E.156 Transforming Health: The Mind-Body Connection with Erin Todd

Resilience Development in Action

YouTube Channel For The Podcast

35:24

Let’s talk about adulting— actual adulting. Not just paying bills or keeping a houseplant alive, but the kind that involves emotional maturity, healthy boundaries, and conscious self-leadership. Because let’s be honest, most of us weren’t taught how to be fully functioning adults… and it shows. Joining us is Michelle Chalfant , licensed therapist turned holistic life coach, creator of The Adult Chair® model, and author of the new book The Adult Chair: Get Unstuck, Claim Your Power, and Transform Your Life . With millions reached through her podcast, coaching programs, and retreats, she’s here to walk us through the five pillars of being a healthy, grounded adult. Here’s the truth: being an adult isn’t about checking boxes or pretending you’re fine. It’s about owning your truth. Feeling your feelings. Practicing compassion without letting yourself off the hook. It’s about setting firm boundaries—with no need for justification—and recognizing that your triggers are not flaws, they’re clues. None of us were handed a guidebook for how to grow up emotionally. We inherited patterns from people who were figuring it out as they went. But what Michelle shares today is empowering: it’s never too late to unlearn what no longer serves you and become the adult you were meant to be. Whether you’re starting this work or knee-deep in your personal development era, this episode will meet you where you are—and help you move forward with clarity, self-trust, and strength. Connect with Michelle: Website: https://theadultchair.com/ Book: https://theadultchair.com/book IG: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant/?hl=en FB: https://www.facebook.com/@TheMichelleChalfant/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/michellechalfant Related Podcast Episodes: How To Build Emotionally Mature Leaders with Dr. Christie Smith | 272 Boundaries vs. Ultimatums with Jan & Jillian Yuhas | 297 Gentleness: Cultivating Compassion for Yourself and Others with Courtney Carver | 282 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! 🔗 Subscribe & Review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

about a year ago 52:32

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How can understanding the mind-body connection transform your health? Join us as we chat with Erin Todd, a health and performance coach with a background in psychology and functional health medicine. Erin shares her journey from working in hospitals with both children and adults to empowering women through perimenopause and beyond. We cover everything from emotional eating to fostering an optimistic mindset, all grounded in the critical interplay between mind and body.
Explore the nuanced world of positive psychology with Erin and discover how it transcends mere positivity. Learn how understanding your past experiences and mindsets can pave the way for lasting lifestyle changes. Our conversation also dives into the societal norms and gender biases that shape emotional expression, offering fresh insights on how these cultural factors impact women's health. Erin emphasizes the importance of processing negative emotions, giving you tools to foster self-compassion and emotional well-being.
Finally, we delve into the intricacies of women's health, discussing everything from optimizing gut health to navigating the challenges of perimenopause and menopause. Erin provides practical tips on managing allergies, mental health, and hormonal changes, all through a functional medicine lens. Together, we explore the critical role of supportive communities in trauma recovery and highlight Erin's upcoming group sessions on emotional eating. Join us for a heartfelt discussion that will leave you empowered to take control of your health journey.
To join her group or see all her work, please go to her website at https://www.findingyourflow.com.au/
You can also visit her Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/findingyour_flow/
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Chapters

1. E.156 Transforming Health: The Mind-Body Connection with Erin Todd (00:00:00)

2. Demystifying Therapy With Health Coach (00:00:03)

3. Integration of Positive Psychology in Coaching (00:12:02)

4. Gender Differences in Health and Wellness (00:16:52)

5. Optimizing Health Through Functional Medicine (00:21:42)

6. Importance of Gut Health and Wellness (00:29:51)

7. Women's Health and Trauma Recovery (00:37:02)

8. Exploring Food Stories and Health Awareness (00:45:56)

9. Podcast Announcement (00:51:21)

226 episodes

#Fitness #Mental Health #Steve Bisson #Psychology #Counseling #Honest #Substance Use #Science #Social Sciences #Podcasting Education #Self-Improvement

