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Who are you when you are not achieving, fixing, performing, helping, or being the strong one? In Episode 131 of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, QS, sits down with Jennifer Coulter, LCSW, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, licensed minister, speaker, and founder of Restorative Solutions, to explore identity, attachment wounds, faith, relational healing, and the stories we learn to live from. Jennifer shares how achievement became a source of affirmation in her own life—and why healing did not require her to stop achieving, but to stop asking achievement to tell her who she was. Together, Diana and Jennifer unpack how childhood experiences, family systems, church culture, shame, relationships, and unmet attachment needs can shape the "I am" statements we carry into adulthood. They explain how narrative therapy can help separate a person from a problem, role, label, or survival pattern so a different story can begin to take shape. The conversation also explores anxious and avoidant attachment, family-of-origin work, perfectionism, people-pleasing, grief, boundaries, faith deconstruction, church hurt, and spiritual wounds. Jennifer offers a simple framework for building a more rooted identity: know the truth, believe the truth, and build a life that agrees with it. IN THIS EPISODE: • Why achievement can become tied to self-worth and identity • The difference between a wound, role, behavior pattern, and identity • How attachment injuries can affect trust, self-worth, emotional regulation, and relationships • Why Jennifer asks, "What did you crave as a child?" • How narrative therapy helps people examine and reauthor dominant stories • Why changing an old identity can involve grief • The difference between inherited faith and examined faith • A practical "I am" identity inventory for self-reflection CHAPTERS: 00:00:00 — Who are you when you're not the strong one? 00:03:06 — Who is Jennifer beyond what she does? 00:05:41 — When achievement becomes identity 00:13:56 — Growing up in church and examining inherited faith 00:22:59 — Wounds, roles, survival patterns, and identity 00:27:21 — Family-of-origin work and childhood needs 00:30:53 — Narrative therapy and reauthoring the story 00:37:53 — Anxious and avoidant attachment 00:46:43 — Grieving an old identity 00:52:02 — Faith, relationships, and restoring identity 00:54:18 — Know, believe, and build 01:04:22 — The "I am" identity inventory ABOUT JENNIFER: Jennifer Coulter is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, licensed minister, speaker, and founder of Restorative Solutions in Louisville, Kentucky. Her work includes attachment and relationships, identity and purpose, trauma, faith and spirituality, anxiety, depression, grief, and life transitions. Jennifer provides psychotherapy in Kentucky. Restorative Solutions also offers Restored, a seven-week identity restoration experience, and The Living Room, a spiritual formation community. CONNECT WITH JENNIFER: www.restorativesolutions.co Instagram: @restorativesols Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/restorativesols Youtube: Restorative Solutions RESOURCES MENTIONED: Attached — Amir Levine, MD, and Rachel Heller Hold Me Tight — Dr. Sue Johnson Acts 17:11 | Isaiah 1:26 | Romans 12:2 THE HOLISTIC COUNSELOR: www.theholisticcounselor.com Educational disclaimer: This episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for psychotherapy, medical care, diagnosis, or individualized treatment.

How do you know whether you need therapy—and how do you find a therapist you can actually trust? Searching for mental health care can feel overwhelming, especially when you are already anxious, grieving, burned out, struggling in a relationship, carrying unresolved trauma, or simply realizing that your usual ways of coping are no longer helping. Then come the confusing credentials, therapy acronyms, insurance questions, online directories, treatment modalities, and competing definitions of "Christian counseling." In Episode 130 of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, QS, welcomes licensed clinicians Camille McDaniel, LPC, and Melissa Gendreau, LMHC, for an honest roundtable conversation about how to recognize when you may need professional support, how to find the right therapist, and what questions you are allowed to ask before trusting someone with your story. Although all three women are Christian clinicians, this conversation offers practical guidance for anyone trying to find ethical, competent, and trustworthy mental health care. IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS: • How to tell the difference between normal emotional discomfort, a difficult season, and distress that may require professional support • Why not every painful experience automatically means you have a mental health disorder • How anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship problems, isolation, and daily functioning may affect the level of care you need • Why physical health, medications, hormones, sleep, and other medical factors may also need to be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional • The differences among psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed counselors, social workers, marriage and family therapists, registered or associate clinicians, coaches, pastors, and biblical counselors • Why a professional title, impressive website, or long list of credentials does not automatically mean someone is the right therapist for you • How to search for a therapist by concern, specialty, location, insurance, faith preference, treatment approach, and communication style • How insurance directories, private-pay therapy, sliding-scale fees, community mental health centers, and superbills work • Why out-of-network reimbursement is never guaranteed and should be confirmed directly with your insurance company • What CBT, DBT, EMDR, IFS, ACT, and person-centered therapy mean • The difference between being informed, trained, and formally certified in a treatment modality • Questions to ask about a therapist's experience, training, boundaries, approach, and therapeutic style • How a previous positive—or harmful—therapy experience can affect your willingness to try again • What "Christian counselor" or "Christian therapist" may mean—and why you should never assume every provider uses those terms in the same way • How to ask whether faith will be integrated ethically, clinically, and only with your informed consent • Why shared faith does not automatically establish clinical competence or a healthy therapeutic fit • How to advocate for yourself without feeling responsible for pleasing the therapist QUESTIONS TO ASK A POTENTIAL THERAPIST: Are you currently licensed to practice in my state, and where can I verify your license? How much experience do you have helping people with the concern bringing me to therapy? What treatment approaches do you use, and why might they be appropriate for my needs? Are you informed, formally trained, or certified in those approaches? What does a typical session with you look like? Is your style more structured, reflective, directive, or collaborative? How will we identify my goals and evaluate whether therapy is helping? What happens if I disagree with you or tell you that something does not feel helpful? Do you accept my insurance? If not, do you offer sliding-scale appointments or provide superbills? If faith matters to me, how do you integrate spirituality or Christianity into counseling? Will you ask for my consent before introducing prayer, Scripture, or other spiritual practices? What are your professional boundaries, confidentiality policies, and procedures for emergencies? Remember: asking questions is not disrespectful. You are hiring a professional service, and you have the right to understand the provider's qualifications, approach, fees, policies, and limitations. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Welcome: Do I need therapy? 04:47 Where do I begin when I know something is wrong? 07:59 Considering symptoms, physical health, and level of distress 10:39 Has our ability to tolerate discomfort changed? 14:32 When should someone seek clinical mental health care? 16:34 Therapy, loneliness, and the loss of community 23:11 Mental health stigma and self-diagnosis online 26:19 Diagnoses, insurance, and medical necessity 28:48 Understanding different mental health professionals 35:59 What does "sliding scale" mean? 37:47 Finding affordable therapy and asking for a consultation 38:48 What is a superbill? 40:14 Why some therapists do not accept insurance 45:01 How to begin searching for the right therapist 47:30 Supervision, training, and healthy clinical guardrails 52:22 How can you tell whether a therapist is doing good work? 57:14 What are you hoping to gain from therapy? 59:01 What if you had a bad experience with therapy? 01:01:09 Researching a therapist through the "digital waiting room" 01:03:47 Understanding therapy modalities and evidence 01:05:35 Informed, trained, or certified: What is the difference? 