Behavioral Health Today

Becoming a Therapist & Helpful Tips for Pre-Licensed Therapists with Ben Behnen – Episode 190

There is a huge jump from grad school to private practice life and from being a student to being a clinician full time. Unfortunately, there are challenges stacked up against beginning therapists that make it difficult to feel like they're doing enough whether it's professionally, developmentally, or even one-on-one with their clients. In this episode, Dr. Erin Elmore speaks with Ben Behnen. Ben has a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from St. Mary’s University. He is currently accruing his hours to become licensed. Ben has taken his experience of becoming a MFT and turned it into a blog aptly named, “Becoming a Therapist”, where he writes a bi-weekly newsletter, hosts a podcast, and is building a community to help beginning therapists grow. Together Erin and Ben discuss the current state pre-licensure therapists are coming into, some of the challenges around the transition from student to clinician, the common struggles around imposter syndrome and frequent questions asked by pre-licensed therapists. There is a huge jump from grad school to private practice life, but resources like Ben’s website Becoming a Therapist can help guide that growth process.

 

For more information about Becoming a Therapist, please visit: https://becomingatherapist.me

For more information about Becoming a Therapist podcast, please visit: https://becomingatherapist.me/podcast/

To subscribe to the Becoming a Therapist newsletter, please visit: https://becomingatherapist.me/theragrowth-newsletter/

For more information about the pre-licensed experience, we suggest How to Survive and Thrive as a Therapist by Kenneth S. Pope and Melba J. T. Vasquez, please visit: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/237428163_How_to_Survive_and_Thrive_as_a_Therapist_Information_Ideas_and_Resources_for_Psychologists_in_Practice

Asking the Right Questions about ADHD with Dr. Norrine Russell – Episode 189

ADHD is just one of those uniquely frustrating diagnoses to navigate as a parent. There are so many different professions and professional backgrounds that can diagnose and evaluate your child the pathway to getting your child his isn’t always clear. In this episode, Dr. Erin Elmore speaks with Dr. Norrine Russell. Dr. Russell is the founder of Russell Coaching for Students, which uses an innovative method of coaching for students with complex challenges, including those who have ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, and learning differences. Dr. Russell has over 20 years of experience in child development, learning styles, special needs, and positive parenting philosophies. She is the author of the recently published guide for parents Asking the Right Questions Before, During, and After Your Child’s ADHD Diagnosis. Together Erin and Norrine discuss how to get your child assessed for ADHD, getting accommodations for school, the benefits of a full evaluation process, building a treatment team, understanding medication for treating ADHD, and what questions to ask and how do you become an advocate for your child with ADHD. Parents, educate yourselves and be hopeful and optimistic because we can move ADHD out of the way of your child and build a successful future for you and your family.

 

For more information about Russell Coaching call 212-716-1161 or visit: https://russellcoaching.com

For more information about “Asking the Right Questions Before, During, and After Your Child’s ADHD Diagnosis” by Norrine Russell, please visit: https://russellcoaching.com/adhd-book-release

To listen to Norrine Russell on other podcasts and other topics, please visit: https://russellcoaching.com/podcastsspeaking-availability

For more information about the CHADD 2022 Conference, please visit: https://chadd.org/conference/

Follow Russell Coaching on Instagram at Russell Coaching LLC, or visit: https://www.instagram.com/russellcoachingllc/

Follow Russel Coaching on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/norrine-russell-820545184/

Environmental Mindfulness & Immersive Wellness with Joshua Sam Miller – Episode 188