E.156 Transforming Health: The Mind-Body Connection with Erin Todd

Resilience Development in Action

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Send us a text

YouTube Channel For The Podcast

Chapters

1. E.156 Transforming Health: The Mind-Body Connection with Erin Todd (00:00:00)

2. Demystifying Therapy With Health Coach (00:00:03)

3. Integration of Positive Psychology in Coaching (00:12:02)

4. Gender Differences in Health and Wellness (00:16:52)

5. Optimizing Health Through Functional Medicine (00:21:42)

6. Importance of Gut Health and Wellness (00:29:51)

7. Women's Health and Trauma Recovery (00:37:02)

8. Exploring Food Stories and Health Awareness (00:45:56)

9. Podcast Announcement (00:51:21)

226 episodes

#Fitness #Mental Health #Steve Bisson #Psychology #Counseling #Honest #Substance Use #Science #Social Sciences #Podcasting Education #Self-Improvement

All episodes

Resilience Development in Action

1
E.208 When a Father's Death Shapes Who We Become 43:58

6 days ago43:58

43:58

Send us a text Bruce Wasser shares his journey of losing his father at age 15 and how this profound loss shaped his decision to become a conscientious objector during the Vietnam War and ultimately led to his 33-year teaching career. • Growing up in Seattle with his father Joe, a WWII veteran who instilled values of teamwork, equality, and community • Devastating loss of his father to cancer just 14 months after diagnosis when Bruce was only 15 • Becoming an overachiever in school and sports as a response to grief • Drawing the draft lottery number 90 during Vietnam and applying for conscientious objector status • Finding surrogate father figures in coaches, professors, and public figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. • Discovering his calling as a teacher where he could identify and connect with students who were hurting • Experiencing what his wife calls "post-traumatic growth" – becoming more empathetic through trauma • Suggestions for grieving on Father's Day: share grief with others, write letters to your father, find meaningful places Please like, subscribe and follow this podcast on your favorite platform. A glowing review is always helpful and, as a reminder, this podcast is for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only. Freed.ai: We’ll Do Your SOAP Notes! Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show YouTube Channel For The Podcast…

Resilience Development in Action

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E.207 Breaking the Silence: First Responders and Mental Health 45:22

13 days ago45:22

45:22

Send us a text What happens when the strongest among us need support? In this powerful conversation, Elizabeth Ecklund takes us on an extraordinary journey from fighting fires in Antarctica to fighting stigma in mental health. As someone with 15 years of experience spanning firefighting, emergency medical services, and nursing, Elizabeth brings a rare perspective to the critical conversation about first responder mental health. The stigma surrounding mental health in emergency services creates a dangerous paradox: those who routinely face trauma are often the least likely to seek help. Elizabeth articulates this challenge with striking clarity, drawing from her own experiences to illuminate why cultural competency matters so deeply when providing therapy to first responders. "They don't know how to deal with their grief," she explains, highlighting how traditional coping mechanisms within emergency services—dark humor, emotional detachment, peer discussions—often fall short of addressing cumulative trauma. Her adventures at the South Pole provide not just fascinating stories—from living with three twenty-somethings in cramped quarters to experiencing oxygen saturation levels of 82% at 12,000 feet elevation—but metaphors for resilience in extreme conditions. Like the South Pole's challenging environment, the mental landscape of emergency work requires specialized knowledge and adaptation strategies that standard approaches may miss. Through MindForge Therapy Group, Elizabeth has created a sanctuary where first responders can speak freely without fear of judgment or misunderstanding. Her approach acknowledges the unique needs of this population, incorporating humor and practical interventions that "don't feel like therapy." Most importantly, she recognizes that addressing these mental health needs impacts not just individual well-being but team safety, family relationships, and ultimately, the communities these heroes serve. Whether you're a first responder seeking understanding, a mental health professional wanting to better serve this population, or simply someone fascinated by human resilience in extraordinary circumstances, this conversation offers valuable insights into bridging the gap between emergency services and effective mental health support. Listen now to discover how one woman's remarkable journey from firefighting to therapy is helping heroes heal. To contact Elizabeth, go to www.mindforgetherapy.com Freed.ai: We’ll Do Your SOAP Notes! Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show YouTube Channel For The Podcast…

Resilience Development in Action

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E.206 First Responder Marriages: Bridging the Gap 44:08

20 days ago44:08

44:08

Send us a text Steve Bisson welcomes Cyndi Doyle, licensed professional counselor, retired police spouse, and founder of Code for Couples, to discuss the unique challenges faced by first responder relationships and strategies for building resilience. • Meeting Cyndi Doyle - licensed professional counselor specializing in first responder relationships for over 20 years • Understanding the "married but single" phenomenon that many first responder spouses experience • Recognizing grief in relationships when expectations don't match reality • How hypervigilance affects communication and connection at home • The importance of perspective-taking to reduce resentment • Standing in your partner's shoes to understand their experience • Changing the narrative we tell ourselves about our relationships • Finding gratitude amid the challenges of first responder life • How unspoken traumas create both protection and distance • Learning to listen rather than just hear your partner Find Cyndi Doyle at code4couples.com On social media @code 4couples Get her book " Hold the Line: The Essential Guide to Protecting Your Law Enforcement Relationship " at any online retailer. Support the show YouTube Channel For The Podcast…

