In this episode, we delve deep into the transformative power of nonviolent communication (NVC) with Nathan Thoele, the Residential Director at Mountain Valley. Nathan's ability to listen, empathize, and communicate effectively is core to who is and has played an influential role in his journey from a nature center employee in Vermont, to his current leadership role at Mountain Valley. Nathan is responsible for introducing Mountain Valley to NVC and through this unique approach, he has been able to significantly influence the therapeutic environment, creating a culture where compassionate communication is core tenet of the therapeutic milieu.

The episode explores the core principles of NVC, as introduced by Marshall Rosenberg, focusing on its application both within the staff training at Mountain Valley and in treatment modules for residents. Nathan shares compelling insights into how NVC fosters effective communication, emotional intelligence, and a deep sense of empathy. By engaging in role-plays and sharing personal anecdotes, Nathan illustrates the practical benefits of NVC in addressing problem anxiety, enhancing interpersonal relationships, and creating a supportive therapeutic milieu. The conversation not only highlights Nathan's expertise and dedication but provides listeners with valuable strategies for applying NVC in their own lives and professional practice.

Nathan's message to those dealing with anxiety or mental health challenges underscores the importance of expressing emotions, identifying needs, and effectively getting those needs met. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in personal development, mental health, and the art of communication, offering practical tools and profound insights for navigating life's challenges with empathy and understanding.

Zack's Hack's: In this week's anxiety hack Zack touches another communication tool known as DEAR MAN – an interpersonal effectiveness skill from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) framework.

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

In a heartfelt episode of "Fear Less," Zack speaks with Ashley Metz, a dedicated clinician at Mountain Valley, about her transformative seven-year journey from a residential counselor to a clinician. Ashley shares deep insights into the evolving landscape of anxiety treatment, emphasizing the unique challenges and strategies developed to address the complex needs of youth struggling with anxiety and OCD, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her personal and professional experiences offer a rich perspective on the importance of adaptability, compassion, and innovative approaches in mental health care.

Ashley also opens up about her own battles with anxiety, highlighting how personal challenges have enriched her ability to empathize with and effectively support her clients. The discussion delves into the significance of incorporating family dynamics into treatment, recognizing neurodivergence, and shifting from traditional "habituation" approaches to anxiety treatment to include more nuanced treatment that embrace inhibitory learning and sensory regulation. This candid conversation sheds light on the critical role of self-compassion and mindful strategies in managing anxiety, both for clients and therapists.

The episode concludes on a note of encouragement, underscoring the message that dealing with anxiety is a journey of resilience and growth. Through Ashley's story, listeners are reminded of the power of human connection, the value of embracing one's vulnerabilities, and the impact of a compassionate approach to mental health treatment. This podcast serves as an inspiring testament to the evolving field of anxiety treatment and the personal growth that comes from facing and overcoming challenges.

Zack's Hack's: In this week's anxiety hack Zack educates about how you can use Activities of Daily Living to address anxiety.

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

In this episode host Zack interviews Noah a former student of Mountain Valley Treatment Center and a current student-athlete at Colby College. The discussion centers around Noah's journey through mental health challenges, focusing on his struggle with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and his treatment experience at Mountain Valley.

Noah shares his story, starting from the onset of his OCD symptoms during his junior year of high school, which escalated and led him to Mountain Valley for treatment when in college. He talks about the difficulty in accepting the need for help and his initial resistance to long-term treatment. Noah's narrative provides a profound insight into the mental health struggles faced by many, particularly the impact of the pandemic and the transition to college life. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing when one needs help and taking the courageous step to seek it.

The core of Noah's treatment at Mountain Valley involved exposure therapy, particularly for his contamination OCD. Noah discusses the challenging yet transformative experiences he had with exposure therapy, both with physical and emotional contamination. His journey exemplifies the power of facing one's fears and the growth that comes from such experiences. The podcast delves into specific instances of Noah's therapy, including his breakthrough moments and the realization that true progress requires embracing discomfort and honesty.

Finally, Noah reflects on his post-treatment life, emphasizing the significance of structure, balance, and ongoing self-care in maintaining mental health. He shares the strategies he uses to manage his OCD and stress, including regular routines, engaging in hobbies, and valuing personal connections. His story is a testament to the effectiveness of comprehensive treatment and the resilience of the human spirit in overcoming mental health challenges.

This week's Zack's Hack: Zack reflects on Noah's story and describes how we all have a Coach, a Critic and A Coward that can either help or hurt us when working on our anxiety.

