You’ve heard the saying “you can’t give away what you don’t already have for yourself.” We unpack that, using Love as an example, to show you that being patient, kind, and humble with yourself is not only NOT selfish but is the epitome of “self-love.” And when you love yourself like this, you can more authentically love others. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private ...
Sep 18, 2024•23 min
We’ve introduced Internal Family Systems and described it, and thought it would be helpful to hear it demonstrated. Aaron offers himself as a client for Nathan as his IFS therapist, focusing on a “performing/achieving” part of Aaron’s system. Listen/watch to experience IFS more in-depth. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third...
Sep 11, 2024•25 min
As therapists, we often hear the version of life our clients tell us without realizing there may be another version that’s very different. When a client brings in their significant other and those versions vary drastically, we get to see it in real time-and it can be shocking! We hope this episode helps you realize there’s another side of your story so you can be open to it and even seek it out. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical s...
Sep 03, 2024•24 min
If you’ve been with people who are emotionally closed off then meet someone who is open, it can feel like availability but it’s not. You can be emotionally open but not available for your partner in a relationship. We break down the difference between these three and give examples to help you understand so you can hopefully work toward the healthiest version of yourself and your relationship. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supe...
Aug 28, 2024•24 min
We’ve done an episode on Internal Family Systems (#50) but we wanted to explain it better so you have an idea of what it is and how it works, practically. Nathan shares a fascinating metaphor that you’ll want to hear! Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one together. Aaron is also a business consultant for therapists in pr...
Aug 14, 2024•26 min
Accepting the loss of an important relationship can be painful and difficult, but doing it well brings peace and potentially resolves it at some point later on. Sometimes other people have a misunderstanding but aren’t willing to see outside their own hurt feelings or perspective. When that happens, letting go of defending yourself or saving the relationship can be the healthiest and most caring response. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and ...
Aug 07, 2024•23 min
"Holding space" is a skill that gives the other person and the relationship room to breathe so you can go deeper and have more intimacy. It's like listening-you withhold your interpretation of the other person and just reflect back so they can freely explore what they think and feel without fear of judgment or reaction. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group th...
Jul 30, 2024•22 min
We recorded this episode LIVE from our favorite local spot, Flyboy Brewery, on June 27th, 2024. We reflected on our favorite episodes, shared our most embarrassing moments, and had an all-around fun time celebrating nearly 4 years of being podcasters! Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one together. Aaron is also a busine...
Jul 17, 2024•47 min
Technology has made us more connected through devices but less connected in real life (IRL). While platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and FaceTime can be better alternatives to nothing, they cannot replace the value and benefit of connecting with people in real life. Social anxiety has risen and made what once was normal stressful or scary. Let’s work together to connect IRL, and put our devices away when we gather to BE IRL…IRL. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts,...
Jul 10, 2024•25 min
If you want to have a marriage that lasts, you will need to evolve and mature together over time. You will need to stay committed to your spouse but also to your marriage as you both go through a developmental process. Listen in as we discuss this process and what you can do to mature well together in your marriage. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therap...
Jul 03, 2024•26 min
Clinical supervision is beneficial for therapists and clients. Supervision helps clinicians see themselves more clearly, provides different perspectives, facilitates critical thinking, and fosters learning. It also gives clients more confidence in their sessions and more oversight in their process. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-...
Jun 26, 2024•27 min
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is different from IQ and is an important skill to have for your own health as well as for the health of your relationships. Based on an article in Simply Psychology, EQ involves self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. Article: https://www.simplypsychology.org/how-to-improve-emotional-intelligence.html Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 year...
Jun 19, 2024•25 min
"Normalizing" someone's problems is a skill that helps them know what's "normal" and what's not. Therapists do this all the time with clients as a way of connecting and helping clients face the issues they need to repair-without coming across as dismissive. Normalizing can be a great relationship tool if you know how to use it well. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a pri...
Jun 13, 2024•24 min
Do you tend to care more about the opinion of others than your own? Do you find yourself bending to what others want instead of asserting your wants or needs? These people-pleasing tendencies limit the connection and intimacy of relationships, and can create distrust. Listen more to find out what to do to improve connections and create true intimacy. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. T...
Jun 05, 2024•27 min
Learning to say “no” to what is not right for you will free you to be available to say “yes” to the kind of person and relationship that’s right for you. To do this, you have to know what is incompatible and not good for you, and be unwilling to tolerate those in your life. This is the best path toward finding the right relationship for you. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each ...
