By Steve Bisson
Join Steve Bisson, LMHC as he unravels the complexities of therapy and counseling. Engage in straightforward dialogues, enriched with insights from special guests sharing a like-minded perspe
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The podcast currently has 197 episodes available.
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Discover the transformative journey of Erica Curry, a former Division 1 athlete who has seamlessly transitioned into a licensed therapist and coach, bringing her unique perspective to the world of mental health. Erica opens up about her passion for Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and how it has become a linchpin in her approach to helping athletes and first responders excel not just in their careers but in life. From mindfulness to effective communication, Erica reveals the profound impact these skills can have on overcoming challenges such as sports injuries, addiction, and relationship struggles.
We also shine a light on an often-overlooked topic—the mental well-being of therapists themselves. The conversation delves into the necessity of self-care for mental health professionals, emphasizing the importance of therapists seeking therapy to combat burnout. We explore the barriers aspiring therapists encounter, including financial and logistical hurdles, and discuss potential solutions to make the path to becoming a therapist more inclusive without lowering standards. This episode is a heartfelt call to action for the mental health community to support its own.
Finally, join us as we underline the indispensable role of empathy and connection in therapy. The discussion highlights how genuine human bonds can often transcend specific therapeutic techniques, creating a healing space that fosters emotional well-being. We touch on the societal influences that have shaped our emotional health, including the isolating effects of COVID and the pervasive impact of social media. By advocating for systemic changes in education and community-building practices, we aim to equip everyone with the tools needed to navigate life's emotional landscapes.
Her Website is https://coachericacurry.com/
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Feeling overwhelmed by the holiday hustle and political chatter? Discover how to maintain your sanity and serenity as we navigate the emotional rollercoaster brought on by this election cycle. This episode is your guide to maintaining balance amidst the chaos, highlighting the emotional impact of political events and the holiday season on our mental well-being. Learn practical tips for managing stress, from stepping back from endless election coverage to seeking diverse news sources, and find your grounding through mindfulness and yoga. We'll also explore the challenges of the two-party system and how to handle those potentially heated political discussions at family gatherings with grace and presence.
Set the stage for a more peaceful holiday season by establishing personal boundaries and engaging in meaningful self-care. We dive into the significance of respecting your own limits while nurturing positivity through cherished holiday traditions and relationships. Whether it's spending quality time with loved ones, indulging in hobbies, or maintaining social connections, these activities are vital for your well-being.
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Meg Appelgate, a courageous survivor of the troubled teen industry and co-founder of Unsilenced, joins us to share her profound story of resilience and advocacy. We explore her experiences with institutional abuse and the urgent need for reform to protect vulnerable teenagers. Meg's book, "Surviving and Fighting the Troubled Teen Industry: Becoming Unsilenced," is a must-read for those wanting to understand the depth of these critical issues, as she works tirelessly to end institutional child abuse and offer justice for survivors.
We delve into the harsh realities of the troubled teen industry, tackling the traumatic experience of "gooning" and the deceptive marketing tactics aimed at desperate parents. The conversation highlights the gap in understanding between parents and their children, emphasizing the importance of addressing underlying traumas rather than resorting to extreme measures. We also confront victim-blaming cultures, particularly against women, and advocate for more empathetic and informed responses from law enforcement and authorities.
As we navigate parenting challenges, we offer guidance for parents seeking alternatives to troubled teen programs, focusing on community-based therapies and tailored approaches. We discuss the importance of transitioning from being a protective figure to a supportive guide as children reach adolescence, allowing them to learn from their experiences in a safe environment. With a nod to upcoming holiday challenges, we encourage listeners to engage with the podcast for further education and empowerment.
Check out Meg's website at https://megappelgate.com/
Check out the attorney directory for those who have had experiences with the TTI at https://attorneys.unsilenced.org/
Her book can be found at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D367XKWH?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_7SZ565B52EW2VKCCZ3FV&skipTwisterOG=1
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What if you could break free from the confines of your own mind and live a more embodied and authentic life? Join us as we welcome back the insightful Stephanie Simpson, who expertly bridges the worlds of coaching and therapy. This episode promises to explore the art of creating safe spaces for self-discovery while helping you reconnect with your core values. From young professionals overwhelmed by career choices to seasoned leaders reshaping workplace dynamics, Stephanie's experiences offer something valuable for everyone. Together, we'll uncover the power of moving beyond mere headspace, fostering a more integrated sense of self and purpose.
