In this episode of Clinical Conversations, Kortney Yasenka welcomes psychiatric and family nurse practitioner Alexandra Christodoulou, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC for an in-depth discussion on mental health emergencies and the Support, Concern, Emergency (SCE) Framework.

Together they explore how clinicians and helping professionals can identify warning signs, assess risk, use effective crisis communication techniques, create safety plans, and determine when situations require escalation to emergency services.

Listeners will also gain practical insights into suicide risk assessment, motivational interviewing, documentation using the SOAP format, working with special populations, and protecting themselves from burnout and compassion fatigue.

This episode is especially valuable for behavioral health professionals, healthcare providers, educators, and anyone involved in supporting individuals in crisis.

Can a simple haiku help clients process emotions, develop mindfulness, and improve self-awareness?

In this episode of The Hatherleigh Behavioral Health Podcast, Anne Helfer, LCSW joins us to discuss how the traditional Japanese poetry form of haiku can become a powerful therapeutic tool. We explore its benefits for emotional expression, mindfulness, trauma-informed care, self-care, and clinical practice.

Through real examples and interactive exercises, Anne demonstrates how counselors, therapists, social workers, and other helping professionals can use haiku writing to help clients find clarity, focus, and healing.

Whether you're a mental health professional or simply interested in creative approaches to wellness, this episode offers practical techniques and inspiration you can begin using immediately.

Anne's book, Healing with Haiku is available at Amazon.

What if surfing could be prescribed as therapy?

In this episode of Clinical Conversations, we talk with author Cash Lambert about the rapidly growing field of surf therapy—an evidence-based, nature-driven approach to mental health and well-being.

From children with autism to veterans with PTSD, surf therapy programs are creating measurable change through community, movement, and connection to nature. Cash shares powerful real-world stories, emerging research, and practical ways clinicians can begin integrating this modality into care.

We also explore how countries like the UK are already prescribing surf therapy—and what the future could look like in the U.S.

In this episode, neuroscientist and author Dr. Troy Rohn explores the emerging role of gene therapy in treating anxiety and other neuropsychiatric disorders.

From explaining the science in accessible terms to sharing his own lived experience with anxiety, Dr. Rohn offers a compelling look at how precision medicine could reshape mental health care.

We also dive into:

• Why many patients don’t respond to current treatments
• How gene therapy targets specific brain receptors
• The importance of integrating therapy with biological approaches
• Ethical concerns like access, cost, and enhancement vs treatment

This episode is essential for clinicians, students, and anyone curious about the future of mental health.

In this episode, host Kortney Yasenka LCMHC speaks with author Geraldine Walsh, whose book Unraveling Motherhood explores postnatal depression, antenatal anxiety, identity shifts, and the pressure placed on modern mothers.

Geraldine reflects on her lived experience of maternal mental illness, the silence and shame many mothers carry, and why “connection over perfection” is a healthier, more sustainable approach to parenting.

Together, they discuss guilt, boundaries, the mental load, self-care beyond consumer culture, and how clinicians can better support mothers and families.

A powerful listen for mental health professionals, clinicians, parents, and anyone interested in maternal wellbeing and authentic parenting.

Psychologist and author Dr. Tracy Stecker joins host Kortney Yasenka, LCHMC to explore why so many people avoid therapy and what truly helps someone choose help.

Together, they discuss common fears and beliefs that block treatment, what stigma looks like today, and how active listening and simple conversations can open the door to support.

A practical, compassionate look at helping loved ones—and ourselves—take the first steps toward better mental health.

Narcissistic abuse leaves confusion, self‑blame, and a frayed sense of self. In this episode, Grace Being and Claudia Cauterucci, LPC share how survivors can name the abuse, rebuild intuition, and create secure attachment—step by step.Together with host Kortney Yasenka, LMHC, they unpack love bombing, gaslighting, trauma bonding, and why “naming it” matters.

You’ll learn practical tools—journaling, somatic work, meditation, nature practices, safety planning, and the empowering practice of “dating yourself”—to restore identity and build healthy boundaries.

What you’ll learn:
✔ Recognizing narcissistic dynamics (in relationships, families, groups, systems)
✔ Why survivors “stay” (and how to reduce self‑blame)
✔ How clinicians can use psychoeducation + somatic tools ethically and compassionately
✔ Healing while still in the relationship: tracking, safety planning, and support
✔ Rebuilding intuition after gaslighting
✔ Creating secure internal attachment and non‑negotiables for dating againIf this helped you or your clients, like, subscribe, and share with your community.

Content note: This episode discusses abuse and trauma.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911 (US) or your local emergency number. For support, contact the 988 Lifeline (US) or your regional helpline.

Join us for an inspiring conversation on the Hatherleigh Behavioral Health Podcast, where we explore practical strategies for reducing stress and finding joy during the holiday season and beyond.

