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  • Ep. 117 - How AI Is Changing Mental Health, Parenting, Therapy & Teen Brains w/ Dr. Joshua Stein, MD

    Ep. 117 - How AI Is Changing Mental Health, Parenting, Therapy & Teen Brains w/ Dr. Joshua Stein, MD
    2026/07/15
    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 healthChatGPT and emotional supportTeen mental health in the digital ageParenting and technology boundariesSocial media addiction and anxietyAI therapy tools and mental health appsHigh-functioning anxiety and emotional overwhelmSelf-diagnosis culture on TikTokADHD and autism self-diagnosis onlineEmotional regulation and coping skillsDialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)AI psychosis concerns and emotional dependencyMental health stigma in churches and communitiesHow parents can talk to teens about AI safelyHealthy technology boundaries for familiesThe future of therapy and artificial intelligenceWhy AI is not replacing therapistsHow 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 callsThe emotional risks of isolation and excessive screen dependencyWhy parents shutting conversations down often backfiresHow curiosity and connection create safer conversations with teensThe importance of keeping communication open instead of fear-basedWhy AI should never fully replace human clinical careHow mental health identity culture can become problematic onlineThe 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 isolationWithdrawal from hobbies or relationshipsHiding technology useEmotional reactivity after screen useSudden rigid identity attachment to online diagnosesNew paranoia or unusual beliefsDependency on AI for emotional validationDifficulty functioning in real-world relationships This episode is especially important for: Parents navigating technology with teensTherapists and mental health professionalsTeachers and school counselorsMinistry leaders and faith communitiesAdults using ChatGPT or AI for emotional supportAnyone concerned about AI and mental healthFamilies trying to create healthy digital boundariesPeople 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...
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    51 分
  • Ep. 116 - Why "Strong" People Struggle in Silence: Men's Mental Health, High-Functioning Anxiety, Intimacy & Healing w/ Todd Malloy, LMFT, CST

    Ep. 116 - Why "Strong" People Struggle in Silence: Men's Mental Health, High-Functioning Anxiety, Intimacy & Healing w/ Todd Malloy, LMFT, CST
    2026/07/08
    Why do so many high-functioning people look successful on the outside while silently struggling on the inside? In this powerful episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, Diana S. Rice sits down with psychotherapist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Sex Therapist, former engineer, and former pastor Todd Malloy for a deeply honest conversation about men's mental health, emotional neglect, survival mode, intimacy, trauma responses, burnout, faith, relationships, and what it actually means to heal. Todd shares his own story of growing up in poverty, helping support his family as a teenager, suppressing parts of himself to survive, and eventually realizing that achievement and productivity were not the same thing as emotional health. Together, Diana and Todd unpack: High-functioning anxiety and emotional exhaustionWhy many "strong" people suffer in silenceChildhood emotional neglect and survival programmingMen's mental health and emotional suppressionFaith, healing, and emotional honestyRelationship struggles, intimacy, and communicationWhy social media is increasing anxiety and disconnectionEmotional fitness and nervous system awarenessThe pressure many men feel to provide while neglecting themselvesTrauma responses disguised as resiliencePurity culture, shame, and emotional disconnectHow to stop living from other people's expectationsWhat true healing and self-reclamation actually look like One of the most impactful themes in this episode is Todd's insight that many adults are not truly living their own lives — they are living out emotional scripts handed to them through family systems, culture, religion, fear, survival, and unresolved pain. Todd also explains: Why emotional suppression often turns into anger, anxiety, or depressionHow survival mode impacts relationships and intimacyWhy many men were taught to "suffer in silence"How rigidity in faith or identity can block healingWhy emotional safety matters in both therapy and relationshipsThe importance of learning to identify and communicate emotions honestly This episode also dives into: Attachment theoryEmotional fitnessBowen Family Systems conceptsEmotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)Communication patterns in relationshipsTrauma-informed healingSelf-awareness and nervous system regulation Todd shares practical tools listeners can begin using immediately, including: The "Five Whys" exercise for uncovering root beliefsWriting your life story from a third-person perspectiveBecoming aware of emotional triggers and body sensationsLearning to pause before reacting emotionallyAsking better internal questionsBuilding intentional emotional connection in relationshipsReframing success based on authenticity instead of performance If you've ever felt: emotionally exhausted but still functioningdisconnected from yourselfpressured to always be strongmisunderstood in relationshipsspiritually confusedburned out from constantly survivingafraid to slow downlonely despite being surrounded by people …this conversation is for you. About Todd Malloy: Todd Malloy is a psychotherapist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Certified Sex Therapist (CST), Certified Sexuality Educator, former engineer, and former pastor who helps people move from survival mode into "a life worth celebrating." His work focuses on emotional fitness, intimacy, communication, identity, relationships, and helping people reconnect with themselves in authentic and meaningful ways. Connect with Todd Malloy: Website: ToddMalloy.com Counseling Practice: Inner Peace Counseling Center Podcast Listener Resource Page: Todd Malloy Podcast Resources LinkedIn: Todd Malloy on LinkedIn YouTube: Todd Malloy YouTube Channel Resources Mentioned: Attachment Theory Overview: Attachment Theory Explained Bowen Family Systems Theory: Bowen Center for the Study of the Family Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): What Is Emotionally Focused Therapy? Asbury Theological Seminary: Asbury Theological Seminary 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 encouraged you, challenged your thinking, or helped you feel less alone, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Reviews help more people discover these conversations around mental health, trauma healing, faith, relationships, emotional wellness, and holistic healing. And if you'd like to support this independent podcast and its mission to break stigma in churches and diverse communities, check out the merch store above. Every share, review, download, and purchase helps continue these important conversations and keeps the podcast growing organically.
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    1 時間
  • Ep. 115 - From Trauma to Prison to Purpose with Ranae Van Roekel | Founder of Connecting to Cope

