Episode Summary

Hello there, fearfully and wonderfully made human. I'm your host, Diana S. Rice, licensed mental health counselor and founder of Through the Valley Therapy and Transformed Mind Consulting & Coaching. Welcome back to The Holistic Counselor Podcast—the space where faith, science, and holistic healing come together for grounded, real conversations about mental health, purpose, and personal growth.

As we enter this Valentine's season, remember: love isn't only something we give—it's something we intentionally cultivate within. The way we nurture our minds, bodies, and spirits shapes how we show up for others—and how we heal.

In today's episode, I sit down with Sara Brenker, LCSW, a South Florida-based therapist and co-founder of Modern Care Collective, a practice known for its warm, direct, and collaborative approach to healing. Sara has spent years working as an individual therapist, clinical director, and crisis-stabilization specialist. She integrates CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), strengths-based approaches, and motivational interviewing to help clients rebuild self-worth, address shame, and navigate recovery from addiction and identity loss.

This conversation moves through the grey space between faith, trauma, and transformation—and asks us to re-imagine healing as both clinical and spiritual.

Key Themes

• The connection between addiction, shame, and identity loss

• How addiction can show up as behavior, people-pleasing, or performance—not just substances

• Living in the "grey zone" instead of the extremes of shame or denial

• How faith communities can hold love and disappointment at the same time

• Why outpatient harm-reduction models save lives

• How authenticity and selective self-disclosure build trust in therapy

• Learning to sit still with discomfort and letting healing unfold

Resources Mentioned

• Modern Care Collective – therapist-run practice based in East Boca Raton, offering outpatient and telehealth care for clients in Florida https://www.moderncarecollective.com/

• CBT & DBT explained:

  • CBT helps identify distorted thoughts and create healthier behaviors.

  • DBT teaches distress tolerance, mindfulness, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

• The Trevor Project – 24/7 support for LGBTQIA+ youth → thetrevorproject.org

• SunServe Wilton Manors – South Florida resource for LGBTQ+ affirming mental-health support → sunserve.org

• Faith-Integrated Therapy – find trauma-informed, holistic Christian-based therapists via openpathcollective.org or psychologytoday.com filters

Takeaways

1. Healing begins with safety. When stories are met with compassion, shame loses power.

2. Faith and therapy coexist. Grace and groundedness are both essential.

3. Addiction hides behind perfection. Even "high-functioning" lives can mask deep pain.

4. Therapist fit matters. Don't give up on therapy—try a different provider or approach.

5. Love is cultivation. The inner work you do becomes the love you offer outwardly.

Connect & Share

Follow and tag on socials: #throughthevalleytherapy #theholisticcounselorpodcast #transformedmindcc #holistictherapy #faithbasedcounseling #mentalhealthpodcast #addictionrecovery #shamefree #therapyworks #dbt #cbt #selfhealing #faithandscience

Final Word

"To every listener: you're not alone. You're loved. Trust in the Lord, guard your heart, and renew your mind." — Diana S. Rice

Listen now on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Playlist → The Holistic Counselor Podcast

Marijuana today is not the same as it was decades ago. In this critical episode, Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, CTP, QS, sits down with John Puls, LCSW, MCAP—addiction expert, professor, and co‑founder of Full Life Comprehensive Care—to unpack the rising crisis of THC‑induced psychosis in teens and young adults.

Drawing from both professional and personal experience, Diana shares her journey from teenage marijuana use in Broward County to her later trial with medical marijuana—and how it affected her mental health. Together, they break down the difference between traditional cannabis and today's lab‑altered THC concentrates, including Delta‑8, dabs, vapes, and edibles.

Whether you're a parent, clinician, teacher, or someone navigating your own recovery, this episode offers essential education, compassion, and real‑world tools to protect the next generation.

Listen Now

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-holistic-counselor/id1732149496

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssTwH8qi9uw

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6TesqwMwiVYTeS0Ns9nMLo?si=a2588b2f57ef4b0e

About the Guest – John Puls, LCSW, MCAP

John Puls is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Master's Certified Addiction Professional. He is the Co‑Founder and COO of Full Life Comprehensive Care in South Florida, an adjunct professor at Florida Atlantic University, and an expert witness for legal cases involving substance use, addiction facilities, and mental health.

