You Need a Counselor Podcast

This week Julie, Chrissa and Caurel are joined by return guest Eva ZobianWolf, a nurse turned mind-body specialist and certified yoga therapist. Eva’s goal is to reduce the effects of stress that lead to burnout. Over the last 5 years, she has worked with many clients with chronic illness, chronic pain, or PTSD. 

Connect with Eva Online:

This week Julie and Chrissa are joined by Brieanna Lightfoot Smith, a business coach and productivity strategist. Brieanna believes a peaceful home and a purposeful business can coexist but only with the right level of delegation. After passing out in her car at 7 months pregnant she realized just how bad she was at delegating and asking for the help she needed. Now, she helps overwhelmed women maximize their impact through effective time management.  

Connect with Brieanna online:

This week Julie and Chrissa are joined by return guest, Tenesha Gatson, a Heart and Solutions board member and mental health advocate. In this episode Tenesha shares personal stories about why mental health is important to her, her chronic pain journey, how she uses journaling and social media to both connect and cope.

Listen to Tenesha’s previous episodes here: 

This week Julie and Chrissa are joined by return guest, Caurel Richards. a Rapid Transformational Therapy Practitioner and Hypnotherapist.  

Caurel is a dynamic and creative individual with a wealth of knowledge and experience having worked in multiple service industries in the last 14 years. One of the biggest lessons she learned in those years was the importance of mental health and how unhealed trauma can keep you stuck and away from the life you’ve dreamed of. 

In 2021, after completing her training with Marisa Peer to become a Hypnotherapist and a Rapid Transformational Therapy Practitioner, she founded the company In Divine Thyme Transformational Services. Her mission is to help clients with Complex Childhood Trauma break down barriers and release unhealthy habits and patterns to rediscover freedom and peace of mind. Her goal is to get you excited about life again by empowering you with a fresh perspective. 

Listen to Caurel’s previous episodes here: 

This week Julie and Chrissa are joined by Reilly Dodd,  a therapist based in Overland Park, Kansas. Once Reilly started her practice and grew a full caseload she realized how hard it was to turn people away when they were first seeking out counseling.  Reilly took to social media to start destigmatizing  therapy and started providing more opportunities for education and awareness to promote mental health. Reilly also does various talks and speaking engagements on overcoming self doubt through self compassion and coming home to yourself. 

Connect with Reilly online at:

This week Julie and Chrissa are joined by Katie Bingner, a licensed mental health therapist, communication coach, Board approved clinical supervisor, continuing education provider, and writer with 16+ years in the health and wellness industry. She has dedicated the last 8+ years to helping others (and herself) navigate mental health challenges, learn to live a fulfilling life, and embrace one of the things we all have in common - our humanness.

Katie is currently accepting clients for interpersonal communication coaching and is offering You Need a Counselor listeners $100 off their first session - just mention the podcast! 

Katie offers packages that provide a customized coaching plan outlining client goals, evidence-based communication skills training, strategic, real-time feedback, a safe and supportive space to practice and gain confidence in new skills, and compassionate accountability to help clients achieve their goals.

Connect with Katie online at:

This week we have a special crossover episode from our sister podcast, You Need a Training. You Need a Training provides opportunities for individuals to learn more about a variety of topics including information about working with particular populations, therapeutic interventions, and other special interest topics. Trainings are delivered by mental health professionals at Heart and Solutions and around the country.  

Today we are joined by Kendra Gliem for part 2 of Drama on the Spectrum where we discuss role play, character building, and story-telling, through theater games, to help teach children diagnosed with Autism. 

Theater can help people build a wide variety of skills: empathy, trust building, social skills, creativity, focus and concentration to name a few. Children diagnosed with Autism may have barriers related to some of these areas, but engaging in the world of theater may hold some incredible benefits for skill development

In this episode we discuss: 

• Learning how to teach creative play by utilizing theater games and character building in a drama and play therapy setting

This week Julie and Chrissa are joined by Ally Nelson, a Utah-based clinical social worker helping women break through anxiety, befriend their minds, and do life with less worries and way more fun. In this episode Ally shares what her work looks like, what ‘Oldest Daughter Syndrome’ looks like,  as well as a look at her own personal journey with mental health.

