Mentor Moments

When does AI support learning, and when does it quietly replace it? We explore that question through the realities of counseling education, supervision, and practicum training. We discuss the ethical challenges of using AI as a study aid, feedback tool, or role-play partner, alongside the pressures educators face when guiding new clinicians. The conversation also examines how AI affects writing and revision, why faculty remain ambivalent, and how students might use AI to practice and learn rather than take shortcuts. From practicum supervision and student mental health to emerging research on AI and professional engagement, this episode looks beyond the hype to ask a deeper question: What should good learning feel like? A thoughtful conversation for anyone interested in counseling education, faculty development, and the role of AI in training and practice.

Timestamps
00:13 - Welcome to Mentor Moments and a mid-semester catch-up
00:54 - Brayton's busy counseling caseload with athletes and university adjustment
02:27 - Michael’s three teaching assignments across different student cohorts
03:06 - What practicum looks like for counseling students in real sessions
04:13 - Three papers in revision, including two studies on AI
05:51 - The 17-item Professional Engagement Questionnaire is ready to use
06:24 - Research plans for how practicing counselors are using AI
08:52 - Where practicum students are placed this semester
10:38 - Why practicum teaching can become an ethical and logistical puzzle
11:57 - Cohort bonding, role-play, and group supervision norms
13:41 - How much hands-on guidance is appropriate for new counselors
16:01 - Michael’s publishing rhythm and how workload changes over time
18:05 - Why research on teaching, learning, and AI keeps him engaged
19:13 - Early findings from the AI studies and the persistence of ambivalence
21:26 - Why some counselors see AI as useful and others as ethically risky
23:31 - Ethics, law, and values in the AI conversation
25:16 - When AI is a learning aid and when it may just be doing the work for you
26:54 - Why Michael is shifting AI use toward study support and role-play
28:23 - Reflection on how scattered higher ed’s AI response feels
29:53 - Maryville’s evolving stance on AI and why the gray area remains
31:30 - A comparison to MOOCs and why that movement never fully took hold
32:36 - AI role-play in practicum and the limits of practice with nonhuman agents
34:31 - Can AI or classmates really prepare students for real counseling clients?
35:36 - The limits of role-play across identity, bias, and lived experience
36:32 - How long research projects really take from idea to publication
37:35 - Why participant recruitment and review timelines slow everything down
40:25 - Music, concerts, and a quick pop culture detour
47:48 - Wrapping up, and one more mentor moment

Elizabeth Perkins shares the career decisions, mentors, and experiences that shaped her 20-year journey in vocational rehabilitation—and the leadership lessons that keep her challenging the system to help more people thrive. From her early days supporting customers at UPS to becoming coordinator of programs for Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation, Elizabeth reflects on the moments that drew her toward counseling, opened the door to leadership, and sparked her passion for advocacy, inclusion, and community partnership. If you care about disability employment, career development, or leading with purpose, this conversation will resonate.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• How an unexpected path through psychology, HR, and counseling led Elizabeth into vocational rehabilitation
• Why one participant’s “dream job” in a junkyard became a turning point in how she tells the VR story
• The leadership qualities she values most: adaptability, authenticity, collaboration, and genuine relationships
• How transformational and authentic leadership shape her decisions
• Why she stays current through boards, training, advocacy, and ongoing feedback
• The mentorship advice that still guides her: “Don’t let boundaries limit your imagination”

Elizabeth also discusses normalizing disability, embracing diverse perspectives, and asking a question every professional should revisit: What is your why? Her answer is a reminder that meaningful work comes from staying rooted in purpose and showing up for the people you serve.

