Samantha Hanson, LPC, ATR, Clini-Coach®

Archives December 2024

The Professional Podcast Network

Aired: 7/25/24

Host: Phil

Interview With Samantha Hanson

Below is a transcript from the podcast discussion I had with The Professional Podcast Network:

Link below if you’d like to listen to the podcast.

Welcome to the Professional Podcast Network, where brilliance meets business. Elevate your brand and supercharge your revenue with inspiring insights and innovation.  

Hey there, everyone, and welcome back to the show. This is your host, Phil, and our next guest here today is Samantha Hansen, who’s based out of Appleton, Wisconsin, with her business called Peace and Colorful Dynamics.

How are you doing today, Samantha? Good.  I’m doing well, thank you. Glad to hear that. So, Samantha, tell us a little bit more here about what you offer at Peace and Colorful Dynamics.  Well, I offer mental health services. I do individual sessions with people using traditional talk therapy, but combined with expressive arts as a way to help communicate feelings and needs in a different way. 

Sounds good. How long have you been doing this all for?  I’ve been in private practice for about four years now.  Excellent.  So how does the whole process work here when it comes to this therapy you’re doing? Like, where do you start with people?  Well, we can do a consultation, a brief 10-15 minute call just to talk about concerns, make sure we both feel we are a good fit.

I usually offer a video consultation so that way we can see each other and talk, that tends to be more personal than a phone call or as far as getting out of busy work schedules and traffic, video consults seem to work great. The next step would be checking with insurance if that’s the case, or cash pay option if choosing not to use insurance, and then we could go from there, scheduling a session. 

Alright, excellent. And what was it that kind of led you toward this career path? What was your inspiration here?  Well, growing up, I was sick a lot. I was chronically ill, and my mom taught me about crocheting and knitting and painting and drawing. And so it was something that helped me growing up, just using the expressive arts to help me feel better.

And then as I got older, general stress, it helped me just feel better generally, not just,  when I was sick. So. When I realized art therapy was a thing, I had to see where I could take it. And I loved the idea of learning about psychology and this whole new world. So combining the two aspects, it just made sense.

And they really do go hand in hand. Even if we’re not using expressive arts, there’s still visual metaphors and art behind everything we do.  Hmm. Well, it sounds like to me you found your calling here.  All right. Well, Samantha, is there anything else here you want our listeners to know about you? Anything else you want to share today? 

Well, I’m just very down to earth. My job is to make my clients feel comfortable, and I know in my own therapy sessions I would want to feel comfortable and have somebody that is, you know, more down to earth not feel, not feel judged. I mean, judging people, not judging 101 was our first class in school.

Just, I want to make people feel comfortable. So I’m down to earth, I do a lot of art and music in the community. I foster dogs and cats. Occasionally they join sessions if we are telehealth. I want people to know that I have this art to provide to them and I’m here to help them through their journey. 

Alright, sounds great. Well, Samantha, how do we reach out to you if we want to talk to you more about this?  Yes, I do have a website, peaceincolor.org. It has more information on it, talking about services, different examples of what stress may look like if people aren’t sure if that’s what they need.

And then there’s contact information on there to reach me via email or phone. Email is preferred, it’s a little easier to get back to people. That would be peaceincolor2020@gmail.com. But, the website does have all the information. I’m also on social media. You can search up the Peace in Color or Peace in Colorful Dynamics.

I’m all over Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.  All right. Well, Samantha,  thank you again for joining us today and talking to us about all this.  Thank you for inviting me. Wonderful to be here. Wonderful to have you here. You have a great day. All right.  You as well. Bye. Take care. The rest of our listeners stay right there.

We’ll be right back after the short commercial break.  Welcome to the professional podcast network where brilliance meets business, elevate your brand and supercharge your revenue with inspiring insights and innovation. 

man wearing santa hat
How to Start the Search for a Therapist During the Holidays

“…the sole purpose of human experience is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being.”

