Behavioral Health Today

Overcoming Trauma & Addiction Through Root Cause Therapy with Melissa Hiemann – Episode 306

Discover how self-empowerment, root cause therapy, and reparenting can transform trauma and addiction into a journey of healing and personal growth. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon speaks with Melissa Hiemann. Melissa is the co-founder of The Centre for Healing, an online education company pioneering transformative therapies since 2016. Melissa’s journey from personal struggles with addiction and mental health to profound self-discovery led her to create certified courses that address trauma in mental health and addiction recovery. Melissa is the creator of the methods of Root-Cause Therapy and Trauma-Informed Manifestation Coaching and is also the author of the book “The Natural High”.  Melissa's expertise, rooted in her own transformative journey and bolstered by teaching certifications, guides others toward healing and growth. We’re excited to have Melissa with us to discuss trauma healing, spiritual growth, and her work with The Centre for Healing.

 

For more information about The Centre for Healing, please visit: https://www.thecentreforhealing.com

Enroll in the Root-Cause Therapy Free Pre-Training Course, please visit: https://www.thecentreforhealing.com/free-courses

Explore the library of courses and practitioner certifications, please visit: https://www.thecentreforhealing.com/courses-1

Healing Journeys: Transforming Lives Through Psychedelic Therapy with Josh Halu – Episode 305

With the right mindset and environment, psychedelic therapy is transforming lives by addressing the root causes of mental illness and fostering lasting positive impacts on individuals and communities. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor speaks with Josh Halu. Josh is the founder and CEO at The Psychedelic Exchange (PsycheX), an online platform for community support, education, and a therapist directory specifically for Psychedelic Psychotherapy. Josh is a dynamic leader committed to revolutionizing mental health care through the innovative use of psychedelic therapies. His background, steeped in military leadership from his time at West Point and as an Army Officer, fuels his dedication to a critical mission: bringing the number of veteran suicides down to zero. With his deep understanding of mental illnesses, including trauma, depression, and PTSD, as well as the unique challenges faced by veterans, Josh is pioneering new approaches in mental health care. He strives to transform the landscape of treatment and support for all, while destigmatizing the use of psychedelic medicines for mental wellness. We’re excited to have Josh with us to discuss psychedelic psychotherapy and his platform PsycheX that is creating a unified resource for qualified therapists specializing in psychedelic therapies, community support, and education.

 

For more information about Psychedelic Exchange, please visit: https://psychex.com
To sign up for the PsycheX Newsletter, please visit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeIyEHvYymQvIqeDwQTvsfOgL9sXe2HhYxD_CXV8e4mQG1LtA/viewform
Connect with PsycheX on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/psychexchange
Connect with PsycheX on Instagram: https://instagram.com/psychedelicexchange
Connect with PsycheX on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepsychedelicxchange

Energetic Clutter to Clarity: Unlocking Healing Through Group Work with Tanya Cole-Lesnick – Episode 304

We often internalize messages from mirroring that may not accurately reflect who we truly are. However, the beauty of group work lies in their ability to provide an accurate mirror for self-reflection. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor speaks with Tanya Cole-Lesnick. Tanya is a psychotherapist turned transformational coach whose journey from personal struggle to professional fulfillment fuels her mission to empower others. Tanya’s path began in her mid-twenties when she sought therapy to navigate love life challenges, initially grappling with shame and vulnerability. Embracing group therapy led to profound insights, culminating in both personal growth and a career shift from graphic design to social work. With nearly three decades of experience, she facilitates emotional growth through therapeutic groups and innovative coaching techniques. Her Activate coaching program empowers individuals to clear obstacles and build lives aligned with their deepest aspirations. Beyond coaching, Tanya offers life-changing retreats, inviting women to rediscover play, creativity, and connection. We’re excited to have Tanya with us to discuss clearing energetic clutter and the power of group work.

