychotherapy.net original.

Labels, Language and the Lives They Miss: A Bonus Conversation with Sanni Paljakka and Tom Stone Carlson Part 1

In this bonus episode of Therapist Confidential, host Travis Heath is joined by Sanni Paljakka and Tom Stone Carlson for a spirited conversation on the evolving language of narrative therapy. They challenge the rise of diagnostic labels, explore the concept of “unstories,” and reflect on how language both shapes and limits our understanding of human suffering. A timely dialogue, brought to you by Psychotherapy.net, for therapists seeking to reclaim imagination and complexity in the therapy room.

Maliek Blade and the Whole Brother Mission: Building a Legacy of Emotional Wisdom

“Guys think that this ends up being an identity or sexuality conversation, when it is actually an emotional competence conversation.” – Dr. Maliek Blade In this episode, therapist and founder of the Whole Brother Mission, Maliek Blade, talks about redefining masculinity, fatherhood, and success for Black men. From emotional competency to cultural relevancy, Maliek Blade shares how his work creates a space that helps Black men thrive. This conversation is essential for anyone interested in reimagining what healthy masculinity looks like across families and communities. Brought to you by Psychotherapy.net, the home of timeless and timely conversations in mental health.

Ask a Therapist Anything: Curiosity, Growth and Care

“There’s moments where I feel like I’m being ineffective… and then a client might return and say, ‘That thing from last session really stuck with me.’” In this special “Ask a Therapist Anything” episode of Therapist Confidential, host Travis Heath is joined by Lisa Forbes and Clayton Norman to answer listener questions about therapy, healing, and what it’s like on both sides of the therapy room. From self-doubt to growth, painful experiences to the limits of healing, this candid conversation invites curiosity about the work we do and the humans we are while doing it. Brought to you by Psychotherapy.net, the home of timeless and timely conversations in mental health.

Bridges, Not Checklists: Ethics at the Border of Culture and Care with Liliana Baylon

“I’m always telling stories. and that allows me to be curious about you and create space so that you can be curious about me.” In this episode, Liliana Baylon, whose practice and trainings focus on therapy in immigrant communities. She invites us to consider the cultural complexity of immigrant clients and the stressors they face. Liliana speaks candidly about stereotypes, survival, and systems—and what it really takes to bridge traditional treatment models with ethical care for immigrant communities. This conversation is a must-listen for any clinician, educator, or student learning to navigate complexity with integrity. Brought to you by Psychotherapy.net, the home of timeless and timely conversations in mental health.

Real Therapy in the Land of Zombies with Digital Play Therapy Expert, Jessica Stone

“We’re gonna have a conversation about the thing, or we can do the thing, and then I can see it in real time.” In this episode, Travis Heath sits down with Digital Play Therapy Expert Jessica Stone to explore how screen-based environments—often viewed with skepticism—can become rich spaces for therapeutic connection. From Virtual Sandtrays to video games, Stone makes the case that what matters most isn’t the medium—it’s the meaning. Together, they unpack the ethical considerations, generational divides, and powerful moments that emerge when therapists are willing to get curious, step into the unknown, and explore digital spaces with their clients. Brought to you by Psychotherapy.net, the home of timeless and timely conversations in mental health.