In this powerful episode, Dustin Oliver sits down with therapist Natalie Reina to explore the deep and lasting effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the transformative power of somatic therapy in trauma recovery. Together, they unpack how childhood trauma shapes adult mental health, why recognizing patterns from abusive relationships is so difficult, and how grounding techniques and body-based therapies help clients reconnect with safety and self-awareness.

Whether you're a mental health professional, trauma survivor, or simply curious about holistic approaches to healing, this conversation offers valuable insight into how integrating mind and body can lead to long-term emotional recovery. Learn how ACEs impact the nervous system, what somatic therapy actually looks like in practice, and why creating safety is the first step in any therapeutic relationship.

Connect with Natalie Reina:

Instagram: @reinatherapy

Website: https://reinatherapy.com/

Connect with boy meets therapy:

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website with Free Resources: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠boymeetstherapy.com

Episode Guide & Chapters:

00:00 Exploring Personal Lore and Travel Experiences

03:08 Understanding Trauma in Therapy

06:12 Adverse Childhood Experiences and Their Impact

08:57 The Role of Somatic Therapy

11:58 How Trauma Manifests in the Body

14:59 Building Trust in Therapeutic Relationships

17:59 Recognizing Signs of Unresolved Trauma

24:35 The Journey of Self-Discovery

30:41 Connecting with the Body

34:40 Blending Therapeutic Modalities

40:21 Navigating Trauma and Relationships

45:03 Understanding Domestic Violence

48:09 Words of Wisdom

Created and Produced by Dustin Oliver

In this episode, host Dustin Oliver sits down with psychiatrist Dr. Joseph Elfar for a thought-provoking conversation on the evolving role of psychiatry in mental health care. Dr. Elfar opens up about his personal journey into psychiatry, the importance of self-disclosure in clinical work, and how social media is transforming mental health awareness.

We dive deep into the realities of medication management, the influence of Big Pharma, and the cultural factors that impact psychiatric treatment. Dr. Elfar also shares insights on the value of validation and confrontation in therapy, the challenges new professionals face in the field, and why self-love and emotional insight are crucial for healing.

Whether you're a mental health professional, student, or someone curious about the inner workings of psychiatry, this episode offers a raw and accessible look at the intersection of mental health, culture, and modern psychiatry.

Connect with Dr. Joseph Elfar:

Instagram: @josephelfar.md

TikTok: @josephelfarmd

Website/Services: mindhealthpsychiatric.com/

Connect with boy meets therapy:

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website with Free Resources: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠boymeetstherapy.com

Episode Guide & Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:16 The Role of Psychiatrists in Mental Health

06:09 Personal Journey into Psychiatry

09:15 Navigating the Transition from Student to Professional

12:14 Understanding Medication in Psychiatry

15:13 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health Awareness

18:12 Diagnosis and Treatment Approaches

21:08 The Art of Psychopharmacology

25:34 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

29:57 Cultural Sensitivity in Psychiatry

35:11 The Balance of Validation and Confrontation in Therapy

39:07 The Influence of Big Pharma on Psychiatry

43:46 Understanding When to Consider Medication

44:40 Challenges in Psychiatric Care

48:23 Life Lessons and Quotes to Live By

Created and Produced by Dustin Oliver

Struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep? Wondering if melatonin, sleep hygiene, or therapy actually work? In this episode, sleep therapist Tony Ho joins us to unpack the most common sleep disorders, including insomnia and sleep apnea, and what you can do to finally get quality rest.

Tony breaks down the science of sleep, the psychological blocks that keep people awake, and why trying to "control" sleep can backfire. We explore the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), the real deal with melatonin supplements, and how cultural beliefs about productivity and rest shape our sleep habits. Tony also shares his personal sleep routine and practical tools you can start using tonight.

Whether you're dealing with chronic insomnia, poor sleep quality, or just want to understand your sleep better, this episode offers expert insight and actionable strategies.

Connect with Tony Ho

Instagram: @quadrawellness

TikTok: @quadrawellness

Therapy (Canada): www.quadrawellness.com/

Connect with boy meets therapy:

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website with Free Resources: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠boymeetstherapy.com

Episode Guide & Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Calming Voices

01:32 Journey into Sleep Therapy

04:22 Understanding Insomnia and Sleep Struggles

05:22 The Importance of Predictability in Sleep

06:56 Understanding Sleep Disorders

09:50 Exploring Insomnia and Its Treatments

12:46 Debunking Sleep Myths and Misconceptions

15:51 The Role of Blue Light and Sleep Hygiene

17:12 Melatonin: Benefits and Misunderstandings

20:25 The Psychology of Sleep and Relaxation

23:03 Rebuilding Trust with Sleep

26:48 Understanding Sleep and Its Impact

30:03 Cultural Influences on Sleep

35:53 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia

42:10 Personal Sleep Routines and Insights

Created and Produced by Dustin Oliver