Specialties include:

• Substance use disorders & co‑occurring mental health disorders

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) & Motivational Interviewing

• Family Systems Therapy & Trauma‑Informed Care

• Forensic reviews & expert witness consulting

Learn more at https://full-life-comprehensive-care.com/

What We Discuss

• Diana's personal story: from early marijuana use to medical THC and recovery

• The difference between old‑school cannabis and today's high‑potency THC products

• What cannabis‑induced psychosis looks like and why it's often misdiagnosed as schizophrenia

• How vaping and concentrates drastically raise risk for teens

• The neurological impact of THC on the developing brain

• How clinicians can respond even if they don't specialize in substance use

• Educating parents, teachers, and communities without shame or fear

• Preventing clinician burnout while working with complex cases

• The role of early prevention and informed consent in schools and homes

• Practical tools and resources for healing, regulation, and resilience

Mentioned Resources & References

• Full Life Comprehensive Care – https://full-life-comprehensive-care.com/

• Every Brain Matters – https://everybrainmatters.org/

• Johnny's Ambassadors – https://johnnysambassadors.org/

• SAMHSA (Marijuana & Mental Health) – https://www.samhsa.gov/marijuana

• CDC Marijuana Health Advisory – https://www.cdc.gov/marijuana/health-effects/index.html

• Florida Department of Health – Medical Marijuana Program – https://www.flhealthsource.gov/mqa/medical-marijuana/https://knowthefactsmmj.com/

• National Institute on Drug Abuse – Cannabis Research – https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/what-are-marijuanas-effects-on-general-physical-healthhttps://nida.nih.gov/search/cannabis%20?sort=_score&language=en

• Episode 88 with Mark Astor

Key Quotes

"Some of these kids get Baker Acted and come out with a schizophrenia diagnosis—but what they're really experiencing is a substance‑induced psychotic episode." — John Puls

"I tried medical marijuana thinking I was doing something holistic—and instead, I became more anxious, detached, and dysregulated." — Diana S. Rice, LMHC

"Parents don't realize—Delta‑8 isn't your backyard weed. These are ultra‑processed, ultra‑potent THC chemicals. One hit can alter a developing brain." — John Puls

Connect with John Puls

• Website: https://full-life-comprehensive-care.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-puls-800261123/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/full_life_cc/

Related Episodes

• Ep 88: Baker Act, Marchman Act & Guardianship in Florida with Mark Astor

Subscribe & Share

If you found this episode helpful:

• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

• Share it with a parent, educator, or fellow clinician

• Follow and tag: #throughthevalleytherapy #theholisticcounselorpodcast #transformedmindcc

Podcast Mission

The Holistic Counselor Podcast bridges faith, science, and holistic healing—challenging stigma, equipping listeners with tools for growth, and encouraging trauma‑informed conversations across diverse communities.

Host: Diana S. Rice — Licensed Mental Health Counselor (Florida), Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional Guest: Sindy Love — Present Mama Coach, founder of Live Loved Mom, host of the top-10% Live Loved Mom podcast

Why listen: New year, fresh grace. If you're a Christian mom battling mom guilt, hurry, hustle, and comparison, this episode blends faith + brain-based tools to help you renew your mind, abide in Christ, and build real-life rhythms that actually work.

Episode at a Glance (What You'll Learn)

• The 3-step faith framework for mom guilt: Renew (Romans 12:2), Abide (John 15), Connect (biblical community).

• How cPTSD/trauma & culture can shape mom guilt—and what healing looks like with Scripture, therapy/coaching, and community.

• Presence practices for busy moms: micro-Sabbaths, breathwork, weekly/monthly "refuel" rhythms, and Scripture-anchored reframes.

• Coaching vs. counseling: clear scope, red flags that mean "therapy first," and how both can work together ethically.

• The mindset shift from performance-based to surrender-based motherhood (Galatians 1:10).

Quality Quotes (Diana S. Rice)

1. "Think of me as your psycho-educational trainer."

2. "If you don't make the time for your wellness, you're going to be forced to make time for your illness."

(Sindy Love)

1. "I call myself a recovering people pleaser."

2. "You are perfectly loved, you are free, Mama, walk in freedom."

