In this episode of the Flourishing Flame podcast, host Leah Brown interviews Dr. Benjamin Keyes, a seasoned expert in trauma and counseling. They discuss the various roles of counselors, the importance of seeking help, and the challenges faced during therapy. Dr. Keyes introduces his HEART model, which integrates spirituality with psychological practices, emphasizing the significance of forgiveness and personal growth in healing from trauma. The conversation also covers how to find the right counselor and the dynamics of the therapeutic relationship, including when to persist or seek a new therapist.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Counseling and Trauma Expertise 02:05 Understanding the Role of Counselors 06:19 When to Seek Counseling 10:11 The Journey of Therapy: Expectations and Challenges 13:41 The HEART Model: Integrating Spirituality and Psychology 26:41 Forgiveness and Healing in Trauma 32:33 Finding the Right Counselor 37:06 Navigating Therapy: When to Persist or Change Counselors

Keywords:

counseling, trauma, therapy, mental health, HEART model, forgiveness, spiritual healing, finding a counselor, personal growth, PTSD

In this episode of the Flourishing Flame podcast, Leah Brown reaches the last of the five relationships that help you meet your goals by exploring the role of therapists. She discusses the types of mental health professions that would be considered therapist and differentiates between therapy and counseling. Leah discussing various therapeutic modalities and provides guidance on when to seek therapy as well as how to find the right therapist. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the therapeutic process and the various professionals involved in mental health care.

Keywords:

therapy, counseling, mental health, therapist, modalities, mental illness, emotional support, psychological services, self-help, personal growth

In this episode of the Flourishing Flame podcast, host Leah Brown speaks with consultant Ali Miller about her journey into consulting. Through her expertise in visual arts, clothing design, and behavioral science, Ali works with people to empowers clients to understand the importance of personal style and how to embrace their individuality. Ali shares her insights on the transformative power of fashion, the role of a consultant in personal growth, and in how a consultant can work with a group or organiztion. This conversation highlights how work with a consultant can help create meaningful change in general as well as specifially outlines how Ali supports the deep connection between self-perception and style. Her approach fosters confidence and authenticity in her clients. In this conversation, Ali and Leah discuss understanding how you can use a consultant and what to look for. They use Ali's business as an example of the type of advice, products, and support a consultant can provide: understanding the importance of color theory in fashion, personalized style guides, and shopping - both in your wardrobe and and adding to it. They also discussed the innovative concept of personal therapy retreats. Leah shares her approach to therapy, emphasizing the benefits of intensive sessions, while Ali highlights the significance of expert guidance in personal development. The dialogue underscores the connection between self-acceptance, style, and mental health, offering insights into how individuals can enhance their lives through thoughtful choices in both fashion and therapy.

In this episode of the Flourishing Flame podcast, Leah Brown discusses the role of consultants in both business and personal contexts. She outlines the process of hiring a consultant, the benefits they provide, and how to differentiate between consulting and coaching. Through real-life examples, Leah emphasizes the importance of finding the right consultant to meet specific needs and goals. Takeaways

• A consultant provides expert guidance from an outside perspective.
• Consultants specialize in various industries to offer tailored insights.
• The consulting process includes observation, evaluation, and implementation.
• Hiring a consultant can free up time for focusing on core business activities.
• It's essential to vet consultants before hiring them to ensure a good fit.
• Consultants can help identify and solve specific problems effectively.
• Understanding the difference between consulting and coaching is crucial.
• Consultants can provide actionable plans to achieve goals.
• Follow-up is an important aspect of the consulting process.
• Real-life examples illustrate the effectiveness of consulting relationships.

In this episode of the Flourishing Flame podcast, Leah Brown interviews Kristin Bartholomew who shares her journey into coaching, the methodologies she employs with her clients, and some differences between individual and group coaching. Kristin discusses the importance of personal coaching for work-life balance and offers insights for those considering a coaching career. The conversation also highlights Kristin's podcast, 'MomLife Balance,' where she shares stories of motherhood and the challenges of balancing life and work. Takeaways

• Coaching offers diverse perspectives and methodologies.
• Kristin transitioned from education to coaching after realizing her passion for development.
• She emphasizes the importance of intentional motherhood alongside professional growth in her own life.
• Coaching can help solopreneurs and organizations identify blind spots and improve strategies.
• Individual coaching allows for deep dives into personal challenges, while group coaching fosters shared learning.
• Personal coaching is valuable for those seeking change in their lives.
• Investing in coaching can lead to significant personal and professional growth.
• Exploring coaching as a career involves talking to current coaches and understanding the lifestyle.
• Kristin's podcast focuses on the balance of motherhood and entrepreneurship.

Learn more about Kristin here: https://kmbcoaching.com MomLife Balance Podcast

Get in contact with Leah here: https://leahlittlebrown.com

Keywords: coaching, personal development, motherhood, entrepreneurship, group coaching, individual coaching, coaching methodologies, work-life balance, coaching certification, leadership development

In this episode of the Flourishing Flame podcast, host Leah Brown interviews Megan Nilsen, a Kingdom Life Coach, who shares her personal journey from school counseling to coaching. Megan discusses the importance of counseling in her growth, the transition to coaching, and how to find the right coach. She emphasizes the value of accountability in coaching and offers practical tips for those interested in pursuing a coaching career. The conversation highlights the diverse experiences in coaching and the significance of personal development through faith-based practices.

