Connections Chat: Recent Episodes
Lauren Sepulvador & Joshua Marshall
Connecting with industry leaders and professionals in various areas of the workforce to learn about and address the mental health needs they see in their areas of work, and also to educate the general public about mental health and resources available to them. Our goal is to engage, educate, identify, and discuss mental health and the gaps in services and knowledge relating to the mental health field.
Krista Weaver, LMSW, Program Therapist at Connections Wellness Group for the PHP/IOP adult mental health group (Supervised by Baqi Martin LCSW-S). She sees individual clients in private practice outside of group therapy. During her career as a social worker, Krista has worked closely with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, substance use, and general mental health. In this conversation, Lauren and Krista discover what learned helplessness can look like, where it comes from, and how to move forward.
Thank you for listening! If you have topic ideas, a possible guest, or would like to share feedback please e-mail the host at lauren.sepulvador@connectionswellnessgroup.com
Watch our video podcasts at www.youtube.com/@connectionswellnessgroup
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Officer Todd Gyure has worked at the Garland Police Department for over 20 years with 16.5 years of that time spent working in the Patrol unit. For the past 3.5 years Todd has been assigned to the Garland Police Departments Wellness Unit. Todd is in his 11th year as a member of The Garland Police Departments S.W.A.T. team as a hostage negotiator. Todd is passionate about all things brain health for both the public he serves, and the law enforcement/first responder community at large.
Lauren and Todd discuss the importance of the NAMI North TX Overwatch Peer Support (OPS) program for first responders, the film PTSD911, and prioritizing mental health.
Thank you for listening! If you have topic ideas, a possible guest, or would like to share feedback please e-mail the host at lauren.sepulvador@connectionswellnessgroup.com
Watch our video podcasts at www.youtube.com/@connectionswellnessgroup
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Treva Noriega lost her son Cooper Noriega to fentanyl poisoning on June 9, 2022. Treva has become an activist for ending the fentanyl epidemic and continuing the legacy that Cooper started to help others. Before Cooper passed, he founded Coop’s Advice, a non-profit organization to GenZ rethink how our society understands and addresses mental health and addiction.
Coops Advice Foundation coopsadvice.org
End Overdose endoverdose.net
Treva Noriega Instagram trevawellsnoriega
Thank you for listening! If you have topic ideas, a possible guest, or would like to share feedback please e-mail the host at lauren.sepulvador@connectionswellnessgroup.com
Watch our video podcasts at www.youtube.com/@connectionswellnessgroup
Follow us on Instagram @connections_wellness_group
Facebook @connectionswellnessgroup
LinkedIn @connections-wellness-group
Sarah Robinson, LPC, Clinical Manager of Onboarding at Connections Wellness Group is a fan favorite of the Connections Chat podcast! Sarah is back for her 4th episode so if you haven't listened to her others or enjoyed this episode be sure to check them out. In this episode, Lauren and Sarah discuss the Stutz documentary on Netflix. We would love to hear your thoughts! What did you think of this documentary?
Thank you for listening! If you have topic ideas, a possible guest, or would like to share feedback please e-mail the host at lauren.sepulvador@connectionswellnessgroup.com
Watch our video podcasts at www.youtube.com/@connectionswellnessgroup
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Shanna Garza, MD is an Adolescent Medicine physician and the Clinic Director of Girls to Women/Young Men’s Health and Wellness in McKinney, a multidisciplinary Adolescent Medicine practice offering comprehensive medical and mental health care to teenagers and young people age 10-25.
Dr. Garza received her B.S. in Biology from Emory University and attended medical school at Baylor College of Medicine. Following her medical education, she completed a Family Medicine residency at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth. She is a board-certified Family Medicine physician and a member of the Texas Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the Texas Medical Association and the Collin-Fannin County Medical Society.
