Julia Dunn shares the inspiring journey of Olivia's House from its founder Leslie Delp's initial grief support groups in the early 1990s to the well-established centers in York and Hanover, PA. Leslie envisioned a comprehensive support system for grieving children and their families, which has evolved into essential community resources. Julia shares the center's history, its educational approach to grief support, and the importance of addressing family-wide healing. Learn about Olivia's House's innovative programs, including hybrid and virtual support groups, and how their extensive lending library aids in the grieving process. Julia also discusses the personal experiences that led her to this field and offers advice on the importance of personal healing before helping others.

About Julia Dunn, M.Ed., LPC:

Julia is the Clinical Director at Olivia’s House: A Grief and Loss Center for Children. Julia has her B.S. in Psychology from Lebanon Valley College and her M.Ed. in counseling from Millersville University. She has been with Olivia’s House for over ten years, first acting as a trained Companion and later joining the staff as the Program Director. Having lost her father at the age of 12, Julia knows loss on a deep level and uses her experience and training to support families in our community every day.

oliviashouse.org

Episode Timestamps:

• (01:55) What is Olivia's house?
• (03:45) Programs and services at Olivia's house
• (05:20) The origin story of Olivia's house
• (09:40) The role of volunteers; education and the lending library
• (16:00) Julia's personal connection to her work
• (20:25) Future plans and innovations
• (23:20) Healing before helping others

Watch this episode on YouTube:

youtube.com/@TheMentalHealthEntrepreneurPod

Connect with Rachel:

Facebook Group: The Mental Health Entrepreneur

Website: traumaspecialiststraining.com

Instagram: instagram.com/trauma_specialist

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rachel-harrison-81a4796

Dr. Kryn McClain shares her entrepreneurial journey, starting CatapalloVR to address gaps she observed in traditional therapy settings, especially for neurodiverse individuals. She gives insights into the founding of CatapalloVR, its mission to empower individuals and transform lives through immersive experiences, and the practical applications of virtual reality in therapy sessions. Dr. McClain explains how CatapalloVR uses virtual reality to create realistic environments, targeting areas such as occupational readiness, daily living skills, and emotion regulation. She also highlights the benefits of VR technology in mental health treatment, exploring its ability to incorporate all senses, fully engage users without external distractions, and accelerate the path to mental wellness.

About Kryn McClain:

Dr. Kryn McClain is a distinguished professional with a multifaceted background in the fields of healthcare administration, counseling, and entrepreneurship. As the CEO and Founder of CatapalloVR, she combines her visionary leadership with her passion for leveraging technology to enhance healthcare and education. Dr. McClain earned her Doctorate in Healthcare Administration from A.T. Still University, where she honed her expertise in strategic planning, healthcare management, and innovative solutions.

With her rich background in counseling, healthcare administration, entrepreneurship, and research, Dr. McClain brings a unique blend of knowledge and experience to her role as CEO and Founder of CatapalloVR. Her unwavering commitment to innovation, patient well-being, and education underscores her transformative influence in the realms of healthcare and technology.

catapallovr.com

Episode Timestamps:

• (02:20) How CatapalloVr came to be
• (06:55) The process of gathering data and creating VR experiences
• (09:00) Integrating VR into therapy sessions
• (12:55) Expanding VR into healthcare and education
• (15:30) Kryn’s journey as an entrepreneur
• (19:15) Challenges and innovations in the mental health industry
• (22:20) The importance of peer support for business owners

Watch this episode on YouTube:

youtube.com/@TheMentalHealthEntrepreneurPod

Connect with Rachel:

Facebook Group: The Mental Health Entrepreneur

Website: traumaspecialiststraining.com

Instagram: instagram.com/trauma_specialist

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rachel-harrison-81a4796

In this solo episode, host Rachel Harrison reflects on the innovative ideas and challenges faced in the mental health care field, emphasizing the need for creativity and unique solutions. She discusses the impact of the current healthcare model, funding limitations, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health professionals and individuals seeking support. Rachel calls for leaders to prioritize trauma treatment for themselves to enhance their capacity in helping others, highlighting the importance of addressing the mental health implications of the post-COVID era. Join the conversation and be inspired by passionate guests driving change in mental health entrepreneurship!

Episode Timestamps:

• (02:20) The innovative ideas in mental health
• (03:40) Challenges in the current healthcare model
• (05:20) Funding issues and creative solutions
• (09:25) Impact of Covid-19 on mental health
• (12:30) Effective trauma treatment; EMDR

Watch this episode on YouTube:

youtube.com/@TheMentalHealthEntrepreneurPod

Connect with Rachel:

Facebook Group: The Mental Health Entrepreneur

Website: traumaspecialiststraining.com

Instagram: instagram.com/trauma_specialist

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rachel-harrison-81a4796

Crystal Bowen, a neuroinclusion expert and founder of Delta Learning Solutions, explains the concept of neuroinclusion; creating a more inclusive society for individuals with diverse brains and nervous systems. From navigating workplace challenges to promoting psychological safety, she shares insights on fostering a culture of belonging and understanding. Crystal also dives into the complexities of neurodivergent traumas, the systemic biases within therapeutic settings, and the need for communities to embrace and prioritize minority voices, leading to a more inclusive and empathetic environment for all.

