In this episode of The Clinical Moment, the hosts are joined by Joe (LSI therapist, Des Moines) for a grounded, values-centered conversation about habits and self-care. Rather than framing habits as “fixing yourself” or becoming more productive, the discussion reframes habits as signals of what we’re valuing, avoiding, coping with, or moving toward. Joe shares how his existential, person-centered approach emphasizes meaning-making, identity, authenticity, and learning to sit with discomfort (instead of only trying to “cope it away”). Together, they explore how habits can support change when they’re rooted in values and identity, how language shapes commitment (“I’m trying” vs. “I am”), and how small shifts can compound over time, especially when approached with curiosity and grace rather than judgment.

• Atomic Habits — James Clear
• How Not to Speak of God — Peter Rollins
• The Case for God — Karen Armstrong
• Hour of the Heart — Irvin Yalom
• A Year with Thomas Merton — Thomas Merton
• The Existentialist Survival Guide — Gordon Marino
• Man’s Search for Meaning — Viktor Frankl

• Values clarification / values card sort (narrowing down values and creating a personal values statement)
• Identity-based habit change (language + identity shift)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) (acceptance + values-based action)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) (dialectics; coping strategies; “urge surfing” referenced)
• Solution-Focused “Magic Wand” question (imagining desired change)
• Time audit / screen-time review (where time goes vs. where you want it to go)

• 5–4–3–2–1 grounding: 5 things you see, 4 feel, 3 hear, 2 smell, 1 taste
• Texture grounding: noticing tactile sensations (clothing, chair, objects)
• “Go touch grass”: literal reconnection with the present moment outdoors
• Sour candy grounding: lemon drops / sour candies as a quick sensory reset
• Accountability supports: trusted people, mentorship, community support (12-step mentioned as one example—acknowledging it isn’t for everyone)

Welcome to the first episode of The Clinical Moment. In this opening conversation, co-hosts Amy Davis and Casey Baker share why this podcast was created and what listeners can expect moving forward.

Both hosts work within Lutheran Services in Iowa, a statewide nonprofit with more than 160 years of service and a growing clinical team of over 40 therapists providing care across Iowa through in-person and telehealth services. This podcast was created to highlight the people behind the clinical work and to make mental health conversations more human, relatable, and accessible.

In this episode, Amy and Casey introduce themselves, reflect on their roles in clinical services, supervision, and education, and discuss the value of authenticity, collaboration, and ongoing growth. They share how The Clinical Momentgrew out of real conversations between colleagues and why creating space for reflection matters.

Listeners will also hear what to expect in future episodes, including monthly themes such as self-care, relationships, trauma awareness, stress, creativity, and professional development. Each episode will feature LSI clinicians sharing their practice, passions, and lived experience with an emphasis on honesty over perfection.

This podcast is for clinicians, students, clients, and anyone interested in mental health and meaningful connection. The episode closes with a preview of the first guest clinician and an invitation for listeners to engage, ask questions, and join the conversation.