A Hero’s Welcome Podcast For the therapists doing the hard work and the hearts behind the healing. Hosted by Maria Laquerre Diego and Liliana Baylon, both LMFT-S and RPT-S, A Hero’s Welcome is a podcast created by and for mental health professionals. We spotlight the work, wisdom, and lived experiences of therapists who show up for others every day, especially those working with children, families, and communities impacted by trauma, migration, and systemic stress. Each episode features hone ...
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Embracing Cultural Sensitivity and Early Relational Health with Dr. Meyleen Velasquez
42:14
42:14
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42:14Send us a text Dr. Meyleen Velasquez, an inspiring Latina clinician, joins us to share her profound journey in mental health, shaped by her own life with vitiligo and her dedication to working with perinatal and early relational health. Embarking on this path in Miami, she was one of the few Spanish-speaking clinicians, leading her to specialize in…
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Understanding Intergenerational Trauma with Mili Shoemaker
39:23
39:23
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39:23Send us a text Unlock the secrets of intergenerational trauma with Milagros "Mili" Sarmiento Shoemaker, a distinguished therapist who bridges cultures from Argentina to the United States. Have you ever wondered how the experiences of your ancestors shape your life today? This episode promises insights into understanding trauma as a survival mechani…
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Unpacking Domestic Violence: Beyond Physical Abuse with Sybil Cummin
38:31
38:31
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38:31Send us a text Join us for a compelling conversation with Sybil Cummin, a licensed professional counselor whose expertise in domestic violence sheds light on a topic often misunderstood. Sybil takes us beyond the physical aspects of abuse, highlighting the more subtle yet equally damaging forms of control and manipulation that can infiltrate relati…
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Navigating Neurodiversity in Mental Health with Dr. Robert Jason Grant
37:31
37:31
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37:31Send us a text What happens when the professional world of mental health meets the personal journey of neurodivergence? Join us as we sit down with Dr. Robert Jason Grant, who shares his profound experience of being diagnosed with sensory processing disorder as an adult. Dr. Grant opens up about the internalized ableism he faced and the role the au…
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🎙️ Bonus Episode: Challenging Hustle Culture with Maria Diego and Liliana Baylon
31:05
31:05
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31:05Send us a text What if the relentless drive for success is harming you? Join Maria Diego and Liliana Baylon as they critically examine the hustle culture that saturates the mental health field. Inspired by their recent book club reading, "Dynamic Drive," they share personal experiences from their rigorous academic journeys and career paths. Togethe…
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Trauma Response: Supporting Mental Health Clinicians in Crisis
26:12
26:12
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26:12Send us a text When tragedy strikes a community, mental health professionals rush to provide support—but who supports them? This candid conversation explores the often-overlooked challenges faced by therapists in the aftermath of a recent mass shooting in Las Cruces, New Mexico. We dive into the harsh reality that mental health providers are expect…
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Choosing Your Battles: Mental Health Activism
19:55
19:55
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19:55Send us a text What happens when the cost of having your voice heard threatens your wellbeing? In this raw, unplanned conversation, we explore the painful reality many professionals face: choosing which battles to fight and which to walk away from. The discussion begins with a triggering incident in a professional setting where unprofessional behav…
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The Transformative Power of Play with Jackie Flynn
35:51
35:51
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35:51Send us a text Explore the transformative world of play therapy with our insightful guest, Jackie Flynn, a passionate mental health counselor and play therapist from Central Florida. In this enlightening episode, we unpack the power of play therapy to heal psychological trauma across all ages, thanks to the brain's remarkable ability to adapt and c…
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Transforming Mental Health Experiences for BIPOC Communities with Joy Ewing
32:37
32:37
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32:37Send us a text What if mental health care could be as inviting as a spa day? We sit down with Joy Ewing, a trailblazer in holistic therapy and owner of Joy Life Counseling, to uncover how she's transforming mental health support for the BIPOC community in Aurora, Colorado. Joy shares her groundbreaking approaches, including emotionally focused ther…
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📖 The Latinx Guide to Liberation: Healing from Historical, Generational, and Individual Trauma with Vanessa Pezo
28:36
28:36
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28:36Send us a text What happens when the pressure to be "twice as perfect" meets the complexities of cultural identity? Join us as trauma therapist and author Vanessa Pezo unravels this very question in our latest episode. Vanessa's groundbreaking book, "The Latinx Guide to Liberation," provides a powerful framework for understanding the pressures Lati…
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The Journey to Mindfulness Self Compassion with Rose LaPiere
33:58
33:58
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33:58Send us a text What if embracing your own imperfections could not only enhance your life but also positively impact those around you? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Rose Lapierre as we unravel the art of mindful self-compassion. Inspired by thought leaders like Dr. Kristin Neff and the Dalai Lama, Rose shares her transformative journ…
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📖 Book: White Supremacy is All Around... by Dr. Cadet
51:01
51:01
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51:01Send us a text What if navigating the world felt like a constant battle against invisible forces? Dr. Cadet, a Black, disabled woman, shares her compelling journey through high school discrimination, chronic pain, and the societal tensions that inspired her book, "White Supremacy Is All Around: Notes from a Black, Disabled Woman in a White World." …
