Special Episode: When the Unthinkable Happens — Mental Health Support After Tragedy
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Host: Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, Qualified Supervisor Moderator & Founder: Through the Valley Therapy & Transformed Mind Consulting and Coaching
Release Date: July 21, 2025 Event: A live webinar hosted by The Agency Austin, created in response to the devastating Central Texas flood and sudden loss of a beloved colleague in a hit-and-run.
Episode Experts:Dr. Kate Johnson (D.Min., LMHC, QS) — Featured in Episode 10: “Untangling the Threads: Insights on Biblical and Clinical Healing”
Brian Gong (LMHC, QS; Certified Addiction Professional; EMDR Consultant) — Featured in Episode 60: “Healing Trauma at the Root: EMDR, Addiction, and Accountability”
1. Why this panel matters In light of the Central Texas flood’s massive loss of life and the hit-and-run tragedy, we gathered in community to bring real-time mental health support. This episode isn’t clinical theory—it’s grounded, compassionate care for real people in real time.
2. Live webinar replay Hear the moderated conversation in full, with trauma-informed tools for healing, grounded in both professional experience and real-life crisis response.
3. Trusted expertise on trauma Each of us—Kate, Brian, and myself—has walked alongside people affected by natural disasters, mass shootings, and community-wide grief. What we offer here is rooted in lived and professional wisdom.
4. Credential clarity Note: I was misintroduced at the start as a registered play therapist—that’s incorrect. I am a licensed mental health counselor and integrative mental health provider, not a play therapist.
5. Core message: Hope over credentials Our combined goal: meet you where you are, equip you with hope-filled tools, and remind you how to show up when everything feels broken.
Resources Mentioned (All Hyperlinked)Grounding & Calming Tools
5‑4‑3‑2‑1 Grounding Technique: A sensory method for present‑moment awareness Scribd+7Mental Health Center Kids+7Healthline+7
Grounding Technique Handout (PDF) – 5‑4‑3‑2‑1 printable sheet
Apps & Tools
Calm (meditation & breathwork app) — mentioned as a go-to for early regulation
Apps like Breathly and PAUSE were also referenced as free tools to assist self-care
Books & Bibliotherapy
Anxiety & Phobia Workbook — recommended for structured coping exercises
Brave Bart and A Terrible Thing Happened — children’s book supporting grief conversations
Professional Therapy
EMDR therapy — highly effective for treating trauma symptoms in youth and adults
Children’s Bereavement Center — national resource for grief support in children
Psychology Today therapist search — for vetted local providers via insurance, sliding scales
Community Support Models
Recommendation to connect with local schools, hospitals, or mental health agencies for support groups
Dr. Kate Johnson – Episode 10 – Untangling the Threads
Brian Gong – Episode 60 – Healing Trauma at the Root
The Agency Austin – [Real Estate & Community Hub]https://theagencyatx.com/
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