Hope Pieced Together

Today’s story of hope encourages us to be content and faithful as we wait on God because his timing is perfect! In this episode, we welcome to the Hope Pieced Together podcast, Brooke Martin. She is a wife of 35 years and mother to five Snowflake babies and shares with us her truly amazing story of hope. Brook talks about her journey with infertility and IVF and what it was like navigating through several adjacent processes including what to do with leftover embryos and what happens to those embryos if they are donated. Her story brings about many beautiful moments and feelings of hope. Brooke feels that by leaving the door ajar to whoever is listening, she may find her way to more of her donated and adopted embryos. To hear more about this inspiring story of hope, tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Brooke shares about her infertility and IVF journey.
• A message to those facing infertility. 
• She shares what it was like having twins after 13 years of marriage.
• Brooke talks about what it was like navigating through the process of what to do with their leftover embryos.
• Her thoughts behind the decision they came to about their embryos. 
• What happens to embryos that are donated and how her belief system plays a role.
• How her cousin’s family tree and ancestry hobbies lead to discovering what [exactly] happened to her frozen embryos.
• She shares what she thought and felt when she found out about the triplets. 
• Brooke talks about navigating the correspondence with the parents of the frozen embryos.
• The relationships that have flourished since meeting the triplets. 
• What Brooke wants listeners to know about the hope in her story. 
• What it was like to have media coverage about their story.
• Why you should wait on God and his timing because it is perfect!
• How sharing her story is often therapeutic to her. 
• Brooke shares some educational aspects of IVF and Snowflake embryo adoption. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Brooke Martin on Facebook

Brooke Martin on Instagram

Marisa Hughes

The information given at 12-step meetings may vary from person to person, but you can almost always count on them mentioning the date that they decided to embark on their journey to sobriety. This “clean date” is an important marker of recovery, and in today’s episode of Hope Pieced Together, Beau shares his with us and speaks candidly about how he overcame addiction to find hope. We discuss the importance of finding your anchor, the strength and humility it takes to reach out for help, and the value of surrounding yourself with people who love you and support you in your recovery. This episode serves as a compelling reminder that behind every story of substance abuse is a person with real stories of struggle and triumph. We’re so grateful that Beau shared his story with us today, and we hope you'll join us to learn more about the seasons of change that can lead you to a brighter tomorrow, the power of trauma-informed recovery, and more!

Key Points From This Episode:

• A little about Beau and when he started a life of recovery.
• The story behind the “hurt” that inspired him to make a change in his life.
• How unresolved trauma led Beau to self-medicate from an early age.
• What he has learned about addiction on his journey to recovery.
• The strength it takes to reach out for help (and the relief that follows).
• Ways that Beau has benefitted from a trauma-informed recovery program.
• Words of encouragement for those in the grips of addiction: recovery is possible!
• How Beau’s kids keep him anchored; even on the most difficult days.
• Why it’s crucial to surround yourself with people who support you in your recovery.
• A reminder that addiction is a side-effect of something deeper.
• How therapy can help addicts and their loved ones navigate change.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

The Last Resort Recovery Center

The Last Resort Recovery on Instagram

Mosaics of Mercy

Marisa Hughes

Today we sit down with marriage and family therapist and Assistant Director of Connections Child and Family Center, Shannan Blum, to talk about some of the powerful benefits of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Shannan takes us through some of the basics of what she does and what is offered at the center before unpacking how DBT fits into this. She explains the unique starting points for DBT, the central idea of the dialectic approach, as well as a bit of history about its founder, Marsha Linehan. We also get to explore the softening of resistance to change through validation, the combination of acceptance and encouragement, and routes back to the moment. Our guest also lays out some of the differences between comprehensive DBT and DBT-informed therapy, explaining who can most benefit from these practices. So if you would like to learn about this useful modality and get a taste for its efficacy, make sure to join us!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Shannan talks about her four children and a fun fact about their births! 
• A little about Connections Child and Family Center and the layered support they offer.
• Introducing DBT and the role it plays within the framework of the center. 
• Marsha Linehan, the concept of dialectics, and working with resistance to change. 
• Taking DBT beyond therapy and into the realm of a life skill. 
• Comparing comprehensive DBT and DBT-informed therapy.
• DBT's original focus on severe depression and chronically suicidal clients. 
• The most efficient use of DBT and the necessary time commitments.  
• Shannan shares a popular DBT skill and how it helps to down-regulate the body and mind.  
• Final thoughts from Shannan about who might most benefit from a DBT program. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Shannan Blum