Timestamps

00:00 — Welcome to Mentor Moments and introduction to Elizabeth Perkins
00:31 — Elizabeth’s role with Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation
00:49 — From psychology and UPS to considering counseling and HR
01:46 — Choosing graduate school and discovering vocational rehabilitation
02:43 — Two decades with the agency: from counselor to leadership
03:10 — Why direct counseling work was her favorite job
04:07 — A participant’s dream job and the power of competitive employment
05:01 — Using video to tell participant and employer stories
05:51 — Building partnerships across schools, providers, workforce, and family support
06:49 — Career happenstance and the theory of planned happenstance
08:58 — Why adaptability, trust, genuineness, collaboration, and innovation matter
11:47 — Staying relevant in a changing field and updating old systems
13:17 — Why collaboration and partnerships matter more than silos
15:39 — Transformational leadership and authentic leadership
17:31 — Being solution-focused and challenging legacy processes
18:40 — Wanting to be part of the solution and drive change
19:26 — How boards, advocacy, training, and feedback help her stay current
23:46 — Mentors who opened doors
26:31 — “Don’t let boundaries limit your imagination”
27:31 — What inspires her about serving people directly
29:17 — Encouraging diversity, inclusion, and authentic self-expression
30:39 — Normalizing disability and sharing lived experience
33:07 — Knowing your “why” and keeping it visible
34:41 — Closing thanks and listener call to actionAction items

Amy Turk reveals why talk therapy and EMDR can hit a wall, and how yoga, somatic work, and movement-based healing can unlock relief that insight alone sometimes can't. Amy opens up about the evolution of her practice, from private practice therapist to founder of a new Webster collective that blends counseling with yoga and somatic dance. She explains why she began looking beyond traditional therapy, what changed when she pursued yoga teacher training, and how that training reshaped both her own anxiety and the way she supports clients.

You’ll discover:

• Why somatic therapy matters when the mind understands but the body still feels stuck
• How EMDR and talk therapy can help, and where their limits can show up
• Why yoga is more than a coping skill and can function as a true healing art
• How somatic dance uses body keys, movement, and feeling to release shame, guilt, and fear
• Why group classes, routines, and community can make healing more sustainable

We also dig into the practitioner side of growth, lifelong learning, and what it means to keep evolving when your current tools are no longer enough. Our conversation gets honest about burnout, resistance, and the challenge of inviting clients into something deeper than a quick fix. If you work in the helping professions, support athletes, or are simply curious about the mind-body connection, this episode offers a fresh, practical lens on healing that is both compassionate and concrete. It’s a reminder that lasting change often starts when we stop treating the body like an afterthought. Perfect for therapists, counselors, coaches, and anyone ready to explore what happens when healing moves beyond the talk.

Timestamps

00:00 - Welcome back and Amy’s new Webster practice

00:41 - Amy’s background in rehab counseling and recovery settings

01:41 - Why she began looking for somatic approaches

03:25 - Mike’s idea of the scholar-professional and lifelong learning

05:19 - A full-circle moment with EMDR training

06:09 - How EMDR works and where its limits can show up

08:17 - How yoga shifts attention from the mind to the body

09:45 - Flow state, exercise, and why movement matters

11:30 - Yoga as more than a coping skill

12:52 - Why yoga teacher training changed everything

14:24 - Getting clients to buy into yoga and somatic work

16:55 - Teaching as nurture, not performance

18:12 - Process over outcome in habits and movement

19:51 - Solo yoga, group classes, and community energy

21:29 - What somatic means in therapy 23:01 - Somatic dance and how it differs from general exercise

25:41 - Why some clients stay stuck even after insight 26:17 - Working with childhood trauma in private practice 27:56 - How nutrition, sleep, and movement support the mind 29:57 - Applying the ideas to student athletes and resistant clients

33:35 - What private practice ownership looks like now

34:34 - Building a collective and expanding the space 35:53 - Local yoga and somatic training shoutouts

37:24 - Advice for helping professionals

Season six opens with a real conversation about the work, the weird, and the deeply human moments that shape both counseling and athletics. If you care about student mental health, grad school life, or the unexpected ethical questions that can change how you practice, this catch-up episode is for you. Dr. Kiener shares what it looks like to step back into the school year with a full slate of classes, practicum students, and cohort energy, while Brayton breaks down the reality of screening NCAA athletes across multiple teams and the pressure, patterns, and caseload demands that come with it.

Along the way, the conversation also touches on higher ed shifts, NCAA changes, and the messy intersection of ethics, identity, and performance. It’s insightful, funny, and refreshingly honest - the kind of episode that reminds you how much of good counseling starts with asking better questions. Perfect for counselors, counselor educators, students, and anyone who likes their professional conversations grounded in real life instead of theory alone. Season six is here, and it’s starting strong.

