Project I Am

What does courage really look like?In this second group conversation about Courage, Dr. David Schlosz invites four new guests to share a defining moment in their lives when they chose courage.What unfolds is an honest and deeply moving conversation about truth, returning to self, saying yes, being an ally, new beginnings, and the difficult decisions that shape who we become.Each guest shares a personal story followed by a meaningful poem, and together the group reflects on what courage feels like, what it costs, and how it often requires us to choose authenticity over approval.The conversation becomes something unexpected: a sacred space of reflection where strangers witness each other's courage and discover the common thread connecting their stories.If you are navigating a difficult decision, a season of change, or a moment where life is asking you to be brave, this episode will resonate deeply.

What does courage really look like?In this powerful roundtable episode of Project I Am, Dr. David Schlosz invites four guests to share a defining moment in their lives when they chose courage.What unfolds is an honest and deeply moving conversation about truth, grief, leadership, self-trust, and the difficult decisions that shape who we become.Each guest shares a personal story followed by a meaningful poem, and together the group reflects on what courage feels like, what it costs, and how it often requires us to choose authenticity over approval.In this episode you will hear stories about: • Speaking the truth despite painful consequences • Standing up to authority with integrity • Choosing your own path when expectations say otherwise • Navigating grief and loss • Leaving situations that no longer honor who you areThe conversation becomes something unexpected: a sacred space of reflection where strangers witness each other's courage and discover the common thread connecting their stories.If you are navigating a difficult decision, a season of change, or a moment where life is asking you to be brave, this episode will resonate deeply.

If fragmentation forms in relationship, integration must also happen in relationship.In this episode, Dr. David Schlosz enters the therapy room to explore how identity integration unfolds in real time. Drawing from the existential immediacy of Irvin Yalom and the relational conditions described by Carl Rogers, he describes how subtle micro-moments in therapy create opportunities for reintegration.This is a practical and clinical episode — exploring how therapists can work with parts without pathologizing them, how shame is metabolized in relationship, and why the therapist’s own regulation is central to integration.Integration is not technique alone. It is relational presence in action.

What is it like to grow up inside a system you did not create?In this deeply personal episode of the Project I AM Podcast, David shares his experience of growing up in apartheid South Africa and reflects on the historical events that shaped an entire generation.But this episode is not simply about history.It is about what history teaches us.At the heart of the episode are three personal lessons David carries with him from growing up in apartheid South Africa, lessons about how systems shape us, the remarkable capacity of human beings to transform, and why healing always begins with truth.Through storytelling and reflection, this episode invites listeners to consider how the systems we inherit influence who we become and how we might participate in shaping a more just future.Because sometimes the journey of becoming is not only personal.Sometimes it is historical.

How does identity become divided in the first place?Building on Episode 1, Dr. David Schlosz explores the developmental origins of fragmentation. Through attachment theory, the identity-based trauma lens of Laurence Heller’s NARM, and contemporary neuroscience, he examines how survival strategies become personality.This episode unpacks how shame silences parts of the self, how nervous system states shape identity expression, and how early relational environments organize internal experience.Fragmentation is not random. It is structured adaptation.Understanding that structure is the first step toward integration.

The Problem Beneath the Problem: Fragmentation, Not FailureWhat if symptoms are not signs of disorder… but signs of adaptation?In this opening episode of the Relational Identity Integration series, David reframes anxiety, perfectionism, numbness, and relational patterns through a developmental lens. Rather than viewing clients as broken, he introduces the idea that many psychological struggles are expressions of identity fragmentation, protective adaptations formed in response to attachment disruptions and shame.Drawing from existential psychology, relational theory, and trauma-informed frameworks, this episode lays the foundation for understanding therapy not primarily as symptom elimination, but as the restoration of identity coherence.If you’ve ever felt high-functioning yet internally divided, this episode will help you see your symptoms in a radically different light.Healing begins with understanding.