About Crystal Bowen:

As an ADHD and Autistic individual with over 15 years advocating for diversity, equity, inclusion and psychological safety, 10 years of inclusive design experience and a lifetime of lived experience, Crystal brings a unique perspective on how to treat and prevent neurodiversity trauma across every industry and every field of practice. She is currently leading a team of experts in the fields of psychological health and safety, intersectional diversity inclusion, neurodiversity, and fairness in institutional and systemic structures through The Harmony of Difference Learning Academy and Consulting Consortium to establish trauma-aware neuroinclusion standards, practices and competency development by design.

harmonyofdifference.com

Delta Learning Solutions

Bowen@CarpenterCrystal.com

Cell: (780) 289-5911

Episode Timestamps:

• (02:10) What is neuroinclusion?
• (08:00) The neuroinclusion framework for workplaces
• (09:25) Challenges faced amongst the neurodivergent community
• (11:05) Crystal's entrepreneurial journey
• (16:00) Mental wellness and neurodivergent individuals
• (20:45) Traumatization in therapeutic settings
• (24:25) Being curious and prioritizing minority voices

Watch this episode on YouTube:

youtube.com/@TheMentalHealthEntrepreneurPod

Connect with Rachel:

Facebook Group: The Mental Health Entrepreneur

Website: traumaspecialiststraining.com

Instagram: instagram.com/trauma_specialist

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rachel-harrison-81a4796

Dr. Rishi Sood discusses the significance of holistic mental health treatment using SPECT imaging to capture brain activity, a method pioneered by Dr. Daniel Amen. Dr. Sood explains how this imaging helps tailor treatments more precisely by providing a clearer picture of brain function, unlike traditional methods based solely on symptoms. Hear about Dr. Sood's journey into this field, the benefits of combining imaging with other treatment modalities like sleep, nutrition, and exercise, and the potential of AI in mental health care.

About Dr. Rishi Sood:

Dr. Sood has worked at the Amen Clinics since 2014 and serves as an Associate Medical Director where his current focus involves improving patient outcomes and implementing AI into daily practice. Prior to joining Amen Clinics, Dr. Sood trained at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Manhattan from 2009-2014, where he served as Chief Resident of the Triple Board Residency and Fellowship Program. He is Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. In addition to his background in Psychiatry, he is a Board Certified Pediatrician.

Dr. Sood values working with adults and children across all age ranges. He is experienced in mood and anxiety disorders, addiction, ADD/ADHD, impulsive/disruptive behavior disorders, Autism Spectrum, psychotic disorders, OCD, and PTSD. He uses dynamic as well as cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, and family psychotherapy and works to integrate pharmacotherapy and alternative therapies to optimize brain health and function.

Episode Timestamps:

• (01:15) About the Amen Clinics and the power of SPECT Imaging
• (04:05) Dr. Sood's background and journey into brain imaging
• (07:10) When and why to get a brain scan
• (11:15) Effective access to mental health care; using AI to help more people
• (15:00) Barriers to widespread use of brain scans
• (17:15) Reducing cognitive load; early interventions
• (19:30) Making decisions with your brain in mind

Watch this episode on YouTube:

youtube.com/@TheMentalHealthEntrepreneurPod

Connect with Rachel:

Facebook Group: The Mental Health Entrepreneur

Website: traumaspecialiststraining.com

Instagram: instagram.com/trauma_specialist

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rachel-harrison-81a4796

**Please note that this episode contains a brief discussion of child abuse that some people may find disturbing.

Sandra Paulsen, Ph.D., shares insights into her journey in the mental health field, discussing the integration of writing, cartooning, and therapy to help clients understand emotional concepts. She discusses the importance of addressing early trauma, the potential of virtual reality in trauma therapy, and the effectiveness of EMDR. Dr. Paulson also touches on the future of mental health treatment accessibility, the challenges faced by therapists in the field, the benefits of intensive therapy formats, and the potential application of EMDR in prison settings. Join Dr. Paulson in envisioning a trauma-focused mental health landscape where healing is impactful and accessible to all.

