In this deeply moving conversation, Diana sits down with John Acosta, founder of ZuluOne, to explore the healing power of Family Constellation Therapy and what it means to release what was never ours to carry. After attending his workshop at the 10th Annual South Florida Behavioral Health Conference, Diana knew John's message needed to reach more people—especially those navigating generational trauma, codependency, and systemic burdens.

What You'll Hear in Episode 76

• Why John named his organization ZuluOne and how it honors the spiritual roots of this healing work

• The true origin of Family Constellation Therapy and its connection to the Zulu tribe and Bert Hellinger

• How unresolved trauma and shame silently echo through families and generations

• A breakdown of how constellation sessions work—with real examples from John's personal story and live workshops

• What "we become what we reject" means in the healing process

• Why healing requires humility, choice, and grace, not just insight

• How John blends faith, science, and ritual to help others release inherited pain

• The powerful group healing ritual involving the Circle of Brotherhood and the passing back of 13 generations of pain

• A short guided meditation to ground the listener in gratitude for life and lineage

Quotes to Remember

"We become what we reject." – John Acosta "It's not therapy, it's grace. That's the only word for it." – John Acosta "I thought I was going to another lecture, and instead I witnessed sacred, embodied truth." – Diana S. Rice "Healing doesn't start with fixing someone else—it starts with choosing to stop carrying what's not ours." – Diana S. Rice

Resources & Links Mentioned

• John Acosta's Website: https://www.zuluone.org

• ZuluOne Podcast: Buzzsprout, Spotify, Amazon, YouTube

• Contact to Book John: Cindy Biggs, CEO – [email protected]

• It Didn't Start with You by Mark Wolynn – Amazon

• Another Self (Netflix series on Family Constellations)

• Encanto (Disney film featuring generational trauma themes)

• John's Substack Essay: If I Was the Devil: How Trauma Keeps Us Divided – https://johnacosta.substack.com

Connect with John

• IG: @zuluonepodcast

• Website: www.zuluone.org

• Book a session or host a workshop: Contact Page

• Read his newsletter: Systemic Newsletter on Substack

Episode Reflection

This episode is a reminder that healing doesn't just happen in the mind—it happens in the body, in community, and in the spirit. John's lived experience and spiritual humility invite us to look deeper at the systems we're born into, and the ones we're meant to restore.

Whether you're a therapist, a cycle breaker, or someone hungry for healing, Episode 76 offers hope, tools, and a gentle nudge toward transformation.

Subscribe & Follow

Follow The Holistic Counselor Podcast for weekly episodes where faith, science, and holistic mental health meet. IG: @theholisticcounselorpodcast Learn more: throughthevalleytherapy.com

Support This Work Each episode takes 3–5 hours to prepare, research, record, and produce with care, intentionality, and trauma-informed planning. If this podcast has encouraged you, supported your growth, or offered meaningful insight, one way to help keep it independent and ad-free is by visiting the merch store. Your purchase helps sustain thoughtful, holistic conversations on mental, emotional, relational, and spiritual well-being for listeners around the world.

Explore the collection: https://theholisticcounselorpodcast.printful.me/

If this episode helped you, please take a moment to leave a review or share it with someone who might benefit. Reviews are one of the most impactful ways to help others discover the show.

In Episode 75 of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, CTP, QS (Through the Valley Therapy & Transformed Mind Consulting and Coaching) sits down with Aisha T. McDonald, LMHC, Suicidologist, CTP, to explore suicide prevention, cultural identity, and rest as resistance. Learn crisis warning signs, immediate next steps, free resources, and empathy‑driven strategies to challenge mental health stigma.

Content Warning: This episode discusses suicide, trauma, and mental illness. Please prioritize your well‑being—pause or skip if needed.

Episode Overview

In this deeply insightful conversation, host Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, CTP, QS (Through the Valley Therapy & Transformed Mind Consulting and Coaching) and Aisha T. McDonald, LMHC, Suicidologist, CTP (Director of Training Initiatives, United Way of Broward County) cover:

• Suicide Prevention — warning signs, the role of a suicidologist, Florida's Baker Act, etc

• Cultural Identity — reclaiming "Hotep" (Afro‑holistic consciousness), navigating multi‑faith households, raising multi‑ethnic children

• Rest as Resistance — micro‑breaks, breathwork, grounding techniques inspired by The Nap Ministry

• Challenging Stigma — practical scripts, fact‑based compassion in faith and diverse communities

• Actionable Support Steps — how clinicians, caregivers, educators, and friends can intervene effectively

Key Topics Discussed

• "Hotep" Defined: Afro‑centric philosophy of holistic wellness, ancestral pride, multi‑faith unity.