What if therapy is not about fixing what’s broken… but about retrieving what was lost?In this deeply reflective episode of the Project I AM Podcast, David explores the idea that therapy is a modern form of soul retrieval, the gentle, relational process of helping clients come back into connection with the parts of themselves that had to go into hiding in order to survive.Drawing from the work of Irvin Yalom, Carl Rogers, and Lawrence Heller (NARM) — alongside the wisdom of poets and mystics like John O’Donohue, Rumi, Meister Eckhart, Teresa of Ávila, Mary Oliver, and David Whyte, this episode weaves psychology, spirituality, neuroscience, and lived experience into one powerful truth:Healing is not becoming someone new. Healing is becoming someone true.Whether you are a therapist, a student, or someone on your own healing journey, this episode invites you to reconsider what growth really means — and what it feels like to finally come home to yourself.If you’ve ever felt successful but not fully alive… connected but not fully known… this conversation is for you.Welcome home.

Most of us move through life solving, fixing, performing, and managing.We answer emails. We check boxes. We handle problems. We get things done.But somewhere along the way… we forget how to truly meet each other.In this reflective and deeply human episode of the Project I AM Podcast, David explores the work of philosopher Martin Buber and his timeless idea from I and Thou: that there are two ways of relating in the world.I–It: where people become roles, problems, or tasks to manage. I–Thou: where we slow down and encounter each other as whole, sacred human beings.This is an invitation to slow down. To soften. To listen differently. And to remember that healing often happens not because we said the perfect thing… but because we stayed.Come sit for a while.Because sometimes the most powerful words we can offer another person are simply:I’m here.

In this Project I AM episode, David slows everything down and brings you back to one of the most life-changing practices you can learn: living and healing in the here and now. So much of our suffering comes from getting stuck in the past or bracing for the future. In this conversation, you’ll learn how to recognize the subtle moments when your system shifts into protection, like shutting down, speeding up, people-pleasing, numbing out, overthinking, or trying to control. And you’ll learn how to come back to yourself with compassion.If you’ve been feeling anxious, disconnected, or stuck in patterns you can’t think your way out of, this episode will bring you back to what’s real, what’s here, and what’s possible.

The inner critic often disguises itself as responsibility and “honesty,” but it runs on threat. This episode helps you spot the disguise, understand what the critic is protecting you from, and practice nonviolent truth — the kind that leads to change without humiliation.In this episode:How to tell the difference between wisdom and threatWhy urgency + contempt are big “tells”A simple real-time practice: name it, locate it, ask what it’s protectingThe CFT “three systems” frame (threat, drive, soothing)Why self-compassion is not indulgence, it’s a different nervous-system strategy

In this special end-of-year episode, David steps away from teaching and enters the realm of blessing, offering an extended inspirational poem instead of a traditional talk. “The Year Is Turning: A Blessing for Your Becoming” is a gentle, hope-filled reflection for anyone standing at the edge of 2026 feeling tired, hopeful, conflicted, or all of the above.This poetic episode invites you to release harsh self-judgment, honor the year you’ve survived, and step into the new one with softer eyes and a kinder voice toward yourself. It’s not about resolutions or reinvention, but about learning to treat yourself like someone you’re committed to stay with—through every chapter, every stumble, every new beginning. If you need words that feel like a hand on your shoulder and a hand over your heart, this episode is for you.

In this episode of the Project I Am Podcast, David invites you into a compassionate conversation about the stories you tell yourself, especially the ones shaped by shame. Together, you’ll explore the difference between what happened to you and what you made it mean about you, and how those old meanings can quietly run your life in the present.David normalizes the deeply human experience of carrying harsh internal narratives like “I’m too much,” “I’m not enough,” or “I’m the problem,” and helps you trace where those stories came from (families, culture, relationships, faith communities) and how they once functioned as survival strategies. With humor, warmth, and shared humanity, he offers a new way to see your shame story: not as proof that you’re broken, but as a script you’re finally allowed to rewrite.By the end, you’ll feel less alone, more understood, and more empowered to say:“My old story made sense once… but it is not the whole truth of who I am. I’m allowed to write something new.”

What if the biggest barrier to your self-acceptance isn’t your past…but your refusal to forgive yourself for it?In this episode of Project I Am, David explores why unforgiveness toward self is the #1 block to genuine freedom, confidence, and wholeness. Together, you’ll unpack:· Why shame and guilt are not proof that you’re a good person· The hidden reasons we cling to self-punishment and can’t “let it go”· How unforgiveness becomes a prison we decorate and call virtue· What “delusional” self-forgiveness really means (and what it doesn’t)· How changing your internal narrator opens the door to real self-acceptanceThis episode is a compassionate, honest invitation to step out of lifelong self-condemnation and into a cleaner, freer inner world—where you can take bold action, love more fully, and actually enjoy being alive.If you’ve ever thought, “I can’t forgive myself for that,” this conversation is for you.