 

For more information about Tanya Cole-Lesnick and her group work, please visit: https://www.tanyacole-lesnick.com
For a free discovery session with Tanya, please visit: https://www.tanyacole-lesnick.com/work-with-me
To learn more about Energetic Clutter, please watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5Ks8oX2Me0

To learn more about Tanya’s retreats, please visit: https://www.tanyacole-lesnick.com/retreats

Connect with Tanya on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/tanyacole_lesnick/

Connect with Tanya on TikTok at: https://www.tiktok.com/@tanyacole_lesnick?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Part 2: Caught in the Crosshairs of American Healthcare with Dr. Lloyd Sederer – Episode 303

No one is going to care about us the same way that we are going to care about ourselves. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor and Dr. Lloyd Sederer will continue their conversation on Dr. Sederer's book, "Caught in the Crosshairs of American Healthcare." In our previous episode, we delved into the harmful effects of corporate influence on patient care, addressing issues such as declining quality of care, physician burnout, and moral injury. We also explored the significance of human connections in healthcare and the systemic challenges confronting the American healthcare system. In this installment, we'll further explore the adverse effects of financial control on medical decisions and clinical practices, highlighting how corporate ownership often prioritizes profit over patient well-being.

 

For more information about “Caught in the Crosshairs of American Healthcare” by Dr. Lloyd Sederer, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/Caught-Crosshairs-American-Healthcare-Sederer/dp/B0C8M8K24D

For more information about Dr. Lloyd Sederer, please visit: https://www.askdrlloyd.com
Connect with Dr. Lloyd Sederer on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lloyd-sederer-md-5677ab17/

Connect with Dr. Lloyd Sederer on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/drlloydsederer/

Connect with Dr. Lloyd Sederer on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/lloyd.sederer

Part 1: Caught in the Crosshairs of American Healthcare with Dr. Lloyd Sederer – Episode 302

In a global comparison, the United States ranks poorly in key quality-of-life measures like longevity, preventable illnesses, and maternal and infant mortality. Despite its status, the nation grapples with high rates of chronic diseases and alarming per capita suicide figures. It's clear that significant changes are needed to address these pressing concerns. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor speaks with Dr. Lloyd Sederer. Lloyd, an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University School of Public Health, brings extensive experience in mental health leadership. With roles including Chief Medical Officer at the NYS Office of Mental Health and NYC's Mental Health Commissioner, as well as leadership positions at the American Psychiatric Association and Harvard's McLean Hospital, Lloyd has spearheaded significant mental health responses to events like 9/11 and Hurricane Sandy. He boasts a prolific publication record and founded Columbia Psychiatry Media, producing expert content for national platforms. Today, we're thrilled to have Lloyd join us to discuss American Healthcare and his latest book, “Caught in the Crosshairs of American Healthcare”.

For more information about “Caught in the Crosshairs of American Healthcare” by Dr. Lloyd Sederer, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/Caught-Crosshairs-American-Healthcare-Sederer/dp/B0C8M8K24D

For more information about Dr. Lloyd Sederer, please visit: https://www.askdrlloyd.com
Connect with Dr. Lloyd Sederer on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lloyd-sederer-md-5677ab17/

Connect with Dr. Lloyd Sederer on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/drlloydsederer/

Connect with Dr. Lloyd Sederer on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/lloyd.sederer

Leading Through Loneliness: Strategies for Executives to Thrive with Nick Jonsson – Episode 301

While 'it's lonely at the top' is a widely acknowledged sentiment, the unique challenges and hidden pressures faced by executives in leadership positions often go unrecognized. The journey of being at the helm comes with distinct hurdles and isolating experiences that demand attention and understanding. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor speaks with Nick Jonsson. Nick is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of EGN, one of Asia's premier networking organizations. Nick has cultivated a thriving community where over 900 executives and business owners converge to address work challenges, exchange insights, find robust support, and collectively grow. Beyond his role at EGN, Nick is a #1 best-selling author of the book “Executive Loneliness: The 5 Pathways to Overcoming Isolation, Stress, Anxiety & Depression in the Modern Business World”, and was named LinkedIn Top Voice of 2023. Nick is a renowned keynote speaker and executive coach, as well as a podcast host and entrepreneur. We’re excited to have Nick with us today to discuss executive loneliness and vulnerability in the workplace.

For more information on “Executive Loneliness: The 5 Pathways to Overcoming Isolation, Stress, Anxiety & Depression in the Modern Business World” by Nick Jonsson, please visit: https://www.nickjonsson.com/executive-loneliness-book
For more information about EGN, please visit: https://www.egnpeernetwork.com
Connect with Nick Jonsson on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-jonsson

Anniversary Special: The Power to Fix Your Anxiety with Faust Ruggiero – Episode 300