You can learn more about Megan and her coaching, podcasts, and books at meganbnilsen.com.

Takeaways

• Counseling can provide essential support for personal growth.
• Investing in coaching can signify belief in oneself.
• Finding a coach requires trust and a personal connection.
• Coaching is unregulated; seek recommendations from trusted sources.
• Accountability is a key benefit of working with a coach.
• Coaching can help navigate transitions in life and career.
• Coaching offers real-world education without formal schooling.
• Life experience is valuable in the coaching profession.

Keywords

coaching, personal growth, counseling, life coach, spiritual coaching, mentorship, accountability, career transition

In this episode of the Flourishing Flame Podcast, Leah Brown explores the concept of coaching, its various forms, and its significance in personal development. She discusses the differences between coaching, mentoring, and counseling, emphasizing the unique strengths and weaknesses of coaching. Leah also provides insights on how to effectively work with a coach, identify personal coaching needs, and the transformative impact coaching can have on individuals and teams.

Takeaways

• Only about 9% of people who make goals actually achieve them.
• Coaching is primarily a present to future orientation.
• The client holds the power in a coaching relationship.
• Coaching is an unregulated industry, offering many choices.
• You can work with a coach as an individual or in a group.
• Identify your goals before seeking a coach.
• Different coaches offer different types of support.
• Coaching can challenge your thinking and assumptions.
• Coaching helps you experience transformation.
• Working with a coach can help you grow as an individual.

Keywords: coaching, personal development, life coaching, executive coaching, mentorship, goal achievement, self-improvement, coaching relationships, coaching strengths, coaching weaknesses

In continuation with the topic of meaningful connections and specifically mentorship, Leah interviews friend and fellow counselor, Thomas Delaney and shares his career experience as a priest and as a counselor.

As the two discuss mentorship, they start with the origin of the word mentor and how there are two sides of mentorship, being the mentor and being the mentee. Thomas explains what it takes to be a good mentor as well as a good mentee, and they discuss the overlap and parallel between discipleship and mentorship.

Since there were many opportunities for mentorship within priesthood and counseling, Leah asks Thomas about one of his greatest experiences with mentorship. He shares about being under supervision while becoming a counselor and how his supervisor turned mistakes into learning experiences.

In a more personal mentorship outside of the professional world, Thomas shares about his experience mentoring a youth in a church where he was a youth pastor and how important having a good relationship is within mentorship.

Leah and Thomas then reminisce on how they have both been mentors to each other over the years and how they've gone to each other for advice. They discuss the benefits of mentorship and define more of what mentorship is.

If you're interested in learning more on how to pick a counselor or therapist and how to maximize your results in counseling or therapy, Leah and Thomas discuss these topics in some special episodes that you can request through this link.

February 4, 2025

Flourishing Flame: From Burning Out to Burning Bright

Ep 52: Supportive Relationships: Mentorship

What is a mentor? Where do I find one? What do I look for? How long should I have a mentor? Leah answers all these questions and more as she continues with the next type of relationship of the five types of relationships that help us reach our goals.

In this episode, Leah discusses mentorship and what sets it apart from other relationships. Mentors are beneficial to bringing you closer to your goals, and they provide personalized guidance and accountability in reaching them.

Leah shares insight on when and where to find a mentor, whether that be in your professional or personal life. She explains what the timetable might look like, whether the mentorship is short term or long term, as well as what the cost is, meaning what you need to put into that relationship account. As mentioned in this episode, you can go back to episode 32 to review relationship accounts.

For mentors, Leah shares advice on how to be a mentor and foster that relationship by providing support, wisdom, and encouragement.

And finally, she discusses joint mentorship relationships, which is where both individuals offer some sort of mentorship to the other.

In the next episode, Leah will continue with the mentorship topic and interview a friend, Thomas Delaney, who has been on all over the mentorship spectrum.

Referenced Article: https://www.scienceofpeople.com/mentorship/

Referenced Episode: Introduction to Relating to Others: Relationship Accounts Ep. 32

January 21, 2025

Flourishing Flame: From Burning Out to Burning Bright

Ep 51: Encouragement in Friendships with Guest, Laura Carr

Welcome back! This week, Leah continues on the topic of friendships that help us move forward in life with guest and friend, Laura Carr! The two met years ago at a playground when their oldest kids were toddlers, and they connected and have maintained that friendship over the years supporting and encouraging one another. Leah introduces Laura and shares a little bit about their history together.

In continuing with the topic of friendship and how friends can help propel us forward in our goals, Leah asks Laura about a time where she reached out to a friend and was encouraged and supported by that friendship. Laura shares about a situation where she started a nonprofit and how a connection with her best friend from high school greatly encouraged and supported her through conversations and helping her plan. This support led Laura to become the US director of the Children of the Father's House orphanage in Uganda. The encouragement and push from her friend helped her to actualize this endeavor and help get all those kids sponsored.

Laura's friendship with her Ugandan co-direct is integral in the organization's success. She is sought out to support other international nonprofits. Laura explains how vital friendship and connection are within partnerships and businesses.

If you're interested in learning more about Laura's organization, Children of the Father's House, you can go to www.childrenofthefathershouse.org and you can also find them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/childrenofthefathershouse/) which has more up to date information.

Thanks for listening, and tune in next time!