Therapist Uncensored Podcast

What if your relationship struggles aren’t just personal—but shaped by the systems you live in?

Together, Akilah Riley Richardson and Sue Marriott challenge traditional Western therapy models, discuss the importance of “responsible externalizing,” and explore how therapists can create space for grief, imagination, and genuine connection instead of trying to fix what cannot simply be solved.

Akilah Riley Richardson returns to explore how systemic trauma quietly shapes our relationships, nervous systems, and sense of self. Drawing from her work with marginalized couples, she introduces the concept of relational privilege and explains why healing cannot be separated from the social systems we live in.

“The experiences of marginalized people are often devalued even by helping professionals, and this text is my dedication to carving a space where we, as practitioners, can ensure that we are of service in a way that is rooted in the realities of our people. It is also a reflection of my obligation to marginalized couples and individuals. My sincere wish for them all is that they are never harmed in therapy but instead uplifted. ” – Akilah Riley-Richardson

Time Stamps for The Hidden Weight of Systemic Trauma: How Oppression Shapes Our Relationships with Akilah Riley-Richardson (306)

02:05 The systemic trauma faced by marginalized couples

04:12 Barriers for global south therapists and voices

08:00 Fear, threat, and navigating space as a marginalized person

09:57 Relational privilege and systemic influence

12:03 The role of colonial Christianity in systemic trauma

17:50 The danger of model dogmatism in therapy

20:06 Neurobiological threat and systemic trauma

22:02 Practicing responsible externalizing in therapy

26:07 The grief of systemic trauma and loss

28:04 The limitations of evidence-based models

29:58 The need for imagination and community in healing

31:47 The concept of lostness and liminality in trauma

34:06 The danger of attachment to models and frameworks

35:59 Differentiating systemic from relational reality

38:10 Yoruba and indigenous healing traditions

41:59 The influence of colonialism and imperialism on therapy

43:53 Acknowledge systemic trauma in therapist self-awareness

49:57 Habits of survival and internalized oppression

51:52 The impact of systemic trauma on body and mind

About our Guest – Akilah Riley-Richardson, MSW, CCTP

Akilah Riley-Richardson, MSW, CCTP is a dedicated therapist, educator, and researcher with several years of experience. As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and STAIR Method Certified clinician, Akilah specializes in relational healing, focusing on the needs of couples and individuals, both in the Caribbean and internationally.Her expertise extends to supporting sexual and racial minorities, ensuring that her practice is inclusive and culturally sensitive. Akilah’s commitment to education and advocacy has led her to consult for esteemed organizations, including NASTAD, I-TECH, CARPHA, and CVC, where she has made significant contributions to healthcare training and community support. She has presented her work at various prestigious forums, such as the Psychotherapy Networker Symposium, Academy of Therapy Wisdom, Harvard Medical School, Chicago School of Psychology and the Black Mental Health Symposium. From 2012 to 2025, she served as a Social Work Educator at the University of the Southern Caribbean, mentoring future leaders in the field. Currently, she serves as a Research Supervisor and Examiner at the University of the West Indies Global Campus. As the founder of the Relational Healing Institute and the creator of the P.R.I.D.E. model, Akilah is passionate about advancing relational therapies. Her book, “Marginalized Couples in Therapy” reflects this passion.

Resources for The Hidden Weight of Systemic Trauma: How Oppression Shapes Our Relationships with Akilah Riley-Richardson (306)

Marginalized Couples in Therapy: Interventions for Healing from Systemic Trauma – Akilah’s new book, use this link for 20% off. Get your copy today!

Akilah’s website  – Resources, opportunities and additional information

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Beyond Attachment Styles –

Deepening Security in Yourself and Fostering More Secure Relationships

Course available NOW!  

Everyone’s heard of attachment styles – but you likely don’t know how much the popular press gets wrong and what the science actually says about how to improve your relationships long term (including how we relate to ourselves).  This course is for anyone wanting to more deeply understand attachment (styles vs patterns), unconscious defense activation patterns, implicit scripts… and most importantly, what to do once you do get activated!  Online, Self-Paced, Asynchronous Learning with Quarterly Live Q&A’s! Earn 6 Continuing Education Credits – Available at Checkout.

As a listener of this podcast, use code BAS15 for a limited-time discount.

Or read Marriott & Kelley’s critically-acclaimed book, Secure Relating: Holding Your Own in an Insecure World (HarperCollins,2023)

for the most in-depth experience of learning about Secure Relating.

