The Mental Health Evolution

Adrienne Griffen, MPP, takes us on an insightful journey into the world of maternal mental health. She discusses the prevalence and wide range of mental health conditions that can arise during pregnancy and postpartum, including anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and, in some cases, psychosis. Adrienne opens up about her personal experience with postpartum depression, emphasizing the importance of education, adv...

Kerri Brady, VP of Educational Practice at Huckabee and board member of the Texas School Safety Center, explores how architectural design influences student mental wellness and emotional regulation in schools. Kerri dives into the concept of trauma-informed design, discussing how purposeful layouts and thoughtful spaces can help manage emotional dysregulation in high-stress areas like cafeterias....

Jamie Sedgwick shares her insights on the stigma surrounding Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and discusses how it is often misunderstood and wrongly believed to be untreatable. She emphasizes the effectiveness of therapies like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in treating BPD. Jamie also talks about the importance of therapists takin...

Lohelani Furtardo-Gaspar, Director of Cultural Education at Ka`ehu in Maui, gives insight into the deep-rooted intergenerational trauma tied to the Hawaiian language and traditions, and how Ka`ehu is working to heal these wounds by integrating cultural education with environmental awareness. She shares how Ka`ehu has evolved from a conservation-focused organization into a vibrant hub for kids and...

Alison Pidgeon dives into the challenges faced by the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed individuals) population. Despite being employed and insured, these individuals often struggle to afford therapy. Alison shares her journey from community mental health to establishing her own large group practice, Move Forward Counseling, and her mission to break down systemic barriers and redu...

Julie Kliegman dives into the often overlooked mental health challenges faced by athletes. She discusses her book, 'Mind Games', and her journey into exploring mental wellness in sports. The conversation highlights the public's often unrealistic expectations of athletes, the stigma around mental health, and the pressures arising from a high-profile sports career. Notable mentions include athletes...

Lisa R. Savage, the founder and lead therapist at the Center for Child Development in Delaware, shares her entrepreneurial journey and candidly discusses the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way; from credentialing nightmares to insurance audits, and her relentless commitment to providing excellent care for children and adolescents in schools. The conversation also extends into the pres...

Will Ratliff, the co-founder of Transcend Health Solutions, an IV ketamine-assisted therapy practice, dives into how his unique background as an EMT and paramedic led him to the world of ketamine therapy. He shares details about the challenges and innovations within the ketamine therapy industry, the importance of psychotherapeutic support, and the hurdles faced in gaining acceptance within the me...

Mary Ammerman, PsyD, BCN dives deep into the transformative power of neurofeedback. She shares how neurofeedback, described as 'yoga for your brainwaves,' can help improve mental wellness by enhancing the flexibility and stability of brainwaves. She also explains the mechanisms behind neurofeedback, shares insights on how it can aid in self-regulation and transformation, and discusses its potentia...

Chris McDonald shares how she transitioned from traditional talk therapy to integrating holistic modalities like breathwork, yoga, and meditation into her sessions, significantly improving outcomes for her clients. She discusses her journey from being a school counselor to launching her private practice and starting the Holistic Counseling Podcast, soon to be rebranded as 'Yoga in the Therapy Room...

Jason Nicholsen, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in managing election anxiety, discusses the impact of the 24-hour news cycle, social media misinformation, and political division on mental health. Jason gives strategies for managing political stress, from being mindful of media consumption to focusing on actionable responses that align with personal values. As the 2024 presidenti...

Dr. Kristen Wynns discusses her evolution from conducting therapy sessions with a touch of humor to taking improv classes during the pandemic, which culminated in her performing stand-up comedy. Dr. Wynn has created a unique intersection of humor and mental wellness, and explains how laughter can significantly reduce stress and enhance quality of life. With a new book on the horizon and a growing...

Rachel sits down with the Glenelg High School robotics team - Amitav Kohli, Annabelle McLemore, Tommy Ferrick, and Tommy Hwang. These young innovators share their journey of creating adaptive sports equipment that empowers students with disabilities to engage in athletic activities, boosting their confidence and mental wellness.   The team began two years ago when Amitav developed a soccer device...

