In Part 2 of our conversation on mental health and athletics, Tiffani Fritzsche and Kirk Fasshauer welcome back licensed clinical social worker, athlete, and founder of Willow’s Path Counseling, Jessica Dobbertin-Brusso. Together, they explore what happens when the season ends, an athlete experiences an injury, or their identity becomes too closely tied to performance.

Jessica shares practical ways athletes can find balance through the offseason, strengthen their support systems, recognize warning signs that they may need additional help, and navigate challenges with nutrition, recovery, self-image, and negative self-talk. The conversation offers an important reminder that athletes are people first—and that being kind to yourself, having fun, nurturing relationships, and knowing when to ask for support are all part of finding balance.

What happens when your sense of identity and self-worth becomes tied to athletic performance?

In this episode of Finding Your Balance, Tiffani Fritzsche and Kirk Fasshauer talk with licensed clinical social worker, competitive athlete, and founder of Willow’s Path Counseling, Jessica Dobbertin-Borruso, LCSW, about mental health, athletics, and the importance of a holistic approach.

Jessica shares her experiences as a competitive water skier and discusses the pressures athletes face, from performance expectations and team responsibilities to the challenge of separating who you are from how you perform. The conversation explores practical tools for managing stress, building a support system, and finding mental health balance.

In this episode of Finding Your Balance, Tiffani Fritzsche and Kirk Fasshauer are joined by Kelsey Thomas, LCSW, Director of Counseling and Wellness at Southeastern University, to explore the challenges students face as they transition into college life. From managing newfound independence and responsibilities to navigating relationships, academics, mental health, and finding support, this conversation offers an honest look at why this major life transition can feel overwhelming.

Whether you're a college student, a parent preparing for the transition, or someone supporting a young adult, this episode provides encouragement, practical insight, and helpful strategies for navigating change, building independence, and finding balance along the way.

Our brains process trauma in a way that impacts not only our mental and physical health, but it can even cause our cells to mutate, impacting generations to come. To help you understand the impact trauma has and what we can do to repair the damage, Kirk and Tiffani welcome special guest Donna Riniger, LMHC, MCAP, an expert in trauma-informed therapy and the Director of Specialty Services with Peace River Center. Tune into the latest episode of Finding Your Balance: A Mental Health Podcast to learn how we can break generational trauma and build a healthier future for ourselves and generations to come.

24/7 Local Crisis Phone Line: 863.519.3744

24/7 Local Crisis Text Line: Text “TALK” to 863.204.3443

24/7 National Crisis Line: 988

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

In this episode of Finding Your Balance, hosts Tiffani Fritzsche and Kirk Fasshauer welcome special guest Rita Langford, DSW, LCSW, RD, LD, CDCES, on the podcast. Rita is the founder of Hope Restored Counseling of Florida and has piloted a new path of mental health treatment as a social work dietitian. Rita shares how our bodies process food and how it impacts our mental health. Tune in to learn nutrition tips, discover how the body breaks down nutrients for optimal mental well-being, and how you can find your balance between eating healthy while still enjoying some of your favorite comfort foods.

In this episode of Finding Your Balance: A Mental Health Podcast, hosts Tiffani Fritzsche and Kirk Fasshauer discuss how to tell the difference between having a bad day and a mental health crisis. Often, some of our bad days can be disguised as a mental health crisis. But meeting some basic needs and providing self-care can help you determine if you are dealing with something more serious, and help you find your balance again. Tune in to learn the signs and spot the differences.

24/7 Local Crisis Phone Line: 863.519.3744

24/7 Local Crisis Text Line: Text “TALK” to 863.204.3443

24/7 National Crisis Line: 988

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

In this episode of Finding Your Balance, Tiffani Fritzsche and Kirk Fasshauer break down common misconceptions surrounding the Baker Act and provide clarity on what this mental health law really means. From understanding when the Baker Act is used and who can initiate it to addressing common fears, stigma, and misinformation, this conversation offers an honest look at one of the most misunderstood areas of mental health care.

Whether you’re supporting a loved one in crisis, navigating concerns about mental health intervention, or simply wanting to better understand the facts, this episode provides education, insight, and practical understanding to help you approach these conversations with greater confidence and compassion.

In this episode of Finding Your Balance, Tiffani Fritzsche and Kirk Fasshauer pull back the curtain on the journey to becoming a therapist. From choosing a degree path and gaining hands-on experience to navigating internships, supervision, licensure, and lifelong learning, they share their personal stories and professional insights about building a career in mental health.

Whether you're a student exploring career options, considering a change in profession, or simply curious about what it takes to become a counselor, social worker, or therapist, this episode offers encouragement, practical guidance, and a behind-the-scenes look at the people who dedicate their lives to helping others find balance.

In this episode of Finding Your Balance, Tiffani Fritzsche and Kirk Fasshauer continue the conversation about getting started with therapy by exploring what happens after the first sessions. From finding the right therapist and building trust to understanding why therapy can feel uncomfortable before it feels healing, this episode offers a realistic and encouraging look at the therapeutic process.

Together, they discuss how therapy helps build resilience, strengthen coping skills, and create lasting emotional growth through honesty, self-awareness, and practice. Whether you’re beginning therapy for the first time or returning during a new season of life, this episode reminds listeners that healing is a journey—not a quick fix—and that growth often happens one small step at a time.

In this episode of Finding Your Balance, Tiffani Fritzsche and Kirk Fasshauer explore what therapy really is—and what it isn’t. From understanding the first appointment and finding the right therapist to breaking down common myths and fears, this conversation offers a compassionate look at the therapy process.

Together, they discuss how therapy creates a safe, judgment-free space for healing, growth, and self-discovery, and share practical tips for getting started, preparing for sessions, and making the most of the experience. Whether you’re considering therapy for the first time or supporting someone else on their journey, this episode provides encouragement, insight, and reassurance that you don’t have to navigate life’s challenges alone.