Discover practical resilience strategies that transform lives. Join Steve Bisson, licensed mental health counselor, as he guides first responders, leaders, and trauma survivors through actionable insights for mental wellness and professional growth. Each week, dive deep into real conversations about grief processing, trauma recovery, and leadership development. Whether you're a first responder facing daily challenges, a leader navigating high-pressure situations, or someone on their healing ...
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E.203 Rock Bottom and Rebound: The Cocktail That Nearly Killed Me
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39:43Send 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 const…
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E.202 First Responder Mental Health: Breaking the Silence
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57:06Send 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 servin…
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E.201 First Responders Face Their Toughest Opponent: Mental Health Stigma
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40:20Send 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 offic…
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E.200 Resilience Beyond Traditional Therapy: Journey Through Trauma and Recovery
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48:42Send 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 m…
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E.199 The Power of Self-Belief: Caren Paskel's Journey Through Grief to Growth
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41:08Send 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 depre…
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E.198 Therapy Uncensored: The Truth Behind Closed Doors
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19:25Send 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…
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E.197 Mental Men: Trauma, Grief, and Healing
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54:30Send 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 ho…
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E.196 Supporting First Responders: Effective Therapy Techniques & Approaches
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1:04:43Send 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 supp…
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E.195 Religious Trauma, Professional Boundaries, and Finding Balance in Mental Health Work
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40:17Send 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…
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E.194 Navigating Growth: Insights on Therapy and Change
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15:17Send us a text In this engaging episode focused on mental health and resilience, we reflect on the evolution of our podcast as we shift towards the theme of "Finding Your Way: Resilience Development in Action." Therapy plays a crucial role in not only individual growth but also in creating strong support systems for professionals—particularly first…
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E.193 Healing Trauma Through Dance: Insights from Dance Movement Therapist Lisa Manca
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42:07Send us a text What if you could heal trauma and emotional pain through movement? Join us as dance movement therapist Lisa Manca, alongside guest co-host Courtney Romanowski, unveils the transformative power of dance therapy. Lisa brings her expertise from forensic and psychiatric settings, offering unique insights into how movement can aid persona…
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E.192 Breaking Free from Food and Fitness Myths With Movement And Nutrition
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40:59Send us a text Jessica Jamison returns to our studio, unfolding her transformative journey from the weight loss industry to becoming a dedicated advocate for those battling eating disorders. Her shift aligns deeply with her personal values, shedding societal expectations and embracing authenticity. Jessica's story highlights a powerful transition, …
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E.191 Resilience and Grief in High-Stress Professions
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15:40Send us a text What if the very nature of your job required you to lock away grief, only for it to accumulate and weigh heavier with each call? Join us for a compelling discussion as we unravel the unique emotional landscape navigated by first responders like EMTs, paramedics, and police officers. These everyday heroes are often thrust into situati…
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E.190 Finding Strength in Personal Stories of Healing
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32:59Send us a text In this episode, Tina Djuretic shares her transformative journey of healing from childhood trauma and toxic relationships through writing her memoir, "Finding My Sovereignty." She discusses the importance of acknowledging generational trauma, finding spiritual guidance, and the healing power of sharing one's story. • Tina’s experienc…
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E.189 Unlocking Growth: The Transformative Power of Coaching
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10:54Send us a text This episode delves into the critical distinctions between coaching and therapy, emphasizing coaching's role in fostering personal growth for professionals. Listeners gain insights on decision-making, overcoming isolation in leadership roles, and the importance of self-care through the coaching process. • Distinction between therapy …
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E.188 Trauma Cleanup and Healing: Krista Gregg's Journey of Mental Health Advocacy and Community Support