Dr. Garza has 16 years of experience working with children, teens and young adults. She is very involved in the community with several different professional groups related to mental health and eating disorders. She also hosts a podcast called Total Teen Health and Wellness- A Doctor’s Guide for Parents.
Thank you for listening! If you have topic ideas, a possible guest, or would like to share feedback please e-mail the host at lauren.sepulvador@connectionswellnessgroup.com
Watch our video podcasts at www.youtube.com/@connectionswellnessgroup
Follow us on Instagram @connections_wellness_group
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Maggie Stroud MCN, RD, LD, CEDS is passionate about being a dietitian specializing in eating disorders and ARFID. Lauren and Maggie discuss what Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy looks like with Eating Disorders. Maggie discusses ARFID and messaging we all receive about food.
Thank you for listening! If you have topic ideas, a possible guest, or would like to share feedback please e-mail the host at lauren.sepulvador@connectionswellnessgroup.com
Watch our video podcasts at www.youtube.com/@connectionswellnessgroup
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Victor Torres, Music Therapist - Board Certified (MT-BC) joins us with his instruments and voice for this week's special episode. Lauren and Victor explore doing things for themselves versus for others. Victor discusses the dual nature of being a musician and therapist. Listen until the end of the episode for (two) surprise performances! Keep up with Victor on Instagram @victortorresmusic and don't forget to wear your cape! https://www.heartandharmony.com/ Instagram: @heartandharmony
FB: facebook.com/heartandharmony
Thank you for listening! If you have topic ideas, a possible guest, or would like to share feedback please e-mail the host at lauren.sepulvador@connectionswellnessgroup.com
Watch our video podcasts at www.youtube.com/@connectionswellnessgroup
Follow us on Instagram @connections_wellness_group
Facebook @connectionswellnessgroup
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Rebecca Tilden MCN, RD, LD, CEDS is a registered dietitian specializing in eating disorders. For multiple years, Rebecca worked with patients across multiple levels of care (inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient). Rebecca works with child, adolescent, and adult patients and their families. Rebecca employs an anti-diet, weight-inclusive approach using “All Foods Fit”, Intuitive Eating, and Health at Every Size principles. Rebecca has earned the certification, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS), through the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (iaedp).
Thank you for listening! If you have topic ideas, a possible guest, or would like to share feedback please e-mail the host at lauren.sepulvador@connectionswellnessgroup.com
Watch our video podcasts at www.youtube.com/@connectionswellnessgroup
Follow us on Instagram @connections_wellness_group
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Tatum Deberry is a Lead Billing Specialist at Connections Wellness Group. This is her third podcast episode with us and her first episode on abandonment is our most downloaded so far. In this episode, we will be talking about Tatum's personal experience with step-parents, divorce, and blended families. This episode explores themes of divorce and that no one is alone.
Thank you for listening! If you have topic ideas, a possible guest, or would like to share feedback please e-mail the host at lauren.sepulvador@connectionswellnessgroup.com
Watch our video podcasts at www.youtube.com/@connectionswellnessgroup
Follow us on Instagram @connections_wellness_group
Facebook @connectionswellnessgroup
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Jay Green is currently a psychology professor at Tarrant County College (TCC). He began his career as a therapist and later worked with adults with developmental disabilities. He graduated from the University of North Texas with a BS in psychology and Abilene Christian University with an MS in psychology. Lauren met Jay when she took his intro to psychology course at TCC several years ago. Jay shares advice for new therapists and the unfortunate mental health stigma that still exists.
Thank you for listening! If you have topic ideas, a possible guest, or would like to share feedback please e-mail the host at lauren.sepulvador@connectionswellnessgroup.com
Watch our video podcasts at www.youtube.com/@connectionswellnessgroup
Follow us on Instagram @connections_wellness_group
Facebook @connectionswellnessgroup
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Awstin Gregg is the CEO of Connections Wellness Group. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. Awstin recently won the DCEO 2022 award for Outstanding Healthcare Executive. Lauren and Awstin discuss leadership, hopes for the mental health stigma, and advice for those looking to grow in their career.