Connect with Ally online at:

TW due to discussions of suicide and sexual assault

This week Julie and Chrissa are joined by Annalise Keck, a passionate mental health advocate and founder of Konigreich Foundation, and CEO of LifebyDesign Inc. Annalise guides individuals to discover and achieve their life's passion. As an established real estate investor, e-commerce flipper, and speaker, Annalise has triumphed over personal struggles, including overcoming epilepsy and suicidal tendencies. In this episode Annalise shares with us her personal mental health journey. 

Thoughts of suicide? Reach out to the suicide hotline by calling 988

Connect with Annalise online at:

This week Julie and Chrissa are joined by Atousa Raissyan, a Shaman, Transformational Heart-Centered Healer and Spiritual Guide. She is also a bestselling author, poet, and digital artist. Her passion is to help people light up by guiding them to release their traumas and reprogram their fear-based living to a more heart-centered peaceful life. Atousa’s extensive experience comes from years of transforming the life of her clients to tap in their truth, heart and experience their desired life, and in turn change the lives of those around them. She has been featured in USA Today, Potomac Lifestyle Magazine, and Entrepreneur Herald.

Connect with Atousa online at:

This week we have a special crossover episode from our sister podcast, You Need a Training. You Need a Training provides opportunities for individuals to learn more about a variety of topics including information about working with particular populations, therapeutic interventions, and other special interest topics. Trainings are delivered by mental health professionals at Heart and Solutions and around the country.  

Today we are joined by Kendra Gliem as we discuss role play, character building, and story-telling, through theater games, to help teach children diagnosed with Autism. 

Theater can help people build a wide variety of skills: empathy, trust building, social skills, creativity, focus and concentration to name a few. Children diagnosed with Autism may have barriers related to some of these areas, but engaging in the world of theater may hold some incredible benefits for skill development

In this episode we discuss: 

• Learning how to teach creative play by utilizing theater games and character building in a drama and play therapy setting

This week Julie and Chrissa are joined by return guest, John Sovec. John is a nationally recognized expert on the topic of creating affirmative support for the LGBTQ community and is the author of Out: A Parent’s Guide to Supporting Your LGBTQIA+ Kid Through Coming Out and Beyond. He is also the host of OutTalk, a monthly web series for OutCare Health that is dedicated to discussing important topics in LGBTQ+ communities. OutTalk aims to address barriers and gaps in care and services through critical and innovative thinking and education.

He is the clinical consultant for The Life Group LA, adjunct faculty at Phillips Graduate Institute and guest lecturer at Alliant University, Cal State Fullerton, and USC School of Social Work. In 2019, John was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. 

This week Julie and Chrissa are joined by Natasha, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the states of Florida, Oregon and Washington, a Florida Qualified Supervisor and Compassion Fatigue Educator and Professional.She received her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University, Sarasota. She is the clinical director for Lakewood Residential Treatment and an adjunct professor for Purdue University Global. Her previous experience includes 15 years as an educator, an inpatient psychiatric unit, community mental health work and private practice. She has presented on various topics including Destigmatizing Mental Health Care, Compassion Fatigue and Effective Techniques for Working with Teens.

Take the Proqol here: proqol.org

To start behavioral or mental health services in Iowa call Heart and Solutions at (800) 531-4236. 

Connect with Natasha online at: 

This week we have a special crossover episode from our sister podcast, You Need a Training. You Need a Training provides opportunities for individuals to learn more about a variety of topics including information about working with particular populations, therapeutic interventions, and other special interest topics. Trainings are delivered by mental health professionals at Heart and Solutions and around the country.  

In this episode of You Need a Training, our host Dr. Colleen Grote, LMHc, RPT-S is joined by Heart and Solutions counselor Montana Meyer, MA, NCC, tLMHC to discuss the pros and cons in relation to mental health. This training is eligible for 1 NBCC Credit Hour. 

Throughout this episode we discuss: 

• Positive aspects to social media

• Negative aspects to social media

• Filtering mental health information online

To start behavioral or mental health services in Iowa with a provider like Montana, call Heart and Solutions at (800) 531-4236. 

