In this episode, we get a glimpse into the heart and mind of Dr. Mahsa Hojat Koshniak, a clinical social worker renowned for her expertise in cognitive behavioral therapy. Dr. Mahsa opens up about her rich personal and professional experiences, shedding light on the critical facets of trauma, mental health, and the transformative power of understanding and support.

Key Themes Explored in this episode:

• Cross-Cultural Experiences: Dr. Mahsa’s journey from Iran to the US, facing and overcoming challenges such as adapting to new cultures, navigating language barriers, and the nuances of privilege in different environments, including detention facilities.
• The Power of Environment: The significance of fostering supportive home environments is a central theme. Dr. Mahsa discusses effective communication strategies, understanding children’s behaviors, and finding a harmonious balance in parenting styles to nurture well-being.
• Understanding Trauma: Our guest offers insights into managing relational conflicts, differentiating types of traumas, and the critical role of emotional expression. The importance of consistency in child-rearing and the impact of trauma on personal development are also highlighted.
• Emotional and Psychological Strategies: Dr. Mahsa emphasizes the importance of identifying personal values, prioritizing tasks, and addressing emotional needs with honesty. These strategies are crucial for both personal growth and in navigating the complexities of relationships.
• Heal and Thrive Psychotherapy Services: An overview of Dr. Mahsa's comprehensive treatment program designed for emotional healing, self-improvement, and empowerment. The discussion illuminates the program’s approach to therapy, emphasizing collaboration, strategic planning among parents, and the journey towards healing.
• A Life of Gratitude: Throughout the episode, Dr. Mahsa reflects on the gratitude she feels for the experiences that have shaped her therapeutic approach. This sense of thankfulness is woven into her practice and their philosophy on life and healing.

Dr. Mahsa uses a psychodynamic approach to treatment, where the goal of treatment is to identify, grieve, and heal the root causes of the symptoms. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, attachment, and other modalities to provide her clients with tools to manage their symptoms as together they embark on the journey of self-discovery, healing, and thriving. She considers herself a guide, collaborator, and source of support for her clients. She provides her clients with insights related to their adaptive and maladaptive behaviors, thoughts, and ways of interacting with others. She helps her clients understand and appreciate the need for these behaviors at the time they were developed and how to improve upon them. In her sessions, she helps the clients to explore, understand and come to terms with their experiences, feel what was unfelt, resolve what is unresolved and grow and prosper with the renewed freedom they reach as a result. She is a psychotherapist and her husband, Roozbeh, is the coach.

Lindsay Miller is a distinguished kids mindfulness coach, mindfulness educator and host of The Stress Nanny Podcast. She is known for her suitcase tricks and playful laugh. When she's not playing catch with her daughter or rollerblading on local trails with her husband, you can find her using her 20+ years of child development study and mindfulness certification to dream up new ways to get kids excited about deep breathing. Having been featured on numerous podcasts, platforms and publications, Lindsay’s words of wisdom are high impact and leave a lasting impression wherever she goes. To sign up for Lindsay's "Calm & Collected" Newsletter click here.