• Suicidology 101: Training in psychological autopsies; crisis intervention best practices.

• Legal Frameworks: Baker Act (FL) vs. California's 5150 and other state involuntary holds.

• Mental Health Stigma: Debunking "weakness" myths; brain = organ.

• Rest as Resistance: Scheduling 5–10 min daily for breathwork, sun grounding, or power naps.

• Support Scripts & Tools: "Hey [Name], I've noticed you've been off—can we talk?"

Warning Signs Someone May Be in Crisis

• Talking about wanting to die or kill themselves

• Withdrawing from loved ones or favorite activities

• Insomnia or sleeping too much

• Reckless or risk‑taking behaviors

• Expressing hopelessness, worthlessness, or being a burden

• Sudden mood swings or uncharacteristic calmness

• Giving away prized possessions

What to Do Next

1. Reach Out by Name

   "Hey [Name], I've noticed you seem really down. I'm here to listen."

2. Stay with Them

   • If actively suicidal, remain present and call 988 immediately.

3. Share Credible Resources

   • 988 Lifeline Warning Signs → https://988lifeline.org/en/warning-signs/

   • NAMI: Warning Signs & Symptoms → https://www.nami.org/About‑Mental‑Illness/Warning‑Signs‑and‑Symptoms

4. Encourage Professional Help

   • Offer to locate a therapist or accompany them to crisis services.

5. Follow Up

   "Just checking in—how are you doing since we talked?"

Resources & Links

• Crisis & Helplines

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline → Call/text 988 | https://988lifeline.org

  • NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) → https://www.nami.org

  • 211 Community Resource Hotline → Dial 211 or https://www.211.org

• United Way of Broward County

  • Main site → https://www.unitedwaybroward.org

  • Behavioral Health & Drug Prevention Commission → https://www.drugfreebroward.org

  • Be Healthy Broward initiative → https://www.drugfreebroward.org/be-healthy-broward

• Self‑Care & Rest

  • The Nap Ministry (Tricia Hersey) → https://thenapministry.com

  • Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto → https://thenapministry.com/book

• Clinician Referrals

  • Anika T. McDonald, LCSW (neurodiversity, LGBTQ+, youth) via Alma → https://www.helloalma.com

Contact Info

Aisha T. McDonald, LMHC, Suicidologist, CTP

• LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/aisha-mcdonald-lmhc

• Email → [email protected]

Host & Guest Bios

Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, CTP, QS Founder of Through the Valley Therapy & Transformed Mind Consulting and Coaching. Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional, and Qualified Supervisor.

Aisha T. McDonald, LMHC, Suicidologist, CTP, Certified Trauma Professional Director of Training Initiatives at United Way of Broward County; national speaker, DEI consultant, and trauma expert who has trained thousands in Mental Health First Aid and crisis intervention.

Practical Takeaways

• Mental Health is Health: Treat your brain like any other organ—get help early.

• Connection Heals: Routine check‑ins can prevent crises.

• Rest Empowers: Guard 5–10 min daily for breathing or grounding exercises.

• Fact‑Based Compassion: Counter stigma with clear information and empathy.

Call to Action

1. Share this episode with someone who needs it.

2. Tag us on Instagram @theholisticounselorpodcast .

3. Interested in MHFA training or speaking? Connect with Aisha on LinkedIn.

4. You're Not Alone: Reach out—988, NAMI, 211, or a trusted friend.

Support This Work

Each episode takes 3–5 hours to create with care, prayer, and trauma-informed preparation. If you want to support this work and help keep the podcast sponsor-free, you can do so by visiting the merch store. Your purchase helps us continue offering Christ-centered, holistic mental-health conversations to listeners around the world. https://theholisticcounselorpodcast.printful.me/

In this powerful episode, Diana sits down with Dr. LaNette Burgess—licensed clinical social worker, school-based therapist, and expert in adolescent mental health—to unpack the unseen struggles of Black and Brown girls navigating school systems, trauma, and cultural expectations.

