Humanizing Mental Health

Julie Brams discusses the concept of the nature-embedded mind and the importance of re-rooting our mind back into the whole. She explores the historical separation of humanity from nature and the process of rediscovering our connection with nature. The conversation also delves into the experience of being connected and practical ways to reconnect with nature on a daily basis. The conversation expl...

Zach King, a pop punk musician and mental health advocate, shares his journey of transformation from corporate life to music and mental health advocacy. His experience with anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation led him to discover the healing power of music and the importance of finding purpose and connection in life. Zach's story emphasizes the significance of authenticity, resilience, and t...

The conversation delves into the integration of psychology and spirituality, the role of adversity in personal growth, embracing emotions, finding peace, taking responsibility, and making choices. It emphasizes the importance of finding peace in the moment, respecting past experiences, and making choices for personal growth and well-being. Takeaways Integration of psychology and spirituality Embra...

https://humanizingmentalhealth.riverside.com/ Dr. Jeffrey Smith discusses the limitations of diagnosis in mental health treatment and the importance of understanding entrenched maladaptive patterns. He emphasizes the art of therapy, the role of accurate empathy, and the relational healing process. Despite resistance in the mental health community, he is making headway in advocating for a broader a...

Heather shares her personal journey of addiction, coping mechanisms, and the underlying mental health challenges she faced. She emphasizes the importance of community, finding a higher power, and breaking the stigma of addiction. The conversation delves into the complexity of addiction, the impact of childhood experiences, and the layers of coping strategies. The conversation delves into the impac...

The conversation explores the journey of resilience, transformation, and reinvention through the lens of mental health and personal growth. It delves into the challenges faced by a recent veteran and the process of recovery, healing, and recontextualizing life stories. The theme of seeking truth and reinvention is also highlighted, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and self-discovery....

Rethinking ADHD and Mental Health Diagnoses: Insights from Jeremy and Amy Alcorn In this episode of Humanizing Mental Health , Jeremy and Amy Alcorn explore the complexities of ADHD, diagnosis processes, societal perceptions, and how to support neurodivergent individuals effectively. They challenge common narratives and emphasize the importance of understanding oneself beyond labels. Key Topics Co...

Embracing Authentic Success: A Conversation on Life Lessons and Transformation In this episode of Humanizing Mental Health, Jeremy Alcorn delves into a profound discussion with Becca Pierce about her extraordinary journey through personal and professional upheavals, including health crises and redefining success. Becca shares inspiring insights on authenticity, resilience, and crafting a life alig...

The episode explores the therapeutic potential of role-playing games, such as Dungeons and Dragons, in mental health treatment. It delves into the use of games as a tool for therapy, the impact on youth, and the integration of therapeutic modalities within the game environment. Takeaways Therapeutic role-playing games offer a unique and effective approach to mental health treatment. The use of gam...

Hook What does it really take to move from addiction to lasting recovery? In this episode, Jason McLemore shares the hard-earned lessons that transformed his life and how recovery communities are helping others rebuild theirs. Pull Quote “Recovery isn’t just about stopping a behavior — it’s about building a life that makes you want to stay well.” Hashtags #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #Recovery...

The conversation explores the power of play, its impact across the lifespan, and the barriers to play in adulthood. It delves into the library's program 'Reconnecting to Play' and discusses the concept of maturation and its relationship to play. The conversation explores the importance of play in schools, its impact on mental health, the cultural perception of adult play, and the stigma associated...

Keywords boredom, mental health, mindfulness, creativity, motivation, addiction, human evolution, purpose, distress tolerance, ADHD Summary In this conversation, the hosts explore the concept of boredom, discussing its prevalence in modern society and its implications for mental health. They delve into the benefits of boredom, including its role in fostering creativity and motivation, and how it c...