Thank you for listening! If you have topic ideas, a possible guest, or would like to share feedback please e-mail the host at lauren.sepulvador@connectionswellnessgroup.com
Watch our video podcasts at www.youtube.com/@connectionswellnessgroup
Follow us on Instagram @connections_wellness_group
Facebook @connectionswellnessgroup
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Kayla Corley recently graduated from Texas Woman’s University with a Master’s in Counseling & Development. During internship, Kayla worked with clients in the PHP and IOP setting to navigate issues related to suicidal ideation, self-harm, disordered eating, substance use disorder, childhood trauma, and neurodivergent disorders such as ADHD. Lauren and Kayla talk through Kayla's experience of getting an ADHD diagnosis as an adult and how it has inspired her to help others.
Thank you for listening! If you have topic ideas, a possible guest, or would like to share feedback please e-mail the host at lauren.sepulvador@connectionswellnessgroup.com
Watch our video podcasts at www.youtube.com/@connectionswellnessgroup
Follow us on Instagram @connections_wellness_group
Facebook @connectionswellnessgroup
LinkedIn @connections-wellness-group
Erin Wiggins is a recent graduate from Texas Wesleyan University with her Masters in Professional Counseling seeking to obtain associate licensure. With a passion for education and empowerment, she joins us today to talk about sexuality and what that looks like in a mental health setting. Lauren and Erin discuss misconceptions about sex therapy, the benefits of education, and how to navigate tough conversations.
Thank you for listening! If you have topic ideas, a possible guest, or would like to share feedback please e-mail the host at lauren.sepulvador@connectionswellnessgroup.com
Watch our video podcasts at www.youtube.com/@connectionswellnessgroup
Follow us on Instagram @connections_wellness_group
Facebook @connectionswellnessgroup
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Through her own healing journey, Jaime found individual counseling to be a transformative experience. She decided to pursue a career as a counselor, knowing firsthand the life-changing power of therapy. Jaime Rogers received her M.S. in Counseling and Development from Texas Woman's University and received her B.A. in Sociology from UT Dallas. Jaime has spent this year working as a student intern for Connections Wellness Group. She has found a passion for working with individuals healing from trauma and grief. Lauren and Jaime discuss her personal path and how much growth occurs in training to become a counselor.
Thank you for listening! If you have topic ideas, a possible guest, or would like to share feedback please e-mail the host at lauren.sepulvador@connectionswellnessgroup.com
Watch our video podcasts at www.youtube.com/@connectionswellnessgroup
Follow us on Instagram @connections_wellness_group
Facebook @connectionswellnessgroup
LinkedIn @connections-wellness-group
Karla Pineda is an LPC-Associate, supervised by LPC-Supervisor Megan Shelton, with a Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of North Texas. Karla currently works in private practice and provides individual and group counseling for adolescents and adults. She utilizes DBT, ACT and CBT with her individual clients and facilitates DBT skills groups for adolescents and adults. Lauren and Karla discuss practical uses for DBT and common misconceptions.
Thank you for listening! If you have topic ideas, a possible guest, or would like to share feedback please e-mail the host at lauren.sepulvador@connectionswellnessgroup.com
Watch our video podcasts at www.youtube.com/@connectionswellnessgroup
Follow us on Instagram @connections_wellness_group
Facebook @connectionswellnessgroup
LinkedIn @connections-wellness-group
Maeve O’Neill, MEd, LPC-S, CHC, CDTLF. Maeve has worked in behavioral health for 35 years, her first 10 years were in direct clinical service with all populations, 10 years in program management with all settings and the last 15 years in executive leadership with national organizations specializing in Ethics and Compliance. She recently joined All Sober as the EVP of Addiction and Recovery.
