There are many options for adults to address mental health issues, but what about children? Children also suffer from mental health issues but unlike adults, they do not have the cognitive and mental capacity to use the same techniques as adults. Therefore, a different approach is needed to address the mental health concerns of children. This is where child therapy can be immensely beneficial. In these sessions, the type of play and toys the children choose to play which gives the therapist a better understanding of underlying issues and emotional trauma. To tell us more about child therapy and the benefits is certified child play therapist Amy Drury. In today’s episode we find out what play therapy is and how it can be beneficial for kids, the different kinds of play therapy, the steps involved, what conversations to have with your kids about play therapy, and much more! Tune in to hear how your child can benefit from play therapy as well as important resources for parents with today’s inspirational guest!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Brief rundown into Amy’s professional background.
• Reason for Amy seeking out her current role.
• General overview of what play therapy is.
• An outline of the steps involved with play therapy.
• Questions that the therapists asks kids to determine underlining issues.
• The different types of play therapies are explained: directive and non-directive.
• How does play therapy works for older children and if it is applicable.
• The role of the parents during play therapy sessions.
• Circumstances when parents would join therapy sessions.
• Recommended conversations that parents should have regarding play therapy.
• Tips for how parents can assess whether their child is a candidate for therapy.
• Some context for telling the difference between health and unhealthy play. 
• Benefits of Incorporation of EMDR therapy with play therapy for kids.
• Definition of what ‘sand tray’ therapy and what it can help with.
• Resources for parents to find play therapists. 
• Takeaway story of hope for listeners. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Association for Play Therapy

Mosaics of Mercy

Amy Drury on LinkedIn

If you have ever spent time around children, you’ll know that they have a tendency to get cranky, test boundaries, and act uncooperatively. Today, we’re going to talk about when these behaviors should warrant a diagnosis of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Regardless of whether or not your child has this issue, today’s conversation contains a wealth of wisdom that is relevant to everyone who lives or works with children. Sharing this knowledge with us today is Kellie Cole, with Compassion Child and Family Counseling. Tune in to hear about what ODD is, how Kellie goes about observing a child’s behavior to determine whether they have ODD, and why it is so important to conduct a full evaluation before making a diagnosis. Kellie focuses largely on building the relationship between the parent and the child and empowering parents to grow out of shame and into the new ideas that she introduces them to. We discuss why consistency is so important, the value of teaching accountability, and how to learn to raise the child that you have instead of comparing them to others. Join us today to hear how Kellie uses her own stories to inspire others to build strong connections with their children and support them as they grow.

Key Points From This Episode:

• An introduction to today’s guest, Kellie Cole, with Compassion Child and Family Counseling.
• What Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is. 
• Why it is so important to observe potential ODD symptoms for more than six months.
• Kellie’s observation that ODD is not often a stand-alone diagnosis, but rather it is a ‘dangler’.
• DMDD: Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder.
• Multiple diagnoses that are common in children. 
• Why it is so important to have a full evaluation to guide intervention.
• Why Kelly sees a child at least three times to confirm her observations.
• Children’s self-reporting abilities and the tools Kellie uses to interpret how they see their world.
• Why Kellie focuses on the relationship between parent and child. 
• The power of choosing to learn to raise the child you have.
• The genetic propensity to ODD and other disorders.
• Kellie’s approach to treating ODD and why this focuses largely on the parents’ strategy.
• Why consistency is the golden nugget of parenting.
• Why follow-through is so important.
• ACT: Acknowledge feelings, Communicate limits, Target alternatives.
• The power of giving a child choices to teach accountability.
• Why it's okay that your children aren't always going to like you very much.
• Rebuilding self-esteem by acknowledging positive behavior.
• The deterioration that can happen around 11 or 12.
• Why it is so important for kids to understand consequences before junior high school.
• Being fully committed to the process as a parent.
• A reminder that there is no quick fix, and that the focus is on creating consistent limits and boundaries.
• Why you need to remember that you are the consumer when seeking treatment and therapy.
• Why parents are so pivotal for change and have to be a part of the process.
• The importance of checking in on the therapeutic process to see if it is working for the client.
• A story of hope from her practice: Kellie's own child with ODD, ADHD, and anxiety.
• How, when you feel more connected to your child, they accept your corrections more easily.
• Kellie’s hope that other families will learn from her story.
• Loving your kids through hard times.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Compassion Child and Family Counseling
Kellie Cole on LinkedIn
Kellie Cole on Email

