Why are so many first responders suddenly tearful after 20 years?!

Normalizing emotional expression, especially tears, in first responder culture can improve mental health, team cohesion, and personal resilience.

In this episode, Caise and Corinne explore the emotional landscape of first responders, discussing why tears and emotional expressions are vital signs of health, not weakness. They delve into the cultural stigmas, physiological underpinnings, and practical strategies to normalize emotional expression in high-stress professions and everyday life.
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Key topics:
The biological connection between tears, cortisol, and stress relief
The cultural stigma around emotional expression, especially for men and first responders
How to support peers or loved ones who are crying or expressing emotion
The importance of de-stigmatizing tears and emotional vulnerability at work and in personal life Practical language and actions to advocate for emotional normalization
The role of the nervous system in emotional regulation, including sympathetic and parasympathetic responses
How to create safe spaces for emotional release without judgment
Recognizing and respecting individual emotional thresholds
The damaging effects of toxic positivity and the importance of sitting with pain
The misconception of masculinity and toxicity, emphasizing authentic human emotion
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Timestamps:
(00:00) - Introduction to emotion and first responder wellness
(01:42) - Why men are tearful after 20 years on the job
(03:15) - Tears as a release of cortisol and stress
(03:46) - The nervous system's role in emotional regulation
(05:13) - Cultural messages instructing boys and men to suppress emotion
(06:23) - Strategies to stop tears and emotional expression
(08:49) - The importance of vulnerability and emotional authenticity in trauma work
(10:06) - Stigma around women and men's tears at work
(10:21) - The significance of emotional expression in traumatic scenes
(11:34) - Connecting through emotion in therapy and crisis situations
(12:20) - Showing humanity and the danger of emotional suppression
(14:14) - Advocating for emotional normalcy in first responder culture
(15:49) - Language and actions to normalize tears and emotions
(16:44) - Avoiding toxic positivity and embracing authentic emotional experiences
(18:39) - Recognizing individual emotional thresholds and biological reasons for tears
(19:44) - Society's contradictory views on emotional displays like crying
(21:19) - How to respond when someone is crying, using less and being present
(23:27) - Dispelling myths about weakness and promoting emotional honesty
(24:41) - Addressing toxic masculinity and its impact on emotional expression
(25:09) - Practical steps for creating a culture of emotional acceptance
(26:21) - Wrap Up

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eating-disorder-spotlight-resources-support-stories--5613148/support.

Thanks for listening! Therapist Caise 

https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eating-disorder-spotlight-resources-support-stories--5613148/support

Find:  therapistcaise.com
Reach: [email protected]
Support: Eating Disorder Spotlight: Resources, Support & Stories
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"Capturing Stories & Inspiring Recovery!"

For Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: Text 4hope to 741741. 

Disclaimer: The Mental Health Spotlight Podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.

What side of the glass are you on? 
What it's like to work on a psyche floor when you have your own mental health issues?! 
Shawn comes to the table to share what he has learned and struggled with working as an MA on a crisis psychiatric unit. He shares how he is learning to give himself the grace and compassion he provides to his patients.  This unique perspective offers insight, tools and hope!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eating-disorder-spotlight-resources-support-stories--5613148/support.

Thanks for listening! Therapist Caise 

https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eating-disorder-spotlight-resources-support-stories--5613148/support

Find:  therapistcaise.com
Reach: [email protected]
Support: Eating Disorder Spotlight: Resources, Support & Stories
Follow: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn & Youtube 

"Capturing Stories & Inspiring Recovery!"

For Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: Text 4hope to 741741. 

Disclaimer: The Mental Health Spotlight Podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.

Food Rules:  Are Your Rules Fact or Fear Based? 
In Session 2: 
7 Questions to Identify & Challenge if Food Rules are a Preference or Disordered. 
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Chapters:
(00:00) Intro Food Rules
(00:45) 8 Keys to Recovery by Carolyn Costin
(02:00) Identify Your Rules 
(02:40) #1 Reason for The Rule? 
(05:00) #2 How Long Follow Rule? 
(05:45) #3 What if You Break The Rule?
(07:00) #4 Is it Fact or Fear Based?
(09:00) #5 Should Others Follow the Rule? 
(10:35) #6 Is the Rule Flexible? 
(11:20) #7 What do You Gain or Lose with Rule? 
(12:20) Wrap Up
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Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eating-disorder-spotlight-resources-support-stories--5613148/support.

