Behavioral Health Today

Clinicians Series: The Listening Path—Navigating Conversations with Empathy and Connection with Christine Miles – Episode 336

Listening is not about agreement, but about understanding. It unlocks the door to genuine connection, weaving together both facts and feelings into meaningful stories. Empathy follows only after we’ve mastered the art of listening. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor speaks with Christine Miles, a renowned executive coach, thought leader, entrepreneur, and world expert in transformative listening. Christine is the author of “What Is It Costing You Not to Listen?: The Power of Understanding to Connect, Influence, Solve & Sell”, and has spent over 25 years helping executives, individuals, and families deepen human connections, transforming both businesses and lives. With a BS in Psychology from Millersville University and a Master’s in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, Christine is also the Founder and CEO of Equipt, an organization dedicated to helping businesses apply human skills to drive results and cultivate empathy-based cultures. We're thrilled to have Christine with us today to explore the profound impact of listening and discuss insights from her book.

 

For more information about The Listening Path, please visit: https://thelisteningpath.com

For more information about “What Is It Costing You To Listen” by Christine Miles, please visit: https://thelisteningpath.com/listening-book/

Connect with The Listening Path on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/thelisteningpathsystem
Connect with The Listening Path on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGzP5PyPkrqG7BayFs0kU_g

Connect with The Listening Path on LinkedIn at: http://linkedin.com/company/equipt-the-listening-path/

Bridging the Gap: Addressing Mental Health Access & Client-Therapist Fit with Ram Krishnan – Episode 335

As the demand for mental health services continues to rise, access to care and finding the right therapist remain pressing challenges. How can we close the gap between growing awareness and ensuring sustainable, effective treatment for everyone in need? In this episode, Sharlee Dixon speaks with Ram Krishnan, CEO of Valant, a leading EHR software provider for behavioral health practices. With a background in healthcare information management and a history of driving market-changing innovations, Ram began his career as a systems engineer and holds an MBA from the University of Chicago. Since joining Valant in 2020, Ram has led the company through significant growth, prioritizing customer feedback and building strong teams. Under his leadership, Valant continues to enhance its service to the behavioral healthcare market. We're thrilled to have Ram back to discuss the latest trends in mental health accessibility and how we can improve access to care.

 

For more information about Valent, please visit: https://www.valant.io
To get a Live Personal Demo of how Valent can help your practice, please visit: https://www.valant.io/request-live-demo
To watch a recorded software demonstration video, please visit: https://www.valant.io/buy/watch-recorded-demo
Connect with Valent on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/valant-medical-solutions
Connect with Valent on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/ValantMed/
Connect with Valent on X at: https://twitter.com/valant

From Isolation to Connection: Healing Ourselves & Our Communities with Minaa B., LCSW – Episode 334

Collective healing starts with self-awareness and intentional action. By confronting our biases, nurturing connection, and embracing both personal and communal responsibility, we can mend our fractured society and move toward genuine growth. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor speaks with Minaa B., a licensed social worker, mental health educator, and author of “Owning Our Struggles.” Minaa’s extensive experience spans psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, and trauma, as well as work in early childhood programs, private practice, and community mental health. With a graduate degree from New York University, she is also the founder of Minaa B. Consulting, where she focuses on cultivating psychological safety within organizations. As a mental health educator and coach, Minaa integrates mental health with social justice, empowering individuals and communities. Based in New York City, Minaa is committed to fostering personal growth and societal healing. We’re excited to have her back to discuss self-efficacy, community building, and her book, Owning Your Struggles: A Path to Healing and Finding Community in a Broken World."

 

For more information about “Owning Our Struggles: A Path to Healing and Finding Community in a Broken World” by Minaa B., LCSW, please visit: https://www.minaab.com/books

For more information about Minaa B., please visit: https://www.minaab.com
To subscribe to Minaa’s newsletter, please visit: https://minaab.substack.com

To learn more about Mindful with Mina podcast, please visit: https://www.minaab.com/mindful-with-minaa-podcast

Connect with Minaa on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/minaa-b

Connect with Minaa on Instagram at: http://facebook.com/minaablmsw

Clinicians Series: Navigating Invisible Losses with Christina Rasmussen – Episode 333