01:09:55 CBT, DBT, EMDR, IFS, ACT, and person-centered therapy 01:13:22 What does "Christian counseling" actually mean? 01:20:23 Questions Christians can ask before choosing a therapist 01:22:02 Connect with Camille and Melissa MEET THE GUESTS CAMILLE McDANIEL, LPC Camille McDaniel is a licensed professional counselor, educator, continuing-education trainer, consultant, author, and the founder and host of Christ in Private Practice. Her work supports thoughtful and ethical integration of Christian faith within professional counseling. Website: https://camillemcdaniel.com Christ in Private Practice: https://christinprivatepractice.com Listen to the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/christ-in-private-practice/id1758831272 Continue the original roundtable conversation: Episode 100—Discerning Treatment Modalities Without Fear or Polarization: https://christinprivatepractice.com/ep-100-discerning-treatment-modalities-without-fear-or-polarization-clinician-roundtable/ MELISSA GENDREAU, LMHC Melissa Gendreau is a licensed mental health counselor in Iowa, clinical supervisor, consultant, Christian coach, speaker, and host of Forward Path with Melissa: Life and Marriage God's Way. Therapy, supervision, and professional consultation: https://melissagendreaupllc.com Coaching, courses, community, and podcast: https://www.melissagendreau.com Listen to Forward Path with Melissa: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/forward-path-with-melissa-life-and-marriage-gods-way/id1861305095 RESOURCES FOR FINDING CARE Open Path Psychotherapy Collective—reduced-fee therapy directory: https://openpathcollective.org SAMHSA FindTreatment.gov—mental health and substance-use treatment locator: https://findtreatment.gov Psychology Today therapist directory: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists American Counseling Association: https://www.counseling.org Florida mental health professional license verification and complaints: https://floridasmentalhealthprofessions.gov If you live outside Florida, search for the official licensing board in the state where you will physically be located during therapy. A professional directory listing does not replace verification through the appropriate government licensing board. CHRISTIAN COUNSELING RESOURCES MENTIONED Focus on the Family counseling services and referrals: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/get-help/counseling-services-and-referrals/ American Association of Christian Counselors: https://aacc.net A Christian directory may include licensed clinicians, coaches, pastors, or other helpers with different education and regulatory requirements. Before scheduling, verify the person's exact role, active professional license, scope of practice, training, fees, and approach to integrating faith. LEARN ABOUT THE THERAPY APPROACHES MENTIONED EMDR therapy information and therapist directory—EMDR International Association: https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/ https://www.emdria.org/find-an-emdr-therapist/ Internal Family Systems: https://ifs-institute.com Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: https://beckinstitute.org/about/understanding-cbt/ Dialectical Behavior Therapy resources: https://dialecticalbehaviortherapy.com/ Acceptance and Commitment Therapy resources: https://contextualscience.org CONNECT WITH DIANA Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, QS Host of The Holistic Counselor Podcast Website: https://theholisticcounselor.com Listen on your favorite podcast platform: https://pod.link/1732149496 Watch and subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theholisticcounselor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholisticcounselorpodcast If this conversation helped you understand how to find the right therapist, please subscribe, leave an honest review, and share this episode with someone who may be wondering where to begin. Your support helps thoughtful mental health conversations reach people who may be searching quietly and do not yet know whom to trust. IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER This podcast is provided for general education and is not psychotherapy, medical care, diagnosis, crisis intervention, legal advice, or a substitute for an individualized evaluation by a qualified professional. Listening to this episode or contacting a host or guest does not create a therapist-client, physician-patient, coaching, superviso

Why can two people have the same amount of money and feel completely different about it? Why does checking a bank account make some people anxious, while others avoid thinking about money altogether? And how much of our relationship with money began long before we ever earned our first paycheck? Money is rarely just about numbers. Our financial behaviors can become connected to safety, identity, control, shame, scarcity, relationships, childhood experiences, culture, faith, and the stories we have learned about what money means. In Episode 129 of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP sits down with Oliver Schnusenberg, Ph.D., MSc, CFT™, CFP®, BFA™, finance professor, behavioral finance researcher, Certified Financial Therapist™, life coach, and current clinical mental health counseling graduate student, for a fascinating conversation at the intersection of money, psychology, neuroscience, behavioral finance, relationships, and mental health. This is not an episode about picking stocks or creating the perfect budget. It is a conversation about why we do what we do with money. Oliver explains why traditional finance cannot fully account for human behavior, how behavioral finance began challenging the assumption that people always make rational financial decisions, and why understanding the psychology behind our financial choices may be just as important as understanding the numbers. Together, Diana and Oliver explore how childhood financial experiences can shape adult money beliefs, why financial scarcity can continue to feel threatening even when circumstances change, how couples can experience money completely differently, and what it might look like to become more intentional rather than simply reacting to fear, shame, advertising, or old financial patterns. In This Episode, We Talk About: What financial therapy is and how it brings together financial, psychological, behavioral, emotional, cognitive, and relational perspectives Why Oliver moved from finance and behavioral finance into psychology, neuroscience, financial therapy, and clinical mental health counseling The difference between understanding what people do with money and understanding why they do it How confirmation bias can influence financial decisions How loss aversion influences the way we experience gains and losses How childhood experiences, financial hardship, culture, family roles, and unspoken rules about money can shape our adult financial behavior Why a child does not have to personally lose a home or experience bankruptcy to associate money with fear How hearing parents argue about bills, experiencing scarcity, or watching a caregiver struggle financially may influence later beliefs about money and safety The connection between money, safety, shame, control, avoidance, spending, and relationships Why couples can have completely different emotional reactions to the exact same financial decision Why someone who grew up with scarcity may continue to feel financially unsafe even after their circumstances improve The ways financial stress may show up through fight, flight, freeze, avoidance, hyper-control, or emotional reactivity What Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) teaches about thoughts, emotions, psychological flexibility, and values Why fighting every uncomfortable thought may not be the most helpful strategy How ACT "defusion" can help create distance from statements such as "I am bad with money" The difference between saying "I am bad with money" and "I notice that I am having the thought that I am bad with money" Relational Frame Theory and the mental associations we build between words, experiences, emotions, and meaning Why the word money might unconsciously connect to ideas such as danger, freedom, shame, power, deprivation, security, generosity, or "not enough" Financial avoidance and why some people would rather ignore bills or avoid opening their banking app Consumer psychology, subscriptions, small recurring payments, and the temptation to think "it's only a few dollars a month" Social media, instant gratification, hustle culture, and the challenges younger generations face while living in an attention economy Why intentionality matters in both mental health and financial health How identifying your values can help guide financial decisions Why your spending may reveal something about what you value—or what you are trying to feel, avoid, prove, or protect How IFS-informed curiosity can help us ask what a spending, saving, controlling, or avoiding "part" may be trying to accomplish Why financial behavior does not have to be approached with shame Practical questions you can begin asking yourself about your own money story Diana Gets Financial Therapy in Real Time One of my favorite parts of this conversation happened when Oliver turned the questions back on me. He began with a simple word association: Money. My immediate response? Paper. That opened an unexpected conversation about learning to see money as a tool rather than something that determines safety, worth, identity, or success. I shared how my own childhood experiences shaped my relationship with money—watching my mother work multiple jobs, experiencing financial scarcity, and eventually realizing that somewhere along the way, my younger brain had connected money with not feeling safe. Oliver then walked me through a values-based exercise. I described the person I most want to be as: Generous. Kind. Loving. A teacher. A philanthropist. Eventually, those words became: "Helper of others." Then we explored how I want to relate to the people around me: Giving. Curious. Peaceful. Respectful. Encouraging. The word that emerged was: "Future." Oliver put the two together: "Helper of others' futures." Finally, he asked me to connect that value with a small act of self-compassion. My answer was simple: Take a deep breath. So when I am facing a decision—financial or otherwise—the practice becomes: Breathe. Remember "helper of others' futures." Then ask whether this decision moves me toward the person I want to become. That moment captures one of the biggest ideas in this entire episode: Our healthiest financial decisions may begin not only with asking, "Can I afford this?" but also, "Is this consistent with what matters to me and the person I want to become?" Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Relationship With Money Oliver offers a simple place to begin: What did I hear about money while I was growing up? How did my parents or caregivers talk about money? What happened emotionally when bills, debt, spending, or income were discussed? What financial experiences shaped me when I was young? What happened when I earned my first money? What do I believe about wealthy people? What do I believe about people who struggle financially? What does having money mean to me? What does losing money mean to me? What does spending money give me emotionally? What am I afraid might happen if I do not have enough? Where am I spending my money now—and what might that reveal about my values? Am I making financial choices intentionally, or am I reacting automatically? And perhaps the biggest question: Who do I want to become? Because without intentionally answering that question, it is easy to allow culture, advertising, fear, comparison, social media, family expectations, or old survival strategies to answer it for us. Faith & Money At the beginning of this conversation, I also challenge one of the most frequently repeated misquotations about money and Scripture. The Bible does not say that money itself is the root of all evil. 1 Timothy 6:10 warns about the love of money. That opens a much more meaningful question: When does money move from being a useful tool to something we expect to provide our identity, worth, security, status, or ultimate sense of control? That is a question worth slowing down long enough to consider. About Dr. Oliver Schnusenberg Oliver Schnusenberg, Ph.D., MSc, CFT™, CFP®, BFA™, is the Earle C. Traynham Professor of Finance at the University of North Florida, where he teaches finance and financial planning. His academic work includes behavioral finance, financial planning, psychology, neuroscience, and the psychological processes underlying financial behavior. Oliver earned his Ph.D. in Finance and later completed an MSc in Psychology and Neuroscience in Mental Health from King's College London. He is currently completing graduate training in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Florida. He is a Certified Financial Therapist™, Certified Financial Planner™, Behavioral Financial Advisor™, certified life coach, and founder of Equilibria Evolution, where his work focuses on intentional, values-based financial and personal decision-making. Important clarification: At the time of this recording, Oliver is not a licensed mental health counselor. He discusses his work in financial therapy and coaching while completing his clinical mental health counseling education. Connect With Dr. Oliver Schnusenberg Equilibria Evolution: https://www.equilibriaevolution.