Finding Your Way Through Therapy

Navigating the intense world of first responders, Dr. Hayden Duggan and I uncover the layers of mental health struggles beneath the badges of our everyday heroes. With Dr. Duggan's vast experience, from being on the front lines as a firefighter and EMT to his current role guiding police and EMS personnel through psychological challenges, we delve into stories that reveal the true impact of stress and trauma. Join us as we venture into a discussion that's as heartfelt as it is enlightening, punctuated with the kind of humor that only those who've walked through fire – quite literally – can share.

This episode takes you through the winding roads of our memories, where familiar turns are sometimes missed in the haze of a crisis. We touch on the transformative power of life-altering events and how our personal narratives have been shaped by them. From my own shift in career to Dr. Duggan's intriguing Rorschach test revelation, our conversation bridges the gap between vulnerability and the quest for understanding the human mind in the aftermath of trauma.

Wrapping up with a call to action, we spotlight the indispensable support systems that safeguard the mental well-being of those who stand on the front lines. The importance of critical incident stress management and the push for better transitional care for emergency personnel take center stage as we acknowledge the gaps in current support structures. Tune in to absorb the wisdom of Dr. Duggan and to fortify your appreciation for the silent battles fought by our first responders.

And if the stories strike close to home, remember that help is just a phone call away at 988.

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As Season 10 draws to a close, it's a time for heartfelt reflection and storytelling that will leave you both inspired and introspective.

You'll be moved by the tales of growth from those who make a living by listening, like Courtney Romanowski, whose transition from guest to guest host embodies the beauty of mental health counseling and expressive arts therapy. She can be reached on her website here.

You will hear from Eric Knox who discussed firefighters and mental health.

Pavel Ythjall describes his strength when tragedy struck during the holidays with his new bride. His book can be found on Amazon.

Michele Lareau-Alves wants to talk about sex and she can be reached on Psychology Today.

Is attachment issues affecting your life? Marc Sholes discusses that and his website can be found at Marcsholeslcsw.com.

A regular on the show, Stephanie Simpson, discusses the importance of good coaching and good coaching training. She can be found here.

The fearless leader of the PsychCraft Network, Gordon Brewer discusses spirituality and podcasting. He can be found here.

Bill Dwinnells is my business partner in Gambit Counseling. He has many years of experience in the crisis world.

Susan Roggendorf is a sister from another mother and had has a great podcast called F*ck The Rules.

Lane Kennedy and Tamar Medford are the amazing hosts of Laughing Without Liquor, a podcast for sobriety, focused on women.

Andrew Kang and Dennis Sweeney are part of our Mental Men group, returning guests for sure, who talk about mentoring, treatment, and mental health,

Chris McDonald is the host of The Holistic Counseling Podcast, part of the PsychCraft Network. We talk holistic treatment.

Maegan Visconti talks about dance therapy and mental health treatment. She can be reached at A New Leaf Counseling.

Gina Moffa is a grief author and good friend of the show. She is truly amazing and her website is ginamoffa.com.

Finally but certainly not least, Jenny Helms, LCSW is by far my favorite social media publisher, but she is so much more more than that. She is also a great business owner and has the largest independent office of therapists in Kansas. They are called Somawichita.com

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Ever wondered how navigating the realms of grief and trauma can shape and inspire personal growth? Join us as we unravel this complex journey with our esteemed guest, Gina Moffa, a grief and trauma-informed therapist, based in the heart of New York City. In an intimate discussion, Gina shares riveting insights from her latest book, "Moving On Doesn't Mean Letting Go," while revealing the often overlooked connection between therapy and learning. Unearth the unique relationship between a therapist and client, experience the monumental role of personal development, and challenge societal pressures surrounding grief and loss.

Her book is available here.

Grief, an intricate part of the human experience, often leaves a significant impact on mental health. In this season, we bring this experience to light as Gina and your hosts, both therapists with diverse personal narratives, discuss the importance of maintaining an ongoing relationship with a therapist, debunking the myth of therapy as a quick fix. Amidst a global pandemic that has rocked our collective mental health, we also share our journey of crafting a book on grief, striking a balance between acknowledging its endlessness and providing practical tools for navigating through it. We create a safe space for candid conversations, discussing the multifaceted layers of grief, its individual impacts, and the necessity of finding appropriate coping mechanisms and support.