To receive NBCC CE credit for today’s training:  https://heartandsolutions.net/product/the-effects-of-social-media-on-mental-health/

Connect with Montana Online:

This week Julie and Chrissa are joined by Elena Nicole, a certified health and life coach based in Syracuse, New York. Nicole helps female professionals and business owners who are ready to make time for themselves, take control of their health. She helps them develop habits in the areas of mindset, movement and nutrition that lead to a long-term, maintainable healthy lifestyle.

Nicole is a big believer in the ‘stop dieting and start living’ mentality. After spending years trying all of the diets, having a negative relationship with food and her body - she finally found a combination of practices that helped her lose over 35 pounds and keep it off for years, while feeling more empowered, confident and in control than ever before. She now teaches and coaches others through this same approach so that they too can reach their goals - for good - while becoming their healthiest, best, most successful selves. 

Her approach incorporates one key piece she found missing from most others; mindset. She found when we start by becoming aware of, and eventually changing our thoughts, that our feelings, actions and results follow - for the long term.

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We want to hear from you! How does your mindset affect your level of success? Let us know by texting or calling our anonymous number: (515)-650-3231

To start behavioral or mental health services in Iowa call Heart and Solutions at (800) 531-4236. 

Connect with Heart and Solutions online at:

This week Julie and Chrissa are joined by Mady Sodders, a high school teacher for those with significant disabilities. In this episode we talk about Mady’s experience seeing a variety of counselors over the last 18 years. She shares with us her experiences of trauma, depression and anxiety and how counseling has helped. While not all of her counseling experiences have been great, she has always found it to be beneficial. Mady now tries to help others by being a listening ear and using what she has learned with others. 

We want to hear from you! How have you handled switching counselors? Let us know by texting or calling our anonymous number: (515)-650-3231

To start behavioral or mental health services in Iowa call Heart and Solutions at (800) 531-4236. 

Connect with Heart and Solutions online at:

This week Julie and Chrissa are joined by Gabi Varga, a trauma informed personal trainer in Vancouver, Canada. After working through her own trauma, Gabi began to turn toward a trauma-informed approach in her training. Gabi helps her clients build a strong foundation on a body mechanical level and works with them toward being in-tune with their bodies, acknowledging how past traumas may affect their emotional and physical well-being. 

We want to hear from you! How have you seen past trauma manifest physically? Let us know by texting or calling our anonymous number: (515)-650-3231

Connect with Gabi online at: 

Julie and Chrissa are joined this week by return guest Sam Galema. Sam is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the state of Minnesota, currently working on the Adult Outpatient Team at Fraser.

Sam is passionate about trauma treatment, suicide prevention and fighting the stigma associated with mental health. 

Listen to Sam’s first appearance on the show: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7sCNqaSKzhHytogQAuMA4N?si=cPRecc6tRBWVmsiySOs4Qw

We want to hear from you! How do you ride the waves of emotions? Let us know by texting or calling our anonymous number: (515)-650-3231

Connect with Sam online at: 

This week Julie and Chrissa are joined by Tina O. Hoang, a disabled recovering people pleaser, lifetime traveler, and podcaster. Tina strives to ensure women have the space to choose themselves and share their courageous stories. Whether it is changing how you are perceived within a family dynamic, leaving a comfortable 9-5, or advocating for yourself when a stranger is being rude. She believes women of color are allowed to take the first step and don't need permission. 

After someone told her that her passivity was unattractive, she took it and decided to become assertive and courageous as she can ever be! With a background in career counseling, Tina also understands the hardship of career changes and the components of how it can involve family and friends. She knows that even if when we are scared of making that first step, we need to say "F*ck it" and do it anyways. To make that choice despite the paralyzing and roaring feeling growing within them. She also loves to travel, read, and be present with nature. Her favorite national park so far is Glacier National Park.  

This week Julie and Chrissa are joined by Jennifer Nataf, a personal stylist based in Israel. Jennifer guides her clients in discovering their own unique personal style and elevating it, helping them find the clothes and accessories that make them feel beautiful and confident, and that resonates with them. 

Jennifer is also passionate about photographing street style. Her goals are twofold: to showcase different ways of expressing personal style, and to demonstrate that you can have great style at every age, budget and body shape. 

This week Julie and Chrissa are joined by return guest Mariah Hudler from Koru Financial Therapy. In her work Mariah helps individuals, couples, and entrepreneurs build their balance both emotionally and financially while also creating a healthy relationship with their money. She utilizes a holistic approach to finances, connecting mind, body, and spirit to lead a more congruent, richer and fuller life.