Today’s conversation is all about navigating autism and mental health, and joining me to share her knowledge on the topic is Jennifer Morgan; Licensed Professional Counselor, Animal Assisted Counselor, Advanced Certified Autism Specialist, and owner of Morgan’s Helping Hands LLC. Jennifer is post-modern trained, and her approach is one that combines narrative, collaborative, and cognitive-behavioral forms of therapy. In this episode, we discuss examples of what her therapy sessions can look like, some of the key indicators of ASD, how ASD generally presents itself differently in men and women, and the ways in which sensory processing difficulties can play out as mental health disorders. Jennifer and her animal sidekick, Jettabug, work with their client's strengths in order to empower them and assist them in finding solutions to the challenges that they are facing. Whether you are on the spectrum or not, we hope this episode makes you feel empowered too! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• An introduction to Jennifer and Jettabug, the animal assistant that works alongside her.
• Jennifer shares some of the key signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
• Why Jennifer is opposed to categorizing people with ASD as ‘high functioning’ or ‘low functioning.’
• The experience which sparked Jennifer’s interest in sensory processing.
• Examples of how ASD looks different in women and in men.
• Pathways that can and cannot be used to get an ASD diagnosis.
• Relief that many people feel when they are diagnosed with ASD later in life.
• Valuable advice to parents of children with ASD who appear to be acting defiantly.
• Approaches to dealing with a child with ASD who is having a meltdown.
• The major difference between ASD and Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD).
• How sensory processing issues are linked to some of the other mental health disorders that often accompany ASD.
• Why Jennifer combines narrative, collaborative and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approaches in her social skills sessions with children with ASD.
• Examples of themes that Jennifer creates for her sessions, and the value of these.
• Jennifer’s main goal as a therapist for children with ASD.
• How Jennifer works with her patients’ strengths. 
• Recommendations for assisting people with ASD who are wanting to hurt themselves.
• An overview of Jennifer’s new GROWTH Program.
• Jennifer’s message of hope.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Morgan’s Helping Hands

Morgan’s Helping Hands LLC on Facebook

Jettabug Therapy on Instagram

Sharpen Recovery

Sharpen Recovery on Facebook

Sharpen Recovery on Instagram

Mosaics of Mercy

According to a NAMI 2020 study, 73% of students reported to have had a mental health crisis while at college. Today, we are joined by the Executive Director of Integrated Enrollment Services at the University of Houston, to discuss the pressing topic of mental health on college campuses. Dr. Patrick Lukingbeal fills us in on the positive generational changes he’s observed, with the normalization of mental health conversations among young people. The stigma around mental health issues is steadily disintegrating and more and more people are able to recognize and seek support for their struggles. We discuss the ways in which the pandemic has affected the prevalence of mental health issues among college students, and the astounding support systems in place in higher education facilities. As parents, it can be challenging sending your child off to college, especially if they have a history of mental health issues, and in this episode, we cover the ways in which you can continue to support your child on their journey! More than that, we delve into the importance of normalizing the need for students to take a break and how to help them reintegrate into their learning environment while they’re in recovery. Furthermore, you’re bound to hear some profound insights into Patrick’s Ph.D. topic: diversity and mental health! For all of this and so much more, tune in with us today! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Patrick Lukingbeal’s professional background and why he’s so passionate about educating others about mental health.
• The mental health concerns and support efforts on college campuses pre- and post-Covid.
• What college campuses are doing to address the prevalence of suicide.
• The positive and negative effects of parents legally not having access to students’ records.
• How to navigate parents’ lack of access and come to an agreement ahead of time.
• What’s contributing to the increase of involvement in mental health programs on campuses.
• How social media is creating awareness and normalizing mental health conversations.
• The benefits of the prevalence of resources available to young adults about mental health.
• Patrick’s findings when doing his Ph.D. on diversity and mental health correlations.
• The risk factors that might prevent someone from seeking help.
• What higher education facilities are doing right in terms of inclusivity.
• Why the need for students to take time off for their mental health should be normalized.
• The importance of providing students with a roadmap back into their course.
• The most common reason people don’t seek help.
• The positive effects of seeking support and treatment.
• The support systems available on campuses for students in recovery.
• What parents can do to support their child in college regarding mental health.
• The true role of college counseling centers: brief intervention.
• What gives Patrick hope about the new generation, in terms of resilience and normalizing mental health conversations.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Patrick Lukingbeal on LinkedIn

NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness

UH Wellness

Cougars in Recovery

John Shiflet on LinkedIn

Mosaics of Mercy

In the State of Texas, there is still no licensure for sober living homes and, as a result, there are no set guidelines for how they should be run. This makes it extra important, when choosing a sober living home, to do the relevant research to ensure that it’s the right program for you. Joining us today to talk about all things sober living, are two inspiring individuals who have not only come through their own personal recovery journeys, but have dedicated their lives to helping others do the same. Kim Livesay, LCDC is a program counselor and Business Development Specialist at La Hacienda, and the owner of the women’s sober living home, Legacy House. Nick Long, similarly, is the founder and Executive Director of Sharpen Recovery, a Christ-centered non-profit providing sober living housing for men and women in need of recovery from drug and alcohol addiction in Houston. In this episode, we find out what questions to ask when considering a sober living home, in terms of program and staff structures, costs, approaches to and treatment of relapse, and so much more! When it comes to the question of the length of stay in their respective sober living homes, Nick explains how demographics affect the length of stay and Kim fills us in on what she finds to be the most effective. We find out how Sharpen Recovery navigates the fine balance of respecting the beliefs of individuals with the Christ-centered culture of the organization, and why Legacy House chooses to keep MAT medication off the premises. To close, our guests share some great insights into the challenges families of recovery face, and how families can best support their loved one through their recovery journey. Tune in for this insightful discussion on the wonderful resources available and remember, as long as there’s breath, there’s hope! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Kim Livesay’s personal recovery journey and professional background.
• The uncanny similarities between Nick Long and Kim Livesay’s recovery and career journeys.
• What led Nick to choose recovery.
• Nick walks us through the Sharpen Recovery sober living home structure and progress.
• What sober living is, the purpose it serves, and the support it provides.
• The efficacy of sober living housing in preventing relapse after treatment.
• Factors affecting the length of stay in sober living homes and what length is most effective.
• Kim’s sober living, Legacy House’s approach to treatment programming.
• Details about Sharpen Recovery’s treatment program.
• How Sharpen Recovery gently invites individuals to consider Christ, without expectations. 
• The respective staff structures at Legacy House and Sharpen Recovery.
• The difference between Sober Living and Oxford Houses.
• What to take into account when considering the cost of sober living.
• The challenge for families in recovery and the role of family in the sober living journey.
• What people should look for when choosing a sober living home.
• Kim and Nick each share their remarkable stories of hope!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Kim Livesay, LCDC on LinkedIn