In this episode, we name a kind of grief that rarely gets spoken aloud: not grief for what happened, but for what couldn’t happen. The unlived life. The version of you that never got to thrive. The dreams that never had safe ground. The tenderness that had to go quiet just to survive. This is grief without ritual and often without witnesses—yet it shapes how we carry ourselves, love others, and imagine our future. Together, we slow down enough to honor what was missing, to tell the truth about what was lost, and to soften the shame that can form around invisible sorrow. And in the naming, something gentle opens: not a way to “move on,” but a way to make room for what is still possible. If you’ve ever felt an ache you couldn’t explain, this episode is for you—an hour of quiet companionship, remembrance, and hope.

In this soulful and meditative episode of Project I Am, Dr. David J. Schlosz gently guides you through the often-unseen experience of self-betrayal—the subtle ways we abandon parts of ourselves to fit in, be accepted, or feel safe. Drawing on wisdom from psychology, mystics, philosophers, and real-life reflection, we explore how self-betrayal fragments our wholeness and how we can begin to call our hidden parts home.Through compassionate insight, inspirational poetry, and practical steps for self-reclamation, you’ll be invited to rediscover your inner truth, embrace your unique self, and find belonging without compromise. This episode is a journey of remembering who you are beneath the masks—and welcoming yourself back with open arms.“This above all: to thine own self be true…” — William ShakespeareListen slowly. Reflect deeply. You are worth the return.

In this slow, contemplative episode of Project I Am, Dr. David J. Schlosz lingers with the luminous theme of belonging—guided by the Celtic hospitality of John O’Donohue and the tender wisdom of Henri Nouwen. What if belonging isn’t something we win, but a home we remember?Pour some tea. Let your shoulders drop. Come home to the truth that you already belong.

What if belonging isn’t a place you find, but a home you remember? In this sweeping, soul-level lecture, Dr. David J. Schlosz traces the long arc from exile to homecoming—guided by the luminous insights of Toko-pa Turner and echoed by voices like Maya Angelou, bell hooks, James Baldwin, John O’Donohue, Brené Brown, Henri Nouwen, and Parker J. Palmer.David explores why the ache to belong is more than a feeling—it’s human infrastructure—naming what culture, public health, and art are all saying out loud: we need each other or we break. This episode invites you to craft a life where your presence can bear its full weight—unshrunk, unperformed, and undismissed.Press play, exhale, and keep walking each other home.

In this deeply relevant and encouraging episode of Project I Am, Dr. David J. Schlosz explores the modern, secular wisdom behind the age-old phrase, "Forsake not the gathering together of the brethren lest you be deceived." Drawing from current psychological research, real-world stories, and lived experience, this episode uncovers how isolation leaves us vulnerable to believing lies about our worth, our value, and our place in the world—and how gathering in authentic community can offer clarity, healing, and strength.You’ll learn:· Why isolation is a serious mental and physical health risk· The specific false beliefs that thrive in disconnection· How community helps protect us from distorted self-narratives· Practical, modern ways to build and sustain meaningful connection· Real examples from around the world of people overcoming lonelinessWhether you’ve been feeling disconnected or simply want to deepen your experience of belonging, this episode offers both insight and hope.Listen now—and take one small step toward gathering. May you be well. Subscribe, share, and leave a review to support this show.

In this deeply grounding and inspirational episode, Dr. David J Schlosz guides you through a 20-minute meditation focused on resilience — the quiet, powerful strength that allows us to bend without breaking, to keep going even when life feels overwhelming.Whether you're walking through a season of challenge or simply needing a moment of rest, this practice invites you to reconnect with your inner capacity to endure, heal, and grow. With gentle breathwork, self-compassion exercises, and imagery rooted in research-backed principles of resilience, this meditation offers both calm and encouragement.You’ll be reminded: “You are stronger than you think. You will rise from this.”No prior meditation experience is needed — just an open heart and a few moments of stillness.What you’ll experience in this episode:A calming guided meditation to center your mind and bodyReflections on real resilience and what it truly looks likeAffirmations and visualizations to strengthen inner resolveInsights grounded in psychological research (APA, 2012; Bonanno, 2004)A supportive space to breathe, reset, and remember your strengthTune in now and take a moment to return to yourself. Share it with someone who needs encouragement today.

