**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

Samantha Rodriguez and Stephanie Dunker discuss the critical intersection of physical therapy and mental health. Learn about the origins and mission of ATI Physical Therapy, the importance of patient education, and how physical therapy can positively impact mental wellness by alleviating pain, improving function, and enhancing overall quality of life. Stephanie and Samantha also discuss the collaborative approaches between physical therapists and mental health professionals to provide comprehensive care for patients. ATI Physical Therapy aims to make every life an active life, impacting communities one person at a time.

About Samantha Rodriguez and Stephanie Dunker:

Stephanie has been a physical therapist for over 20 years. She has specialized in chronic pain, orthopedics & vestibular therapy. Now retired from clinical care, Stephanie works for ATI Physical Therapy as a Business Development Manager, where she gets to share the benefits of PT with medical professionals and the community.

Samantha has been a physical therapist for the past five years specializing in the outpatient orthopedic setting, with a focus on neuro, vestibular, pelvic health and sports rehab. She works for ATI physical therapy as a Multi-site Clinic Director where she oversees three locations throughout the Maryland area.

ATIpt.com

Episode Timestamps:

• (01:55) The origins and mission of ATI Physical Therapy
• (03:25) Understanding chronic pain
• (05:00) Physical therapy techniques and patient care
• (09:30) The intersection of mental health and physical therapy
• (15:35) Impacting the community: ATI's vision
• (17:00) Collaborating with mental health professionals
• (20:10) Encouragement for those in pain

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. James Cordova and Matt Rubin share their innovative approach to mental health care which focuses on annual relationship checkups and maintenance - think of it as your relationship's yearly physical. They discuss the importance of proactive relationship health care, the impact of The Relationship Checkup model on couples and therapists, and the potential for scalability in addressing mental health needs from a primary care perspective. Learn how this model is transforming the mental health industry, offering brief yet impactful interventions.

About Dr James Cordova:

James Cordova is a professor in the Psychology Department and the Director of the Center for Couples and Family Research and the Marriage/Relationship Checkup Program at Clark University. Professor Cordova is a Licensed Psychologist and leading figure in the field of Couples Research and Therapy. He has been conducting research and publishing in the area of couples therapy, intimacy, and the promotion of marital health and actively training couples therapists for over 25 years. Professor Cordova is the developer of the Relationship Checkup, a proactive approach to the promotion of marital health. In 2016, Dr. Cordova co-founded Arammu, a relationship healthcare company with the sole mission of making checkups available to everyone, everywhere.

The Marriage Checkup: A Scientific Program for Sustaining and Strengthening Marital Health

About Matt Rubin:

Matt Rubin is a seasoned entrepreneur with a passion for startups and social business ventures. His journey in the world of entrepreneurship began in high school and continued through college, where he cultivated his love for innovation and business development. Throughout his professional career, Matt has co-founded and led the development of multiple startups, totaling 5 to 6 ventures. Matt is a firm believer in the power of social business—companies that are for-profit entities with a socially conscious mission or product. He is dedicated to leveraging business as a force for good, combining profitability with a positive impact on society and the environment.

arammu.com

Episode Timestamps:

• (01:40) How Arammu came to be
• (09:50) The Relationship Checkup model
• (14:30) Creating a proactive approach to mental health
• (18:15) Relationship healthcare and insurance coverage
• (22:50) Transitioning from sports and tech startups to the mental health industry
• (27:00) Entrepreneurship advice and inspiration

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

Aaron Vander Meer and Antoinette Vasseur discuss their innovative greenhouse program at Clearview Communities, which fosters healing and purpose through hands-on horticulture therapy. They elaborate on how they transformed a greenhouse into a therapeutic space for residents with mental health disorders, focusing on creating ecosystems that benefit both plants and individuals. Through their permaculture therapy program, they aim to provide a holistic healing environment that nurtures personal growth and community involvement. Aaron and Antoinette share insights into the therapeutic nature of plants, the impact of gardening on mental health, and the transformative power of creating sustainable ecosystems.

About Aaron Vander Meer:

Aaron is a seasoned leader with almost two decades of dedicated service in the field of Mental Health and nonprofit leadership. Armed with a bachelor's degree in social work from Calvin College and a master's in clinical social work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, Aaron has honed his expertise in developing innovative, person-centered programs. Holding an advanced clinical social work license in Maryland and boasting national credentials as a Work Incentives Planner, Aaron is recognized for his strategic vision and commitment to excellence.