Curiosity isn't just for the inquisitive—it's a transformative tool. We highlight the crucial role that curiosity and perspective play in personal and professional growth. By embracing a non-directive coaching style, we cultivate deeper connections, allowing for genuine understanding and healing. Inspired by thought leaders like Gabor Mate and David Brooks, this episode challenges you to embrace curiosity as a means to navigate rigid plans and emotional barriers. Whether you're leading a team or navigating your own journey, this discussion offers a refreshing take on how curiosity and listening can lead to profound personal and professional development.
Leadership isn't merely about having all the answers; it's also about asking the right questions and trusting those around you. We delve into the art of letting go, empowering your team, and focusing on strategic thinking. Through engaging stories and practical insights, we reveal why adaptability and playfulness are essential in today's ever-changing landscape. By using running as a metaphor, we explore the balance of control and enjoyment, urging you to embrace progress and authenticity. Celebrate your journey and align your actions with your values, all while nurturing meaningful connections along the way.
For more information or to work with Stephanie, please check out her website: https://www.stephanie-simpson.com/
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Join me in a transformative conversation with Kyle Goodknight, a veteran healthcare professional with over three decades of experience as a respiratory therapist and paramedic. We tackle the critical issues of stress and burnout that first responders face, shedding light on the vital role mental health support plays in sustaining their demanding careers. Kyle opens up about his personal experiences, underscoring the significance of mental health awareness and the need for equipping first responders with the right tools and resources for a fulfilling career.
We confront the often-unspoken emotional toll that repeated exposure to trauma takes on first responders and medical professionals. It's not just the major incidents that leave a mark, but the accumulation of experiences that can push individuals to a breaking point. Through personal stories, we reveal how professional stressors seep into personal lives, affecting family dynamics and highlighting the need for open communication. Our discussion extends to understanding how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) shape responses to trauma, particularly in close-knit communities where first responders might know victims personally.
Our conversation evolves into normalizing mental health conversations, encouraging first responders to embrace mental health care as essential. I share my personal journey, emphasizing the importance of being open about mental health struggles and the various treatment options available, like EMDR or ketamine therapy. We stress the importance of cultural competency in therapy and the benefits of virtual counseling, offering privacy and accessibility. This episode is a heartfelt call to action for first responders to seek the right therapeutic path, ensuring their well-being and that of their families.
Go and listen to Kyle's podcast at: https://podcast.kylegoodknight.com/
His full podcast can be found at www.kylegoodknight.com
For the ACES test, click here.
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Unlock the secrets to building a fearless future for your children with our inspiring guest, Stefani Cohen. A true authority in family dynamics and stress-positive parenting, Stefani shares her decades of wisdom and insight into overcoming children's fear of dogs. Drawing from her book, "Overcoming Your Child's Fear of Dogs," she unveils groundbreaking strategies like systematic desensitization and experiential exposure therapy. With heartwarming anecdotes about her late canine companion Fozzie and her new dog Winnie, Stefni illustrates how dogs play a vital role in her therapeutic work and community outreach.
Venture into the mechanics of phobia treatment with Stefani as we dissect the importance of creating a safe and trustworthy environment for those facing their fears. The journey varies for everyone, and Stefani emphasizes the necessity of adapting to the client's pace without pressure. Through detailed real-life case studies, learn how children and adults alike can confront their fears, whether it's dogs, spiders, or other phobias. Discover the tailored methodologies that ensure genuine progress and the emotional breakthroughs that come from facing these fears head-on.
Finally, embrace the concept of meeting people where they're at, as Stefani shares her unique approach to therapy. From innovative session settings to the pivotal use of a fear scale, she stresses the importance of personalization in overcoming anxiety. As we highlight her contributions, including a companion workbook co-authored with her daughter, we celebrate the powerful impact of her work in guiding families toward a harmonious relationship with their canine companions.
Go check out her activity book at: https://www.amazon.com/Overcoming-Your-Childs-Step-Step/dp/1662900198
Get her book at this link: https://a.co/d/8F7yAQ3
Book a session on her website: https://overcomefearofdogs.com/
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What if you could transform your life by simply changing the way you breathe? Join us for a compelling conversation with Abbie Westgate, a former UK police sergeant who left behind the high-stress world of law enforcement to embrace the healing power of somatic breathwork. Abbie courageously shares her journey through stress, burnout, and trauma, leading to a serious illness that became the catalyst for her new path. Discover how Abbie's experiences as a first responder have uniquely equipped her to understand the profound connection between mind, body, and spirit, ultimately shaping her business, Healing Blue Hearts.
Explore the transformative potential of somatic breathwork as Abbie explains its ability to reset the nervous system and offer stress relief. We address common skepticism towards somatic practices and delve into the importance of personal experience in forming opinions. Abbie provides insight into how breathwork can help individuals experience a full emotional cycle and achieve clarity of thought, offering benefits like stress release and emotional resilience. This episode emphasizes the need for integrating both cognitive and somatic methods in healing to foster a harmonious mind-body connection.