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42:45Send us a text What happens when tragedy strikes, and who is there to pick up the pieces when the unimaginable occurs? Meet Krista Gregg, a seasoned professional in crime and trauma scene cleaning, as she unpacks her journey from the healthcare and automotive sectors to meeting the intense emotional demands of cleaning traumatic scenes. With a miss…
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E.187 Empowering First Responders: The Impact of Peer Support and Mental Health Resources
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16:20Send us a text Exploring the critical role of peer support systems for first responders, this episode reveals both the benefits and limitations of such frameworks. Essential discussions include the inherent stigma in seeking help and the necessary cultural shift needed to create a more supportive environment for professionals facing emotional chall…
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E. 186 From Grief to Resilience: Navigating Loss, Empathy, and Recovery with David Roberts
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1:01:38Send us a text What happens when life shatters your heart and soul, and you're left to pick up the pieces? Join us for a poignant conversation with David Roberts, a retired addictions professional and adjunct psychology professor, who has transformed his personal tragedy into a powerful message of resilience. After losing his daughter Janine to can…
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E.185 Finding Your Way: Embracing Change and Supporting First Responders
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11:52Send us a text The episode unveils an exciting rebranding journey for the podcast, focusing on trauma, grief, and first responder experiences. The host seeks audience feedback and emphasizes enhanced engagement and targeted content in future episodes. • Announcement of the podcast rebranding • Reasons for focusing on trauma and grief • Importance o…
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E.184 A Year in Review and Future Mental Health Conversations
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14:57Send us a text Ever wondered how therapy can truly change your life? This episode might offer the insights you've been looking for. We start with a heartfelt apology to Malka Shaw for a previous oversight regarding our important conversation on antisemitism and collective trauma. Following this, we reflect on pivotal contributions from Dennis Sween…
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E.183 Reflecting on a Year of Transformative Conversations and New Connections in Therapy
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12:33Send us a text Reflecting on a year filled with transformative conversations and invaluable insights, I've had the pleasure of sharing 47 new episodes with 24 incredible new voices on the "Finding Your Way Through Therapy" podcast. Among other voices are recurring guests like Stephanie Simpson and Keith Hanks, whose impactful contributions continue…
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E.182 Transforming Stress into Success with Hypnotherapy With Craig Meriwether
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53:36Send us a text What if your mind held the key to your own healing? Join us for an insightful conversation with Craig Meriwether, a seasoned clinical and medical hypnotherapist, as we explore the transformative world of hypnotherapy. Craig sheds light on his vast experience tackling issues ranging from childhood trauma and PTSD to empowering entrepr…
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E.181 From Traumatic Brain Injury to Expert Therapist - A Healing Journey with Daniel Gospodarek
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49:45Send us a text After enduring a traumatic brain injury, Daniel Gospodarek transformed his life and career, becoming a licensed therapist driven by personal experience and professional expertise. Join us for a compelling conversation with Daniel, owner of Revitalized Mental Health, as he shares his profound journey from recovery to becoming a specia…
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E.180 Supportive Journeys in Recovery and Beyond
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14:28Send us a text Can the holiday season be truly joyous without the shadow of substance temptation? Join me, Steve Bisson, as we explore the compelling differences between sobriety and recovery—two paths often confused but profoundly distinct. I'll guide you through the layered complexities of maintaining a sober lifestyle during the holidays. With g…
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E.179 Empowering Minds: Erica Curry on DBT, Self-Care for Therapists, and the Healing Power of Connection
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56:07Send us a text Discover the transformative journey of Erica Curry, a former Division 1 athlete who has seamlessly transitioned into a licensed therapist and coach, bringing her unique perspective to the world of mental health. Erica opens up about her passion for Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and how it has become a linchpin in her approach to…
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E.178 Finding Balance: Managing Holiday Stress and Political Tensions
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15:42Send us a text Feeling overwhelmed by the holiday hustle and political chatter? Discover how to maintain your sanity and serenity as we navigate the emotional rollercoaster brought on by this election cycle. This episode is your guide to maintaining balance amidst the chaos, highlighting the emotional impact of political events and the holiday seas…
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E.177 Breaking Silence: Surviving and Reforming the Troubled Teen Industry
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45:03Send us a text Meg Appelgate, a courageous survivor of the troubled teen industry and co-founder of Unsilenced, joins us to share her profound story of resilience and advocacy. We explore her experiences with institutional abuse and the urgent need for reform to protect vulnerable teenagers. Meg's book, "Surviving and Fighting the Troubled Teen Ind…