The combination of music and nature can be a transformative one and a powerful tool to increase immersion and promote mindfulness in one’s life. In this episode, Dr. Erin Elmore speaks with Joshua Sam Miller. Joshua is a multi-disciplinary artist, environmentalist, and conscious entrepreneur on a mission to connect people to the natural world through immersive art. Recently, he has been an advocate for the importance of ocean conservation through Sounds of the Ocean, an immersive mindful experience which blends the arts and sciences to connect with marine life through sound. Joshua has committed himself to music as his primary expression since 2018. His music is inspired by the lineages of Nada Yoga, Afro-Cuban rhythm, Indian Raga, Jewish and Sufi mysticism, and Jazz with the goal of creating immersive content to support healthy lives and inspire meaningful action. Together Erin and Joshua discuss the inspiration and intention of his music, the power of sound to promote meditation and mindfulness, our connection of nature and humanity, and their advocacy for conservation and how Joshua’s music aims to encourage mindfulness as well as action by working with local NGOs and ocean conservation organizations.

 

For more information about Joshua Sam Miller’s music, upcoming shows, and Sounds of the Ocean, please visit: https://www.soundsoftheocean.com

Consider donating to Sounds of the Ocean and ocean conservation, by visiting: https://fundraising.fracturedatlas.org/sounds-of-the-ocean

For more information about Embodies Sounds and immersive wellness experiences, please visit: https://www.embodiedsounds.com

Connect with Joshua Sam Miller on social media:

On Instagram at sounds_oftheocean, or visit: https://www.instagram.com/sounds.oftheocean/

On Facebook at soundsoftheocean_fb or visit: https://www.facebook.com/soundsoftheocean.fb/

On YouTube by visiting: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy3GoDoYdDGpH-6Z3ruubSA

On Spotify by visiting: https://open.spotify.com/album/1ZeHixGlrxu0vL99JZGIi3?si=E7ICd0_0SBGMdH0iwQbdFA

And finally, you can visit Joshua’s personal website by visit: https://www.joshuasammiller.com

The Indianapolis Colts are Kicking the Stigma with Steve Campbell – Episode 187

We recognize that the stigma around mental health is preventing people from getting help. About 33% of all college students experience significant symptoms of depression, anxiety other mental health conditions, but only about 30% seek help. Talking about specifically college athletes, we know that only about 10% seek help. Despite this, data shows that up to 35% of these elite athletes suffer from some mental health crisis. With a program like Kicking the Stigma, a platform for vulnerable athletes to be open about their mental health, the Indianapolis Colts are addressing stigma in mental health and showing the world the power of vulnerability. In this episode Dr. Graham Taylor speaks with Steve Campbell. Steve has more than 25 years of experience working in all levels of media, community programming, and public service. Steve served as Deputy Mayor of Indianapolis for Public and Neighborhood Affairs where he was responsible for directing various city operations in neighborhood development and outreach media communications, constituent service, environmental affairs, and public access to government. Currently, Steve is the Vice President of Communications for the NFL's, Indianapolis Colts and an active community volunteer. Together, Steve, the Colts, and the owners of the Colts, the Irsay family, have built a mental health awareness program called Kicking the Stigma, where they spread awareness about mental illness and encourage anyone battling with mental illness to seek the help they need. Together Graham and Steve discuss the purpose of Kicking the Stigma and the personal connection to the Colts organization, the program, and the various organizations partnered with Kicking the Stigma, the impact of athletes sharing their stories, and the power of vulnerability to model and encourage people to think about their own mental health, and finally the success of this campaign and the feedback they’ve received from motivated people. Kicking the Stigma is about the power of vulnerability and encouraging folks to reach out and talk to someone.

We encourage anyone interested in learning more about Kicking the Stigma tune into the Monday Night Football broadcast on November 28^th where the Indianapolis Colts are hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers.