Find Mariah’s E-guide, You Me & Money: A Couple’s quick start guide to building financial rhythm online at: https://www.mariahhudler.com/you-me-money-couples-guide 

We want to hear from you! How does money affect your mental health? Let us know by texting or calling our anonymous number: (515)-650-3231

Connect with Mariah online at: 

This week Julie and Chrissa are joined by return guest Nicole Leth. Nicole is an artist and writer working to integrate compassion and artistic kindness into public spaces in free, accessible, and often anonymous ways to offer mental health support to real human beings. 

Impacted as a teenager by the suicide of her father, Nicole has spent the last decade writing tender yet honest poem-like affirmations and imbedding them publicly around the world. Her work has received global recognition, an OBIE lifetime achievement award in 2020, and has been experienced by over 60 million people.

Through Nicole’s “My Affirmation Project” she creates and sends intimate, inspirational, words of affirmation directly to your or a loved one’s mailbox every two months. You can sign yourself or someone else up online at  myaffirmationproject.com

We want to hear from you! What has your experience been seeing random, anonymous words of affirmation? Let us know by texting or calling our anonymous number: (515)-650-3231

Connect with Nicole online at:

This week Julie and Chrissa are joined by Erin Foster, to share updates on the Linn County Mental Health Access Center since we last spoke with her in 2021. Listen to Erin’s first episode with us here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HsliJ9RWljjI3EhBxF9qN?si=Ggnb5hNITsOxKRBlRGRH5g

Erin graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology in 2007. After graduation, Erin was employed by the Area Substance Abuse Council as a Prevention Specialist. In 2013 she then became the Director of Prevention for Linn, Benton, and Jones County. While at ASAC, Erin worked on community policy as well as provided trainings to businesses, schools, and the community on  topics such as effective substance use prevention, related strategies, Emerging Drug trends, specific opioid related topics such as Naloxone use. 

In December of 2019, Erin left ASAC and started her current role as the Director for the Mental Health Access Center in Linn County. Ering provides leadership in the implementation and coordination of services for people with urgent or crisis behavioral health needs including both mental health and substance use disorder crises. Erin believes the Mental Health Access Center will write a new story for the community by providing both services, in tandem, for those in need.

We want to hear from you! How has an access center provided you or a loved one with needed resources?  Let us know by texting or calling our anonymous number: (515)-650-3231

Connect with the Access Center online at:

This week Julie and Chrissa are joined by Nesha Benton, a Heart and Solutions counselor. Before pursuing a career in the mental health field, Nesha served as a 911 dispatcher. She personally experienced and witnessed how consistent trauma exposure, burnout and compassion fatigue impacted her own mental health and the mental health of the dispatchers, officers, EMS personnel, and firemen that she worked with. Her passion and reason for becoming a counselor is to help end the stigma of seeking mental health care in the Public Safety community and to better the quality of life for those who are constantly risking their lives for others.

We want to hear from you! What mental health trends have you noticed in the Public Safety sector?  Let us know by texting or calling our anonymous number: (515)-650-3231

Connect with Nesha online at:

This week Julie and Chrissa are joined by return guest Megan Buck, a neurodivergent Academic Coach and the ADHD Specialist at Empower Academic Coaching. In this role, Megan helps not only middle and high school students and their families create customized strategies for achieving their academic goals, but also supports adults in navigating their ADHD journey. In today’s episode we role play what an intake session with Megan might look like.

Megan also hosts a Women’s ADHD Support Group every second and fourth Friday of the month. She is JST ADHD & Life Coaching Certified and is International Coaching Federation recognized.  

Listen to Megan’s previous episode on the podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/14uYwPGuxdBGAqilzOH7Se

We want to hear from you! How have you learned to deal with executive function in your own life? Let us know by texting or calling our anonymous number: (515)-650-3231

Connect with Megan online at:

This week Julie and Chrissa are joined by Alicia Johnson, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist providing online therapy for women in Michigan, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Florida. 

She is a previously burned out therapist who is now running a successful company and helping people in meaningful ways. She specializes in women’s mental health and empowers people to take care of themselves! 