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E.176 Embracing Curiosity and Authenticity: Unlocking Personal and Professional Growth with Stephanie Simpson
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53:55Send us a text What if you could break free from the confines of your own mind and live a more embodied and authentic life? Join us as we welcome back the insightful Stephanie Simpson, who expertly bridges the worlds of coaching and therapy. This episode promises to explore the art of creating safe spaces for self-discovery while helping you reconn…
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E.175 Addressing Stress and Burnout: Mental Health Support for First Responders, Law Enforcement, Police
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52:01Send us a text Join me in a transformative conversation with Kyle Goodknight, a veteran healthcare professional with over three decades of experience as a respiratory therapist and paramedic. We tackle the critical issues of stress and burnout that first responders face, shedding light on the vital role mental health support plays in sustaining the…
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E.174 Overcoming Children's Fear of Dogs: Insights from Stefani Cohen
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40:35Send us a text Unlock the secrets to building a fearless future for your children with our inspiring guest, Stefani Cohen. A true authority in family dynamics and stress-positive parenting, Stefani shares her decades of wisdom and insight into overcoming children's fear of dogs. Drawing from her book, "Overcoming Your Child's Fear of Dogs," she unv…
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E.173 Transforming Stress and Trauma with Somatic Breathwork: Abbie Westgate's Journey
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52:01Send us a text What if you could transform your life by simply changing the way you breathe? Join us for a compelling conversation with Abbie Westgate, a former UK police sergeant who left behind the high-stress world of law enforcement to embrace the healing power of somatic breathwork. Abbie courageously shares her journey through stress, burnout…
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E.172 The Mental Men Discuss The Hybrid Therapy Models And Its Flexibility and Effectiveness
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52:30Send us a text The post-COVID era has brought unprecedented changes to community mental health, and our recurring guests, The Mental Men, are here to share their unique insights! Discover how mental health professionals have navigated the shift from in-person to remote practices, transforming the way they interact and support each other. We'll disc…
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E.171 A Career Redefined by First Responder Encounters
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27:44Send us a text What happens when a child and family specialist immerses themselves in the fast-paced world of first responders? Join us to explore the captivating professional journey that began in 1999, where our host's initial role as a crisis team triage coordinator led to unexpected yet profound career transformations. Through late-night calls …
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E.170 From Paramedic to Creative: Sarah Wayte's Journey with ADHD and Mental Health in Emergency Services
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50:16Send us a text Ever wondered how a paramedic transitions to a creative copywriter and brand photographer? Meet Sarah Wayte, who shares her incredible 20-year journey through the UK ambulance service and her unexpected leap into a new career in Canada. Sarah opens up about her life-changing late diagnosis of ADHD and how it influenced her path, offe…
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E.169 Ann Diment on Trauma, Resilience, and the Power of Creativity
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51:15Send us a text What if the key to unlocking your potential lies within the untold stories of your past? On today's episode, we sit down with Ann Diment, a best-selling author and an authority on health, safety, and recovery, as she navigates the complex landscape of trauma, mental health, and resilience. Anne brings a wealth of personal experience,…
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E.168 The Rise of Overdoses and the Path Forward With Adrienne Tichy
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48:22Send us a text How has the pandemic reshaped the landscape of addiction and mental health? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Adrienne Tichy, a recovery coach, advocate, international bestseller, and public speaker, who shares her compelling personal journey and professional insights from over a decade in addiction recovery. This episode…
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Summer Replay: Navigating Grief and Trauma: Insights from Therapist Gina Moffa And Her Book, Now On Paperback
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1:05:57Send us a text How do you truly heal when life throws its toughest challenges your way? Welcome back to an incredibly heartfelt and insightful conversation with Gina Moffa, a dedicated grief and trauma-informed therapist based in New York City. Gina introduces her upcoming book, "Moving On Doesn't Mean Letting Go," and sheds light on her journey as…
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Summer Replay: From Guests to Co-Hosts: Our Podcast Evolution
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14:33Send us a text Ever wondered why you feel the need to constantly say yes, even when it drains you? On this special episode of "Finding Your Way Through Therapy," we celebrate our third anniversary and 153rd episode by not only reflecting on our incredible journey but also tackling the pervasive issue of people pleasing. Join us as we recount our mi…
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Summer Replay With The Mental Men: Vulnerability and Healing in Modern Therapy
