Next Level Therapy

"I know my boss isn't my father... why can't I just stop feeling this way?"
Have you ever sat across from a highly articulate client who perfectly understands their patterns, yet their body still reacts with the exact same panic? In Episode 18 of Next Level Therapy, Dr. Tracy Masiello tackles one of the most frustrating dilemmas in psychotherapy: why cognitive insight alone often fails to change deep-rooted survival predictions.
We are diving into the neuroscience of Memory Reconsolidation—the brain’s built-in "rewrite" mechanism. Moving beyond traditional management-focused therapies, Dr. Masiello explains how to create a "Prediction Error" that permanently updates implicit emotional learnings at the root level.
In this episode, you will learn:
The biological sequence of real, lasting change (Activation, Mismatch, and Juxtaposition).
Why the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala don't speak the same language.
Practical, immediate clinical techniques like "The Sentence Completion" and "The Two-Handed Hold."
How to identify the undeniable markers of true transformation: symptom cessation, subjective realness, and zero relapse.
Tune in to get a step-by-step clinical framework you can use in your very next session to help your clients finally feel the change they already understand.

 In this episode of Next Level Therapy, Dr. Tracy Masiello takes us into the rapidly evolving world of digital therapeutics—software-based treatments for diagnosable mental health conditions that carry the same evidence standards as medications and structured therapies. You’ll discover how FDA-authorized tools like Somryst for insomnia, EndeavorRx for ADHD, and reSET‑O for opioid use disorder are changing the way we deliver care, learn to integrate these programs into your treatment plans with real‑time data insights, and navigate the ethical and privacy challenges that come with harnessing clients’ health data. Tune in for practical guidance on evaluating efficacy, enhancing clinical oversight, and unlocking the full potential of these digital extensions of your therapeutic work. 

 Step into the future of therapy—where sessions happen in 3D virtual spaces and healing unfolds in immersive, customizable environments. In this episode, Dr. Tracy Masiello explores how the metaverse is opening new possibilities for therapeutic connection, embodiment, and access to care. She shares what therapists need to know about this growing form of therapy and what ethical, clinical, and practical questions still need answering.

What if healing didn’t just come from what you say—but from what your clients see, smell, hear, and touch? In this episode, Dr. Tracy Masiello explores the cutting-edge field of neuroaesthetics—the science of how sensory experiences impact brain function, emotion, and behavior—and how it’s transforming modern therapy. You’ll learn how visual design, sound, scent, and tactile elements can regulate the nervous system, reduce stress, and deepen emotional processing. Included are practical tips for in your incorporating neuroaesthetics in your office. 

In this eye-opening episode of Next Level Therapy: Tools for the Modern Therapist, Dr. Tracy Masiello explores the groundbreaking intersection of blockchain technology and mental health with digital health expert Dr. Wendy Charles. Together, they unpack how blockchain is transforming the way mental health professionals maintain client confidentiality, secure sensitive data, and streamline interoperability in healthcare systems.
Dr. Charles shares her unique journey from neuropsychology to becoming a global leader in blockchain applications for healthcare. She demystifies blockchain, explaining its core concepts, practical applications in mental health, and how it can safeguard privacy in therapy. From Medicaid modernization to immersive metaverse therapy, Dr. Charles highlights cutting-edge advancements and the future potential of this technology.

In this episode of Next Level Therapy, Dr. Tracy Masiello hosts Dr. David Cooper, a digital health expert and director at Therapists in Tech, to explore the transformative role of chatbots and AI companions in mental health. Dr. Cooper shares his journey from working with the Department of Defense on tech solutions for veterans to his current focus on integrating AI into therapeutic practices.
 
About the guest:
 
David Cooper, PsyD. is a digital health expert who is the current Executive Director of Therapists in Tech, the largest organization of clinicians in digital mental health. He has worked with organizations like the US Department of Defense, the AMA and FDA, and top hospitals in the US on their digital health strategies and portfolios. Now he focuses on helping iterate technology into the practice of therapy and treatment.
 