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oschnuse Instagram: @oliverschnusenberg YouTube: @oschnuse Oliver's Podcast: Less Hustle, More Intention Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/less-hustle-more-intention/id1824876017 Resources Mentioned in This Episode Financial Therapy Association Learn more about the field of financial therapy, professional education, research, and financial therapy resources through the Financial Therapy Association. Think2Perform Values Exercise Oliver discusses using the Think2Perform Values Cards Exercise to help people identify their core values and examine whether their behaviors and decisions align with what matters most to them. Search: Think2Perform Value

What happens when a DNA test changes the story you believed about who you are? In this deeply personal and powerful episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, host Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, sits down with Mecca Syrkett—mental health advocate, MPE mentor, certified grief recovery coach, and founder of Aya Grief Education & Coaching—for an honest conversation about NPE discoveries, MPE discoveries, misattributed parentage experiences, unexpected DNA results, genetic bewilderment, identity, grief, family secrets, belonging, heritage, and healing. Mecca shares her own story of discovering through DNA testing that the father who raised her was not her biological father, and how that revelation reshaped her understanding of family, ancestry, grief, and identity. Diana also reflects on her own recent MPE discovery and the emotional "glitch" that can happen when even a simple question like "Where are you from?" no longer feels simple. Together, Diana and Mecca explore why an NPE or MPE discovery is not "just information," but can feel like a life-altering grief experience. They discuss the shock of seeing unfamiliar close relatives in DNA results, the longing for genetic mirroring, the pain of unanswered questions, the role of family secrets, the grief of lost heritage, and why so many people feel alone after a DNA surprise. This conversation also highlights the importance of MPE-informed support, active listening, online community, grief education, nervous system awareness, faith, and learning how to build a new narrative when the old story no longer fits. If you or someone you love has discovered unexpected parentage through Ancestry, 23andMe, or another DNA test, this episode offers language, validation, compassion, and hope. TOPICS DISCUSSED: NPE and MPE discoveries Misattributed parentage experiences Unexpected DNA results and family secrets Genetic bewilderment and identity confusion DNA testing through Ancestry and 23andMe Grief after learning a parent is not your biological parent Late discovery adoptee experiences Disenfranchised grief and complex grief The emotional impact of "Where are you from?" Genetic mirroring and seeing yourself in biological relatives How loved ones can respond with compassion Why active listening matters after a DNA surprise Finding community and support after an NPE/MPE discovery Faith, identity, belonging, and healing when your story changes CONNECT WITH MECCA SYRKETT: Aya Grief Education & Coaching Website: https://www.ayagrief.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586551186971 Email: [email protected] NPE/MPE SUPPORT GROUPS & COMMUNITY RESOURCES: NPE Only: After the Discovery https://www.facebook.com/groups/NPEOnlyAftertheDiscovery This NPE Life https://www.facebook.com/groups/thisnpelife This MPE Life https://www.facebook.com/groups/thismpelife NPE Network https://www.npenetwork.org Right to Know https://righttoknow.us MPE Counseling / Professional Directory https://www.mpecounseling.org Watershed DNA Resource List https://www.watersheddna.com/resources DNA Surprises Resource List https://dnasurprises.com/dna-surprise-resources/ DNAngels https://www.dnangels.org NPE STORIES & PODCAST RESOURCES: NPE Stories with Lily Wood https://npestories.com DNA Surprises Podcast https://dnasurprises.com Watershed DNA / DNA Clarity and Support https://www.watersheddna.com BOOKS & RECOMMENDED READING: NPE* A Story Guide for Unexpected DNA Discoveries by Leeanne R. Hay https://www.leeannerhay.com Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love by Dani Shapiro https://danishapiro.com/books/inheritance/ The Lost Family: How DNA Testing Is Upending Who We Are by Libby Copeland https://libbycopeland.com/the-lost-family-2/ DNA Guide for Adoptees by Brianne Kirkpatrick https://www.watersheddna.com/books More DNA discovery books and resources https://www.watersheddna.com/resources CRISIS & SUPPORT RESOURCES: If this conversation brings up overwhelming grief, trauma, sexual violence, abuse, or thoughts of self-harm, please reach out for support now. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or text 988 https://988lifeline.org RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline https://rainn.org National Domestic Violence Hotline https://www.thehotline.org CONNECT WITH DIANA S. RICE: The Holistic Counselor Podcast https://www.throughthevalleytherapy.com Through the Valley Therapy https://www.throughthevalleytherapy.com Transformed Mind Consulting & Coaching https://www.transformedmindcc.com Listen to the podcast: https://pod.link/1732149496 Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace therapy, medical care, crisis care, or professional mental health treatment. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

What happens when a DNA test changes the story you have believed about yourself your entire life? In this deeply personal and professionally rich episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, sits down with Dr. Josephine Rabb, PsyD, LMFT, LPC, a therapist, researcher, professor, speaker, and pioneer in the field of Parental Identity Discovery™. Together, Diana and Dr. Rabb explore the emotional, relational, cultural, and clinical impact of unexpected DNA discoveries, including NPE, MPE, misattributed parentage, donor conception, late-discovery adoption, family secrets, genetic mirroring, identity trauma, ambiguous loss, and genetic bewilderment. Diana also shares part of her own recent discovery that, at 54 years old, she learned she is an NPE/MPE. This conversation is for anyone who has received unexpected DNA results, loves someone walking through this kind of discovery, or works clinically with people navigating identity, grief, trauma, family rupture, and belonging. In this episode, we talk about: What NPE and MPE mean, and why "misattributed parentage experience" is often a more inclusive term How a DNA test can disrupt identity, family history, culture, ethnicity, and belonging Why "the person who raised you is still your parent" can feel dismissive, even when it is said with good intentions Genetic bewilderment and the grief of not knowing where you come from Genetic mirroring and the relief of seeing yourself in biological relatives The impact of family secrets, rejection, silence, and delayed truth Why newly discovered relatives may need time to process the shock How boundaries matter on all sides of an unexpected DNA discovery Dr. Rabb's Parental Identity Discovery™ framework Why clinicians need to understand identity, grief, trauma, family systems, adoption research, and ambiguous loss How EMDR, CBT, attachment work, IFS-informed language, narrative work, and family therapy may support healing Why connection, community, and support groups can be essential after an NPE/MPE discovery Exact quotes from Dr. Rabb: "Dad is still your dad, the guy who raised you is still your dad. And that is true, in a lot of ways. And yet, it's one of the more dismissive comments made." "You have genetic mirroring at that moment. Genetic mirroring, and that's where that sigh of relief comes from, is I see where I belong now." Exact quotes from Diana: "Who are you if the story you've believed about yourself your entire life suddenly changes." "Instead of reacting in emotion, I want to respond in wisdom." Resources mentioned in this episode: Dr. Josephine Rabb's website https://www.jkrabb.com/ Parental Identity Discovery™ / Dr. Rabb's areas of expertise https://www.jkrabb.com/areas-of-expertise Dr. Rabb's professional development and Parental Identity Discovery™ training information https://www.jkrabb.com/professional-development Dr. Rabb's resources page https://www.jkrabb.com/resources-1 Sex, Lies & The Truth podcast https://www.sexliesandthetruth.com/ NPE Guide https://www.npeguide.com/ NPE Guide: Guide page https://www.npeguide.com/guide NPE Network https://www.npenetwork.org/ Netflix documentary: Our Father https://www.netflix.com/title/81227735 CDC: Adverse Childhood Experiences / ACEs https://www.cdc.gov/aces/about/index.html EMDR International Association / EMDRIA https://www.emdria.org/ Internal Family Systems Institute https://ifs-institute.com/ Closing reflection: An unexpected DNA discovery can shake more than a family tree. It can shake a person's sense of identity, belonging, culture, story, and safety. But as this episode reminds us, healing does not have to happen in isolation. There is language for this. There are clinicians learning how to help. There are support groups, resources, and people who understand. And for those walking through this tender and disorienting road: you are not strange, you are not alone, and your story still matters. Please remember: trust in the Lord, guard your heart, and renew your mind.

