Behavioral Health Today

When words fail, creativity carries what the heart still needs to say. In this episode, Peter Fenger sits down with three powerful storytellers: Chelli Look and filmmaking duo Blue Gerber and Jason Gerber. Chelli is a fashion artisan, creative collaborator, and storyteller whose work is rooted in emotional depth and intentional design. After years in luxury retail and leading her own leather goods brand, she transformed her craft into a healing practice following the devastating loss of her sister to domestic violence. Her journey has carried her from retail floors to artisan studios in Florence, and now into partnerships with brands that use design to tell meaningful human stories. Joining her are Blue Gerber and Jason Gerber, a husband-and-wife directing team based in Los Angeles. Known for their award-winning film “Otis’ Dream” shared by Oprah and recognized by President Obama, the pair specialize in emotionally resonant storytelling across film and commercial work. Their latest documentary, “Dawn Dusk”, captures Chelli’s personal journey with care, beauty, and deep respect for the healing power of art. Together, we explore how grief can be transformed through creativity, how art becomes a vessel for meaning, and how “Dawn Dusk” emerged as both a portrait of loss and a celebration of light, memory, and resilience.

For more information about “Dawn Dusk” documentary directed by Blue & Jason Gerber, please visit: https://www.dawnduskfilm.com

 For more information about Blue & Jason Gerber, please visit: https://www.jasonandblue.com

For more information about CHC leather bags, please visit: https://shopchc.com

For more information about Chelli Look, please visit: https://www.chellilook.com

Connect with Dawn Dusk film on social media:

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dawnduskfilm

On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dawnduskfilm

On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dawndusk_film

On Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/film/dawn-dusk/

On IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30988883/

Fear isn’t the enemy, it’s a messenger. And when we learn how to listen, we reclaim our power. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon sits down with Dr. Vadim Dekhtyar, a psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, and licensed NLP trainer with decades of experience helping individuals and organizations navigate fear, stress, and meaningful transformation. Dr. Vadim is the founder and director of the NLP Academy and has worked internationally, from advising Lithuanian government officials and state television to consulting U.S. companies on personal and organizational wellness. He is the author of several books, including his latest, “Conquering Fear: The Path of Inner Strength”, which weaves together neuroscience, psychology, and holistic practices to offer practical, science-backed tools for overcoming anxiety and reclaiming agency. His work is grounded in a simple but powerful idea: deep emotional change should be both accessible and actionable. Together, Sharlee and Dr. Vadim explore how fear and anxiety affect both the mind and the body, why fear has become a cultural experience in our modern world, and how we can use awareness, physiology, and imagination to transform emotional pain into inner strength, resilience, and healing.

For more information about “Conquering Fear: The Path of Inner Strength” by Dr. Vadim Dekhtyar, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/Conquering-Fear-Path-Inner-Strength/dp/B0D7JR7Q11

For more information about Life Balance Clinic, please visit: https://lifebalanceclinic.com

Connect with Academy NLP on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/AcademyNLP/

Connect with Vadim on Linked in at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vadim-dekhtyar-95528037/?profileId=ACoAAAexVVEBZ2ajOIMeCKpmkSLfIKJkzPzZAHA

Release is not recovery, unless we build a bridge. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon is joined by Dr. Joshua Hall, FAOAAM, to examine what it truly takes to rehabilitate substance use disorder at the moment people leave incarceration, when the risk of overdose and recidivism is highest. Dr. Hall is the Medical Director and Senior Quality Officer at Crossroads Treatment Center and Chief Medical Officer at The Phoenix Center in South Carolina. Dual board-certified in Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine, he has dedicated his career to advancing compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals with substance use disorders, particularly those involved in the criminal justice system. Drawing from his clinical experience and personal journey, Dr. Hall shares insights into South Carolina’s innovative soft re-entry model, a program that begins engagement during incarceration and continues seamlessly after release. The approach combines medication-assisted treatment, peer support, and continuity of care to intercept relapse, reduce recidivism, and support long-term stability. Together, Sharlee and Dr. Hall explore why the weeks following release are the most dangerous, and the most powerful, window for change, and how treating addiction as a medical condition, not a moral failure, can transform lives, families, and communities.

