Chris McDonald shares how she transitioned from traditional talk therapy to integrating holistic modalities like breathwork, yoga, and meditation into her sessions, significantly improving outcomes for her clients. She discusses her journey from being a school counselor to launching her private practice and starting the Holistic Counseling Podcast, soon to be rebranded as 'Yoga in the Therapy Room.' Chris also talks about her courses on how therapists can integrate yoga into clinical sessions and emphasizes the importance of self-care. Additional topics include the benefits of yoga and meditation for mental health, her entrepreneurial journey, and advice for starting a wellness routine.

About Chris McDonald:

Chris McDonald is a Holistic Therapist, Yogi, Meditation Teacher, Podcaster and Author. She owns a group online practice called “Path to Hope Counseling”. She is a 200 hour RYT, is Certified in Brainspotting and offers gentle yoga to clients in session, and offers private yoga sessions. She specializes in treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma and grief in young adults.

To support her fellow therapists, she offers clinical consultations and supervision therapy for therapists and is the author of "Self-Care for the Counselor”. She has helped many therapists prioritize their own mental health and wellness. She created the course “Yoga Basics” for therapists to help them learn how to integrate yoga into sessions safely and ethically. She is host of the podcast “The Holistic Counseling Podcast” which will soon be called “Yoga in the Therapy Room” Podcast.

holisticcounselingpodcast.com

Episode Timestamps:

• (01:40) The shift from school counselor to holistic therapist
• (05:00) Benefits of daily yoga and meditation
• (06:55) Integrating yoga into therapy sessions
• (12:40) Self-care tips; practicing yoga at home
• (16:45) Chris’ podcasting and entrepreneurial journey
• (22:10) Advice for fellow entrepreneurs

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

Jason Nicholsen, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in managing election anxiety, discusses the impact of the 24-hour news cycle, social media misinformation, and political division on mental health. Jason gives strategies for managing political stress, from being mindful of media consumption to focusing on actionable responses that align with personal values. As the 2024 presidential race heats up, this episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling overwhelmed during this election season.

About Jason Nicholsen:

Jason Nicholsen, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the owner of Within Reach Therapy, a virtual group practice dedicated to providing compassionate and specialized care. With a focus on working with adults and members of the LGBTQ+ community, Jason addresses a range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, trauma, financial stress, and political stress. His expertise lies in guiding clients through life’s complexities using evidence-based approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

With a Master’s degree in Social Work from New York University and a commitment to inclusive, affirming care, Jason has been in private practice since 2016. He is passionate about helping clients navigate financial and political pressures, which are increasingly impacting mental health, especially within marginalized communities. Jason strives to create a safe, supportive space for clients to explore these stressors and move towards greater resilience and well-being.

withinreachtherapy.com

Episode Timestamps:

• (01:35) Jason’s background; political anxiety in Washington, D.C.
• (04:15) The psychological impact of political divisiveness
• (08:30) Recommendations for fact-checking information
• (11:00) Tips for managing election anxiety and national trauma
• (19:35) Self-care and seeking help; managing social media consumption

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. Kristen Wynns discusses her evolution from conducting therapy sessions with a touch of humor to taking improv classes during the pandemic, which culminated in her performing stand-up comedy. Dr. Wynn has created a unique intersection of humor and mental wellness, and explains how laughter can significantly reduce stress and enhance quality of life. With a new book on the horizon and a growing passion for humor coaching, she is dedicated to showcasing how incorporating laughter into daily life and professional environments can lead to healing and resilience.

About Dr. Kristen Wynns:

Dr. Kristen Wynns is a distinguished child and adolescent psychologist and the owner of Wynns Family Psychology, a premier private practice with locations in Cary, North Raleigh, and Greensboro, NC. For over 17 years, her practice has been recognized as one of North Carolina's top child and adolescent specialty practices. Dr. Wynns is a sought- after media expert on psychology and parenting issues, regularly contributing to radio shows, TV news, podcasts, magazines, and television programs like My Carolina Today. She is the author of the acclaimed parenting book, The No Wimpy Parenting Handbook, available on Amazon.

Facebook: Wynns Family Psychology

Instagram: No Wimpy Parenting

kristen@wynnsfamilypsychology.com

A Comedic Turn: Kiki’s Rise to the Stage In a bold expansion of her career, Dr. Wynns ventured into comedy, blending her psychological expertise with humor. Over her 20+ years as a psychologist, she observed how laughter provides emotional, physical, and spiritual relief. This realization led her to stand-up comedy as “Kiki” in 2022, where she quickly garnered success with her sharp life observations, high energy, and genuine vulnerability. Dr. Wynns now offers humor coaching and workshops designed to help individuals and businesses harness the power of humor. These sessions aim to increase confidence, combat emotional challenges, and enhance workplace culture and relationships.

kikiscomedyclub.com

Instagram: @kikiscomedyclub

kikicomedy2.0@gmail.com

Episode Timestamps:

• (01:30) Using humor as medicine
• (04:30) Stepping outside of your comfort zone; improv to stand-up comedy
• (08:45) A new venture of combining comedy and therapy
• (10:15) Humor coaching and workshops
• (15:30) The power of humor and laughter in workplace dynamics
• (22:15) Finding humor in daily life

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