About Antoinette Vasseur:

Antoinette has a deep-rooted passion for ecological therapeutic gardening and brings a unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm to the field of Therapeutic Horticulture. In her current position as Therapeutic Horticulture Program Coordinator, she directs the Gardening Group, designs therapeutic gardens, and facilitates the Plants with Purpose Program within our campus greenhouse. Her work at ClearView showcases her skill in blending environmental sustainability with therapeutic practices, making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and the community.

clearviewcommunities.org

Episode Timestamps:

• (01:45) Plants with Purpose
• (06:30) From empty greenhouse to community impact
• (08:40) Collaboration with Green Valley Harvesters
• (12:20) Engaging residents through plant donations and community involvement
• (14:05) Therapeutic benefits of plants and gardening
• (18:40) Creating purpose through harvesting and cooking garden vegetables and herbs
• (22:10) Understanding your role in the ecosystem

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

Rosemary Baughman, founder of Courageous Hearts, discusses her journey into equine-assisted psychotherapy and the power of horses in healing. She explains that therapy with horses is not the same as therapeutic riding and emphasizes the importance of professionalizing the field. Rosemary shares her experience as an entrepreneur, offering advice to trust your gut, take it slow, and seek mentors. She also highlights the various programs and workshops offered by Courageous Hearts, which provides personal and professional growth opportunities for experiencing the magic of equine-assisted psychotherapy.

About Rosemary Baughman:

Rosemary owns and operates Courageous Hearts LLC in Delaware. She is happily married to her best friend, Jeff, and is blessed with five beautiful children and nine amazing grandchildren, of whom she is very proud. Working in the behavioral health field for 25+ years, Rosemary is honored to be part of many people’s emotional, mental, and spiritual healing journey. She lives the dream of connecting horses and humans for therapeutic healing.

Rosemary's expertise is underscored by her extensive training and certification in various mental health modalities such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Parent Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT), Attachment theory, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), first-level EMDR, ACRA (adolescent community reinforcement approach), and Advanced Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. She is a certified clinical supervisor, trainer, presenter, and the creator of multiple programs, including Legacies, a clinical approach to EAP. Currently, she is pursuing her doctorate in social work and working on her capstone research project, which focuses on psychotherapy with horses for people in recovery from substance use disorder.

courageoushearts.us/contact.html

Episode Timestamps:

• (02:00) Rosemary’s journey to founding Courageous Hearts
• (05:30) What is Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy?
• (08:25) Differentiating equine-assisted psychotherapy from therapeutic riding
• (11:10) Innovative financing; nonprofit partnerships in Delaware
• (14:20) Creating a business without any business experience
• (17:50) Learning, fine tuning, and moving on to the next thing
• (18:40) The future of Courageous Hearts

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

Anders Vege, Senior Advisor at the Norwegian Directorate for Health and advocate of “What Matters to You (WMTY)?”, gives insight into the WMTY international person-centered care movement. He shares how this shift in mindset from "what's the matter" to "what matters to you" has transformed patient care and outcomes. By focusing on the individual's needs, goals, and values, healthcare professionals can provide more personalized and effective treatment. Anders also explains the importance of empowering patients and creating a collaborative relationship between healthcare providers and patients.

Join others across the world in celebrating WMTY Day on June 4th!

wmty.world

About Anders Vege:

Anders is a senior nurse with 30 years’ experience in the Norwegian healthcare system. He is a Senior advisor in the Norwegian Directorate of Health in Norway. He has been a leading figure in the WMTY movement inspiring action all over the world. Anders was part of the first ever national WMTY day in Norway in 2014, a practice that initially spread to Scotland and then on to 50 countries and more than 2000 healthcare teams in 2020. In ten years, together with The Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities he has been a part of a National Learning Network for Good Patient Care Pathways. The Norwegian Ministry of Health and Care services initiated this National Program. What matters to you has been a driver for change of direction in health care in this program.

In his position in the Norwegian Directorate for Health he still supports the work to improve pathways in the health regions in Norway. He also is an editor for Digital Health Library for Quality Improvement. He also holds a small position in Oslo Metropolitan University. He has been part of developing a new interdisciplinary course for all master’s students at The Faculty of Health Sciences, named “Quality Improvement and Implementation of Evidence-Based Practice”. The overall aim of the course is to teach students how to apply knowledge and skills in quality improvement work by focusing on user involvement and sustainable change.

Episode Timestamps:

• (02:40) The WMTY movement
• (06:10) Transitioning healthcare focus to patient-centered
• (12:25) WMTY day - June 4th
• (15:10) A farmer's final days; a terminal diagnosis and being asked WMTY?
• (19:41) Patient-centered care tools; patient specific functioning scale
• (22:40) Transforming healthcare and creating a cultural shift
• (25:50) Creating better health, coping, and functioning levels

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