–Carl Jung

One of the most popular statements I see in online discussion boards, or get asked is “How do I find help?”

The holiday season can be a time of joy, connection, and celebration—but it can also bring stress, grief, or feelings of loneliness. For many, the added emotional weight of the season serves as a reminder to seek professional support, such as starting therapy. However, the process of finding a therapist, especially during the busy holiday season, can feel overwhelming.

The good news? Taking the first steps to find a therapist during this time is achievable with a bit of planning and patience. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the process.

1. Reflect on Your Needs

Before beginning your search, take time to identify what you’re looking for in therapy:

  • What’s bringing you to therapy? Are you dealing with holiday-related stress, anxiety, grief, or long-term concerns?
  • What type of support feels right? Do you prefer individual, couples, or family therapy?
  • Do you have specific preferences? Consider factors like the therapist’s gender, age, cultural background, or approach to therapy.

This self-reflection will make it easier to narrow down your options and find someone who aligns with your goals.

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2. Start with Your Insurance or Budget

If you have insurance, check your provider’s directory for in-network therapists. Many insurance companies offer online search tools that let you filter by location, specialization, and language. Your insurance card may have a client portal website listed on the card, or has been sent to the email on file after you signed up, where it lists your benefits. Otherwise there will be a number to call and they can assist you further.

If you’re paying out-of-pocket and have a tight budget or are in a difficult financial place,

  • Look for sliding-scale therapists who adjust fees based on income.
  • Use platforms like Open Path Collective, which connects individuals with affordable therapy options.

If you are seeking to not use insurance, you can ask providers if they have a cash rate, the provider may still want to verify that your insurance will allow you to opt out – as not all insurances will allow you to.

If you find an Out of Network provider – you can talk to your insurance regarding “out of network benefits”. some will accept a “superbill” a special reciept stating the services and amount you paid, and may or maynot reimburse you all or some of the session cost.

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3. Use Online Directories

Online directories make it easy to search for therapists by specialty, location, and availability. Some popular platforms include:

  • Psychology Today: Offers a comprehensive directory with filters for various needs.
  • Mental Health Match: A comprehensive directory that will allow you to fill out a survey and match you with providers matching those needs.
  • MdLive or Teladoc: Connects you with online therapists or medical doctors for virtual sessions.

These tools often include therapist profiles, so you can learn more about their approach and expertise before reaching out.

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4. Leverage Word of Mouth

Sometimes, the best recommendations come from people you trust. If you’re comfortable, consider asking friends, family, or colleagues if they know of a therapist they recommend.

Alternatively, your primary care physician, clergy member, or school counselor may have a list of local therapists or resources to share.

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5. Be Patient with Holiday Schedules

Therapists often experience higher demand during the holidays and may have limited availability due to travel or personal commitments. If you can’t schedule an appointment immediately:

  • Ask to be waitlisted: Many therapists maintain cancellation lists and can fit you in sooner if a spot opens.
  • Book for January: Starting therapy in the new year can still set you up for a strong start.
  • Consider interim support: Hotlines or crisis chat services can provide immediate assistance while you wait.
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6. Prepare for Your First Contact

Once you’ve identified potential therapists, reach out by phone or email. Be prepared to share:

  • A brief summary of why you’re seeking therapy.
  • Your preferred schedule and whether you need in-person or virtual sessions.
  • Any questions about fees, insurance, or the therapist’s approach.

If you don’t hear back right away, don’t be discouraged—this can be a busy time of year for therapists. Following up after a few days is perfectly acceptable.

7. Explore Immediate Coping Strategies

While waiting for therapy to begin, consider other ways to support your mental health during the holidays:

  • Practice self-care: Engage in activities that relax and recharge you.
  • Set boundaries: Protect your time and energy by saying no to unnecessary obligations.
  • Seek support groups: Many communities offer holiday grief or stress management groups.