Therapists love it, but it’s accessible to everyone.  If you aren’t interested in the background science, just start at Part 2 and we will be talking directly to you – it’s fun!

 

You are invited! 

OK for those of you who refer others to the pod, use it professionally or consider yourself nerdy and just love this stuff, hello, you are our people!

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The leadership skill that changes everything

Special guest Amy Holloway explores how trust shapes thriving communities, effective leadership, and long-term economic growth. Drawing from interviews with leaders across the United States, Amy shares the simple but powerful behaviors that build trust, strengthen collaboration, and create meaningful change – whether in organizations, neighborhoods, or entire cities. Together, Amy and Ann discuss the leadership traits that foster connection, the behaviors that erode trust, and why building community starts with intentional relationships.

“Trust-building is within everyone’s power.” – Amy Holloway

Time Stamps for Trust Builders: Leadership That Creates Change with Amy Holloway (305)

00:15 Importance of establishing trust in communities

07:32 Trust breakers vs. trust builders

14:18 Characteristics of effective community leaders

19:52 Insights from interviews with local leaders

25:33 Crisis management and community recovery

About our Guest – Amy Holloway, President of Aha!

Amy Holloway is the president of Aha!, an economic development consultancy specializing in strategic planning, and a practitioner-in-residence with Harvard Kennedy School’s Reimagining the Economy Project. Over a 30-year career, she has helped more than 200 places design strategies for long-term economic growth and community prosperity. A retired partner at Ernst & Young and leader of the firms national economic development practice, Amy previously founded and led Avalanche Consulting, one of the nation’s leading strategic planning firms. With her upbeat, welcoming style, she brings local leaders together through conversations that spark “aha!” moments and shared action. Her new #1 bestselling book, Trust Builders: The Key To Thriving Communities, is the culmination of Amy’s career-long belief that trust among local leaders is the single most powerful force shaping thriving communities. Amy lives in Asheville, North Carolina. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, painting, and teaching Pilates.

Resources for Trust Builders: Leadership That Creates Change with Amy Holloway (305)

Trust Builders: The Key to Thriving Communities – Get your copy of Amy’s book today!!

Aha! Advisor – Aha! is where leaders unite to make a lasting impact, learn more

Trust Strengths Assessment – Take your assessment here!!

Reimagining the Economy Project, Harvard Kennedy School – Rohan Sandhu, Tony Ditta, Monserrat Magana Ocana

The Social Capital Atlas – Raj Chetty, Matthew O. Jackson, Theresa Kuchler, Johannes Stroebel. Abigail Hiller, Sarah Oppenheimer * The Opportunity Insights Team

Beyond Attachment Styles course is available NOW!  

Learn how your nervous system, your mind, and your relationships work together in a fascinating dance, shaping who you are and how you connect with others. Online, Self-Paced, Asynchronous Learning with Quarterly Live Q&A’s! Earn 6 Continuing Education Credits – Available at Checkout As a listener of this podcast, use code BAS15 for a limited-time discount.

 

 

Get your copy of Secure Relating here!!

The therapy conversation we don’t have enough.

Dr. Sabrina N’Diaye shares a holistic approach to healing that blends spirituality, therapy, ancestral wisdom, and community connection. Together, we explore the transformative power of writing, forgiveness, and intentional rituals, while discussing how self-love, collective healing, and honoring every emotion can help us reconnect with ourselves and move through trauma with greater compassion and resilience.

“Each day, I commit to loving myself more deeply than the day before. And I’m loving the journey.” – Dr. Sabrina N’Diaye

Time Stamps for Healing Through Spirituality, Writing, and Connection with Dr. Sabrina N’Diaye (304)

