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

Rachel sits down with the Glenelg High School robotics team - Amitav Kohli, Annabelle McLemore, Tommy Ferrick, and Tommy Hwang. These young innovators share their journey of creating adaptive sports equipment that empowers students with disabilities to engage in athletic activities, boosting their confidence and mental wellness.

The team began two years ago when Amitav developed a soccer device for a student in a wheelchair, igniting a passion that led to a range of projects, including bowling ramps and outreach initiatives. The conversation dives into the personal growth experiences of each team member, including learning engineering skills, winning competitions for funding, and fostering a tightly-knit team dynamic.

About the Glenelg High School Robotics Club:

The Glenelg High School Robotics Club is a team of high school students who design, test, manufacture, and distribute adapted sports equipment free of charge to those in need. They make various attachments and standalone devices to help those with intellectual and developmental disabilities participate in sports such as bowling, soccer, gardening, and bocce ball, with more coming soon. The team also adapts power-wheel cars with remote controls and safety restraints.

The names of participants:

Supervising and sponsoring adult: Raymond Gerstner

Team leader/ Founder: Amitav Kohli

Public Design: Annabelle McLemore

Manufacturing: Tommy Ferrick

Outreach: Tommy Hwang

Outreach: Jack Wolf

Website: adaptiveequipment.org

wmar2news.com/news/local-news/glenelg-high-school-student-helps-fellow-peer-triumph-on-the-soccer-field

Episode Timestamps:

• (02:15) Innovating for inclusion
• (05:45) Providing free bowling ramps for students in wheelchairs
• (08:00) Funding and growth; competitions and grants
• (12:15) Team dynamics and future plans
• (14:05) Engineering; learning new skills
• (16:45) Community impact and feedback
• (18:30) Inspirational messages about teamwork and gratitude

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

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