Finding Your 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.

In this episode of Finding Your Balance, Tiffani Fritzsche and Kirk Fasshauer shift the conversation from risk factors to protective factors—the strengths, habits, and supports that help build resilience and improve mental well-being.

From strong social connections and a sense of purpose to physical wellness and creating supportive environments, this episode explores both the factors we may already have and the ones we can intentionally develop. Whether you're looking to strengthen your own mental health or support someone else, this episode offers encouragement, insight, and actionable steps to help you find your balance.

Sensitive topic: listener discretion advised.

In this next episode of Finding Your Balance, Tiffany Fritzsche and Kirk Fasshauer continue their discussion on suicide awareness, mental health, and depression, breaking down key warning signs, myths about suicide, and how to help someone in crisis.

They explore the difference between a bad day and clinical depression, the impact of emotional pain, isolation, and life transitions, and how social media and modern stressors affect teens and adults alike. This episode also highlights why people struggling with suicidal thoughts often feel like a burden—and how connection can be life-saving.

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 first episode of a two-part series on Finding Your Balance, hosts Tiffani Fritzsche and Kirk Fasshauer begin a compassionate and honest conversation about suicide awareness and prevention. They explore the growing impact of suicide in communities, break down common myths that keep people from speaking up, and emphasize the importance of using thoughtful, nonjudgmental language. The episode also sheds light on the often unseen emotional pain behind suicidal thoughts, the role of connection and belonging, and why asking someone directly about their well-being can be a powerful first step. Listeners are encouraged to take care of themselves as they engage with this important topic and to continue the conversation in part two.

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 discuss how to start a supportive conversation with someone who may be struggling with their mental health. They explore why it can feel intimidating to speak up, practical ways to approach a friend or loved one with care, and simple communication tools like using “I” statements, open-ended questions, and active listening. The conversation emphasizes that you don’t have to have all the answers to help—sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is listen and create a safe space for someone to be heard.

24/7 National Crisis Line: 988

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

The college experience may look differently for someone living on campus vs. someone living off-campus and commuting to classes. But, the main thing to remember is you aren’t alone. Both types of students can find their sense of belonging and navigate the complexities of becoming more of an adult by following the advice offered by Kirk Fasshauer and Tiffani Fritzsche. In Episode 9, Part 2 of 2 of Finding Your Balance: A Mental Health Podcast presented by Peace River Center and Southeastern University, our hosts dive into their top five pieces of advice for both those living on campus and off.

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.

Whether you are a student living on campus or a student commuter, the stressors and lessons you learn contribute towards shaping the adult you will become. Both experiences have merit in allowing you to broaden your expectations of who you are, what you are capable of, and what activities and groups you want to bring into your life. In Episode 9, Part 1 of 2 of Finding Your Balance: A Mental Health Podcast presented by Peace River Center and Southeastern College, Kirk Fasshauer and Tiffani Fritzsche discuss their vastly different college experiences and how they influenced who they are today.

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.

Reframing stressful situations can help reduce the anxious feelings in our bodies. By recognizing without judgment what we are struggling with mentally, we can process the experience in healthier ways.  In Episode 8, Part 2 of 2 of Finding Your Balance: A Mental Health Podcast presented by Peace River Center and Southeastern University, Kirk and Tiffani share their experiences with handling anxiety and offer tips to help de-escalate the mental imbalance it causes.  

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.

Do you know the difference between stress and anxiety? Listening to and understanding your body may be a helpful indicator of whether you are experiencing stress or anxiety. Those clues will help you determine your next steps toward helping yourself through this challenging time. Tune into Episode 8, Part 1 of 2 of Finding Your Balance: A Mental Health Podcast presented by Peace River Center and Southeastern University to learn tools and tips from Kirk and Tiffani on alleviating stress and de-escalating anxiety.

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.