“My limiting belief told me I was limited in the outpatient world. But the truth is, I was already several steps ahead of most people, and that’s enough.” - Dr. Amanda Thompson

Burnout is everywhere in healthcare right now. Productivity standards are climbing, providers are stretched to their limits, and rural areas in particular are left patching together care with minimal resources. For many practitioners, the dream of doing integrative, patient-centered work is in their grasp, but imposter syndrome keeps them small. This is your call to action because your help is desperately needed.

Physical therapists, OTs, dietitians, nurses, and other allied health professionals are uniquely positioned to transform care in rural and underserved areas. By stepping outside the narrow definitions of rehab and embracing coaching, nutrition, nervous system regulation, and lifestyle medicine, we can become the cornerstones of our clients’ health teams. When we lead with active listening and root-cause thinking, we’re not just treating symptoms, we’re empowering whole people.

Today, I’m joined by Dr. Amanda Thompson, a physical therapist and women’s health coach who went from rural hospital burnout to founding Rooted Physical Therapy, her thriving ortho-pelvic PT clinic in North Texas. Along her journey, Amanda has overcome her limiting beliefs to build a functional and integrative practice in a rural setting.

In this conversation, Amanda and I discuss how her own experiences with fertility struggles, perimenopause, and parenting shaped her clinical approach, how rural practitioners can leverage their “jack of all trades” skills to create lasting impact, the role of active listening in patient care, why pelvic health can’t be siloed from nutrition or mental health, how to reframe imposter syndrome into confidence, and more.

If you feel held back by burnout or the fear that you don’t know enough, Amanda’s story is an inspiring blueprint of how to break through. Enjoy the episode, and let's innovate and integrate together!

---

Learn more or watch the video version of this conversation at https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/overcoming-impostor-syndrome-to-founding-a-highly-successful-rural-womens-practice-with-dr-amanda-thompson-pt-whc/.

Connect with me and access our entire platform at IntegrativeWomensHealthInstitute.com (https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/).

Find and follow us @integrativewomenshealth on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@integrativewomenshealth) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/integrativewomenshealth/).

“I can’t just treat a knee or a shoulder; if I really want to make progress with people and they're not sleeping well or they're not eating well, I'm not getting anywhere with them.” – Megan Wells

True healing requires a full-body, holistic approach. Especially in this continuing COVID world, many of our clients come to us struggling with conditions like chronic pain, fatigue, dysautonomia, or autoimmune issues, often all at once. Managing that successfully means nervous system regulation, nutrition, sleep, social support, and helping them define what enjoying life really looks like.

This shift in perspective has the potential to transform the field for physical therapists and other practitioners who are already spending more time with their patients and clients. By stepping beyond the narrow scope of rehab, we can become cornerstones of our clients’ health teams. Using the time we have with them week by week, we can help our clients not only improve their knee pain but also their entire quality of life.

Today I’m joined by Dr. Megan Wells to talk about expanding the practice of physical therapy and working with people with complex chronic illness. Megan is the founder of Enjoy Life Physical Therapy and a graduate of the Integrative Women’s Health Institute who has expanded her practice in a way that empowers her clients through a root-cause model that considers nervous system regulation at its core.

In this episode, Megan and I discuss how physical therapy is evolving to address complex chronic illnesses in women, why we need an integrative, holistic approach, Megan’s journey from traditional physical therapy, the importance of patient-centered care, how we can empower clients to make sustainable changes, and more.

Enjoy the episode, and let's innovate and integrate together!

---

Learn more or watch the video version of this conversation at https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/how-integrative-womens-health-education-can-help-your-physical-therapy-patients-enjoy-life-more-with-dr-megan-wells/.

Connect with me and access our entire platform at IntegrativeWomensHealthInstitute.com (https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/).

Find and follow us @integrativewomenshealth on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@integrativewomenshealth) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/integrativewomenshealth/).

“Mental health and physical health can’t be separated.” – Julie Cardoza

For many women, the first signs of perimenopause aren’t hot flashes or irregular cycles; they’re mental health changes like anxiety, burnout, irritability, and brain fog. In the conventional medical system, these symptoms are often treated in isolation, without anyone connecting the dots between hormonal shifts, nervous system regulation, and the overall health picture. This is where mental health professionals have a huge opportunity to step in and make a difference.

