Guest: Ben Shutman, LPC
Episode Topic: Anxious Parenting, Emotional Awareness, and Family Dynamics

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
✔️ What parental anxiety really looks like—and how it differs from everyday parenting worries
✔️ Common signs of anxious parenting:

• Overprotectiveness
• Catastrophic thinking
• Avoidance of “triggering” situations
• Constant reassurance-seeking

Struggles with letting go as kids grow
✔️ How children internalize these patterns—especially when it comes to self-confidence and independence
✔️ A breakdown of the 4 main attachment styles and how they develop
✔️ Why your own upbringing might be fueling current fears
✔️ Practical steps to start shifting the cycle (with lots of self-compassion)
✔️ When to reach out to a therapist for extra support

Need Support?
📍 Tree of Life Counseling Center – Princeton & Freehold, NJ
🌐 treeoflifecc.org/start-today
📞 732-393-8391

About Tree of Life Counseling Center

At Tree of Life Counseling Center in Princeton, NJ and Freehold, NJ, we have an experienced team of 50+ clinicians to help support you, and your family, through whatever you may be facing. Schedule an appointment today by calling 732-393-8391 or filling out an online form at

https://www.treeoflifecc.org/start-today

Guest: Martha Pender, LCSW, LCADC
Topic: Unlocking Motivation, Stages of Change, and Motivational Interviewing

In This Episode, We Explore:
🔹 What is Motivation?
— The difference between intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivators
— Why understanding your “why” is key to lasting growth

🔹 The Stages of Change Model:

Precontemplation – Not yet considering change

Contemplation – Thinking about change but feeling unsure

Preparation – Making a plan and setting intentions

Action – Actively working on the change

Maintenance – Sustaining progress and preventing relapse

🔹 “Change Talk” in Therapy
— How therapists listen for language that signals readiness for change
— The role of motivational interviewing in helping clients move forward

🔹 Growth Isn’t Linear—And That’s Okay
— Why revisiting earlier stages isn’t a failure, but part of the journey

🔹 Common Barriers to Change and How to Tackle Them:
✨ Practicing self-compassion
✨ Building a strong support system
✨ Taking small, manageable steps
✨ Reaching out for professional help when needed

Connect with Tree of Life Counseling Center:
📍 Princeton & Freehold, NJ
🌐 treeoflifecc.org/start-today
📞 732-393-8391

About Tree of Life Counseling Center

At Tree of Life Counseling Center in Princeton, NJ and Freehold, NJ, we have an experienced team of 50+ clinicians to help support you, and your family, through whatever you may be facing. Schedule an appointment today by calling 732-393-8391 or filling out an online form at

https://www.treeoflifecc.org/start-today

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✔️ What OCD really is and how it differs from common misconceptions
✔️ Common obsessions and compulsions experienced by individuals with OCD
✔️ How ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) and CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy) help manage symptoms
✔️ The role of medication in OCD treatment
✔️ When to seek professional help

Resources & Links:
🔗 Learn more about OCD: https://iocdf.org/
🔗 Get support from Tree of Life Counseling Center: https://www.treeoflifecc.org/start-today
📞 Call: 732-393-8391

👉 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review and subscribe for more mental health conversations! #OCDawareness #MentalHealthMatters #MoreThanATherapyCouch

About Tree of Life Counseling Center

At Tree of Life Counseling Center in Princeton, NJ and Freehold, NJ, we have an experienced team of 50+ clinicians to help support you, and your family, through whatever you may be facing. Schedule an appointment today by calling 732-393-8391 or filling out an online form at

https://www.treeoflifecc.org/start-today

• Why Trust Matters: The role of trust in emotional safety, communication, and intimacy.
• Building & Maintaining Trust: Transparency, reliability, active listening, boundaries, and forgiveness.
• Recognizing Trust Issues: Common signs like suspicion, fear of vulnerability, and inconsistency.
• Rebuilding Broken Trust: Accountability, transparency, and setting clear expectations.
• The Role of Therapy: How couples counseling can strengthen relationships and repair trust.