We want to hear from you! How have you seen burnout in your life? Let us know by texting or calling our anonymous number: (515)-650-3231

To start behavioral or mental health services in Iowa call Heart and Solutions at (800) 531-4236. 

Connect with Alicia online at: 

This week Julie and Chrissa are joined by Danielle Porter. Danielle is a Chicago native, but has since made her home in Atlanta, Georgia. With a BA in Business Marketing from Clark Atlanta University, she has a growing career in corporate sales and aspires to branch into brand management. 

Danielle is the Founder and President of You Go Girl Leadership Institute, an organization dedicated to destigmatizing the perception against adopted and foster girls by streamlining opportunities and resources to their communities. Danielle believes that she was purposed here on earth to inspire God’s children to trust God with their purpose. She finds fulfillment in being a bridge builder for anyone she meets. 

What do you do to make sure you’re getting the rest your body needs? Let us know by texting or calling our anonymous number: (515)-650-3231

To start behavioral or mental health services in Iowa call Heart and Solutions at (800) 531-4236. 

Connect with Danielle online at: 

This week Julie and Chrissa are joined by Eva from Eva Zee Wellness. Eva is a nurse turned mind body specialist focusing on customizing self care to reduce stress. Her goal is to reduce the effects of stress that lead to burnout. 

Over the last 5 years, she has worked with many clients who have chronic illness, chronic pain, or PTSD. Eva uses a variety of modalities to help bring more calm and balance into her clients’ lives. She is well-versed in Trauma Informed care and believes kindness, compassion and nonjudgement are vital in our self talk and how we interact with others. .

We want to hear from you! How have you incorporated mindfulness into your daily routine?  Let us know by texting or calling our anonymous number: (515)-650-3231

To start behavioral or mental health services in Iowa call Heart and Solutions at (800) 531-4236. 

Connect with Eva Zee Wellness online at:

This week Julie and Chrissa are joined by return guest Dr. Gloria Lee from the Brentwood Counseling Centre. Dr. Lee is a best-selling author, professor in Counseling Psychology, Clinical Supervisor and Trainer for therapists and graduate students, sought after speaker, consultant, and advocate for social justice and mental health. For over 24 years, Dr. Lee has been an authority on relationships and personal development. She has worked with thousands of individuals, couples, families, and organizations on improving their relational and mental health. Dr. Lee is passionate about all things relationships and believes that healthy relationships contribute to healthy people (in mind, body and spirit), and healthy societies. 

We want to hear from you! How has knowing your attachment style helped you in your own relationships?  Let us know by texting or calling our anonymous number: (515)-650-3231

To start behavioral or mental health services in Iowa call Heart and Solutions at (800) 531-4236. 

Connect with Dr. Gloria online at:

This week Julie and Chrissa are joined by Elisa Martinez, a licensed online psychotherapist and coach who helps people find freedom from the painful cycles of anxiety, self-doubt, burnout and trauma  through compassionate, individualized therapy and coaching. She has a passion for educating others on mental and emotional wellness through public speaking on online talks. 

We want to hear from you! Have you heard of parts work before? What’s your experience?  Let us know by texting or calling our anonymous number: (515)-650-3231

To start behavioral or mental health services in Iowa call Heart and Solutions at (800) 531-4236. 

Connect with Elisa:

This week Julie and Chrissa are joined by Tenesha Gatson for her THIRD appearance on the You Need a Counselor Podcast! In this episode, Tenesha gives us a run down of what’s been going on in her life, how she’s set and held boundaries, and shares more about her personal mental health journey.

We want to hear from you! How do you set boundaries with family members?  Let us know by texting or calling our anonymous number: (515)-650-3231

To start behavioral or mental health services in Iowa call Heart and Solutions at (800) 531-4236. 

Connect with Tenesha:

This week Julie and Chrissa are joined by Julie Zaruba Fountaine, a Well-being Specialist who specializes in health promotion and change management. 

Julie has her MBA in Change and Leadership, an MS in Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Science and over ten years of experience guiding leaders and learners from a state of overwhelm, stress, and procrastination into a state of action. She strives to build a world where all can thrive, through her work as a consultant, public speaker, and facilitator. When she is not facilitating and consulting you can find her hiking, biking, or paddling in the great outdoors. 