Invisible losses often trap us in survival mode, leaving us living a life that doesn’t align with who we truly are. By acknowledging and validating these unseen wounds, we unlock the potential for healing, self-compassion, and reclaiming our authentic selves. This episode takes listeners behind the proverbial therapy door, offering insight into the processes and techniques that guide therapeutic healing. In this Clinicians Series episode, Sharlee Dixon speaks with Christina Rasmussen, a renowned grief educator and bestselling author of "Second Firsts," "Where Did You Go?," and "Invisible Loss." Following the loss of her spouse to cancer in 2010, Christina developed the Life Reentry process—a compassionate approach to helping individuals navigate grief and move forward. With a master's degree in guidance and counseling from the University of Durham and currently pursuing an MFA in painting and drawing at the Academy of Art, Christina brings both personal and professional wisdom to her work. Her groundbreaking insights have been featured on ABC News, Women’s World, The Washington Post, and even the White House Blog, while also contributing to Psychology Today.

 

For more information about Invisible Loss: Recognizing and Healing the Unacknowledged Heartbreak of Everyday Grief by Christina Rasmussen, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1649630077
For more information about Christina Rasmussen, please visit: https://christinarasmussen.com
To view the research articles and other blog articles on insivible losses, please visit: https://christinarasmussen.com/blog/

Share your own invisible losses and contribute to the Invisible Losses Library at: https://invisiblelosses.com

Connect with Christina on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/christinarasmussen7/

Connect with Christina on Facebook at: https://facebook.com/secondfirsts

Shifting Core Beliefs: The Power of Letting Go, Curiosity, & Hope with Jon Steele, LMFT – Episode 332

Curiosity opens the door to healing—small shifts in belief can change the entire trajectory. Embrace the next play with hope, not perfection. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor speaks with Jon Steele, LMFT. Jon is a licensed marriage and family therapist who has focused his private practice on treating high performance clients including athletes and professionals. With personal experience as a former collegiate athlete, Jon combines the complexities of the athlete experience with the performance of professional life. His specialties include treating anxiety, trauma, grief, addiction, and building mental fitness. Whether working with athletes or high-achieving professionals, he helps his clients combat shame, build healthy coping strategies, and increase self-compassion amidst high pressure environments. Join us as we delve into the transformative power of curiosity, free from harmful judgment, and discover how to apply this mindset to support high-performing individuals in their journeys.

 

Watch the Mental Fitness Stories podcast with Jon Steele, please subscribe on major podcast platforms or visit: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCttffNmewd9oJIU8b-nU9aw

For more information about Jon Steele and his private practice, please visit: https://www.jonsteeletherapy.com
To learn more about sports, grief, and loss, please read Jon’s blog by visiting: https://www.jonsteeletherapy.com/blog
Connect with Jon Steele on LinkedIn, please visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-steele-169061a6
Or connect with Jon on Facebook at Jon Steele, LMFT ,or visit: https://www.facebook.com/jonsteelelmftsports/

Grandiose vs. Vulnerable Narcissism: Navigating Ego, Social Media, & Self-Worth with Keith Campbell, PhD – Episode 331

In this episode, we dive into the intricate world of narcissism, examining how both grandiose and vulnerable traits influence self-esteem, relationships, and the impact of social media on these behaviors. Dr. Graham Taylor is joined by Dr. Keith Campbell, Professor of Psychology at the University of Georgia and a leading expert on narcissism. Keith has authored over 200 scientific papers and several notable books, including “The Narcissism Epidemic: Living in the Age of Entitlement and The New Science of Narcissism”. His work has been featured in various media outlets, from The Today Show to The Joe Rogan Experience, and he is the creator of a widely-viewed TED-Ed lesson on narcissism. With degrees from UC Berkeley, San Diego State University, and a Ph.D. from UNC Chapel Hill, Keith brings a wealth of knowledge to our conversation on the rise of entitlement in modern society.

