Karam & Associates

04/05/2025

03/01/2025

Sibling relationships shape more than just childhood—they can echo into our adult lives, influencing love, work, and family dynamics.

In this episode of *The AAMFT Podcast*, I sit down with veteran systemic family therapist **Karen Gail Lewis** to explore the concept of **“sibling ghosts”**—those lingering childhood dynamics that still impact your clients today. From **frozen images** to **unhealthy loyalties**, discover how understanding sibling ties can unlock deeper healing in therapy.

Whether you’re working with individuals or entire family systems, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

🎧 *Listen now:* [The AAMFT Podcast](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-aamft-podcast/id1450828084?i=1000627219297)

Podcast Episode · The AAMFT Podcast · 09/08/2023 · 46m

02/28/2025

Affairs and trauma can deeply shake the core of any relationship, leaving couples struggling to rebuild trust. In this powerful episode, Eli sits down with Dr. Doug Snyder—renowned expert in marital assessment and couple therapy—to explore a proven, research-based approach for helping couples heal after the trauma of infidelity.

Learn practical, clinical strategies to guide your clients through recovery, foster resilience, and rebuild connection after breaches of trust.

Dr. Snyder, coeditor of the *Clinical Handbook of Couple Therapy* and author of *Getting Past the Affair*, brings decades of expertise to this essential conversation.

🎧 Tune in now: [Listen Here](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-aamft-podcast/id1450828084?i=1000628841799)

Podcast Episode · The AAMFT Podcast · 09/22/2023 · 50m

02/27/2025

Join me for an insightful conversation with **Deb Dana, LCSW** — renowned clinician, author, and expert in **Polyvagal Theory** — as we dive deep into how understanding the nervous system can transform the way we approach trauma and healing.

We explore:
💡 How Polyvagal Theory helps us navigate hyper- and hypo-arousal in trauma.
🤝 The power of **co-regulation** in creating safety and connection.
🛠️ Practical skills for applying Polyvagal insights in therapy and everyday relationships.

Whether you're a clinician or simply curious about the mind-body connection, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways!

🎧 **Tune in now** on your favorite podcast platform and start exploring the pathways to safety and connection.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-aamft-podcast/id1450828084?i=1000632855609

Podcast Episode · The AAMFT Podcast · 10/27/2023 · 59m

02/25/2025

Steven Porges – Making Polyvagal Theory Accessible to All**

For nearly 30 years, Dr. Stephen Porges’ *Polyvagal Theory* has transformed how we understand trauma, safety, and well-being. But much of its wisdom has stayed locked behind academic walls—until now.

In this episode, Eli sits down with Dr. Porges to discuss his latest book, breaking down the science in a way that’s clear, practical, and empowering for everyone. Learn how tuning into your body’s sense of safety can unlock a healthier, happier life—and why sometimes our bodies react before our brains can catch up.

🌟 *Hope, healing, and human connection—all through the lens of Polyvagal Theory.*

🎧 Listen now: [The AAMFT Podcast](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-aamft-podcast/id1450828084?i=1000634402614)

Podcast Episode · The AAMFT Podcast · 11/10/2023 · 55m

02/24/2025

🛌 **Struggling with sleep or helping clients who do?**

In **Episode #103** of the *AAMFT Podcast*, Eli sits down with renowned sleep expert **Dr. Donn Posner** to dive deep into the science of sleep. They explore:
✔️ The difference between **chronic & acute insomnia**
✔️ Why **wake time** matters more than you think
✔️ How **structure** plays a key role in healthy sleep habits

Whether for yourself or your clients, understanding **CBT-I** can transform sleep health—especially in couples navigating shared sleep struggles.

🎧 Tune in now: [AAMFT Podcast - Ep. #103](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-aamft-podcast/id1450828084?i=1000641457479)

Podcast Episode · The AAMFT Podcast · 01/12/2024 · 57m

09/21/2024

For all my therapy friends out there, my two extremely creative and talented former students made this while preparing for the MFT National Exam that they will take tomorrow. It’s the history of our great profession rolled into 3 minutes and 16 seconds. It’s now my life’s mission to make this go viral in all MFT circles. . . Enjoy!

Lyrics:[Verse 1]The story starts on a Freudian couchThey would analyze your symptoms while ignoring your spouseBut some renegades were questioning convention...

05/24/2024

In memory of the late Sue Johnson, I invite all my couple and family therapy friends to listen to my latest podcast episode. This special tribute episode features Sue in her own words, as she reflects on her childhood and the legacy she leaves behind in the field of Emotionally Focused Therapy. Sue's warmth and wisdom impacted countless people, including Gail Palmer and Jim Furrow, two leaders in the EFT Movement who join me to share their memories and final conversations with Sue. This episode is a celebration of Sue's life and work.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-aamft-podcast/id1450828084?i=1000656658964

04/30/2024

As another academic year winds down, I’m grateful to work with this team -The Couple & Family Therapy Faculty and Supervisors at The Kent School of Social Work & Family Science CFT Program. As we say in family systems, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts!

04/24/2024

RIP to Sue Johnson, couple therapy pioneer. I consider myself lucky to have spent a little time with her over the past 2 decades. EFT would not have reached its current level of popularity without her as the driving force and ambassador. We were in the process of scheduling another interview where Sue, along with several other prominent model developers, would talk about the “common factors” of change in couple therapy. She was so important to our field that she was my first choice to lead off the AAMFT Podcast 5 years ago. I have included a link to my interview with her below.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-aamft-podcast/id1450828084?i=1000428626778

02/14/2024

Nothing but love for this crew as we celebrate both Valentine’s Day and our second annual “CFT Week” at the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science - University of Louisville. Send these guys your encouragement and support. The most important work of their therapist journey lies ahead in the next 9 weeks, as they strive to integrate everything they’ve learned about themselves and their clients before graduation. I look forward to our six hours together every week, and am so honored to watch their growth and evolution.

12/18/2023

As the year draws to a close, we at Northstar Learning Lab want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our incredible learners—-especially those from Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee!

Your commitment to expanding your knowledge and clinical skills has been instrumental in our shared journey and we truly appreciate you supporting our clinician-led business.

With your trust and dedication to embracing top-notch continuing education, you've played a vital role in our success to which we are immensely grateful.

Collectively, you've dedicated an incredible 4,576 hours to online learning in 2023, fostering a culture of knowledge and growth within in our local communities and within the field as a whole.

Your participation from various corners of the country continuously inspires us to expand our reach as we strive to connect with mental health professionals nationwide. Thank you for being part of this incredible learning community!

www.northstarlearninglab.com