For more information about Crossroads Treatment Center, please visit: https://www.crossroadstreatmentcenters.com

Learn more about the Soft Re-entry Program, please visit: https://www.crossroadstreatmentcenters.com/soft-re-entry-program/

For more information about the Crossroads Annual Outcomes report, please visit: https://www.crossroadstreatmentcenters.com/2024-annual-outcomes-report/

If you would like to refer someone, call 877-848-9294 or visit:

https://www.crossroadstreatmentcenters.com/refer-someone-now/

If you are an individual looking for support, please call  855-694-8288

Connect with Crossroads on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossroadscenters

Connect with Crossroads on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/crossroadscenters/

Connect with Crossroads on TikTok at: https://www.tiktok.com/@crossroadscenters

Connect with Crossroads on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/CrossroadsCenters

Child sexual abuse thrives in silence, but healing thrives in community. When survivors are seen, supported, and believed, resilience becomes possible. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon sits down with Chris Yadon, Managing Director of Saprea, a nonprofit dedicated to liberating individuals and society from child sexual abuse and its lasting impacts through healing and prevention. As Saprea’s first employee, Chris helped launch the organization in 2015 and now leads its mission to drive meaningful, large-scale social change around one of society’s most difficult and urgent issues. Drawing on a background in executive leadership across technology and healthcare, Chris brings both strategic clarity and deep compassion to his work. He is also a sought-after speaker on emotional healing, child sexual abuse prevention in a hypersexualized world, and the transformative power of community. Above all, Chris is a devoted husband and father of six, grounding his professional efforts in a deeply personal commitment to protecting children and supporting survivors. Together, Sharlee and Chris explore how Saprea is confronting the silent epidemic of child sexual abuse through innovative healing programs for adult survivors, practical prevention tools for parents and caregivers, and a collective call to break the silence, build resilience, and create a safer, more compassionate world for every child.

For more information about Saprea, please visit: https://saprea.org

For prevention resources for parents and clinicians, please visit: https://saprea.org/prevent/

To learn more about volunteering opportunities, please visit: https://saprea.org/volunteer/

Consider a donation to Saprea at: https://support.saprea.org/give/230670/#!/donation/checkout

For more information about partnerships, please visit: https://saprea.org/partnerships/

Connect with Chris Yadon on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-yadon-mpa-3533937/

Connect with Chris Yadon on Substack: https://chrisyadon.substack.com

Continuing education is required, but the way we earn it is evolving. In this episode of BHT Bytes, host Peter Fenger is joined by Sharlee Dixon to explore the growing shift toward podcast-based continuing education (CEs) for mental health professionals. If you’ve ever found yourself scrambling for credits, zoning out in long webinars, or wishing CE requirements fit better into real life, this conversation is for you. We break down what podcast-based CEs actually are, how they work, and what clinicians need to know about accreditation, post-tests, and license requirements. You’ll hear how this format compares to traditional self-study courses, who it tends to work best for, and where its limitations lie, especially for visual or skills-based learners. We also discuss accessibility, burnout, and how podcast learning can feel more like mentorship or consultation than instruction. Finally, we walk through trusted platforms offering podcast-based CE credits, what to look for before enrolling, and how clinicians can build a sustainable CE plan using audio-based learning, without adding another task to an already full plate.