 

For more information about Keith Campbell, please visit: https://www.wkeithcampbell.com

For more information about “The Narcissism Epidemic: Living in the Age of Entitlement” by W. Keith Campbell, PhD, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/Narcissism-Epidemic-Living-Age-Entitlement-ebook/dp/B00256Z3AY?ref_=ast_author_dp

For more information about “The New Science of Narcissism: Understanding One of the Greatest Psychological Challenges of Our Time—and What You Can Do About It” by W. Keith Campbell, PhD, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/Science-Narcissism-Understanding-Psychological-Time-ebook/dp/B089LGLN1D?ref_=ast_author_dp

 

Growing Through Grief: The LIGHT Movement with Amy Pickett-Williams, LCSW – Episode 330

Grief touches every part of us—mind, body, and spirit—but through LIGHT, we remind people they're not alone, offering somatic tools to help them ‘grow from grief’ and stand in solidarity with others. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor is joined by Amy Pickett-Williams, LCSW, a seasoned psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience specializing in grief, trauma, and somatic therapy. Amy is the founder of LIGHT (Love In Grief, Held Together), a movement focused on collective healing and support. With a holistic approach that integrates mind, body, and spirit, Amy’s work draws from both her personal journey and extensive professional background. In addition to her psychotherapy practice, she is a certified yoga instructor with diverse experience across medical, school-based, and private settings, working with clients of all ages. Today, Amy shares the transformative impact of the LIGHT Movement, emphasizing somatic healing, creativity, and connection in addressing various forms of grief.

 

For more information about LIGHT, please visit: https://www.lightmvmt.com
To learn more about the 20-Hour Somatic Healing Training or other upcoming LIGHT trainings, please visit: https://www.lightmvmt.com/offerings/trainings

For more grief resources, please visit: https://www.lightmvmt.com/resources
To donate to LiGHT, please visit: https://www.lightmvmt.com/donate
Connect with LIGHT on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/lightmvmt
Connect with LIGHT on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/lightmvmt
Connect with LIGHT on Linkedin at: http://linkedin.com/company/the-light-movement

Breaking Barriers: Taraji P. Henson’s Mission for Mental Health Equity with Tracie Jade Jenkins & BLHF – Episode 329

When Taraji P. Henson faced challenges finding a therapist for herself and her son, it ignited a mission to tackle the mental health barriers impacting Black and marginalized communities. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon sits down with Tracie Jade Jenkins, the Executive Director of the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation (BLHF). Founded in 2018, BLHF is dedicated to prioritizing mental health in Black communities through culturally competent resources, programs, and education across the nation. This initiative was born from a deeply personal story of loss and frustration. Taraji, alongside her close ally Tracie, launched the foundation to honor the memory of Taraji’s father, Boris Lawrence Henson—a Vietnam War veteran who faced untreated mental health issues upon his return. Witnessing the lasting impact of Boris’s struggles, Taraji and Tracie were driven to address the glaring lack of culturally relevant mental health support in the Black community. Join us as we explore Tracie’s journey, the transformative work of BLHF, and the ongoing efforts to reshape mental health support for Black communities.

 

For more information about the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, please visit: https://borislhensonfoundation.org

Learn more about the BLHF Joy Walk happening Oct 10^th, please visit: https://borislhensonfoundation.org/joy-walk/

For more information about other BLHF events, please visit: https://borislhensonfoundation.org/events/

To get involved with BLHF, please visit: https://borislhensonfoundation.org/get-involved/

Connect with BLHF on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/blhensonfoundation/

Connect with BLHF on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/102106068/

Connect with BLHF on X at: https://twitter.com/BLHFoundation

Connect with BLHF on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/blhensonfoundation/

Unlocking Your Potential: The Power of Psych-K to Transform Beliefs and Elevate Consciousness with Martha Vargas – Episode 328

PSYCH-K® aligns your conscious desires with your subconscious beliefs, empowering you to reprogram self-limiting patterns and achieve true holistic success. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon sits down with Martha Vargas. Martha is a Certified PSYCH-K® Instructor since June 2010. As one of only 35 Certified Instructors worldwide, she helps others reprogram their subconscious minds to overcome limiting beliefs. Inspired by Dr. Bruce Lipton, she believes that while many subconscious beliefs are empowering, a significant portion can be self-limiting. Martha uses PSYCH-K® to transform these patterns, enabling her to live a more authentic and fulfilling life. Her mission is to share these practical tools for self-actualization, helping others to actively participate in the evolution of humanity. We’re excited to have Martha with us today as we discuss limiting beliefs, and the self-realization process called PSYCH-K®.