    Ep. 115 - From Trauma to Prison to Purpose with Ranae Van Roekel | Founder of Connecting to Cope
    2026/07/01
    What is the connection between trauma and incarceration? Can people truly change after prison? And how do you begin healing from trauma, shame, and past mistakes? In this episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, sits down with Ranae Van Roekel, founder of Connecting to Cope, to explore the intersection of childhood trauma, emotional regulation, mental health, and the criminal justice system. After serving 36 months in federal prison, Ranae shares her personal journey—from unresolved childhood sexual trauma and dissociation to accountability, therapy, and ultimately transforming her life into purpose-driven work helping others heal. This trauma-informed conversation addresses what many people are actively searching for but rarely understand: The link between trauma and incarcerationHow unresolved trauma impacts behavior and coping patternsThe psychological and emotional realities of life inside prisonRebuilding identity after shame, trauma, and poor choicesEmotional regulation and coping skills for healingThe role of therapy, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)The importance of accountability, support, and connection in long-term transformationA trauma-informed perspective on justice and rehabilitation This episode does not excuse harmful behavior. It helps listeners understand the "why" behind behavior so meaningful change can occur. At its core, this conversation reinforces a powerful truth: You are not the sum of your worst moments—and you are not beyond healing. Topics Covered Trauma and the criminal justice systemHealing after incarcerationEmotional regulation and coping skillsChildhood trauma and dissociationRebuilding life after prisonShame, identity, and personal growthTrauma-informed careFaith, accountability, and second chances Memorable Quotes Diana S. Rice, LMHC: "We are not just the sum of our worst moments. And we are not beyond healing." Ranae Van Roekel: "If you're not doing the work and going through it, you're not going to get better." Resources Mentioned Connecting to Cope – Ranae Van Roekel https://connectingtocope.com Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Overview https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) International Association https://www.emdria.org Internal Family Systems (IFS) – Dr. Richard Schwartz https://ifs-institute.com Pet Partners (Animal-Assisted Therapy Information) https://www.petpartners.org Who This Episode Is For This episode is for individuals who are: Healing from traumaNavigating shame, regret, or identity strugglesSupporting a loved one impacted by incarcerationMental health professionals and helping professionalsSeeking a trauma-informed and faith-integrated approach to healing Support the Podcast Each episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast takes approximately 3 to 5 hours to research, record, produce, and share. If this podcast has encouraged you, helped you grow, or provided value, you can support the work and help keep these conversations going by checking out the merch store: https://theholisticcounselorpodcast.printful.me/ Your support helps expand these conversations and continue breaking stigma around mental health, trauma, and faith. Or share and leave a review!! Disclaimer This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health, medical, or legal advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship with Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, or any guests. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact a licensed professional, call 911, or go to your nearest emergency room. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition.
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    1 時間 4 分
  • Ep. 114 - OCD, Intrusive Thoughts, and Religious Anxiety: How Exposure Therapy (ERP) Helps Break the Fear Cycle w/ Meghan Cromie