A calm, grounding practice for counselors. In this episode, I guide you through “I” statements designed to help you arrive in the room, hold spacious, compassionate presence, and loosen the grip of impostor thoughts. Use this as a pre-session centering, a between-clients reset, or an evening debrief to return to yourself. No fixing, no perfection—just breath, awareness, and the reminder that you are enough for the work in front of you.What you’ll getA paced, breath-aligned sequence of affirmationsLanguage for holding space with humility, clarity, and careGentle reframes for self-doubt and performance pressureHow to use Press play, sit or walk, and repeat each line silently (or out loud if private). If an affirmation doesn’t land, let it pass; linger where it does.For therapists, supervisors, trainees, and anyone who serves others from a human, present heart.

Loneliness and isolation are spiking worldwide—but connection is medicine. In this episode, Dr. David explores Relational-Cultural Theory’s Five Good Things—zest, clarity, worth, empowered action, and a desire for more connection—and shows how they function as vital signs of relational health. You’ll hear the origin story from the Stone Center, research linking social connection to better mental and physical health, and simple practices to track and grow the good. Come learn how to be seen for who you really are—and to build relationships that repair, energize, and last.

In this episode of Project I Am, I have a conversation with Phoebe Cocetti and Julia Berg about Limerence. These two Austin based therapists provide group therapy to people experiencing Limerence. Limerence is often described as an intense, involuntary state of romantic infatuation. It goes beyond having a crush—it’s a powerful emotional and physiological experience characterized by obsessive thoughts about another person, longing for reciprocation, and a deep need for emotional connection. People experiencing limerence often find themselves replaying interactions, daydreaming, or feeling heightened anxiety and euphoria depending on how the relationship—or even perceived signals—are going.Unlike healthy attraction or love, limerence can sometimes feel overwhelming and even disruptive to daily life. It can affect focus, relationships, and overall well-being, because the person’s attention is so consumed by the object of their affection.That’s why support groups like the one our guests lead are so important. They provide a safe space to talk openly about this experience, reduce shame, and explore healthier ways of relating. You can get in touch with Julia and Phoebe here:https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/groups/limerence-support-group-austin-tx/264051https://www.instagram.com/limerencegirlsatx/

In this episode of Project I Am, I interview Dr. Charle Heaton, a career educator and married gay man. From navigating deeply conservative spaces to fully embracing his authentic self, Dr. Charles Heaton’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, identity, and pride. In this inspiring episode, Charlie shares what it was like to live as a married gay man while building a career in education—and how he found the courage to defy societal expectations and choose a life of truth and freedom.Join us as we explore the complexities of identity, the cost of silence, and the liberating power of acceptance. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking to live more boldly, love more openly, and stand more firmly in who they truly are.https://www.linkedin.com/in/crheaton/

In this reflective and educational episode of Project I Am, Dr. David Schlosz explores the profound role of transference and countertransference in the therapeutic relationship—unpacking how these often misunderstood dynamics can become powerful tools for growth, insight, and healing.Through the lens of Relational-Cultural Therapy (RCT) and the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), David breaks down how the therapist-client relationship becomes a living classroom—one where old wounds show up in the room and where genuine connection creates the conditions for change. With real clinical vignettes, current research, and candid reflections from his own experience as a therapist and educator, David guides counseling students and emerging therapists through the art of staying present, relationally attuned, and grounded in the “now” of the therapeutic encounter.This episode challenges listeners to move beyond technique and theory into the heart of the work: the relationship itself. Whether you're navigating the emotional pull of countertransference or helping a client rewrite an old relational story, this episode will inspire you to lean into the complexities of the therapeutic process with humility, courage, and grace.This episode is ideal for Counseling graduate students, early-career therapists, supervisors, and anyone curious about the transformative potential of authentic therapeutic connection.Listen now and discover how the relationship is the therapy.Miller, J.B. & Stiver, I. (1991). A Relational Reframing of Therapy. Stone Center Colloquium. (Perspectives on reframing transference/countertransference in a relational context)growthinconnection.orggrowthinconnection.orgGrow Therapy (2024). What is Relational Therapy? – Discussion of transference and countertransference as tools in relational-cultural therapygrowtherapy.comgrowtherapy.comEdgewood Health Network (2022). Exploring NARM: A Complementary Model for Healing Developmental Trauma – NARM training insights on the importance of working with transference and countertransference in treating relational traumaedgewoodhealthnetwork.comLaPierre, A. & Heller, L. (2018). The Capacity for Connection in Healing Developmental Trauma. (Discussion of the challenge of transference in early trauma therapy and the need for nervous system stabilization)neuroaffectivetouch.comHavens, R., et al. (2022). Managing Transference and Countertransference in CBT Supervision. Dove Medical Press. (Contains meta-analytic findings: effective countertransference management linked to better therapy outcomes)pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.govAdditional: Various sources on mutuality, therapeutic alliance, and relational therapy principlespmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.govpmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.govgrowtherapy.com

