Conscious Mental Health

In this “After Billable Hours” episode, Juniper and Laurel banter about anxiety, guilt, and productivity, exploring how societal expectations (a.k.a. the Protestant work ethic and more) can turn even the smallest bit of relaxation or pleasure into a source of stress.

Juniper shares a story about their most recent spirals, while Laurel drinks Grandma Chai tea and discovers her personal brand, “tired.” Together, they embrace their "not-so guilty" pleasures and create “dopamine menus.” With a few random side-quests and practical tips, they share how they personalize ways to recharge without turning it into another to-do list. Spoiler - snacking ranks high on the list.

Random choice generator, in case you can't make up your mind - https://www.textfixer.com/tools/random-choice.php

Key points extracted by our AI assistant Fred:   

🎙️ Introduction and Disclaimer (00:10 - 03:01)

🤣 Meme of the Week (03:01 - 07:42)

•Break down a meme about how anxiety turns every little pleasure into a guilt trip.

•Share personal anecdotes about dealing with this anxiety paradox.

•Discuss the never-ending pressure to be productive, especially during the pandemic.

🧠 Dopamine Menus  (07:42 - 21:56)

•Introduce the concept of a “dopamine menu”—think of it as a mood-boosting cheat sheet.

•Lay out the categories: starters, entrees, sides, and desserts (because who doesn’t need dessert for their brain?).

•Share personal examples of activities that pack a dopamine punch.

•Highlight the importance of prepping your “ingredients” to make it easier to recharge.

🌀 Spiral Lists and Disrupting the Thought Tornado (21:56 - 30:12)

•Dive into personal experiences with anxiety spirals and how they mess with your day.

•Introduce strategies to interrupt negative thought patterns.

•Reveal the “spiral list” as a tool for turning that mental chaos into something more manageable.

🚿 Facing the Struggle to Recharge (30:12 - 39:18)

•Discuss the very real resistance to doing things that should help you feel better but somehow don’t.

•Share relatable stories about the battle of shower routines and the shock of cold water therapy.

•Emphasize the importance of finding what actually works for you, even if it’s unconventional.

🎲 Roll the Dice: Gamifying the Dopamine Menu (39:18 - 49:08)

•Discuss specific strategies for making your dopamine menu work for you.

•Share quick-hit ideas for instant mood boosts and more involved activities when you have the time.

•Introduce the idea of using dice to turn choosing an activity into a game.

🔄 Wrap-up and What’s Next (49:08 - 56:53)

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CW: a few f-bombs, discussion of trauma, mentions of SA and other abusive tactics

What happens when two neurodivergent therapists get deep into a conversation about therapy vs coaching?

It all started with a tweet, and suddenly, Laurel and Juniper found themselves down a rabbit hole, asking: Is there really a rift between therapists and coaches? If so, why?

In this first deep dive, we attempt to stay on track (but let’s be honest, side quests abound) as we untangle misinformation, break down how each profession is marketed, what kind of education is required, and the potential costs—and harms. Plus, there’s a bonus game, Who Said It? where Laurel guesses if the quote came from a therapist or a coach (play along), and a little exposé on debarred mental health professionals now moonlighting as coaches. And of course, we’ll share our best tips for anyone shopping for a therapist or a coach.

• Are you a client of a coach, therapist, or maybe both? We want to hear from you, too!   

Drop a comment, send us a voice message, or email. You are invited into this conversation, and we welcome as many side quests, rants, or hot takes as you want to dish.  

Please share your voice with us! We would love to hear from you!

Record a voice message here.
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In this very first episode of After Billable Hours, Juniper and Laurel dive into a whole new format (because we like to keep things fresh, right?). Brace yourself for some laughs, cringey childhood memories, and more ADHD talk than you can spin a fidget at.

“Quote-unquote” alert: Juniper says it… a lot. Like, more than 5 times (they counted), while Laurel manages to keep it at a totally normal level. Be clear, we both say "quote-unquote", is that a therapist thing? 

•Meme Picks of the Week: Yes, memes made it into the show. Because of course they did.

•ADHD & Meds: This week, we get real about starting ADHD medication later in life. Spoiler alert: it’s like realizing your brain has been on airplane mode for the past few decades.