8. Give Yourself Grace

Starting the search for a therapist during the holidays can feel like one more thing on an already full to-do list. Remember: the fact that you’re taking steps to prioritize your mental health is a meaningful accomplishment in itself.

Even if you don’t find a therapist immediately, you’re laying the groundwork for healing and growth. Be kind to yourself as you navigate this process.

A Final Note

The holidays are a time of heightened emotion for many, but they can also be an opportunity to reflect on your well-being and take proactive steps toward care. Whether you start therapy now or prepare to begin in the new year, prioritizing your mental health is a powerful gift you can give yourself.

Have questions or need help getting started? Have any other directories to share? Let’s discuss in the comments!

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Pop Psychology Is Not Psychology: Finding the Grey Area

“The human mind is not a terribly logical or consistent place.”

–Jim Butcher

In today’s world of viral social media posts, catchy self-help books, and motivational memes, “pop psychology” has become a buzzword. It promises quick fixes and universal truths about how to live, think, and feel. While some of these ideas may be rooted in psychological principles, they’re often oversimplified, and or distorted.

Real psychology, grounded in research and clinical practice, rarely provides black-and-white answers. Instead, it teaches us to explore the grey areas—to embrace complexity, recognize nuances, and challenge oversimplified narratives.

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The Allure of Pop Psychology

Pop psychology thrives because it feels accessible and empowering. A tweet or TikTok video claiming, “Cut out toxic people and your life will improve” resonates with our desire for control and clarity. It’s tempting to believe that every problem has a clear cause and solution.

However life isn’t that simple. While boundaries are important, labeling every difficult relationship as “toxic” overlooks the complexities of human interactions. Pop psychology often focuses on extremes—what’s “good” versus “bad,” or “healthy” versus “unhealthy”—and neglects the subtleties of real life.

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The Danger of All-or-Nothing Thinking

Pop psychology often feeds into a common cognitive distortion: all-or-nothing thinking (also called black-and-white thinking). This mental trap leads us to see situations, people, or ourselves as entirely good or bad, successful or failing, lovable or unworthy.

Here’s an example:

  • Pop Psychology View: “If someone doesn’t prioritize you 100%, they don’t care about you.”
  • Psychological Perspective: Relationships are nuanced. People can care deeply about you while also being imperfect, distracted, or managing their own struggles.

All-or-nothing thinking doesn’t leave room for the messy, complicated middle ground where most of life happens. This distortion can fuel unrealistic expectations, unnecessary conflict, and feelings of inadequacy.

Recognizing Cognitive Distortions

Real psychology equips us with tools to identify and challenge cognitive distortions, helping us navigate the grey areas of life. Some common distortions include:

  1. Overgeneralization: Assuming one bad experience means all similar experiences will be bad.
    • Pop Psychology: “One failed relationship? You’re just not meant for love.”
    • Reality: A single failure doesn’t define your future. Relationships are opportunities for growth and learning.
  2. Catastrophizing: Expecting the worst-case scenario without evidence.
    • Pop Psychology: “If you’re not happy every day, you’re failing at life.”
    • Reality: Happiness ebbs and flows; it’s unrealistic to expect constant joy.
  3. Emotional Reasoning: Believing something is true simply because it feels true.
    • Pop Psychology: “I feel anxious, so I must be in danger.”
    • Reality: Emotions are signals, but they don’t always reflect objective reality.
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Why Grey Areas Matter

Psychology encourages us to sit with discomfort, uncertainty, and nuance. Rather than offering easy answers, it helps us build resilience and insight. Understanding grey areas means:

  • Recognizing that people and situations are complex.
  • Accepting that progress is not linear.
  • Balancing self-compassion with accountability.

Here’s an example of navigating the grey area:
Imagine you’re struggling with a friendship where your needs feel unmet.

  • Pop Psychology Might Say: “If they’re not meeting your needs, cut them out!”
  • Psychology Would Encourage: Reflect on the dynamic. Are your needs clearly communicated? Is this a pattern or a temporary challenge? Can the relationship be improved with mutual effort?