For more information about Kicking the Stigma, please visit: https://www.colts.com/community/kicking-the-stigma/

View the list of resources for mental health and wellness resources, please visit: https://www.colts.com/community/kicking-the-stigma/resources

Interested in donating? Give to Kicking the Stigma by visiting: https://donate.onecause.com/kickingthestigma

For more information about Indianapolis Colts, please visit: https://www.colts.com

How to Prepare for the ASWB Social Work Licensing Exam with Natalie Liberman, LCSW LMFT – Episode 186

Oftentimes we’ll come at the licensing exam like we did other exams during our academic career, but the ASWB Social Work Licensing Exam is a whole other beast. We encourage taking the exam content and applying a learning process, that’s based on research, that’s going to enhance the encoding, retention, and recall of this material. If we can approach the Social Work Licensing Exam with a plan, and enhance what we can do, but let’s do it strategically. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor speaks with Natalie Liberman, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Natalie has been a faculty at Gerry Grossman Seminars (since 2012), and an Adjunct Faculty at Pepperdine University, Graduate School of Education and Psychology (since 2015). In her private practice, Natalie works with an array of clients dealing with substance abuse, trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, career and life transitions, sexual problems, social anxiety disorders, communication issues, self-esteem, and general quality of life issues. Today, we'll be focusing on Natalie's expertise as an exam prep expert and coach and talking about early career experiences and preparing for the social work licensing exam. Together Graham and Natalie discuss the emotions and mindset to starting your exam process, understanding your learning preferences so you can study smarter and ways to do this strategically, two most important skills to improve recall and retention, study options and support available to assist you through your exam journey, and finally thoughts around self-assessment in the event you do not pass the first time. The licensing exam can be challenging, but if we understand our learning style and be intentional in our preparation, you will walk into that exam feeling confident with great mastery in preparation under your belt.

 

For more information about the ASWB licensing board, please visit: https://www.aswb.org/exam/

For more information about the Social Work Licensing Exam and frequently asked questions, please visit: https://gerrygrossman.com/what-is-the-lcsw-exam

For more information about Social Work Licensing Exam Preparation Materials, please visit Gerry Grossman Seminars at: https://gerrygrossman.com/lcsw-exam-prep

For more information about AnkiApp Flashcard program, please visit: https://www.ankiapp.com/

For more information about Make it Stick by Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger, III, and Mark A. McDaniel, please visit: https://www.retrievalpractice.org/make-it-stick

Connect with Natalie Liberman on Instagram @insight_with_natalie or visit: https://www.instagram.com/insight_with_natalie/

Teen & Adolescent Mental Wellness with Michael Klinkner, LCSW – Episode 185

Nobody has a reference for parenting teens. For many, this is the first time doing this, so what are the right answers? Let alone what are the right answers for what you’re comfortable with. If you as a parent are doing the best you can, with the best intentions then you’re parenting fine. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor speaks with Michael Klinkner. Michael is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 22 years of experience helping children, adolescents, and adults in therapy. Michael has specialty training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Neurolinguistic Programming. Currently, Michael is working with Evolve Counseling in Arizona where he treats a variety of issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and ADHD, focusing primarily on children, teen and adolescent populations. Together Graham and Michael discuss the challenges around teen mental health, the changes in positive socialization, as well as the dangers of social media and how to guide your child’s relationship with technology as they mature, and finally encouraging parents to be proactive and have the difficult conversations to establish trust with your teen and ensure they’re getting the right information. Most parents are doing the best they can, given their resources. If they had better resources they’d do better. We’re not perfect parents. What are the small, but important things you can do today?

 

For more information about Michael Klinkner and Evolve Counseling, please visit: https://www.evolvecounselingaz.com

Connect with Michael on Instagram at michael_klinknercouseling, or visit: https://www.instagram.com/evolvecounseling_AZ/

Finally, connect with Michael on Facebook at michaelklinknercounseling, or visit: https://www.facebook.com/michaelklinknercounseling