00:00 Welcome and Episode Introduction

00:07 Summer Recap: Personal Projects and Family

01:11 Visiting Coach Denny and Cookie Story

02:16 Retirement and Continued Involvement of Coach Denny

03:03 First Week of Classes and Student Engagement

07:36 Ethical Dilemma: Giving Tissues in Counseling

09:54 Cultural and Personal Factors in Counseling Behavior

12:34 Reflections on Cultural and Family Influences

13:31 Cohort Trends and Student Interests

15:11 First Week Activities at Lindenwood

17:51 Mental Health Screenings for Athletes

21:55 Professional Development and Certifications

22:58 Upcoming Workshops and Goals

23:27 Personal Life: Car Shopping and Technology

25:50 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

Celebrating five years of Mentor Moments, this episode reflects on the journey, lessons learned, and future directions. We discuss the evolution of our podcast, the value of organic conversations, and the importance of learning styles, including informal and formal education, through personal stories and insights.

Mentor Moments Reflection: Five Seasons in the RearviewIn this episode, hosts Brayton Wooters and Mike Keener reflect on five years of podcasting, exploring the journey, growth, and evolving themes behind Mentor Moments. They share insights on personal development, storytelling, and the importance of organic conversations.

Key Topics:

• Celebrating five seasons of Mentor Moments and the journey's highlights
• The significance of 'time capsule' episodes and personal growth over the years
• The shift from planned themes to organic, spontaneous conversations
• Exploring the role of vulnerability, storytelling, and highlighting impactful people
• The value of interviewing students and early-career professionals
• Discussing the potential of AI in education and informal learning
• Museum vs. classroom learning: engagement, emotional states, and interaction
• Developmental appropriateness in learning strategies and content delivery
• Sharing favorite episodes, moments, and notable guest appearances
• Future plans: engaging with college students and returning guests

Chapters

00:00 Reflecting on Five Seasons of Podcasting

08:24 The Evolution of Conversations and Themes

16:11 Learning Through Informal and Formal Methods

24:51 The Impact of AI on Learning and Development

30:27 Looking Ahead: Future Goals and Guest Engagement

In this episode, we host two dynamic Maryville alumni, Rachel Elmore and Jessica Dickson, to share their journeys in community mental health, leadership styles, and insights into working at Compass. Their stories highlight their diverse pathways in mental health careers and the importance of growth, mentorship, and community impact.

Key Topics:

• The advantages of starting in community mental health and nonprofit organizations
• Career progression: from case management to leadership roles
• The importance of mentorship and internal growth at organizations like Compass
• Leadership styles: advocacy, delegation, and leading by example
• The significance of community support roles and hands-on client experience
• Trends in mental health: overdose reduction, integrated primary care, and COVID-19 impacts
• Navigating supervision, internships, licensure, and early career fears
• The evolving landscape of mental health services post-pandemic
• Rachel's doctorate work on burnout among emergency room staff and medical-mental health connections
• How organizations promote internal advancement and support employee wellbeing

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and guest introductions

00:24 - Jessica’s background and Maryville program journey

01:28 - Rachel’s pathway from biology to counseling

02:20 - How Dr. Parker inspired Jessica’s choice at Maryville

03:50 - Post-graduation roles at Compass for Jessica and Rachel

04:48 - Leadership progression and responsibilities at Compass

06:55 - Jessica’s doctorate on burnout and emergency medical workforce

09:12 - Why Compass fosters internal growth and employee investment

11:45 - Leadership styles: advocacy, delegation, visibility

13:23 - How leadership shapes organizational culture

15:26 - Internship and practicum opportunities at Compass and role readiness

16:19 - Licensure support and supervision programs

17:49 - Addressing concerns about nonprofit mental health careers

18:44 - Stability, funding, and organizational support at Compass

20:09 - Pay equity, benefits, and job satisfaction in nonprofit settings

21:36 - The value of diverse career paths beyond therapy

24:04 - Emerging trends in mental health: overdose decline and health monitoring

27:41 - Impact of COVID-19 on mental health and physical health links

29:27 - The idea of a podcast by Jessica and Rachel

30:59 - Mentors’ advice for students: network, give grace, and stay open-minded

Most champions start by learning to have fun and letting go of the pressure—to truly unlock peak performance. Elijah and Jeremiah, two top-tier college wrestlers, share how shifting mindset from fear of failure to focus on the process transforms not just their season, but their entire approach to competition and life. In this episode, they reveal the power of treating every practice and match as a step in the journey rather than an endgame. Elijah talks about the importance of mental toughness, having fun, and maintaining a growth mindset—even through injury and setbacks. Jeremiah shares how surrendering expectations, focusing on daily improvements, and building team culture can elevate both individual and collective success. Together, they discuss practical tactics like visualization, staying present, and leading by example—lessons that go beyond wrestling and resonate with anyone striving for excellence under pressure. 