We want to hear from you! What has been your experience with an EAP program?  Let us know by texting or calling our anonymous number: (515)-650-3231

To start behavioral or mental health services in Iowa call Heart and Solutions at (800) 531-4236. 

Connect with Julie online at:

Email: info@empowerpossible.com 

This week Julie and Chrissa are joined by Kristy Kilcup, a hypnotherapist and Healer of Early Childhood Trauma. 

Meet Kristy, a seasoned expert in Health, Life, and Wellness with a passion for empowering women and individuals to reclaim control of their lives. With almost 30 years of experience, Kristy takes a personalized approach, focusing on each client's unique hormone blueprint to help them overcome limiting fears, behaviors, and experiences. Say goodbye to complacency and mediocrity and hello to a life of purpose and fulfillment with Kristy's guidance and support. Get unstuck and start thriving today! “While the journey may not be easy, you are always worth the effort.”

We want to hear from you! What would your life look like if you could say goodbye to complacency and mediocrity?  Let us know by texting or calling our anonymous number: (515)-650-3231

To start behavioral or mental health services in Iowa call Heart and Solutions at (800) 531-4236. 

Connect with Kristy online at:

This week Julie is joined by return guest Caurel Richards, a Rapid Transformational Therapy Practitioner and Hypnotherapist.  

Caurel is a dynamic and creative individual with a wealth of knowledge and experience having worked in multiple service industries in the last 14 years. One of the biggest lessons she learned in those years was the importance of mental health and how unhealed trauma can keep you stuck and away from the life you’ve dreamed of. 

In 2021, after completing her training with Marisa Peer to become a Hypnotherapist and a Rapid Transformational Therapy Practitioner, she founded the company In Divine Thyme Transformational Services. Her mission is to help clients with Complex Childhood Trauma break down barriers and release unhealthy habits and patterns to rediscover freedom and peace of mind. Her goal is to get you excited about life again by empowering you with a fresh perspective. 

We want to hear from you! Where would you like to see rapid transformation in your life?  Let us know by texting or calling our anonymous number: (515)-650-3231

To start behavioral or mental health services in Iowa call Heart and Solutions at (800) 531-4236. 

This week Julie and Chrissa are joined by Elen Sentier, a transformational life and leadership coach and qualified transpersonal psychotherapist. Elen works with women to help them discover their true selves, rewild their hearts and find what sets theri soul on fire, enabling them to make lasting changes in the world. Through her YouTube channel, Power-Full Women, Elen chats with female change-makers from across the globe who have a deep connection with themselves, nature and other people,, sharing their knowledge and helping others find their voice and make a difference. A quirky wilderness woman who is deeply connected with nature, Elen has written 12 books, three of which are best-sellers. She comes from a long family lineage of Cunning Folk and was brought up as awenydd (spirit keeper) in the old magic traditions of Britain. 

We want to hear from you! How do you connect with nature around you? What role does connection to the earth play in your mental health?  Let us know by texting or calling our anonymous number: (515)-650-3231

To start behavioral or mental health services in Iowa call Heart and Solutions at (800) 531-4236. 

Connect with Elen online at: 

This week Julie and Chrissa are joined by Olivia Pelts, owner of Sunshine City Counseling in St. Petersburg, Florida. Olivia specializes in codependency, intimacy and relationship issues. She also hosts the podcast A Safe Place To Land, provides marketing and business coaching support to providers in the healing space. Although Olivia wears a number of different ‘hats,’ she most loves being  mom to her 2 kiddos and wife and partner to Jonathan.

We want to hear from you! What is your experience with codependency or enmeshment?  Let us know by texting or calling our anonymous number: (515)-650-3231

To start behavioral or mental health services in Iowa call Heart and Solutions at (800) 531-4236. 

Connect with Olivia online at: 

This week Julie and Chrissa are joined by Jennifer Senn, the founder of Navigating Baby Loss. Jennifer is a certified life coach who specializes in Grief Coaching for parents of stillborn babies. Her third pregnancy ended in a stillbirth of their twin daughters weeks before they were to be born and her experience of living through that loss as well as a following pregnancy and healthy birth of their daughter is the basis of her coaching practice. 