    Ep. 114 - OCD, Intrusive Thoughts, and Religious Anxiety: How Exposure Therapy (ERP) Helps Break the Fear Cycle w/ Meghan Cromie
    2026/06/24

    In this episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, Diana sits down with Meghan Cromie, LMHC, anxiety specialist and founder of Still Minds Psychology, to explore one of the most misunderstood mental health topics today: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

    Together, they unpack what intrusive thoughts really are, why they feel so real, and how OCD can quietly take over someone's life—often without them even realizing it.

    This conversation goes beyond surface-level explanations and dives into:

    • why people get "stuck" in their thoughts
    • how anxiety and OCD can look similar—but are not the same
    • what's actually happening in the brain when fear takes over
    • and how healing is possible through evidence-based approaches like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
    What You'll Learn in This Episode
    • What OCD really is (and what it is not)
    • The difference between intrusive thoughts, rumination, and obsession
    • Why having a disturbing thought does NOT mean you agree with it
    • How OCD is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed as general anxiety
    • What compulsions really are (including mental compulsions like overthinking and reassurance seeking)
    • Why avoidance and "trying to fix the thought" actually make OCD worse
    • How Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) works to retrain the brain
    • Why anxiety feels dangerous—but isn't
    Religious OCD (Scrupulosity)

    One of the most powerful parts of this conversation is the discussion on scrupulosity (religious OCD)—something many people experience but don't have language for.

    Meghan explains:

    • What scrupulosity is and how it shows up
    • The difference between healthy faith vs fear-driven religion
    • Why OCD often targets what you value most (including your faith)
    • How compulsive prayer, perfectionism, and fear of "doing something wrong" can actually be symptoms of OCD
    • How to recognize when your spiritual life is being driven by anxiety instead of peace
    How ERP Therapy Helps OCD

    Meghan breaks down Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) in simple, practical terms:

    • Facing fear in small, manageable steps
    • Learning to sit with anxiety without trying to "fix" it
    • Understanding that compulsions—not thoughts—keep OCD alive
    • How new learning happens when the brain realizes: "I can feel this and still be okay"
    Key Insight from This Episode

    OCD is not about the thought.
    It's about the meaning we attach to the thought—and the behaviors we use to try to escape it.

    Resources Mentioned
    • International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) – Find a trained OCD specialist
    • ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) therapy
    About the Guest

    Meghan Cromie, MA, LMHC is a licensed therapist, anxiety specialist, and founder of Still Minds Psychology in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She specializes in treating OCD, anxiety disorders, phobias, and trauma using evidence-based approaches, particularly Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).

    She works with teens and adults both in person and virtually across multiple states, helping clients move beyond cycles of fear and intrusive thoughts toward lasting recovery.

    Website: https://www.stillmindspsychology.com/
    Instagram: @stillmindspsychology

    Support the Podcast

    If you found this episode helpful, please consider sharing it with someone who may need it. You can also support The Holistic Counselor Podcast by leaving a review or checking out our merch store here --> https://theholisticcounselorpodcast.printful.me/

    Together, we can continue breaking the stigma around mental health.