By asking the right questions and being willing to listen without rushing to “fix,” you can uncover the physiological changes that may be contributing to your clients’ mental and emotional symptoms. The reality is that up to 85% of women in midlife are also dealing with other chronic conditions like pain, fatigue, dysautonomia, or gut issues, all of which can impact mental health. Understanding these mind-body connections is key to providing effective, compassionate, and comprehensive care.

Today, I’m joined by Julie Cardoza, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, an EMDRIA-Approved Consultant, a Polyvagal Theory Specialist, and a graduate of our Perimenopause and Menopause Coaching program. Julie integrates trauma-informed mental health care with holistic menopause support, helping clients feel truly heard while taking a holistic approach to their health.

In this episode, Julie and I discuss the intersection of mental health and women’s health during perimenopause and menopause, the importance of integrating hormonal health knowledge into clinical practice, recognizing mind-body connections, providing holistic, trauma-informed care, Julie’s RADIANT framework, why we need more interdisciplinary collaboration, how we can better support women navigating their midlife transitions, and more.

Enjoy the episode, and let's innovate and integrate together!

---

Learn more or watch the video version of this conversation at https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/why-we-need-more-perimenopause-professionals-in-mental-health-with-julie-cardoza-ms-lmft-and-iwhi-graduate/.

Connect with me and access our entire platform at IntegrativeWomensHealthInstitute.com (https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/).

Find and follow us @integrativewomenshealth on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@integrativewomenshealth) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/integrativewomenshealth/).

“When we are so restricted and tied to all the things we have to do, we're not actually supporting longevity.” - Andrea Nakayama

Health practitioners and clients are often looking for the same thing: the “right” tools and protocols for women in perimenopause and beyond. Social media tells women they should be taking hormones, eating lots of protein, and powerlifting, and the conversation gets reduced to macros, lab numbers, and one-size-fits-all solutions while ignoring the emotional, physiological, and cultural shifts that happen in midlife. The result? Clients feel like they’re doing everything “right” and still not getting better.

If we want to support our clients’ longevity and quality of life, we have to shift this way of thinking. To truly support women through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond, we need a framework that is centered around personalized care. One that considers conventional medical interventions as part of a bigger whole that involves all the systems of the body. Longevity isn’t just about living longer, it’s about living with meaning, connection, and joy.

Today, I’m joined by Functional Medicine Nutritionist and educator Andrea Nakayama. Andrea is a brilliant thinker, and I love how she puts things structurally into alignment to help with clinical decision-making and giving structure to challenging conversations.

In this conversation, Andrea and I explore the unique challenges women face in midlife and beyond, why there’s no one-size-fits-all protocol for perimenopause and post-menopause, the role of hormone therapy, how Andrea applies the functional medicine matrix, why our clients need personalized, trauma-informed, and holistic approaches, why we need to pay attention to nervous system regulation, redefining identity and purpose as we age, how we can support our clients on their health and longevity journeys, and more.

Enjoy the episode, and let's innovate and integrate together!

---

Learn more or watch the video version of this conversation at https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/whats-missing-from-the-conversation-on-longevity-with-andrea-nakayama/.

Connect with me and access our entire platform at IntegrativeWomensHealthInstitute.com (https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/).

Find and follow us @integrativewomenshealth on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@integrativewomenshealth) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/integrativewomenshealth/).

“One rich relationship is more valuable than a hundred casual connections.” - Selena Soo

As health and wellness professionals, our work is built on connection. Whether it's with our clients, referral partners, or fellow practitioners, relationships are at the core of everything we do. Unfortunately, when it comes to growing our businesses, it’s easy to fall into the trap of focusing on growing our networks instead of deepening them.

Rich relationships aren’t about being everywhere or knowing the most influential people. They’re about surrounding yourself with people who energize you, believe in your work, and genuinely want to see you succeed. When you’re clear on who those people are and how to intentionally and authentically nurture those connections, building your network becomes much more sustainable.

Today I’m joined by Selena Soo, a long-time friend of mine who is an expert in marketing and public relations. Her real superpower is building relationships, both business and personal. We all go through seasons in our lives where we don't have time to keep up our relationships and lose track of people. Selena is here to help us understand how to navigate these seasons and build a network that’s rooted in generosity.