She helps her clients navigate topics such as blame, guilt, isolation, depression, anxiety, marriage/ relationship issues, body shame, jealousy, returning to work after and facing other’s comments, as well as fear of another pregnancy following their loss. Jennifer knows from experience that this type of loss stays with you for a lifetime and if not dealt with properly can take a dangerous toll on women’s mental and physical well- being. She is honored to work with women and their families re-designing a future that looks different than when it did while they were pregnant, and showing them that life after loss can still be beautiful in a way that honors their baby and themselves. 

We want to hear from you! How have you navigated the loss of a baby, whether your own, or a loved one’s?  Let us know by texting or calling our anonymous number: (515)-650-3231

To start behavioral or mental health services in Iowa call Heart and Solutions at (800) 531-4236. 

Connect with Jennifer online at: 

This week Julie and Chrissa are joined by Ayushi Acharya, LCSW, MPH. Ayushi is a licensed social worker, writer, and psychotherapist with 8 years of experience working in women’s mental health, South Asian therapy, couples counseling, and eating disorders. Currently, she is working on her first self-help book and is a volunteer for individuals impacted by intimate partner violence.

We want to hear from you! What does perfectionism look like in your life? Let us know by texting or calling our anonymous number: (515)-650-3231

To start behavioral or mental health services in Iowa call Heart and Solutions at (800) 531-4236. 

Connect with Ayushi online at: 

This week Julie and Chrissa are joined by Michelle Younghusband, MSW. Michelle has spent the last 25 years supporting neurodivergent families all over the world to achieve deeper communication, self-compassion, self-acceptance, confidence, calm and connection. 

Her company, C Kids Thrive, provides holistic, transformative support for neurodivergent kids and their families to move from survive to THRIVE. She also offers the Ignite Communication Institute, which provides wrap-around support to support mums to ignite their non-speaking child’s communication. 

We want to hear from you! What does communication look like in your household? Let us know by texting or calling our anonymous number: (515)-650-3231

To start behavioral or mental health services in Iowa call Heart and Solutions at (800) 531-4236. 

Connect with Michelle online at: 

This week Julie and Chrissa are joined by Mariah Hudler, a financial therapist and therapeutically informed financial coach. In her work Mariah helps individuals, couples, and entrepreneurs build their balance both emotionally and financially while also creating a healthy relationship with their money. She utilizes a holistic approach to finances, connecting mind, body, and spirit to lead a more congruent, richer and fuller life.

This week Julie and Chrissa are joined by return guest Trameka Woods. In this episode Trameka tells us about the How About HOPE variety show coming up on July 1 in Rock Island, Illinois, how it came to be, and the purpose behind it. We also learn about her Express N Flow podcast called Walk it Like I Talk It, Round Table Podcast. 

Listen to Trameka’s first appearance on the show here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7sRAgifg7PsrsGDDK8JSoL

We want to hear from you! How have you incorporated journaling or writing into your mental health journey? What’s most intimidating about writing for you? Let us know by texting or calling our anonymous number: (515)-650-3231

To start behavioral or mental health services in Iowa call Heart and Solutions at (800) 531-4236. 

Connect with Trameka online at: 

This week Julie and Chrissa are joined by Stephanie DeLussey, a dual-certified special education teacher, IEP Coach, children’s book author and mentor to teachers. She has a passion for creating engaging, adapted resources for teachers and students with disabilities, and is a self-proclaimed data nerd. She also provides professional development for teachers. You can connect with her at Mrs. D’s Corner and The Intentional IEP.

As someone with severe anxiety and PTSD, Stephanie is also a mental health advocate who shares her journey with other educators, letting them know you can do more than survive as a teacher.

We want to hear from you! How has or does your mental health play into who you are at work?  Let us know by texting or calling our anonymous number: (515)-650-3231

To start behavioral or mental health services in Iowa call Heart and Solutions at (800) 531-4236. 

Connect with Stephanie online at: 

This week on the show, Julie and Chrissa are joined by Joey Pagano, MSW, LSW, CRS. In this episode Joey shares his experience with addiction and recovery.  Now, Joey has more than a decade of experience working in the drug and alcohol field, and has authored three books. His latest book No Addict Left Behind: It’s a recovery medicine state of mind was released earlier this spring.  

We want to hear from you! Do you have an experience with addiction or recovery? What has that journey been like for you? Let us know by texting or calling our anonymous number: (515)-650-3231

To start behavioral or mental health services in Iowa call Heart and Solutions at (800) 531-4236. 