    Disclaimer

    This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment. If you are struggling, please seek support from a licensed professional in your area.
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    1 時間 3 分
  • Ep. 113 - Why You Still Feel Stuck After Therapy: Neurofeedback, Chronic Stress & Trauma with Shale Maulana, MPH, LMSW

    Ep. 113 - Why You Still Feel Stuck After Therapy: Neurofeedback, Chronic Stress & Trauma with Shale Maulana, MPH, LMSW
    2026/06/17
    Have you ever done therapy, read the books, prayed, journaled… and still felt stuck? Still anxious. Still overwhelmed. Still on edge in your own body. In this powerful episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, sits down with Shale Maulana, MPH, LMSW, a Brooklyn-based therapist and public health professional, to explore a deeper question many people are quietly asking: Why do I still feel this way even after doing "the work"? This conversation goes beyond surface-level coping skills and gets into what's really happening in the brain and body when healing feels stuck. Together, Diana and Shale break down: Chronic stress and nervous system dysregulation Why talk therapy alone is not always enough How trauma, environment, and lived experiences shape mental health What liberation-based therapy actually means (in simple terms) How neurofeedback (brain training) works and why it may help The impact of ACE scores (Adverse Childhood Experiences) on long-term health Real-life examples of how culture, environment, and stress affect mental health Practical tools to calm your nervous system and start healing This episode is honest, real, and deeply educational — without being overwhelming. Two Powerful Quotes from This Episode Diana S. Rice: "We're not here to get political. We're here to get clear." Shale Maulana: "You are not broken. Your nervous system is responding to things. These are adaptations, not failures." What You'll Learn Why you can understand your patterns but still feel stuck The difference between chronic stress, trauma, and survival mode Signs your nervous system may be dysregulated (sleep issues, anxiety, hypervigilance) How public health connects to mental health and burnout Why your environment and lived experiences matter in healing How neurofeedback helps retrain the brain using neuroplasticity Why healing is not a quick fix — and what actually works long term Simple, science-based tools you can start using today About Shale Maulana, MPH, LMSW Shale Maulana, MPH, LMSW, is a liberation-based therapist specializing in trauma healing for marginalized communities and high achievers. She integrates neurofeedback, EMDR, somatic therapy, and clinical hypnotherapy to help clients regulate their nervous systems and break free from anxiety, trauma patterns, and chronic stress. With a background in public health research, Shale brings a unique perspective that connects individual mental health struggles with larger patterns like chronic stress, environment, and lived experience. She is based in Brooklyn, New York, and works with clients both locally and online. Resources & Links Connect with Shale Maulana: https://www.shalemaulana.com/ https://www.shalemaulana.com/speaking-and-media Diana S. Rice & Services: https://www.throughthevalleytherapy.com/ https://www.transformedmindcc.com/ ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Resources: https://www.cdc.gov/aces/about/index.html https://www.cdc.gov/aces/communication-resources/index.html https://www.traumainformedcare.chcs.org/resource/original-ace-questionnaire/ Free Breathing App (mentioned in episode): https://breathly.app/ https://apps.apple.com/us/app/breathly/id1454852966 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mmazzarolo.breathly Why This Episode Matters Too many people have been told they are the problem. But what if your anxiety, burnout, or emotional overwhelm is not a failure… …but a nervous system response to chronic stress, trauma, and lived experience? This episode helps you understand: You are not broken. You are responding. And once you understand that — you can begin to heal differently. Support the Podcast If this episode helped you understand yourself better, please: Share it with someone who needs it Leave a written review on Apple Podcasts Follow and subscribe on your favorite platform Your support helps more people find faith-based, science-informed, stigma-breaking mental health conversations. https://theholisticcounselorpodcast.printful.me/ Disclaimer This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, diagnosis, or medical advice. Please seek support from a licensed professional for your specific needs. Closing Reminder Trust in the Lord, guard your heart, and renew your mind.
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    58 分
  • Ep. 112 - From Addiction to Purpose: Recovery, Incarceration, Trauma, and Rebuilding Life w/ Andrew Drasen