In this episode, host Kortney Yasenka sits down with Dr. Carrie Johansson, psychologist and author of "Self-Help on the Go", to discuss:

• Why nearly 90% of Americans feel stressed during the holidays.
• How Swedish philosophy of Lagom (“just enough”) can help you create balance in life.
• Simple, actionable self-help tips for managing anxiety, burnout, and unrealistic expectations.
• Daily rituals like Fika and cozy practices that boost resilience and well-being.
• The power of small changes—like the 20% solution—to simplify your life.

Whether you’re looking for ways to de-stress, embrace contentment, or add more joyful rituals to your day, this episode is packed with practical advice and cultural insights you can start using immediately.👉 Subscribe for more expert-led conversations on mental health, wellness, and resilience.

Chronic pain is more than a physical issue—it’s a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. In this conversation, Dr. Michael Kriegel, a pioneer in interdisciplinary pain management (IPM), shares how a team-based, holistic approach can break the vicious cycle of pain and restore lives.What Is Interdisciplinary Pain Management?

Unlike traditional siloed care, IPM brings together physicians, psychologists, physical and occupational therapists, and nurses to treat the whole person. Programs combine education, movement therapy, psychological support, and group sessions—empowering patients to take control of their pain.

Why It MattersChronic pain often spirals into inactivity, depression, and fear of movement (kinesiophobia). Trauma and unresolved psychological distress frequently amplify pain. Dr. Kriegel emphasizes trauma-informed care and innovative techniques like myofascial release to address these root causes.Key ChallengesOpioid Overuse: Long-term use can worsen pain through hyperalgesia, making alternative strategies essential.

Insurance Barriers: Current reimbursement models discourage integrated care, limiting access despite proven success.

Training Gaps: Few formal programs exist for IPM, creating a shortage of qualified clinicians.

Why Group Therapy Works

Social support and peer encouragement in group settings help patients rebuild trust, hope, and resilience—critical for those failed by conventional medicine.Future DirectionsIPM isn’t just for pain—it’s a blueprint for managing other complex chronic conditions. Early intervention, patient education, and systemic reform could reduce costs and improve quality of life.

Bottom Line

Dr. Kriegel’s vision is clear: treat chronic pain with a comprehensive, team-based approach that addresses body, mind, and social context. It’s challenging—but profoundly rewarding.

Buy Sophia's book: https://a.co/d/2946NjHThis podcast features Sophia Galano, LCSW author of "Calming Teenage Anxiety: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Your Teenager Cope with Worry and Stress". Drawing from her clinical experience, Sophia emphasizes the importance of supporting both teens and their parents in managing anxiety. Sophia Galano offers a compassionate, practical framework for families navigating teenage anxiety. Her focus on empathetic communication, nuanced understanding of anxiety, and modern challenges like social media equips parents and clinicians to support teens effectively. By emphasizing collaboration, self-awareness, and hope, Sophia’s approach encourages families to take small, meaningful steps toward healing.Highlights🌟 Sophia Galano is a licensed clinical social worker and author of "Calming Teenage Anxiety". 🧠 Teen anxiety is often mistaken for typical adolescent behavior. 🎧 Active listening and empathetic communication are key for parents. 📱 Social media and tech are major stressors; modification is better than prohibition. 🏫 School counselors navigate student needs, parental anxiety, and policy constraints. 👨‍👩‍👧 Holistic treatment includes therapy for teens and families, plus parental self-reflection. 🌈 Sophia’s approach centers on hope, patience, and practical strategies.Key Insights👩‍⚕️ Accessible guidance for all parents: Sophia’s book fills a gap by offering clear, non-clinical advice for parents regardless of educational background. It demystifies mental health support and provides step-by-step tools for communication and understanding.

🔍 Recognizing anxiety vs. typical teen behavior: Parents often dismiss anxiety as “teen angst.” Sophia encourages careful observation of frequency, intensity, and impact on functioning to determine when help is needed. 🗣️ Listening over fixing: Teens need to feel heard, not corrected. Sophia promotes active listening—open-ended questions, reflective responses, and non-judgmental dialogue—to build trust and emotional safety. 📵 Managing tech with nuance: Rather than banning social media, Sophia suggests modifying use—following uplifting accounts, muting stressors, and co-creating boundaries. This fosters autonomy and reduces secrecy. 🏫 Schools as support systems: Counselors face resource limitations and policy challenges. Sophia recommends creative strategies (e.g., walking sessions), empathy for parents, and firm boundaries to support students effectively. 👥 Parental anxiety matters: Teens often mirror their parents’ stress. Sophia urges parents to reflect on their own behaviors and seek support, recognizing that family dynamics play a key role in teen mental health. 💪 Resilience through gradual progress: Anxiety management is a journey. Sophia emphasizes celebrating small wins, tolerating imperfection, and empowering teens to take ownership of their coping strategies.