In this captivating episode of Next Level Therapy, host Dr. Tracy Masiello dives into the transformative world of expressive arts in trauma therapy with Dr. Cathy Malchiodi, an internationally recognized expert in the field. Discover how integrating art, movement, sound, and sensory experiences offers a powerful, holistic approach to trauma healing. Dr. Malchiodi shares her journey from fine arts to trauma therapy, shedding light on the science behind expressive arts and its profound impact on our senses, emotions, and body. Whether you're a seasoned therapist or new to trauma-informed practices, this episode will inspire and equip you with fresh insights to enhance your practice. Tune in to learn practical tools for using expressive arts in therapy and gain a new perspective on the universal human capacity to heal through creative expression.
Don’t miss this thought-provoking discussion that redefines traditional trauma care and opens new doors to connection, attunement, and healing.
 
 
Dr. Cathy Malchiodi's bio:
 
Dr. Cathy Malchiodi is a research psychologist, a licensed professional art therapist, and registered expressive arts therapist. She is the founder, director and lead faculty member of the Trauma-Informed Practices and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute. She is the author of over 20 books, including Trauma and Expressive Arts Therapy: Brain, Body, and Imagination in the Healing Process and Understanding Children’s Drawings.
 
Resourceful links:
 
https://www.facebook.com/cathy.malchiodi/https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathymalchiodi/

Innovations in Trauma-Informed Care: Exploring Expressive Arts and Dancing Mindfulness with Dr. Jamie Marich
In this episode of Next Level Therapy, host Dr. Tracy Masiello welcomes renowned trauma therapist and educator Dr. Jamie Marich to discuss innovative approaches to trauma-informed care using expressive arts, including the transformative practice of Dancing Mindfulness.
Dr. Marich shares her unique journey into the field, her integration of expressive arts and EMDR in trauma therapy, and practical strategies for therapists. They explore the benefits of expressive arts in helping clients process trauma, the role of movement and mindfulness, and the importance of therapists engaging with these practices themselves. Dr. Marich emphasizes the value of frameworks that honor indigenous and ancient healing traditions, advocating for more inclusive and holistic approaches within modern therapeutic practice.
 
 
Bio:
JAMIE MARICH, Ph.D. (she/they) speaks internationally on EMDR therapy, trauma, addiction, dissociation, expressive arts, yoga, and mindfulness, and runs a private practice and online training network in her home base of Akron, OH. Marich has written numerous books, notably Trauma and the 12 Steps: An Inclusive Guide to Recovery and Dissociation Made Simple: A Stigma-Free Guide to Embracing Your Dissociative Mind and Navigating Life. Her next book, You Lied to Me About God: A Memoir is coming out in October 2024 with North Atlantic Books. She has won numerous awards for LGBT+ and mental health advocacy, specifically in reducing stigma around dissociative disorders through the sharing of her own lived experience.
 
To read more about Jamie and access clips of her speaking and writing published online, go to: www.jamiemarich.com
 
IG: @drjamiem
TikTok: @traumatherapistrants
YouTube: DrJamieMM
Twitter/X: @jamiemarich
 
 
Helpful links:
 
ICM Blog: Redefine Therapy
Home - Dr. Jamie Marich's Website
Redefine Therapy: A Short Film by Dr. Jamie Marich

In this episode of Next Level Therapy, Dr. Tracy Masiello explores innovative trauma-informed care methods with Barbara Sheehan Zeidler, an EMDRIA Consultant and licensed counselor who integrates adult play and sand work in therapy. Barbara shares her journey from being a client in need of trauma-informed care to becoming a trauma-informed therapist using diverse methods like EMDR (certified Trainer), IFS, and sand therapy.
The discussion highlights the therapeutic potential of sand work for adults, emphasizing its ability to facilitate healing through client-led exploration and expression. Barbara encourages therapists to experience sand therapy themselves and addresses common misconceptions, emphasizing the courage required for such non-traditional approaches.
The episode offers insights into adapting therapy practices and underscores the importance of continuous learning in the field.
About the expert:
 
Barbara Sheehan-Zeidler, MA
Licensed Professional Counselor
EMDR Certified Trainer and EMDRIA Approved Consultant
IFS Levels 1 & 2 Trained
Somatic IFS Certified
Workshop Facilitator
Useful links:
www.CreativeAndCaringCounseling.com

In this episode of 'Next Level Therapy, Practical Tools for the Modern Therapist,' Dr. Tracy Masiello introduces a new series focused on innovative trauma therapy practices. Joined by clinical psychotherapist Jenna Lane, they discuss trauma-informed care, including its significance and implementation. Jenna shares her background and emphasizes the importance of patience, understanding trauma's manifestations, and the role of cultural sensitivity. They explore interventions like EMDR and CBT, their effectiveness, and their application.