    Ep. 112 - From Addiction to Purpose: Recovery, Incarceration, Trauma, and Rebuilding Life w/ Andrew Drasen
    2026/06/10
    Hello there, fearfully and wonderfully made humans. In this powerful episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, Diana S. Rice sits down with Andrew Drasen, author of A Vision of Hope, to explore the reality of addiction, recovery, incarceration, trauma, relapse, identity, and second chances. Andrew shares his lived experience with substance use, overdose, jail, prison, repeated treatment attempts, and the long, difficult road toward healing. This is not a polished highlight reel. It is a real conversation about how addiction can hijack the mind, body, and nervous system, why shame keeps people stuck, and why recovery is about far more than just stopping a behavior. Together, Diana and Andrew unpack what people often misunderstand about addiction, how early pain and emotional struggles can shape later substance use, why community and accountability matter, and what it really takes to rebuild a life with purpose after hitting rock bottom. They also discuss gaps in treatment, the difference between punishment and rehabilitation, the role of identity in lasting recovery, and why hope is often the very first step toward change. Whether you are struggling with addiction, love someone who is, work in mental health, serve in ministry, care about justice reform, or simply feel stuck in a painful cycle, this conversation offers honesty, compassion, and hope. What We Cover in This Episode what addiction feels like from the inside why addiction is not simply a willpower problem the connection between trauma, shame, nervous system dysregulation, and substance use Andrew's progression from marijuana and alcohol to Xanax, Adderall, opioids, and heroin what repeated treatment and incarceration taught him why identity is a missing piece in many recovery conversations how writing became part of his healing process the story behind A Vision of Hope and his recovery curriculum why Andrew believes group work and closed-cohort support can be so powerful what needs to change in systems of treatment, reentry, and rehabilitation why hope, purpose, and community matter in healing Why This Episode Matters People are actively searching for answers to questions like: How does addiction start? Why do people relapse? Can someone rebuild life after prison or overdose? What actually helps addiction recovery last? How do families support a loved one without losing themselves? What is the difference between punishment and rehabilitation? Is there hope after years of addiction? This episode speaks directly to those questions with both lived experience and compassionate reflection. Key Takeaways Addiction is all-consuming. Andrew describes addiction as something that can take over the thought process, hijack the nervous system, and become as urgent as basic survival. Compassion matters. He reminds us that people struggling with addiction are not just making random bad choices. Many are hurting deeply, trying to cope, and often feel trapped inside patterns they do not know how to break. Recovery is not just behavior change. One of the biggest themes in this conversation is that recovery is not only about saying no to a substance. It is also about learning who you are becoming and why that life is worth protecting. Identity matters. Andrew shares that one of the missing pieces for him was adopting a new identity and filling the void that addiction once occupied with meaning, purpose, and connection. Hope is the prerequisite to change. If someone cannot imagine a different future, they are far less likely to fight for one. Community matters. Healing often happens in safe, honest, connected spaces where people are seen, challenged, encouraged, and supported. About Andrew Drasen Andrew Drasen is the author of A Vision of Hope, a memoir trilogy rooted in lived experience with addiction, incarceration, and intentional living. His work focuses on resilience, accountability, and community rebuilding through narrative and reflective practice. He is the creator of: A Vision of Hope: A Story of Redemption and Purpose A Vision of Hope: Reflections A Vision of Hope: The Workbook Andrew speaks on the intersection of personal transformation, systemic experience, recovery, and purposeful growth. His goal is to help individuals, communities, and systems better understand what real change can look like. Connect with Andrew Drasen Website: https://avisionofhopebook.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/drewwithad LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/andrewdrasen Instagram: https://instagram.com/andrewdrasen X: https://x.com/andrewdrasen Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/58297825.Andrew_Drasen Resources Mentioned A Vision of Hope trilogy by Andrew Drasen A Vision of Hope: A Story of Redemption and Purpose A Vision of Hope: Reflections A Vision of Hope: The Workbook Find mental health or substance use treatment SAMHSA's FindTreatment.gov is a confidential, anonymous treatment locator for mental health and ...
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    1 時間 3 分
  • Ep. 111 - Men's Mental Health, Church Hurt, and Nervous System Healing with Sacred Grit's Spiritual Coach, Jason Lyle