La Hacienda Treatment Center

Legacy House

Kim Livesay Phone Number — 9139635210

Kim Livesay Email

Nick Long on LinkedIn

Sharpen Recovery

Sharpen Recovery on Facebook

Sharpen Recovery on Instagram

Mosaics of Mercy

In the State of Texas, there is still no licensure for sober living homes and, as a result, there are no set guidelines for how they should be run. This makes it extra important, when choosing a sober living home, to do the relevant research to ensure that it’s the right program for you. Joining us today to talk about all things sober living, are two inspiring individuals who have not only come through their own personal recovery journeys, but have dedicated their lives to helping others do the same. Kim Livesay, LCDC is a program counselor and Business Development Specialist at La Hacienda, and the owner of the women’s sober living home, Legacy House. Nick Long, similarly, is the founder and Executive Director of Sharpen Recovery, a Christ-centered non-profit providing sober living housing for men and women in need of recovery from drug and alcohol addiction in Houston. In this episode, we find out what questions to ask when considering a sober living home, in terms of program and staff structures, costs, approaches to and treatment of relapse, and so much more! When it comes to the question of the length of stay in their respective sober living homes, Nick explains how demographics affect the length of stay and Kim fills us in on on what she finds to be the most effective. We find out how Sharpen Recovery navigates the fine balance of respecting the beliefs of individuals with the Christ-centered culture of the organization, and why Legacy House chooses to keep MAT medication off the premises. To close, our guests share some great insights into the challenges families of recovery face, and how families can best support their loved one through their recovery journey. Tune in for this insightful discussion on the wonderful resources available and remember, as long as there’s breath, there’s hope! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Kim Livesay’s personal recovery journey and professional background.
• The uncanny similarities between Nick Long and Kim Livesay’s recovery and career journeys.
• What led Nick to choose recovery.
• Nick walks us through the Sharpen Recovery sober living home structure and progress.
• What sober living is, the purpose it serves, and the support it provides.
• The efficacy of sober living housing in preventing relapse after treatment.
• Factors affecting the length of stay in sober living homes and what length is most effective.
• Kim’s sober living, Legacy House’s approach to treatment programming.
• Details about Sharpen Recovery’s treatment program.
• How Sharpen Recovery gently invites individuals to consider Christ, without expectations. 
• The difference between Sober Living and Oxford Houses.
• What Medication-Assisted Treatment consists of, when it’s helpful, and its side-effects.
• How Legacy House and Sharpen Recovery handle instances of MAT.
• How our guests approach and treat relapse in their sober living homes.
• What people should look for when choosing a sober living home.
• Kim and Nick each share their remarkable stories of hope!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Kim Livesay, LCDC on LinkedIn

La Hacienda Treatment Center

Legacy House

Kim Livesay Phone Number — 9139635210

Kim Livesay Email

Nick Long on LinkedIn

Sharpen Recovery

Sharpen Recovery on Facebook

Sharpen Recovery on Instagram

Mosaics of Mercy

When you are fostering, and perhaps even adopting a child, it’s important to be aware of how previous life experiences and trauma could shape their behavior and interactions. Today on the show we’re delighted to welcome Tara Hutton, host of the Mama’s Well podcast, and dear friend of the show. Tara describes her family as consisting of two rounds of parenting, the first being her three boys, who are currently in their late teens and early twenties, and the second being her two young adopted girls. In my conversation with Tara, we discuss her journey with mental health and how being a first-time parent prompted her initial experiences with therapy when she was feeling chronically overwhelmed. Tara shares how she felt called to foster after a family trip to Haiti and explains how she came to adopt her two daughters. She describes the initial fear she felt as a foster and adoptive parent, that she wouldn’t love someone else’s kids as much as she did her own, and how that turned out to not be true at all. We also discuss how Tara’s children have helped her gain awareness of her own traumas and learn how to reparent herself, along with the tremendously positive impact that has had on her relationship with her daughters. We end off today’s show with Tara’s advice for parents taking in a child with trauma, along with her unique story of hope. We hope you’ll join us for this special conversation on reparenting, trauma, adopting, and more.

Key Points From This Episode:

• An introduction to today’s guest Tara Hutton, host of the podcast Mama’s Well.
• Learn about Tara’s family: her husband Kyle, and her five children.
• Tara shares what prompted the start of her mental health journey.
• How Tara found herself chronically overwhelmed as a first-time parent.
• Tara’s decision to pay for therapy a year in advance to hold herself accountable and commit to the process.
• How Tara came to foster and then adopt her two daughters.
• What Tara learned from the adoption process and having children who had significant trauma in her care.
• Some of the trauma training that Tara went through as a parent who was adopting.
• How small traumas can have a substantial cumulative impact on someone.
• The way that trauma is present in the body and some of the tools that have helped Tara address that.
• How Tara recognized her inability to regulate her emotions thanks to her daughters.
• What Tara learned about herself from her reaction to certain types of behavior in her children.
• How compassion for herself as a child has helped Tara be more compassionate with her daughters.
• The important distinction between controlling and influencing your child’s behavior.
• The troubling lack of resources available to the most vulnerable children in America.
• How Tara’s children have helped her recognize the gaps in her life and reparent herself.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Mama’s Well