02:37 The significance of spirituality in therapy

05:16 The power of writing and journaling

07:48 Exploring ancestral connections

10:36 Lessons from Big Mama

13:14 Forgiveness as a path to healing

18:37 The role of imagery in therapeutic practice

21:14 Connecting with ancestors and spiritual figures

33:49 Exploring Genograms for healing

36:52 The body as a resource in healing

38:49 Challenging patriarchy and racism in therapy

45:22 The importance of community healing

51:11 Creating circles of connection

About our Guest – Dr. Sabrina N’Diaye 

Dr. Sabrina N’Diaye is a pioneering thought leader in integrating spirituality with psychotherapy. As an integrative therapist, storyteller, and peacebuilder, she blends ancient spiritual practices with the latest scientific research and wisdom to guide others on their healing journeys. She holds a PhD in Mind-Body Medicine from Saybrook University, where her research focused on the use of guided imagery as a healing tool for African-American women with chronic STIs. She is also the founder of The Heart Nest Center for Peace and Healing, where she lovingly serves women, couples, and small groups. A passionate storyteller, Dr. Sabrina is a strong advocate for the power of narrative in the healing process. She believes that sharing stories is a powerful tool for connecting with others and fostering community healing. This belief is central to her workshops and public speaking engagements, where she encourages participants to explore and share their own stories as pathways to personal and collective healing. Sabrina has taught trauma healing and self-care to healthcare professionals and community leaders around the globe, and spent 13 years as a Lead Clinician for community-wide trauma programs in the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, and all over the U.S. In 2022, she co-launched Embracing Buffalo, a project specifically designed to address the aftermath of the May 14th massacre of African-Americans in East Buffalo. Dr. Sabrina is a highly-respected member of the treatment community, frequently lecturing on topics such as peacebuilding, spirituality, self-care for healers, imagery, writing, and the transformative power of connection. Her many audiences include police departments, correctional facilities, school systems, flight attendants, healing artists, peacebuilders, and aspiring writers. Her first book, Big Mama Speaks: Love Lessons from a Harlem River Swan, draws on her maternal grandmother’s resilience in overcoming trauma and chronic illness. Dr. Sabrina is deeply passionate about mentoring other therapists in creating fulfilling careers while serving humanity.

Resources for Healing Through Spirituality, Writing, and Connection with Dr. Sabrina N’Diaye (304)

The Heart Nest Institute – Additional resources, information, programs, group opportunities, and more

Big Mama Speaks: Love Lessons from a Harlem River Swan – Sabrina’s book, purchase your copy today!

Psychotherapy Networker – Articles and other content from Sabrina

Beyond Attachment Styles course is available NOW!  

Learn how your nervous system, your mind, and your relationships work together in a fascinating dance, shaping who you are and how you connect with others. Online, Self-Paced, Asynchronous Learning with Quarterly Live Q&A’s! Earn 6 Continuing Education Credits – Available at Checkout As a listener of this podcast, use code BAS15 for a limited-time discount.

 

 

 

You are invited! 

Join our exclusive community to get early access and discounts to things we produce, plus an ad-free, private feed. In addition, receive exclusive episodes recorded just for you. Sign up for our premium Neuronerd plan!! Click here!! 

Get your copy of Secure Relating here!!

OCD isn’t just about managing symptoms—it’s about understanding the parts beneath them

In the third and final part of our OCD series, expert Melissa Mose explores the complexities of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), discussing evidence-based treatments like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and how Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy can complement traditional approaches. Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience, Melissa shares practical strategies for navigating OCD, while highlighting the roles of self-leadership, compassion, and understanding the different “parts” that influence thoughts, fears, and behaviors.

“ERP has been shown to be the most effective treatment. Exposures help the brain rewire and learn resilience.” – Melissa Mose 

Time Stamps for The Hidden Parts of OCD: ERP, IFS, and Self-Leadership with Melissa Mose (303)

00:12 Introduction to OCD and treatment

02:58 Understanding exposure and response prevention (ERP)

08:13 The role of the therapist in ERP

10:45 Integrating internal family systems (IFS) with ERP

13:30 The impact of shame in OCD

16:09 Differentiating reassurance from compulsions

36:25 Understanding exiled parts in therapy

40:58 Obsessive and compulsive parts: A closer look

43:38 Navigating the helicopter parent dynamic

47:40 Differentiating between anxiety and OCD

55:45 The connection between attachment and OCD

About our Guest – Melissa Mose, LMFT

Melissa Mose is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a private practice in Los Angeles since 1995. She has specialized in the treatment of OCD and anxiety since 2011 and currently trains and supervises associates in her group practice. Melissa is also an Internal Family Systems therapist. She is Level 3 trained and Certified and an IFSI-approved clinical consultant. She has served on staff as a PA for multiple Level 1 and Level 2 experiential IFS trainings through the IFS Institute. Melissa’s experience as the parent of a child with OCD led her to specialize in the treatment of individuals with anxiety and OCD as well as their families. She is a graduate of the IOCDF’s general, pediatric and advanced Behavior Therapy Training Institutes (BTTI) as well as the Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) program and Cognitive-behavioral Intervention for Tics training (CBIT). Her fifteen years of experience prior to that specialization provided a broad foundation of skills and approaches that infuse her integrative approach. With a background in family systems and mindfulness practices, she became driven to find more compassionate and accessible treatment for OCD. Melissa has developed an integrative approach that utilizes an IFS framework to provide evidence-based exposure therapy for OCD. She is an international speaker and educator on obsessive compulsive disorder and its treatment, and she is currently the president of the board of directors of OCD Southern California, an affiliate of the International OCD Foundation. In her role on the board of OCD SoCal advocates for individuals with OCD, hosts speakers’ series, trainings, and one of largest virtual OCD conferences worldwide. It is her mission to raise awareness, improve early identification and greater treatment accessibility for individuals with OCD and their families.