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1:03:12Send us a text What if the key to transforming your mental health journey lies within the wisdom of experienced therapists? In the premiere episode of season nine of "Finding Your Way Through Therapy," we introduce the "Mental Men" – Andrew Kang, Pat Rice, Dr. Robert Cherney, and Dennis Sweeney – who have profoundly influenced my path in the therap…
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From Therapy to Podcourses: Navigating Personal Growth and Midlife Transitions with Lisa Mustard in Summer Replay
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59:30Send us a text Join us for an enlightening conversation with Lisa Mustard, an LMFT and coach from South Carolina, as she recounts her journey from starting in therapy in 2006 to pioneering Continuing Education for Therapists through her podcourses. Lisa sheds light on the day that changed everything—a two-day conference that ignited her passion for…
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Transformative Therapy: Movement and Mental Wellness With Courtney Romanowski and Audrey Albert-King In Summer Replay
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48:18Send us a text Discover the transformative power of dance movement therapy in our latest episode featuring Courtney Romanowski, our new co-host, and Audrey Albert-King, a licensed mental health counselor and board-certified dance movement therapist. Audrey brings her extensive knowledge to the table, revealing how reconnecting with our bodies and u…
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From Carpet Cleaning to Comedy: Brad Mastrangelo on Humor, Therapy, and Connection
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46:01Send us a text Ever wondered how a carpet cleaner can become a stand-up comedian? Meet Brad Mastrangelo, who took a leap from carpet cleaning to comedy on a dare at Nick's Comedy Store in Boston. Brad's journey is filled with unexpected turns and lots of laughter, and in this episode, we delve into his roots in Chelsea, Massachusetts, his long marr…
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Summer Replay: High-Stakes Flight: Confronting Crisis and Fear at 30,000 Feet
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21:04Send us a text What happens when a routine flight turns into a high-stakes confrontation at 30,000 feet? On this special episode of "Finding Your Way Through Therapy," I recount a terrifying in-flight incident from March 5th, 2023, where my family and I faced a passenger's aggressive outburst. Claiming to be "Baltazar," this individual threatened t…
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Strategies for Trauma Recovery in First Responders With Hayden Duggan
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44:53Send us a text What happens when the champions of our safety need rescuing? Join us for a profound discussion with Dr. Hayden Duggan, founder of OnSite, as we dissect the mental health challenges faced by first responders. This episode promises to illuminate the critical need for specialized therapy and trauma recovery tailored to those who risk th…
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Turning Trauma into Strength: Dr. Hayden Duggan on Resilience for First Responders
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42:42Send us a text What if your traumas could become the catalyst for your greatest strengths? Join us on an heartfelt exploration with Dr. Hayden Duggan, a remarkable psychologist and founder of Onsite Academy, as he shares his compelling journey from being a firefighter, paramedic, and EMT to becoming a beacon of hope for public safety personnel. Dr.…
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E.158 Balancing Act: A Therapist's Guide to Self-Care and Personal Well-Being
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19:19Send us a text Have you ever wondered how therapists take care of their own mental health while supporting others through theirs? Today, I share my personal journey through the landscape of self-care, especially during the pandemic. I'll reveal the challenges I've faced in balancing professional responsibilities with personal well-being and how sch…
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E.157 Innovative Therapeutic Approaches with Expressive Arts with Bed Hermin
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49:55Send us a text Guest host Courtney Romanowski unlocks the power of creativity and emotional healing with our special guest, Bed Hermin, a licensed mental health counselor and registered expressive arts therapist. Discover how Bed's educational journey at Lesley University and the rich history of the expressive arts therapy program shape their appro…
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E.156 Transforming Health: The Mind-Body Connection with Erin Todd
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52:32Send us a text 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. W…
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E.155 Writing for Healing: The Therapeutic Power of Words For First Responders With Keith Hanks
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59:48Send us a text Imagine dedicating 21 years of your life to saving others, only to find yourself grappling with your own inner battles. This episode features an incredibly candid conversation with Keith Hanks, a retired firefighter and EMT, who opens up about his complex PTSD diagnosis and the rocky journey from active duty to retirement. We unwrap …
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E.154 Breaking Free from People-Pleasing: Embracing Boundaries and Self-Care
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17:59Send us a text Ever find yourself saying "sorry" just to keep the peace, even when you've done nothing wrong? That's just one telltale sign of the people-pleaser's dance – a rhythm I know all too well, and one we're stepping out of in our latest podcast episode. We'll navigate the complex journey of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care, sh…
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