Resources & Links Mentioned (Everything in One Place)

Sindy Love

• Present Mama Coaching & free 3-day devotional: https://livelovedmom.com

• Live Loved Mom Podcast (start with Ep. 75 featuring Diana): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/75-motherhood-mental-health-faith-based-healing-and/id1744966331?i=1000728394824

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livelovedmom/

Diana S. Rice

• Through the Valley Therapy (clinical): https://www.throughthevalleytherapy.com

• Transformed Mind Consulting & Coaching: https://transformedmindcc.com

• The Holistic Counselor Podcast playlist (YouTube): https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQFWkIv_9U7NrmG0k-EE1FOSCiMDlIXPo&si=h_A6eN556qSotNfe

Tools & Education

• ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Questionnaire (overview + questionnaire): https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/index.html

• "Brain health" framing (Daniel Amen): https://www.amenclinics.com

• "Emotional concussions" (Dr. Don Wood / Inspired Performance): https://www.inspiredperformanceinstitute.com/

Community

• MomCo (formerly MOPS) — local mom groups: https://www.momco.org

Books (mentioned in this episode)

• Women of the Word — Jen Wilkin (how to read Scripture in context) https://www.crossway.org/books/women-of-the-word-tpb/
• Uninvited — Lysa TerKeurst (rejection, people-pleasing, identity) https://www.zondervan.com/p/uninvited/
• The Gift of Being Yourself — David G. Benner (true self in Christ, spiritual formation) https://www.ivpress.com/the-gift-of-being-yourself

Scriptures Referenced

• Romans 12:2 (renewing the mind)

• John 15 (abide in the vine)

• John 10:10 (life to the full)

• Romans 8:1 (no condemnation)

• Luke 5:16 (Jesus withdrew to pray)

• Galatians 1:10 (audience of One)

• Psalm 46:10 (be still)

Networks/Origin Story

• Women's Leadership Network (GLN): https://globalleadership.org

Key Topics & Timestamps

• 00:02:37 — Sindy's early mom-guilt story: anxiety from pregnancy through daycare/school decisions; roots in childhood trauma.

• 00:06:15 — Social media + comparison: pressure cooker for modern moms; the need to process cPTSD with faith and skills.

• 00:21:54 — The 3-Step Process: Renew thoughts with God's Word → Abide in Jesus → Connect in community.

• 00:31:59 — Martha mode vs. Mary posture: moving from performance to surrender; asking "am I pleasing people or God?"

• 00:45:28 — Coaching vs. Therapy: Sindy's scope as a coach, referral to counseling when trauma/postpartum flags are present.

• 00:53:17 — Stillness & Sabbath: breathwork, Scripture in context, micro-rest to actually hear the Lord.

• 00:58:25 — Closing encouragement: freedom from guilt and shame in Christ; Romans 8:1.

Practical Takeaways (Save These)

• Daily 3-Minute Reset: 30s breath (inhale 4, exhale 6) → 60s Scripture reframe (Rom. 12:2 / John 15) → 60s gratitude prayer → 30s next right step.

• Weekly/Monthly Refuel: schedule one weekly joy practice (beach walk, call a friend) and one monthly extended reset (half-day retreat or extended prayer walk). Put it on the calendar.

• Reframe Prompt: When shame hits: "Are these thoughts true? Do they agree with God's Word?" Then replace with Scripture.

• Connection Rule: Don't do motherhood alone—find a MomCo group or a local church small group.

• Scope Check: If you notice persistent depression, postpartum concerns, trauma flashbacks, or safety issues—start with therapy; add coaching later for goals/habits.

About Our Guest

Sindy Love is a Christian Life Coach, wife, boy mom, and founder of Live Loved Mom. Her Present Mama Coaching helps Christian moms release guilt, embrace purpose, and cultivate presence in Christ. She hosts the Live Loved Mom podcast (top 10% globally).

About Your Host

Diana S. Rice is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (Florida), Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional, and host of The Holistic Counselor Podcast. Her mission: glorify God, break mental-health stigma in churches and BIPOC communities, and offer evidence-informed tools for whole-person healing.

Work with Sindy / Freebies

• Sindy's free 3-day devotional + coaching info: https://livelovedmom.com

In this conversation, Anna Marie Lopes—abuse-recovery & post-traumatic growth coach, founder of Brave & Free, and Engagement Director at the Healing & CPTSD Community Hub—shares her journey from witnessing domestic violence and surviving an abusive marriage to building a global community that helps survivors reclaim voice, identity, and freedom. We talk CPTSD vs. PTSD, spiritual abuse, self-advocacy in healthcare, and practical nervous-system regulation tools that supported her healing, all through a faith-informed lens.