 

For more information about PSYCH-K®, please visit: https://psych-k.com
Learn more about upcoming PSYCH-K® workshops, please visit: https://psych-k.com/workshops-select/
Learn more about Certified PSYCH-K® Instructors and find one near you, please visit: https://psych-k.com/certified-psych-k-instructors/
For more information about Martha Vargas, please visit: https://marthavargas.org
Connect with PSYCH-K® on YouTube, visit: https://www.youtube.com/@PSYCH-K

Yoga of Immortals: Bridging Ancient Wisdom with Modern Mental Health Solutions with Dr. Ishan Shivanand – Episode 327

Self-awareness and ancient wisdom empower us to prevent burnout, cultivate inner peace, and unlock our true potential. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor sits down with Dr. Ishan Shivanand. Ishan is a distinguished mental health researcher and professor specializing in non-pharmaceutical, non-invasive meditative modalities. As the Founder of Yoga of Immortals (also known as YOI) programs, Ishan has developed innovative wellness initiatives tailored to diverse demographics, including youth, professionals, athletes, and military personnel. Rooted in ancient yogic wisdom and healing sciences of India, YOI protocols encompass breathwork, yogic techniques, and cognitive stimulation to combat stress, burnout, and promote mental resilience. With scientifically proven results demonstrating significant improvements in anxiety, depression, and insomnia, Ishan's programs have impacted over a million participants worldwide and garnered integration into numerous governmental, healthcare, and corporate institutions. We’re excited to have Ishan with us today to discuss integrating ancient meditative and holistic practices, particularly through the Yoga of Immortals, with modern scientific research to enhance self-awareness, mental health, and overall well-being.

For more information about Dr. Ishan Shivanand & Yoga of Immortals, please visit: https://yogaofimmortals.com
Explore YOU Mental Wellness Programs for Healthcare Workers, please visit: https://yogaofimmortals.com/health-care-workers/
Download a brochure for the YOI Wellness Program for HCWs: https://yogaofimmortals.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/YOI-hcw-brochure.pdf
Learn more about upcoming YOI events at: https://yogaofimmortals.com/events-2/
Connect with Dr. Ishan Shivanand on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ishanshivanand/

Embracing Daoism: The Path to Balance, Vitality, and Holistic Healing with Michelle Oravitz – Episode 326

Aligning with nature’s rhythm reconnects you to your innate balance, transforming your health, mind, and purpose. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor sits down with Michelle Oravitz. Michelle is the owner and founder of the Wholesome Lotus. She began her career as an architect but transitioned to alternative medicine after acupuncture resolved her health issues and renewed her sense of well-being. Inspired by this transformation, Michelle pursued extensive training in Ayurvedic and Oriental Medicine, graduating as valedictorian. She is passionate about healing, particularly in the areas of gynecological disorders and infertility, influenced by her own journey with Traditional Chinese Medicine. Michelle is the author of the book “The Way of Fertility” also hosts ‘The Wholesome Fertility Podcast,’ where she shares fertility tips and interviews leading professionals in the field. We’re excited to have Michelle with us today as we discuss Taoist principles emphasizing the body's inherent ability to heal itself, the importance of mind-body-spirit integration, and the journey of fertility.

For more information about Michelle Oravitz, please visit: https://www.michelleoravitz.com

 

For more information about “The Way of Fertility: Awaken Your Reproductive Potential Through the Power of Ancient Wisdom” by Michelle Oravitz, please visit: https://www.michelleoravitz.com/thewayoffertility

 

For more information about The Wholesome Lotus Fertility, please visit: https://www.michelleoravitz.com/thewayoffertility

 

Get a Free Fertility eBook: My Top 10 Fertility Boosting Tips, please visit: https://www.michelleoravitz.com/mytop10fertilityboostingtips

 

Connect with Michelle on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/thewholesomelotusfertility/

 

Connect on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/thewholesomelotus/?ref=bookmarks

 

Connect on X at: https://twitter.com/Wholesomelotus

Reclaiming Healing: The Power of Black Psychology in a Biased World with Dr. Donell Barnett – Episode 325

Black psychology reclaims healing by centering African wisdom, confronting racism, and fostering true human connection. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon sits down with Dr. Donell Barnett, a distinguished counseling psychologist and former President of The Association of Black Psychologists. Donell has held various impactful roles, including Director of HIV Prevention Programs, Adjunct Professor of Psychology, Behavioral Health Clinic Director, Chief of Field Investigations and Program Evaluation for the US Army Public Health Center, and Administrator of Behavioral Health Services for the State of Illinois. His expertise spans trauma, the intersection of faith and wellness, and initiatives to enhance the health and well-being of communities marginalized by economic and social disparities. In our previous episode with Donell, we explored Black Psychology and his work with ABPsi. Today, we’re thrilled to dive deeper into the conversation, focusing on Black Psychology and the shaping of Black mental health.