What does it really mean to heal when faith, trauma, shame, and identity are all tangled together? In Episode 126 of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, QS, welcomes Vanessa Bentley, LPC-MHSP, licensed professional counselor, author, speaker, and host of The Work of Being Human podcast, for a deeply honest conversation about Christian therapy, trauma healing, spiritual abuse, church hurt, shame, faith deconstruction, identity in Christ, emotional healing, and what it means to face reality without denial, deception, or distortion. Vanessa's story begins in the arts. Before becoming a psychotherapist, she earned her B.F.A. in Musical Theater from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts and spent ten years working in theater, film, television, and print modeling. Her work took her from the professional stages of Manhattan to the historic stages of Europe, including a European tour of West Side Story in the role of Maria. But this conversation goes far beyond credentials. Diana and Vanessa talk about what happens when faith is inherited as rules instead of formed as identity, when religion becomes performance instead of relationship, and when trauma, shame, and suffering are met with spiritual bypassing instead of truth, compassion, and healing. This episode is for anyone who has ever wondered: What is true? Who am I really? Where is God in my suffering? Why do I feel stuck even after therapy, prayer, or trying to "do all the right things"? Can Christian faith and mental health counseling work together in an ethical, grounded, and healing way? How do I stop performing and begin becoming honest, human, and whole? Vanessa shares how her own life, failures, spiritual disillusionment, therapy, and return to Christ shaped her work as a therapist. Together, Diana and Vanessa discuss high-control religion, spiritual abuse, shame, guilt, fear, agnosticism, atheism, confession, redemption, psychology, theology, relationship repair, and why healing must be built on truth. At the heart of this conversation is a powerful idea: mental health is not just symptom management. It is learning how to live in reality, tell the truth, and become whole. Why This Conversation Matters Many people are searching for healing, but they are afraid. Afraid of being judged. Afraid therapy will pull them away from God. Afraid their church will tell them to just pray harder. Afraid their questions mean they are losing faith. Afraid their trauma means something is wrong with them. Afraid to tell the truth because shame has convinced them they are beyond repair. This episode creates space for a different kind of conversation. Diana and Vanessa do not reduce healing to a diagnosis, a coping skill, a church answer, or a self-help phrase. Instead, they explore the deeper work of becoming honest before God, self, and others. This conversation honors both clinical wisdom and Christian faith. It invites listeners to consider that mental health is not only about feeling better, but about learning how to live in truth, reality, humility, love, and grace. In This Episode, Diana and Vanessa Discuss Vanessa's journey from musical theater, film, television, and modeling into psychotherapy How the performing arts shaped Vanessa's understanding of story, identity, and humanity Why many therapists are shaped by their own pain before they ever enter the classroom The difference between inherited faith and investigated faith What happens when religion gives rules but not identity Spiritual abuse, church hurt, and high-control faith environments Why questions can become part of spiritual maturity The difference between belief and identity in Christ How shame, guilt, and fear can become normalized Why healing requires both truth and compassion The danger of confusing trauma with "God's will" Why Christian therapy must be honest about suffering, sin, grace, and redemption How therapy can create a safe place for confession, accountability, and repair Jesus as Logos: truth, reality, reason, and the Word made flesh Why mental health and theology intersect for people of faith How denial, deception, and distortion keep people stuck Why anxiety, depression, and emotional pain can be signals that something deeper needs attention What it means to face reality and embrace humanity Powerful Quotes from Diana S. Rice "I love when someone can hold creativity, clinical wisdom, faith, suffering, beauty, and humanity in the same room." — Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, QS "But underneath all that, I think many of us are really asking, what is true? Who am I really? Where is God in my suffering? And how do I stop performing long enough to become honest, human, and whole?" — Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, QS "All the signals are signaling out. It's what you're gonna do with it." — Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, QS Powerful Quotes from Vanessa Bentley "Because therapists are not made in the classroom, they're made in the fire." — Vanessa Bentley, LPC-MHSP "When you have belief, but not identity, you will always, always be scratching at the surface of what's possible in your relationship with God." — Vanessa Bentley, LPC-MHSP "Mental health is your ability to be in reality without denial, deception, or distortion, and thrive in that place." — Vanessa Bentley, LPC-MHSP Key Takeaways 1. Healing must be built on truth. Vanessa defines mental health as the ability to live in reality without denial, deception, or distortion. For people of faith, this means healing is not about pretending, performing, or avoiding pain. It is about learning to tell the truth with humility, compassion, and courage. 2. Rules are not the same as identity. Faith that is only built on rules can create fear, shame, and performance. Diana and Vanessa explore how true healing requires a deeper foundation: knowing who you are in relationship with God. 3. Questions are not always rebellion. For many people, questioning inherited faith is not about rejecting God. It may be part of moving from a borrowed belief system into a more honest, tested, and mature faith. 4. Spiritual bypassing can keep people stuck. Saying "just pray harder" or "Jesus fixes everything" may sound spiritual, but it can also avoid the real work of grief, trauma, confession, nervous system healing, relational repair, and emotional honesty. 5. Shame heals in truth and relationship. Shame grows in hiding. Healing often begins when we can bring our real story into the light with God, safe people, and sometimes a trained therapist who can help us face reality without condemnation. 6. Christian therapy can be clinically grounded and spiritually honest. This episode does not flatten therapy into self-help or faith into clichés. It invites a deeper integration of theology, psychology, biology, story, and embodied healing. Listener Questions This Episode Helps Answer Can Christian therapy help with trauma? Yes. Christian therapy can help people process trauma, shame, grief, anxiety, and relationship wounds while honoring faith, Scripture, and the whole person. The best care is ethical, clinically grounded, and never uses faith to shame or silence a person's pain. What is spiritual abuse? Spiritual abuse can happen when faith, Scripture, authority, or religious systems are used to control, shame, manipulate, silence questions, or disconnect people from God, self, or safe community. What is the difference between church hurt and losing faith? Church hurt can create confusion, grief, anger, and distrust. But questioning harmful systems does not automatically mean someone has lost faith. Sometimes it means they are trying to separate God from the wounds caused by people or institutions. Why do I feel shame even when I believe in God? Many people intellectually believe they are loved by God but still carry emotional wounds, trauma responses, fear, or a performance-based identity. Healing often involves moving from belief alone into embodied identity, truth, safety, and grace. Can therapy and Christian faith work together? Yes, when done with wisdom and ethical care. Therapy can help people face reality, understand their story, process pain, take responsibility, repair relationships, and live more honestly before God and others. Books and Resources Mentioned Vanessa Bentley's Website https://www.vanessabentley.co The Work of Being Human Podcast with Vanessa Bentley Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-work-of-being-human/id1555914519 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4OSzahM97510fClqYs3ZYt YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheVanessaBentley Vanessa on Instagram @vanessathetherapist: https://www.instagram.com/vanessathetherapist/ @theworkofbeinghuman: https://www.instagram.com/theworkofbeinghuman/ The Toolbox: The Tools We Need to Build Relationships and Repair Them When They Break by Vanessa Londino Vanessa's Book Page: https://www.vanessabentley.co/author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Toolbox-Tools-Build-Relationships-Repair/dp/1736381318 Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis HarperCollins: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/mere-christianity-c-s-lewis Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mere-Christianity-C-S-Lewis/dp/0060652926 The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck Simon & Schuster: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Road-Less-Traveled-Timeless-Edition/M-Scott-Peck/9780743243155 Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Road-Less-Traveled-Psychology-Traditional/dp/0671250671 Stages of Faith: The Psychology of Human Development and the Quest for Meaning by James W. Fowler HarperCollins: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/stages-of-faith-james-w-fowler Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Stages-Faith-Psychology-Development-Meaning/dp/0060628669 What a Friend We Have in Jesus Hymnary: https://hymnary.org/text/what_a_friend_we_have_in_jesus_all_our_s Books V