Mama’s Well Podcast

Mama’s Well on Instagram

Mama’s Well on Facebook

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

The Highly Sensitive Child: Helping Our Children Thrive When The World Overwhelms Them

Yoga With Adriene

Mosaics of Mercy

Today on the show we speak to Constable Philip Cash about how the Montgomery County mental health constables are serving their community through a dedicated program designed to get mental health consumers the help they need.  We hear about Constable Cash’s journey in law enforcement and what led to his passion for creating a program to address mental health in our community. Constable Cash speaks about the typical process the mental health constables follow to assist mental health consumers in moments of crisis. We also address how Montgomery County is tackling the drug crisis, the need for more mental health infrastructure in Texas, and the fundamental role of faith and family in assisting in the recovery of loved ones with mental illnesses.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Constable Cash’s career in law enforcement and how he got involved in mental health.
• The role of the Montgomery County mental health constables and how they are helping those in crisis.
• The effects of COVID on the mental health of Americans.
• How the crisis intervention team has downgraded police uniforms to be less intimidating.
• The best time to call a mental health constable if a loved one is struggling.
• How the mental health constables are trained to handle a range of situations.
• When a person should call 911 versus the crisis intervention team.
• The standard operating procedure around juvenile struggles and how the constables help.
• Similarities in the behavior between mental health consumers and drug users.
• The effects of dementia on older folks and whether the constables can provide assistance.
• How the constables deal with cases: the process of evaluation and transportation to a facility.
• The appreciation and feedback the constables get from the patients and community.
• Effects of natural disasters on mental health consumers and the influx of calls the constables get.
• The lack of funding for mental health infrastructure even though progress is being made.
• Issuing mental health warrants and what this side of the process looks like.
• The rise of drug use and measures being taken in Montgomery County to deal with this.
• Details in the drug crisis: counterfeit pills and opioid use leading to street drug use.
• A message of hope from Constable Cash about the role of faith and family.
• How to get hold of the Montgomery County mental health constables.

Tweetables:

“Our primary mission is to help those in crisis.” — Constable Philip Cash [0:03:54]

“That’s an issue we have had in the past where a person is disobeying a police officer and they end up in jail where it could have been something handled a little different where they ended up in a mental health facility.” — Constable Philip Cash [0:17:36]

“Two or three times since I have been constable, these people have come to and hugged the officers and thanked them for saving their lives.” — Constable Philip Cash [0:24:32]

“There’s a lot of very professional people in our community that care about the mental health of our citizens and I am proud to be a part of that.” — Constable Philip Cash [0:30:05]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Constable Philip Cash on LinkedIn