Dr. Burgess shares her journey from witnessing mental illness in a childhood friend's family to becoming a fierce advocate for girls often labeled as "loud," "disruptive," or "aggressive" without acknowledgment of their pain. Together, they explore how bias, adultification, and the myth of the "strong Black woman" fuel cycles of burnout, especially for high-achieving women in faith-based and underserved communities.

They also dive deep into the spiritual and clinical realities of healing, rest, identity, and how to offer real support—whether you're a parent, therapist, teacher, or someone trying to break generational cycles.

Quotes to Remember

"You can only give out of your overflow. If your cup is empty, that's your cue to be still." — Dr. LaNette Burgess

"Many Black and Brown girls are being punished for having a body, not for breaking a rule." — Dr. LaNette Burgess

"We think perfection will lead to peace, but sometimes doing everything 'right' still leaves us feeling lost." — Dr. LaNette Burgess

"I say 'fearfully and wonderfully made' every episode because Psalm 139:14 reminds us of our worth—no matter how the world treats us." — Diana S. Rice

Tools & Resources Mentioned

• Documentary: Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools by Dr. Monique W. Morris

• Tool: Anger Iceberg Worksheet – Free download to explore what's beneath anger

• Study Referenced: Georgetown Law's "Girlhood Interrupted" – The Adultification of Black Girls

• Scripture: Psalm 139:14 and Genesis 16 – "El Roi: The God Who Sees Me"

• Therapy Concept: Adultification Bias, Trauma Responses in Schools, "Martha Syndrome" in Christian Women

Connect with Dr. LaNette Burgess

• Website: embracetherapyinfaith.clientsecure.me

• Email: [email protected]

• Licenses: FL, NY, NH, TX

• Accepts major insurance | Offers virtual sessions

• Also on Psychology Today & Alma

Connect with Diana

• Website: throughthevalleytherapy.com

• Instagram: @theholisticcounselorpodcast | @throughthevalleytherapy

Final Word

If you've ever felt unseen, overwhelmed, or stuck in high-functioning survival mode—this episode will speak to your soul. Remember, rest is not laziness. Asking for help is not weakness. And healing begins with awareness.

Listen now, share it with someone who needs this conversation, and subscribe so you don't miss next week's episode.

Support This Work

Each episode takes 3–5 hours to create with care, prayer, and trauma-informed preparation. If you want to support this work and help keep the podcast sponsor-free, you can do so by visiting the merch store. Your purchase helps us continue offering Christ-centered, holistic mental-health conversations to listeners around the world. https://theholisticcounselorpodcast.printful.me/

If you've ever asked yourself, "Why do I feel stuck even though I've done everything right?" — this episode is for you. In Episode 73 of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, host Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP sits down with Dr. Jasmine Escalera, a TEDx speaker, former pharmacologist, and transformational career coach for women of color, to dive deep into the invisible blocks keeping many high-achieving women in cycles of burnout, self-doubt, and survival.

Together, they explore how generational trauma, scarcity mindsets, and imposter syndrome shape the inner landscape of women—especially those from culturally diverse and first-generation backgrounds. If you're ready to shift from surviving to thriving, this conversation will equip you with powerful questions, healing tools, and mindset shifts that you can actually start using today.

Whether you're on the edge of a career pivot, feeling spiritually or emotionally drained, or just starting to ask "What do I truly want?"—this episode blends holistic mental health, career wisdom, and faith-based insight into a roadmap for real transformation.

What You'll Learn:

• The science and soul behind imposter syndrome

• How to identify inherited scarcity mindsets

• Why generational trauma shows up in your nervous system

• Somatic and ancestral healing tools for Black and Brown communities

• Mindset practices for first-gen professionals and cycle-breakers

• How to start rewriting toxic internal narratives today

• Daily rituals and habits that lead to freedom, clarity, and confidence

• Jasmine's "Courage Crew" and how to join the next cohort

Mic-Drop Quotes:

"Scarcity got me far—but it's no longer my default. I wrote it a thank-you letter… then said goodbye." — Dr. Jasmine Escalera

"If you're fearfully and wonderfully made, the lie of not enough has no place in your story." — Diana S. Rice

"Imposter syndrome is not just yours — it's inherited. And that means you get to be the one to break it." — Dr. Jasmine Escalera

"You are your world. You get to change it. That power can't be taken from you." — Dr. Jasmine Escalera

Resources Mentioned:

• Break the Cycle: A Guide to Healing Intergenerational Trauma by Dr. Mariel Buqué

• The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk

• ACE Score (Adverse Childhood Experience) Test

• YouTube University (seriously!)

• Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning -

  "Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom."

• The Courage Crew (coming back Fall 2025)

Connect with Dr. Jasmine Escalera:

• Instagram: @jasmineescaleracoaching

• LinkedIn: Dr. Jasmine Escalera

• Website: www.jasmineescalera.com

Support the Podcast

If this episode spoke to you, please share it with a friend, leave a rating, or tag us on social media. Your support helps us reach more hearts and create more conversations that heal.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Instagram: @theholisticcounselorpodcast Learn more: www.throughthevalleytherapy.com

Support This Work

Each episode takes 3–5 hours to create with care, prayer, and trauma-informed preparation. If you want to support this work and help keep the podcast sponsor-free, you can do so by visiting the merch store. Your purchase helps us continue offering Christ-centered, holistic mental-health conversations to listeners around the world. https://theholisticcounselorpodcast.printful.me/

Welcome, fearfully and wonderfully made humans! In this powerful episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, CTP, QS, sits down with Dr. Nancy Beliveau—Top Doctor of Functional Medicine and founder of the Holistic Wholeness Institute—to unpack the science, emotion, and theology behind hormone health and its profound impact on mental wellness.

Dr. Nancy shares her own journey from misdiagnosis and medical gaslighting to radical healing through functional medicine. She reveals how underlying hormonal imbalances like PCOS, Hashimoto's, estrogen dominance, and adrenal dysfunction are often dismissed by conventional healthcare, leading many women to feel unheard and stuck on lifelong medications.

Together, Diana and Dr. Nancy explore how the root causes of anxiety, depression, and fatigue can be uncovered through deeper testing, intentional lifestyle changes, and faith-informed care. They also talk about the importance of integration—biology, psychology, and theology—and the freedom that comes from learning to advocate for yourself.

Quotes to Share:

• "You are worthy. You are worth it. You are deserving of feeling good." — Dr. Nancy Beliveau

• "No two women are the same. Our biology, psychology, and theology all intersect uniquely." — Diana S. Rice, LMHC

Key Topics Covered:

• Functional labs vs. conventional labs: what you're not being told

• Root causes of mood swings, fatigue, and PMS

• Hormone myths: the truth about estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone

• The "second puberty" of midlife women

• Why traditional lab panels miss thyroid and hormone issues

• How faith, nutrition, breathwork, and nervous system regulation support hormone healing

• Addressing guilt around medication with compassion and discernment

• Internal Family Systems (IFS) and trauma-informed mental health care

• How to detox safely without extremes

• Empowering men's health too: low testosterone, ED, and emotional suppression

Resources Mentioned:

• Holistic Wholeness Institute Free Masterclasses

• No Bad Parts by Dr. Richard Schwartz

• Breathly App and Pause App for breathwork

• Functional testing options: Dutch Test, salivary hormone testing, full thyroid panels

• Supplement mentions: Saccharomyces boulardii, lavender capsules, DIM, Maca

Guest Bio: Dr. Nancy Beliveau is a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, Top Doctor of Functional Medicine, and founder of the Holistic Wholeness Institute. After years of struggling with unexplained health issues and being dismissed by traditional medicine, Dr. Nancy discovered functional medicine and experienced profound healing. She now dedicates her life to helping others uncover root causes and achieve true wellness—mind, body, and spirit.

Connect with Dr. Nancy: Website: https://holisticwholenessinstitute.com Instagram: @holisticwholenessinstitute

Connect with Diana: Website: https://throughthevalleytherapy.com Instagram: @throughthevalleytherapy Podcast Instagram: @theholisticcounselorpodcast

Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or psychological care. Always consult with licensed professionals before making any health decisions.

CTA: If this episode spoke to you, share it with a friend, leave a review, and subscribe for more truth-driven conversations that honor faith, science, and healing.