Model to Becoming a Better Leader with Dr. Richard Winters – Episode 184

The best leaders are those individuals who can connect a mission and values with the way forward and what's happening right now. And so, connecting patient stories with what you're doing and where you're wanting to go. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor speaks with Dr. Richard Winters. Richard is a practicing emergency physician and an executive coach at Mayo Clinic. He is also the director of Leadership Development for the Mayo Clinical Care Network, where he facilitates retreats and delivers programs that train leaders at healthcare organizations worldwide. Richard has authored the recently published Wall Street Journal bestselling book You’re the Leader Now What? Leadership Lessons from Mayo Clinic. Together Graham and Richard discuss the characteristics of what makes a good leader, identifying and developing your own personal leadership style, the challenges leaders are experiencing today, developing greater self-awareness, and the various leadership personas. The best leaders are individuals who develop leaders, not followers. And so hopefully you're working with someone who's trying to get the best out of you to find your kind of leadership abilities. It's important to find where we have efficacy and in these kinds of leader-to-colleague relationships, find how we're being able to be our best in those situations.

 

For more information about Dr. Richard Winters, please visit: https://www.richardwinters.com

For more information about You’re the Leader Now What? Leadership Lessons from Mayo Clinic by Richard Winters M.D, please visit: https://www.richardwinters.com/book/

Connect with Richard Winters on Twitter, please visit: https://twitter.com/drrwinters

Connect with Richard Winters on LinkedIn, please visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardcwinters/

 

A Brighter Day, A Shining Light for Teen Suicide Prevention with Elliot Kallen– Episode 183

Every year, tens of thousands of teenagers struggle with thoughts of depression, deep sadness, isolation, suicide, stress, and feelings of helplessness. And sadly, too often the parents of these teens are the last to learn about this and sometimes too late to take action. In this episode, Dr. Graham speaks with Elliot Kallen. Elliot brings 25 years of leadership and management experience from the business sector to his role at A Brighter Day, a non-profit charity that helps spread awareness about depression and suicide prevention for teens and parents. He co-founded A Brighter Day in 2016 with his wife Tammy after the loss of their son Jake, to support young adults in their transition to adulthood and to help prevent teen suicide. Together they discussed the mindset of suicidal teens in a post-covid world, the warning signs of suicidal ideation, the problems of isolation from bullying and social media, parental tips to improve communication with their family, and the various charity programs that assist teens in crisis. You don't need to see the light at the end of the tunnel to know that it's there. You just haven't walked far enough yet. You just may need someone to walk a little bit further with you.

 

If you are a parent or teen in crisis, you can text BRIGHTER to 741741 and connect with a counselor and get immediate help. Learn more: https://abrighterday.info/741741-crisis-text-line-talk-to-someone-now/

For more information about A Brighter Day, please visit: https://abrighterday.info

To download then Parent Survival Toolkit, please visit https://abrighterday.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Parent-Resource-Toolkit.pdf

To download the Teen Suicide Toolkit, please visit: https://abrighterday.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Teen-Survival-Toolkit-7.pdf

For more information on A Brighter Day charity gala on November 10^th, please visit: https://abrighterday.info/virtual-gala-event/

Part 2: Succeeding with Social Emotional Learning Technology with Robin Glenn, CEO – Episode 182

This episode resumes our conversation with Dr. Graham Taylor and his guest Robin Glenn.  In our last episode we identified the common mental health challenges of teens and adolescents and the benefits of Social and Emotional Learning being brought into this season of their lives. We discussed their SEL online training program, that assigns meaningful courses for students to take on their own with the goal of both teaching content but gaining insight into the student’s introspection through surveys. BASE has this learning process driven by methodology that not just sets your program apart, but it deepens the learning process. We discussed the baseline assessment that screens students against national results and how that assessment will guide the program modules that are specific to the student. As well as at-home resources and shared survey information to reinforce the SEL courses and create more connection with parents and their children. And finally, we discussed how the BASE Education program can customize data that’s informative on various levels of school positions from teacher to principles to counselor to administrators. We’ll resume our talk today by discussing how the BASE Education program can identify silent at-risk children through meaningful pointed questions.