In this vulnerable and powerful episode of Project I Am, Dr. David Schlosz peels back the mask many of us wear—the smile that hides the ache. Centered around his original spoken word poem, David explores how we often live on autopilot, clinging to humor, charm, and control as coping strategies rooted in early survival.Drawing from Internal Family Systems, trauma research, and personal reflection, this episode unpacks how defensive ego states and old patterns become our default identities—even when they no longer serve us. Through storytelling, insight, and a guided mindfulness practice, David gently invites us to come home to ourselves, reminding us that we don’t have to perform to be loved.This is an invitation to wake up. To be present. And to know, maybe for the first time, that being here—just as you are—is enough.

In this heartfelt and deeply insightful episode of Project I Am, Dr. David Schlosz sits down with somatically-oriented psychotherapist Whitney Sutherland to explore what it truly means to heal from complex trauma. Drawing from both clinical expertise and personal experience, Whitney shares how early attachment wounds shape our sense of self—and how healing becomes possible through presence, curiosity, and authentic relationship.Together, they unpack the nuances of C-PTSD, the difference between disconnection and avoidance, and the powerful role of the nervous system in trauma recovery. Whitney also introduces the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), offering a compassionate framework for understanding survival strategies not as pathology, but as brilliant adaptations.This episode is a must-listen for therapists, trauma survivors, and anyone longing to reclaim their aliveness. It’s a gentle reminder that healing doesn’t require force—just the right relationship, safety, and time.Topics include:The difference between shock trauma and complex traumaHow childhood survival strategies shape adult relationshipsWhy honoring disconnection is essential for building capacityThe therapeutic power of authenticity and consentHow healing ripples out from the individual to the collectiveResources Mentioned:www.whitneysutherland.comwww.complextraumatrainingcenter.comTransforming Trauma Podcast by the NARM Institute

In this episode, we explore one of the most powerful — and often overlooked — truths in therapy: the healing lies not in the techniques we use, but in the authentic relationships we build. Drawing from Carl Rogers’ person-centered approach, Relational-Cultural Theory, and current research, we’ll unpack why the therapeutic relationship is more important than any core theory or intervention.We’ll talk honestly about why therapists sometimes hesitate to prioritize connection, the personal and professional costs of staying guarded, and the courage it takes to lean into real relational work. Through composite case examples, published studies, and reflections from practice, we’ll look at the profound beauty and benefits that unfold when we show up fully — human to human.Whether you’re a mental health professional, counseling student, or someone passionate about the heart of healing, this episode invites you to deepen your understanding of what truly transforms lives inside the therapy room.Join me for an encouraging, challenging, and inspiring conversation about the real work behind the work: connection.

In this deeply reflective and empowering episode, Dr. David Schlosz explores the transformative power of sitting in your feelings—fully allowing yourself to feel, process, and move through emotional discomfort rather than escaping it. Drawing on cutting-edge research in psychology, counseling theory, and somatic practice, this episode challenges the cultural and personal habits of avoidance and emotional suppression.This episode weaves together clinical wisdom, real-life anecdotes, and powerful therapeutic tools from mindfulness, DBT, and somatic experiencing. Listeners will learn why avoidance increases suffering, how emotions live in the body, and what it really means to ride the wave of emotion with courage, self-compassion, and presence.Whether you’re guiding others through emotional healing or navigating your own inner world, this episode offers a grounded, research-based, and soul-nourishing invitation: feel it fully, and let healing begin.