Mission fit: The Holistic Counselor Podcast exists to break stigma in churches and BIPOC communities by bridging faith, science, and holistic wellness—and Anna's story models that integration in real life.

What you'll learn

• What CPTSD can look/feel like day-to-day—and why many survivors only get "anxiety/depression" labels

• How spiritual abuse hides in plain sight, and how to disentangle faith from manipulation

• Practical tools Anna used to move through flashbacks, hypervigilance, and body memories

• How community care (support circles, survivor-led spaces) accelerates healing

• When coaching helps, when licensed therapy is essential, and how they work together

• A faith-anchored reframe: separating God's character from people who misuse scripture

Notable quotes (Anna)

• "Be your own brave. The next courageous step is yours—and it may look different than anyone else's."

• "For me, the first thing was to differentiate God from men… just because someone uses the Bible doesn't mean God is a reflection of that person."

• "It was as if I was in a constant state of danger—hypervigilant… then the flashbacks and nightmares started."

• "I've been in therapy and on medication for over 10 years—healing is a long journey."

• "Self-advocacy matters. Trust your gut. If a diagnosis doesn't fit, keep asking questions."

Notable quotes (Diana)

• "Hey there, fearfully and wonderfully made humans."

• "We're never going to receive 100% healing on this side of Earth… If we did, I would not need Jesus Christ as my Savior."

• "Sometimes we chase the healing… and that becomes an idol."

• "Every human is raised by a village—and if the village has unhealthy dynamics, it's going to affect you."

• "You gotta get into the Word. Yourself. Not just what someone else says."

• "I have a hundred tools. I don't know which will work for you—I'm here as a guide."

• "Turn off that rectangle that's wrecking people. Be still and know… journal what comes up."

• "Be a curious observer of yourself—without shame."

• "Please trust in the Lord, guard your heart, and renew your mind."

Links & resources mentioned Connect with Anna

• Instagram — @iambraveandfree: https://www.instagram.com/iambraveandfree

• Coaching w/ Anna (abuse-recovery & post-traumatic growth): https://braveandfree.co/trauma-coaching

• Rediscovering Yourself After Abuse (e-workbook): https://braveandfree.co/rediscoveringyourself

CPTSD education & community

• Healing & CPTSD Community Hub: https://www.healingandcptsd.com/

• Free CPTSD Awareness Kit (The Healing & CPTSD Foundation): https://www.healingandcptsd.com/free-guides

DV identification & safety

• Power & Control Wheel (Duluth Model): https://www.theduluthmodel.org/wheels/understanding-power-control-wheel/ PDF: https://www.theduluthmodel.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/PowerandControl.pdf

• The Hotline (U.S., 24/7): https://www.thehotline.org/ | Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) | Text START to 88788

• UAE help & reporting (includes helplines like DFWAC 800-111): https://gulfnews.com/living-in-uae/safety-security/how-to-report-domestic-violence-in-the-uae-and-get-help-1.500207174 Official UAE emergency guidance: https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/justice-safety-and-the-law/handling-emergencies

• Dubai Foundation for Women & Children (DFWAC): https://findahelpline.com/countries/ae/du/topics/abuse-domestic-violence

• Maitri (culturally-specific support for South Asian survivors, U.S.): https://maitri.org/

Books we referenced

• The Body Keeps the Score — Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/313183/the-body-keeps-the-score-by-bessel-van-der-kolk-md/

• Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving — Pete Walker (incl. 13 Steps for Managing Flashbacks): https://pete-walker.com/complex_ptsd_book.html | https://www.pete-walker.com/13StepsManageFlashbacks.htm

• Twisted Scriptures: Breaking Free from Churches That Abuse — Mary Alice Chrnalogar: https://www.amazon.com/Twisted-Scriptures-Mary-Alice-Chrnalogar/dp/0310234085

Related episodes on this theme

• Ep 10 — Overcoming Domestic Violence: Biblical, Christian & Secular Counseling (Dr. Johnson)

• Ep 58 — Exposing Abuse in the Church (Rebecca Davis)

• Ep 66 — Escaping Spiritual Abuse & Church Trauma (Sowania Germain)

• Ep 90 — Christian Spiritual Abuse & Recovery (Naghmeh Abedini Panahi)

Safety note

If you're in immediate danger, call local emergency services. In the U.S., contact The Hotline 24/7: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) | thehotline.org | text START to 88788. In the UAE, DFWAC 800-111 and the official channels above can help. You are not alone.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) aren't just "therapist jargon"—they're evidence-based tools you can use today to renew your mind, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and live with more clarity and confidence.