•Cringe-worthy Childhood Stories: Let’s just say ADHD in childhood wasn’t always cute. Prepare for some stories that are equal parts cringe, a little sad, and oddly comforting... if you know, you know.

•Tips for the Curious: Are you thinking about ADHD meds? We share some tips and insights for anyone curious about the journey.

So grab your favorite snack, settle in, and let us entertain, educate, and maybe even relate with you for the next hour or so.  

Please share your voice with us! We would love to hear from you!

Record a voice message here.
Send us a comment here.
Apply to be a guest on this podcast here.

Would you like to share your work with the Conscious Mental Health Community ? We offer both paid and free sponsorship opportunities. To apply click here.

In this episode, Laurel sits down with Cory Lockhart, a teacher, artist, writer, public speaker, and Nonviolent Communication facilitator. Cory shares about her experiences learning and living out the principles of Nonviolent Communication, the ways in which her intuitive, heart-led practices have shaped her own work and life, and the ways in which these practices can intersect in our relationships, both with clients and beyond.

Cory Lockhart is a teacher, artist, writer, public speaker, and founder of Hart Communication, LLC. She facilitates classes and workshops for teens and adults on living and communicating with compassion and speaks to groups about the experiences and ideas that have shaped her. She believes in the fundamental dignity of every person and the interconnectedness of all parts of Creation.   Through working as a human rights defender with Community Peacemaker Teams, Cory made a commitment to the practice of nonviolence. She has completed three International Intensive Trainings in Nonviolent Communication (NVC) through the Center for Nonviolent Communication and continues to pursue ongoing training in this field.  She is a trained, attuned, and certified Reiki Master in Usui and Holy Fire Reiki. Reiki training and practice awakened her to her intuitive gifts, which led to the development of Heart Portraits.   Cory has a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics from Northwestern University, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Bellarmine University and a Master of Arts in Spirituality from Bellarmine University and the Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Cory lives in Louisville, KY with her two cats, Patty Petunia and Ralphie, who make her laugh every day.

Learn more through her website: corylockhart.com 

Want to experience a live workshop?

Join Cory in person on October 5th for Creating Conversations that Connnect: https://mountsaintfrancis.org/creating-conversations-that-connect   

Use the coupon code CMH through October 6 for 15% off Cards for Remembering decks, Reading & Reiki sessions, or a Heart Portrait session:
Cards for Remembering and Reading & Reiki sessions: https://www.corylockhart.com/cards
Heart Portraits: https://www.corylockhart.com/intuitive-heart-art

Where to find Cory:Instagram: @coryllockhart
corylockhart.com

Please share your voice with us! We would love to hear from you!

Record a voice message here.
Send us a comment here.
Apply to be a guest on this podcast here.

Would you like to share your work with the Conscious Mental Health Community ? We offer both paid and free sponsorship opportunities. To apply click here.

Laurel drops in to give an update on CMH’s summer break, and all of the awesome Academy of Integrative Mental Health resources you can check out until we’re back in the fall with Season 3! Make sure to give us a like, subscribe, and review while you’re here, so we can keep bringing you awesome, topical, and compassionate resources all year round.

Check out the Academy: https://academyimh.com/

Our online learning library: https://learn.academyimh.com/

We have a YouTube channel! https://youtube.com/@academyintegrativementalhealth?si=pxLt_3N2B2kRsXgl

Or find us on Instagram @academy.imh and @cmh.podcast 🎙️ 

Please share your voice with us! We would love to hear from you!

Record a voice message here.
Send us a comment here.
Apply to be a guest on this podcast here.

Would you like to share your work with the Conscious Mental Health Community ? We offer both paid and free sponsorship opportunities. To apply click here.

In this episode of the Common Client Conundrum series on The Conscious Mental Health Podcast, host Juniper, the director of the Academy of Integrative Mental Health, delves into the complex world of ambivalence.

