In this episode of Therapists' Take, we explore the growing phenomenon of climate anxiety and how therapy can offer hope and healing in the face of environmental uncertainty.

Mary Scruggs of Family Solutions Counseling joins us to discuss the emotional toll of climate change and share strategies for managing eco-anxiety.

We’ll cover key aspects of this timely issue, including understanding climate anxiety, the impact of environmental stress on mental health, therapeutic tools to address eco-distress, and how to foster hope and resilience in uncertain times.

Whether you’re personally feeling the weight of climate anxiety or working to support someone who is, this episode offers insights and practical guidance. ___________ Chapters:

00:00 - Hi, Carrie! (intro)

02:32 - Episode Breakdown

03:25 - Guest Introduction

04:14 - Mary's Personal Journey

07:04 - Facing Uncertainty

09:25 - Defining Climate Anxiety

11:05 - Grief

12:35 - Who It Impacts the Most

15:21 - Alone and Helpless

21:55 - Maneuvering Through the Pain

26:35 - Deeper Issues?

31:10 - LGTBQ+

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About Our Guest: Mary Scruggs, LMFT, CPTT

Mary Scruggs is a skilled therapist at Family Solutions Counseling in Oklahoma City, specializing in helping individuals and families navigate complex emotional challenges. With a passion for addressing the intersection of mental health and environmental issues, Mary brings valuable expertise to the growing field of climate anxiety. Her compassionate approach focuses on fostering resilience, managing eco-stress, and empowering clients to find hope and balance in uncertain times.

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Mary’s Profile Page: https://www.familysolutionsok.com/mary-scruggs

Mary’s LinkTree: https://www.linktr.ee/youranxioustherapist_okc

Mary’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youranxioustherapist_okc

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Resources:

Website: Https://climatepsychology.us

Book: Generational Dread: Findng Purpose in an Age of Climate Anxiety by Britt Wray - https://amzn.to/3Wx2Lfm

Book: Climate Change for Babies - https://amzn.to/4axH5Wd

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In this episode of Therapists' Take, we dive back into the polarizing topic of polygraph exams in betrayal trauma couple recovery. If you listened to Episode 44 (links are below), then you’re familiar with Carrie and Josh’s views on the subject—but could their perspectives shift after this conversation?

Joining us is polygraph examiner David Otwell, who brings decades of expertise to the table. David dispels common myths, explains the science behind polygraph accuracy, shares insights from his work with couples navigating betrayal trauma, and explores the future of polygraph use in recovery. Whether you’re a skeptic or a supporter, this episode offers valuable information to help you form your own perspective on this complex tool in the healing process.

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About Our Guest: David Otwell

We are honored to welcome David Otwell to this episode of Therapists' Take. David is the owner and operator of Truth Verification Polygraph Services, based in Edmond, Oklahoma. With an impressive 34-year career in law enforcement, David has served in local, state, and federal positions, including as a task force officer with the FBI's Oklahoma City Division, where he investigated national security matters.

After retiring from law enforcement in May 2023, David transitioned full-time into his well-established polygraph business. Trained by the legendary Cleve Backster of the Backster School of Lie Detection, David has conducted nearly 3,000 polygraph examinations, serving law enforcement agencies, fire departments, attorneys, district attorneys, counselors, and private citizens. He has also testified as an expert witness in court regarding polygraphs.

David is deeply involved in the polygraph community, holding memberships in the Oklahoma Polygraph Association, the American Polygraph Association, and the Association of Police Polygraphists. His expertise and dedication have earned him two appointments to the Oklahoma Polygraph Examiners Board—first by Governor Mary Fallin in 2016 and again by Governor Kevin Stitt in 2023, where he currently serves as vice-chair.

David’s unparalleled experience and passion for truth verification make him the perfect guest to discuss the myths, science, and future of polygraph exams, particularly in the realm of betrayal trauma recovery.

You can read more about David and gather valuable information and resources from his website – https://www.truthpolygraph.com

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Links & Resources

Work with Carrie & Josh’s team at Family Solutions Counseling – https://www.familysolutionsok.com

Find a Betrayal Trauma Therapist Near You - https://iitap.com/page/TherapistDirectory

Episode 44: On Why We Stopped Using Polygraph - https://youtu.be/94Bzl2aEbc0?si=LDD4Ph_Q-Pa69bzo

American Polygraph Association - https://www.polygraph.org/

Stop Sex Addiction Book - https://amzn.to/3CqPGgD

As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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For more great content, please visit our LinkTree – https://www.linktr.ee/familysolutionsok

In this episode, we explore Therapeutic Separations—a carefully structured approach to relational healing, facilitated by a licensed therapist, often used when couples face significant challenges such as infidelity or betrayal trauma.

We’ll unpack what therapeutic separations entail, who benefits most from them, how they’re designed, and tips to enhance their success.

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Episode Breakdown:

- What Is a Therapeutic Separation? A therapeutic separation is a guided relational pause aimed at reducing conflict and fostering both individual and relational growth.

- Who Is It For? This approach is tailored for couples experiencing significant challenges like betrayal trauma, persistent conflict, or co-dependency.

- How Is It Structured? Therapeutic separations include defined guidelines, therapist facilitation, and consistent check-ins to support accountability and healing.

- Strategies for Success. Strong communication, accountability, and clear objectives are essential for a positive outcome.

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Chapters:

00:00 - Hi, Carrie!

02:50 - Episode Breakdown

03:45 - What Is a Therapeutic Separation?

08:55 - Who Is It For?

12:00 - How Does It Work?

26:30 - Relational Success

30:38 - Common Pitfalls

35:53 - Book: Taking Space

36:50 - Book: The Betrayal Bind

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Resources:

Family Solutions Counseling - https://www.familysolutionsok.com

Couples Therapists Near You - https://www.psychologytoday.com

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Books:

Taking Space: How to Use Separation to Explore the Future of Your Relationship by Robert J. Buchicchio (https://amzn.to/4gNlrQa)

The Betrayal Bind by Michelle Mays (https://amzn.to/3C4fOOe)

The 5 Types of Couples by Gottman - The 5 Types of Couples

As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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For more great content, please visit and follow our LinkTree - https://www.linktr.ee/familysolutionsok