Follow Behavioral Health Today on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/behavioralhealthtoday/

Follow us on TikTok at: https://www.tiktok.com/@behavioralhealthtoday

Stop chasing vague goals like “being healthier.” Real change starts when you discover your why, shift your mindset, and commit to progress, not perfection. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon sits down with Dr. James Thompson, physician, author, and passionate advocate for transformational wellness. With more than 35 years of medical experience, Dr. Thompson’s own health journey took a powerful turn after a life-changing 21-day Daniel Fast in 2012. That experience led him to embrace a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle, earn a certification in integrative holistic nutrition, and ultimately develop his FEARLESS framework, the foundation of his book, “Fearless Wellness”. In “Fearless Wellness”, Dr. Thompson shows how lasting health is built through plant-based nutrition, movement, stress management, meaningful relationships, and purposeful living. His mission is simple but profound: to empower people to take control of their health and live more vibrant, fulfilling lives. We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. James Thompson as he dives into the FEARLESS framework for holistic wellness, shares practical tips for improving diet, exercise, sleep, stress, social connection, and spiritual purpose, and explores how his book and programs can help you truly transform your health and well-being.

For more information about “Fearless Wellness: Transform Your Life One Step at a Time” by Dr. James Thompson, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/FEARLESS-Wellness-Transform-Your-Life-ebook/dp/B0DZ8P5X8Z?dplnkId=31f20456-3ece-42ca-b8b0-cbc9f5ddc6ac&nodl=1

For more information about Healthy Living With A Vision, please visit: https://healthylivingwithavision.org

Register for the Healthy Living with a Vision Foundation 28 Day Based Kickstart, pleas visit: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/cyv8AfVYT5ecj155GR_wsg#/registration

For more information about the FEARLESS framework and Blog, please visit: https://fearlessmd21.com

Connect with Dr. Thompson on Linkedin at: http://www.linkedin.com/in/james-thompson-md-WFPB/

Connect with Dr. Thompson on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/fearlessmd21/

Connect with Dr. Thompson on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/Mindfuleatingandnutrition/

Connect with Dr. Thompson on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8eni5WkBFk-d3YgeEOhQBw

Connect with Dr. Thompson on X at: https://x.com/jamesathompso12

Storytelling isn’t about explaining people, it’s about humanizing them so we can finally see each other. In this episode, Peter Fenger sits down with John Morgan, a filmmaker, social worker, and co-founder of Live Your Purpose Media, a storytelling platform rooted in healing, equality, and social justice. With more than a decade of experience in community mental health, including work in Akron’s public schools and at the county’s first Black-owned, nationally accredited mental health agency, John brings a rare and grounded perspective to the intersection of wellness and creativity. Today, he leads powerful film projects that explore Black maternal health, incarceration, and men’s mental health, while also directing Soft Work, a support network creating space for men to embrace vulnerability, emotional honesty, and healing. In this conversation, we explore John’s journey from social work to filmmaking and men’s mental health advocacy, and how he uses storytelling, community building, and softness as tools for transformation. At the core of John’s work is a commitment to helping people live their purpose, and to telling stories that don’t just inform, but inspire real change.

For more information about Live Your Purpose (LYP) Media, please visit: https://www.lypmedia.com

For more information about Live Your Purpose podcast, please visit: https://www.lypmedia.com/podcast

For more information about LYP Media films, please visit: https://www.lypmedia.com/film

Contract LYP Media to purchase the film rental at:  [email protected].

For more information about Soft Work, please visit: https://www.soft-work.org

To contact Soft Work, please email at: [email protected]

Shop the LPY store at: https://www.lypmedia.com/shop

Connect with LYP Media on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/liveyourpurposemedia

Connect with LYP Media on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-morgan-133a47296?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Connect with LYP Media on TikTok at: https://www.tiktok.com/@mr.lyp1?_t=ZP-8u40QM2Q3Op&_r=1

Connect with LYP Media on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw1reF41STK-a0I5KjGhv4g

Connect with Soft Work on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/softworkorg

SchoolPulse is reshaping student mental health by shifting from reactive crisis response to proactive, human-driven outreach. What began as a simple “check-in” text has evolved into an ongoing relationship, real people listening, supporting, and gently nudging students toward resilience long before challenges escalate. In this episode, Peter Fenger speaks with Iuri Melo, a licensed therapist with more than 20 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate stress, anxiety, relationships, and emotional growth. He’s the best-selling author of “Know Thy Selfie” and “Mind Over Grey Matter”, and a dedicated advocate for mental fitness and personal development. Iuri is also the co-founder of SchoolPulse, a pioneering, text-based SEL platform that empowers students through proactive outreach, positive psychology, and meaningful connection. Above all, he’s someone who believes deeply in human potential and is committed to helping young people live boldly and intentionally. We’re thrilled to have Iuri on the show to explore how SchoolPulse blends tech-enabled emotional support with clinical insight to foster engagement, autonomy, and resilience, ultimately helping students and school communities thrive.