In this deeply moving and empowering episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, host Diana S. Rice sits down with therapist, group practice owner, and therapist-mom coach Kristin Mervich, LCSW. Kristin shares her raw and courageous journey of navigating her son's Stage 4 Neuroblastoma diagnosis while continuing to lead a group practice, raise two young children, and coach fellow therapist-moms on how to work part-time with full-time pay.

This episode explores the intersection of motherhood, grief, entrepreneurship, and mental health with bold honesty and spiritual depth. You'll hear about:

• Kristin's personal journey into private practice and coaching

• The moment she learned of her son's cancer diagnosis

• How she emotionally regulates through crisis

• Using identity journaling as a tool for hope and vision

• The myth of "balance" and why integration matters more

• How her group practice functions without traditional admin

• Coaching other therapist-moms through fear and into sustainable business models

Whether you're a clinician, a mother, or a woman holding grief and responsibility simultaneously, this episode offers soul-level encouragement and practical strategies you can implement today.

Topics Covered:

• Emotional resilience for therapists and caregivers

• Parenting during medical trauma

• Somatic and nutritional tools for anxiety and burnout

• Creating slow mornings and sustainable schedules

• Breaking free from the guilt around money, motherhood, and ambition

• Faith, surrender, and finding God in the unknown

Key Quotes:

"It's not about being Superwoman. It's about integration—and creating a life that works for the person you are right now." —Kristin Mervich "We don't have to freeze in fear. We can face everything and rise—even when we're grieving." —Diana S. Rice

Resources & Mentions:

• Kristin's Group Practice: Outsmarting Anxiety & OCD

• Therapist Mom Coaching: @therapreneurmother on Instagram

• Free Resource: Private Practice Mom's Playbook

• Podcasts mentioned: Entrepreneurial Therapist, EmpowerHER, Millionaire Mother, Momset

• Book Mentioned: The Practice by Seth Godin

Connect with Kristin:

• Email: [email protected]

• Instagram: @therapreneurmother

Connect with Diana:

• Website: www.throughthevalleytherapy.com

• Instagram: @throughthevalleytherapy

• Podcast Instagram: @theholisticcounselorpodcast

Host: Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP

Founder of Through the Valley Therapy + Transformed Mind Consulting & Coaching Creator of The Holistic Counselor Podcast

Guest: Leesha C. Newkirk, JD

Christian Family Law Attorney | Certified Mediator | Mom of 6 | Advocate for Survivors

What We Talk About:

• What spiritual abuse really looks like in a marriage

• How the Church often misuses "biblical submission"

• Why divorce isn't failure—it's discernment

• Leesha's powerful testimony and how she found healing

• How to protect your kids, assets, and peace during high-conflict separation

• Why consulting with a trauma-informed attorney changes everything

Real Quotes, Real Talk

Diana:

"You are not weak because you cry. You are not broken because you feel. Emotions are a signal, not a sin."

Leesha:

"You can go through a divorce without losing everything. You don't have to ruin your children or burn the house down. There is a better way."

"God is not mad at you for protecting yourself. He is not disappointed that you chose safety."

Resources We Mentioned

• Bruce Law Firm, P.A. (Where Leesha practices) https://brucepa.com Palm Beach County, FL | Legal services for Florida residents

• Tia Levings' Memoir: A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy Amazon | Macmillan

• Call to Peace Ministries https://www.calltopeace.org

• Stay Married Florida – Legal + spiritual education hub https://staymarriedflorida.com

• Other Podcast Episodes to Listen To: Ep. 58 – Untwisting Scripture with Rebecca Davis Ep. 10 – Religious Trauma & Domestic Abuse in the Church with Dr. Kate Johnson

• Duluth Model: Christian Power & Control Wheel PDF — A faith-adapted guide to understanding spiritual abuse and coercive control in Christian relationships.

Connect with Diana S. Rice

• Website:

  • Through the Valley Therapy

  • Transformed Mind Consulting & Coaching

• Instagram:

  • @throughthevalleytherapy

  • @transformedmindcc

  • @theholisticcounselorpodcast

Connect with Leesha C. Newkirk, JD

• Website: https://brucepa.com (Use contact form or phone listed on site to request consult)

Welcome, fearfully and wonderfully made human!

This episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast is a powerful dive into parenting, psychological evaluations, and how to better support neurodivergent kids—especially in the midst of trauma, divorce, and diagnostic confusion. Diana welcomes Dr. Staci Weiner, a licensed clinical psychologist and certified school psychologist, for a deep, practical, and grace-filled conversation about trauma, resilience, and reclaiming confidence in parenting.

Dr. Weiner is the founder of Apple Psychological, a multidisciplinary mental health practice with locations in Boca Raton, FL, and Roslyn Heights, NY. With nearly 20 years of experience, she offers psychological evaluations, forensic consultations, psychotherapy, and group therapy services for children, teens, and adults.

Together, Diana and Dr. Weiner unpack key challenges families face—including cultural stigma, the misuse of labels like autism or ADHD, the reality of co-parenting through high-conflict divorces, and how CBT can be life-changing not just for kids, but for overwhelmed parents.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why routine and predictability are critical for neurodivergent children

• How unresolved trauma shows up in parenting and relationships

• Tools parents can use to co-regulate during chaos (hello, distress tolerance!)

• The truth about psychological evaluations—what they are, why they matter, and how they're misunderstood

• Cognitive distortions commonly seen in divorcing parents and how to reframe them

• Cultural misunderstandings in mental health diagnosis and why context matters

• The difference between labeling and truly seeing someone for who they are

• Why validation and a healthy community are essential for healing

Quotes to Remember:

"You actually see my child for who they are—not as a label, but as a human being." – Parent to Dr. Staci Weiner

"Not everyone can afford therapy—but you can still take agency over your healing." – Diana S. Rice

Resources Mentioned:

• Apple Psychological Practice

• Robson Forensic, Inc.

• Myers-Briggs Personality Assessment (Free)

• Love Languages Assessment

• List of Cognitive Distortions (PDF)

• Episode 68 with Dr. Benson Fox

Connect with Dr. Staci Weiner:

• Website: applepsychological.com

• Practice Locations: Boca Raton, FL + Roslyn Heights, NY

• Forensic Work: Robson Forensic

• Contact: Call or schedule via applepsychological.janeapp.com

Join the Divorce Support Group (Florida + Virtual)

• Pathways to Peace – A supportive hybrid group for women navigating divorce or separation. Includes education and guest experts. Contact Apple Psychological to schedule a free consult with Dr. Aisha Robinson.

Connect with Diana:

• Website: throughthevalleytherapy.com

• Coaching & Consulting: transformedmindcc.com

• Instagram: @theholisticcounselorpodcast | @throughthevalleytherapy

• Podcast: The Holistic Counselor Podcast (new episodes every Wednesday!)

What does it really mean to be "on the spectrum"—and why are so many adults just now getting diagnosed?

In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, Diana sits down with Dr. Benson Fox, Psy.D., an Orthodox Jewish psychologist, school counselor, professor, and group leader of Adulting on the Spectrum, to explore the truths, myths, and real-life challenges of navigating adult life as a neurodivergent person.

They unpack the confusion around late diagnoses, the overlap with trauma, and how stigma shows up—especially in faith-based, immigrant, and culturally diverse communities. This is an honest conversation for parents, professionals, or anyone who's ever wondered, "Do I fit this spectrum—and what now?"

What You'll Learn

• What autism spectrum disorder really is (and isn't)

• How to tell the difference between quirks, trauma, and ASD

• The truth about overdiagnosis and one-session labels

• Why many adults in minority and religious communities are misdiagnosed or missed

• How faith can be a source of resilience—or confusion—in neurodivergent care

• Practical tips for families navigating school IEPs and services

• What HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services) actually provides

• Why diagnoses are not for life—and why reevaluation matters

• The problem with "high vs. low functioning" labels in the DSM

Mic Drop Quotes

"Diagnoses are not for life. Legally, most are only valid for three years—and yet people internalize them forever." — Dr. Benson Fox

"Support shouldn't be dependent on a label. Let's treat the symptoms, not just diagnose the person." — Dr. Benson Fox

"As a therapist, my job isn't to impose faith—but ignoring someone's spirituality can be a form of clinical neglect." — Diana S. Rice

"You are the expert of your life. We're just here to walk with you for part of the journey." — Dr. Benson Fox

"We are biology, psychology, and theology—a biopsychotheo being. And healing has to touch all three." — Diana S. Rice

