This episode is a little heavy, a little funny, and we talk about something we need to have more conversations about: mental health in small towns. This is a crossover episode with the amazing Franne and Becky from Shrink Rap the Podcast and they are so qualified, fun, and experienced in the specific area of mental health in small towns. They are here with us today to discuss barriers to rural mental health and decreasing stigmas surrounding getting help.

About Franne & Becky Dr. Franne Sippel is a Licensed Psychologist and a post divorce mediator. She has worked with children, adolescents, and adults for over 25 years, specializing in the LGBT-Q population. Franne uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address issues such as stress/coping, behavioral concerns, divorce, anxiety, depression, grief, healthy relationships/boundaries, and personal growth.

Becky Kuch is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Mental Health and a National Certified Counselor. She works primarily with ages 18 and older. She has over 20 years experience working with individuals and couples. She assists people with a wide range of issues, including, but not limited to depression, anxiety, relationships, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), grief, personality disorders, and stress management. While she has a varied range of experience, she primarily practices Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Becky is a certified facilitator for Prepare Enrich (www.prepare-enrich.com.). She is also certified in Critical Incident Stress Management and Debriefing (www.icisf.org) and is a volunteer provider with the Give An Hour project (www.giveanhour.org).

Together they host Shrink Rap the Podcast, a podcast that gives proper respect to various mental health issues, with a healthy dose of smart assery. In this episode, we cover:

• How being in a small town changes how we look at and treat mental health
• Why mental health should be preventative
• How small towns excel at some things but need help with others
• How we can help destigmatize mental health
• How we can help our friends and neighbors with mental health

Links and Resources Mentioned: Shrink Rap the Podcast on Facebook: https://www.rolecall.pro/ Listen to Shrink Rap: https://linktr.ee/shrink_rap_thepodcast?fbclid=IwAR0Dtp8ogropkcVgPx1tod761t9XLnl6waRpBTLIH_6HqzpLlfgx60tAXUU The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: https://www.amazon.com/Subtle-Art-Not-Giving-Counterintuitive/dp/0062457713