We also highlight Abbie's passion for creating safe spaces where first responders can express and process their emotions without judgment. Through her work, Abbie encourages personal responsibility and self-empowerment in one's healing journey. As we wrap up, a heartfelt appreciation is shared for the supportive community surrounding somatic breathwork, and Abbie's dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of others, especially those on the front lines.
Go to this website to schedule your breathwork with her here: https://healing-blue-hearts.my.canva.site/
Her Instagram is: https://www.instagram.com/healing_blue_hearts
PEeer Levine's website is: https://www.somaticexperiencing.com/about-peter
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The post-COVID era has brought unprecedented changes to community mental health, and our recurring guests, The Mental Men, are here to share their unique insights! Discover how mental health professionals have navigated the shift from in-person to remote practices, transforming the way they interact and support each other. We'll discuss the challenges and creative adaptations that have emerged, offering a window into the current state of therapeutic practices and the mental health landscape.
What has happened to the luxurious and reflective training environments of the past? Join our conversation as we reminisce about the good old days and contrast them with today's fast-paced, often less supervised training methods. Dennis Sweeney, Patrick Rice, Andrew Kang, Chris Gordon, And Robert Cherney share personal stories that highlight the importance of supervision, mentorship, and creating safe, empathic spaces for clients. From the evolution of clinical training to the critical role of team-based therapeutic approaches, we uncover how therapists are developing their skills in these changing times.
Hybrid therapy models are on the rise, but are they truly effective? We explore the pros and cons of combining in-person and virtual sessions, emphasizing the benefits of flexibility for both therapists and clients. Learn about the transformative impact of recording therapy sessions and the importance of focusing on clients' strengths to foster healing. Tune in for an enriching discussion that celebrates the resilience and adaptability of the mental health community.
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What happens when a child and family specialist immerses themselves in the fast-paced world of first responders? Join us to explore the captivating professional journey that began in 1999, where our host's initial role as a crisis team triage coordinator led to unexpected yet profound career transformations. Through late-night calls and high-stakes emergency situations involving police officers, dispatchers, and firefighters, you'll gain insight into how these intense interactions redirected a career toward a dedicated focus on first responder mental health support.
From the challenges faced on the first day dealing with crises in 2005 to the intricacies of implementing a mental health evaluation system for parolees, we delve into the complexities of balancing public safety and public health. Hear firsthand accounts of working with the Region Nine team and the Jail Diversion Program, riding along with police officers, and managing mental health-related calls. Our host's transition to Vermont underscores the vital role of supportive communities and effective mental health programs, shedding light on the tough decisions required in the co-response model.
The journey continues through an extensive career supporting federal probation, the National Guard, first responders, and veterans across diverse environments. You’ll hear about involvement in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) training, crisis intervention, and efforts in opiate overdose prevention. As we move towards the latest chapter, the focus shifts to educating first responders about their mental well-being and exploring post-traumatic growth. Stay tuned for the highly anticipated Episode 172, featuring the return of the Mental Men—Bob, Dennis, Pat, Andy, Chris, and our host—for a discussion brimming with insights and personal reflections. Don't miss this episode that promises to be both educational and profoundly engaging!
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Ever wondered how a paramedic transitions to a creative copywriter and brand photographer? Meet Sarah Wayte, who shares her incredible 20-year journey through the UK ambulance service and her unexpected leap into a new career in Canada. Sarah opens up about her life-changing late diagnosis of ADHD and how it influenced her path, offering a unique perspective on navigating high-pressure professions with neurodiversity. Her story is a testament to the unexpected paths our careers can take and underscores the importance of mental health awareness.
Sarah provides a candid look into the often overlooked roles within emergency services, shining a light on the unrecognized heroes—emergency dispatchers. She recounts the immense pressure they face and the emotional toll of making split-second decisions. Sarah also touches on her own experiences as a paramedic, discussing the emotional challenges of the job and the unhealthy habit of compartmentalizing trauma. Through her insights, we get a glimpse into the camaraderie and dark humor that serve as essential coping mechanisms in the field.
As we dive deeper, we address the critical need for mental health support among first responders. With alarming rates of suicide and a culture that often discourages open conversations about mental health, the episode advocates for annual mental health checkups and safe spaces for discussing personal struggles. Sarah's heartfelt sharing concludes with a powerful reminder of the importance of peer support and professional counseling, including resources for those in immediate need. Join us for this powerful conversation that emphasizes the significance of mental well-being in emergency services.
To contact Sarah, go to her website www.sarahwayte.com or email her at [email protected]
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