In this episode, Selena and I discuss practical frameworks for cultivating meaningful, supportive connections both business and personal, the keys to building an authentic network, how to confidently ask for support, the mindset shifts needed to develop abundant, aligned relationships, and more.

Enjoy the episode, and let's innovate and integrate together!

---

Learn more or watch the video version of this conversation at https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/rich-relationships-how-to-create-a-million-dollar-network-authentically-with-selena-soo/.

Connect with me and access our entire platform at IntegrativeWomensHealthInstitute.com (https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/).

Find and follow us @integrativewomenshealth on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@integrativewomenshealth) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/integrativewomenshealth/).

*This episode is sponsored by Osteoboost*

Osteoporotic fractures are one of the biggest threats to women’s quality of life as we age, and as practitioners, we’re in the perfect position to help our clients take action before it’s too late. Where cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women, dementia and hip fractures steal their quality of life. Prevention doesn’t start at 65, it starts in midlife or earlier.

Bone loss can happen silently for years, especially in women with low estrogen, a family history of osteoporosis, or even after a single COVID infection. By the time a client is diagnosed, the window for prevention is already closing. This is why it’s so critical for practitioners to understand all the tools available, from strength training and nutrition to innovative tech that targets bone density and quality.

Today, I’m excited to be joined by Laura Yecies, CEO of Osteoboost, to explore an FDA-approved vibration therapy device designed to strengthen bones and help prevent fractures. We discuss the science behind Osteoboost, its role in a holistic protocol that incorporates nutrition, strength training, and hormone support, and why it’s never too early to start supporting your bone health.

Enjoy the episode, and let's innovate and integrate together!

---

Learn more or watch the video version of this conversation at https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/innovations-in-osteoporosis-care-with-ceo-of-osteoboost-laura-yecies/.

Connect with me and access our entire platform at IntegrativeWomensHealthInstitute.com (https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/).

Find and follow us @integrativewomenshealth on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@integrativewomenshealth) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/integrativewomenshealth/).

“It’s important to take a holistic approach to a person’s fertility.” – Liane Moccia

Our clients’ fertility journeys are about much more than getting pregnant. They’re navigating stress, nervous system imbalances, environmental toxins, and often a healthcare system that doesn’t consider these factors. On top of that, many times the focus is solely on the female partner, despite the fact that male fertility plays a significant role in pregnancy success and healthy outcomes.

As functional and integrative health and wellness practitioners, we have the opportunity to support our clients with a broader range of tools to not only help them conceive but also have a healthy pregnancy, an easier delivery, and a smooth postpartum recovery period.

Today, I’m joined by Liane Moccia, a Registered Clinical Herbalist who specializes in fertility and preconception planning. Herbalism is a valuable and accessible tool that complements nutrition and lifestyle medicine, taking their effectiveness to the next level. Liane works with clients to combine herbs, nutrition, and lifestyle changes with a clear plan to help optimize their fertility.

In this conversation, Liane and I discuss how to use herbs to support menstrual health and optimize fertility for both partners, what it looks like to nurture clients through pregnancy and postpartum, insights on male factor infertility, how to integrate herbal recommendations safely, why personalizing protocols is key to success, and more.

Enjoy the episode, and let’s innovate and integrate together!

---

Learn more or watch the video version of this conversation at https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/herbalism-for-fertility-for-women-and-men-with-liane-moccia/.

Connect with me and access our entire platform at IntegrativeWomensHealthInstitute.com (https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/).

Find and follow us @integrativewomenshealth on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@integrativewomenshealth) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/integrativewomenshealth/).

[TRIGGER WARNING: Sensitive topics, including suicide]

“Our thoughts drive our nervous system, and when you’re in a sympathetic state, it’s very difficult to achieve true healing.” - Dr. Christina Bjorndal

Diet and lifestyle are crucial elements of our overall health and well-being, but we have to consider that they’re part of a larger puzzle.  While you can help your clients make significant progress by focusing solely on the physical level, real, lasting change only comes when you start to incorporate the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects.

