How Therapists Can Help Clients Finally Sleep: An Interview with Jessica Fink, LCSW-S скачать в хорошем качестве

How Therapists Can Help Clients Finally Sleep: An Interview with Jessica Fink, LCSW-S

Curt and Katie chat with Jessica Fink, LCSW-S, about what therapists get wrong about sleep, how to spot real sleep disorders, and what actually works when clients can’t sleep. We dig into CBT-I, nighttime anxiety, “tired vs. sleepy,” the myth of sleep hygiene as treatment, screens and blue light, circadian rhythm issues, and what to do when clients wake up at 3 a.m. replaying work problems. -- Link tree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined Show notes: https://therapyreimagined.com/modern-... -- About Our Guest: Jessica Fink, LCSW-S Jessica Fink, LCSW-S is a Texas-based therapist who specializes in sleep issues, PTSD, OCD, chronic pain, and maladaptive overcontrol. As a CBT-oriented provider, Jessica uses structured, data-driven approaches combined with flexibility and creativity to create real, lasting change. Jessica values client independence, designing therapy to equip individuals with their own tools and coping strategies. Jessica’s practice is entirely online and accessible to all Texas residents. In this podcast episode: Helping Therapists Understand Evidence-Based Sleep Treatment Curt and Katie interview sleep specialist Jessica Fink, LCSW-S, who provides clear, practical, and myth-busting education about behavioral sleep treatment. We explore the limitations of sleep hygiene, the behavioral nature of sleep disorders, how therapists can assess and intervene, and what to do when clients’ insomnia becomes entrenched. Key Takeaways for Therapists: Sleep Interventions, Insomnia, and Behavioral Strategies -Sleep hygiene is preventive—not treatment. It’s brushing and flossing, not filling the cavity. -Insomnia becomes its own disorder when it lasts 3+ nights/week, for 3+ months—even if it started secondary to anxiety or depression. -CBT-I is counterintuitive: -Don’t get in bed until sleepy (not tired). -If awake more than ~20–30 minutes, get out of bed. -Go back only when sleepy. -Behavioral sleep treatments often outperform medication long-term. -“Screens” aren’t the enemy. Blue light is over-vilified unless you’re treating circadian rhythm disorders. -Wearables can worsen anxiety and create “orthosomnia”—perfectionistic sleep optimization that harms sleep. -Consistent wake time matters more than bedtime. Keep it within one hour every day. -Therapists play a critical role even when sleep disorders have medical components—especially with CPAP adherence, motivation, routines, and anxiety management. -Nighttime anxiety needs daytime scheduling. Use constructive worry periods to reduce 3 a.m. spirals. Meet the Hosts: Curt Widhalm, LMFT http://www.curtwidhalm.com Katie Vernoy, LMFT http://www.katievernoy.com A Quick Note: Our opinions are our own. We are only speaking for ourselves – except when we speak for each other, or over each other. We’re working on it. Our guests are also only speaking for themselves and have their own opinions. We aren’t trying to take their voice, and no one speaks for us either. Mostly because they don’t want to, but hey. Creative Credits: Voice Over by DW McCann   / mccanndw   Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/