Resources for The Hidden Parts of OCD: ERP, IFS, and Self-Leadership with Melissa Mose (303)

Melissa’s website – Resources & information

IFS for OCD Clinician’s Guide – Melissa’s book – Internal Family Systems for OCD: A Clinician’s Guide 

www.OCDSoCal.org – Melissa is president of OCD Southern California

Beyond Attachment Styles course is available NOW!  

Learn how your nervous system, your mind, and your relationships work together in a fascinating dance, shaping who you are and how you connect with others. Online, Self-Paced, Asynchronous Learning with Quarterly Live Q&A’s! Earn 6 Continuing Education Credits – Available at Checkout As a listener of this podcast, use code BAS15 for a limited-time discount.

 

 

 

You are invited! 

Join our exclusive community to get early access and discounts to things we produce, plus an ad-free, private feed. In addition, receive exclusive episodes recorded just for you. Sign up for our premium Neuronerd plan!! Click here!! 

 

Get your copy of Secure Relating here!!

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Patreon/Supercast Special Release –

Bonus – Living Beyond the OCD Loop with Ally Kristan (302)

This is a sneak peek of our episode with Ally Kristan, and part two of our three part series on OCD – available only on our Premium Supercast and Patreon platforms. For as little as $5/month you can have access to special releases like this one, first-to-know about upcoming events and discounts and an ad-free feed.

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What is OCD really like beyond the stereotypes?

In part two of our three part series on deepening the understanding OCD, Marine biologist and author Ally Kristan shares her lifelong experience living with OCD, challenging common misconceptions that reduce the disorder to cleanliness or organization. Ally discusses the intrusive thoughts, compulsions, shame, and relentless search for certainty that characterize OCD, as well as the relief of finally receiving a diagnosis and effective support. Together, Ally and Dr. Ann Kelley explore themes of control, uncertainty, mindfulness, relationships, self-compassion, and how healing can come from understanding—not fighting—the parts of ourselves that struggle. The episode offers an honest, hopeful look at living with OCD and finding ways to transform fear into meaning and connection.

“We’re not out of touch with reality. We know that what we’re doing doesn’t make sense, but we just can’t help doing it anyway.” – Ally Kristan

Time Stamps for Bonus – Living Beyond the OCD Loop with Ally Kristan (302)

06:34 Personal journey: Discovering my OCD

11:34 Therapeutic insights: The role of specialists

16:19 The OCD loop: Understanding the cycle

23:01 Transforming OCD: Finding positive outlets

31:03 Radical acceptance and its challenges

35:10 Finding Authenticity in Confrontation

42:23 Transforming compulsions into positive rituals

52:28 The balance of reassurance in relationships

55:59 The intersection of OCD and career choices

58:00 Lessons from penguins: Resilience and love

01:00:54 Conservation concerns: The krill catastrophe

01:07:28 Coping tools and resources for OCD

About our Guest – Ally Kristan 

Ally Kristan is a marine conservation biologist, Antarctic expert and OCD advocate originally from Raleigh, North Carolina. She holds a B.S. in Marine Biology from UNC Wilmington and an M.S. in Oceanography & Coastal Sciences from Louisiana State University. A salient voice for wildlife protection, Ally has appeared in National Public Radio (NPR), National Audubon Society and Hakai Magazine. Her work has brought her from a sea turtle hospital in North Carolina to whale watch boats in Maui to raucous seabird colonies in Florida, then from the U.S. National Science Foundation in Washington D.C. to McMurdo Station, Antarctica. Ally now resides on the North Carolina coast where, when not working in the lab, she can be found amongst animals.

 

Resources for Living Beyond the OCD Loop with Ally Kristan (302)

Ally Kristan’s website – Additional resources & information

Get your copy of her book, “Braving the Waves” here!!

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Our Beyond Attachment Styles course is available NOW!

Learn how your nervous system, your mind, and your relationships work together in a fascinating dance, shaping who you are and how you connect with others.

Earn 6 Continuing Education Credits – Available at Checkout

Online, Self-Paced, Asynchronous Learning with Quarterly Live Q&A’s