In this episode of Project I Am, Dr. David Schlosz explores the powerful and often unspoken roles that therapists embody throughout the healing process. Far beyond techniques or treatment plans, effective therapy relies on presence, attunement, and the fluid ability to shift roles as the relationship deepens.Drawing from recent research in interpersonal neurobiology, attachment theory, and relational-cultural therapy, David reflects on nine core archetypal roles therapists may take on—including midwife, surrogate, mirror, confessor, and sanctuary keeper. Each role invites us into a deeper understanding of the relational alchemy that underpins true transformation.Whether you’re a counseling student, a practicing therapist, or someone who’s experienced the power of therapy firsthand, this episode will offer rich insight into what makes the therapeutic relationship a sacred, healing space.

In this episode of Project I Am, Dr. David Schlosz explores the powerful and often unspoken roles that therapists embody throughout the healing process. Far beyond techniques or treatment plans, effective therapy relies on presence, attunement, and the fluid ability to shift roles as the relationship deepens.Drawing from recent research in interpersonal neurobiology, attachment theory, and relational-cultural therapy, David reflects on nine core archetypal roles therapists may take on—including midwife, surrogate, mirror, confessor, and sanctuary keeper. Each role invites us into a deeper understanding of the relational alchemy that underpins true transformation.Whether you’re a counseling student, a practicing therapist, or someone who’s experienced the power of therapy firsthand, this episode will offer rich insight into what makes the therapeutic relationship a sacred, healing space.

In a recent Project I Am podcast interview, I sat with Sonata Miles and Tessa Myers and discussed the launch and success of Counselor Support and Success Initiative (CSSI). We explored the dynamic evolution of their work—its roots, its reach, and the exciting road ahead. What began as a grassroots study group has become a robust professional collective offering resources, guidance, and community for counseling students and early-career professionals across the country.What started as a small online study group for the NCE has grown from two members to over 2,000, thanks in large part to the visionary leadership of Sonata and Tessa.Join them in the Counselor Support & Success Initiative (CSSI): CPCE/NCE & NCMHCE Study Group on Facebook!The one-time $8 Community fee can be sent via: • CashApp: $CSSInitiative • Venmo: @CSSInitiative

In this Mentoring Moments episode of Project I Am, Dr. David J. Schlosz guides counseling students and early-career therapists through the evolving landscape of Telehealth therapy. Is therapy via video really effective? How do you build authentic connection through a screen? What do the most recent research studies say about digital therapeutic alliances and client outcomes? Blending clinical research, practical wisdom, and personal anecdotes, Dr. Schlosz explores how online therapy has reshaped mental health care — and what it takes to show up fully in a virtual space. Listeners will walk away with evidence-based tools, client stories, and actionable tips to foster therapeutic presence, manage screen fatigue, and adapt ethically and skillfully to this new modality. Whether you're preparing for your first video session or looking to deepen your digital empathy, this episode is your guide to becoming a confident and connected Telehealth practitioner.

What does it mean to lead with integrity when the room wasn’t built for you?What does authenticity look like when others are filtering you through their biases? In one of the most powerful conversations I’ve had, I sat down with Dr. Rachelle Smith—counselor, scholar, higher ed leader, wife, mother, and truth-teller. We explored:✅ The emotional labor of being a Black woman in academia✅ Why code-switching can’t protect us from bias—and why authenticity is essential✅ Her groundbreaking research on inclusive excellence, identity, and institutional growth✅ Balancing career, family, and spiritual life in a culture of overwork✅ What it really means to lead from your moral core Rachelle’s wisdom is a gift. Her courage is a call to all of us in leadership, education, and advocacy.

Shame is a silent weight many of us carry — a belief that we are somehow flawed, broken, or unworthy of love. In this powerful and compassionate episode of Project I Am, Dr. David J. Schlosz unpacks the profound impact of shame on our mental and emotional well-being and offers a path toward healing through the courageous practices of confession and authenticity.Drawing on research from shame experts like Brené Brown and June Tangney, personal therapy stories, and real-life media examples including Jonah Hill’s Stutz and Demi Lovato’s journey of truth-telling, this episode explores how sharing our stories in safe spaces can transform our lives. David highlights why empathy is the antidote to shame, what makes a space truly “safe,” and how living authentically — even when it’s costly — leads to freedom and wholeness.This episode is both a heart-opening invitation and a practical guide for anyone longing to break free from the grip of shame and step into a more authentic life.Whether you're a therapist, a seeker, or someone on a healing journey, this episode will meet you with truth, grace, and hope.