In this episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, host Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, CTP, QS talks with Dr. Lisa Napolitano—licensed psychologist, mindfulness teacher, and President of the Florida CBT Association—about reframing stigma in therapy, tackling perfectionism and imposter syndrome, and practicing self-validation.

This conversation offers practical tools you can use right now to reshape your thoughts, regulate your emotions, and create a life worth living.

Quotes from the Episode

• Diana: "Because when we challenge our thoughts, we transform our behaviors, and in turn, our lives."

• Diana: "Do not forget to trust in the Lord, guard your heart. And renew your mind."

• Dr. Napolitano: "The most powerful way… to change your behavior is positive reinforcement, not beating yourself up, not chastising yourself."

• Dr. Napolitano: "To effectively treat suicidality, we've got to get people invested in life. Help them build what she calls the life worth living, a life that reflects your values."

Key Topics Covered

• The Two-Column Technique for overcoming imposter syndrome and confirmation bias

• Common cognitive distortions like mind-reading, "should" statements, and personalization

• How perfectionism feeds analysis paralysis—and the Continuum Technique to break free

• DBT skills: mindfulness, self-validation, and building a life aligned with your values

• Why exercise and mindfulness are first-line supports for anxiety and depression

Resources Mentioned

• Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy by David D. Burns, MD → Amazon link

• Never Good Enough: How to Use Perfectionism to Your Advantage Without Letting It Ruin Your Life by Monica Ramirez Basco → Amazon link

• The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook by Matthew McKay, Jeffrey Wood, Jeffrey Brantley → Amazon link

• Free CBT Thought Record Worksheet (Beck Institute) → Download PDF

• List of Cognitive Distortions (Therapist Aid) → View Here

• Meditation App — Insight Timer (free)

• Fitness/Mood Tracking — Strava

Connect with Dr. Lisa Napolitano

• Website: drlisanapolitano.com

• Instagram: @drlisasays

• CBT/DBT Associates: cbtdbtassociates.com

• Florida CBT Association: floridacbt.org

Connect with Diana

• Therapy (Florida residents): Through the Valley Therapy

• Consulting & Events: Transformed Mind Consulting & Coaching

• Podcast Playlist (YouTube): The Holistic Counselor Podcast

If this episode encouraged you, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts so others can find faith-aligned, evidence-based support. And don't forget to share this episode with a friend who needs encouragement today.

In this deeply vulnerable episode, Christian therapist Diana S. Rice, LMHC interviews Naghmeh Abedini Panahi about the untold story behind the Save Saeed movement. She reveals how her role as a public advocate concealed the trauma she was enduring, and how she slowly recognized spiritual, emotional, and physical abuse. We discuss how purity culture can mute God-given alarms, why "submit at all costs" is destructive, and what faith-rooted healing really looks like.

If you've ever felt unseen in your trauma or silenced by church structures, this is for you. This episode includes sensitive discussion of domestic violence and spiritual abuse.

What You'll Hear / Learn

• The hidden abuse behind public ministry and advocacy

• How purity culture suppresses internal warning systems

• Distinguishing biblical submission from enabling sin

• The ways churches often protect appearances at the expense of people

• Practical steps toward safety, boundaries, and healing after abuse

• Recommended books, ministries, and frameworks for recovery

Quotes

Naghmeh Abedini Panahi

"You're not supposed to submit to abuse and corruption." "Follow your Savior, do what He does, and God will fight your battles."

Diana S. Rice, LMHC

"It's become a high-controlling religion, and not the pure relationship of Jesus Christ, who does set us free." "It's like your check engine light is on… until your body finally shuts down."