Divorce recovery is about more than ending a marriage. It is about healing grief, rebuilding self-worth, restoring emotional health, processing identity loss, and learning how to move forward after one of life's most difficult transitions. In Episode 125 of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, Diana Rice, LMHC, sits down with divorce recovery specialist Shirley Barthelemy, MS, LMHC, LPC, CAP, to discuss emotional healing after divorce, grief, faith, attachment wounds, people-pleasing patterns, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and practical tools for rebuilding confidence and finding hope again. Drawing from both her professional expertise and personal experience, Shirley shares how her own journey through divorce inspired her to create the HER Divorce Recovery Coaching Program, a structured framework designed to help women heal emotionally, renew their minds, strengthen their faith, and rediscover who they are beyond the pain of relationship loss. Together, Diana and Shirley explore the hidden mental health effects of divorce, the stigma many women experience within faith communities, the importance of emotional honesty, healthy boundaries, self-care, nervous system awareness, and why healing requires more than simply "moving on." Whether you're currently navigating separation, healing from a divorce that happened years ago, supporting someone you love, or simply interested in emotional wellness, resilience, personal growth, and the intersection of faith and mental health, this conversation offers practical wisdom, encouragement, and hope for the journey ahead. In This Episode • How to heal after divorce • The emotional stages of grief after divorce • Identity loss and rebuilding self-worth • Depression, anxiety, shame, and emotional overwhelm • Faith, forgiveness, and healing after divorce • Attachment styles and people-pleasing patterns • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and renewing the mind • Healthy coping skills during major life transitions • Emotional regulation and nervous system awareness • The importance of community, support, and accountability • Red flags that unresolved relationship wounds may still be affecting current relationships • Why healing is a journey—not a quick fix • How to move from surviving to thriving Memorable Quotes "You started understanding how to respond in wisdom instead of reacting in emotion." — Diana Rice, LMHC "The relationship ended, but that doesn't define who you are. It's just part of your story, not your entire story." — Shirley Barthelemy, MS, LMHC, LPC, CAP Who This Episode Is For This episode is for you if:  You're currently going through a separation or divorce  You're struggling with grief, shame, anger, loneliness, or uncertainty  You're wondering how to rebuild your confidence and identity  You're navigating divorce within a faith community  You're carrying emotional wounds from a past relationship  You're supporting a friend or loved one through divorce  You're looking for practical tools to help you heal and move forward  You're interested in mental health, faith, personal growth, and emotional wellness About Our Guest Shirley Barthelemy, MS, LMHC, LPC, CAP is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Addiction Professional, Certified Life Coach, and Founder of Holistic Lady Counseling Services. For more than 10 years, she has served individuals, couples, and families within the mental health and substance use field. Today, she specializes in Divorce Recovery Coaching, helping women navigate grief, emotional healing, confidence rebuilding, self-worth restoration, and personal growth after divorce. She is the creator of the HER Divorce Recovery Coaching Program, a comprehensive framework designed to help women Heal, Grow, and Thrive. Resources Mentioned Holistic Lady Counseling Services https://holisticladycounseling.com Learn More About Shirley Barthelemy https://holisticladycounseling.com/official-about-page/ DivorceCare Divorce Recovery Support Groups https://www.divorcecare.org Through the Valley Therapy https://www.throughthevalleytherapy.com Transformed Mind Consulting & Coaching https://www.transformedmindcc.com The Holistic Counselor Podcast https://pod.link/1732149496 Connect with Diana Rice Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP Founder, Through the Valley Therapy Founder, Transformed Mind Consulting & Coaching Host, The Holistic Counselor Podcast Enjoyed This Episode? If this conversation encouraged you, challenged you, or reminded you that healing is possible, please subscribe, follow, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who may be struggling with grief, heartbreak, divorce, identity loss, relationship trauma, or emotional healing. Your reviews help these conversations reach people who feel isolated, overwhelmed, and unsure where to turn. Together, we can remind others that they are not alone and that healing is possible. Until next time, remember: you are fearfully and wonderfully made.

What happens when mental health awareness meets social media algorithms? In this thought-provoking episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP sits down with Dr. Alyssa Kerrigan, Licensed Psychologist, ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP), and founder of Peace of Mind Testing and Therapy, to explore one of the most important conversations happening in mental health today: self-diagnosis, therapy culture, psychological testing, neurodiversity, social media, and identity. From TikTok videos about ADHD and autism to viral discussions about anxiety, trauma, executive functioning, and neurodivergence, more people than ever are seeking answers about their mental health. But how do we balance awareness with accuracy? Validation with discernment? Understanding with identity? Together, Diana and Dr. Kerrigan discuss why so many people turn to social media for mental health answers, the role of comprehensive psychological evaluations, how diagnostic labels can both help and hinder growth, and why understanding ourselves should lead to greater freedom—not greater limitation. Whether you're a therapist, parent, educator, student, faith leader, or someone navigating your own mental health journey, this episode offers practical insight, compassion, and hope. In This Episode We Explore • The impact of TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, AI, and social media on mental health awareness • Why ADHD, autism, anxiety, trauma, and neurodivergence content is exploding online • The difference between self-diagnosis and professional psychological evaluation • How psychological testing can provide clarity, validation, accommodations, and support • Why many women and adults are being diagnosed with ADHD and autism later in life • The role of culture, race, family systems, and lived experience in mental health assessment • How labels can become empowering tools instead of limiting identities • The importance of digital literacy and critical thinking in the age of algorithms • Parenting strategies for raising children in a social media-driven world • How therapists can balance validation, resilience-building, and personal growth Memorable Takeaways "Understanding yourself should lead to greater freedom, greater self-compassion, and greater possibility." A diagnosis is not the end of your story. Psychological evaluations are not designed to put people into boxes. They are designed to provide clarity, uncover strengths, identify challenges, and create a roadmap for support. Social media can offer validation and community, but it should never replace a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a qualified mental health professional. The goal is not to become your diagnosis. The goal is to better understand yourself so you can move forward with confidence, self-awareness, and appropriate support. About Dr. Alyssa Kerrigan Dr. Alyssa Kerrigan is a Licensed Psychologist, ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP), and founder of Peace of Mind Testing and Therapy in Wellington, Florida. She specializes in psychological and psychoeducational evaluations for children, teens, and adults, helping individuals gain clarity regarding ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, learning disabilities, executive functioning challenges, mood disorders, and neurodivergent presentations. Dr. Kerrigan is passionate about helping individuals understand how they learn, think, process information, and navigate the world. Through evidence-based assessment and compassionate care, she empowers clients to recognize their strengths, build confidence, and take meaningful steps toward achieving their personal, academic, and professional goals. Connect with Dr. Alyssa Kerrigan Website: https://www.peaceofmindtestingandtherapy.com Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/alyssa-kerrigan-wellington-fl/1058709 Connect with Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP Through the Valley Therapy https://www.throughthevalleytherapy.com Transformed Mind Consulting & Coaching https://www.transformedmindcc.com The Holistic Counselor Podcast https://www.throughthevalleytherapy.com/holistic-counselor-podcast Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-holistic-counselor/id1732149496 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/throughthevalleytherapy Diana specializes in anxiety, trauma recovery, perfectionism, faith and identity struggles, religious trauma, nervous system regulation, resilience, neuroplasticity, and whole-person healing through an integrative approach that blends neuroscience, evidence-based therapy, and faith-informed care. Resources Mentioned DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)  https://www.parentcenterhub.org/iep-overview/ Neurodiversity-Affirming Care https://www.usa.edu/blog/neurodiversity-affirming-care-what-does-it-mean-for-therapy/ Digital Literacy and Social Media Awareness https://www.digitalrights.community/blog/what-is-digital-literacy  CommonSense Media (Parent Resource) https://www.commonsensemedia.org Understood.org (Learning Differences, ADHD, Dyslexia) https://www.understood.org Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) https://chadd.org Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) https://autisticadvocacy.org American Psychological Association https://www.apa.org National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov If This Episode Helped You Please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend, parent, teacher, therapist, pastor, or family member. Every conversation helps reduce stigma, increase understanding, and remind people that they are more than a diagnosis. Remember: You are not your label. You are not your diagnosis. You are a whole person with strengths, challenges, gifts, and a story still being written. And wherever you are on your journey, I hope today's conversation encourages you to keep learning, keep growing, and keep moving forward.