Resilience Development in Action

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E.205 Healing Heroes: Trauma, Addiction, and Recovery 54:32

27 days ago54:32

54:32

Send us a text The walls we build to protect ourselves from trauma can become our prisons. This powerful truth emerges as Dr. Charlie Powell returns to share groundbreaking developments with his "Healing Heroes: No Mind Left Behind" documentary, now evolving from a television series into a theatrical release scheduled for November 11th. Charlie takes us deep into the intricate relationship between PTSD and addiction, revealing how these conditions often share the same root causes. "Most cases of PTSD don't start in adulthood," he explains, sharing his personal revelation that despite decades in military service and trauma medicine, some of his most significant healing came from addressing a childhood near-drowning experience. This perspective shatters conventional understanding of trauma, suggesting that many of our adult struggles trace back to moments where life came at us "too fast, too much, and too soon." The conversation ventures into uncomfortable but vital territory as Charlie and Steve discuss how trauma survivors' silence impacts relationships. "The silence that you put your partner through," Steve notes, "may not seem like verbal abuse or trauma, but it is." Charlie takes this further with a provocative comparison: this withdrawal can be as damaging as infidelity, representing a loss of faith in the partner's ability to handle the truth of your experience. Most powerfully, Charlie shares his initial reluctance and eventual decision to make his personal story central to the documentary. "People think vulnerability is a weakness. It's not. It's a strength," he explains, challenging the stigma that keeps many first responders and veterans from seeking help. This vulnerability has already resonated deeply—the documentary's first trailer garnered an astounding 4 million views in just three and a half days. For anyone struggling with trauma's grip, this conversation offers not just insight but tangible hope. Charlie describes how interventions combining multiple healing modalities helped six veterans and first responders achieve transformative recovery in just ten days—freedom from both PTSD symptoms and associated addictions many had developed to cope. As Charlie puts it: "Challenge anybody out there—imagine the biggest accomplishments you've ever had in life and tell me which one was easy." Perhaps our greatest traumas, properly processed, can lead to our greatest growth. Ready to see trauma recovery differently? Listen now, and watch for the new Healing Heroes trailer dropping this Memorial Day. Here is the trailer for "Healing Heroes: No Mind Left Behind" Season 1: https://youtu.be/16bnQ7eVKKI?si=46VOPpo1fLq_WB9o Freed.ai: We’ll Do Your SOAP Notes! Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show YouTube Channel For The Podcast…

Resilience Development in Action

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E.204 Your Badge Doesn't Make You Bulletproof With Beth Salmo 43:46

5 weeks ago43:46

43:46

Send us a text The weight of witnessing trauma daily doesn't just disappear when the uniform comes off. For our first responders—those who run toward danger while others flee—the psychological impact accumulates silently, often with devastating consequences. Beth Salmo, licensed professional counselor and owner of Thin Line Counseling, joins us to unveil the realities of mental health in emergency services. Drawing from her specialized experience working with police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and military personnel, Beth shares how the profession's culture of stoicism creates barriers to necessary care. Her journey into this work—sparked by the alcohol-related death of a former partner who was an ATF agent—reveals how even those trained to help others often struggle to seek help themselves. We dive deep into the misconceptions that keep first responders from therapy doors. "They can't take my gun" and "my department will find out" top the list of fears Beth dispels with clarity and compassion. She explains the iron-clad confidentiality that protects client-therapist relationships and how specialized clinicians understand the unique culture and challenges of emergency service work. The Missouri First Responder Provider Network emerges as a model program, connecting those in need with culturally competent therapists within days rather than the weeks or months typical of standard mental health services. This network of vetted professionals not only understands first responder culture but also provides financial assistance to ensure access regardless of economic barriers. Through authentic conversation peppered with unfiltered language that mirrors real first responder culture, Beth emphasizes that true strength lies in acknowledging human vulnerability. For those running toward danger every day, mental well-being isn't optional—it's essential maintenance that ensures they can continue serving when others need them most. You can connect with Beth through Thin Line Counseling by visiting www.tlc-help.com Follow her on Facebook www.facebook.com/thinlinecounselingservices and Instagram @tlc_help. She can be reached at beth@tlc-help.com or at 314.297.0331 The Missouri First Responder Provider Network can be reached here: https://mofrpn.org/ Freed.ai: We’ll Do Your SOAP Notes! Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show YouTube Channel For The Podcast…

