In this episode I will continue with the theme for suicide awareness month. I will be discussing 5 myths associated with suicide. Also what we can do to help prevent the possibility of suicide. This includes things like knowing the signs and talking about suicide in a proactive manner. I also give suggestions for ways we can help those struggling with suicidal thoughts. Finally, I talk about loss and how those who have lost loved ones to Suicide can heal. For more info on me go to my website www.thevegastherapist.com. You can also follow me on Instagram @thevegastherapist

In this episode I welcome in my guests Ben Olsen, Dakota Lotus, and Sophie Pecora. They are all singer, song writers and actors! They are 3 teens who recently released a song written by Ben called Choose to Stay. The song is being promoted in connection with Suicide Prevention Month. The song wonderful, inspiring, and has a great message for those who may be contemplating ending their life. I talk to them about the song and what it means to them and also I get their perspective on the challenges teens face and how they handle those struggles themselves. They were great guests and have such an important message to share. The song Choi’s to Stay is available on ITunes or you can watch the video on YouTube. You can follow them on Instagram @benolsenmusic @dakotalotus @sophiapecora Also look for me on my website at www.thevegastherapist.com or you can follow me on Instagram @thevegastherapist

Had the pleasure of having Dr. Benjamin Hardy on the podcast. He is the author of Personality Isn’t Permanent. We had a great discussion about personality development, the impact of trauma on personality, rewriting your story, and the development of your future self. You won’t want to miss. We also discussed how meaning is shaped during emotional experiences which then gets tied to our identity. For more information about Dr. Hardy please visit his website where you can find his free 30 Day Future Self Program. You can also visit my website www.thevegastherapist.com or follow me on Instagram @thevegastherapist I also have my Facebook Group page as well.

In this episode I welcome in my guest Pam Heggie. Pam is married, and is a mom to 7 children, she is a High Fitness Instructor and most importantly an advocate for mental health and therapy. Pam has experienced significant loss in her life, first with her brother, then she lost her twin boys who were born premature, and most recently she lost her dad to cancer. So to say she is an expert in grief and loss is an understatement! We talk about her journey through grief and what brought her to therapy. We also discuss her healing journey with treatments such as EMDR and ultimately what she has learned about herself through this process. She is an amazing person and has lots of great insight for everyone. You can follow her @pamelacollen on Instagram. For more on me, go to www.thevegastherapist.com and you can also follow me on Instagram @thevegastherapist or join my Facebook group page The Vegas Therapist Podcat - Ryan Wynder

In this episode I will tackle the topic of low grade depression. Earlier this week Michelle Obama acknowledged she had been dealing with what she called “low grade depression.” She also spoke about the things that she felt were contributing to her depression. I will define low grade depression or what I often refer to as situational depression and talk about ways we can cope. Treatment can be simple but like with any form of depression finding the motivation to do the things will help is often the challenge. Other factors contributing to depression are stress and loss. I also briefly touch on the topic of sex trafficking as a prelude to my upcoming episode and guest. For more info visit my website www.thevegastherapist.com you can also follow me on Instagram @thevegastherapist or join my Facebook Group The Vegas Therapist Podcast - Ryan Wynder.

In this episode I will be discussing 3 components of Trauma. 1. The science of trauma, which includes understanding how the brain is impacted by trauma. In reference to the book The Body Keeps the Score areas impacted include the amygdala, the frontal lobe, and thalamus areas. The result of damage to the brain is we misinterpret dangerous situation, have a lack of control over emotions and impulses, and experience sensory overload! 2. Help in identifying patterns in our life that are connected to our trauma. We organize our life as if the trauma is continuing, thus creating patterns that are not good for our well being. I give various examples of what that looks like in real life. 3. I will discuss what treatment should look like and how you begin the process of healing. That includes modality such as EMDR as well as dealing with the shame that is attached to our trauma. In healing our trauma it is also important to have an “empathetic witness” and be taught to live in the present. This episode is packed full of great information in regards to understanding and transforming our trauma. You can find me at www.thevegastherapist.com or follow me on Instagram @thevegastherapist, I also have a Facebook group The Vegas Therapist Podcast - Ryan Wynder

In this episode NHL Legend Theo Fleury joins the podcast. Theo’s resume includes a World Junior Championship, a Stanley Cup Champion, and he helped Canada win a Gold Medal at the 2002 Olympic Games. He is also an author, his books include “Playing with Fire” and “Conversations with Rattlesnakes”. He is a speaker and a relational trauma expert. You can find him at www.theofleury.life You can also follow him on Instagram @theofleury14. In this episode our focus is on trauma and how to heal our trauma. Theo experienced a great deal of trauma in his early life that led to addiction or as he calls it, emotional pain management! He felt trapped in his pain and did not feel safe in order to release it. His healing process has been amazing and now he helps others in their journey to heal. He is the real deal and has a genuine desire to help others. He is also very aware of the fact that healing is a life long journey and it’s something we have to be continually working on. I hope you enjoy all he has to offer! Check out my website at www.thevegastherapist.com or my Follow me on Instagram @thevegastherapist

In this episode I will be discussing the development of mental toughness with young athletes. My guest, former 1st round draft pick, Chad Hermansen weighs in on the topic. Chad has developed a program for young athletes called Mental Edge Training (www.mentaledge.training). You can also find him on YouTube as he interviews and number of coaches and players. We talk about his experiences in the Major leagues and how he dealt with the pressure of being a first round pick and the mental toughness/belief system that caused him some struggles. We discuss the development of young athletes today and of course we touch and the importance of being vulnerable and open when dealing with your performance struggles.

In this episode I will be taking on the coping strategy of avoidance. This age old strategy is problematic on so many levels. Avoidance is provoked when our emotions move beyond our comfort zone and our mind tells it’s the easy way to avoid pain! Long term avoidance compounds our difficulties and restricts our capacity to feel... www.thevegastherapist.com. Instagram - @thevegastherapist

In this episode myself and my guest, fellow therapist Tyler Rich, discuss the emotional obstacles men face. We try and debunk the Guy Code, where sharing our emotions is considered weak. We discuss the beliefs and stories we have about our emotions and why sharing them requires us to break down these stories.. Toxic shame is another hot topic we tackle, how men can identify shame and begin the process of working through it. We also discuss obstacles to communicating/connecting in relationships. This is a must listen for both men and women! Check out www.richerlifecounseling.com Also check out the Disney Therapist Podcast