 

For more information about BASE Education, please visit: https://base.education

To contact BASE Education, please visit: https://base.education/contact/

Part 1: Succeeding with Social Emotional Learning Technology with Robin Glenn, CEO – Episode 181

In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor speaks with Robin Glenn. Robin is the CEO and co-founder of Based Education, an online mental health program that uses the social emotional learning model to help children and teens. Robin has over 20 years of experience as a licensed professional counselor working with at risk teens and has held several roles including school-based therapy specialist, private practice therapists for adolescents, treatment coordinator for intensive in and outpatient teens and research specialists in clinical trials for adolescents with addictions. Together Graham and Robin identify the common mental health challenges of teens and adolescents and the benefits of Social and Emotional Learning being brought into this season of their lives, we discussed their SEL online training program, which assigns meaningful courses for students to take on their own with the goal of both teaching content but gaining insight into the student’s introspection through surveys, we discussed the baseline assessment that screens students against national results and how that assessment will guide the program modules that are specific to the student. And finally, we discussed how the BASE Education program can customize data that are informative on various levels of school positions from teachers to principals to counselors to administrators. SEL has become the replacement for mental health help in schools and unfortunately, schools are where mental health issues tend to come out.

 

For more information about BASE Education, please visit: https://base.education

To contact BASE Education, please visit: https://base.education/contact/

Innovative Coaching for Complex Students with ADHD with Dr. Norrine Russell – Episode 180

Students with neurological or executive functioning issues are told they can't do things on their own, they need help, and there's so much going on that's a problem. Russell Coaching is working to flip that on its head and build faith and self-esteem in their students. Encouraging everyone to find the solution instead of always focusing on the problem. In this episode, Dr. Erin Elmore speaks with Dr. Norrine Russell. Dr. Russell is the founder of Russell Coaching for Students, which uses an innovative method of coaching for students with complex challenges, including those who have ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, and learning differences. Dr. Russell has over 20 years of experience in child development, learning styles, special needs, and positive parenting philosophies. She is the author of the recently published guide for parents Asking the Right Questions Before, During, and After Your Child’s ADHD Diagnosis. Together Erin and Norrine discuss understanding ADHD as a neurological issue than a behavioral one, how coaching and therapy could be complimentary or supportive of one another, they discuss Russell Coaching’s model that includes: understanding the individual, connecting with the student’s team, using science and brain-based understanding, reporting, working with a leadership team, and finally customized software that supports this connected coaching model.

 

For more information about Russell Coaching, please visit: https://russellcoaching.com

For more information about Asking the Right Questions Before, During, and After Your Child’s ADHD Diagnosis by Norrine Russell, please visit: https://russellcoaching.com/adhd-book-release

To listen to Norrine Russell on other podcasts and other topics, please visit: https://russellcoaching.com/podcastsspeaking-availability

For more information about the CHADD 2022 Conference, please visit: https://chadd.org/conference/

Follow Russell Coaching on Instagram at Russell Coaching LLC, or visit: https://www.instagram.com/russellcoachingllc/

Follow Russel Coaching on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/norrine-russell-820545184/

Part 2: Psychological Responses to Privilege with Brian Lowery – Episode 179

This episode resumes our conversation with Dr. Graham Taylor and his guest Brian Lowery. In our last episode, we discussed an understanding of privilege by looking at the advantages and benefits associated with a specific identity and looking at these identities on the same level to recognize the advantages that come with your circumstances. We discussed we engage with privilege and how it can activate our defense mechanisms., and finally we discussed the psychological responses to privilege and the three Ds of defense, denial, distancing, and dismantling. We’ll resume our talk today by discussing our understanding of deservingness and how the idea that your life is not solely driven by you challenges your moral worth. Who you happen to be doesn't dictate your moral standing. It's the decisions you make about how you exist in the world that do. When talking about privilege, people get worked up because it’s as if their moral character has been called into question based on characteristics they have no control over.