Resilience Development in Action

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E.203 Rock Bottom and Rebound: The Cocktail That Nearly Killed Me 39:43

6 weeks ago39:43

39:43

Send us a text The journey from outward success to inner collapse—and the path back to authentic living—takes center stage in this compelling conversation with Nick Jonsson, international bestselling author and executive coach. Nick's story begins with transformation through adversity when a motorcycle accident in his twenties forced him from construction work to academia, eventually propelling him up the corporate ladder in Southeast Asia. Yet reaching the executive summit—complete with five-story house, drivers, and staff—marked not fulfillment but the beginning of his fall. "That was when I was the most ungrateful and sort of unhappy ever in my life," Nick reveals with striking candor. What followed was a three-year spiral into alcoholism, isolation, and despair as Nick traded his gym membership for a bar stool and healthy habits for fast food. His powerful description of addiction as "slow, gradual suicide" highlights how corporate culture often enables destructive behaviors while simultaneously isolating those suffering. As Nick explains, executives—particularly expatriates—face unique challenges navigating cultural differences while maintaining authentic connections. The conversation takes a powerful turn when Nick shares how vulnerability became his salvation. Opening up to his now-second wife began his recovery journey, while losing a friend to suicide in 2019 inspired his book "Executive Loneliness." Today, seven years sober, Nick leads support groups for men and senior executives, creating safe spaces where vulnerability becomes strength rather than weakness. Most compelling is Nick's transformation from success-driven executive to authentic human being. Now pursuing therapy credentials to specialize in addiction recovery, he shares how sports replaced alcohol as his connection medium—allowing this self-described introvert to build genuine relationships through side-by-side activities rather than face-to-face confrontation. Whether you're navigating leadership challenges, questioning conventional success metrics, or supporting someone through addiction, this episode offers profound insights into the power of authentic connection and the courage to show up as your true self. To reach Nick, go to his website: http://www.nickjonsson.com You can also find all his links at http://podfol.io/profile/nick-jonsson His book "Executive Loneliness" can be purchased at http://www.nickjonsson.com/executive-loneliness-book Freed.ai: We’ll Do Your SOAP Notes! Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show YouTube Channel For The Podcast…

Resilience Development in Action

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E.202 First Responder Mental Health: Breaking the Silence 57:06

7 weeks ago57:06

57:06

Send us a text What happens when those who run toward danger need help themselves? In this compelling conversation, host Steve Bisson sits down with Kevin Cornine, a former fire captain and battalion chief who's transitioning to a new role as a mental health counselor focused on supporting first responders. Kevin shares his powerful story of serving 15 years in fire rescue while watching colleagues struggle with the profession's hidden costs. After his cousin, a detective, died by suicide in 2022, Kevin's path became clear – bridging the significant gap in cultural competency between mental health providers and the first responder community. "There's a large gap... it's a population, not necessarily a client," Kevin explains, highlighting how traditional therapeutic approaches often fail to recognize the unique needs of emergency personnel. The conversation delves into the physical and emotional toll of emergency service work, from chronic sleep deprivation to the impossible choices made during crisis situations like hurricane season. Research shows that while spouses try to create opportunities for sleep recovery at home, they simultaneously experience resentment at their firefighter's unavailability for emotional support. This complex dynamic creates ripple effects throughout family systems that many therapists fail to fully comprehend. Perhaps most enlightening is Kevin's practical advice for mental health professionals seeking to better serve this population. Rather than relying solely on training programs, he advocates for immersion experiences – spending time at fire stations, joining them for meals, and participating in debriefs after difficult calls. "Just sit at the table, just listen, watch," he suggests. "It's a family." Whether you're a first responder seeking understanding, a mental health professional looking to better serve this community, or someone who cares about the wellbeing of those who protect us, this episode offers rare insights into a world where strength meets vulnerability. Join us as we explore how cultural competency can transform treatment outcomes for those who dedicate their lives to helping others. We talked about several topics and here are some links to help you out: - Second Alarm Project (https://2ndalarmproject.org/) in Florida want to help with education, peer support, and capacity building - The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) (https://www.iaff.org/) is committed to support firefighters across the United States And Canada - NextRung.org is committed to make sure firefighters across the country know they are not alone. Support the show YouTube Channel For The Podcast…