Connections Child and Family Center

DBT Adolescent Program at Connection Child and Family Center

Marsha Linehan

Merrissa Hughes

Guest host Bridget Caletka LPC welcomes Dr. Noor Ferrell as the first psychiatrist on our show! After graduating from Emory University and completing her medical training at the Ohio University of Osteopathic Medicine and Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. Ferrell opened her own practice where she sees a broad range of clients including those who are experiencing reproductive issues. After defining what a psychiatrist is and explaining why she chose the profession, Dr. Ferrell breaks down the differences between psychology and psychiatry as we debunk some major myths about the latter. We learn that therapy and medicine work well together when done properly, what medicines Dr. Ferrell commonly prescribes and how she goes about it, and why she’s always careful when prescribing meds because of possible side effects and dependency. Then, we turn our attention to the psychiatric evaluation process, the role that genetics play in psych assessments, the things that make it difficult to get an accurate diagnosis, and what our guest loves most about her job. For another inspirational conversation filled with hope, tune in now! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• A warm welcome to today’s guest, Psychiatrist Dr. Noor Ferrell. 
• Dr. Ferrell defines what a psychiatrist is. 
• Why she chose psychiatry as a profession. 
• The distinction between psychology and psychiatry. 
• Debunking some myths about psychiatry. 
• Why most of us need therapy.
• How medicine and therapy go hand-in-hand. 
• The type of medicine Dr. Ferrell commonly prescribes and how she goes about it. 
• Breaking down the problems of prescription – including concerns about dependency. 
• How she handles and discusses medicine side effects with patients.
• The numbing effect: it depends on the patient. 
• Dr. Ferrell’s thoughts on psych evaluations, and her personal evaluation process.
• The role that genetics play in considerations of the psyche.
• Things that complicate how she diagnoses a patient, including drugs and alcohol. 
• Dr. Ferrell’s favorite part about being a psychiatrist.
• How our guest stays motivated through her patient’s stories of hope.  

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Noor J. Ferrell

Dr. Noor J. Ferrell on Twitter

Dr. Noor J. Ferrell on LinkedIn

Dr. Noor J. Ferrell on Facebook

Emory University 

Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine 

Baylor College of Medicine 

GoodRx

Mosaics of Mercy

Nobody plans to become an anorexic or an alcoholic but as Jennifer Bruse knows, just one fad diet or one drink too many can lead to a quick downhill spiral. She also knows that getting out of that spiral is possible, one day at a time! During this episode, Jennifer shares how God and the people in her life have supported her unconditionally and given her strength through her darkest hours, allowing her to find the light. Today, Jennifer is the President and CEO of Hello Woodlands, 6 years sober, and in recovery for anorexia. She believes there is immense power in speaking openly about our deepest struggles, and she is an incredible source of hope for anyone who has had mental health struggles of their own. This conversation is a reminder that you are not alone! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• An overview of Jennifer’s background and the path that led her to found Hello Woodlands.
• Jennifer’s battle with anorexia, and the people who have supported her through it. 
• The different stages of Jennifer’s recovery journey. 
• Where Jennifer’s struggle with alcohol began. 
• The night that Jennifer became sober. 
• Why her relationship with God has been such a fundamental part of Jennifer’s recovery.
• How Hello Woodlands motivated Jennifer to change her life.
• The importance of addressing the roots of your struggles.
• There is no shame in asking for help. 
• Value that lies in being open and honest about our deepest struggles. 
• How Jennifer has formed a healthier relationship with herself over the years. 
• Why community is such a vital part of a person’s life. 
• Don’t underestimate the importance of rest.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Hello Woodlands