Resources & Links Mentioned Helplines & Safety

• National Domestic Violence Hotline — call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788. thehotline.org

• Women in Distress (Broward County, FL) — local 24/7 support, advocacy & shelter: widbroward.org

Faith-Based / Christian Support

• Called to Peace Ministries — spiritual abuse resources, church training, survivor support calledtopeace.org

• Tahrir Alnisa Foundation (TAF) — ministry by Naghmeh supporting women and children impacted by abuse tahriralnisa.org

Books & Frameworks for Recovery

• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

• Why Does He Do That? by Lundy Bancroft

• The Emotionally Destructive Marriage by Leslie Vernick

• Is It Abuse? by Darby Strickland

• Power & Control Wheel (Duluth Model PDF) — helps map abusive dynamics [PDF link]

Related Episodes from The Holistic Counselor

• Ep. 10: Untangling the Threads: Biblical, Christian, and Secular Counseling — Overcoming Domestic Violence (Dr. Kate Johnson)

• Ep. 58: Exposing Abuse in the Church (Rebecca Davis)

• Ep. 65: Healing Trauma Through Faith: How to Reclaim Identity & Hope (Rebecca Medina)

• Ep. 70: Leaving an Abusive Christian Marriage (Leesha Newkirk, JD)

• Ep. 77: Reclaiming Biblical Sexuality After Trauma & Purity Culture (Dr. Carol Tanskey)

Call to Action

If you were moved by this conversation:

1. Share this episode with someone who may need to hear the hope you're hearing.

2. Bookmark the resources above — especially hotlines and Christian support ministries.

3. Subscribe + review The Holistic Counselor on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your app of choice. Your ratings and shares help others find this content in search.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call your local emergency number or reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline—don't walk this path alone.

On this New Year's Eve episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP sits down with Dr. Don Wood, PhD, creator of the TIPP (Inspired Performance Program), to explore how unresolved trauma becomes a "high-definition" memory loop and how a 4–5 hour TIPP session plus 30 days of audio can reboot the brain for calm and performance. We unpack emotional concussions, the role of faith and culture in healing, and practical tools you can apply today—without shame. Perfect for clinicians, church leaders, and anyone seeking trauma-informed, integrative mental health.

Standout Quotes

• "There's nothing wrong with you. Anxiety, depression, addiction—those are symptoms, not your identity." — Dr. Don Wood

• "Trauma is stored in high definition. When we reset the resolution, the nervous system stops calling for action on old information." — Dr. Don Wood

• "We don't paint over rust—we sand it down, prime it, then paint." — Dr. Don Wood

• "God designed us to heal. The question is: what's interfering with the healing?" — Diana S. Rice

Resources Mentioned

• Inspired Performance Institute (IPI) – Home: https://www.inspiredperformanceinstitute.com/

• TIPP Digital (30-day program): https://www.inspiredperformanceinstitute.com/tipp-digital/

• About Dr. Wood / IPI: https://www.inspiredperformanceinstitute.com/about-us/

• In-Person & Zoom Sessions (Orlando): https://www.inspiredperformanceinstitute.com/in-person/

Books by Dr. Don Wood

• Emotional Concussions

• You Must Be Out of Your Mind

• Don't Mess With My DNA — new title (coming soon; watch IPI updates): https://www.inspiredperformanceinstitute.com/

Episodes & Articles Mentioned

• Kwik Brain w/ Dr. Don Wood (the interview that sent Diana down the rabbit hole): https://www.jimkwik.com/podcasts/kwik-brain-transforming-stressful-life-events-into-motivation-with-dr-don-wood/

• Brainz Magazine – Trauma & DNA (Executive Contributor, Dr. Wood): https://www.brainzmagazine.com/post/the-impact-of-trauma-on-dna-understanding-the-transgenerational-effects

• Brainz Magazine – Healing Trauma & Rebooting Biology (2025): https://www.brainzmagazine.com/post/healing-trauma-and-restoring-youth-with-a-therapy-that-reboots-your-biology

Connect with Dr. Don Wood

• Website & Programs: https://www.inspiredperformanceinstitute.com/

• TIPP Digital: https://www.inspiredperformanceinstitute.com/tipp-digital/

• In-Person / Zoom (Orlando): https://www.inspiredperformanceinstitute.com/in-person/

Connect with Diana

Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, CTP, QS — Founder of Through the Valley Therapy & Transformed Mind Consulting & Coaching. Mission: Breaking mental-health stigma in Black/Brown communities and church spaces by bridging evidence-based therapy, holistic wellness, and faith.

Subscribe, rate, and share to help others find trauma-informed, faith-honoring care. Happy New Year!

Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of suicide, mental health crisis, and involuntary commitment. Need Help Now? Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) — available 24/7, free and confidential support. For Florida-specific help, contact 211.org or your local mobile crisis unit.

"We are not here to hurt people—we're here to help them. And sometimes, that means telling the hard truth." – Mark Astor

On this special Christmas Eve episode, Diana sits down with Mark Astor, a behavioral health attorney and former prosecutor, for a deep, transparent conversation about Florida's most misunderstood legal tools:

• The Baker Act

• The Marchman Act

• Guardianship Law

As therapists, clinicians, and families navigate the complexities of crisis care and involuntary intervention, this episode offers a non-judgmental, trauma-informed lens on what these laws really mean, when they should be used, and how they can be misused.

If you work with teens, adults with co-occurring disorders, or simply want to understand how Florida law intersects with mental health, this episode is a must-listen.

What You'll Learn:

• The key differences between the Baker Act vs. Marchman Act

• How the Guardianship statute is being used in younger populations

• Why clinicians must understand their legal power—and its consequences

• How to protect client rights without abandoning ethical care

• The risks of profit-driven crisis facilities and what sovereign immunity really means

• Real stories of misused legal action, trauma, and redemption

• What to do if a loved one has been detained, misdiagnosed, or neglected in the system

Resources Mentioned:

• Mark's Website: MentalHealthAddictionLawFirm.com

• BakerActAttorneys.com

• Office Phone: 561-419-6095

• Follow Mark on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, IG, and TikTok

Notable Quotes:

"The Marchman Act is not a punishment. It's a last-resort tool for families whose loved one's brain has been hijacked by addiction." – Mark Astor

"You're not alone. I promise you—there are people who want to help, but you have to pick up the phone." – Mark Astor

"I've seen teens Baker Acted who come out with more trauma than they went in with. This isn't a dig at the law—it's a cry for wisdom in how we apply it." – Diana Rice

"Recovery is like the stock market—up and down, but trending up if we support it right." – Mark Astor

"Faith without action in these systems doesn't protect our clients. We must be both wise and willing to learn." – Diana Rice

A Holiday Reflection from Diana:

"Christmas can stir up both joy and pain. If you're listening to this today, remember—healing doesn't stop for the holidays. Sometimes the most loving gift we can give is the courage to take action, even when it's hard."

Listen & Share:

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In this episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, host Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, CTP, QS sits down with Lidiana Cartolano, LMHC, M.Ed.—a bilingual Portuguese/English therapist and founder of VIVA Psychotherapy in Boca Raton, Florida.

Together, they discuss the unique mental health challenges faced by Brazilians and Portuguese-speaking immigrants, including immigration stress, family role pressures, cultural stigma, OCD, and faith-based misunderstandings. Lidiana also shares practical tools such as TF-CBT, play therapy, sandtray, and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR).

This conversation also highlights the Brazilian Mental Health Professionals Collective (BMHP)—the first organized network of its kind in the U.S., designed to increase access to culturally sensitive mental health providers who serve the Brazilian community.

As the year comes to a close, this episode invites you to reflect on the importance of community, culture, and connection in your own mental health journey.

Featured Quotes

"If God gives us doctors to heal our bodies, He also gives us therapists to heal our minds." — Lidiana Cartolano, LMHC

"A regulated parent can help regulate a child—but when the parent is dysregulated, that's often an unhealed part of themselves showing up." — Diana S. Rice, LMHC

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Brazilian Mental Health Professionals Collective (BMHP): www.bmhp.org

• VIVA Psychotherapy (Lidiana's practice): www.vivapsychotherapy.com

• Conexão Presente (Portuguese MBSR / Mindfulness playlist): YouTube Playlist

• The Holistic Counselor Podcast (Diana's podcast website): www.throughthevalleytherapy.com

• Book Mentioned: When Narcissism Comes to Church by Chuck DeGroat

Episode Chapters

0:00 — Intro, year-end reflection, review/share CTA 2:30 — Lidiana's journey: Psychologist in Brazil → LMHC in the U.S. 10:00 — Immigration stress: breadwinner pressure, family role shifts, burnout 13:30 — Second-generation struggles: bullying, perfectionism, OCD 21:30 — Family systems in therapy: play therapy & sandtray 31:00 — Cultural fit: language, spirituality, warmth in the therapy room 36:00 — Tools & modalities: TF-CBT, MBSR, play therapy, sandtray 54:00 — Brazilian Mental Health Professionals Collective (BMHP) 1:05:00 — Portuguese closing message & resources 1:07:00 — Outro

Call to Action

If this episode encouraged you, please take a moment to rate & review the show and share it with a friend. Your support helps others—especially in Brazilian and Portuguese-speaking communities—find culturally aligned care and resources.

Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, QS Licensed Mental Health Counselor (FL #MH18034) Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional Qualified Supervisor for Registered Interns

Therapy Website: www.throughthevalleytherapy.com Consulting & Coaching: www.transformedmindcc.com Podcast: The Holistic Counselor Podcast Blog: Liberation Lunes

Instagram: @throughthevalleytherapy @theholisticcounselorpodcast

Summary Feeling numb, burned out, or stuck in your head? In this episode, Cathy Williams, a Movement & Expressive Arts Therapist and founder of Intuitive Self in Melbourne, Australia, shares how somatic therapy, intuitive movement, and expressive arts can help you reconnect with your body, regulate emotions, and release stored trauma. We explore body mapping, breathwork, music-supported healing, vicarious trauma, and embodied social justice—all through a faith-friendly, evidence-informed lens.

About Our Guest Cathy Williams is a Movement & Expressive Arts Therapist, facilitator, trainer, and award-winning author. She founded Intuitive Self and works with adults worldwide through workshops and 1:1 sessions. Her book, Body Wisdom: A Guide to Connecting with Your Intuitive Self, blends story, poetry, and practical guidance for reconnecting with body and heart.

• Website: https://www.intuitiveself.com.au/

• About Cathy: https://www.intuitiveself.com.au/about-cathy

• Book (paperback/e-book): https://www.intuitiveself.com.au/product-page/book-body-wisdom

• Audiobook (Google Play): https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/BODY_WISDOM_A_guide_to_connecting_with_your_Intuit?hl=en_US&id=AQAAAEDSLStt6M

• Audiobook (Libro.fm): https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9798882345166-body-wisdom

• Audiobook (Barnes & Noble): https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/body-wisdom-cathy-williams/1144490979

Key Topics & Timestamps 00:00 — Show intro and mission 02:45 — Cathy's "why": from community development to somatic & arts-based work 11:20 — What somatic movement therapy is (and isn't) 20:30 — For numb/disconnected clients: breath as anchor; gentle body scan 24:50 — Body mapping: turning sensations into color/shape 33:10 — Music as a container for safe exploration 46:10 — The Five Rhythms arc: Flow → Staccato → Chaos → Lyrical → Stillness 55:30 — Embodied social justice: how systems live in the body 1:03:36 — Cathy's book Body Wisdom and how to work with her online 1:11:52 — Closing encouragement: "Trust in the Lord, guard your heart, renew your mind."

Try-It-Today Tools

• 60-Second Breath Check — Notice your breath without changing it.

• Micro Body Scan — Crown → jaw → shoulders → chest → belly → hips → knees → feet.

• Body Map Card — Draw a simple outline and mark sensations with colors/lines.

• Song-Length Intuitive Move — Let one body part lead to instrumental music.

• Anger Circuit — 30s stomping + 30s shaking + 6 deep breaths + journaling.

Resources Mentioned

• Tamalpa Institute (Anna & Daria Halprin): https://www.tamalpa.org/

• 5Rhythms (Gabrielle Roth): https://www.5rhythms.com/gabrielle-roths-5rhythms/

• Amber Elizabeth Gray: https://ambergray.com/

• Documentary Born Into Brothels: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0388789/

Work With Cathy Global 1:1 sessions and practitioner trainings: https://www.intuitiveself.com.au/

Work With Diana / Media

• Therapy (Florida only) — Through the Valley Therapy

• Consulting, Coaching & Events — Transform Mind Consulting & Coaching

• Podcast guest pitches — mission-aligned only (faith + science + holistic healing).

Contact Diana: [email protected]

Sponsors — Partner With Us Our audience: clinicians, coaches, faith-informed wellness seekers, community leaders. Perfect fit: CEU platforms, mental health tech, somatic/breathwork trainings, ethical supplements, counseling resources, journaling tools, clean wellness brands. Media kit & inquiries: [email protected] (Subject: "Sponsor — Holistic Counselor Podcast")