Megan Good RD, LD, CEDS is a Registered Dietitian at Dallas Nutritional Counseling specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, disordered eating, and chronic dieting. While working at a general practice clinic, Megan constantly saw disordered eating behaviors, chronic dieting, and undiagnosed eating disorders among her clients. Through the help of a colleague, Megan was introduced to Intuitive Eating and began educating herself on the negative effects of dieting. Lauren and Megan discuss what intuitive eating looks like and the work Megan does with clients.
Jordan Wolfe, LPC, is a therapist in Denton for Connections Wellness Group. She graduated from Texas Woman’s University and currently works with adult clients. Her specialties are spirituality, interpersonal and relational skills, emerging adulthood, trauma, anxiety, and betrayed partners. Lauren and Jordan discuss the window of distress tolerance and do a deep dive into a recent CEU presentation of hers.
Angela Prior is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker- Supervisor, Experienced-Registered Yoga Teacher, Yoga Alliance Education Provider, and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor practicing in Dallas, TX. She has over a decade of clinical experience and has been in private practice since 2016. Angela is the owner of AP Counseling and Yoga a collective of embodied therapists and yoga teachers. She also recently launched a virtual resource for burnout and the helpers The Compassion Circle.
Whitney Russell, MS, LPC-S, CEDS-S, EMDR Trained, is the owner of Brave Haven Counseling and she specializes in eating disorders, mood disorders, relationships, women’s issues, EMDR, and the enneagram. Whitney and Lauren discuss her private practice, incorporating the enneagram in work with clients, eating disorders, and women's issues.
Sarah Robinson, LPC, was the first therapist hired for the PHP and IOP program at Connections Wellness Group. Sarah is currently a private practice therapist and Clinical Manager of Onboarding at Connections. Lauren and Sarah share a vulnerable conversation about codependency and look at the term from a different angle than most. This conversation aims to humanize the experience of battling codependency.
Baqi Martin is an LCSW-Supervisor and Regional Executive Director of Connections Wellness Group. He has a Master's Degree in Clinical Social Work from New Mexico Highlands University and has devoted his career to serving and working with children, youth and families. As clinicians, we are trained on what dysfunctional family roles are but not what healthy functioning family roles are. Baqi and his treatment team questioned how families could move forward if they did not know what to strive for. Baqi and Lauren discuss the rules, roles, and values of healthy functioning families.
This is our first episode with two guests, so hang on tight! Anne Jensen-Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas and received her Master's of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Texas Woman's University. She is the owner of the private practice Anne Jensen Counseling Services and is EMDR trained and utilizes CBT, DBT, and IFS in sessions as well. McKenzie Harris is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist. She works for Connections Wellness Group as a Business Development Specialist and is the owner of her private practice, Nurtured Nutrition Therapy. In this episode, we talk about the relationship between trauma and eating disorders, making the leap to own private practice, and how to rewire our thoughts about food.
Amy Lawrence is the Director of Counseling and Social Work for Denton ISD, overseeing nearly 100 counselors district-wide. Prior to serving as the director, she was a professional school counselor at the high school level for 12 years, and a teacher for 9 years. Amy is proud to say this marks 32 years as an educator. Lauren and Amy discuss some of the barriers and stigmas to mental health in the school system and how to help adolescents and teachers better.
Dr. Matt Johnson is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) at Texas Christian University. Dr. Johnson specializes in working with TCU student-athletes to improve their Mental Health off the field and sharpen their Mental Game on the field. He has worked for numerous top Division I athletic departments, consulting with their athletes, coaches, teams, and administrative staffs. Lauren and Dr. Matt Johnson discuss what his job looks like and practical steps listeners can start taking to improve their mental performance.
Breonna Kerley works in the Intake and UR department at Connections Wellness Group as a Care Coordinator for the PHP/IOP program at the Denton location. While working at Connections, Breonna is also pursuing a Master’s in Social Work with a Clinical Concentration at the University of Houston. Lauren and Breonna discuss what makes Social Work different from different licensures as well as similarities. This episode aims to break down the different helping professions and provide a new perspective.
