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Have you ever felt that something was missing in your approach to mental health? Something beyond talk therapy and medication? You're not alone. Drawing from both my clinical psychology training and deep Anishinaabe roots, I explore how spirituality—not necessarily religion—can be the missing piece in many healing journeys.

Spirituality creates meaning, connection to something greater, and a profound sense of belonging that traditional therapeutic approaches often overlook. Research consistently shows that people who maintain a coherent sense of meaning demonstrate better mental health outcomes and stronger resilience. When I ask my clients "what gives you strength when nothing else works?" or "where do you turn for guidance in tough situations?", these questions often unlock powerful resources they hadn't fully recognized.

My personal journey illustrates this perfectly. After experiencing a devastating medical trauma that disconnected me from my body and identity, my path back to wholeness wasn't just through conventional therapy and medication. My healing required reconnecting with my spiritual self through ceremonies, stories, and what I call "turtle medicine"—the sacred space where grief and resilience meet. This integration of Indigenous worldview with psychological training became the foundation for my practice at Indigenized Behavioral Healing.

While Western psychology trained me to look for pathology, my Anishinaabe teachings showed me how to seek balance and interconnectedness. True healing happens not just in the brain, but in the heart, body, and spirit. I invite you to consider what creates your spiritual self and how developing this dimension might bring balance you didn't know you needed. When we care for the spirit, we transform the mind. Subscribe now and join me next episode as we continue this vital conversation about holistic healing approaches that honor our complete selves.

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What happens when we release the identities we've constructed for ourselves and embrace a deeper connection to ancestral wisdom? In this soul-stirring conversation, author, speaker, and linguist James Vuklich (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa) shares his transformative journey from teaching the Ojibwe language to truly living it.

Whether seeking to understand Indigenous wisdom or searching for your path toward authentic living, this episode offers profound insights on releasing constructed identities, embracing our connections to each other, and finding liberation in unexpected places.

What identity might you need to release to discover who you truly are?

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Join us for an enriching conversation with Miss Debbie, an esteemed Anishinaabe elder, as she invites us to rethink our relationship with happiness and life's journey. Discover how seeing life as a gift, rather than a struggle, can transform daily challenges into celebrations. Through a captivating exchange, Miss Debbie and I contrast different perceptions of "work" and happiness, illustrating how language and perspective profoundly shape our experiences. With the metaphor of a baby's first cry as a joyful sign of life, she encourages us to greet each day with gratitude and celebration.

Our journey doesn't stop there, as we examine the cyclical nature of life that Miss Debbie shares, challenging the linear views prevalent in Western psychology. The wisdom of our ancestors and the teachings of interconnectedness offer a fresh lens on happiness—one rooted in understanding our emotions as integral parts of us. Through the symbolism of the seven rocks, representing virtues like love and honesty, we emphasize the importance of community and living in harmony with all of nature. This episode is a bridge between complex psychological insights and practical well-being, offering actionable steps for a fulfilling life while fostering balance and respect for all living beings.

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Can understanding the psychology behind forgiveness mend your most strained relationships? Join us on "Psychologist Say" with Harold and me, Dr. Tami, as we unlock the secrets to forgiving and being forgiven. We dive deep into the emotional labyrinth that makes forgiveness so elusive, despite its apparent simplicity. From the difficulty of expressing heartfelt apologies to recognizing the hidden roots of our pain, we break down why letting go is often harder than holding on.

Explore the art of communication and boundary-setting in relationships with us. We tackle the tough questions: When should you speak up, and when is it better to let things slide? Learn why assertiveness is key in preventing resentment, and how understanding individual sensitivities can strengthen your bonds. Our conversation also takes you through the nuances of friendly banter and the importance of sincere apologies in maintaining healthy connections.

Finally, discover strategies for letting go, especially when forgiveness feels unattainable. We discuss the emotional toll of holding onto anger and offer ways to find peace by adjusting expectations. Learn how to accept people as they are and develop empathy for those who struggle with accountability. Whether it's dealing with a difficult colleague, a family member, or a friend, we provide insights to help you release emotional burdens and build more resilient, fulfilling relationships.

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Can affordable therapy really be within everyone’s reach? Join us as Dr. Tami and Harold tackle the critical issue of making mental health care accessible for individuals with low income. We start by demystifying the process of checking eligibility for insurance, highlighting how many might already qualify without knowing it. Dr. Tami shares her clinic's approach to sliding fee scales, ensuring that therapy costs are adjusted based on income and dependents. We also discuss state programs and human service centers that provide behavioral health services using similar sliding fee scales. Indigenous communities are not left out, as we shine a light on the invaluable resources offered by IHS facilities.