    Ep. 111 - Men's Mental Health, Church Hurt, and Nervous System Healing with Sacred Grit's Spiritual Coach, Jason Lyle
    2026/06/03
    Hello there, fearfully and wonderfully made human. In this episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, host Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP sits down with Jason Lyle, founder of Sacred Grit, spiritual coach, and host of The Sacred Grit Podcast, for an honest and thought-provoking conversation about men's mental health, addiction recovery, church hurt, nervous system regulation, and faith reconstruction. Jason shares parts of his personal story—from growing up in the Southern Baptist church, to becoming a pastor, to navigating addiction, shame, and ultimately stepping away from traditional ministry. Through that journey, he began exploring how nervous system regulation, breathwork, cold exposure, meditation, and embodied practices can help people create space between emotional triggers and destructive behaviors. Together, Diana and Jason discuss why so many people today are wrestling with faith deconstruction, religious trauma, pornography addiction, and identity confusion, and why healing often requires both personal responsibility and compassionate support. They also explore the connection between neuroplasticity, nervous system regulation, spiritual formation, and behavioral change, along with the importance of building a supportive team that may include therapists, recovery communities, coaches, and healthy relationships. This episode may resonate with listeners searching for: • men's mental health and addiction recovery • healing from church hurt or religious trauma • nervous system regulation and emotional resilience • faith reconstruction and spiritual growth • pornography addiction and shame recovery • breathwork, cold exposure, and mind-body healing practices As always, the goal of this podcast is to create space for honest conversations that help people grow in clarity, responsibility, compassion, and hope. In This Episode We Discuss • Jason's story: from pastor to men's coach • Growing up in church and early exposure to pornography • Purity culture and the impact of shame on identity • Faith deconstruction and reconstructing spiritual beliefs • Nervous system regulation and trauma responses • The amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and impulse control • Breathwork, cold plunging, and discomfort training • Addiction recovery and behavioral patterns • The role of discipline, accountability, and daily practice • Why healing is rarely a quick fix Quotable Moments "Dysregulation is an attempt to soothe a trauma." — Jason Lyle "When your feet touch the floor in the morning, take five minutes and do one thing that makes you feel radically loved by yourself." — Jason Lyle "They still want to keep their faith… they still want to love the Lord and be in the Word, and it's like disentangling." — Diana S. Rice "The goal of this podcast is not to give quick fixes, but to create space for honest conversations that help people grow in clarity, responsibility, compassion, and hope." — Diana S. Rice Connect with Jason Lyle Sacred Grit Website https://thesacredgrit.com Sacred Grit Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sacred-grit-daily-nervous-system-tools-and-spiritual/id1611084095 Coaching and Retreat Information https://thesacredgrit.com/explore-coaching Contact Jason https://thesacredgrit.com/contact Adventures in Recovery (AIR) https://www.recoveryadventures.org Books and Resources Mentioned Dopamine Nation – Dr. Anna Lembke https://www.annalembke.com/dopamine-nation Widen the Window – Dr. Elizabeth Stanley https://elizabeth-stanley.com/books-publications/widen-the-window/ The Body Keeps the Score – Dr. Bessel van der Kolk https://www.besselvanderkolk.com/resources/the-body-keeps-the-score Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma – Dr. Peter Levine https://www.northatlanticbooks.com/shop/waking-the-tiger-healing-trauma/ The Ragamuffin Gospel – Brennan Manning https://www.brennanmanning.com/books/the-ragamuffin-gospel The Cosmic Christ – Richard Rohr https://cac.org/books/the-universal-christ/ The Sin of Certainty – Peter Enns https://peteenns.com/books/the-sin-of-certainty/ Internal Family Systems (IFS) – Dr. Richard Schwartz https://ifs-institute.com Support The Holistic Counselor Podcast If this conversation encouraged or challenged you in a meaningful way, please consider supporting the podcast. • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify • Share this episode with someone who may benefit • Explore podcast merch and resources The Holistic Counselor Podcast Merch and Support https://theholisticcounselorpodcast.com Disclaimer The Holistic Counselor Podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace professional mental health treatment, medical advice, diagnosis, or therapy. Jason Lyle is a coach and spiritual mentor and is not a licensed therapist. If you are struggling with addiction, trauma, or thoughts of self-harm, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional. In ...
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    1 時間 6 分
  • Ep. 110 - When Words Aren't Enough: How Art Therapy Heals Trauma, Anxiety & Relationships (MBT Explained) | Anna Green, LMHC