Thanks for listening! Therapist Caise 

https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eating-disorder-spotlight-resources-support-stories--5613148/support

Find:  therapistcaise.com
Reach: [email protected]
Support: Eating Disorder Spotlight: Resources, Support & Stories
Follow: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn & Youtube 

"Capturing Stories & Inspiring Recovery!"

For Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: Text 4hope to 741741. 

Disclaimer: The Mental Health Spotlight Podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.

Quit Letting Body Image F*** Up your Recovery!
In Session 1: 
You have to lower body noise! I have 12 body image hacks that my clients report have been helpful!  A must try if you're on an ED recovery path!
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Chapters:
(01:22) 1 Mirrors
(02:55) 2 Pick A Spot
(04:15) 3 Media
(05:15) 4 Tools for Media
(05:55) 5 Where U Go
(06:20) 6 Elevator Speech
(07:11) 7 Clothing
(08:10) 8 Body Checking You
(10:22) 9 Body Checking Others
(11:11) 10 Judging
(12:10) 11 No Peaking at Pics
(13:15) 12 Anticipate
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Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eating-disorder-spotlight-resources-support-stories--5613148/support.

Thanks for listening! Therapist Caise 

https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eating-disorder-spotlight-resources-support-stories--5613148/support

Find:  therapistcaise.com
Reach: [email protected]
Support: Eating Disorder Spotlight: Resources, Support & Stories
Follow: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn & Youtube 

"Capturing Stories & Inspiring Recovery!"

For Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: Text 4hope to 741741. 

Disclaimer: The Mental Health Spotlight Podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.

Body Dysmorphia & Dysphoria Intersect and Identity is the Catalyst!
Grayson shares his long, up & down journey with Eating Disorder recovery and shows that even when there are struggles, he has learned to persevere, use his supports & most importanty, accept his body.  

Body Image | Understanding & Improving Self-Perception | NEDA
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/body-image/
LGBTQIA2S+ Crisis Hotlines
https://www.socialworkers.org/Practice/LGBTQIA2S/LGBTQIA2S-Crisis-Hotlines
Home - LGBT National Help Center
https://lgbthotline.org/

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eating-disorder-spotlight-resources-support-stories--5613148/support.

Thanks for listening! Therapist Caise 

https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eating-disorder-spotlight-resources-support-stories--5613148/support

Find:  therapistcaise.com
Reach: [email protected]
Support: Eating Disorder Spotlight: Resources, Support & Stories
Follow: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn & Youtube 

"Capturing Stories & Inspiring Recovery!"

For Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: Text 4hope to 741741. 

Disclaimer: The Mental Health Spotlight Podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.

Dr. Wendy Oliver-Pyatt, M.D., FAED, CEDS, F.IAEDP is a pioneer for eating disorder treatment. She is the co-founder and CEO of several esteemed institutions, most recently Within Health and Galen Hope Treatment Center. Her impact on this community stems from her work as an entrepreneur, world-renowned speaker, author, philanthropist, and over 20 years of experience in treating eating disorders.
Dr. Oliver-Pyatt’s treatment approach includes addressing underlying causes, acknowledging the poison of weight stigma, challenging shame, and investing in clients through intensive therapeutic focus so people can heal from the inside out.
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Dr. Wendy Oliver-Pyatt
https://www.wendyoliverpyatt.com/
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Within Health is eating disorder treatment designed around real life through personalized, clinically integrated care and continuous support where patients build recovery skills where recovery actually happens—in everyday life.
https://withinhealth.com/
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Galen Hope is a uniquely designed, comprehensive treatment programs for eating disorders, mental health conditions, and dual mental health diagnoses.
https://www.galenhope.com/
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Monte Nido:
https://www.montenido.com/locations/florida-miami-residential-treatment 
https://www.montenido.com/clementine
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Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction & History
(05:45) ED Approach & Model
(10:25) Reducing Shame & Healing Tenets
(12:45) Internal V. External Regulation & Rules
(14:10) Healing from the Inside Out
(15:20) Within Remote Treatment
(19:40) A Therapeutic Team Investing In Clients
(22:45) Unique Food Approach
(27:20) Managing Medical Fragility
(30:15) Enhanced Meal Support Model
(31:55) “the Living Room”
(33:55) Brick & Mortar Options
(35:50) Co-Morbidity with Substance Use
(36:35) Weight Stigma Addressed
(38:10) Alumni Program & Meal Delivery
(40:00) Metrics & Outcomes
(43:55) Virtual Impact
(45:00) Population Served
(45:55) ARFID Care
(47:50) Referral & Team Involvement
(50:50) Eating Disorder Education Institute
(55:00) It Takes Hope & Work
(56:15) Honoring Those Who Help