 

For more information about Brian Lowery and his podcast Know What You See, please visit: https://www.knowwhatyousee.com

For more information about articles and other media content by Brian Lowery about race, equity, and privilege, please visit: https://www.knowwhatyousee.com/media-page

Part 1: Psychological Responses to Privilege with Brian Lowery – Episode 178

In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor speaks with Brian Lowery. Brian is a professor of Organizational Behavior and a Social Psychologist by training at Stanford Graduate School of Business. Brian is driving an initiative to shape enlightened and purposeful leaders for a diverse society. Brian’s research examines the operation of racial attitudes below the threshold of consciousness and the perception of inequality. He has been published in major scholarly journals such as the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, and Law and Human Behavior. Together Graham and Brian discuss an understanding of privilege by looking at the advantages and benefits associated with a specific identity and looking at these identities on the same level to recognize the advantages that come with your circumstances. We discuss we engage with privilege and how it can activate our defense mechanisms., and finally we discussed the psychological responses to privilege and the three Ds of defense, denial, distancing, and dismantling.

 

For more information about Brian Lowery and his podcast Know What You See, please visit: https://www.knowwhatyousee.com

For more information about articles and other media content by Brian Lowery about race, equity, and privilege, please visit: https://www.knowwhatyousee.com/media-page

 

Creating Access to LGBTQ+ Affirming Care with Steven Haden, MSW – Episode 177

Ideally, when we're struggling, we get to stop and pause and ask ourselves, or be asked by someone, what if it could look differently? And when people ask those questions of themselves, Envision: You is right there, ready for them to come into, and to be walked through, some of these things in a way that can be very therapeutic and healing. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor speaks with Steven Haden, MSW. Steven is the CEO and Co-Founder to Envision: You, a non-profit that works to improve the behavioral health outcomes of the LGBTQ+ community by addressing the disparity in the care they receive. Steven is a Certified LGBTQ+ Affirming therapist, Mental Health First Aid Instructor, and public speaker on issues related to behavioral health concerns from the perspective of lived experience. Through Envision: You, Steven has helped lead an initiative to implement a multi-media public awareness campaign and no-cost virtual behavioral telehealth services to increase access to LGBTQ+ affirming care. Together they discuss the gaps in care around the LGBTQ+ community as well as the higher need for services, we discussed the importance of affirming care and the benefits of a healing place, and finally, the programs offered by Envision: You and developing the phone app YOU: Flourish, that brings together community and mental health resources to create an authentic experience specifically for the LGBTQ+ community. Envision: You are holding that hope and possibility for folks that recovery is possible, and a better day is ahead.

 

For more information about Envision: YOU, please visit: https://www.envision-you.org

For more information about the YOU: Flourish app, please visit: https://you-flourish.com

For more information about the research by the Omni Institute, please visit: https://www.omni.org/envisionyou-state-of-the-state

If you’re looking to initiate conversation and learn how to have “the talk”, please visit: https://www.envision-you.org/how-to-have-the-talk

For more information about Q is for Questioning, please visit: https://www.envision-you.org/q-is-for-questioning

For more information about Affirming Care and training, please visit: https://www.envision-you.org/lgbtq-behavioral-health-training

 

Part 2: Clinicians Series, Practicing Sleep Therapy in the Autism Community with Emily Varon, BCBA – Episode 176

This episode resumes this Clinicians’ Series conversation with Dr. Graham Taylor and his guest Emily Varon, BCBA. In our last episode, we discussed the assessment process, finding symptoms, and beginning steps to create a new sleep routine. This involves an inventory on how the child falls asleep and paying attention to the changes in their sleep environment. We also see how Emily addresses and understands the goals of therapy and how to reach an endpoint. We'll resume our talk today by discussing the challenges of the therapy process and normalizing some of the bumps along the way.

 

For more information about Ready.Set.Sleep, please visit: https://readysetsleep.com

For more information about the services provided by Ready.Set.Sleep, please visit: https://readysetsleep.com/services/

For practitioners interested in CEUs around sleep therapy, please visit: https://readysetsleep.thinkific.com

If you’d like to get in contact with Emily, please visit: https://readysetsleep.com/contact-us/