In this powerful episode of Project I Am, Dr. David J. Schlosz explores one of the most transformative practices in personal growth and mental health today: embracing and integrating all the parts of ourselves. Drawing from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Polyvagal Theory, and somatic therapies, David invites you to rethink your inner world—not as broken or fragmented, but as a system of valuable, protective parts that are longing to be seen, heard, and healed.You’ll learn how to:Recognize the different parts of yourself—like the Inner Critic, the Perfectionist, and the Inner Child Bring curiosity and compassion to even the most difficult emotions Build trust with protective parts that may be keeping you stuck Lead your inner system from a place of Self-energy: calm, confident, and compassionateThis episode is packed with real-life client stories, current research, and practical steps you can use today to bring your whole self to the table. Whether you’re a therapist, leader, or someone on a healing journey, this conversation offers tools and insights to move from inner conflict to inner harmony.“Every part of you belongs. Every part has a voice. And you are the leader they’ve been waiting for.” – Dr. David J. SchloszTune in now and start leading your inner system with compassion and courage.

The mental health counseling field is evolving at lightning speed, and today’s students are stepping into a landscape rich with new opportunities—and new challenges. In this episode of Project I Am – Mentoring Moments we dive deep into Emerging Trends in Mental Health Counseling, exploring the cutting-edge innovations shaping the future of our profession.Join us as we break down:· The rise and permanence of telehealth counseling· How AI-powered tools are augmenting therapy—and raising ethical questions· The growing legitimacy of psychedelic-assisted therapy· The explosion of wellness coaching and its impact on traditional counseling· New ethical codes, legislation, and how counseling students can prepare for the changing landscapeThis episode is packed with research-backed insights, recent ethical guidelines, and practical advice to help you stay informed, competent, and ahead of the curve.Whether you’re a counseling student, intern, or early-career professional, you’ll leave this episode with a clearer vision of the future—and your place in it.

In this episode I interview April Karli regarding the counseling needs of Christian clients and obstacles to receiving care.April Karli is a lifetime resident of Austin, Texas. She has been a pastor at Austin Mustard Seed for six years. As a PK (pastor's kid) she spent her life in the church, and has served in leadership roles in a variety of churches throughout her adult life. April has a heart for people who have been wounded by their experiences in church settings and longs to see them find healing. She's been married to Matt for 27 years. They have two grown daughters and two dogs. She prefers tea over coffee.Austin Mustard Seed: https://www.austinmustardseed.org/April's socials: Insta: https://www.instagram.com/aprilkarli/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@aprilkarliResources: These are therapists and resources who are Christians, and licensed therapists, who write and talk about the intersection of mental health and faith: Aundi Kolber https://aundikolber.com/Chuck DeGroat https://www.chuckdegroat.net/Broken to Beloved https://www.brokentobeloved.org/

In this guided meditation, you’ll be invited to cultivate self-compassion, self-acceptance, and inner peace through a series of powerful affirmations. Life is a journey of growth, and no matter your past, you are worthy of love, forgiveness, and new beginnings.Through gentle affirmations, deep breathing, and a moment of stillness, this meditation will help you:· Release self-judgment and embrace your journey with kindness· Let go of past mistakes and step into self-acceptance· Develop a more positive self-concept and inner peace Allow yourself this time to reconnect with your heart and nurture the love you so freely give to others. You deserve healing, happiness, and self-love.Find a quiet space, take a deep breath, and let’s begin.

We’ve all been there—chasing perfection, believing that if we just fix one more thing about ourselves, we’ll finally be happy, successful, or enough. But what if I told you that perfection is not only overrated, but a complete myth?In this episode of Project I AM, we’re breaking down why the pursuit of perfection is a trap that keeps us stuck, exploring the psychology behind growth, and sharing real-life stories of people who found freedom in imperfection. Drawing from research by Brené Brown, Carol Dweck, and Kristin Neff, we’ll uncover why healing and self-improvement are lifelong journeys—not destinations.If you’ve ever felt like you weren’t enough until you “got it right,” this episode is for you. It’s time to let go of perfection and embrace the messy, beautiful process of growth. Tune in and take the first step toward freeing yourself from the perfectionist mindset.Available wherever you get your podcasts. Let’s grow together!

