Reach for Wellness

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses suicide and may be difficult for some audiences.

In this episode, we sit down with Emma Wallingford, Technician at Stages Acute Treatment Center, to explore a deeply important conversation about suicide. This topic touches many of us, whether through the loss of a loved one, personal struggles with suicidal thoughts, or knowing someone who is hurting. Emma shares her personal journey and offers practical guidance on how to talk with someone who may be struggling. She also acknowledges and normalizes the emotions that can arise when engaging in these conversations. Tune in to hear valuable insights on supporting others and helping to prevent suicide.

Back-to-school season can be overwhelming for both kids and parents. In this episode, Adrienne Sines, LPC, a program manager at CRC, shares how she navigates the shift from summer freedom to school-year structure as a professional and parent. Building healthy routines, modeling self-compassion, and prioritizing her own mental health are key components to a successful transition. While she provides numerous practical tips, she also emphasizes that this is a challenging time for families and the importance of acknowledging those feelings. Be sure to watch the full episode to discover how Adrienne prepares herself and her children for the upcoming school year.

With July being BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month, we are joined by our Bilingual Therapist, Derick Ruiz, to talk about the benefits of shared culture and language in therapy. While all therapists are equipped with skills that support wellness, there is something special about connecting with a professional who has shared experiences, background, and language of the person seeking services. Watch the full episode to learn more about the protective factors of culturally competent care and the process of relationship building in therapy.

In this episode, we’re joined by CRC's therapist, Ally, who shares the power of community, self-love, and creating safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals. From the comfort of hugging a Squishmallow or bunny after a hard day to exploring art and nature as acts of healing, Ally emphasizes the importance of nurturing their own wellness and helping others do the same. Whether you're looking for support, inspiration, or just a moment of calm, this episode will leave you feeling seen, held, and reminded of your worth.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Vanessa is joined by Mayra, our new supervisor of staff at Ascent. Mayra provides valuable insights on recognizing when we may need extra support in our life. She also emphasizes that mental wellness varies for each individual, and that taking care of ourselves and reaching out for help is a sign of strength. This conversation serves as a powerful reminder that support is always within reach.

This month, we’re joined by Community Reach Center’s Chief Executive Officer, Rick Doucet, as he reflects on the legacy of Mary Ciancio and her remarkable spirit of volunteerism. Rick also shares insights into CRC’s history and highlights the upcoming Mary Ciancio Memorial Distinguished Service Award Dinner, an event dedicated to recognizing outstanding volunteers who uplift others, strengthen the community, and spark positive change.

For Women’s History month, we are joined by Rhiana Holmes, a Therapist at Community Reach Center. Rhiana talks about the impact of a client’s gender, age, and life stage on treatment planning.  Women often experience diverse stages of life due to changes in hormones, environment, motherhood, and more. She concludes the episode emphasizing the importance of community for an individual’s wellness and provides advice on ways to find a community that aligns with a person's background and interests.

In February’s episode of Reach for Wellness, we are joined by Mike Marsico, Community Reach Center’s Vice President of Clinical Services. In the month of love and relationships, Mike puts a spin on the importance of evaluating how we relate to important pieces of our lives such as hobbies, pets, and family members. He also offers a therapist’s perspective on what it means when a client completes therapy. Tune in to the full episode to explore the sense of fulfillment and excitement we experience when clients move forward.

Check out the latest episode of Reach for Wellness! Vanessa sits down with Jess Conway to discuss mental health during this time of year. Jess shares her journey with Mental Health First Aid, the joy she finds as a spin instructor, and why setting tangible goals is key to achieving meaningful change. Plus, she offers valuable tips on identifying your motivation style and leveraging it for a successful year ahead.

In this month’s episode of Reach for Wellness, Grecia shares how she handles wintertime in Colorado and the importance of feeling your feelings to get through the colder months. After formerly living in Mexico and moving to a new state, she shares a valuable perspective in how to approach this change and navigating seasonal affective disorder. Listen to the full episode for helpful tips on how to power through winter with self-compassion and gratitude.