Resources & Next Steps:
💡 Interested in strengthening your relationship? Couples therapy can provide guidance and support. Learn more at Tree of Life Counseling Center: www.treeoflifecc.org/start-today or call 732-393-8391.

About Tree of Life Counseling Center

At Tree of Life Counseling Center in Princeton, NJ and Freehold, NJ, we have an experienced team of 50+ clinicians to help support you, and your family, through whatever you may be facing. Schedule an appointment today by calling 732-393-8391 or filling out an online form at

https://www.treeoflifecc.org/start-today

Key Topics Discussed:

• The Foundation of Trust: Why trust is essential for a healthy relationship and signs that your relationship has a strong trust bond.
• Rebuilding Trust: Practical steps to regain trust after it’s broken.
• The Role of Emotional Intimacy: How emotional intimacy fosters deeper connections and impacts physical closeness.
• Empathy Exercises: Techniques couples can use to reduce tension and better understand each other’s needs.
• The Benefits of Couples Therapy: How counseling can strengthen communication, resolve conflict, and rebuild love.

Tips for Strengthening Your Relationship:

1. Practice Active Listening: Be fully present when your partner shares thoughts and feelings.
2. Be Vulnerable: Share your dreams, fears, and goals.
3. Spend Quality Time Together: Engage in meaningful activities to foster connection.

About Tree of Life Counseling Center

At Tree of Life Counseling Center in Princeton, NJ and Freehold, NJ, we have an experienced team of 50+ clinicians to help support you, and your family, through whatever you may be facing. Schedule an appointment today by calling 732-393-8391 or filling out an online form at

https://www.treeoflifecc.org/start-today

Key Takeaway: Approach setbacks with self-compassion and see them as opportunities to learn and grow. Planning ahead and allowing room for mistakes can keep your goals on track.

When Should I See a Professional? Achieving your goals doesn’t have to be a solo journey. Therapy can be a powerful tool for:

-Managing stress

-Strengthening relationships

-Fostering personal growth

About Tree of Life Counseling Center

At Tree of Life Counseling Center in Princeton, NJ and Freehold, NJ, we have an experienced team of 50+ clinicians to help support you, and your family, through whatever you may be facing. Schedule an appointment today by calling 732-393-8391 or filling out an online form at

https://www.treeoflifecc.org/start-today

Welcome to More Than a Therapy Couch! This week, we’re exploring the mindset behind “New Year, New Me” with Grace Caputo, LPC. Tune in as we uncover:

• How to set realistic and healthy resolutions.
• The power of routines over rigid goals.
• Why understanding your “why” keeps you motivated.
• Techniques like habit stacking to make new habits stick.

Start your journey today—press play and let’s make 2025 a year of growth and transformation together!

About Tree of Life Counseling Center

At Tree of Life Counseling Center in Princeton, NJ and Freehold, NJ, we have an experienced team of 50+ clinicians to help support you, and your family, through whatever you may be facing. Schedule an appointment today by calling 732-393-8391 or filling out an online form at

https://www.treeoflifecc.org/start-today

• Why grief intensifies during the holidays: nostalgia, social pressures, and reflections.
• Practical coping strategies:
  • Acknowledge your feelings without judgment.
  • Set boundaries and prioritize self-care.
  • Create new rituals to honor lost loved ones.
  • Allow yourself moments of joy.
  • Reach out for support from friends, family, or professionals.
• The importance of recognizing grief as non-linear.
• Local resources, such as Good Grief in Princeton, NJ, and individual therapy options.

About Tree of Life Counseling Center

At Tree of Life Counseling Center in Princeton, NJ and Freehold, NJ, we have an experienced team of 50+ clinicians to help support you, and your family, through whatever you may be facing. Schedule an appointment today by calling 732-393-8391 or filling out an online form at

https://www.treeoflifecc.org/start-today