AI can certainly be your therapist, but only if you want a subpar experience! AI is all the rage these days and is an incredibly valuable tool in certain fields. The data that AI can pull with specific prompts can save time, gather all information into a consolidated format, and provide ideas and resources. These are all appropriate uses of AI in the therapeutic world, but to assume AI’s ability to replace genuine connection, human attunement to individual nuances, is reaching at best and potentially harmful at worst. In today’s episode, Matt and Sarah discuss the helpful incorporation of AI into the therapeutic field, but also explore the irreplaceable power of human connection in traditional therapy.

theaffinityconsultants.com

Cover art by Scott Thome

Music composed by Justin Breame

In a nutshell, knowing when to end the therapeutic experience involves collaboration between the client and therapist. Many times clients know when they have achieved their goals, solved ongoing conflict, or figured out how to get unstuck and these are times when therapists have the privilege of supporting the client’s intuitive knowing that their time in therapy has ended. Other times clients are reluctant to end treatment, for many reasons, often involving fear of being on their own, losing their spot with the therapist’s schedule in case more issues pop up, etc. Matt and Sarah explore a variety of options for helping a client ready themselves for the transition out of therapy and why the collaboration and connection between therapist and client is such a vital part of the process.

theaffinityconsultants.com

Cover art by Scott Thome

Music composed by Justin Breame

One fact of life that is present for most individuals is a desire for healthy and safe connection with others. In fact, it is a vital part of our biological wiring from infancy. Some find attachment to be a natural and easy process, while others might find it more challenging or even awkward at times. Process Communication Model (PCM) highlights the nuances and patterns in every Type of personality, while Attachment Theory educates on the ways we attach, along with the whys. Secure connection and healthy attachment is available for all, no matter what our PCM Condo looks like.

theaffinityconsultants.com

Cover art by Scott Thome

Music composed by Justin Breame

Do you ever wish you had the chance to say something different than how it came out, follow through on that gut instinct instead of ignoring it, or take action rather than sit out on the sidelines? Well, this episode is for you! It is so easy to get caught up in the emotions of an argument or discussion, or get stuck in resentment for what your partner did or did not do, and lose sight of the positive intention. That is where the helpful “Do Over” tool comes in. Tune in to today’s episode to learn the art of the “Do Over” magic for working though difficult moments with grace and respect, to stop the cycle of disconnect and miscommunication.

theaffinityconsultants.com

Cover art by Scott Thome

Music composed by Justin Breame

Continuing the family affair, Matt’s oldest child, Maddie stops by to discuss what it has been like growing up in a house with a father that is a therapist. She discusses her own journey of being a successful teacher in a local high school and what made her decide to continue her education to become a counselor. Maddie unpacks the dynamics of her own personality and how they informed her journey along the way. The Gallagher humor and quick wit is on full display in this episode so tune in!

theaffinityconsultants.com

Cover art by Scott Thome

Music composed by Justin Breame

Our bodies are wired to react to different circumstances in an automatic and intuitive way. Whether this is when we get butterflies in our stomachs while falling in love or sweaty palms when giving a public presentation, our body is designed to mobilize for action, feel safe in a rested state, etc. When we can make sense of the biological systems in place to alert us to excitement, fear, danger, anger, etc., we can empower ourselves to be proactive in self-care, rather than reactive, and normalize our experiences. In this episode, we break down polyvagal theory in easily digestible portions to make sense of the amazing nervous systems we were designed to work with.

theaffinityconsultants.com

Cover art by Scott Thome

Music composed by Justin Breame

People might assume that having a live-in therapist for a parent makes life easier. However…is this really the case? In this episode, we sit down with Sarah’s oldest child, Dalton, and ask him what it is like having a parent that is a therapist, what he has learned from the relationship, what has been difficult to navigate, if PCM has been helpful in understanding himself and others, and what he is taking with him into the transition off to college. In typical Thome style, the snark flies free, but is wrapped in good natured humor, support, and wisdom.

theaffinityconsultants.com

Cover art by Scott Thome

Music composed by Justin Breame

Finding the right balance of self-disclosure as a therapist can be tricky. There is technically no “right” way to be a therapist, but there is the absolute necessity of having positive intention when sharing and connecting; to enhance rapport, share relatable conditions to normalize, showcase our own flaws and mess-ups to reduce fear of vulnerability in sessions, etc. Oversharing is annoying and boundaryless, but undersharing creates difficulty for the necessity of rapport building. Listen in as we share the secret sauce of how to appropriately and healthfully build rapport with clients and subsequent safe connection and attachment.

theaffinityconsultants.com

Cover art by Scott Thome

Music composed by Justin Breame