Why do we keep repeating the same relationship patterns, emotional reactions, and self-sabotaging behaviors—even when we understand where they come from? In this episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP welcomes Mark Levinsky, MS, LMHC, licensed psychotherapist, life coach, Certified Instructor with The REAL Courses, and founder of Intentional Living Coaching & Counseling Services. Together they explore childhood trauma, family-of-origin influences, emotional maturity, vulnerability, shame, men's mental health, addiction recovery, inner child work, experiential learning, and the connection between faith, psychology, and personal transformation. If you've ever wondered: Why do I keep repeating the same relationship patterns? Why do I feel emotionally stuck? How does childhood trauma affect adulthood? How can I stop reacting and start responding? Why is vulnerability so difficult? What is experiential therapy or experiential learning? How can faith and psychology work together? This conversation offers practical insights and hope. Mark shares how experiential growth work transformed his own life after years of traditional therapy and discusses why understanding our story is important—but often not enough to create lasting change. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of emotional growth, self-awareness, relationship patterns, trauma recovery, community, belonging, forgiveness, and the lifelong process of becoming more fully who God created us to be. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Childhood Trauma & Family Systems How childhood experiences shape adult relationships Family-of-origin patterns Attachment wounds Core beliefs and self-worth Understanding emotional triggers Emotional Growth & Mental Health Emotional maturity Vulnerability and shame Self-awareness Emotional intelligence Emotional sobriety Faith, Psychology & Transformation Personal responsibility Community and belonging Forgiveness Spiritual growth Why perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18) Experiential Growth What experiential learning is How action creates transformation Why insight alone isn't enough Building courage and resilience POWERFUL QUOTES Mark Levinsky, LMHC "To love and be loved. They're starving to be loved, and they want to love." "Understanding is the booby prize." "With action, I believe deeper growth occurs." "The main thing is not to isolate." "Vulnerability is strength." Diana S. Rice, LMHC "Perfect love casts out fear." (1 John 4:18) "We're trying to understand. It's not blaming." "Learning how to become the parent you needed." "The lessons become blessings. The wounds become wisdom." RESOURCES Mark Levinsky, LMHC Website: https://marklevinsky.com The REAL Courses Official Website: https://therealcourses.com Instructor Directory: https://therealcourses.com/instructors Adlerian Psychology North American Society of Adlerian Psychology: https://www.alfredadler.org Through the Valley Therapy https://www.throughthevalleytherapy.com Transformed Mind Consulting & Coaching https://www.transformedmindcc.com Related Episode Episode 103: Why Men Struggle With Emotions with Jon Waller, LMHC YouTube: https://youtu.be/NR_bKRvPc3w?si=4cVJ2y44HkD889LN ABOUT THE HOLISTIC COUNSELOR PODCAST The Holistic Counselor Podcast is where faith, science, and holistic healing intersect. Hosted by Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, the podcast features therapists, physicians, attorneys, pastors, authors, educators, wellness professionals, and advocates exploring mental health, trauma recovery, neuroplasticity, relationships, emotional wellness, faith, personal growth, and whole-person healing. The mission is to challenge stigma, foster meaningful conversations, and provide practical tools that help people grow emotionally, mentally, physically, relationally, and spiritually. SUPPORT THE SHOW If this episode encouraged you:  Leave a review  Share the episode with a friend  Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform  Visit our merch store: https://theholisticcounselorpodcast.printful.me/

What happens when you genuinely love Jesus… but still struggle with anxiety, panic attacks, overthinking, intrusive thoughts, chronic stress, or emotional exhaustion? In this deeply honest and clinically grounded episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP sits down with Christian therapist and author Melissa Fisher, LMHC, to explore the intersection of Christian faith, anxiety, trauma, nervous system regulation, burnout, perfectionism, emotional healing, and mental health in the church. Melissa shares her personal story of navigating military life, repeated relocations, panic attacks, self-doubt, and what she describes as a "dark night of the soul," while learning how faith, therapy, neuroscience, breathwork, and emotional healing can work together instead of against one another. Together, Diana and Melissa unpack some of the questions millions of Christians silently wrestle with every day: Can Christians have anxiety? Is anxiety a sin? Why do I still feel anxious if I trust God? What does the Bible actually say about anxiety and peace? Can prayer and therapy work together? How do trauma and chronic stress affect the nervous system? What is high-functioning anxiety? How do perfectionism and people-pleasing fuel anxiety? Can someone intellectually trust God while their body still carries fear? How do we tell the difference between God's voice, wisdom, fear, hypervigilance, and trauma-driven anxiety? This episode also explores: Christian anxiety and panic attacks Nervous system dysregulation Trauma and emotional healing Church hurt and spiritual abuse High-control religion and guilt Breathwork and neuroscience Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Neuroplasticity and rewiring the brain The mind-body connection Faith and mental health Women's mental health and burnout Military family stress Rest, Sabbath, and slowing down Overstimulation, doomscrolling, and social media anxiety Somatic and body-based healing approaches Why emotions are signals—not failures One of the most powerful moments of the conversation comes when Melissa shares: "It's never labeled as a sin in the Bible." — Melissa Fisher, LMHC And Diana reflects: "I've started seeing anxiety less as an identity and more as a signal." — Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP Whether you're a therapist, ministry leader, caregiver, military spouse, trauma survivor, person of faith, or simply exhausted from carrying too much for too long, this conversation offers practical tools, honest reflection, and compassionate insight for anyone trying to find peace in an overwhelmed world. About Melissa Fisher, LMHC Melissa Fisher, LMHC, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor based in Vancouver, Washington, specializing in trauma, anxiety, spiritual formation, and Christian mental health. She has over two decades of experience serving in Christian youth, women's, military, and young adult ministries. Melissa is also the author of Jesus for the Anxious: 8 Weeks of Practicing Peace to Calm Your Worry and Fear, published by Revell, an imprint of Baker Publishing Group. Resources Mentioned in This Episode Melissa Fisher Counseling https://www.melissafishercounseling.com/ Melissa Fisher's Book: Jesus for the Anxious https://www.melissafishercounseling.com/book One Minute Pause App https://wildatheart.org/pause Breathly App https://breathly.app/ Learn More About Through the Valley Therapy https://www.throughthevalleytherapy.com/ Transform Mind Consulting & Coaching https://www.transformedmindcc.com/ Support The Holistic Counselor Podcast + Merch Store https://theholisticcounselorpodcast.printful.me/ About The Holistic Counselor Podcast The Holistic Counselor Podcast is where faith, science, and holistic healing intersect. Hosted by Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, the show explores trauma, neuroscience, relationships, nervous system healing, Christian mental health, emotional wellness, and integrative healing through thoughtful conversations with therapists, physicians, authors, advocates, and wellness experts. Loved This Episode? Please rate, review, and share this episode with someone navigating anxiety, burnout, overthinking, panic, or emotional exhaustion. Your reviews help more people discover these honest and healing conversations. And as always… Trust in the Lord. Guard your heart. Renew your mind.