Julia Dunn shares the inspiring journey of Olivia's House from its founder Leslie Delp's initial grief support groups in the early 1990s to the well-established centers in York and Hanover, PA. Leslie envisioned a comprehensive support system for grieving children and their families, which has evolved into essential community resources. Julia shares the center's history, its educational approach t...

Dr. Kryn McClain shares her entrepreneurial journey, starting CatapalloVR to address gaps she observed in traditional therapy settings, especially for neurodiverse individuals. She gives insights into the founding of CatapalloVR, its mission to empower individuals and transform lives through immersive experiences, and the practical applications of virtual reality in therapy sessions. Dr. McClain e...

In this solo episode, host Rachel Harrison reflects on the innovative ideas and challenges faced in the mental health care field, emphasizing the need for creativity and unique solutions. She discusses the impact of the current healthcare model, funding limitations, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health professionals and individuals seeking support. Rachel calls for l...

Crystal Bowen, a neuroinclusion expert and founder of Delta Learning Solutions, explains the concept of neuroinclusion; creating a more inclusive society for individuals with diverse brains and nervous systems. From navigating workplace challenges to promoting psychological safety, she shares insights on fostering a culture of belonging and understanding. Crystal also dives into the complexities o...

Dr. Rishi Sood discusses the significance of holistic mental health treatment using SPECT imaging to capture brain activity, a method pioneered by Dr. Daniel Amen. Dr. Sood explains how this imaging helps tailor treatments more precisely by providing a clearer picture of brain function, unlike traditional methods based solely on symptoms. Hear about Dr. Sood's journey into this field, the benefits...

**Please note that this episode contains a brief discussion of child abuse that some people may find disturbing.   Sandra Paulsen, Ph. D., shares insights into her journey in the mental health field, discussing the integration of writing, cartooning, and therapy to help clients understand emotional concepts.  She discusses the importance of addressing early trauma, the potential of virtual reality...

Kaili Van Waveren, the Executive Director at ThorpeWood - a 156-acre nature-based mental health and social emotional learning center, discusses ThorpeWood's mission of nurturing therapeutic relationships with nature to address mental health challenges and climate grief. By offering nature-based programs and grief support, ThorpeWood aims to provide individuals with distress tolerance skills and em...

Diana Partington, author of DBT for Life, discusses her lifelong struggles with suicidality, the transformative impact of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and how it provided her with practical tools to manage overwhelming emotions and crises. She elaborates on her innovative approach to making DBT skills accessible through her self-help book, which includes colorful illustrations and short s...

Samantha Rodriguez and Stephanie Dunker discuss the critical intersection of physical therapy and mental health. Learn about the origins and mission of ATI Physical Therapy, the importance of patient education, and how physical therapy can positively impact mental wellness by alleviating pain, improving function, and enhancing overall quality of life. Stephanie and Samantha also discuss the collab...

Dr. James Cordova and Matt Rubin share their innovative approach to mental health care which focuses on annual relationship checkups and maintenance - think of it as your relationship's yearly physical. They discuss the importance of proactive relationship health care, the impact of The Relationship Checkup model on couples and therapists, and the potential for scalability in addressing mental hea...

Aaron Vander Meer and Antoinette Vasseur discuss their innovative greenhouse program at Clearview Communities, which fosters healing and purpose through hands-on horticulture therapy. They elaborate on how they transformed a greenhouse into a therapeutic space for residents with mental health disorders, focusing on creating ecosystems that benefit both plants and individuals. Through their permacu...

Rosemary Baughman, founder of Courageous Hearts, discusses her journey into equine-assisted psychotherapy and the power of horses in healing. She explains that therapy with horses is not the same as therapeutic riding and emphasizes the importance of professionalizing the field. Rosemary shares her experience as an entrepreneur, offering advice to trust your gut, take it slow, and seek mentors. Sh...