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

In this episode Zack interviews Antoinette Moody MA, a clinician with over a decade of experience in the mental health field and an expert in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Antoinette explains ACT as a therapy that involves accepting one's inner experiences to commit to living a valued life. She breaks down the acronym ACT, where 'A' stands for acceptance of internal experiences, 'C' for connecting with values, and 'T' for taking effective action towards those values. She emphasizes that ACT is about changing how one responds to internal experiences rather than the experiences themselves. This approach is particularly effective when paired with exposure response prevention therapy (ERP), commonly used in treating anxiety and OCD at Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

The episode delves into how ACT is applied in real-life situations, illustrating with examples such as dealing with the fear of vomiting (emetophobia) and the urge to eat junk food. Antoinette explains how ACT enables individuals to live their valued lives despite persistent fears or urges by accepting these feelings and committing to value-driven actions. She also introduces thought diffusion, a technique in ACT to help individuals unhook from their thoughts and respond effectively. The discussion extends to how ACT complements exposure response prevention therapy, enhancing its effectiveness by addressing its blind spots and focusing on value-driven behavior.

Antoinette shares personal insights on how ACT has impacted her life, emphasizing the importance of therapists practicing what they preach. She recommends resources like the "Happiness Trap" book and the ACT Mindfully website for those interested in learning more about ACT.

Zack's Anxiety Hack: Zack dives into how ACT through metaphors can help you become Fear less when dealing with an "unwanted party guest" named anxiety.

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

In this episode of the Fear Less podcast, Will and Zack talk with TJ Bauman, a milieu specialist at Mountain Valley Treatment Center, about how Narrative Therapy and Jospeh Cambell's "Hero's Journey" framework are integrated into their unique approach to anxiety treatment. TJ specializes in experiential education, helps lead Mountain Valley's adventure-based programming, and facilitates a therapeutic class titled "Journal Your Journey" where participants use a modified version of Hero's Journey framework to reflect on their process in treatment.

This discussion explores Narrative Therapy, narrative reasoning, and how "story" can used in treatment to help provide structure, context, and a way to make meaning of the various challenges that arise through the process of change. Zack provides insight into how the philosophical similarities between the "Hero's Journey" framework and the process of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy led to design of Mountain Valley's anxiety treatment program. TJ shares rich examples and stories from his daily work in the milieu, discussing how Mountain Valley's narrative framework is applied in the milieu, the benefits it provides to participants in the program, and the role it plays in his highly effective approach to mentoring anxious youth. Zack and TJ also share how the hero's journey has applied and continues to apply to their own life, helping them make sense of their process of growth.

This episode provides valuable insights into the transformative power of "story" and how it can be used to a structure for understanding fear, and a process for conquering it. It's a compelling discussion that is meant for anyone looking to make fear "less", so they can be more.

Zack's Anxiety Hack: Zack describes how narrative therapy can be applied to help all of us look at our lives as a story and that we are the author which can help us Fear Less!

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

Interview: In this episode, Zack Schafer, OTR/L, provides insight into the unique approach to anxiety treatment offered by Mountain Valley—the treatment program where he serves as executive program director. In addition to highlighting exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP)—a method that involves gradually exposing patients to their fears to rewrite their narratives and reduce anxiety—Zack also describes the program's use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) combined with experiential activities like art, farming, and outdoor adventures. These activities play a crucial role in the therapeutic process, helping residents conquer fears like agoraphobia and claustrophobia while building confidence and resilience. The program also emphasizes early intervention in anxiety to prevent long-term mental health issues.

Zack also shares his personal path to becoming an anxiety treatment expert. He describes the motivation behind his career in mental health, his decision to pursue education in mental-health occupational therapy, and the path that led him to Mountain Valley. Zack discusses the inspiration behind launching the Fear Less podcast and his popular segment, Zack's Hacks, where he provides practical anxiety management strategies. Fear Less not only sheds light on innovative anxiety treatments but also equips listeners with actionable advice and a profound understanding of mental health challenges and effective management.

This interview originally appeared on Stories from the Field, a podcast dedicated to educating people about mental health treatment in outdoor settings. The show is hosted and produced by Dr. Will White, a pioneer in adventure therapy, currently serving as a program advisor for Mountain Valley and the producer of the Fear Less podcast.

Zack's Anxiety Hack: Zack shares how to use your imagination to help you make fear less!

Interview: In this episode, we immerse ourselves in the inspiring story of our co-host Will Laughlin, an ultra-runner, devoted father, and the innovative CEO of Mountain Valley Treatment Center. Will's exceptional journey as an athlete includes braving the intense heat of Death Valley and the extreme cold of the Yukon, experiences that have shaped his understanding and management of fear and anxiety. He shares insightful reflections on how ultra-running serves as a vital coping mechanism and therapeutic resource in his life. Will explains how these experiences as an extreme athlete have shaped his understanding and management of fear and anxiety, highlighting how conquering challenges on the trail has helped him conquer the challenges of fatherhood, business, and life.

