This Way Up

Close your eyes and transport yourself back to the awkwardness of being a 14 or 15-year-old, navigating the maze of where you fit in. Remember those jittery feelings and the struggle of talking to your parents, echoing Will Smith's timeless phrase, 'Parents just don't understand.' Today, we're joined by the insightful Douglas Knutson, a seasoned psychologist specializing in the LGBTQ+ community. He's here to share his wisdom, not just for kids in the LGBTQ+ community but for all parents wading through the tumultuous waters of their child's identity struggles. Our latest episode is more than parenting advice; it's a compassionate exploration of guiding your child through their identity journey. Douglas delves into the importance of affirming communication, strengthening family bonds, and the transformative power of self-compassion for parents. Get ready to laugh, learn, and love your way through this enlightening conversation.

BIO:
Douglas Knutson, PhD, LHSP, ABPP, (he/him) is coordinator of the Health, Education, and Rural Empowerment Lab, a consortium of scholars who research and advocate for rural LGBTQ+ health and resilience. He is a Licensed Health Service Psychologist in Oklahoma, Board Certified in Counseling Psychology. Dr. Knutson serves as an associate editor for the Journal of Rural Mental Health, director of the APA Division 17 Society of Counseling Psychology Communications and Technology Board, and is a Mental Health First Aid Research Advisory Group member. He is also an editorial board member with Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity and The Counseling Psychologist and he was recently appointed to the APA Committee on Rural Health. He is also the recipient of the 2023 APA Excellence in Rural Psychology Award,  the 2023 Judy E. Hall Early Career Psychologist Award, and the 2023 APA Division 44 Distinguished Book Award for his co-authored book, Counseling in a Gender Expansive World: Resources to Support Therapeutic Practice.

RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:

https://www.facebook.com/knutson.doug

https://www.facebook.com/hearelab

https://www.instagram.com/heare.lab

https://www.threads.net/@knutson.doug

www.linkedin.com/in/douglas-knutson-phd-lhsp-abpp-1a486818

Keep your eyes peeled for Douglas's  future workbook. 
Douglas's Workbook

Books mentioned in the episode:
Douglas’ Book: Counseling in a Gender Expansive World
Mentioned Book: The Gender Identity Guide for Parents: Compassionate Advice to Help Your Child Be Their Most Authentic Self

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

Picture this: a teenager rocking his way through the ups and downs of the teenage years, while grappling with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and guess what? He is given the opportunity to drop all of his classes to do an independent project. Hold on tight because this isn't your average project completed by an average teenager – it's the kind that becomes a superhero cape for building a lifestyle of peace and contentment and against those pesky intrusive thoughts.

Clayton Johnson, started this project with the end goal of having no goal. WHAT?? Through his research, he scoured through writings and books written by the best philosophers of all time. After putting into practice the learnings of these great minds, he embraced a life makeover  – digital detox, healthy habits, and a big dose of mindfulness. This concept visually packaged into a pyramid illustrates how a life’s contentment is best achieved by focussing less on highly stimulating activities such as concerts and social media and more on activities that allow you to rest your mind and focus on the beauty of the everyday.  

It's not just a school project; it's a story of winning and inspiration for anyone figuring out their mind maze.

BIO: 

Clayton Johnson is an 18 year old senior in high school in Denver, Colorado.  He has plans to attend St.John's College in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a unique learning institute which provides an interdisciplinary curriculum in which students explore 200 revolutionary great books across 3,000 years of human thought in discussion-based classes. 

RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:

Atomic Habits: James Clear

Brain Lock: Jeffrey M. Schwartz

Inner Engineering: Sadhguru

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

“Music can heal the wounds that medicine cannot touch.” --Debasish Mrihda 

Get ready to be inspired by our incredible Emmy award-winning guest, Chris Boardman, as he unpacks decades of wisdom on the transformative power of music in our latest episode. After basking in the spotlight for years, Chris had a life-altering moment that ignited his passion to create something meaningful for future generations. Join us as he delves into the impact of music on our emotions, the intricate dance with brain waves, and how The Missing Link Project is turning these insights into tools for managing life's challenges, from depression and anxiety to PTSD. It's a conversation that will hit all the right notes!

BIO
Beginning his career in the film, television and recording industry, Chris Boardman has consistently worked at the top echelon of the entertainment industry. He has received an Academy Award nomination for “The Color Purple”, 6 Emmy Awards, 13 Emmy nominations, ASCAP and BMI film awards and multiple platinum records for his work with such iconic artists as Quincy Jones, David Foster, Steven Speilberg, Julie Andrews, Shirley MacLaine, Barbara Streisand, Marvin Hamlisch and Josh Groban.

In addition, Chris was the Director of the Media Writing and Production program at the acclaimed Frost School of Music at The University of Miami. Continuing his commitment to sharing his expertise Boardman has launched an online education company to continue impacting the lives of those desirous of pursuing a career in the music industry.
After developing PTSD from traumatic events, Chris dedicated his time and talents to bring awareness and healing to trauma, PTSD, anxiety and depression using music and story through THE MISSING LINK project.  And highlighting this amazing career and life, Chris has authored a memoir "Walking with Giants”.

RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:
The Missing Link Project
More about Chris Boardman

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

In this episode, Marie Hommel gets real about the ups and downs of supporting her transgender daughter, Ashley. It's not just about identity exploration – mental health is in the mix too. Marie shares  how trust and acceptance were foundational in creating a safe space for her daughter to open up, which is not easy as a teenager. This episode is a straight-up, no-nonsense conversation that's part heart, part uplifting.

BIO:
Marie began her career as an educator. She taught High School English. She loved working with young people and particularly students who were considered “at risk”. In 2002 - Marie went to graduate school. She completed a dual degree program, graduating with her Master of Social Work and her law degree. Marie was hired by the County of San Diego as a social worker for the Health and Human Services Agency. She is currently a Chief of Agency Operations and works with teams of social workers to support children, youth and families. Marie is an expert in child abuse and neglect.

In 2006, Marie and her husband Mike and then 5 year old son Jacob welcomed a baby boy into the family. The baby was named Austin. In 2021, Austin came out as transgender. The name and gender has been legally changed to Ashley Jules Hommel. Ashley is now 17 years old and has plans to transition via surgery in 2024.

RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:

Parenting Your Transgender Teen: Positive Parenting Strategies for Raising Transgender, Nonbinary, and Gender Nonconforming Teens

 LGBTQ-INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE DOs and DON’Ts

A Guide for Understanding, Supporting, and Affirming LGBTQI2-S Children, Youth, and Families

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

Summary: 

As a caregiver, do you ever wish you could see behind the eyes of your loved one to really understand their experiences? Do you ever find yourself questioning the impact you, as a caregiver, make in your loved one's life? In today's episode, we join Rebecca, who has grappled with paranoid schizophrenia for decades as she takes us through her personal evolution, from encountering her first delusions at 27 to the transformative impact of finding her soulmate. She highlights the crucial role of caregivers in her own mental health and underscores the importance of self-care for those providing support. Rebecca also shares her experience with local law enforcement and healthcare agencies by educating them on what it is like to live with paranoid schizophrenia by volunteering through NAMI’s In Our Own Voice program.  

BIO:
Rebecca Chamaa is a freelance writer with bylines in Glamour, Business Insider and other national publications. She is an online writing instructor at Writers, Ink. She is a public speaker for NAMI's In Our Own Voice program. She holds a certificate in Narrative Medicine from Columbia University and is a facilitator for Northwest Narrative Medicine Collaborative. She has been married for twenty-five years and lives with chronic paranoid schizophrenia.

RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:
National Alliance on Mental Illness

If you found value in today's episode, please consider subscribing to our podcast and leaving a review. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners like yourself. And finally, don't forget to spread the word! Share this podcast with your friends, family, and colleagues who might benefit from the valuable content we offer.

Together, let's keep the conversation going, create a supportive community, and make a positive impact. Thank you for being a part of our podcast family. Until next time!

(Note: For listeners who may be struggling with mental health issues or suicidal thoughts, please seek professional help or reach out to a mental health support helpline in your country.)

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

Are you finding yourself as perplexed as we are about distinguishing between "typical" child development and conditions warranting a diagnosis? In this engaging podcast, licensed therapist Ed Block challenges the current culture of labeling and delves into its potential impact on the healthy development of adolescents. Drawing inspiration from the theories of Polish psychologist Dabrowski, specifically the concept of Positive Disintegration, Block explores the idea that personality evolves through acknowledging inherent tension arising when external circumstances collide with internal emotions. Join Ed on a journey as he unravels the intricacies of the brain's role in child development and survival, offering insights on guiding the next generation through their experiences to confidently become their authentic selves.

BIO:
Ed Bloch is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Therapist in Colorado and Kansas. His whole-person, integrated approach to assessment and treatment creates a safe and open environment for his clients. He has over 30 years of professional experience helping individuals with past trauma, stress and anxiety, eating disorders, depression, and life transitions.

RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:
Dabrowski's Theory of Positive Disintegration

The Presence Process: Michael Brown

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

Pour yourself a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and settle in for a lively and candid conversation with Seren Waldman, a K-12 school therapist. She shares ideas on  preparing our kids for adulting  And keeps it real with social media expectations and how it messes with our heads. She even shares practical and simple advice on taming anxiety.  The best part? Seren will calm your worries by letting you in on a little secret: therapists, just like the rest of us, goof up in parenting too. Get ready to laugh out loud as she shares funny examples from her own parenting adventures.  Now this is an episode you won’t want to skip!