We don't stop there. We delve into the broader issue of mental health care accessibility, emphasizing the glaring disparities faced by many. The conversation underscores the importance of making quality mental health services, including evidence-based treatments, available to everyone regardless of their financial situation or insurance status. We call on clinicians to innovate and find ways to make essential services accessible. And, we invite our listeners to engage with us, share their questions, and suggest topics for future discussions. Prioritizing mental health is crucial, and this episode is jam-packed with insights on how to seek the best possible support on a budget.

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Have you ever wondered how trauma shapes our minds and bodies? Join Dr. Tami and Harold on the "PsychologistSay" podcast as she engages in a conversation about unraveling the complexities of trauma and PTSD in honor of National Awareness Month for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Dr. Tami kicks off the episode by identifying how trauma manifests through both direct and vicarious experiences, leaving lasting imprints on our mental and emotional health. Learn practical tips to safeguard yourself from vicarious trauma, especially when dealing with triggering content.

Next, we venture into how trauma is perceived differently by each individual. Using familiar scenarios, such as the disappointment of not making a sports team versus the terror of surviving a car accident, we illuminate how personal history and perception play pivotal roles in shaping traumatic experiences. We also delve into the physiological responses that follow trauma, emphasizing that every person's reaction is unique and worth understanding.

Finally, Dr. Tami explores the spectrum of trauma responses, from acute stress to PTSD, providing a clear distinction between different levels of trauma and their impacts. Through relatable examples like encountering a bobcat, she explains the natural fight, flight, or freeze responses and how the brain stores frightening memories. We discuss the various treatments available for trauma and stress reactions, offering hope and practical advice for those affected. Additionally, we address historical and generational trauma, particularly within Indian country, underscoring the critical role of psychological treatment in healing these deep-rooted wounds. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that aims to foster understanding and offer strategies for recovery.

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Can happiness be our default state? Join Dr. Tami and Harold as they challenge this widespread belief and unpack the unrealistic expectations society places on us. Through candid discussions, they reveal how the pursuit of constant happiness can lead to stress and disappointment. Listen as Harold shares a touching moment of joy playing with his son, which highlights the sporadic nature of happiness and how it often appears when least expected. Dr. Tammy explains how true contentment stems from feeling calm and safe, rather than perpetually happy.

Discover the intricate dynamics between pride and happiness in our next segment. Dr. Tammy and Harold delve into how pride in our achievements can stand alone, separate from the fleeting sensation of happiness. They stress the importance of embracing a full spectrum of emotions instead of being fixated on happiness. This nuanced understanding is especially crucial in relationships, where expecting constant happiness can create undue pressure. By navigating various emotions together, couples can foster a healthier, more resilient connection.

In the final part of the episode, we dissect the difference between genuine happiness and temporary euphoria. Dr. Tammy and Harold caution against external means like drugs or alcohol for seeking joy, as these often lead to short-lived highs rather than true fulfillment. They also tackle the evolution of our eating habits, pointing out how modern consumption has shifted from survival to pleasure, which has contributed to addictive behaviors. This discussion sets the stage for future conversations about how these habits impact our overall well-being. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that aims to reshape your understanding of happiness and the effort required to attain it.

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What if the key to understanding your adult struggles lies hidden in your childhood memories? On this episode of Psychologist Say, I, Dr. Tami, introduce Harold, our new official podcast production team member, as we embark on an insightful journey into unmet emotional needs. We explore how crucial nurturing and responsive care from parents are to a child's emotional development and how a parent's reaction to their child's crying can have long-lasting effects. Uncover how these early experiences manifest in adulthood, often triggering memories and shaping our emotional health.

Childhood emotional trauma can leave deep scars that follow us into adult relationships. Harold and I emphasize the importance of doing personal "homework" to understand our histories and the traumas that shape us. We also stress the need for self-compassion and the acknowledgment of our parents' humanity and imperfections. By processing difficult comments and revelations and seeking professional help for intense traumas, we can better manage the impact they have on our well-being and foundational beliefs.

Supportive relationships are vital for emotional growth and self-discovery. We discuss how having friends who provide both support and honest feedback can reshape our self-perceptions, especially when they challenge our internal negative beliefs. As we highlight the value of self-awareness and compassion in breaking unhealthy relationship patterns, we remind you that many might already be doing this emotional work unknowingly. Tune in to learn more about how self-compassion and supportive friendships can guide you on your journey toward healthier relationships and personal growth.

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