Resilience Development in Action

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E.201 First Responders Face Their Toughest Opponent: Mental Health Stigma 40:20

8 weeks ago40:20

40:20

Send us a text Michael Sugrue shares his powerful journey from military service to law enforcement to his medical retirement due to post-traumatic stress injury, revealing how he almost became one of the alarming first responder suicide statistics and his mission to now "smash the stigma" around mental health. • From Air Force security forces officer to 14 years with Walnut Creek Police Department, serving in various roles including undercover detective • First responder suicide remains significantly underreported, with over 2,000 known law enforcement suicides since 2016 • The culture of suppressing emotions and projecting invincibility begins in academy training with virtually no focus on mental health • First responders experience hundreds of traumatic incidents in their careers compared to the average person's one or two in a lifetime • After a 2012 officer-involved shooting, Michael suffered in silence for four years before finally seeking help • Building relationships with culturally competent therapists before major incidents occur is crucial for prevention • Leadership at all levels must model vulnerability and normalize conversations about mental health • Post-traumatic stress is not a career-ender if addressed promptly with appropriate resources • Michael's book "Relentless Courage" provides both personal insight and practical resources for first responders Find Michael Sugrue on all social media platforms as "Sgt Michael Sugrue" to connect and learn more about resources for first responders dealing with trauma. His Book - Relentless Courage: Winning The Battle Against Frontline Trauma. - Can be purchased by clicking here. Freed.ai: We’ll Do Your SOAP Notes! Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show YouTube Channel For The Podcast…

Resilience Development in Action

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E.200 Resilience Beyond Traditional Therapy: Journey Through Trauma and Recovery 48:42

9 weeks ago48:42

48:42

Send us a text What happens when a decorated Naval Lieutenant Commander, triple-boarded physician, and healthcare executive exhausts every conventional treatment for his debilitating PTSD? Dr. Charles Powell takes us on his extraordinary journey from the frontlines of military medicine to the cutting edge of psychedelic healing. After 16 years of military service and building a successful healthcare organization, Dr. Powell found himself trapped in a cycle of night terrors, sleep paralysis, and emotional numbness that traditional medications couldn't touch. His lowest point came after selling his company and contracting COVID, when he finally understood how someone's mind could contemplate suicide. The surprising source of his healing path? His tattoo artist, who introduced him to alternative treatments including ibogaine. With the scientific rigor of a physician and the desperation of someone who'd tried everything else, Dr. Powell researched psychedelic medicine and eventually underwent treatment in Mexico. The results transformed not just his symptoms but his entire perspective on healing. Now medication-free and at peace, he's channeled his experience into creating "Healing Heroes: No Mind Left Behind," a powerful docuseries following six veterans through a comprehensive healing program combining psychedelic medicine with sound therapy, meditation, and other modalities. The most touching outcome? Hearing a participant's child say, "Thanks for giving me my daddy back." This podcast explores how trauma treatment might evolve beyond symptom management to true healing, challenging our understanding of mental health care and recovery. Whether you're struggling with trauma or supporting someone who is, this conversation opens doors to possibilities that conventional medicine often overlooks. Don't miss this raw, honest discussion about finding healing in unexpected places and the profound transformation that becomes possible when we approach trauma with innovative, open-minded strategies. Dr. Powell's journey reminds us that sometimes the most powerful healing comes from sources we least expect. Go to www.healingheroes.com/ for more information on Charlie, his docuseries, and all other endeavors mentioned in the podcast. Freed.ai: We’ll Do Your SOAP Notes! Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show YouTube Channel For The Podcast…

Resilience Development in Action

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E.199 The Power of Self-Belief: Caren Paskel's Journey Through Grief to Growth 41:08