In celebration of our fourth anniversary, we’re re-releasing one of our favorite episodes from the past year. We’ve been taught to think of anxiety as though we have a mental disease. Anxiety is primarily a physiological reaction. If we can sympathize over those fight or flight moments, we can start to retrain your brain and manage that moment in a different way. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor speaks with Faust Ruggiero. Faust is a seasoned professional with nearly 40 years of experience in counseling and psychology. His career has spanned a wide array of settings, from clinics for deaf children to prisons and major corporations. As the President of the Community Psychological Center in Bangor, Pennsylvania, Faust developed the Process Way of Life counseling program, now featured in his award-winning book, “The Fix Your Anxiety Handbook”. This program offers a comprehensive approach, addressing over fifty internal human processes to help individuals overcome life's challenges. Faust's expertise has earned him recognition nationally and internationally, and he hosts the radio show “Fix It With Faust”. In 2023, he released the second installment of The Fix Yourself Empowerment Series, titled “The Fix Your Anxiety Handbook”. Faust is committed to improving lives through his innovative counseling and personal development programs. We’re excited to have Faust with us today to discuss anxiety, desperation, and his book “The Fix Your Anxiety Handbook”.

 

For more information about Faust Ruggiero, please visit: https://www.faustruggiero.com
For more information about The Fix Your Anxiety Handbook by Faust Ruggiero, please visit: https://www.faustruggiero.com/buy_book2.html

Connect with Faust on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/faustinspire/

Connect with Faust on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCAGHkwno52fug1bNnAxfDQ

Connect with Faust on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/FaustInspire/

Connect with Fuast on Twitter/X at: https://twitter.com/faustinspire

Anniversary Special: Embracing Recovery & the Path to Healing with Bruce W. Brackett – Episode 299

Support is steadfast, ever-present, regardless of circumstances or company. In every moment, in every trial, it patiently awaits. Sometimes, it's about humbly setting aside pride, embracing vulnerability, and simply reaching out. Take that step, for help is there, ready to guide you forward. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon speaks with Bruce W. Brackett. Bruce, also known as BWB (dot) positivity, is a social media personality, author, entrepreneur, self-taught visual artist, and international motivational speaker. Originally from southwest Montana, BWB moved to NYC at the age of 18 to pursue his dreams of being on Broadway. After many distractions, making it to Off-Broadway, and struggling with addictions and mental health, BWB found his true calling and his way back to sobriety through art and by advocating for recovery to his online audience of over 1.2 million people. This online community of recovery fuels BWB’s love, passion, creativity, and mission to share positivity and the possibilities of recovery. After many tries in Rehab and Outpatient therapy care, Bruce has done the work for himself to honestly live a better life. Now that he is on this side of recovery, he finds a responsibility to give that back to others. We’re excited to have Bruce with us to discuss overcoming addiction, trauma recovery, motivational speaking, and his book “How to Breathe While Suffocating”.

 

For more information on “How to Breathe While Suffocating: A Story Of Overcoming Addiction, Recovering From Trauma, and Healing My Soul” by Bruce W. Brackett, please visit: https://www.howtobreathewhilesuffocating.com
Connect with BWB.positivity on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/bwb.positivity/?hl=en
Connect on TikTok at: https://www.tiktok.com/@bwb.positivity?lang=en
Connect on Threads at: https://www.threads.net/@bwb.positivity
To learn more about Bruce W. Brackett, please visit: https://www.bwbart.com

Anniversary Special: Emotional Resolution & Visceral Somatic Quieting with Cedric Bertelli – Episode 298

In celebration of our fourth anniversary, we’re re-releasing one of our favorite episodes from the past year. The brain keeps the score, but the body is a score card. Every time we feel an emotional difficulty, we control either what we feel, or we control our environment. So, we shut down the emotion, and that’s the problem. We never let the prediction play out until the end, maintaining the loop or the belief that the situation we are in today holds some kind of danger. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor speaks with Cedric Bertelli. Cedric is the founder of the Emotional Health Institute, a non-profit organization that aims to create communities where individuals, children, and families are thriving emotionally, free from the otherwise long-lasting effects of fear and trauma. Cedric is of French origin and has lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for over twenty years. He began his training in Emotional Resolution in 2009 in France and has continued this work in the United States since 2011. In addition to working with clients individually, Cedric trains mental health professionals and educators across the United States on Emotional Resolution. We’re excited to have Cedric with us today to discuss emotional resolution and his work with the Emotional Health Institute.