What happens when two brothers both become therapists—and dedicate their lives to helping people heal from betrayal trauma, pornography addiction, shame, secrecy, broken trust, and relationship pain? In this deeply honest and powerful episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, Diana sits down with Brannon Patrick, LCSW and Tyler Patrick, LMFT of Therapy Brothers for a raw, compassionate conversation about addiction recovery, betrayal trauma, faith, emotional healing, and what it actually takes to rebuild trust after secrecy and infidelity. Together, they explore why betrayal trauma can feel like PTSD, how shame and secrecy fuel addiction cycles, and why many people struggling with pornography addiction are not "bad people" but hurting humans carrying unresolved pain, loneliness, and disconnection. The conversation also dives into purity culture, high-control religion, emotional safety, grief, attachment wounds, and the healing process for both individuals and couples. Diana, Brannon, and Tyler also discuss Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, DBT, EFT, accountability, self-acceptance, faith deconstruction, and the importance of moving beyond symptom management into true root-cause healing. This episode is filled with practical insight, psychoeducation, hope, humor, honesty, and real conversations many people are secretly searching for but are often too afraid to ask out loud. In This Episode We Discuss: Betrayal trauma and why it can feel like PTSD Porn addiction in both men and women Rebuilding trust after infidelity and secrecy Shame, guilt, and emotional coping Purity culture and high-control religion Healthy sexuality and sexual self-acceptance Faith deconstruction, reconstruction, and spiritual grief Emotional safety and attachment wounds Why accountability matters in recovery The role of grief in relationship healing Root-cause healing vs symptom management Internal Family Systems (IFS) EMDR trauma therapy DBT and emotional regulation EFT and attachment-based couples work Healing through honesty, humility, and connection Memorable Quotes "Protection without the education causes a problem." — Tyler Patrick, LMFT "We don't have sexual self-acceptance, we don't have adequate sex education, but what we do have is the box that you're supposed to fit it in." — Brannon Patrick, LCSW "My sacred text, the Bible, is a mirror—not a weapon." — Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP Resources & Links Mentioned Therapy Brothers Official Website https://therapybrothers.org/ Therapy Brothers Special Listener Page https://therapybrothers.org/the-holistic-counselor  Reclaim Your Heart Healing Journey https://reclaimyourheart.org/ Therapy Modalities Discussed Internal Family Systems (IFS) Official IFS Institute https://ifs-institute.com/ Dr. Tori Olds – IFS Explained https://youtu.be/tNA5qTTxFFA?si=CCCbRhwKGjn1hH2H  EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) EMDR International Association https://www.emdria.org/ DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) Behavioral Tech – DBT Information https://behavioraltech.org/resources/faqs/dialectical-behavior-therapy-dbt/ EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy https://iceeft.com/ Faith Development Resource Mentioned Fowler's Stages of Faith Development PDF Overview https://www.leaderresources.org/assets/images/Youth/Fowler_FaithDev_chart.pdf   Additional Topics Mentioned Betrayal Trauma Recovery Addiction Recovery Faith Deconstruction & Reconstruction Shame Resilience Attachment Theory Emotional Regulation Trauma Healing Healthy Masculinity Relationship Repair Accountability and Authenticity About the Guests Brannon Patrick, LCSW and Tyler Patrick, LMFT are licensed therapists, brothers, educators, and founders of Therapy Brothers. With over 20 years of experience each in betrayal trauma recovery, sexual addiction treatment, and relationship healing, they help individuals and couples move from shame, secrecy, addiction, and disconnection into honesty, accountability, emotional safety, and authentic connection. Their work focuses on helping people heal the deeper root causes beneath addiction and betrayal—not just manage symptoms. If this episode encouraged you, challenged you, or helped you feel less alone, please take a moment to rate, review, and share The Holistic Counselor Podcast. Your support helps more people find these conversations around faith, trauma, mental health, relationships, and holistic healing.   And don't forget to check out the merch store: https://theholisticcounselorpodcast.printful.me/

Can gut health affect anxiety, depression, inflammation, brain fog, mood swings, and nervous system regulation? In this deeply thoughtful and grounded conversation, Diana S. Rice sits down with Dr. Annie Lin—Assistant Professor of Nutrition at Nova Southeastern University and functional nutrition practitioner—to explore the powerful connection between nutrition, mental health, trauma, inflammation, and the gut-brain axis. Raised in a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)-influenced household and trained in both clinical nutrition and functional medicine, Dr. Lin bridges ancient healing wisdom with modern science to help people better understand whole-person health in a way that is practical, culturally sensitive, and evidence-informed. Together, Diana and Dr. Lin discuss: The gut-brain connection explained in simple terms How gut health impacts anxiety, depression, mood, and brain fog Chronic stress, trauma, inflammation, and nervous system dysregulation Blood sugar instability and emotional health Functional nutrition vs. diet culture Nutritional psychiatry and integrative mental health Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture, Tai Chi, cupping therapy, and Hijama Why food is more than calories—it's information for the body Mindful eating, hydration, sleep, and nervous system support The importance of slowing down in today's fast-paced culture How healing can become nourishing instead of fear-based or shame-based ACE scores, childhood trauma, and whole-person healing Cultural wisdom, immigrant family experiences, and holistic wellness traditions Why healing should be personalized and not one-size-fits-all This episode also explores the importance of honoring wisdom from different cultures while remaining thoughtful, discerning, and grounded in science. If you've been struggling with stress, burnout, digestive symptoms, emotional exhaustion, anxiety, inflammation, or feeling disconnected from your body, this episode offers practical insights and hopeful encouragement for supporting your mental and physical health in a more holistic and sustainable way. Memorable Quotes from the Episode "Food is not just energy, it's information." — Dr. Annie Lin "Healing doesn't have to be so dramatic. It's just slowing down, feeling safer, feeling steadier, feeling more supported." — Dr. Annie Lin "I'm teaching you how to critically think." — Diana S. Rice "Hello there, fearfully and wonderfully made human." — Diana S. Rice About Dr. Annie Lin Dr. Annie Lin is: Assistant Professor in the Department of Nutrition at the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine at Nova Southeastern University Doctor of Clinical Nutrition (DCN) Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist (LDN) Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner (FMCP) Certified in Cupping Therapy / Hijama Born and raised in New York in a Traditional Chinese Medicine-influenced household, Dr. Lin combines functional nutrition, integrative medicine, cultural wisdom, and modern science to support personalized, whole-person health. Connect with Dr. Annie Lin: Dr. Annie Lin LinkedIn Resources, Organizations & Topics Mentioned Metabolic Mind Nova Southeastern University – Department of Nutrition The Holistic Counselor Podcast Fruitful Field ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Information – CDC National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health – Acupuncture National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health – Tai Chi Traditional Chinese Medicine Overview – Cleveland Clinic Topics explored throughout this episode include: Gut-brain axis, functional nutrition, nutritional psychiatry, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture, Hijama, trauma and the nervous system, inflammation and mental health, mindful eating, neuroplasticity, blood sugar regulation, immigrant family experiences, holistic healing, integrative mental health, and whole-person wellness. If this episode encouraged you, helped you think differently, or gave you practical tools for healing, please share it with someone you love and leave a review. Reviews help more people find conversations surrounding faith, science, mental health, and holistic healing. Disclaimer This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace individualized medical or mental health care. Please consult your licensed healthcare providers regarding your personal health needs.

What happens when storytelling, faith, cultural identity, and holistic wellness come together in one honest conversation? In this powerful episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, host Diana S. Rice sits down with Angela Golden Bryan — Amazon bestselling author, filmmaker, speaker, wellness advocate, and founder of Fireburn Heritage — for a deeply authentic conversation about generational trauma, healing, identity, emotional wellness, storytelling, church hurt, holistic health, and breaking unhealthy cycles. Diana and Angela first met years ago during a completely different season of life while both working in the entertainment and acting world. Now reunited through purpose-driven work, the two explore how our stories, belief systems, family histories, faith experiences, and even the lies we internalize can shape our emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual health. Angela shares the powerful history behind the 1878 Fireburn Revolt in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, including the deeply personal discovery that her own great-great-grandmother survived the historical uprising. Together, Diana and Angela discuss how intergenerational trauma, cultural identity, forgiveness, nervous system survival patterns, and community impact the healing journey. This episode also dives into: Generational and intergenerational trauma Identity confusion and cultural belonging Faith and mental health stigma in Christian and BIPOC communities Church hurt and spiritual bypassing Anxiety, burnout, depression, and emotional exhaustion The connection between storytelling and healing How lies and limiting beliefs shape mental health Holistic wellness and mind-body-spirit healing Healthy community, accountability, and emotional support Nervous system regulation and lifestyle healing practices Nutrition, sleep, movement, and sustainable habit change Why healing requires both truth and compassion Angela also opens up about her own health journey that inspired her newest book, Treasure Your Temple, and how holistic wellness, nutrition, faith, and intentional community became part of her healing process. About Angela Golden Bryan Angela Golden Bryan is an Amazon bestselling author, filmmaker, speaker, certified life coach with the John Maxwell Team, and founder of Fireburn Heritage, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and amplifying untold Caribbean stories while contributing to cultural identity, legacy, and generational transformation. She holds master's degrees in Counseling Psychology and Practical Theology and is also a certified holistic health practitioner through Hippocrates Wellness with specialized training in plant-based nutrition and whole-person wellness. Her work focuses on helping individuals break generational patterns, reclaim identity, strengthen faith, and pursue healing across mind, body, and spirit through storytelling, education, wellness advocacy, and cultural preservation. Resources & Links Mentioned Angela Golden Bryan Fireburn Heritage Website Angela Golden Bryan LinkedIn Angela Golden Bryan Instagram Fireburn Heritage Instagram Fireburn Heritage Facebook Treasure Your Temple on Amazon Resources Mentioned During the Episode Celebrate Recovery Grace Alliance GriefShare DivorceCare Dr. Caroline Leaf Hippocrates Wellness Connect with Diana S. Rice Through the Valley Therapy Transform Mind Consulting & Coaching The Holistic Counselor Podcast YouTube Playlist If this episode encouraged you, helped you feel seen, or gave you practical tools for healing, please take a moment to follow, review, and share The Holistic Counselor Podcast with someone who may need it today. Your reviews and shares truly help us continue breaking mental health stigma and reaching more people with conversations centered on faith, science, storytelling, and holistic healing. You can also support the podcast and grab merch here: The Holistic Counselor Podcast Merch Store