Timestamps: 

00:00 - Welcome and episode overview 

00:12 - Introducing guests Jeremiah Larson and Elijah Almarinez 

01:02 - Reflecting on Elijah’s season and experience as a true freshman 

01:54 - Jeremiah's journey to becoming an All-American and final season reflections 

03:04 - Jeremiah’s mindset shift: letting go of expectations and focusing on the process 

04:21 - The significance of surrendering outcome anxiety during competition 

05:27 - Jeremiah discusses maintaining a daily mindset and consistency 

07:29 - Insights into team culture: bonding, rituals, and leadership in wrestling 

08:33 - Elijah’s transition from high school to college wrestling 

09:32 - The importance of self-reliance and routines during college sports 

10:39 - The role of trainers and recovery routines in athletic performance 

11:33 - The humility of being humbled by college competition and embracing growth 

12:00 - Overcoming the top-dog mentality and staying motivated 

13:53 - Elijah's approach to summer training and injury recovery 

15:50 - The value of steady, consistent effort and self-tracking 

17:09 - The development of team culture in college wrestling 

19:17 - Building bonds through shared hardships and team support 

21:06 - Leading by example: the importance of small acts for team unity 

22:14 - The significance of collective effort and shared sacrifice 

24:14 - Academic success as part of mental resilience 

25:06 - Intrinsic motivators and maintaining flow through purpose 

28:29 - Elijah’s perspective on having fun and enjoying each match 

30:55 - Recognizing and avoiding mental traps: burnout, outside distractions 

31:42 - The importance of seeking help and mental health awareness 

33:41 - Self-worth, identity, and the impact of wins and losses 

35:52 - The concept of being 'optimal' rather than perfect in training and diet 

37:57 - Using mental preparation strategies like visualization and affirmations 

39:55 - Overcoming injuries and dominating in high-pressure moments 

42:00 - Patience and focus in clutch situations, avoiding overthinking 

44:52 - The power of visualizing success and staying present 

45:17 - Final motivational advice: enjoy the college experience and stay positive

In this episode, we explore the journey of a Maryville University graduate student, Cadie Buschjost, as she navigates her transition from undergraduate studies to her master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. We discuss the importance of mentorship, involvement, and embracing new challenges in professional growth.

Key Topics:

• Cadie academic and extracurricular journey at Maryville University
• The role of mentorship and faculty support in academic success
• Engagement in student organizations like NAMI and Res Life
• How Maryville’s community and resources support student development
• Professional experiences including research, practicum, and career planning
• Reflections on inter-cohort mentoring and creating student organizations
• The importance of stepping outside comfort zones for growth
• Practical advice for students transitioning to graduate studies

Timestamps: 

00:00 - Introduction to Cadie Buschjost’s background and Maryville experience
02:01 - Cadie’s involvement in Res Life and living on campus
04:20 - Academic path: psychology, sociology, English minor, and research highlights
08:24 - How a class with Dr. Brittany Robinson influenced Cadie’s career focus
10:05 - The mentorship experience and faculty support at Maryville
14:08 - Introduction to NAMI and campus mental health advocacy work
16:52 - Developing student organizations and peer mentorship ideas
19:45 - Transition from undergrad to graduate school and adaptation strategies
23:07 - Challenges of online learning and building discipline in grad studies
26:05 - Highlights of Cadie’s favorite courses and research projects
29:40 - How curiosity and asking questions propelled Katie’s academic pursuits
32:25 - The value of asking for opportunities and networking
33:52 - Reflection on professional identity and future goals in counseling
37:33 - Discussing practicum, fieldwork, and team-based learning
40:22 - Preparing for practical application and counseling skills development
42:08 - The significance of metacognitive reflection outside of the classroom
43:35 - Mentor moment: the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone

Discover practical approaches to building mental toughness, understanding its components, and applying it in sports and life. We dive into how mental toughness is developed, the importance of emotional and cognitive control, and the role of self-compassion.