 

For more information about Emotional Resolution and the Emotional Health Institute, please visit: https://www.emotionalhealthinstitute.org
For more information about Cedric Bertelli, please visit: https://www.cedricbertelli.com
Connect on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@emotionalresolution4843
Connect on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/theemotionalresolutioneffect
Connect on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/emotionalresolution/

Anniversary Special: Unlocking Inner Fulfillment, from Burnout to Happiness with Neha Sangwan – Episode 297

No matter how much education you have and how much you learn, life is a lived experience. And falling into potholes is a great way to realize what’s most important and how to prioritize it. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor speaks with Neha Sangwan. Neha is an CEO and founder of Intuitive Intelligence, empowering individuals & organizations with effective communication tools. Nena is also an Internal Medicine physician, engineer, author, speaker, and communication expert. Neha earned her Bachelor of Science in Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering from Michigan State University and now consults for top organizations like Google, American Express, and the American Heart Association. She has shared her work across three TEDx stages, authored two books, and developed a comprehensive employee accountability program that connects the dots between job satisfaction, health and performance.
We're excited to have Neha with us today as we discuss how our early experiences and the message, we receive in our lives impacts us and how we can set the stage for burnout in later life.

 

For more information about “Powered By Me: From Burned out to Fully Charged at Work and in Life” by Neha Sangwan, MD, please visit: https://intuitiveintelligenceinc.com/powered-by-me/
For more information about Neha Sangwan, please visit: https://nehasangwan.com
To work with Neha with your workplace, learn more at Intuitive Intelligence Inc.: https://intuitiveintelligenceinc.com
To see Neha at the Omega Institute this June 2024, please visit: https://www.eomega.org/workshops/powered-me
Connect with Neha Sengwan, MD on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drnehasangwan
Connect with Neha on all socials at doctorneha:
on Instagram: https://instagram.com/doctorneha/

on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrNehaSangwan
on X: https://twitter.com/doctorneha
on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/nehashangout
on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/68M50pK5008m4eQGWI4mQk?si=tQXXDSlfSrOYXLOIS0p25Q&nd=1

Anniversary Special: Unlocking Deeper Human Connection with Topaz Adizes – Episode 296

In celebration of our fourth anniversary, we’re re-releasing one of our favorite episodes from the past year.Every relationship has its own story, has its own world, has its own language. And there's something to be learned if you create the space and you ask good questions. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon speaks with Topaz Adizes. Topaz is an Emmy Award-winning writer, director, and experience design architect. He is an Edmund Hillary fellow and Sundance/Skoll stories of change fellow. His works have been selected to Cannes, Sundance, IDFA, and SXSW; featured in New Yorker magazine, Vanity Fair, and the New York Times; and have garnered an Emmy for new approaches to documentary and Two World Press photo awards for immersive storytelling and interactive documentary. He is currently the founder and executive director of the experience design studio The Skin Deep. We’re excited to have Topaz with us today to share his book “12 Questions for Love: A Guide to Intimate Conversations & Deep Relationships” and his work with THE SKIN DEEP, hosting over 1,200 conversations all over the world.

 

For more information about 12 Questions for Love: A Guide to Intimate Conversations & Deep Relationships, please visit: https://shop.theskindeep.com/products/12-questions-for-love-a-guide-to-intimate-conversations-and-deeper-relationships
For more information about The Skin Deep, please visit: https://shop.theskindeep.com
Connect with The Skin Deep on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/c/theskindeep/videos
Connect with The Skin Deep on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/the_skindeep/
For more information about Topaz Adizes, please visit: https://www.topazadizes.com

Unveiling Imposter Syndrome: Confronting Self-Doubt & Embracing Authenticity with Ragan Schriver, PsyD, MSW – Episode 295

Ever felt like an imposter? If you've heard or said phrases like "I'm a fraud" or "I'll never be good enough," you're not alone. Recognizing these thoughts is the first step in overcoming them. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor speaks with Ragan Schriver. Ragan is an Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Tennessee College of Social Work as well as the Director of the MSSW Program, Knoxville Campus and chair of the Forensic Social Work Certificate Program. He teaches clinical and leadership courses in the MSSW program. He also serves as the Special Assistant to the President of Catholic Charities USA. In this role he takes part in a team process to develop integrated health programs within the network. We’re excited to have Ragan with us to discuss imposter syndrome, the different ways imposter syndrome shows up in our lives and explore ways to deal with it.

