Been There Got Out Podcast

Psychologist Madelaine Weiss joins us to shed light on the complex world of co-parenting with challenging ex-partners. Through her vast experience in dealing with difficult family dynamics, Madelaine offers insights into how divorce can affect our sense of self and how to manage personal triggers in emotionally charged situations. Together, we explore the psychological struggles that arise from negative portrayals by ex-partners an...

Licensed therapist and trauma specialist Laurel Roberts-Meese joins us for an enlightening exploration of how trauma rewires the brain and why understanding this process is pivotal for healing. We dissect the critical role of the amygdala in trapping individuals in survival mode during prolonged stress and discuss the often-overlooked concept of legal abuse in high-conflict relationships. Laurel shares her profound insights into ef...

Join us for a captivating discussion with Heather Quick, a seasoned Florida attorney and founder of the Florida Women's Law Group, as we explore the multifaceted discovery process in divorce cases. Heather sheds light on the essential nature of discovery, underscoring its critical role in ensuring that both parties have a clear understanding of their financial and asset situations. Our conversation extends beyond financial mat...

Join us as we explore the challenging yet crucial journey of learning to trust again after toxic relationships, with insights from Dr. Elizabeth Polinsky, founder of Communicate and Connect Counseling. In our conversation, Dr. Polinsky shares her expertise on the prevalence of betrayal, from infidelity and intimate partner violence to emotional abuse. Discover the nuances between situational couple violence and intimate terrorism, ...

Can childhood aggression be an unexpected plea for help rather than a precursor to a violent future? Join us as we welcome Davina Hehn, a respected behavioral analyst, to shed light on the nuances of child aggression, particularly in the tumultuous waters of high-conflict separations. Together, we unravel the complex web of emotions that children might express as aggression due to their struggle for communication and emotional regu...

Join us for a heartfelt and insightful conversation with Dinalynn Rosenbush, a seasoned speech and language pathologist and host of The Language of Play podcast. Together, we explore how to support children, particularly those with special needs, through the turbulence of high-conflict separations. Dinalynn shares her wealth of knowledge from both personal and professional experiences, shedding light on the profound impact parental...

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Gloria Vanderhorst, a distinguished psychologist whose five decades of experience provide a rich tapestry of insights into the world of male emotional expression. Gloria brings her depth of expertise to the forefront as we examine the constraints American cultural norms place on men's emotional vocabulary, beginning in childhood. Through her work with preschoolers, adolescents, and...

Dr. Karalynn Royster, a child psychologist from Colorado, joins us to unravel the complexities of co-parenting with a challenging ex-partner. She shares her expertise on creating a home environment where children can thrive despite the turmoil of separation. By focusing on the well-being of the children and allowing them time to adapt, Dr. Royster highlights key indicators of children struggling with these changes, like behavioral ...

Confidence and assertiveness specialist Talia Bambola shares her invaluable expertise on the nuanced differences between assertiveness and aggression. With her background as a licensed marriage family therapist, Talia discusses the transformative journey from people-pleasing to setting firm boundaries and building confidence. Her insights are particularly relevant for those trapped in high-conflict co-parenting dynamics, where bala...

Could the secret to easier co-parenting be as simple as understanding your emotions? Licensed professional counselor and play therapist Jenny Hornby joins the conversation to explore this and more. Our discussion offers listeners a fascinating glimpse into the world of emotional regulation—a crucial skill for parents who must navigate their own feelings while helping children identify and manage theirs. Jenny provides valuable insi...

Author and speaker Josh the Derelict joins us to share his unique insights on navigating the challenges of divorce and rediscovering one's identity through adversity. Josh's journey from feeling abandoned to embracing his true self is a testament to resilience and transformation. In this episode, Josh introduces his book, "The Five Traps Men Face when Going Through Divorce and How to Triumph Over Them," offering...

Michele Locke, a seasoned attorney and former domestic violence judge, brings her wealth of experience to our latest episode. We tackle the tough issues of family court, addressing concerns about judicial integrity and the toll of compassion fatigue on judges. Michele gives us a front-row seat to the complexities of protective orders and child protective services cases, highlighting the challenges of ensuring justice while managing...

Parenting teenagers through the tumultuous waters of divorce, separation, and co-parenting just became a little clearer thanks to our guest, parenting coach Mike Barsamian. With a rich background in understanding teenage behavior, Mike equates their journey to walking a tightrope, balancing precariously between the realms of childhood and adulthood. Together, we unpack the concept of "code switching" as teenagers navigate...

Unlock the secrets to protecting your child's emotional well-being amidst the turmoil of high-conflict divorce. Our guest, clinical psychologist Dave Marcus, sheds light on the profound psychological effects parental disputes can have on children of all ages. From toddlers who internalize parental tension to teenagers caught in the crossfire, discover how these dynamics shape a child's identity and mental health. Dave sha...

Join us as we welcome the insightful Theresa Inman, a board-certified behavior analyst, who sheds light on the complexities of aggressive behavior in children, especially within high-conflict divorces. Theresa brings her extensive experience to the table, explaining how children often mirror the behaviors they observe, sometimes resulting in aggression. We explore the misconceptions around children's innate understanding of be...

Join us as we engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Stacey Womack, the visionary founder and executive director of Abuse Recovery Ministry and Services (ARMS). Stacey shares her invaluable insights into domestic violence intervention programs, shedding light on how these initiatives aim to help individuals, primarily men, recognize and change abusive behaviors by altering their underlying belief systems. We address preval...

How does the court system handle the delicate issue of one parent turning their children against the other during a contentious divorce? Discover the insights of Jonathan Breeden, a divorce attorney with decades of experience, as he unravels the complexities of high-conflict co-parenting. With a focus on parental alienation, Jonathan shares stories and strategies that highlight the need for effective communication and resolution, b...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jackie Zamora, a talented Dominican dancer from Brooklyn, New York, as she shares her journey of founding Zam Dance, a transformative dance program for individuals with disabilities. Listen in as Jackie opens up about her personal experiences with mental abuse during childhood, which led her to seek solace and healing through dance. Jackie emphasizes the importance of expressing pain throu...

Anastasia Arauz, a seasoned co-parenting counselor, joins us to unravel the complex world of co-parenting during high-conflict divorces and custody battles. Through her expert lens, Anastasia demystifies common misconceptions and fears, such as confronting an ex-partner in counseling or doubting the effectiveness of these sessions. She clarifies the nuanced differences between the roles of a parenting coordinator and a co-parenting...