The Mental Health Evolution

Anders Vege, Senior Advisor at the Norwegian Directorate for Health and advocate of "What Matters to You (WMTY)?", gives insight into the WMTY international person-centered care movement. He shares how this shift in mindset from "what's the matter" to "what matters to you" has transformed patient care and outcomes. By focusing on the individual's needs, goals, and values, healthcare professionals...

Emily Twynham and Samira Butt, the founders of Meditate and Create, discuss the concept of neurographic art, which combines art and science to reprogram the brain and form new neural pathways. Emily and Samira share their personal experiences with neurographic art and how it has helped them and others improve their mental health. They explain the process of creating neurographic art, including dra...

Brie Overton, Chief Clinical Officer of Experience Camps, discusses the nationwide nonprofit organization that provides grief support for children who have lost a loved one. Through one-week overnight camps and various other programs, Experience Camps offers a safe and supportive environment for kids to process their grief, connect with others who have had similar experiences, and learn coping str...

Integrative nutritionist and best-selling author, Karen Mayo, shares her personal journey of how changing her nephew's diet improved his academic performance and overall well-being. Karen emphasizes the importance of blood flow and how certain foods can increase or decrease it. She also provides tips for incorporating healthier choices into daily life, such as increasing water intake and adding gr...

Sergeant John Haddaway, Peer Support and Wellness Manager with the Baltimore County Police Department, discusses the importance of mental wellness among first responders and the need to break the stigma surrounding mental health in the field. He shares his personal experiences and explains the acute and cumulative trauma that first responders face on a daily basis. John also highlights the Mobile...

Gina Strauss, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, discusses the power of nature in promoting mental and physical well-being. She explains that our disconnection from the natural world has had a profound impact on our health, and Nature Informed Therapy aims to reconnect us with nature as a co-therapist. Gina explains the science behind the calming effects of nature and the importance of in...

Jeff Strong, the founder of the Strong Institute, shares his journey of using drum beats for therapeutic benefits. As a hyperactive child, syncopation exercises helped him channel his behavior and improve his academic focus. Jeff explains the neurology of drumming and how it can create a relaxed brainwave state which can help individuals with autism and ADHD. Jeff also discusses the development of...

Dr. Libby Stuyt, a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in addiction, discusses the benefits of five-point ear acupuncture (NADA) and brain synchronization therapy (BST) in treating addiction and trauma. She explains the origins of NADA and its effectiveness in engaging and retaining individuals in treatment, as well as helping with stress relief, stabilization, anger management, and sleep is...

Charlene MacPherson, founder of Nerd Adventure Therapy 20, shares her journey of discovering the therapeutic potential of Dungeons & Dragons (DnD) and how she turned her passion for gaming into a unique therapy practice. She explains how Nerd Adventure Therapy 20 combines individual and group therapy with the world of gaming, allowing clients to explore their goals and work through challenges in a...

Kasey Compton, an entrepreneur, group practice owner, business coach, conference designer, and author, shares details of her innovative conference, Meet You in Kentucky, which brings together mental health group practice owners from across the country. She talks about how the conference fills a gap in the mental health industry by providing a unique space for group practice owners to come together...

Dr. Ajita Robinson, also known as The Experts' Therapist, gives her thoughts on the current state of mental wellness in the U.S. and the need for innovative approaches to address the increasing demand for mental health services. She discusses the importance of recognizing and addressing trauma in our society, ways therapists can provide support beyond their direct practice, and how to reduce the r...

Crysta Harris, a licensed professional counselor of mental health (LPCMH) and the founder of the Black and Brown Delaware Therapist Directory, shares her personal journey of becoming a mental health therapist and explains how her own experiences with trauma and the lack of safe spaces to express her feelings influenced her career path. She discusses the importance of representation in therapy and...

Laura van Dernoot Lipsky, founder and director of The Trauma Stewardship Institute, discusses the concept of trauma stewardship and the importance of creating space for grief and mourning in order to navigate overwhelm. She emphasizes the need to interrupt isolation and acknowledges the harm that can occur when individuals numb themselves to their own emotions. Laura also reflects on the challenge...

* Although no specific cases or details are discussed, this episode includes mentions of Child Sexual Abuse which may be distressing to some individuals *   Katie Cashman, Executive Director of Change the Conversation, discusses their mission to change the conversation about childhood sexual abuse. The organization aims to engage communities in the prevention of and healing from child sexual abuse...

Regina (Reg) Morrow Robinson, EMDR therapist and trainer, discusses the innovative approach of using group EMDR therapy to address mental wellness and trauma. She shares her inspiration for exploring group EMDR therapy and highlights its broad applications in different settings, such as schools, families, and communities affected by disasters. She emphasizes the importance of early intervention an...

Jamie Eaton, therapist and founder of Living Through Loss, joins The Mental Health Entrepreneur to discuss her grief support community for parents who have lost a child to overdose. She shares how the organization has grown and evolved, offering not only support groups but also workshops, retreats, and creative healing opportunities. Jamie emphasizes the importance of community and creativity in t...

Dr. Megan Osborne, co-founder of the app Peace With Food, discusses her journey from being a mental health practitioner to developing an app that helps people find freedom from food struggles. The app focuses on intuitive eating and helps users reconnect with their hunger and fullness cues. Dr. Osborne emphasizes the importance of being present and mindful when it comes to eating. She also shares...

Discover how R.O.O.T.S (Reaching Outside of Traditional Schooling) is promoting self-sufficiency and community through hands-on learning and nature-based activities. Co-founders, Talon and Travis Holleman are on a mission to heal the disconnection between people, themselves, and the earth. Hear their journey to creating a holistic learning experience that promotes mental wellness through hands-on...

Erica Whitfield shares the importance of understanding and supporting neurodivergent individuals. She explains that neurodiversity encompasses a range of thinking styles, including ADHD, autism, and giftedness. Erica shares her experience working with gifted children and the challenges they face in traditional educational settings. She introduces her coaching program, which focuses on empowering g...

Rachael Bevilacqua, Vice President of Sanare Today, discusses the organization's mission to help people thrive by providing intensive outpatient programming (IOP) and other services. Sanare Today aims to meet people where they're at and address their specific needs, whether it's mental health, substance abuse, trauma, or other challenges. Rachael emphasizes the importance of preventive care and cr...

Benjamin Viehauser and Yanick Steinbeck, founders of bilateralstimulation.io, discuss their journey of creating a product to help therapists do EMDR therapy online. They share how they started as a side project during the COVID-19 pandemic and quickly grew to serve thousands of therapists. They talk about the importance of learning quickly, being optimistic, and focusing on solving real problems....

Join Rachel Harrison, host of The Mental Health Entrepreneur, as she shares her inspiration for starting the podcast and her belief in the need for new and creative approaches to addressing the mental health crisis in the U.S. Inspired by a local event for female entrepreneurs, Rachel realized the need for fresh ideas in the mental health field. With the increasing demand for mental health service...