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eating-disorder-spotlight-resources-support-stories--5613148/support.

Thanks for listening! Therapist Caise 

https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eating-disorder-spotlight-resources-support-stories--5613148/support

Find:  therapistcaise.com
Reach: [email protected]
Support: Eating Disorder Spotlight: Resources, Support & Stories
Follow: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn & Youtube 

"Capturing Stories & Inspiring Recovery!"

For Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: Text 4hope to 741741. 

Disclaimer: The Mental Health Spotlight Podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.

Transition seasons can be overwhelming, but they’re also an opportunity to reset, organize, and support one another with more intention.

In this episode, Caise and Corinne talk about one of the hardest parts of the year for many families and first responders: transition season. From the back-to-school reset to shifting routines, they explore how to make the move from summer into fall feel a little less chaotic and a lot more manageable. They discuss why September can feel like a true “new year,” how kids and adults alike struggle with transitions, and why it helps to start preparing early instead of waiting until the last minute. They also dig into the financial side of back-to-school season, the emotional load families carry, and how shared planning can reduce stress. A major theme of the conversation is grace: for yourself, for your partner, and for your kids. Caise and Corinne share practical ideas like weekly household check-ins, sharing the mental load, building a fall bucket list, and gradually helping kids get back into school routines.
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Key topics covered:
Why back-to-school season feels like a real reset
The emotional difficulty of transitions for kids and adults
Preparing early for school routines, schedules, and supplies
Managing the cost of back-to-school season
Sharing the mental load in relationships and co-parenting
Weekly “business meetings” for household logistics
Giving kids more responsibility and autonomy
Self-care and grounding strategies during seasonal change 
Highlights:
September as a “new year” mindset
Why transitions are hardest for children
How to divide chores, scheduling, and planning more fairly
The value of checking in weekly as a team
Teaching kids practical responsibility before the school year starts 
Takeaways:
Start transition conversations early.
Keep expectations realistic and compassionate.
Share responsibilities instead of carrying everything alone.
Use regular check-ins to stay aligned.
Help kids practice routines before the school year begins.
 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eating-disorder-spotlight-resources-support-stories--5613148/support.

Thanks for listening! Therapist Caise 

https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eating-disorder-spotlight-resources-support-stories--5613148/support

Find:  therapistcaise.com
Reach: [email protected]
Support: Eating Disorder Spotlight: Resources, Support & Stories
Follow: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn & Youtube 

"Capturing Stories & Inspiring Recovery!"

For Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: Text 4hope to 741741. 

Disclaimer: The Mental Health Spotlight Podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.

