Why ‘I Understand’ Isn't Enough: Practicing Attuned Empathy, Ep. 282

Dr. Douglas Flemons, LMFT, invites clinicians to reconsider some of the most familiar ways therapists attempt to communicate empathy. From therapeutic missteps to mirroring and emotional boundaries, he explores how clinicians can cultivate greater empathic attunement without assuming they fully understand their clients' experiences. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Marie Thouin explores compersion in consensually nonmonogamous relationships, helping clinicians understand how jealousy, autonomy, relational security, metamour dynamics, and community can shape clients’ relationship experiences. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT.Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jessica Fink, LCSW, explores circadian rhythm disorders and how mismatches between the body’s internal clock and everyday schedules can be mistaken for insomnia, depression, or behavioral problems. She discusses clinical assessment, diagnostic criteria, and helpful referrals and interventions. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT. Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Shiro Perera Torquato revisits sensory processing differences, reflecting on what has changed in clinical understanding since her 2019 Clearly Clinical interview. She explores how sensory needs can affect behavior, school functioning, and daily life. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT.Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lisa Kays, LICSW, LCSW, explores how clinicians can support parents and caregivers when a child’s possible neurodivergence, sensory needs, learning differences, or medical complexity may be contributing to family stress. This conversation invites clinicians to move beyond parent-blaming frameworks, ask more curious and contextual questions, and help caregivers connect with appropriate assessment, school-based supports, and referral resources. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT.Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Monique Gonzalez, PsyD, explores premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), helping clinicians recognize its cyclical impact on mood, cognition, relationships, and daily functioning while considering assessment, treatment, and culturally responsive care. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT.Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Wendy Ashley explores how clinicians can move beyond the myth of neutrality by recognizing how identity, power, privilege, and lived experience shape clinical work. She offers practical guidance for practicing with greater cultural humility, reflexivity, authenticity, and responsiveness in the therapeutic relationship. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT.Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trish Yonker, LCPC, explores how foster care, family separation, instability, and disrupted relationships can affect children and the people who care for them. She offers practical guidance for pacing trauma treatment, building emotional and physiological safety, supporting overwhelmed caregivers, responding to behavioral and developmental needs, and creating flexible, relationship-centered care for foster and adoptive families. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT.Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mara Sammartino, LCSW, explores how clinicians can support Hispanic and Latino/x/e clients with cultural humility, curiosity, and respect amid heightened fear and safety concerns. She offers practical guidance for building trust, addressing systemic stressors, and reducing barriers to care. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT.Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boris Kisilev, MD, explores how cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship can affect patients and the people who care for them. He offers practical guidance for addressing anxiety, grief, trauma, treatment-related mental health symptoms, caregiver stress, fear of recurrence, and the need for coordinated, multidisciplinary support. Interview with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT.Earn CE credit for listening to this episode by joining our low-cost membership for unlimited podcast CE credits for an entire year, with some of the strongest CE approvals in the country (APA, NBCC, ASWB, and more). Learn, grow, and shine with Clearly Clinical Continuing Ed by visiting https://ClearlyClinical.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.