Key topics include:

• Neurobiology of Mixed Emotions: Understanding what happens in the brain and body when experiencing fluctuating emotions.
• Nature of Ambivalence: Exploring the factors that contribute to ambivalence and how to recognize it.
• Techniques and Strategies:
  • For Clinicians and Clients: Effective methods to work with ambivalence.
  • Modalities:
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Ego States Work
• Fundamental Skills Revisited:
  • Empathetic Listening
  • Reflections
  • Mindfulness of the Righting Reflex

Join us as we revisit these essential yet often undervalued tools, providing insights and practical tips for navigating the intricate terrain of ambivalence in clinical practice.

Please share your voice with us! We would love to hear from you!

Record a voice message here.
Send us a comment here.
Apply to be a guest on this podcast here.

Would you like to share your work with the Conscious Mental Health Community ? We offer both paid and free sponsorship opportunities. To apply click here.

In this episode, Laurel chats with Gabriel Villarreal, a licensed professional counselor, the owner of LostBoys Strength and Conditioning and ADHD Counseling, and one of our Academy collective members! This is a part 1 of a two-episode series with Gabriel, and in this first part they tackling the topic of ADHD - what’s helpful, what’s not, what’s current in the research, how social media has influenced our and our clients’ perceptions of ADHD, and more!

Gabriel Villarreal is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia. He owns LostBoys Strength & Conditioning, and ADHD Counseling in the Roanoke Valley, the only facility that houses a mental health practice and strength gym in the country. LostBoys S&C offers coaching to children with special needs (e.g., ADHD, ASD, Depression, Anxiety, etc.). Additionally, with his private practice, Gabriel coaches multiple classes specifically for ADHDers of all ages, which has been artfully designed to give clients the medicine exercise offers. Gabriel is an expert in the topic of exercise and mental health. He is a sought after public speaker for gyms, coaches, athletes, and educators, in the Roanoke Valley and beyond.

Where to find Gabriel:
Instagram: @gabrielv_lpc, @lostboyssnc, and @academy.imh
https://roanokeadhd.com
https://lostboyssnc.com

Resources mentioned:
Dr. Ned Hallowell (Delivered from Distraction, Driven to Distraction, ADHD 2.0): https://drhallowell.com/read/books-by-ned/

Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale: https://www.caddra.ca/wp-content/uploads/WFIRS-S.pdf

Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale: https://psychology-tools.com/test/vadrs-vanderbilt-adhd-diagnostic-rating-scale

Support our show: https://www.patreon.com/academyimh
Get in touch: https://www.academyimh.com
Take a course: https://www.holisticmentalhealthschool.com

Please share your voice with us! We would love to hear from you!

Record a voice message here.
Send us a comment here.
Apply to be a guest on this podcast here.

Would you like to share your work with the Conscious Mental Health Community ? We offer both paid and free sponsorship opportunities. To apply click here.

In this episode, Laurel talks with Molly Fitzgerald King, a licensed art therapist and licensed professional counselor. They talk not only about Molly’s clinical work, but about the advocacy work she is doing on many different levels, about our understanding of advocacy as professionals, and even our understanding of the narratives that play out for us as professionals in our own lives. 

Molly specializes in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and treats individuals with addiction, trauma disorders, depression, and anxiety. Her primary focus is Autism Spectrum Disorder. Molly uses shame resilience methods and mindful self compassion, and loves to incorporate art, dance, yoga, and music into her work. She strives to make mindfulness skills more accessible for people who struggle with sitting still, and to help people find environments where they can thrive. This includes work, school, home, nutrition, movement, creative outlets, relationships, and hobbies. She believes most symptoms bubble up when our environment can’t meet our needs but we still feel stuck there. She focuses on many body based techniques designed to reduce activation.

Molly is the writer of the upcoming play “Asking Toddlers to Do Algebra,” which will debut in the city of Louisville, KY from July 25th-27th, 2024. She is also the originator of Braxton’s Bill, a bill currently in process in the Kentucky State Legislature, focused on mandating long-term substance use inpatient treatment coverage.

Where to find Molly:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/molly-fitzgerald-king-louisville-ky/767152

Support our show: https://www.patreon.com/academyimh
Get in touch: https://www.academyimh.com
Take a course: learn.academyimh.

Please share your voice with us! We would love to hear from you!

Record a voice message here.
Send us a comment here.
Apply to be a guest on this podcast here.