Fewer and fewer people have the support and resources they need to be able to recover from mental health struggles. As health and wellness professionals, this is where we can really be of service. We need to start leaning into creating spaces for human connection. It's an essential part of medicine. By holding space and allowing your clients to feel, you are a form of medicine for them.

Today, I’m joined by naturopathic physician Dr. Christina Bjorndal to further explore the connection between mind-body medicine and mental health. Dr. Bjorndal not only works with patients with mental health diagnoses, but she has also dealt with severe mental health challenges herself, which ultimately led her to discover the power of a holistic approach to healing.

In this conversation, Dr. Bjorndal and I discuss her journey from corporate executive to naturopathic physician, the severe mental health challenges she faced, integrating mind, body, and spirit in healing, the power of community and recognizing love, how to start taking small steps in recovery, the role of movement and human connection in overcoming depression, why we need holistic approaches to supporting mental health and well-being, and more.

Enjoy the episode, and let's innovate and integrate together!

---

Learn more or watch the video version of this conversation at https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/how-to-support-your-clients-with-depression-and-anxiety-with-dr-christina-bjorndal/.

Connect with me and access our entire platform at IntegrativeWomensHealthInstitute.com (https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/).

Find and follow us @integrativewomenshealth on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@integrativewomenshealth) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/integrativewomenshealth/).

For many women, perimenopause comes with confusing symptoms that can’t seem to be explained and changes to your body that can feel like you’re losing control. Right now, only 4-6% of women in the US are receiving adequate medical menopause care, leaving the vast majority unsupported and confused about what’s happening with their bodies.

This is where today’s guest, Stephanie Shaw, found herself in early perimenopause. When a series of worrying symptoms led to multiple ER and specialist visits, massive medical bills, and no solution, she realized she had to take control of her health journey. That was the start of her shift into becoming a passionate menopause advocate, speaker, and podcast producer, who is now supporting women in the menopause transition and beyond.

In this conversation, Stephanie and I discuss the difficulties women face with navigating menopause in conventional medicine, challenges that women of color experience disproportionately, the critical role of care coordination, how health coaches can help clients step into the role of leading their health team, the power of layering sustainable changes over time, and more.

Enjoy the episode, and let's innovate and integrate together!

---

Learn more or watch the video version of this conversation at https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/hello-hot-flash-with-stephanie-shaw/.

Connect with me and access our entire platform at IntegrativeWomensHealthInstitute.com (https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/).

Find and follow us @integrativewomenshealth on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@integrativewomenshealth) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/integrativewomenshealth/).

“A health coach is somebody who truly hears you and can help you navigate through this increasingly complex medical system.” - Dr. Sandra Scheinbaum

Health coaches can’t replace medical doctors. When it comes to acute care, you need a doctor, not a coach. But what happens when you get discharged? For many patients, a health crisis comes with the need to make lifestyle changes to shift the underlying causes of their conditions. Unfortunately, research shows that people struggle with taking one medication consistently, much less implementing long-term changes.

That’s where health coaches are critical. They don't diagnose or treat patients but instead focus on empowering clients to initiate and sustain the necessary shifts to achieve overall well-being and reach their life goals. Having that type of relationship and support can be very therapeutic.

Today, I’m introducing you to Sandra Scheinbaum, the founder and CEO of the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy. Sandra and I have a very similar mission of integrating health coaching with the traditional healthcare system, and she just published a brand new book called Your Health Coach Will See You Now. Sandy has a special interest in implementing health coaching within primary care, and she’s doing a lot of advocacy work to make it happen.

In today’s episode, Sandra and I discuss the vital role of health coaches in the modern healthcare landscape, how health coaches can help to support clients in the face of physician shortages, Sandra’s journey into health coach training, how coaches empower clients to make sustainable changes, evolving ways that health coaches can integrate into the existing models of healthcare services, and more.

Enjoy the episode, and let's innovate and integrate together!

---

Learn more or watch the video version of this conversation at https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/your-health-coach-will-see-you-now-with-dr-sandra-scheinbaum-ph-d/.

Connect with me and access our entire platform at IntegrativeWomensHealthInstitute.com (https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/).

Find and follow us @integrativewomenshealth on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@integrativewomenshealth) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/integrativewomenshealth/).