Jennifer Bruse on LinkedIn

Jennifer Bruse on Instagram

Jennifer Bruse on Facebook

Life Without Ed

Rock Bottom Hope

Mosaics of Mercy

Defining who we are versus how our family, friends, and others define us is a common experience; and striking a balance between the two is an especially prevalent struggle for adolescents and young adults. Identity development is the process of aligning how we feel inside with what we project to the outside world and, when there are internal and external influences that interfere with that process, many might find that their mental health is impacted. In today’s episode, you’ll hear from Sherry’s 18-year-old daughter, Ali Burkhard, as she shares her own journey of claiming her identity and how the process has impacted her mental health. We also touch on why counseling has been such a valuable resource for Ali, the importance of setting boundaries in parent-child relationships, and how Ali’s faith has influenced her journey and helped her find hope, plus so much more! Make sure to stay tuned until the end of the episode to hear Ali’s song, ‘Embraced’, which she wrote about her journey of embracing her identity. We hope you’ll join us!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Insight into Ali’s personality as an introvert, an internal processor, and a deep thinker.
• The social stigma and expectations that can accompany certain stereotypes.
• Influencing factors that made the process of identity development difficult for Ali.
• Why we shouldn’t make assumptions if we want to build valuable relationships with people.
• Ali reflects on the internal conflict that can come with trying to live up to others’ expectations.
• Understanding perfectionism as a coping mechanism.
• How counseling has been a valuable resource for Ali.
• A look at the importance of finding the right counselor for you.
• The problem with comparison when it comes to mental health issues.
• How Ali learned to voice her feelings and become more connected with her emotions.
• Dispelling the stigma that is associated with seeking support for your mental health.
• The importance of establishing respectful boundaries in parent-child relationships.
• Recognizing that you can’t change other people; you can only work on yourself.
• While it’s easy to feel like the victim in certain situations, Ali highlights the fact that it only leaves you feeling disempowered.
• Advice for parents: you can’t fix what your child is going through, but you can support them.
• A reminder that there is always room to work on yourself.
• Ali shares some insight into the song she wrote about her journey of embracing her identity.
• Understanding that you’re not broken if you’re struggling and God doesn’t look on you with shame if you’re depressed.
• Closing with Ali's story of hope: seeing the response that others have had to her song.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

‘Embraced’ by Ali Grace on Apple Music

Mosaics of Mercy

Today, we are joined by a new, valuable member of our community. Danny Looney is celebrating 14 years of sobriety and is here today to redefine rock bottom and fill us in on his own non-profit, Rock Bottom Hope. Danny shares his story with us, and we find out what led him to fall into substance abuse at such a young age, what rock bottom looked like for him, and what gave him hope at his lowest point. Danny advocates for assisting addicts in reaching their rock bottom, rather than continuously providing them with a soft place to land, and opens up about how jail time got him closer to his turning point. Tune in for Danny’s encouragement that rock bottom is the greatest opportunity to find hope, and to find out more about the great work he’s doing for others at Rock Bottom Hope.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Danny Looney shares his story of recovery, and how he’s using it to give others hope.
• The life-changing work Danny’s non-profit, Rock Bottom Hope, is doing for addicts and their families.
• How easily accessible drugs and alcohol are to kids.
• The various factors that led Danny to substance abuse.
• How falling short of expectations feeds into the shame cycle, resulting in addiction.
• Danny opens up about his mental health battles and his suicidal attempts as a teenager.
• He shares his definition of rock bottom, what it looked like for him, and the different types of rock bottom we face in life.
• Why it’s not helpful to create a soft place to land.
• Why Danny advocates for the value of jail time in his recovery journey.
• Why it’s important to assist addicts in reaching rock bottom.
• Danny’s moment of hope when he reached rock bottom.
• What his 14 years of sobriety have held for him.
• What led him to start Rock Bottom Hope and how it grew during the pandemic.
• Danny’s final words of encouragement.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Danny Looney