Will also shares why he started the 'Fear Less' podcast, which amplifies his rich tapestry of experiences, offering wisdom on navigating fear and anxiety. This podcast is a culmination of his multifaceted life experiences, blending his professional acumen as a CEO with his journey as an athlete and parent to provide a unique and invaluable perspective on confronting and mastering fear.

This interview was originally released on Stories from the Field, a podcast dedicated to educating people about mental health treatment in outdoor settings. Stories from the Field is hosted and produced by Dr. Will White, a pioneer in the adventure therapy field, who is currently serving as a program advisor for Mountain Valley and the producer of the Fear Less podcast.

Zack's Anxiety Hack: Our co-host Zack shares how to deal with feelings of fear using Cognitive Diffusion to help you fear less!

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

Interview: In this gripping episode of the Fear Less podcast, we sit down with TJ, a member of the elite Air Force Special Warfare Pararescue team, also known as PJs. TJ gives us an inside look into the harrowing world of a Pararescue jumper, whose primary mission is to rescue and provide medical treatment to downed pilots, special forces operators, and others who find themselves in danger behind enemy lines. These highly skilled experts are trained to handle any environment—from skydiving, scuba diving, and rock climbing to braving arctic conditions—all in the name of saving lives.

TJ takes us through the intense moments of jumping out of planes and helicopters and embarking on underwater missions, describing how he confronts and manages fear in the face of danger. He shares his personal strategies for overcoming fear, focusing on the importance of extensive training and preparation and the mindset of putting others above himself. He also reflects on the skill of modulating fear, learning to dial it "up to red" for missions and down "to green" to recover afterward. For TJ, it's the mission of saving lives that allows him to push through fear, risk his own life, and perform under profound pressure.

Join us in this powerful conversation with TJ, where we explore the critical role of a PJ, the meaning of true bravery, and the immense responsibility shouldered by these heroes of the Air Force Special Warfare. This episode is not to be missed by anyone interested in military operations, courage in the face of danger, or inspirational stories of selflessness and duty.

Zack's Anxiety Hack: In this segment, Zack talk about creating certainty when anxious using a simple but effective method.

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

Interview: In this compelling episode of "Fear Less," host Will and Zack interview Max Augliere, a professional spearfishing guide. The discussion explores the physical and mental challenges of one of the world's most dangerous sports: free-dive spearfishing. Max shares the intricacies of spearfishing in the open ocean without scuba equipment and details the sport's hazards, which include marine predators and shallow water blackout. He also highlights the sport's mental aspects, discussing how he intentionally engages his own fear of spearfishing ("I'm nervous before every dive") as a means to achieve personal growth and self-discovery.

In his work with clients, Max employs techniques that resonate with exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), helping clients confront their fears through a controlled process of escalating challenges. This method involves thorough preparation, understanding physiological responses, and reframing anxiety as a protective, rather than obstructive, force. Max's personal journey, including a harrowing health scare that led to a deeper understanding of his body and capabilities, provides a powerful narrative of overcoming fear and self-doubt.

The episode concludes with a discussion on the broader implications of facing our fears, not just in sport but in all aspects of life. It emphasizes the importance of embracing one's own unique fear set as means to personal growth and fulfillment.

Zack's Anxiety Hack: In this week's hack Zack shares the importance of social connection in helping you Fear Less!

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

Interview: In this episode of Fear Less, we delve into the world of parenting anxious youth with Mountain Valley's parent coach, Dr. Lisa Rosen. With her background in psychology, Lisa is the driving force behind the Mountain Valley Treatment Center's robust parent coaching program. Having earned her BA in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and her doctorate in clinical psychology from Ferkauf Graduate School in 1997, Dr. Rosen has spent decades immersed in the psychological community. After witnessing the transformative impact of Mountain Valley's residential program on her youngest daughter in the fall of 2018, she joined the team to lead Mountain Valley's parent support efforts in 2019.

Dr. Rosen is trained in the highly specialized S.P.A.C.E. (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) treatment model. Originating from the Yale Child Study Center, S.P.A.C.E. is a parent focused treatment protocol with proven efficacy in the reduction of child anxiety. In this episode, Dr. Rosen delves into the intricacies of her parent coaching work, outlining key pillars of S.P.A.C.E. approach and providing practical tips for becoming a strong and supportive parent to an anxious child.

Zack's Anxiety Hack: In this episode, Zack dives into how journaling can help you to Fear Less.

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.