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🏰 Inclusive Representation and Gender Diversity in Play Therapy with Jessica Cauthorne
22:46
22:46
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22:46Send us a text Jessica Cauthorne is back for a special bonus episode of A Hero's Welcome Podcast, and she’s bringing her insights on the power of inclusive representation in play therapy. Discover how her upcoming workshop at the Play Therapy Disney Bound conference is set to revolutionize approaches to mental health support for the LGBTQ+ communit…
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Navigating Subpoenas: Legal Insights and Empowerment for Therapists with Julie Jacobs
35:02
35:02
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35:02Send us a text Julie Jacobs, a psychologist turned attorney, offers a treasure trove of insights for mental health providers seeking to navigate the often intimidating world of subpoenas. Ever wondered how to maintain composure when faced with legal documents demanding client information? This episode promises to equip therapists with the knowledge…
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🏰 Disney on the Brain: Embracing Sadness and Embarrassment with Lisa Androvich
25:54
25:54
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25:54Send us a text What if you could harness the magic of Disney to make complex mental health concepts accessible and relatable? Join us as we chat with Lisa Androvich, a spirited licensed marriage family therapist and registered play therapist who brings a whimsical touch to therapy by channeling her inner Sorcerer's Apprentice Mickey. In this enchan…
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The Therapist Caregiver: Managing Professional and Personal Challenges with Jared Andes
43:07
43:07
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43:07Send us a text What happens when a therapist becomes a full-time caregiver? Meet Jared Andes, a licensed clinical social worker and registered play therapist supervisor who opens up about his emotional and physical journey while caring for his medically dependent son. Jared shares the recent challenges of simultaneously caring for his younger son a…
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Building Resilience in Young Minds with Kathryn Raley
34:55
34:55
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34:55Send us a text What if you could unlock the hidden resilience and healing power within children through the magic of play? Join us for an illuminating conversation with Kathryn Raley, an LPC Registered Play Therapist and supervisor, as she reveals her journey from working with adolescents to her profound discovery of play therapy with very young ch…
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Send us a text Unlock the secrets of managing anger and aggression in therapeutic settings with Dr. Wyss, our esteemed guest, and expert in play therapy, marriage and family therapy, and art therapy. Discover how her extensive experience in high-stress environments like foster care and psychiatric hospitals has equipped her with unique strategies t…
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🏰 Navigating Caregiver Burnout and Resilience in Therapy with Jared Andes
14:55
14:55
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14:55Send us a text Ever wondered how therapists juggle their professional responsibilities while maintaining their own mental health? Discover the answer with Jared Andes, a licensed clinical social worker and registered play therapist supervisor, as he dives into the world of caregiver burnout and compassion fatigue. In this special episode of the Her…
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🏰 Transforming Ethics and Supervision at Disney with Melissa Wintersheid and NanDee Walker
24:03
24:03
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24:03Send us a text Have you ever wondered how ethics and supervision could be transformed into a magical adventure? Join us as we welcome Melissa Wintersheid and NanDee Walker, two creative powerhouses ready to redefine professional development against the enchanting backdrop of Disney parks. With their innovative approach, Melissa and NanDee promise t…
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Exploring Disability-Responsive Play Therapy with Joey Tapia
37:23
37:23
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37:23Send us a text Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Joey Tapia, a distinguished counselor education and therapy expert, as we dissect the nuances of disability-responsive practices in play therapy. Have you ever wondered how to make therapeutic spaces accessible for all truly? Joey enlightens us on the critical need for mental health p…
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🎙️ Bonus Episode: Boundaries, Consent, and Cultural Healing with Norka Ayllón
36:04
36:04
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36:04Send us a text Unlock the wisdom of Peruvian cosmology with Norka Ayllón, our insightful guest, as she shares her journey from a licensed professional counselor to Peruvian ceremonialist. Learn how the "four pillars" of love, reciprocity, harmony, and respect can transform your relationship approach, guiding you to trust your instincts and emotiona…
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Embracing OCD: Unveiling the Hidden Gifts and Transformative Treatments with Bryn Murphy
28:17
28:17
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28:17Send us a text Is it possible to see obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) as more than just a challenge? Bryn Murphy, founder of Blue Raven Family Counseling in Lakewood, Colorado, believes so. In our compelling conversation, Bryn opens up about her journey with OCD, revealing how traits often linked to the disorder have been instrumental in her pro…
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🎙️ Bonus Episode: Creating Your Professional Will; Ensuring Continuity and Care with Cathy Wilson
37:31
37:31
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37:31Send us a text Do you have a professional will to safeguard your clients and practice? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Cathy Wilson, a Colorado counselor who guides mental health professionals through preparing these crucial documents. Cathy shares her journey and the chaos following the loss of colleagues that inspired her to create w…
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Menstrual Health & Mental Well-Being in Therapy with Jessica Kruckeberg
39:45
39:45