As we conclude this enlightening season, we eagerly anticipate Dr. Hayden Duggan's interview in the upcoming year. Let us remember to take care of our mental health, particularly during the festive season. If you're battling mental health or substance abuse issues, we strongly urge you to seek professional help. You are not alone. Stay connected, share your stories, and help us cultivate a supportive community. Cheers to another season of growth, warmth, and shared stories!

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Have you ever been curious about the intricate world of therapy? We navigated this fascinating realm with our guest Gordon Brewer, a seasoned therapist who specializes in helping couples and men struggling with sex and pornography addictions. Gordon gave us a unique look into his work and shared insightful life lessons about overcoming addiction, the importance of being present, and the need for therapists to seek their own healing.
In our deeply enriching conversation, we touched on how therapists grapple with the emotional drain of their work. We delved into vicarious trauma and the powerful necessity of self-care within the profession. We also discussed the value of an outside perspective in solving problems created by our minds. This discussion, we believe, can be a valuable lesson not only for therapists but for anyone seeking ways to understand and manage their emotions in a healthier way.
On a lighter note, we pondered over the quest for happiness and meaning in life. Gordon and I revealed the key factors we believe can lead to a fulfilling existence: volunteer work, physical health, connection with others, and our ability to sit with discomfort. We discussed our personal experiences and how simple joys often trump the fear of missing out. We also introduced the Cycraft Network, a community of podcasters in the mental health and self-help genre, which we are both proud to be a part of. Join us as we journey through this enlightening and transformative conversation.

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Have you ever wondered how a dare could transform a person's life? Join us as we sit down with the uproarious Brad Mastrangelo, who shares his unexpected journey into stand-up comedy and how his experiences as a performer, cop cleaner and family man shape his unique brand of humor. We chat and chuckle, reflecting on the joy that humor brings to our lives.

Our conversation takes a thoughtful turn as we explore the therapeutic power of comedy. We delve into how embracing emotional diversity can disrupt the damaging patterns that impair mental health. We share a hearty laugh and insist on the need to lighten up, even during challenging times. We underline the immense value of human connection, emphasizing the journey of self-reflection and personal stories of therapeutic transformation.

Mental health is no laughing matter, but that doesn't mean we can't approach it with a sense of humor. We confront the stigma surrounding mental health and therapy, encouraging our listeners to prioritize their wellbeing. As we wrap up, we shift the spotlight back to the vibrant Boston comedy scene and the compelling pull of the stage. We urge you to support local comedy shows and never miss an opportunity to laugh. After all, laughter is the best therapy.

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Have you ever wondered about the intricacies of therapy and how it can guide you through the labyrinth of your mind? Buckle up as we engage in a profound discussion with our esteemed guest, Jenny Helms Calvin, who has been at the forefront of mental health advocacy and has carved a niche for herself as a skilled therapist in Kansas. Jenny shares her thrilling journey of managing her group private practice, her impactful work on social media, and her upcoming project which promises to widen access to clients in a coaching setting.

As we traverse the complex terrain of mental health, we emphasize the indispensable role of a therapeutic relationship that fosters a sense of safety and connection. We share our personal experiences and perspectives about therapy, debunk some common misconceptions, and underline that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but rather a unique journey that plays a pivotal role in overall well-being. The conversation dives deeper as we discuss the importance of therapist-client compatibility and how therapy can serve as a powerful catalyst for self-discovery and personal growth.

We journey further into the realm of trauma therapy, highlighting an array of effective modalities including EMDR, IFS, ketamine, somatic experiencing, and hypnosis, each powerful in their transformative potential. Hear about the mind-body connection, the distinction between therapy and coaching, and the evolving world of virtual mental health education. This episode promises a treasure trove of insights and perspectives that will undoubtedly broaden your understanding of therapy and mental health. Join us for this enlightening episode!

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Let's take a moment to appreciate the journey we've undertaken this past year on the Finding Your Way Through Therapy podcast. We've been privileged to host an array of fascinating guests, including courageous first responders and brave individuals sharing their personal therapy experiences. Our milestone 100th episode week was a time filled with celebration and reflection. During this time, we not only introduced our fantastic co-host, Courtney Romanowski, but also witnessed a profound display of resilience in three powerful interviews with Lynn Key. And yes, yours truly, Steve Bisson, managed to overcome flight fear, a testament to the power of therapy.