Connect with Joey online at: 

This week on the show, Julie and Chrissa are joined by Coach Reed Maltbie. Leveraging two master’s degrees - Sports Psychology and Early Childhood Development - and 30 years of professional coaching experience, Coach Reed has dedicated his life to creating the very best environments for achieving peak performance. 

His book, The Spartan Mindset, now available, focuses significantly on the impact of language on performance. It is a must-read for anyone who strives to be a more effective and supportive communicator in the sporting world and beyond. 

We want to hear from you! Tell us about a positive coaching experience you’ve had. What made it positive or memorable? Let us know by texting or calling our anonymous number: (515)-650-3231

To start behavioral or mental health services in Iowa call Heart and Solutions at (800) 531-4236. 

Connect with Coach Reed online at: 

This week on the show, Julie and Chrissa are joined by return guest Suzanne Culberg. In this episode we learn more about her program Why W8, where she helps women break the cycle of putting themselves last and instead build the confidence to set boundaries.

Suzanne’s passion for helping women is fueled by her own experiences of over-giving, over-consuming, and overdoing everything. She’s on a mission to not only help women set boundaries for themselves, but to make boundaries normal. 

This week on the show, Julie and Chrissa are joined by return guest Maria LaquerreDiego, LMFT from New Mexico. Maria specializes in addressing trauma with clients of all ages. Her current passion is in supporting therapists in doing their best clinical work, which she pursues through offering supervision, consultation and trainings.

Maria enjoys spending time with her family, watching Star Wars and Marvel movies, discussing the psychology of pop culture, and loves a good book!

This week on the show, Julie and Chrissa are joined by Kendra Gliem, a BHIS provider and supervisor with Heart and Solutions. To her job, Kendra brings a background of theater performance and theater for youth. In this episode, you’ll hear how she transfers those skills and concepts to behavioral health. 

We want to hear from you! How has theater helped you to pursue healing or greater mental health? Let us know by texting or calling our anonymous number: (515)-650-3231

To start behavioral or mental health services in Iowa, with someone like Kendra, call Heart and Solutions at (800) 531-4236. 

Connect with Kendra online at: 

This week Julie and Chrissa are joined by Carrie Brauninger, LCSW. Carrie is a Social Worker, Life Coach, and is childless not by choice. In her work, she partners with other individuals who, by no choice of  their own, are childless. She helps them to design a life that is meaningful, purposeful, and fun.

What’s your experience with childlessness?  Let us know by texting or calling our anonymous number: (515)-650-3231

To start behavioral or mental health services in Iowa call Heart and Solutions at (800) 531-4236. 

Connect with Carrie online at: 

This week Julie and Chrissa are joined by Danielle Porter. Danielle is a Chicago native, but has since made her home in Atlanta, Georgia. With a BA in Business Marketing from Clark Atlanta University, she has a growing career in corporate sales and aspires to branch into brand management. 

Danielle is the Founder and President of You Go Girl Leadership Institute, an organization dedicated to destigmatizing the perception against adopted and foster girls by streamlining opportunities and resources to their communities. Danielle believes that she was purposed here on earth to inspire God’s children to trust God with their purpose. She finds fulfillment in being a bridge builder for anyone she meets. 

What’s your experience or perception of adoption? Let us know by texting or calling our anonymous number: (515)-650-3231

To start behavioral or mental health services in Iowa call Heart and Solutions at (800) 531-4236. 

Connect with Danielle online at: 

Joining the show this week is Ruth Gladwyn-Nash, a BHIS Counselor at Heart and Solutions serving the Ames, Ankeny and Waukee communities. While pursuing her degree in English from Iowa State University, Ruth found herself in a mental health crisis which resulted in a Bipolar II diagnosis. She has since found that her own mental health struggles have only helped her work more effectively with children struggling with their own mental health and behaviors. 

Have you found yourself in a situation where you were disclosing a new diagnosis to friends and family? Have you been on the receiving end of someone sharing a diagnosis? What was your experience? Let us know by texting or calling our anonymous number: (515)-650-3231

To start behavioral or mental health services in Iowa, with a provider like Ruth, call Heart and Solutions at (800) 531-4236. 

Connect with Heart and Solutions online at:

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