What Brought You Here Today? is a mix of education, and interviews, with people just like you. I am passionate about mental health, parenting, and bringing more awareness to mental health, particularly within our youth. Settle in and let's unpack "What Brought You Here Today?"
#38 Couples and Politics with Amanda Ferrari, LCSW
Join Ryanne Mellick and Amanda Ferrari, a Chicago-based social worker and couples therapist, as they explore the complexities of politics, relationships, and collective trauma. This episode offers insights into managing personal beliefs in therapy, navigating political differences in couples, and maintaining mental health amidst societal upheaval.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Context Setting
05:59 Impact of Political Climate on Relationships
11:08 Humility and Regret in Political Beliefs
16:08 Discernment and Critical Thinking in Relationships
25:29 The Impact of Emotional Awareness
31:29 Understanding Grief and Collective Trauma
38:22 Shame, Activism, and Community Support
45:37 The Importance of Self-Care in Therapy
50:58 Navigating News and Information Overload
58:49 Embracing Humanity and Emotional Oscillation
01:02:42 Podcast Outro.mp3
Resources & Links for Amanda
Therapy with Amanda (Instagram) (https://www.instagram.com/amandaferraritherapy/)
Fair Fighting Rules (Video Resource) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example)
Brene Brown's Values Activity (https://brenebrown.com/resources/values-activity/)
The Myth of Normal by Gabor Maté (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XYZ1234)
Links for Ryanne:
Follow Ryanne on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishtherapist/?hl=en)
Schedule in Minnesota with Ryanne - Learn more about Ryanne here! (https://www.ryannemellick.com/)
20 Apr 2026
#37 Navigating Collective Trauma with Vanessa Robinson, LPCC
In this episode, Ryanne speaks with Vanessa, a licensed professional clinical counselor specializing in trauma, somatic experiencing, EMDR, and anchored relational network. They explore the impact of recent collective trauma in Minneapolis, addressing how individuals can support themselves and their community through somatic practices and trauma-informed approaches.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and overview of the episode's focus
02:17 - Deep dive into EMDR, somatic experiencing, and anchored relational network
09:00 - The role of trauma in collective events and community impact
12:45 - The importance of connection and community in healing from trauma
16:13 - Somatic grounding techniques and body awareness exercises
23:26 - How trauma memories are stored and processed in the nervous system
27:21 - Dissociation spectrum and its role in trauma reactions
33:56 - Managing burnout and compassion fatigue in trauma work
36:48 - Navigating social media consumption and re-traumatization
43:29 - The systemic aspect of trauma and liberation from systemic oppression
45:08 - The cycle of grief and adaptation to the "new normal"
46:39 - The importance of self-care, privilege, and community responsibility
48:19 - Closure: resources and next steps
Links for Vanessa
Abounded Flourish Counseling (http://aboundedflourishcounseling.com/)
Instagram: aboundandflourishmn (https://www.instagram.com/aboundandflourishcounselingmn/)
EMDR Therapy Info (https://emdria.org/)
Somatic Experiencing Institute (https://traumahealing.org/)
Anchored Network (https://anchoredrelationalneuro.net/)
Links for Ryanne:
Follow Ryanne on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishtherapist/?hl=en)
Schedule in Minnesota with Ryanne - Learn more about Ryanne here! (https://www.ryannemellick.com/)
13 Apr 2026
#36 Navigating Infertility with Krysteena Wilson, LCPC
In this heartfelt conversation, Krysteena Wilson shares her personal journey through fertility challenges, pregnancy loss, and the impact of reproductive rights on her life. The discussion highlights the importance of compassion, gray areas in complex issues, and finding meaning in adversity.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Christina Wilson
07:08 Navigating Family Planning and Fertility Challenges
22:56 The Complexity of Reproductive Rights and Personal Choices
28:17 Mental and Emotional Toll of Loss
34:51 Intentional Parenting and Quality Time
41:25 Future Aspirations and Meaningful Contributions
Links for Krysteena
Learn more about Krysteena (https://www.treecitywellnessid.com/team/krysteena-wilson/)
Resources
Victor Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning (https://www.amazon.com/Man-Search-Meaning-Victor-Frankl/dp/080701429X)
Pro Voice Project (https://provoiceproject.org/)
Links for Ryanne:
Follow Ryanne on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishtherapist/?hl=en)
Schedule in Minnesota with Ryanne - Learn more about Ryanne here! (https://www.ryannemellick.com/)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.6 / 5
11 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
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