About Sandra Paulsen:

Sandra Paulsen, Ph.D., is an international instructor, author and illustrator of principles and procedures for using EMDR with complex trauma including structural and somatic dissociation and trauma held in implicit memory. Her books include coediting The Neurobiology and Treatment of Traumatic Dissociation: Toward an Embodied Self. She wrote and illustrated Looking Through the Eyes of Trauma: An Illustrated Guide for EMDR Therapists and Clients; and When There Are No Words: EMDR for Very Early Trauma in Implicit Memory, and co-authored We’re Listening Body: Integrating EMDR, Somatic and Ego State Therapies. 2024 publications will include: The Beauty and Burden of Autism: An Illustrated Guide and Workbook, and Indigenous Trauma and Dissociation: Healers, Psychotherapies and the Drum, with Shelley Spear Chief. She also co-authored and illustrated a childrens book that is also useful for dissociative adults called All the Colors of Me: My First Book on Dissociation. Sandra is a Fellow of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation.

paulsenpsychology.com

Episode Timestamps:

• (01:45) Sandra's journey into the mental health field
• (04:30) Integrating art and psychology for effective communication
• (08:30) Hardwired emotional circuits and the impact of EMDR therapy
• (12:00) Virtual reality’s potential in early trauma therapy
• (17:20) Innovative approaches to treating PTSD and trauma
• (23:05) Understanding dissociation and its impact
• (27:15) Sandra’s dreams for the future of mental health care

Watch this episode on YouTube:

youtube.com/@TheMentalHealthEntrepreneurPod

Connect with Rachel:

Facebook Group: The Mental Health Entrepreneur

Website: traumaspecialiststraining.com

Instagram: instagram.com/trauma_specialist

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rachel-harrison-81a4796

Kaili Van Waveren, the Executive Director at ThorpeWood - a 156-acre nature-based mental health and social emotional learning center, discusses ThorpeWood's mission of nurturing therapeutic relationships with nature to address mental health challenges and climate grief. By offering nature-based programs and grief support, ThorpeWood aims to provide individuals with distress tolerance skills and emotional regulation techniques to navigate overwhelming emotions. Explore the transformative power of nature in promoting holistic well-being and fostering a connection between humans and the natural world.

About Kaili Van Waveren:

As Executive Director at ThorpeWood, a 156-acre nature-based mental health and social emotional learning center, Kaili brings a unique blend of academic and practical experience to her role. Originally from California, Kaili first moved to Maryland to attend Johns Hopkins University and later Hood College, where she also dedicated years to teaching in the Department of Psychology and Counseling. Kaili has nearly a decade of experience working in bereavement and end-of-life care. Previously, she was the Bereavement Care Supervisor for Frederick Health Hospice, and she is a member of the Board of Directors and head trip leader for The Umbrella Project: Hiking Journeys for Grieving Young Adults. Kaili's passion for supporting grieving individuals has been a driving force in her career, and she is particularly excited about pioneering nature-based grief support initiatives at ThorpeWood.

thorpewood.org

Episode Timestamps:

• (02:15) Thorpewood's mission and evolution
• (05:20) Nature-based mental health initiatives; climate grief support
• (09:45) Nature’s positive impact on mental health
• (14:40) Future plans and innovations at Thorpewood
• (18:10) Kaili's journey from the fashion industry to grief counseling
• (19:40) The intersection between skills and passion

Watch this episode on YouTube:

youtube.com/@TheMentalHealthEntrepreneurPod

Connect with Rachel:

Facebook Group: The Mental Health Entrepreneur

Website: traumaspecialiststraining.com

Instagram: instagram.com/trauma_specialist

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rachel-harrison-81a4796

Diana Partington, author of DBT for Life, discusses her lifelong struggles with suicidality, the transformative impact of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and how it provided her with practical tools to manage overwhelming emotions and crises. She elaborates on her innovative approach to making DBT skills accessible through her self-help book, which includes colorful illustrations and short stories to cater to various learning styles. She also touches on the origins of DBT, its broader applications beyond clinical settings, and the importance of inclusivity in learning.

About Diana Partington:

Diana is a licensed professional counselor and author of DBT for Life: Skills to transform the way you live. She offers online DBT skills classes, webinars and trainings for clients and clinicians across North America. She wrote her master’s thesis at Vanderbilt on effective teaching of DBT skills for different learning styles. Her passion is making DBT skills accessible for everyone.

DBTforLife.com

instagram.com/sufferingoptional

Facebook.com/DBTSkills4Life

linkedin.com/in/diana-partington-93552484/

Psychology Today Column: psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/dbt-for-daily-life

Episode Timestamps:

• (01:40) Dialectical behavioral therapy: what it is and how it helps
• (06:00) Rethinking self-help books with visuals and easy navigation
• (09:45) Making DBT accessible through books, webinars, and podcasts
• (12:05) Kaizen method; tiptoeing around the amygdala
• (17:00) DBT and the Dharma
• (19:30) Mastery of radical acceptance
• (23:50) The importance of inclusivity in mental health

Watch this episode on YouTube:

youtube.com/@TheMentalHealthEntrepreneurPod

Connect with Rachel:

Facebook Group: The Mental Health Entrepreneur

Website: traumaspecialiststraining.com

Instagram: instagram.com/trauma_specialist

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rachel-harrison-81a4796