Your Gastro-Intestinal System Needs Your Attention!  
In this episode, Mary Alice Dombrowski, APRN-CFNP, DNP certified nurse practitioner of over 25 years with 10 years in Pediatric Primary Care and over 15 years in the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology at Rainbow Babies and Children's hospital in Cleveland explains the physiology, function and disorders of our Gastrointestinal (GI) system in general but also identifies unique concerns for those struggling with an eating disorder or food volatility. 
I work with Mary Alice often and find having a GI specialist on the multi-disciplinary team is essential in providing informed care and recognition & treatment of often overwhelming pain and distress symptoms that can impeded the recovery path.
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Chapters:
(00:00) Intro & Medical History 
(05:50) GI System Defined: Mouth to Anus
(07:50) GI Referral: Where to Start
(09:20) Mental Health, Emotions & GI Health
(12:30) Integrative Approach: Whole Person
(14:50) GI Diagnostics: Screening, Tests & Assessments
(19:00) Celiac Disease
(21:30) Gastroparesis
(24:00) Eating Disorder or GI?!
(28:00) Multi-disciplinary Team: RD, Psyche, OP, GI 
(30:00) Gut-Brain Connection & Biome
(34:00) Disorders of Gut Brain Interaction (DGB’s)
(36:00) Food Intolerances Validity and Care
(40:00) Nutrition Support
(43:25) What to Expect/Ask for in Assessment
(45:30) General Gut Health Choices
(47:20) Integrated intersection: Mental & Physical Health
(49:30) Ask for Help, GI issues are common, shouldn’t impact functioning
(50:45) Holistic Hopes for Future
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UH Rainbow Babies & Children's: Northeast Ohio’s Top Pediatric Healthcare Provider | University Hospitals
https://www.uhhospitals.org/rainbow

American Gastroenterological Association Homepage
https://gastro.org/

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eating-disorder-spotlight-resources-support-stories--5613148/support.

Thanks for listening! Therapist Caise 

https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eating-disorder-spotlight-resources-support-stories--5613148/support

Find:  therapistcaise.com
Reach: [email protected]
Support: Eating Disorder Spotlight: Resources, Support & Stories
Follow: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn & Youtube 

"Capturing Stories & Inspiring Recovery!"

For Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: Text 4hope to 741741. 

Disclaimer: The Mental Health Spotlight Podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.

Afraid of Flying?  Sweaty hands, increased heart rate, tight muscles?  Intrusive crash thoughts?  Reduced travel pleasure? 
This self-hypnosis-style brain training activity can help you regulate your nervous system when preparing for a flight and while in the air.  
It's not hocus pocus!  We can train our brain to associate regulation states with otherwise distressing settings.  It's also a great practice before, during and after travel to reduce cortisol build up from travel anxiety. 
I strongly suggest combining this meditation with a written cognitive challenging activity where you record and practice saying out loud (preferably with bilateral stimulation tools - see my other podcast!) logical challenges to your fear.
I.E.  There is some risk in living a life worth living.  If it was logically that unsafe, people wouldn't do it.  We can't control our safety just make informed decisions - this is a smart choice. 

Additional supports under professional care can include Hypno-therapy, CBT, Exposure Response therapy, Virtual Reality therapy and EMDR. 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eating-disorder-spotlight-resources-support-stories--5613148/support.

Thanks for listening! Therapist Caise 

https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eating-disorder-spotlight-resources-support-stories--5613148/support

Find:  therapistcaise.com
Reach: [email protected]
Support: Eating Disorder Spotlight: Resources, Support & Stories
Follow: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn & Youtube 

"Capturing Stories & Inspiring Recovery!"

For Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: Text 4hope to 741741. 

Disclaimer: The Mental Health Spotlight Podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.

Relationship conflict is often communication conflict. Learning to listen and hear each other in any relationships improves connection and decreases conflict.

In this episode we cover these communication topics/skills: 

*Need Statements
*Asking Permission
*You Don't Have to B Right
*Active Listening
*Capacity for Emotion
*Nonverbal Cues
*Power of Touch
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Chapters
(00:00) Introduction 
(03:35) Need Statements
(07:45) Asking Permission
(10:25) You Don't have to Be Right
(13:10) Active Listening
(14:15) Capacity for Emotion
(19:20) Nonverbal Cues
(24:45) Touch can Help!
(30:00) Wrap Up

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eating-disorder-spotlight-resources-support-stories--5613148/support.

Thanks for listening! Therapist Caise 

https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eating-disorder-spotlight-resources-support-stories--5613148/support

Find:  therapistcaise.com
Reach: [email protected]
Support: Eating Disorder Spotlight: Resources, Support & Stories
Follow: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn & Youtube 

"Capturing Stories & Inspiring Recovery!"

For Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: Text 4hope to 741741. 

Disclaimer: The Mental Health Spotlight Podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.