For more information about ABPsi, please visit: https://abpsi.org
For more information on the 2024 ABPsi International Convention, please visit: https://abpsi.site-ym.com/page/ConventionCall
To access the Journal of Black Psychology, please visit: https://abpsi.site-ym.com/page/JBP
For more information about the ABpsi Global Institute and programs, please visit: https://abpsi.org/globalinstitute/
To learn more about the Zola Mondays Podcast, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7XjytCOMZg&list=PLonCvx5cZSj224MIOcf8UgjRxcEmoagP6

Flourishing Through Adversity: Navigating Psychological Fitness and the Path to Well-Being with Dr. Karen Doll– Episode 324

Empower yourself with practical, science-backed tools to cultivate mental fitness and navigate life’s challenges with hope and agency. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon interviews Dr. Karen Doll, a Consulting Psychologist and International Bestselling author of “Building Psychological Fitness: How High Performers Achieve with Ease”. With 25 years of experience partnering with top organizations and coaching high achievers, Dr. Doll specializes in personal growth and leadership optimization. She also advises organizations on tackling workplace mental health challenges. Join us as Dr. Doll shares insights on enhancing workplace mental health and discusses her groundbreaking book.

 

For more information about Dr. Karen Doll, please visit: https://www.drkarendoll.com
For more information about “Building Psychological Fitness: How High Performers Achieve with Ease” by Dr. Karen Doll, please visit: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/building-psychological-fitness-karen-doll/1142601711
Connect with Karen on Linkedin, please visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karendecesaredoll

Cost Clarity: Revolutionizing Patient Financial Experiences in Healthcare with Chris Wolfington – Episode 323

Transform patient financial management with compassionate, tech-driven solutions that empower both providers and patients to navigate healthcare costs with confidence. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor interviews Chris Wolfington. Chris is the Founder & Chief Revenue and Strategy Officer of FinPay, a patient financial management company that is committed to solving the affordability crisis in healthcare. Chris brings over 32 years of experience in payments, healthcare, technology, and financial services. With a keen sense of leadership, he has utilized his passion, energy, and capital to lead numerous businesses, including two public companies, within the payments and financial services sectors. Chris is dedicated to leveraging his expertise to drive innovation and positively impact these industries. We’re excited to have Chris with us today to discuss Finpay and the work they’re doing to enhance patient financial management through advanced technology and best practices.

 

For more information about FinPay, please visit: https://www.finpay.com/learn-more
Schedule a demo of Finpay at: https://www.finpay.com/request-a-demo
Call toll free at: 855-4FinPay (434-6729)
Or get in contact by emailing: info@finpay.com
Connect on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-payment-network-llc/
Connect on X at: https://twitter.com/FinPayllc

From Rock to Resilient: Cultivating Emotional Intelligence and Strategic Self-Care with Dr. Marie-Helene Pelletier – Episode 322

Resilience isn’t a fixed trait; it’s a cultivated state that thrives with intentional care and awareness. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor speaks with Dr. Marie-Helene Pelletier, also known as “MH.” An accomplished expert in leadership and burnout within high-performing cultures, MH brings extensive qualifications and corporate experience to the table. She champions workplace mental health strategies that foster wellness, motivation, and productivity. Known for her engaging presentations that blend research, data, and humor, MH translates complex psychological findings into practical solutions for professionals and leaders. As the author of "The Resilience Plan: A Strategic Approach to Optimizing Your Work Performance and Mental Health," she offers invaluable insights into resilience and peak performance. We're excited to have MH with us today to delve into fostering resilience in the workplace and to share insights from her book, "The Resilience Plan."

 

For more information about Dr. Marie-Helene Pelletier, please visit: https://drmarie-helene.com
For more information about “The Resilience Plan: A Strategic Approach to Optimizing Your Work Performance and Mental Health” by Marie-Hélène Pelletier, please visit: http://theresilienceplan.com/
Connect with MH on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmhpelletier
Connect with MH on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@marie-helenepelletier2706
Connect with MH on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/drmhpelletier