May 29, 2024•24 min
What is group therapy and how can it be beneficial for you? What’s the difference between a topical group and a process group? Believe it or not, giving and receiving feedback from other like-minded people in a group can be extremely beneficial in helping you grow. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one together. Aaron is...
May 22, 2024•25 min
Do you want to start a private therapy practice? Here are some things we’ve learned from our 20 years and three group practices to help you know what it takes to find success. These are not tips on how to do it, but qualities you’ll need to possess (or develop) in order to do it well. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third on...
May 15, 2024•25 min
Sometimes one person in a family becomes the "black sheep" and gets blamed for the faults, wrongdoings, and mistakes of others-especially for reasons of expediency. This person is considered the "scapegoat" for the family's issues. It results in an avoidance of accountability and projection of blame onto others. This episode unpacks these family system dynamics and what to do about them, whether or not you are the identified "scapegoat." Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health e...
May 08, 2024•25 min
As somewhat of a follow-up for the previous episode, this one focuses on the importance of allowing natural consequences (“life”) to do the teaching as your kids become teens. Your role as a parent shifts with their developmental stage, from implementing consequences to allowing them and acting as a coach in their learning process. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a priv...
May 01, 2024•24 min
If you’re a parent and you’ve taught your kids that doing something wrong will lead to you being disappointed, frustrated, or upset with them, you might be casing them to fear you rather than the natural consequences. Worse, you might also be training them to people-please in order to keep you happy. Don’t worry, there are things you can do to cancel this and shift the focus away from you (the parent) to where it belongs-your kid. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts,...
Apr 24, 2024•24 min
Are you a verbal processor? Have people told you that you talk too much? Do you often worry people don’t understand you so you over-explain? If this sounds like you, listen to this episode to gain clarity on what might be happening and why so that you can do something differently to improve your relationships. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy prac...
Apr 17, 2024•26 min
Are you successful in life but not getting enough sleep, drinking coffee all day, or sacrificing time with family to achieve your goals? Do you have trouble slowing down or stopping to be present? If so, you might be living in survival mode. Here are some things you need to know to recognize if you’re in survival but working toward thriving. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each ...
Apr 10, 2024•27 min
Did you grow up being responsible for taking care of the feelings of a parent? Were you also responsible for making adult decisions as a child? Do you have difficulty knowing or caring for your own needs now as an adult? If so, you might have experienced emotional incest and need to learn some boundaries for yourself so you can grow the parts of you that you need to be healthy and mature. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervis...
Apr 03, 2024•25 min
Do you have a hard time receiving compliments? Do they make you feel uncomfortable or spotlighted? Accepting a compliment requires vulnerability which might be the reason they make you feel awkward. Try seeing it as an invitation to intimacy or a deeper connection, and practice accepting the invitation. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice an...
Mar 20, 2024•24 min
We all have expectations but sometimes we’re not aware that we do. These can set us up for disappointment, anger, or resentment when things don’t go the way we expected them to. Being aware can help, but so can holding our expectations loosely - or not having them at all. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one together. A...
Mar 20, 2024•23 min
Sometimes when you say or do something with a certain intent, the other person takes it very differently, which can create a conflict between you. In this episode, we blend several topics from the past to help you understand and navigate the intent versus the impact parts of communication, and give you tips to get over yourself! Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private...
Mar 13, 2024•25 min
We all have beliefs about ourselves, others, and the world. These “core” beliefs determine how we interpret things and see ourselves. They can also can create self-fulfilling prophecies, causing us to act out well-worn patterns that produce familiar outcomes - even if those are the exact results we don’t want! Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy prac...
Mar 06, 2024•26 min
If you’ve been in a conflict with a partner, friend, or coworker and are unsure how to begin the repair, start with validation. Validating their experience or concern will help you both move toward resolution, and it’s a great peace offering that can bring immediate connection. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one toget...
Feb 27, 2024•25 min
Energy is a finite resource we all have and need to budget properly. We need to maximize our energy "income" through sleep, diet, and exercise. We also need to make sure we're spending energy wisely: giving it to the people and activities that are most beneficial for us. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical supervisors with over 35 years of experience. They each own a private group therapy practice and co-own a third one together. Aa...
Feb 21, 2024•27 min
We can get too fixated on the "problems" we experience in life, keeping ourselves stuck ON the problem. Trying to understand the problem is helpful to a degree, but then we need to move toward fixing it - which usually involves doing something different. Therapists can be prone to this, too, but ultimately need to partner with you to explore what you can do differently to get a different outcome. Aaron Potratz & Nathan Hawkins are behavioral health experts, licensed counselors, and clinical ...
Feb 14, 2024•25 min