10 weeks ago41:08

41:08

Send us a text Caren Paskel's journey from struggling with mental health issues to becoming a beacon of resilience and self-belief captivates from the first moment of our conversation. Her story begins at age 16 when a yoga class provided her first genuine spiritual connection—a transformative experience that would become her lifeline through depression, unhealthy relationships, and physical ailments. What makes Caren's perspective so valuable is her emphasis on lived experience over theoretical knowledge. While she deeply values the ancient wisdom of yoga philosophy, she emphasizes that transformation requires active implementation: "You're not just a work in progress—it takes work to progress." This distinction between passive consumption and meaningful application resonates throughout our discussion. The heart of her story unfolds with her late husband's brain cancer diagnosis at just 28, barely a year into their marriage. Despite this devastating circumstance, Caren found herself growing through the caregiving experience, witnessing firsthand what she calls "the power of self-belief" embodied by her husband. Even as his health declined, he maintained an unwavering conviction—eventually completing and publishing his aptly titled book "Can't Doesn't Exist" with help from a friend when he could no longer write independently. Today, Caren works as what she calls a "spiritual escort," helping individuals reach their highest potential through intimate, personalized guidance. Her current venture, the Youthful Longevity Mastermind, specifically supports people through midlife transitions like widowhood, divorce, or health challenges. Rather than identifying as a victim of loss, she focuses on gratitude for what her husband gave her—a perspective that transforms grief into purpose and meaning. Whether you're navigating personal loss, seeking greater fulfillment, or simply curious about resilience, Caren's story offers profound wisdom on embracing our unique gifts and believing in possibilities beyond our perceived limitations. Freed.ai: We’ll Do Your SOAP Notes! Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show YouTube Channel For The Podcast…

Resilience Development in Action

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E.198 Therapy Uncensored: The Truth Behind Closed Doors 19:25

11 weeks ago19:25

19:25

Send us a text Therapy has long been shrouded in mystery, leaving many to wonder what actually happens once that office door closes. Steve Bisson pulls back the curtain on these therapeutic misconceptions with refreshing candor and humor. Gone are the days of viewing therapists as perfect, emotionless professionals who maintain rigid boundaries and never reveal their humanity. Swearing in therapy? Absolutely appropriate. As Steve explains, nothing says authenticity like a well-placed expletive that truly captures the emotion behind an experience. When clients and therapists can express themselves genuinely without filtering, real therapeutic work begins. The goal isn't pristine language but creating a space where raw emotions and experiences can be safely explored. Perhaps most revealing is Steve's assertion that therapists are fundamentally human. They think about clients between sessions, sometimes struggle with their own life challenges, and yes – many see therapists themselves. This humanity doesn't compromise their effectiveness but enhances it. When a therapist acknowledges their imperfections, it gives clients permission to embrace their own. There's something profoundly healing about knowing your therapist understands struggle not just academically but personally. Making mistakes is another area where therapy myths need debunking. Good therapists make mistakes, acknowledge them, and learn from them. Whether it's forgetting a name or misunderstanding a situation, these moments become opportunities to model healthy responses to imperfection. As Steve shares from his own practice, these transparent moments often strengthen the therapeutic alliance rather than damage it. The therapeutic journey becomes truly collaborative when both participants can learn from each other and grow together. What therapy misconceptions have you encountered? Share your experiences in the comments or reach out directly. Join us next time for the final episode of Finding Our Way. Your authentic self is welcome here – expletives and all. Freed.ai: We’ll Do Your SOAP Notes! Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show YouTube Channel For The Podcast…

Resilience Development in Action

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E.197 Mental Men: Trauma, Grief, and Healing 54:30

12 weeks ago54:30

54:30

Send us a text Trauma lies at the heart of most psychological suffering, yet our understanding of it continues to evolve. In this profound conversation with the returning "Mental Men" panel of experienced therapists, we explore how mental health treatment has transformed from psychoanalysis that sometimes minimized real trauma to approaches that honor lived experiences and their lasting impacts. When Dr. Christopher Gordon underwent psychoanalysis in the 1970s, the prevailing theory suggested psychological problems stemmed from internal conflicts rather than actual traumatic events. "We paid really little attention to actual trauma," he reflects, noting how profoundly this limited understanding affected treatment. Bob Cherney captures the persistent nature of unaddressed trauma with the striking metaphor of "an infection in the soul that festers" when not properly addressed. The conversation explores grief as a universal human experience that our culture frequently mishandles. We expect people to "move on" within weeks of significant losses, when truly processing grief requires much longer. As Pat Rice eloquently states, "If you live long, you'll have to say goodbye a lot"—pointing to how aging inevitably brings accumulated losses that need ongoing attention rather than quick resolution. Perhaps most compelling is the discussion around strength versus vulnerability. "Strength is asking for help," challenges traditional masculine norms of stoicism. The therapists explore how protective parts develop to shield individuals from vulnerability but often prevent necessary healing. For first responders who witness what "95% of people never see," this conflict becomes particularly acute as they struggle to maintain professional composure while carrying enormous emotional burdens. The Mental Men celebrate those breakthrough therapeutic moments when clients suddenly recognize patterns that have eluded them—what Andy Kang describes as seeing "the pilot light of hope come on again." These moments, as Dennis Sweeney remind us, is why addressing trauma matters so deeply: healing becomes possible when we honor both wounds and resilience. Freed.ai: We’ll Do Your SOAP Notes! Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show YouTube Channel For The Podcast…

