Highlights of Shari B. Kaplan & Cannectd Wellness Press Features

Shari B. Kaplan, LCSW, highlights the role of parents in fostering empathy to counter main character syndrome. She stresses that excessive self-focus can hinder deep connections, and by promoting emotional intelligence and open communication, parents can help children balance self-expression with social awareness.

Shari B. Kaplan, LCSW, notes that introverts excel with autonomy but struggle in open office environments. She emphasizes that noise and interruptions can hinder their focus. Supporting their needs enhances both productivity and well-being.

​Shari B. Kaplan, LCSW, envisions integrative mental health becoming central to holistic wellness by combining traditional practices with innovations like bio-psychosocial evaluations, mindfulness, and plant-assisted therapies. She believes that mental health frameworks will increasingly adopt personalized, multidisciplinary approaches that address root causes of distress rather than merely managing symptoms

Shari B. Kaplan, LCSW, is the founder and clinical director of Cannectd Wellness, bringing three decades of mental health expertise from NYC to Florida. A Fordham University alumna, she developed the Whole Life Plan©, integrating mental health with plant-based medicine.

​Shari B. Kaplan, LCSW, explains that Main Character Syndrome (MCS) can lead to an excessive focus on self-presentation, particularly influenced by social media's narrative-driven culture. She emphasizes that while this behavior may be part of normal adolescent identity development, it becomes concerning when empathy and awareness of others diminish. Kaplan suggests that early parental support and empathy towards a child's emotional experiences can prevent the development of unhealthy self-centered behaviors

​Shari B. Kaplan, LCSW, explains that Main Character Syndrome (MCS) can lead to an excessive focus on self-presentation, particularly influenced by social media's narrative-driven culture. She emphasizes that while this behavior may be part of normal adolescent identity development, it becomes concerning when empathy and awareness of others diminish. Kaplan suggests that early parental support and empathy towards a child's emotional experiences can prevent the development of unhealthy self-centered behaviors.

​Shari B. Kaplan, LCSW, explains that the "fantasy self" is an idealized version of oneself, embodying traits or lifestyles we aspire to achieve, often influenced by societal expectations or unresolved dreams. She notes that while this aspirational self can motivate personal growth, it may also cause dissonance when misaligned with our true needs or desires. Kaplan emphasizes that attachments to possessions representing this "fantasy self" often stem from deeper emotional issues, such as childhood experiences, fear of failure, or societal pressures.

Kaycie Davis, RMHCI, a mental health therapist at Cannectd Wellness, discusses the challenges naturally thin individuals face regarding body image. She explains that while the body positivity movement initially responded to unrealistic thin ideals, it has paradoxically led to naturally thin people feeling both invisible and critiqued, often being labeled as "unhealthy" or "fragile" and sometimes accused of having eating disorders. Davis emphasizes that every body, regardless of size or appearance, deserves respect and inclusion in body-positive conversations.

​Shari B. Kaplan, LCSW, a plant medicine formulator at Cannectd Wellness, advises that cannabis can interact with medications like blood thinners and blood pressure drugs, necessitating careful management with a medical cannabis physician. She cautions that high doses of THC used for sleep may impair balance in elderly patients, increasing the risk of falls during nighttime awakenings. Kaplan emphasizes the importance of educating seniors on rising slowly and using support to prevent falls when using cannabis products.

​Shari B. Kaplan, LCSW, emphasizes the importance of a structured morning routine to manage anxiety, incorporating practices like breathwork, meditation, movement, and nutrition preparation. She highlights the fine line between anxiety and preparedness, noting that understanding one's body's signals can help reframe feelings of overwhelm as readiness for the day. Kaplan also underscores the value of community and support systems, sharing that maintaining connections with friends and family has been integral in navigating periods of intense stress.

“These apps can make you aware and give you an opportunity to practice new thoughts and beliefs that may be helpful in your daily life,” says Shari B. Kaplan, LCSW, integrative mental health clinician at Cannectd Wellness in Boca Raton, Florida. “Many apps also offer stress management tools, like mindfulness, which is very helpful in quieting down the mind and body if you can use them properly without guidance.”

​We have an understanding of how our bodies have the capacity to self-heal, such as when you have a cut on your hand and it heals in a few days, says Shari B. Kaplan, LCSW, clinical social worker at Cannect Wellness. The same is true of our psyche, she says. "There is a natural intelligence in our body that will bring our body back to what is called homeostasis," Kaplan describes, "In the context of mental health, it's about aligning with our true self-the compassionate, courageous, curious, creative part of us that has many strengths to overcome challenges, process emotions, and foster psychological resilience."

​Shari B. Kaplan, LCSW, expressed disappointment over the FDA's rejection of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD, highlighting MDMA's potential to facilitate rapid and profound therapeutic breakthroughs. She emphasized that, in a single 5-hour session, MDMA could achieve what conventional treatments might take weeks or months to accomplish. Kaplan advocates for continued exploration of innovative, evidence-based approaches that enhance neuroplasticity and optimize the therapeutic environment to support patients effectively.

