Cultivate Calmness Podcast: Find Your Calm, Cultivate Your Mind

Have you ever wondered if your therapist thinks about you after your session ends? In this heartfelt episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, I pull back the curtain on the inner world of therapists and share what really goes on beyond the therapy room. I talk openly about the emotional residue of sessions, how clients often stay in our hearts and minds, and why you’re never just a job to us. From church pews to community events to scrolling through social media, therapists like me are often reminded of the people we care for. If you’ve ever questioned your impact as a client, this episode will affirm your importance and shed light on the deeper connections we hold with those we serve.

In this powerful episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela Vance sits down with fellow LPCC-S and trauma specialist Rikki Grace to explore the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), a therapeutic approach designed specifically for complex trauma. Rikki shares her journey into the world of counseling and how she discovered NARM, explaining what sets it apart from other trauma modalities like EMDR and DBT. Listeners will gain insight into how NARM integrates relational, emotional, cognitive, and somatic elements while emphasizing client agency, consent, and non-pathologizing therapeutic relationships. Whether you’re a clinician, a trauma survivor, or simply curious about healing through connection, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on what it means to experience and process trauma in a safe, supportive way.

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, we welcome Rebecca Dunaway, a certified HeartMath® practitioner, Reiki master, and sound therapy trainee, to explore the healing power of HeartMath®. Drawing on her decades-long career in the medical field and her personal experience with burnout, Rebecca shares how HeartMath® tools—like heart-focused breathing and coherence techniques—can help regulate the nervous system, reduce stress, and bring heart, mind, and body into harmony. We discuss how these tools complement traditional therapy, how they're used in everyday life (even in traffic!), and how they support healing from trauma, anxiety, and chronic stress. This episode is a heart-centered guide to reconnecting with yourself and supporting your clients more deeply.

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, we explore the powerful connection between our inner dialogue and the world we experience. Inspired by a video featuring Peter Crone, “The Mind Architect,” we dive deep into the concept of negative core beliefs—those deep-rooted thoughts like “I’m not good enough” or “I’m unlovable”—and how they silently shape our lives, reactions, and relationships. Drawing from real-life examples, therapeutic insight, and EMDR techniques, this episode unpacks how past experiences wire our brains for defense and how we can begin to rewrite our inner narratives to live with more confidence, compassion, and freedom.

In this eye-opening episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela is joined by functional dietitian and founder of Nourished by Taylor, Taylor Lechner, to discuss the often-overlooked connection between hormonal birth control and mental health. Taylor shares her personal and professional journey of recovering from the pill, uncovering root causes like high copper and gut dysfunction that can trigger anxiety, depression, and more. Listeners will gain insight into the importance of functional testing, how birth control alters the brain and body, and what steps women can take to start healing naturally. This conversation empowers women with informed consent and reminds us that when we feel something is off—our intuition is often right.

In this heartfelt episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, we take a deep dive into Father’s Day—a time to celebrate the fathers and father figures in our lives, but also a moment to acknowledge the grief that may accompany this special day. Whether you're grieving the loss of a father, experiencing a challenging relationship, or simply reflecting on the role fathers play in our lives, this episode offers insights and compassionate guidance for navigating the complexities of the day. From offering practical ways to show appreciation to fathers to suggestions for honoring those who are no longer with us, this episode emphasizes the importance of recognizing fathers in their many forms. Tune in for heartfelt reflections, support for grieving individuals, and tips for making Father’s Day meaningful in whatever way feels right for you.

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela is joined by Jonathan Miller from Miller Counseling to discuss social anxiety, a disorder that often slips under the radar in therapy. Jonathan, with his 25 years of experience, sheds light on what social anxiety is, its subtle but powerful impact on daily life, and the role of exposure therapy in overcoming it. Together, they explore how social anxiety manifests, how it can sneak up on individuals, and the importance of addressing it with compassion and practical strategies. Jonathan also shares his personal experiences with social anxiety, offering insight into how it can affect self-esteem and social interactions. Tune in to learn how we can help clients face their fears, build confidence, and create lasting change.

In this episode of The Cultivate Calmness Podcast, we dive into the topic of boundaries—why they are essential for our mental health, how they protect us, and how to set them in a way that fosters healthier relationships. Whether it's managing difficult family dynamics, handling emotional triggers, or learning how to say no, setting boundaries allows us to define what’s acceptable in our lives. This episode explores common misconceptions, practical examples, and the importance of following through with your limits to create the space for growth, peace, and self-respect. Tune in for insightful tips on strengthening your personal boundaries and cultivating emotional well-being.

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness podcast, Kaela Vance discusses the power of analogies in explaining and processing trauma. Kaela shares several effective analogies, such as the car accident, smoke detectors, and backpacks full of rocks, to help listeners understand the complexities of trauma and healing. Through these analogies, she demonstrates how simple comparisons can facilitate emotional understanding and healing for both clients and therapists. If you're looking for fresh ways to grasp and explain your own experiences or to better communicate with others about trauma, this episode offers insightful tools and practical advice.

In this heartfelt episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela shares her personal journey of navigating Mother's Day after the loss of her mother at a young age. Reflecting on how her relationship with Mother's Day has evolved over the years, Kaela opens up about her experience of growing up without a mother, finding comfort in non-traditional mother figures, and learning to heal from grief. She explores the complexity of celebrating motherhood while honoring the memory of her own mother, and how she now navigates motherhood with her own children. Whether you're celebrating, grieving, or somewhere in between, this episode offers valuable insights on healing, gratitude, and the importance of honoring the women who shape our lives.