In this episode:

• The difference between personality traits and trainable skills in mental toughness
• The four pillars of mental toughness: confidence, challenge, commitment, and control
• How mental toughness influences performance under pressure
• Building confidence through internal vs. external motivators
• Embracing challenge and the concept of pressure training
• The significance of emotional regulation strategies like cognitive reappraisal
• The role of self-compassion in mental toughness and overcoming perfectionism
• Practical tools for resetting emotions and maintaining focus during competition
• The long-term view: winning versus learning, progress, and resilience

Timestamps: 

00:00 - Introduction to Mentor Moments and episode overview
02:00 - Using Slack at Maryville and work-life balance tips
04:00 - Updates on the Missouri Rehab Association events and highlights
06:30 - Personal experience shooting guns and insights on firearms safety
09:00 - Comparing inside-the-range personalities and cultural observations
11:00 - Impact of new MLB pitch clock system and technological integration in sports
13:00 - Deep dive into the concept of mental toughness and its traits
16:30 - The evolution of mental toughness from personality trait to trainable skill
17:45 - The four Cs of mental toughness: Confidence, Challenge, Commitment, Control
19:00 - Differentiating resilience from mental toughness in pursuing challenges
22:00 - Strategies for seeking and embracing challenge responsibly
24:00 - Pressure training and the importance of practice under stress
26:30 - The role of commitment: intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation
28:00 - Building internal and external confidence in athletes
30:15 - Framing wins and losses as opportunities for learning
32:00 - Emotional control: managing pendulum swings between extremes
36:00 - The importance of emotional regulation and reappraisal
38:00 - The significance of authentic emotional expression and co-regulation
41:00 - Long-term emotional resilience: staying cool under pressure
44:00 - The value of having a reset trigger and teammate support for emotional regulation
46:00 - The difficulty and importance of maintaining composure over a season
48:00 - The process-focused mindset: small wins, milestones, and progress checks
50:00 - Integrating self-compassion into mental toughness thinking
52:00 - Reframing mistakes with self-compassion and growth mindset principles
54:00 - Final thoughts and upcoming topics

In this episode of Mentor Moments, we explore the phenomenon of therapy speak, the misuse and misunderstanding of clinical language both within and outside the therapeutic community. We discuss how therapy terms are often misused on social media, their impact on society's understanding of mental health, and ways therapists can promote responsible language use.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The origins and definition of therapy speak as the misuse of clinical terminology
• How social media influences the spreading and distortion of therapy terms
• Examples of common therapy words like narcissism, boundaries, gaslighting, OCD, and autism spectrum
• The reasons behind the use of therapy speak, including social currency and avoidance of accountability
• The potential harm of oversimplifying or misapplying therapy language
• Strategies for therapists to correct misconceptions without alienating clients
• The importance of nuanced understanding and using language that empowers clients
• The role of professional responsibility in maintaining accurate communication and education

Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the episode and guest Liz Sarchet
01:21 - The story behind Liz's involvement in writing on therapy speak
03:13 - Sharing personal updates and recent experiences
04:47 - Utah trip and outdoor adventures
06:55 - Getting to know Liz: background and motivations for entering therapy
10:05 - Why therapy speak exists and social media influence
14:04 - The origins of therapy speak: misconceptions and culture
17:12 - How therapy words are misused or misunderstood
19:24 - The social and professional reasons behind therapy speak
24:21 - Common examples and misconceptions of therapy language (gaslighting, OCD, autism)
25:54 - The danger of expanding or diluting therapeutic terminology
26:47 - The impact of language on identity and appropriate use
28:37 - The weaponization and misuse of therapy terms in media and everyday life
30:24 - Correcting misconceptions and helping clients articulate feelings
32:01 - The influence of therapists' authority on client language and responsibility
33:42 - Building trust while managing expectations in therapy
35:04 - Raising awareness and the importance of education in combating misinformation
36:48 - Ideas for future research and content on therapy speak
38:40 - Bridging the gap between societal understanding and professional language
40:43 - Closing reflections and advice for practitioners and society