The study on cannabis use and mindfulness among young adults by the Herbal Heart Study team presents a compelling narrative that challenges preconceived notions about substance use and mental health practices. By highlighting both the potential benefits and risks associated with cannabis consumption, this research advocates for a balanced and informed approach to understanding and addressing the needs of young adults.

Shari B. Kaplan, LCSW, discusses the potential benefits of psilocybin-assisted therapy for women experiencing menopause. She explains that psilocybin can help alleviate symptoms such as mood swings, depression, and anxiety by promoting neuroplasticity and emotional resilience. Kaplan emphasizes the importance of conducting such therapies under professional supervision to ensure safety and efficacy.

​Shari B. Kaplan, LCSW, of Cannectd Wellness, co-authored a pilot study exploring ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAPT) for individuals experiencing both chronic pain and depression. The study compared two KAPT methods: a psychedelic approach with high-dose intramuscular ketamine and a psycholytic approach using lower-dose sublingual ketamine during therapy sessions. This research highlights the potential of KAPT to address the complex interplay between chronic pain and depression.

​Shari B. Kaplan, LCSW, emphasizes that spiritual awakenings can help individuals set deliberate intentions by aligning with the natural flow of life. She suggests that practices like morning meditation and focused breathing can clear the mind of negative thoughts, allowing for the replacement of mind chatter with positive, constructive intentions. Kaplan highlights that such spiritual practices can lead to increased resilience, self-awareness, and a holistic understanding of well-being.

​Shari B. Kaplan, LCSW, founder and clinical director of Cannectd Wellness, specializes in utilizing plant-based medicine for pain management, holistic wellness, and mental health. She explains that our bodies produce natural cannabinoids similar to CBD, which can become depleted due to chronic stress, lack of sleep, injury, or illness. Kaplan suggests that supplementing with CBD may help replenish these cannabinoids, potentially reducing stress and anxiety.

​Shari B. Kaplan, LCSW, co-authored a pilot study investigating ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAPT) for individuals experiencing both chronic pain and major depressive disorder. The study compared two KAPT methods: a psychedelic approach with high-dose intramuscular ketamine and a psycholytic approach using lower-dose sublingual ketamine during therapy sessions. While the small sample size limited statistical significance, findings suggested that both approaches could reduce symptoms of pain, depression, anxiety, and PTSD, with the psychedelic method showing more consistent improvements. ​

​Shari B. Kaplan, LCSW, describes cannabinol (CBN) as a minor cannabinoid in the cannabis plant, likening it to a "supporting actor" compared to the more prominent cannabinoids like CBD and THC. She explains that CBN is produced when THC ages and breaks down under heat and light, resulting in a compound that is less potent than THC and non-psychoactive. Kaplan notes that CBN is not intoxicating, making it a safe addition to a cannabis medicine protocol, particularly for daytime use when avoiding effects like increased appetite.

​Shari B. Kaplan, LCSW, suggests that AI could assist therapists by managing routine tasks, thereby allowing them to focus on higher-level care. She also notes that AI-driven data analytics could provide valuable insights into population health, informing care delivery and treatment compliance.Kaplan believes that leveraging AI in mental health can optimize outcomes by enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.

Kaplan said she uses a variety of therapy techniques with her patients, including "ego state" work and cognitive behavioral therapy.

"Mushrooms are activators and teachers," she said. "If you don't take the mushrooms with deliberate intentions, you may start experiencing some of your unresolved stress and grief at an untimely time or in a way that you are not prepared to handle on your own."

Integrative mental health clinician and plant medicine formulator Shari B. Kaplan offered her take to GreenState about the relationship cannabinoids have with the brain.“Having too much THC can induce psychosis due to overproduction of dopamine when done in high doses,” Kaplan said. “Therefore, if someone just keeps smoking THC or concentrates, that’s going to make their cerebellum produce more dopamine, which can then misfire into the temporal lobe and cause psychosis.”

​Shari B. Kaplan, LCSW, explains that positive punishment involves adding an unpleasant consequence to decrease undesirable behavior. She provides an example where a coach benches a player for distracting teammates, thereby reprimanding them publicly to discourage future disruptions. Kaplan advises against using physical punishment, such as spanking, due to its potential for harm and ineffectiveness.

​In the Best Life article "5 Red Flags Your Parent Is a Narcissist, According to Therapists," Shari B. Kaplan, LCSW, founder of Cannectd Wellness, notes that while narcissistic parents may not acknowledge their children's successes directly, they often brag about them to others to seek praise for their parenting.

​Shari B. Kaplan, LCSW, authored an article in Homes & Gardensdetailing mindfulness techniques to maintain a tidy home. She emphasizes starting with intention by reflecting on the desired energy of a space before tidying, transforming the task into an act of self-care. Kaplan also recommends practices like mindful decluttering and the 'Three-Task Tidy' to enhance focus and reduce feelings of being overwhelmed.

​Shari B. Kaplan, LCSW, suggests that the DEA's reclassification of marijuana to a Schedule III drug could alter public perception of cannabis. She believes this change may encourage patients who were previously hesitant due to legal or societal concerns to consider cannabis as a treatment option. Kaplan views the reclassification as a progressive step that aligns legal attitudes with emerging scientific research and clinical practice. ​