Summary In this episode, Trent Akers and Jeremy Alcorn explore the complexities of mental health diagnosis, focusing on the use of diagnostic language, the evolution of mental health understanding, and the implications of diagnosis in treatment. They delve into various anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, and discuss the importance of emotional granularity in understanding mental health ex...

Summary In this episode, Trent, Jeremy and Amy discuss the complex relationship between stress and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of community support and the role of scaffolding in development. They explore how stress can be reframed positively and the significance of allowing individuals, especially young people, to experience manageable stressors to build resilience. The conversati...

Summary In this episode of Humanized Mental Health, hosts Trent Akers, Jeremy Alcorn and Amy Alcorn, explore the daily mental health practices they use along with the importance of self-compassion. They discuss techniques such as the mirror method, the use of music for mental wellness , and mindfulness strategies, while also addressing the complexities of countertransference in therapy. The conver...

Summary In this episode, the hosts discuss the often-overlooked impact of mental illness on family dynamics, emphasizing the importance of including family members in mental health treatment. Dr. Michelle D. Sherman has co-authored 2 interactive books: Loving Someone with a Mental Illness or a History of Trauma: Skills, Hope, and Strength for Your Journey https://www.amazon.com/Loving-Someone-Ment...

In this episode, Dr. Prav Grewal discusses his journey into psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, emphasizing the importance of emotional insight in healing trauma. He explores the impact of intergenerational trauma and the role of forgiveness in the healing process. The conversation delves into the biological mechanisms of psychedelics, the significance of spirituality, and the necessity of set and...

In this episode we look at the function in what most people view as a dysfunctional symptom of mental illness that is rumination.  We take a new and different view of rumination in looking for what role it is playing for the individual and how it may be part of the emotional work required to work through and integrate hard things into our psyche. The origin of the word rumination comes from the la...

This is a unique and interesting podcast episode. We planned to have this episode with the mayor of Medicine Hat Alberta Canada, the city in which Trent, Jeremy and Amy reside. Mayor Linnsie Clark was having some technical difficulties and we weren't sure why she was not joining us at the designated time. So Trent and I began a conversation about something that had been on our minds in terms of un...

In this episode Trent and Jeremy continue the conversation with author, professor and accomplished musician Dr Earnestine Whitman. She recently published the Book “Counter Melodies A Memoir in Sonata Form”  that details her story of trauma recovery: Jealous of her brilliant older sister, Ernestine longs for her father’s approval as a little girl but is never good enough. When she discovers a talen...

We are joined by Jonathan McClung Chartered Professional Accountant. We discuss how money relates to our mental health.  Looking to connect with Jonathan for accounting services: http://www.nowcpa.ca/ Articles referenced in the show https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/archive/releases/2018/Q1/money-only-buys-happiness-for-a-certain-amount.html https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publicatio...

In this episode Trent and Jeremy are joined by author, professor and accomplished musician Dr Earnestine Whitman. She recently published the Book “Counter Melodies A Memoir in Sonata Form”  that details her story of trauma recovery: Jealous of her brilliant older sister, Ernestine longs for her father’s approval as a little girl but is never good enough. When she discovers a talent for the flute,...

This episode is a guided meditation led by Trent. It starts with a progressive muscle relaxation and then connects you to the internalized strengths you have built through the relationships in your life.

In this episode Trent, Jeremy and Amy have the pleasure to connect with Jackie Durnin. Jackie is the visionary founder of Hinterland Health Retreat, a world-first rehabilitation facility that combines revolutionary neuro-technology with leading holistic therapies to offer a truly personalized and transformative experience. Her story is one of profound resilience and transformation. After enduring...

In this episode Trent and Jeremy are joined by Author Andre Merkl Her book can be found here:  Amazon Indigo   Barnes & Noble You can find it on Audiobook at: Amazon Audiobook Audible Apple Books Spotify Kobo GooglePlay You can connect with Andre at: website link is here. Instagram: @thegiftofinfidelity Andrea’s book is a raw and intimate memoir of one woman’s experience navigating infidelity...