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39:45Send us a text Are you curious about how menstrual cycle health can revolutionize therapy? Discover the often-overlooked connection between hormonal shifts, mental health, and physical well-being in our enlightening episode featuring Jessica Krukerberg, a licensed marriage and family therapist and certified sex therapist. Jessica shares invaluable …
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🎙️ Bonus Episode: Understanding Play Therapy Credentials and Their Impact
30:43
30:43
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30:43Send us a text Think having toys in a therapy room makes you a play therapist? Think again. Join us as we welcome Jen Shivey to clear up common misconceptions about play therapy and to discuss the challenging path to becoming a registered play therapist (RPT) through the Association for Play Therapy (APT). Maria Diego and Liliana Baylon team up wit…
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Send us a text In this episode of A Hero's Welcome Podcast, Maria Laquerre-Diego and Liliana Baylon explore feminist theory and play therapy with Jessica Cauthorne, LCSW, RPT, to empower individuals and challenge societal norms. Our hosts and guests discuss nonbinary identities, equality, and overcoming personal and systemic challenges. Using Disne…
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A Journey of Innovation and Resilience with Lisa Dion
34:45
34:45
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34:45Send us a text In this enthralling episode, Maria Laquerre-Diego and Liliana Baylon delve into a captivating conversation with the esteemed Lisa Dion, LPC, RPT-S. Join us for a compelling episode with Lisa Dion as she shares her journey of revolutionizing play therapy. Lisa discusses the challenges of introducing innovative approaches to a resistan…
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🎙️ Bonus Episode: Your Value as a Presenter
33:22
33:22
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33:22Send us a text Join hosts Maria and Liliana for an exclusive A Hero's Welcome bonus episode. In this compelling discussion, they delve into the current practices surrounding presenters' compensation at conferences. Discover the realities faced by presenters and explore actionable solutions to drive change. Tune in for an insightful conversation hig…
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Unraveling Minds: Navigating Trauma, Access, and Hope with Dr. Tareq Yaqub
49:18
49:18
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49:18Send us a text In this enthralling episode, Maria Laquerre-Diego and Liliana Baylon delve into a captivating conversation with the esteemed Tareq Yaqub, MD. As a distinguished Child Psychiatrist, serving in the Psychiatric Acute Care Service and holding the position of Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (specializing in Child…
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🎙️ Bonus Episode: Healthcare Providers Challenges & Self-Care
28:38
28:38
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28:38Send us a text Join hosts Maria and Liliana for a special bonus episode of A Hero's Welcome. In this engaging and insightful discussion, we delve into the crucial topics of providers' self-care practices, systemic agendas, and the daily practices that impact our healthcare professionals' health. Listen as they explore the challenges of medical issu…
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Financial Therapy for Therapists by Khara Croswaite Brindle
33:23
33:23
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33:23Send us a text In this captivating episode, Maria Laquerre-Diego and Liliana Baylon engage in a thought-provoking conversation with the esteemed Khara Croswaite Brindle. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Approved Clinical Supervisor, and Certified Financial Therapist-I, Khara brings a wealth of knowledge and insight into the discussion on finan…
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🎙️ Bonus Episode: Understanding Dynamic Disability - A Conversation with Maria and Liliana
31:48
31:48
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31:48Send us a text In this episode, "Understanding Dynamic Disability: A Conversation with Maria and Liliana," we discuss dynamic disability and the adaptive strategies that mental health and play therapists must employ when working with clients. We explore the concept of dynamic disability, the unrealistic expectations within mental health association…
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Ableism & Dynamic Disability with Marshall Lyles
35:10
35:10
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35:10Send us a text In this engaging episode, our hosts Maria Laquerre-Diego and Liliana Baylon delve into a thought-provoking conversation with the esteemed Marshall Lyles. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, and an EMDRIA Approved Consultant, Marshall brings a wealth of kn…
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Beyond the Rainbow: Empowering Transgender Kids and Their Families with Jennifer Shivey
34:16
34:16
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34:16Send us a text In this episode, hosts Maria Laquerre-Diego and Liliana Baylon engage in a dialogue with Jennifer Shivey, a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, and Approved Clinical Supervisor, focusing on supporting LGBTQ+ children and their families, particularly transgender youth. Jennifer emphasizes the ethical…
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Navigating the Impact on Neurodivergent Children and Families in Social Systems with Val Bruno
37:28
37:28
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37:28Send us a text In this captivating episode, hosts Maria Laquerre-Diego and Liliana Baylon engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Val Bruno, a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, and Expert Witness. Together, they delve into the intricate dynamics of implicit biases within our societal structures and suppo…
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Digital & Virtual Play Therapy with Rachel Altvater
41:09
41:09
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41:09Send us a text In this engaging episode, join hosts Maria Laquerre-Diego and Liliana Baylon as they delve into the innovative world of digital and virtual play therapy with esteemed guest Rachel Altvater. Rachel, a renowned Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, and the visionary owner of Creative Psychological Health…
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Send us a text In this episode, Maria Laquerre-Diego and Liliana Baylon delve into the origins of the "A Hero's Welcome" Podcast, sharing the inspirational journey behind its creation. Hosts: Maria Laquerre-Diego www.anewhopetc.org Liliana Baylon www.lilianabaylon.com A Hero's Welcome Podcast © Maria Laquerre-Diego & Liliana Baylon…
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