Rock Bottom Hope

Text or Call Rock Bottom Hope: 877-423-HOPE

Mosaics of Mercy

Tri County Behavioral Health Care is the government mental health authority for Montgomery, Liberty, and Walker Counties, offering a wide range of services for both children and adults. Joining us in conversation today is Evan Roberson, who directs the program. Join us to hear how Tri County works to serve those from all sorts of backgrounds, how they are equipped to support the most complex children and adults, and what their treatment looks like. Evan talks about mental health management beyond treatment, and you’ll learn why the implications of long term drug use are often confused for a diagnosis of schizophrenia. We also discuss why folks with medical insurance choose Tri County over private care, and what to expect from non-crisis and crisis care. Evan leaves us with a message of hope around the growing awareness around the need for mental health care for all. Join us to hear all this and more today!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Welcome to today’s guest, Evan Roberson, director of Tri County Behavioral Health Care.
• The role of Tri County Health Care, as a local mental health authority, and a local intellectual disability authority.
• Their work as a provider as well as state coordination and policy development.
• Evan’s evolving roles in different community centers from crisis staff to IT, and director.
• Their rate structure to serve those with financial difficulties.
• The big three adult mental illnesses: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe forms of depression, and schizoaffective disorder.
• The state’s ANSA assessment to determine eligibility: Adult Needs Strength Assessment.
• Which kids they serve: those with serious emotional disturbances from four years old.
• Comorbidities in kids including trauma, autism, and ADHD symptoms.
• Which patients are best suited to their care.
• What schizophrenic patients experience: voices, paranoia, sensory delusions and cognitive difficulties.
• The pivotal role of maintaining your mental health in order to function with the rest of society.
• Conflating the effects of long term drug use with the condition of schizophrenia.
• Why people with health insurance seek out their services: they are the fastest!
• The process of coming in starting with a financial assessment followed by triage and a same-day intake visit.
• Wait time for an adult psychiatrist visit: three to ten days.
• Wait time for a child psychiatrist visit: three weeks.
• Why the majority of adults are on medication but only a small percentage of the kids are.
• The targeted case management and skills training that each patient receives.
• Other therapies that are funded separately to the federal funded services.
• What the crisis treatment process looks like from arrival to creation of a clinical plan.
• What motivates many Tri County employees to work there. 
• How the pandemic has made us all more comfortable talking about mental health, making treatment so much more accessible.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Tri County Behavioral Healthcare
Evan Roberson on LinkedIn
Evan Roberson on Twitter

Between the extremes of Clinical Substance Abuse and Teetotaler is the much larger category of Gray Area Drinking. Here today to discuss the topic is therapist, gray area drinking coach, and board member at Mosaics of Mercy, Carolyn Robistow. Join us today to hear Carolyn’s hard-earned perspective on what she calls ‘Groundhog Day Drinking’ and what to do about it. You’ll hear what Carolyn does when she realizes that someone needs support for Clinical Substance Abuse, and why she believes that people’s response to your changed relationship with drinking says absolutely nothing about you. We talk about resolving points of disconnection within your value structure, and she shares what she thinks of as the trifecta of change: making fully informed decisions, finding daily support, and being a subcortical change maker. We touch on Brainspotting, the influence of the pandemic, and Carolyn shares an inspiring story of hope from her own life. Thanks for joining us!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Defining Clinical Substance Abuse, Gray Area Drinking, and Teetotaller.
• How many people are dealing in this area: approximately 30% of people.
• An introduction to therapist and gray area drinking coach, Carolyn Robistow.
• Why she refers to ‘Gray Drinking’ as Groundhog Day Drinking.
• Three subdivisions of category: White Knuckling Avoiders, Rule Creating Moderators, and Special Occasion Slippers.
• What she calls the Groundhog Day Drinker’s Circle of Shame.
• The telltale sign of Groundhog Day Drinking: the mental energy dedicated to alcohol.
• How Carolyn identifies, based on the initial consultation if someone needs more support.
• Common things people say if they are in the Groundhog Day Drinking culture.
• Why people’s response to you no longer drinking says nothing about you.
• Assessing your value structure and where the points of disconnection are.
• The trifecta of change: the fully informed decision-maker, daily support, and the subcortical change maker.
• Why Brainspotting is one of her preferred methods.
• The importance of researching groups to make sure they are having the conversations you want to be part of. 
• How the pandemic has impacted Gray Area Drinking.
• Navigating social situations where we would usually be drinking: confidence!
• Realizing that you are not on people’s radar the way that you might think.
• Carolyn’s story of hope: the feeling of hopefulness, freedom, and happiness she feels on the other side.
• Sherry’s joy at having a front-row seat to people’s healing and happiness.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Carolyn Robistow