Resources Mentioned

• Dr. Benson Fox's website: www.drbensonfox.com

• Apple Psychological (Dr. Fox's group practice): www.applepsychological.com

• Florida Autism Resources:

  • Florida DOH: Bright Expectations Autism Support

  • Autism Speaks: www.autismspeaks.org

  • Autism Florida – Adulthood Resources: www.autismfl.org/adulthood

  • Palm Beach Autism Club: www.palmbeachautismclub.com

• HCBS Providers (New York Examples):

  • FSSNY

  • OHEL

  • Yaldeinu

• Check your local college or university counseling center for social skills groups and accommodations

Stay Connected with Diana

• Instagram – The Holistic Counselor Podcast: @theholisticcounselorpodcast

• Instagram – Through the Valley Therapy: @throughthevalleytherapy

• Instagram – Transformed Mind Consulting & Coaching: @transformedmindcc

• Website – Therapy: www.throughthevalleytherapy.com

• Website – Consulting & Coaching: www.transformedmindcc.com

Final Reminder

Trust in the Lord. Guard your heart. Renew your mind. Share this episode with someone who needs clarity, community, or just a little bit of hope.

Feeling stuck on psychiatric meds and wondering if there's another way?

This episode will change the game.

Today I'm joined by Dr. Amy O'Donnell, a brilliant integrative psychiatrist who specializes in psychiatric deprescribing and women's mental health. She's helping clients move from surviving on scripts to thriving in mind, body, and spirit.

Amy and I get real about the limits of traditional psychiatry, the risks of long-term medication use, and how integrative care offers hope and healing—especially for women navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and reproductive life stages.

This conversation is a must-listen for therapists, Christian clinicians, and women in their 20s and 30s who are done with the one-size-fits-all model and ready for faith-informed, evidence-based alternatives.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• What deprescribing actually means—and how to do it safely

• Why psychiatric meds should be a last resort, not the first step

• The risks of benzos, SSRIs, and antipsychotics—especially long term

• How trauma, pregnancy, and meds interact (and what most providers miss)

• Why faith and science aren't opposites—they can work together

• Practical, affordable holistic strategies (backed by research!)

• What to ask your psychiatrist if you're considering tapering

Quotes to Remember:

"I was trained to prescribe—no one taught me how to deprescribe. That's what woke me up." — Dr. Amy O'Donnell

"Just because you're on medication now doesn't mean you'll be on it forever." — Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP

"Some clients tell me, 'I've been on meds since I was 13, and now I want to have a baby—what do I do?' That's why this conversation matters." — Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP

"We don't just treat brains—we treat people with stories, trauma, and purpose." — Dr. O'Donnell

"Small steps lead to big shifts. Start with what you can do today." — Dr. O'Donnell

Holistic Tools & Resources Mentioned:

• Open Path Collective – Affordable online therapy options

• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) – National support and education

• The Emotion Wheel PDF – For emotional regulation

• [Fish Oil & Multivitamins] – Evidence-based support for depression/anxiety

• Mind-body practices: yoga, tai chi, breathwork, grounding

• Functional nutrition: real food > processed, healthy fats, protein balance

• Apps: Insight Timer, Headspace for mindfulness

• Conscious Clinician Collective

Related Episodes You'll Love:

• Ep. 18 – Radical Truths in Mental Health with Dr. Roger McFillin

• Ep. 58 – How Scripture Gets Weaponized & How to Heal with Rebecca Davis

A Faith-Informed Mental Health Lens

We also explore how the faith community often misunderstands mental illness, labeling it as weakness or even demonic. Amy and I unpack the damage that causes and why holistic, Christ-centered care is about empowerment, not shame.

"Your biology, psychology, and theology are all divinely connected. You are fearfully and wonderfully made." — Diana

Connect with Dr. Amy O'Donnell:

• Website: naturesplowpsych.com

• Licensed in: Florida & Pennsylvania

• Offering virtual services and relocating to Northeast Florida in 2026

Support the Mission:

Like this episode on YouTube Leave an honest review wherever you listen (Apple, Spotify, etc.) Share it with a friend who's navigating mental health with faith Follow us and tag your insights: @theholisticcounselorpodcast | @throughthevalleytherapy | @transformedmindcc