As we transition into the festive season, it's time to wrap ourselves in the warmth of the holidays. Personally, I adore Christmas, but I also believe in respecting and cherishing all other holidays. Here's wishing you a safe, peaceful holiday season, filled with joy and love. Remember, if you are grappling with mental health or substance abuse issues, don't hesitate to get professional help. It's a brave step towards healing. Lastly, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to you, our ever-growing community of listeners. Your support means the world to us. Please continue to share your love through likes, subscriptions, and reviews. As we say goodbye to the old and welcome the new year, let's do it with hope and positivity.

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Wondering how to reclaim your physical connection with your body? Or ever thought about the power of nonverbal communication? Today, join us as we learn from Audrey Albert King, an expert in the realm of dance and movement therapy. She's a licensed mental health counselor, board certified dance movement therapist, and certified movement analyst. Together with our fresh voice, co-host Courtney Romanowski, we strive to unwrap the profound mysteries of dance therapy and its immense healing power.

Our journey takes us into the fascinating world of body-centered psychotherapy, dance movement therapy, and kinesthetic awareness. Audrey introduces us to her unique experiences in facilitating dance therapy sessions for people living with dementia. We explore how movement dialogues, breathing exercises, sensing, posture analysis, gesture work and exploration can offer therapeutic relief. And we're not just talking about dancing, we're discussing subtle cues like a simple breath practice that can be as transformative as a full-on dance session. So, tune in and let's navigate the world of dance therapy - a realm where movements speak louder than words.

You can reach Courtney through her website here.

You can reach Audrey at her Psychology Today profile here.

You also can go to the American Dance Therapy here.

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Coaching Program

Do you ever feel like you're running on empty, saying 'yes' to everything and everyone, draining your energy reserves? Join us as we welcome our phenomenal guest, Liz Kelly, a psychotherapist and author who's made it her mission to help others navigate the maze of mental health. With over a decade's experience in the mental health field, her insights on self-care and boundary-setting are a must-hear for anyone feeling the weight of a busy life.

Together, we take a deep dive into the profound effects of self-care, and how the simple act of saying 'no' can recharge us mentally and physically. Liz shares from her wealth of knowledge on mindfulness and emotional regulation, providing practical tips on breathing and grounding exercises. We also explore the notion of being detectives of our own lives, highlighting the importance of holistic self-reflection to unveil the small changes that can drastically improve our mental health. From the basics of eating and sleeping well, to the joys of pursuing a hobby or engaging in a meaningful conversation over coffee, Liz paints a clear picture of the road to better mental health.

Grief, a complex emotion that we all grapple with, is another topic we tackle in our enlightening conversation. Liz lays bare the reality of grief, particularly during the holiday season, and shares her approach to navigating these difficult waters. We delve into the idea of moving forward with grief, not just moving on, and the importance of self-compassion during these times. By the end of our conversation, you’ll come away with valuable tools and insights to help you take charge of your mental well-being. Don't miss this life-changing episode with Liz Kelly.

You can reach her at this link.

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Coaching Program

What if the biggest heroes in our society, first responders, are also the ones silently suffering? Imagine being a police officer, firefighter, ER staff, military personnel, or any first responder, tasked with the wellbeing of others, but grappling with your own issues such as grueling work hours, balancing work and family life, and the potential accumulation of trauma. We step into their shoes, unearthing the challenges they face and the resilience they display. From personal stories of emergency situations to the illuminating discussions on the need for specialized resources, we aim to shed light on the often unseen side of their lives and bring attention to the much-needed support.

With first responders, they carry tales of adventure, tales of courage, but often these stories are shrouded by a cloak of confidentiality, making their socialization a complex process. In this candid conversation, we accentuate the vital importance of a support system that allows them to share their experiences, and the need to recognize their individual capabilities. Looking forward to my dialogue with Liz Kelly in the upcoming episode, we will be navigating through various topics such as holidays, stress, mood disorders, and more. This intimate exploration invites you to glimpse beyond the uniform and into the hearts and minds of our first responders.

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Coaching Program