Resilience Development in Action

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E.196 Supporting First Responders: Effective Therapy Techniques & Approaches 1:04:43

13 weeks ago1:04:43

1:04:43

Send us a text First responders—police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and emergency room personnel—face unique psychological stressors that extend far beyond trauma exposure. In this insightful Podcourse, I'm joined by Steve Bisson, LMHC, to explore the complexities of first responder mental health and how therapists can effectively support this population. Purchase this Podcourse here! You will gain an in-depth understanding of the unique challenges first responders encounter, including PTSD, acute stress disorder (ASD), depression, and substance abuse. Steve shares real-world insights and practical strategies for overcoming the barriers first responders face when seeking mental health support. SEE THE FAQ on Podcourses HERE! (scroll to the bottom of the page) This episode will equip mental health professionals with evidence-based therapeutic interventions, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and prolonged exposure techniques, tailored to address the specific needs of first responders. Additionally, listeners will learn how to develop comprehensive treatment plans that incorporate trauma-informed care principles, crisis intervention strategies, and referral resources to enhance the mental well-being of their clients. If you're a clinician looking to deepen your expertise in working with first responders, this Podcourse is an essential resource. Remember, while you can listen to the show for free, those seeking continuing education credits can purchase them here . Learning Objectives: Analyze and describe the unique psychological stressors and challenges faced by first responders, including but not limited to PTSD, acute stress disorder (ASD), depression, and substance abuse. Apply and demonstrate evidence-based therapeutic interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and prolonged exposure techniques, to address the specific needs of first responders. Develop and design comprehensive treatment plans that incorporate trauma-informed care principles, crisis intervention strategies, and referral resources to effectively support the mental health and well-being of first responders. Support the show YouTube Channel For The Podcast…

Resilience Development in Action

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E.195 Religious Trauma, Professional Boundaries, and Finding Balance in Mental Health Work 40:17

14 weeks ago40:17

40:17

Send us a text What happens when the therapist needs therapy? In this vulnerable and illuminating conversation, clinical counselor Jennifer Schrappe opens up about her personal wake-up call that forced her to confront years of self-neglect while caring for others. With over 20 years of experience in mental health and standing at the intersection of therapeutic practice and pastoral ministry, Jennifer shares the moment she realized that constantly putting herself last wasn't serving anyone – especially when her own health hung in the balance. The discussion takes us through Jennifer's courageous journey with food addiction, how her oldest child leaving for college triggered an emotional reckoning, and the pivotal moment when her husband expressed fear of losing her to an early grave. "Life is right now," she reflects, not someday after all the responsibilities are handled. This recognition transformed her approach to both personal wellness and professional practice. We dive deep into therapy approaches for trauma, with Jennifer explaining her use of Internal Family Systems and Rapid Resolution Therapy. She artfully describes how these modalities help clients recognize emotional patterns, trace them back to their origins, and develop new neural pathways. Particularly fascinating is her explanation of how therapists navigate working with clients whose struggles mirror their own fears – and the delicate dance of maintaining professional boundaries while acknowledging personal reactions. The conversation also explores religious trauma, revenue diversification for mental health professionals, and Jennifer's upcoming course on healing emotional patterns around money. Her blend of clinical expertise and spiritual insight offers a refreshing perspective for anyone interested in authentic healing – whether you're a therapy professional or someone navigating your own mental health journey. Want to connect with Jennifer? Visit www.JenniferSchrappe.com or find her on Instagram at Jennifer_Schrappe_LPCC to learn more about her work and upcoming projects. Freed.ai: We’ll Do Your SOAP Notes! Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show YouTube Channel For The Podcast…

Resilience Development in Action

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E.194 Navigating Growth: Insights on Therapy and Change 15:17

15 weeks ago15:17