By exploring the grey area, you’re more likely to make informed, thoughtful decisions that honor both your feelings and the relationship’s context.

How to Think Critically About Pop Psychology

Not everything that sounds psychologically sound is true. To distinguish helpful insights from oversimplified advice:

  1. Consider the Source: Does the idea come from a licensed professional or reputable research?
  2. Question Absolutes: Be wary of advice that feels overly rigid or universal.
  3. Reflect on Context: Ask whether the advice applies to your unique situation.
  4. Learn About Cognitive Distortions: Understanding common mental traps helps you evaluate ideas critically.
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Embracing the Complexity of Real Psychology

Real psychology doesn’t provide quick fixes or one-size-fits-all answers. Instead, it empowers you to think critically, reflect deeply, and make choices that align with your values and circumstances. Life isn’t black and white—and that’s okay. Embracing the grey area is where true growth begins.

What do you think about pop psychology versus real psychology? Let’s discuss in the comments!

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The Magic of Winter

“Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can’t see. “

– The Polar Express

Lets take a break from every day stress, and consider winter from a different perspective, maybe as a poet might view things. Winter has a unique way of transforming the world into a realm of quiet magic. From snow-draped landscapes to the glittering frost on windows, the season invites us to pause, reflect, and marvel at its beauty. Whether you’re a fan of poetry, prose, or simply enjoy observing the world through a creative lens, winter offers endless inspiration.

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Nature’s Winter Symphony

Imagine stepping outside on a crisp winter morning. The world feels still, as if holding its breath. The crunch of snow underfoot becomes a steady rhythm, while the whisper of the wind adds harmony. Bare branches, etched against a pale gray sky, resemble delicate ink strokes on nature’s canvas.

Winter poetry often draws upon these serene and stark landscapes to evoke feelings of solitude, wonder, or even renewal. A simple walk through a snow-laden park can inspire lines about the interplay of light and shadow, the resilience of evergreens, or the gentle beauty of a frozen stream.

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The Emotional Depth of Winter

Winter is a time of contrasts—both external and internal. While the season brings a sense of peace, it can also stir emotions of longing, introspection, or nostalgia. These feelings often lend themselves to rich and evocative writing.

Consider how the shorter days and longer nights create a natural rhythm for reflection. Many poets and writers use winter as a metaphor for quietude, transformation, or the closing of one chapter as another awaits. You might explore themes of:

  • Finding warmth in the cold, whether through love, community, or self-discovery.
  • Navigating the loneliness of winter and turning it into a journey of self-awareness.
  • Viewing the starkness of the season as a symbol of resilience and clarity.
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Winter’s Magic in Everyday Moments

The magic of winter isn’t confined to snow-covered landscapes or dramatic seasonal changes—it can also be found in the simplest moments:

  • A steaming cup of hot cocoa cradled in your hands.
  • The glow of string lights reflecting in icy puddles.
  • The comforting ritual of wrapping up in a blanket with a good book.

Poetic writing can transform these everyday experiences into something extraordinary. Capture the sensory details—the scent of pine, the warmth of a roaring fire, the hush of snow falling at dusk—and let them tell a story of winter’s quiet magic.

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Inspiration for Your Writing

If you’re looking to start your own poetic exploration of winter, consider these prompts:

  1. Describe the first snowfall of the season as if it were a character arriving at a party.
  2. Write about a childhood winter memory and how it shapes your view of the season today.
  3. Explore the duality of winter—its harshness and its beauty—in a series of contrasting images.
  4. Use the concept of “hibernation” as a metaphor for personal growth or retreat.

Winter is more than a season—it’s a state of mind, a pause between the vibrant energy of fall and the renewal of spring. By embracing its quiet magic, we open ourselves to moments of creativity and reflection that are uniquely tied to this time of year.

So, whether you’re a seasoned poet or a newcomer to creative writing, let winter inspire you. Find the magic in its stillness, and let it speak through your words.