In this 10-minute guided meditation, we invite you to take a seat at the head of your inner table—the place where all parts of you are welcome. From the strong and capable parts to the ones that feel messy, uncertain, or even difficult to acknowledge, every part of you has a place, a purpose, and a voice.With gentle curiosity and deep compassion, you’ll learn to embrace the parts that may have been silenced, to comfort the ones that struggle, and to invite in any missing pieces of yourself that long to be seen. Through mindful awareness, self-acceptance, and the healing presence of your higher self, this meditation will help you integrate all aspects of who you are.No part of you is too much. No part of you is unwelcome. There is space for everyone at the table.Take a deep breath, settle in, and let’s begin

In this episode of Project I Am - Mentoring Moments we dive deep into broaching, a critical counseling skill that helps create culturally responsive and inclusive therapy sessions.You’ll learn: What broaching is and why it matters How broaching builds trust and enhances therapeutic rapport The Broaching Continuum – where do you fall? Practical strategies to integrate broaching into your counseling practiceWhether you're just starting your graduate program or preparing for practicum, this episode will equip you with the tools to address race, culture, and identity with confidence. Don’t miss this essential conversation on becoming a more effective and socially conscious counselor!If you found this episode valuable, be sure to subscribe and share it with your fellow counseling students!🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Do you ever feel like no matter how much you achieve, it’s never enough? You hit a goal—only to move the finish line further. Instead of feeling successful, you feel discouraged. This is what high achievers call “The Gap” mindset—where you measure yourself against an ideal that’s always out of reach. But what if there was a better way?In this episode of Project I AM, we break down the life-changing concept of The Gap vs. The Gain—coined by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy. We explore why focusing on how far you’ve come (instead of how far you have to go) is the key to motivation, happiness, and long-term success.Register for Mentoring moments Live here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/kWb1PSCLQB6mU8Dq22qzgwRegister for Conversion Therapy - same old tricks Webinar here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tqIusny2SEmAQPpNIk22oQ#Mindset #PersonalGrowth #Success #TheGapVsTheGain

In this episode of Project I Am, we explore three powerful Japanese philosophies that can transform the way you live: Ichigo Ichie, Ikigai, and Kaizen.Ichigo Ichie – The art of being fully present and cherishing each moment as if it will never happen again. Ikigai – The journey to discovering your life’s purpose by aligning passion, vocation, mission, and profession. Kaizen – The philosophy of continuous improvement, making small, sustainable changes that lead to long-term success.Through engaging real-world examples, scientific research, and practical applications, we’ll uncover how these concepts can help you live a more intentional, meaningful, and fulfilling life.Tune in as we discuss:· How to cultivate mindfulness with Ichigo Ichie· Steps to find and embrace your Ikigai· The power of small, daily improvements with Kaizen· Actionable strategies to apply these principles in your everyday lifeIf you’re looking to live with more presence, purpose, and progress, this episode is for you!Subscribe, listen, and start your journey of self-discovery today.

Project I am Presents: Mentoring Moments LiveA Free Live Session for Counseling Students & Recent GraduatesAre you a counseling student or recent graduate looking to connect, learn, and grow in your career? Join us for Mentoring Moments Live—a virtual gathering designed to build community, share resources, and provide expert insights from guest speakers in the field!🔹 What to Expect: ✅ A supportive space to connect with peers & professionals ✅ Valuable resources to enhance your counseling journey ✅ Engaging discussions on real-world challenges & best practices ✅ Special guest speakers sharing their expertise ✅ An opportunity to suggest topics & shape the conversationDate & Time: Mar 10, 2025 07:00 PM CSTWhere: A Zoom link will be provided after registration 📝 Register Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/kWb1PSCLQB6mU8Dq22qzgwWhether you’re navigating grad school, preparing for licensure, or launching your career, this is your space to ask questions, gain insights, and grow alongside fellow counselors.Don’t miss out—sign up today and be part of this growing community!

In this episode, we sit down with Whitney White, a licensed counselor from Tennessee and a PhD student researching impostor syndrome. Whitney opens up about her journey into counseling, the challenges of pursuing a doctoral degree, and the surprising ways impostor syndrome shows up in the counseling profession.Whitney also shares her personal experiences with impostor syndrome, the highs and lows of PhD life, and what’s next for her in the world of counseling and education. If you’ve ever doubted your abilities despite clear evidence of success, this episode is for you!Connect with Whitney White: Find her on Psychology Today for counseling services in Tennessee,For any questions - please go to my website or email me at [email protected]