 

For more information about the University of Tennessee and its Social Work Program, please visit: https://www.csw.utk.edu/
For more information about the UT College of Social Work’s Trauma Treatment Post-Graduate Certification Program, please visit: https://www.csw.utk.edu/post-graduate-trauma-certificate/

Revolutionize Healthcare: A Human-Centered Approach with Dr. Craig Joseph – Episode 294

The art of human-centered healthcare technology, we utilize technology and design principles to simplify and encourage actions aligned with patient well-being, while subtly discouraging actions that may not align with best practices. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon speaks with Craig Joseph, MD. Craig is a seasoned physician informaticist known for his extensive background in healthcare and technology spanning 25 years. As Nordic Global's Chief Medical Officer, he embodies a commitment to enhancing healthcare through human-centered design, technology, and common sense. Beginning as a primary care pediatrician, Dr. Joseph transitioned to health IT, playing a crucial role in building the Foundation System at Epic and implementing electronic health records across the US and Europe. As an acclaimed author of the book “Designing for Health: The Human-Centered Approach”, Craig delves into the challenges of repairing the healthcare system and the opportunity for technology to help. We’re excited to have Craig with us today to discuss complexities of a fractured healthcare system, and highlighting the crucial role of technology for the betterment of both patients and providers.

 

To learn more about “Designing for Health: The Human-Centered Approach” by Dr. Craig Joseph, please visit: https://www.nordicglobal.com/what-we-think/insights/designing-for-health

For more information about Nordic Global, please visit: https://www.nordicglobal.com

To read the Nordic Global blog, please visit: https://www.nordicglobal.com/blog

To learn more about Dr. Craig Joseph, please visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigjoseph/

Depression, Anxiety & the Bill of Emotional Rights with Dr. Ardeshir Mehran – Episode 293

People yearn to share their stories with someone who comprehends their journey. Despite differing structures, vocabularies, and contexts, they recount tales of adversity, sharing the narratives of life's challenges and setbacks. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor speaks with Dr. Ardeshir Mehran. Ardeshir is a psychologist, behavioral researcher, and leadership coach who challenges conventional notions of depression.  Holding a Ph.D. and M.Ed. from Columbia University, Ardeshir draws from over thirty years of experience in counseling, organizational psychology, and research, guiding global leaders and operational teams across diverse industries. Ardeshir’s groundbreaking approach, The Bill of Emotional Rights, offers a revolutionary cure for depression, a method applied successfully to heal both himself and countless clients. Through the Dr. Mehran Method, he guides clients to faster, stronger, and longer-lasting outcomes, drawing from over three decades of experience. Currently residing in Northern California, he balances his transformative work with a passion for running, wandering in nature, photography, poetry, and other artistic pursuits. We’re excited to have Ardeshir with us today to discuss his newest book “You are Not Depressed. You are Un-Finished” and the Bill of Emotional Rights.

 

To learn more about “You Are Not Depressed. You are Un-Finished” by Dr. Ardeshir Mehran, please visit: https://ardeshirmehran.com/general-clean/

For more information about Dr. Ardeshir Mehran, please visit: https://ardeshirmehran.com

To download the Bill of Emotional Rights, please visit: https://ardeshirmehran.com/copy-of-bio/

Read Ardeshir’s blog post “Curious About Trauma? Read This”, https://ardeshirmehran.com/curious-about-trauma-read-this/

Connect with Ardeshir on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@ArdeshirMehranPhD

Cultural Safety & Sensitivity in Healthcare with Dr. Raj Sundar – Episode 292

In medicine, the principle of "do no harm" is fundamental. Given the historical harm caused by racism and inequities within communities, it's imperative to prioritize this perspective. We must first approach interactions through this lens and then seek to establish cultural connections, if it’s important to them. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon speaks with Raj Sundar. Raj Sundar is a full-spectrum family medicine physician and community organizer and the host of Healthcare for Humans, a podcast dedicated to educating others on how to care for culturally diverse communities so they can be better healers. Raj works with others to create systems that treat each person with dignity, respect their histories, celebrate their joys, and honor their hopes. We’re excited to have Raj with us today to discuss cultural competency and his work with Healthcare for Humans. What does it entail to cultivate a healing relationship with the individual before you? What information is essential to grasp without overwhelming or burdening them with excessive explanations?

 

To learn more about the Healthcare for Humans Podcast, please visit: https://www.healthcareforhumans.org

Connect with Healthcare for Humans on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/healthcareforhumanspodcast/

Connect with Dr. Raj Sundar on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raj-sundar-15206567/

Connect with Dr. Raj Sundar on X at: https://twitter.com/KRajSundar