Carolyn Robistow on Instagram
Hope Pieced Together
Mosaics of Mercy
Sherry Burkhard on LinkedIn

Your job as a parent is to advocate for your child, particularly when there is a mental health concern because we want our children to know that, if they’re going through something emotionally, it impacts the whole family. Therapy or treatment is not ‘fix my kid’, it’s ‘help my family’. Once a child realizes this, they’ll find it easier to see their value in the family and that is immensely helpful! Joining us in conversation today is Denise Cipolla, Administrative Coordinator of Guidance and Counseling for Conroe ISD. She shares with us why mental health is such a focus for Conroe ISD and how mental health support is also a support mechanism for learning. Today, you’ll hear about the social-emotional learning playbook created by teachers, administrators, and counselors, and learn what trauma-informed teaching and care looks like. Denise reveals what she has witnessed happening when mental health is left unattended to, explores why some parents are emotional hostages of their children, and explains why stress and anxiety is the highest presenting problem in students of all ages, as well as where that stems from. Join us today to learn from Denise’s wealth of wisdom for parents looking to guide their children through managing their mental health. Thanks for tuning in! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• A parent’s role to advocate for their child, especially if there is a mental health concern. 
• Three places people go when they are concerned about their child’s mental health: the church, the school, and the family physician.
• Today’s guest, Administrative Coordinator of Guidance and Counseling, Denise Cipolla. 
• An introduction to Denise and her family, travels, and career leading up to this role.
• Why mental health is a focus for Conroe ISD as a support mechanism for learning.
• The social emotional learning playbook created by teachers, administrators, and counselors.
• Trauma informed teaching and trauma informed care.
• Trends in mental health, and how problems are pushing down younger and younger.
• Stress and anxiety, the highest presenting problem in students of all ages.
• How people tend to be more kind face-to-face than via social media. 
• Where stress and anxiety stems from: pressure to be the very best and never to fail.
• The lasting impact of mental health issues that are left unattended to. 
• How some parents are emotional hostages of their children.
• The message you send your children when you do everything for them.
• What Conroe ISD does to share resources within the county, including working with Mosaics.
• The ideal point of contact at the school if you are concerned about your child: the school counselor or a teacher if you are not yet comfortable with the counselor.
• How to navigate children leaving for mental health appointments. 
• TChat, the telemental health that is delivered through Baylor School of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital.
• Choosing to withdraw a child to allow them to focus on their mental health.
• Why it is helpful for a child to know that seeking help is not ‘fix my kid’ but ‘help my family’.
• Unique circumstances under which accommodations can be made related to mental health. 
• The power of a growth mindset rather than a fixed one.
• Why it is so important to ‘listen to hear’ rather than ‘listen to respond’. 
• Denise’s story of hope: allow people to help you, because in doing so you are helping them.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Mosaics of Mercy
Denise Cipolla on LinkedIn
Conroe ISD