What if the anxiety, perfectionism, people-pleasing, shutdown, anger, overthinking, or emotional reactions you struggle with are not proof that you are broken… but parts of you trying to protect you? In this powerful and compassionate episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, Diana sits down with Lynn Kearney to explore Internal Family Systems (IFS), Complex PTSD (CPTSD), nervous system healing, emotional regulation, faith, therapist self-work, and what it really means to heal from the inside out. Together, Diana and Lynn unpack why so many people intellectually understand their patterns yet still feel emotionally stuck, how protective parts develop, and why curiosity and compassion often create deeper healing than shame and suppression. This episode explores: What Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy actually is The difference between PTSD and Complex PTSD (CPTSD) Exiles, firefighters, and managers in IFS Why some people spend years in therapy but still feel emotionally stuck How trauma and stress show up in the nervous system Why high-achieving people can still struggle internally The importance of therapists doing their own healing work Cultural humility, faith, and healing in diverse communities How to know if you've found the right therapist The difference between reacting emotionally and responding with wisdom Why "there are no bad parts" is often misunderstood in Christian spaces One of the most meaningful moments in the episode is Diana vulnerably sharing her own struggle as a Christian therapist trying to reconcile the IFS phrase "no bad parts" with teachings many people grew up hearing about shame, sin, and suppressing emotions. Lynn explains that IFS does not excuse harmful behavior or remove accountability. Instead, it helps people understand the protective intentions underneath emotional reactions so healing can happen with greater awareness, responsibility, and compassion. Listeners will also hear practical examples of: nervous system dysregulation childhood wounds relationship triggers emotional flooding shame responses overworking, overeating, and over-functioning as coping strategies and how self-awareness helps people move from survival mode into greater calm, clarity, and connection. About Today's Guest Lynn Kearney is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in California and Florida with more than two decades of clinical experience since opening her private practice in 2002. She is a: Certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapist Somatic IFS Practitioner Gottman Institute Educator Former Kaiser Permanente instructor in Couples Communication and MindBody Medicine Trauma-informed relational therapist specializing in body-oriented healing approaches Her training includes: Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Brainspotting Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Mindfulness Depth Psychology Intimacy from the Inside Out Learn more about Lynn here: https://ljktherapy.com/about Resources Mentioned in This Episode Diana's Blog: Is Internal Family Systems (IFS) Biblical? A Christian Therapist's Honest Perspective on Parts Work https://www.throughthevalleytherapy.com/post/is-internal-family-systems-ifs-biblical-a-christian-therapist-s-honest-perspective-on-parts-work Internal Family Systems (IFS) Institute Practitioner Directory https://ifs-institute.com/practitioners Through the Valley Therapy https://www.throughthevalleytherapy.com Transform Mind Consulting & Coaching https://www.transformedmindcc.com The Holistic Counselor Podcast Merch Store https://theholisticcounselorpodcast.printful.me/  Key Takeaways From This Conversation Healing is not about shaming yourself into change. Protective parts often develop to help us survive painful experiences. Curiosity can calm what criticism intensifies. Good therapy should help you feel more grounded, not chronically flooded. The nervous system stores emotional experiences and protective responses. Therapists must continue doing their own inner work throughout their careers. Faith and psychological insight do not have to be enemies. Compassion and accountability can coexist. If This Episode Resonated With You If this conversation helped you better understand trauma, Internal Family Systems (IFS), CPTSD, emotional healing, nervous system regulation, or faith-integrated mental health, please consider: subscribing to The Holistic Counselor Podcast sharing this episode with a friend, therapist, church leader, or loved one and leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Reviews and shares genuinely help more people discover these conversations about trauma recovery, emotional healing, faith, relationships, neuroplasticity, and holistic mental health. You can also support the podcast by checking out the merch store below: https://theholisticcounselorpodcast.printful.me/ Remember: Trust in the Lord, guard your heart, and renew your mind.

Is artificial intelligence helping mental health—or quietly harming it? In this eye-opening and deeply relevant episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, Diana S. Rice sits down with board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Joshua Stein for a raw, balanced, and practical conversation about artificial intelligence, teen mental health, parenting in the digital age, social media addiction, emotional regulation, therapy, anxiety, self-diagnosis culture, and how AI is rapidly changing the future of mental health care. As therapists, parents, educators, and human beings trying to stay emotionally grounded in a rapidly changing digital world, this conversation is no longer optional. From ChatGPT and AI therapy tools to TikTok diagnoses, emotional support chatbots, social media overload, and AI-assisted mental health support, Diana and Dr. Stein explore what people need to understand right now—without fear-mongering, panic, or losing our humanity in the process. Dr. Stein shares what first caught his attention: Teenagers and adults were already using AI for emotional support, mental health questions, therapy reinforcement, journaling, emotional processing, relationship concerns, and self-understanding long before many professionals realized what was happening. This episode explores: AI and mental health ChatGPT and emotional support Teen mental health in the digital age Parenting and technology boundaries Social media addiction and anxiety AI therapy tools and mental health apps High-functioning anxiety and emotional overwhelm Self-diagnosis culture on TikTok ADHD and autism self-diagnosis online Emotional regulation and coping skills Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) AI psychosis concerns and emotional dependency Mental health stigma in churches and communities How parents can talk to teens about AI safely Healthy technology boundaries for families The future of therapy and artificial intelligence Why AI is not replacing therapists How AI can "supercharge" therapy when used wisely One of the most important takeaways from this episode: AI is already here. The question is not whether people are using it—the question is whether we are teaching people how to use it safely, wisely, ethically, and relationally. Dr. Stein also discusses: Why many teens prefer texting or AI communication over phone calls The emotional risks of isolation and excessive screen dependency Why parents shutting conversations down often backfires How curiosity and connection create safer conversations with teens The importance of keeping communication open instead of fear-based Why AI should never fully replace human clinical care How mental health identity culture can become problematic online The importance of seeing the "whole person" beyond a diagnosis A powerful point Dr. Stein makes throughout the episode: Technology itself is not inherently evil or good—it is a tool. The real issue is whether people are using it with awareness, boundaries, wisdom, accountability, and human connection. Dr. Stein also shares practical signs parents should watch for if technology or AI use is becoming unhealthy: Increased isolation Withdrawal from hobbies or relationships Hiding technology use Emotional reactivity after screen use Sudden rigid identity attachment to online diagnoses New paranoia or unusual beliefs Dependency on AI for emotional validation Difficulty functioning in real-world relationships This episode is especially important for: Parents navigating technology with teens Therapists and mental health professionals Teachers and school counselors Ministry leaders and faith communities Adults using ChatGPT or AI for emotional support Anyone concerned about AI and mental health Families trying to create healthy digital boundaries People feeling overwhelmed by technology and social media About Dr. Joshua Stein: Dr. Joshua Stein is a board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist, Chief of Medical Staff at PrairieCare, and Clinical Director and Attending Clinician at Newport Healthcare's PrairieCare Youth Partial Hospitalization Program in Minnesota. He attended Cornell University, earned his medical degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School, and is a past president of the Minnesota Society of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Stein continues to advocate nationally for adolescent mental health and increasing access to quality care. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: PrairieCare: PrairieCare Newport Healthcare: Newport Healthcare AI Tips for Parents: AI Tips for Parents American Academy of Pediatrics Family Media Plan: AAP Family Media Plan 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Psychology Today Therapist Directory: Psychology Today Find a Therapist Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Dialectical Behavior Therapy Explained Headspace: Headspace Calm: Calm Woebot AI Mental Health Tool: Woebot Health Mindsera AI Journaling Tool: Mindsera Connect with Diana S. Rice: Through the Valley Therapy Transformed Mind Consulting & Coaching The Holistic Counselor Podcast Support the Podcast + Merch Store: The Holistic Counselor Podcast Merch Store If this episode helped you better understand AI, parenting, emotional health, therapy, or the future of mental health care, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Reviews help more people discover these important conversations around mental health, faith, trauma, relationships, parenting, emotional regulation, and holistic healing. And if you'd like to support this independent podcast and help continue conversations that bridge faith, science, psychology, culture, and real-world mental health, check out the merch store above. Every review, share, download, and purchase helps this mission continue reaching people who may feel overwhelmed, unseen, or alone in today's rapidly changing world.