Tri-County Behavioral Healthcare

American Rescue Plan

HIDTA

Today’s conversation centers around a personal story about a big life event that requires you to navigate a host of emotions within every member of the family. That life event is adoption, and our hope is that as Kristen Minor shares her story, you will find comfort and wisdom for your own journey. You’ll hear how she and her husband, Matt, came to the decision to adopt through prayer on a trip to Costa Rica, what fears they experienced along the way, and how they found a sense of peace through the realization that God is in control. Kristen tells the story of how they came to meet their child, Gipsy, through donating the proceeds from their worship band’s music to a children’s home in Costa Rica. She gets candid about meeting Gipsy, feeling overwhelmed with fear, and the two signs she saw on the road that confirmed her decision. We touch on the value of community, and Kristen shares what it was like as a mom to witness her child’s grief and heartbreak and the open doors of communication between her and Gipsy, as well as how Kristen’s own experience grieving her brother helped her to walk alongside her daughter. You’ll hear how travel has bonded Kristen, Matt, and Gipsy, and how metalsmithing has become a great mental health space for Kristen. Next, Kristen shares how she was able to still find hope in her brother’s death, the message of hope she wants to give listeners, and how this can only be found in God. We hope you join us to hear Kristen’s story of hope today. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• An introduction to Kristen Minor, photographer, metalsmith, wife, and mom in San Antonio.
• How she and her husband chose adoption through prayer on a trip to Costa Rica.
• The fear they experienced going into adopting an older child with a complicated past.
• How the realization that God was in control helped them to overcome fear and say yes.
• The story of how Kristen and Matt met their child, Gipsy, through donating the proceeds from their worship band’s music to a children’s home in Costa Rica. 
• A trip to the beach with Gipsy in Costa Rica where Kristen felt kindred with her.
• How Kristen told the story of meeting Gipsy to Matt and how he met her for the first time.
• The process of being approved as eligible parents, and seeing Gipsy’s file.
• The two signs that she saw on the road to San Antonio that confirmed her decision. 
• How valuable it is to find people who have been in your shoes.
• What it was like as a mom to witness her child’s grief and heartbreak.
• The open doors of communication, reminding Gipsy that it’s not her fault without villainizing her parents. 
• How Kristen’s own experience grieving her brother helped her walk through Gipsy’s grief.
• How Matt and Kristen’s father built an overland vehicle that the family has traveled with.
• How travel has bonded the family and created lasting lifelong memories.
• How Kristen got into metalsmithing and how it became a great mental health tool.
• How Kristen was able to still find hope in her brother’s death and the message of hope she wants to give listeners, that can only be found in God.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Whale Ok
Whale Ok on Instagram
Bugs on my Face

Mosaics of Mercy

There is often so much shame around substance abuse relapse. We have framed it as a failure, but what if we looked at it as an experience that those who have slipped back into addiction can use when beginning their journey of sobriety again? This is just one of the valuable lessons that today’s guest, Robert Hilliker, LCSW-S, LCDC, shares with us. Robert has 17 years of experience in the field of addiction and mental health. His work spans private practice, clinical supervision, and the creation and management of clinical programming. Additionally, he also co-founded The Lovett Center in 2014 and Ethos Wellness in 2018. In this episode, Robert shares how his personal and familial struggles with addiction led him to this line of work. We talk about why it is important to think about addiction through a disease model lens rather than villainizing it. So often, people think about addiction as bad behavior but as something that requires treatment. We also touch on the need to reframe addiction and why it is necessary to remove the shame around it. Our conversation also delves into how the pandemic has impacted people with substance abuse problems, how families and friends of those who have relapsed can deal with it, and we end with a story of hope from Robert.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Get to know Robert and how he came to work in substance abuse. 
• What Ethos Wellness Center and Prairie Recovery Center offer and how they differ from similar centers. 
• Moving past the pejorative understandings of relapse. 
• Insights into the disease model behind substance abuse and addiction. 
• Five key areas of brain activity that are influenced by addiction. 
• One of the biggest challenges when it comes to treating addiction. 
• Rethinking addiction as an attachment disorder; what we can learn from this. 
• It really is very difficult to stay sober if you started using substances early in life. 
• When people look at addiction from the outside, they want to make it seem logical, but it’s very much an emotional issue. 
• We cannot criminalize people who struggle with addiction; it’s a disease. 
• What Robert has seen about reframing relapse as recurrence. 
• Talking about recurrence openly removed the stigma around it. 
• Yellow flags that are common when it comes to recurrence.  
• It is important for practice and treatment theories to evolve and be exciting. 
• How the pandemic has affected people’s relapsing or others turning to substance abuse. 
• Why hopelessness is what is most worrying to Robert. 
• The pandemic has taken away those in recovery’s role models. 
• There are so many new scenarios that are happening in the pandemic. 
• It is so important for families to be vulnerable and feel the fear, not only the anger. 
• A story of hope from Robert to end the show.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Robert Hilliker

Robert Hilliker on LinkedIn

Robert Hilliker Email — [email protected]

Ethos Wellness

The Lovett Center