Would you like to share your work with the Conscious Mental Health Community ? We offer both paid and free sponsorship opportunities. To apply click here.

Welcome to "Common Client Conundrums," a segment where we delve into the everyday issues that are discussed in therapy and share insights and evidence-based interventions. In this episode, host Juniper Owens, LCSW and Director of the Academy of Integrative Mental Health explores the intricate dynamics of shame in part two of our guilt and shame series.

From its cultural influences to its personal manifestations, Juniper uncovers the layers of shame, shedding light on its impact on individuals and communities alike. Join us as we navigate the terrain of shame, discussing its connections to trauma, societal expectations, and personal resilience.

Tune in for insightful discussions, real-life examples, and evidence-based strategies for addressing shame in therapeutic contexts. Together, let's unravel the mysteries of shame and cultivate a deeper understanding of this complex emotion.

In this episode: 

• Introduction to Shame: Exploring the nature of shame as a complex and powerful emotion involving feelings of embarrassment, humiliation, and distress.
• Cultural Influences: Examining how shame is shaped by societal norms and expectations and its role as a tool for social control.
• Collective Shame: Discuss how historical events, injustices, and stereotypes contribute to collective shame within cultures or communities.
• Example: Highlighting racial and gender disparities in healthcare and their connection to historical trauma and systemic discrimination.
• Trauma and Shame: Exploring the link between shame and trauma, and how experiences of shame can exacerbate mental health issues.
• Symptoms of Shame: Identifying emotional, cognitive, behavioral, physical, and interpersonal symptoms of shame.
• Shame Resilience Mechanisms: Discussing defense mechanisms and coping strategies individuals may use to protect themselves from shame.
• Therapeutic Approaches: Exploring evidence-based interventions for addressing shame, including self-compassion, psychodrama, and mindfulness.
• Brene Brown's Shame Resilience Theory: Understanding the four aspects of shame resilience and how they contribute to healing and personal growth.
• Societal Views on Pleasure: Reflecting on cultural attitudes toward pleasure and how they contribute to feelings of shame and guilt.

Find references on our blog post! 

Please share your voice with us! We would love to hear from you!

Record a voice message here.
Send us a comment here.
Apply to be a guest on this podcast here.

Would you like to share your work with the Conscious Mental Health Community ? We offer both paid and free sponsorship opportunities. To apply click here.

In this episode, Laurel Sims-Stewart, Lead Content Developer at The Academy of Integrative Mental Health,  speaks with Laura Hensley, a licensed professional clinical counselor and expert in treating non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI).

She and Laurel discuss 🎙️

🗣️ The importance of understanding the nuances in treating NSSI and addressing our own fear as clinicians in doing this work.

🗣️ She also gives practical tips and tools for walking alongside these clients and offering the most effective support.

Laura Hensley has been a Licensed Clinical Counselor since 2007 and specializes in the treatment of trauma and anxiety with EMDR, CBT, and Motivational Interviewing as her primary theoretical approaches. Laura has done extensive work with clients struggling with suicidal ideation and those struggling with non-suicidal self-injury and has seen great success in treatment through collaboration with these clients.

Laura is also the creator of Navigating a Stressful World: CBT for Anxiety, an online video-based CBT program for individuals struggling with anxiety. The program is ideal for individuals wanting to learn methods for reducing anxious symptoms at home on their own schedule, or as an adjunct to therapy to provide psychoeducation and reinforcement of CBT skills. *Laura is offering our listeners an exclusive discount of 50% for the next 30 days with promo code CMHP

Where to find Laura:

AnxietyHelp4You.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/navigating-a-stressful-world
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@navigatingastressfulworld?si=aP42tackQDESvl_Q
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NavigatingAStressfulWorld
Instagram: @navigating_a_stressful_world

Support our show: https://www.patreon.com/academyimh
Get in touch: https://www.academyimh.com
Take a course: https://www.holisticmentalhealthschool.com

Please share your voice with us! We would love to hear from you!

Record a voice message here.
Send us a comment here.
Apply to be a guest on this podcast here.

Would you like to share your work with the Conscious Mental Health Community ? We offer both paid and free sponsorship opportunities. To apply click here.