BIO: 

Seren Waldman is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado.  She has been working with families and individuals in her private practice and in a school setting for aklmost years. She is currently working in a K-12 private school through the Jewish Family Services in Colorado. In her private practice, she works with adolescents and young adults, families and parents. Her techniques come from a strength-based, systemic approach including structural family therapy, tailored to the client's developmental level. Her goal is to create a safe environment for the therapeutic process.  

RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:

@serenwt

Seren Waldman Counseling (Facebook)

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

Are you feeling stressed about navigating insurance coverage for your family's mental health care needs? If the answer is yes, tune in to this week's episode featuring Bridget Meyers, Vice President of Sales at Evernorth Health Services. Bridget delves into benefits offered by many companies to assist families dealing with both chronic and short-term mental or behavioral health challenges. In this insightful discussion, she also explores the latest trends and services that employers are adopting to support the mental well-being of their employees and families. With her unique background in genetic testing, Bridget shares the benefits of genetic testing in relation to psychiatric medication compatibility. Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain valuable insights into navigating mental health support within insurance and beyond.

BIO:
Bridget Meyers is currently the Vice President of Sales for Evernorth Health Services where she positions innovative mental health benefit solutions for employers, companies, and other health plan sponsors. She has spent the majority of her career working for companies whose products or services contribute to the mental and behavioral health industry. Prior to joining Evernorth, Bridget worked for Genomind, which provides genetic testing to support and guide physicians as they prescribe medications for behavioral and mental health treatments. Bridget is the mother of two college-age kids and resides in Denver, Colorado.

RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:

Evernorth Health Services: https://www.evernorth.com/

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

If you find yourself drained, isolated, and possibly resentful while caring for your child with special needs, this episode is just for you. Join Lisa Druxman, the Founder of Fit for Mom, as she stresses the importance of self-care and its positive impact on your role as a caregiver. Lisa shares practical insights into her daily routines, revealing effective strategies to integrate self-care seamlessly into your presumably hectic schedule. As an additional treat, she guides you through the basics of meditation and breath work, offering simple yet impactful methods to anchor yourself during challenging moments.

BIO:
Lisa Druxman is a mom on a mission. She is the founder of FIT4MOM, the country's largest fitness program for moms, a noted speaker, author, podcaster and powerhouse of energy. A self proclaimed idea monkey and #momboss, Lisa is passionate about helping women get out of overwhelm and in to a life of health and happiness. She shares her life hacks and experiences to help you live a more passionate and purposeful life. 

A respected speaker and author, Druxman earned her Master's degree at San Diego State University in psychology with an emphasis in exercise adherence and weight control. She created the weight management program, L.E.A.N. Mommy® (Learn Eating Awareness and Nutrition) which is also the name of her book, by Hachette Books. Her most recent book, The Empowered Mama is the "how to" guide to empower moms to live their best lives. 

A well-published author, Druxman has written on business for Entrepreneur and on motherhood for magazines such as Fit Pregnancy, Shape and more. Recognizing her entrepreneurship, Druxman has also been nominated for and received numerous honors from organizations such as the National Association of Women Business Owners for her unique and successful business.

Lisa has appeared on NBC’s Today Show, CNN, Access Hollywood, Hollywood Live Today and Home & Family to name a few. Druxman has been featured in print publications including Entrepreneur, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, Self, Fit Pregnancy, American Baby, and more.

Druxman lives and relishes the FIT4MOM mission statement every day, “Helping moms make strides in fitness, motherhood and life.” She resides in San Diego with her husband, son and daughter.

RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:

Fit4Mom- https://fit4mom.com/

5 Teachings from the Japanese Wabi-Sabi Philosophy That Can Drastically Improve Your Life

Self Care is Not Selfish It's Essential

Breathe Degrees: https://www.breathedegrees.com/

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

What lengths would you go to for your child if they were diagnosed with an "incurable disease"? When Tracy Slepcevik, the mother of Noah, learned that her three-year-old son had autism, she refused to just accept the diagnosis. Determined to provide her son with the best possible life, Tracy delved into extensive research to understand the underlying causes of his autism. She discovered a spectrum of factors, ranging from inflammation to the body's compromised ability to detoxify itself. Tracy, as shared in this podcast and detailed in her bestselling book, "Warrior Mom: A Mother's Journey in Healing Her Son with Autism," imparts the wisdom she accumulated throughout her son's healing journey.

BIO:
Tracy Slepcevic is a Certified Integrative Health Coach, Speaker, Air Force Veteran, and the bestselling author of Warrior Mom: A Mother’s Journey In Healing Her Son with Autism. She is educated in the field of Complementary and Alternative Medicine and has dedicated over 14 years to researching various treatments and therapies for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Over the years, she has worked with various doctors, scientists, advocates, and researchers, and she has made it her mission to educate families on the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.

RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:
To Purchase Tracy’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Mom-Mothers-Journey-Healing-ebook/dp/B0BPKVGZBN

For More Information on The Autism Health Summit: https://autismhealth.com/

For More Information on Warrior Mom: https://warriormom.org/

Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs (MEDMAPS): https://www.medmaps.org/

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.