For more information about SchoolPulse, please visit: https://schoolpulse.org

To explore SchoolPulse’s model and methodology: https://schoolpulse.org/our_approach/

Parents interested in learning more or enrolling their teen can go to: https://schoolpulse.org/parents/

To contact Iuri Melo, please email at:  [email protected]

Connect with SchoolPulse on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/schoolpulse/

Connect with SchoolPulse on Linkedin at: https://linkedin.com/company/schoolpulse

Connect with SchoolPulse on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/schoolpulse.org

Infertility isn’t a failure, it’s a complex story your body is trying to tell, and you deserve someone who listens. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon sits down with Dr. Gabriela Rosa. Gabriela is a renowned fertility specialist, reproductive health educator, and Harvard University awarded scholar, as well as a seasoned entrepreneur. She is the founder and CEO of The Rosa Institute, the world’s first fully virtual, holistic fertility clinic, serving patients across more than 110 countries. Gabriela’s innovative, science-backed approach has helped over 140,000 couples overcome infertility and recurrent miscarriage, even after years of failed treatments. She’s also the host of the “TalkSex” with Gabriela Rosa™ podcast, where she continues to break down barriers around fertility, intimacy, and reproductive health. We’re honored to welcome Gabriela Rosa to the show to delve into the often-overlooked emotional toll of infertility, and how her integrative, trauma-informed approach helps couples navigate this deeply personal journey with compassion, clarity, and a holistic path to healing and hope.

For more information about The Rosa Institute, please visit: https://fertilitybreakthrough.com

For more information about “Fertility Breakthrough” by Gabriela Rosa, please visit: https://fertilitybreakthrough.com/fertility-breakthrough-book/

For more information about “TalkSex” with Gabriela Rosa podcast, please visit: https://talksexpodcast.com

For more information about Fertility Screen Testing, please visit: https://fertilitybreakthrough.com/the-rosa-institutes-fertility-screening-test/

More free resources for families, please visit: https://fertilitybreakthrough.com/free-resources/

If you are interested in consultation, please visit: https://fertilitybreakthrough.com/tri-services/

Connect with The Rosa Institute on Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/fertilitybreakthrough/

Connect with The Rosa Institute on Linkedin: https://au.linkedin.com/company/the-rosa-institute

Connect with The Rosa Institute on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FertilitySpecialistGabrielaRosa

Connect with The Rosa Institute on TikTok: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSJjuQNaK/

Connect with The Rosa Institute on X: https://twitter.com/gabrielarosa

Change one person, change a community, that’s the quiet power behind resilience training. In this episode, Peter Fenger sits down with Andy Pierce, a Master Resilience Expert with a graduate degree in Performance Psychology and extensive experience helping people build mental strength and navigate adversity. Andy has trained elite Special Operations Soldiers, Army Rangers, adults in addiction recovery, and resource caregivers, equipping each group with practical skills to think clearly, regulate emotions, and bounce back from hardship. As the founder of iBounceUp, Andy is committed to empowering at-risk communities with the tools they need to meet life’s challenges with clarity and confidence. We’re thrilled to have Andy back for our Clinicians Series, where we explore the clinical strategies, teaching methods, and personal transformations that emerge from his resilience skills training, along with actionable insights for clinicians and educators eager to bring this work to life.

For more information about iBounceUp, please visit: https://www.ibounceup.org

Consider a donation to iBounceUp and help transform lives: https://www.ibounceup.org/donate-now

Connect with iBounceUp on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ibounce-up/

Connect with iBounceUp on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/ibounceup