    Ep. 110 - When Words Aren't Enough: How Art Therapy Heals Trauma, Anxiety & Relationships (MBT Explained) | Anna Green, LMHC
    2026/05/27
    In Episode 110 of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP sits down with Anna Green, LMHC, Chief Clinical Officer at Thrive, to answer questions people are actively searching for, including: What is art therapy (really)? Do you have to be "good at art" for art therapy to help? Why can creativity feel safer than talking about trauma? What is MBT (Mentalization-Based Treatment) in simple terms? How do curiosity and the "not-knowing stance" support healing and relationships? What do therapists need right now to prevent burnout and stay grounded? Anna brings over a decade of experience across mental health, addiction, and palliative care, along with training in art therapy, EMDR, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and MBT. Together, Diana and Anna explore how creativity can help people process emotions, reduce shame, and reconnect to themselves—especially when words feel too hard, too risky, or simply not available. This conversation is for clinicians, creatives, trauma survivors, people of faith, and anyone who wants more emotional clarity, better communication, and more compassion in relationships. About This Episode's Guest: Anna Green, LMHC Anna Green, LMHC is the Chief Clinical Officer at Thrive and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with clinical experience in multiple levels of care. She has worked in education settings, hospice/palliative environments (supporting families and siblings), and clinical leadership roles—bringing both depth and practicality to the work of healing. What You'll Learn (Key Takeaways) What Art Therapy Is (and what it's NOT) Art therapy is psychotherapy that uses art as a tool for expression and exploration, alongside conversation. It is not an art class, and you do not need talent or skill to benefit. Why Art Can Feel Safer Than Words Some experiences happen before language, or in environments where speaking up led to punishment or shame. Art can help people express what's inside in a way that feels less exposing and more contained. MBT: Mentalization-Based Treatment in Plain Language Anna explains mentalizing as the ability to understand what's happening in your own mind and in someone else's mind—including thoughts, feelings, intentions, and beliefs—so relationships become clearer and less reactive. Curiosity as a Healing Skill This episode repeatedly returns to one theme: curiosity. Curiosity interrupts mind-reading, slows assumptions, strengthens relationships, and supports trauma-informed care—for clients and clinicians. Burnout Prevention for Therapists Anna shares what clinicians need most right now: higher-quality supervision that includes the therapist's inner experience, role-play and skill modeling, personal therapy when needed, transition rituals between work and home, and ongoing learning. Practical Tools You Can Try This Week (No Therapy Required) 1) "Take a line for a walk." Grab a pen and paper. Start with one line. No plan. No pressure. Just begin. This is a powerful way to start when the blank page feels intimidating. 2) Turn assumptions into questions Instead of mind-reading, practice checking things out: "Can I clarify what you meant by that?" "I noticed I felt unsure—can we talk about it?" "Help me understand what was going on for you." Quotes Worth Replaying (From This Episode) Diana S. Rice (Host) "Sometimes talk therapy isn't enough." "Healing is not just about diagnosis. It's about clarity. It's about connection." Anna Green (Guest) "You do not have to be an artist to do art therapy." "Mentalizing is a process of understanding what's going on in your mind and what's going on in somebody else's mind." Resources Mentioned (Links) Thrive (Anna's organization): https://gothrivemh.com Anna Freud Centre (MBT training / background): https://www.annafreud.org/training/ Mentalization-Based Treatment (overview page for learning more): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mentalization-based_treatment (Helpful starting point for general readers; not a substitute for clinical training.) Book Anna recommends: On Learning from the Patient — Patrick Casement Art4Healing (Diana's COVID-era group experience; they note they are not art therapy): https://art4healing.org/ Understanding MBT: https://www.annafreud.org/training/health-and-social-care/mentalization-based-treatments-mbt/mentalization-based-treatment-adults/about-mbt/ 'Art Therapy and Sexual Offending' < Anna's published research - https://us.jkp.com/products/arts-therapies-and-sexual-offending Connect + Learn More If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, share it with a friend, and leave a review—it genuinely helps more people find these conversations. And as always: trust in the Lord, guard your heart, and renew your mind. Support the Podcast This podcast is independently created — no sponsors, no big production team. Each episode takes 3–5 hours to research, record, edit, and publish because these ...
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