Not Allowed to Die

In this episode Mariska and I talk to author and support group leader Steve Wilson about living with bi-polar disorder for decades and how he has used his experiences to help others by leading support groups.  It inspires me to see Steve's 50 year marriage and dedication to maintaining his mental health hygiene.  

A link to his book:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/teetering-on-a-tightrope-steven-w-wilson/1142967489

Mariska and I were elated to talk with Nate Gates host of Altered States of Context podcast, to talk about misconceptions and things to consider at the intersection of mental health and psychedelics.  I am a genuinely big fan of Nate's perspective and feel like I always learn a lot from him.  

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/altered-states-of-context/id1574529959

Mariska and I summarize what several of my clients have been struggling with this week including chronic pain,  chronic non-suicidal depression, and writing a victim impact statement for a judge.  We also touch at the end of a different way to view Valentines Day as perhaps a reason to celebrate the end of the HOLIDAYS.  

In this episode Mariska and I discuss some things to consider when thinking about calling Child Protective Services (or Department of Children and Family Services in Illinois 1800-25-ABUSE).  Never a fun thing to have to consider BUT if you do don't be afraid to consult with us. 

Mariska and I explore  a number of mental health topics and treatments with Erik DaRosa, co-host of the Survivor to Thriver mental health podcast.  Erik shares a great deal about his struggles with OCD, among other things, and his Equilateral Triangle of Healing with Western medicine on one side, Eastern approaches to healing on another, and nature therapy as a third (there is a reason why they call him the Ski Sherpa).  Truly a lot to learn from Erik.  

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-survivor-to-thriver/id1551758201

What do you do when someone upsets you but it isn't their fault and there is no one to blame?  Mariska and I explore a couple dilemmas my students are facing AND we get pretty assertive in asking you to not just rate and review, but also FOLLOW and RECOMMEND the podcast.  

Eric Daddario joins Mariska and I to share his experience of losing his younger brother to a drug overdose and how that led him to a path of public speaking to young people and college hockey teams.  

Learn more about Eric and the Herren Project: 

https://thedecisionswemake.com/

https://herrenproject.org/

My emotions are not supposed to come in to sessions, but when one of my clients gets treated really poorly by a trusted friend I make a mistake and give advice rather than listening and offering possible options for her to decide what is best for herself.  Listen in to hear the background and learn what rule 29 is.   

Mariska and I talk to Dr. Masha Hojat-Khoshniyat of Heal and Thrive Psychotherapy and Coaching https://www.heal-thrive.com 

She talks about how her experience immigrating from Iran, becoming a therapist, and working with populations from abused children to inmates in the correctional system led her to feel like something was missing in helping people to heal.  That something turned out to be a deeper dive into the clients past pain that they can often only get through psychotherapy.  Mariska and I are big believers that psychotherapy is an incredibly valuable tool for some people that is really misunderstood in todays push for quick answers.  

Dr. Masa also wants to bring attention to the fight for basic human rights currently being suppressed in Iran.  In addition, her most crucial message is that there is hope for everyone.  Even really "successful" people who are feeling less fulfilled than they could be can find help in therapy and if other modalities have not unlocked what you are looking for it might be time for psychotherapy.  

Mariska and I wind down 2022 with some thoughts on connection related to dating.  Thinking of this time of year as  one to be softly open but saving the grand opening for spring.   We wish you gratitude, awe, and healthy paws as you leave 2022 behind and head into 2023.