In this vulnerable and powerful episode of Project I Am, Dr. David Schlosz peels back the mask many of us wear—the smile that hides the ache. Centered around his original spoken word poem, David explores how we often live on autopilot, clinging to humor, charm, and control as coping strategies rooted in early survival.

Drawing from Internal Family Systems, trauma research, and personal reflection, this episode unpacks how defensive ego states and old patterns become our default identities—even when they no longer serve us. Through storytelling, insight, and a guided mindfulness practice, David gently invites us to come home to ourselves, reminding us that we don’t have to perform to be loved.

This is an invitation to wake up. To be present. And to know, maybe for the first time, that being here—just as you are—is enough.

In this heartfelt and deeply insightful episode of Project I Am, Dr. David Schlosz sits down with somatically-oriented psychotherapist Whitney Sutherland to explore what it truly means to heal from complex trauma. Drawing from both clinical expertise and personal experience, Whitney shares how early attachment wounds shape our sense of self—and how healing becomes possible through presence, curiosity, and authentic relationship.

Together, they unpack the nuances of C-PTSD, the difference between disconnection and avoidance, and the powerful role of the nervous system in trauma recovery. Whitney also introduces the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), offering a compassionate framework for understanding survival strategies not as pathology, but as brilliant adaptations.

This episode is a must-listen for therapists, trauma survivors, and anyone longing to reclaim their aliveness. It’s a gentle reminder that healing doesn’t require force—just the right relationship, safety, and time.

Topics include:

• The difference between shock trauma and complex trauma
• How childhood survival strategies shape adult relationships
• Why honoring disconnection is essential for building capacity
• The therapeutic power of authenticity and consent
• How healing ripples out from the individual to the collective

Resources Mentioned:

• www.whitneysutherland.com
• www.complextraumatrainingcenter.com
• Transforming Trauma Podcast by the NARM Institute

In this episode, we explore one of the most powerful — and often overlooked — truths in therapy: the healing lies not in the techniques we use, but in the authentic relationships we build. Drawing from Carl Rogers’ person-centered approach, Relational-Cultural Theory, and current research, we’ll unpack why the therapeutic relationship is more important than any core theory or intervention.

We’ll talk honestly about why therapists sometimes hesitate to prioritize connection, the personal and professional costs of staying guarded, and the courage it takes to lean into real relational work. Through composite case examples, published studies, and reflections from practice, we’ll look at the profound beauty and benefits that unfold when we show up fully — human to human.

Whether you’re a mental health professional, counseling student, or someone passionate about the heart of healing, this episode invites you to deepen your understanding of what truly transforms lives inside the therapy room.

Join me for an encouraging, challenging, and inspiring conversation about the real work behind the work: connection.

In this deeply reflective and empowering episode, Dr. David Schlosz explores the transformative power of sitting in your feelings—fully allowing yourself to feel, process, and move through emotional discomfort rather than escaping it. Drawing on cutting-edge research in psychology, counseling theory, and somatic practice, this episode challenges the cultural and personal habits of avoidance and emotional suppression.

This episode weaves together clinical wisdom, real-life anecdotes, and powerful therapeutic tools from mindfulness, DBT, and somatic experiencing. Listeners will learn why avoidance increases suffering, how emotions live in the body, and what it really means to ride the wave of emotion with courage, self-compassion, and presence.

Whether you’re guiding others through emotional healing or navigating your own inner world, this episode offers a grounded, research-based, and soul-nourishing invitation: feel it fully, and let healing begin.

In this episode of Project I Am, Dr. David Schlosz explores the powerful and often unspoken roles that therapists embody throughout the healing process. Far beyond techniques or treatment plans, effective therapy relies on presence, attunement, and the fluid ability to shift roles as the relationship deepens.

Drawing from recent research in interpersonal neurobiology, attachment theory, and relational-cultural therapy, David reflects on nine core archetypal roles therapists may take on—including midwife, surrogate, mirror, confessor, and sanctuary keeper. Each role invites us into a deeper understanding of the relational alchemy that underpins true transformation.

Whether you’re a counseling student, a practicing therapist, or someone who’s experienced the power of therapy firsthand, this episode will offer rich insight into what makes the therapeutic relationship a sacred, healing space.

In a recent Project I Am podcast interview, I sat with Sonata Miles and Tessa Myers and discussed the launch and success of Counselor Support and Success Initiative (CSSI). We explored the dynamic evolution of their work—its roots, its reach, and the exciting road ahead. What began as a grassroots study group has become a robust professional collective offering resources, guidance, and community for counseling students and early-career professionals across the country.

What started as a small online study group for the NCE has grown from two members to over 2,000, thanks in large part to the visionary leadership of Sonata and Tessa.

Join them in the Counselor Support & Success Initiative (CSSI): CPCE/NCE & NCMHCE Study Group on Facebook!

The one-time $8 Community fee can be sent via: • CashApp: $CSSInitiative • Venmo: @CSSInitiative

In this Mentoring Moments episode of Project I Am, Dr. David J. Schlosz guides counseling students and early-career therapists through the evolving landscape of Telehealth therapy. Is therapy via video really effective? How do you build authentic connection through a screen? What do the most recent research studies say about digital therapeutic alliances and client outcomes? Blending clinical research, practical wisdom, and personal anecdotes, Dr. Schlosz explores how online therapy has reshaped mental health care — and what it takes to show up fully in a virtual space.

Listeners will walk away with evidence-based tools, client stories, and actionable tips to foster therapeutic presence, manage screen fatigue, and adapt ethically and skillfully to this new modality. Whether you're preparing for your first video session or looking to deepen your digital empathy, this episode is your guide to becoming a confident and connected Telehealth practitioner.

What does it mean to lead with integrity when the room wasn’t built for you?

What does authenticity look like when others are filtering you through their biases?

In one of the most powerful conversations I’ve had, I sat down with Dr. Rachelle Smith—counselor, scholar, higher ed leader, wife, mother, and truth-teller.

We explored:

✅ The emotional labor of being a Black woman in academia

✅ Why code-switching can’t protect us from bias—and why authenticity is essential

✅ Her groundbreaking research on inclusive excellence, identity, and institutional growth

✅ Balancing career, family, and spiritual life in a culture of overwork

✅ What it really means to lead from your moral core

Rachelle’s wisdom is a gift. Her courage is a call to all of us in leadership, education, and advocacy.