Javeria Yousuf, LPC - Associate, is a PHP/IOP program therapist for general mental health for adults at Connections Wellness Group in Denton, Texas. Javeria attended Texas Woman's University where Lauren is currently pursuing her Masters. Javeria and Lauren discuss the transition of being a new professional in the field after graduating. Javeria has experience working with adolescents and adults in individual and group settings. Being early in her career, she is passionate about building on her knowledge and experience to best serve as an effective and compassionate clinician.
*Supervised by Lindsay Webster, Ph.D., LPC-S
Lauren and Annalicia both are interested in creative pursuits and decided to have a conversation about being multifaceted. Annalicia Olave is a Patient Account Specialist at Connections Wellness Group but plans on going to graduate school to be a mental health provider. This conversation aims to remove barriers that others and ourselves may place on roles so we can be our most free selves.
Dr. Green, MD, FASAM, ABPN, ABPN originally trained in Anesthesiology, but after confronting his own addiction issues in 2004 decided to train in Psychiatry and dedicate himself to helping those who struggle with addiction and co-occurring mental illness. Dr. Green is Board certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine and has worked in addiction treatment in the DFW for the last 11 years. Lauren and Dr. Green discuss different aspects of addiction psychiatry like cannabis use, adolescent rates, and how parents can talk to their teens.
Linsey Schafer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker currently serving as a Clinical Liaison at Connections Wellness Group. Prior to joining the Connections team, Linsey’s work primarily focused on providing individual, group, and crisis mental health support in public school, and educational non-profit settings. She holds an MSSW from the University of Texas at Arlington and is a Doctorate of Social Work student at the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science at the University of Louisville. Lauren and Linsey discuss the importance of talking about difficult topics like suicide. Linsey shares practical tips and signs to look out for.
*This topic might be triggering for some. Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are in danger.
Daja Phillips and Lauren Sepulvador are both current graduate students at Texas Woman's University in the Counseling and Development Program in the Clinical Mental Health Track. They discuss the path to becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). This episode aims to provide experience for anyone interested in becoming a counselor, inform others of all of the training required, or for any licensed clinicians to celebrate being done with grad school.
Catherine Richardson, LPC, is the Regional Director of Counseling at Connections Wellness Group. In her work as therapist, she specializes in childhood trauma and play therapy, particularly enjoying her work with parents of traumatized children. Lauren and Catherine explain what play therapy is and how children can benefit from it.
Nicole Matthews, LPC, certified DBT therapist, and the Director of Outpatient Services for Connections Wellness Group in Denton, Texas. Nicole has worked in PHP/IOP settings for 8 years helping adolescents overcome depression, anxiety, and relationship problems. Lauren and Nicole discuss red flags, misconceptions, and how to best address self-harm. This conversation aims to educate others on what is largely considered a taboo topic.
Disclaimer: This episode discusses topics related to suicide that may be triggering for some. If you or someone you know needs help please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 they are available 24 hours a day.
Nancy Bledsoe-Link, LPC, LCDC, is the executive director of Connections Wellness Group Flower Mound. Lauren and Nancy discuss trying to "have it all" with career, family, and social life. Nancy is authentic in her conversation about balancing motherhood and a career. Everything has a cost and this episode aims to be a realistic look at expectations from our society and ourselves.
Awstin Gregg, LCSW, LCDC is the CEO of Connections Wellness Group. Lauren and Awstin explore how to discuss mental health in the workplace, high functioning anxiety, and more. This episode focuses on leadership skills and how to prioritize mental health in the workplace.
Ellen shares her personal story of losing a loved one to suicide. Lauren and Ellen discuss how to best support someone during that experience, how to keep their legacy alive, and discussing what is to many a taboo topic. Ellen is the Training Specialist in HR at Connections Wellness Group and also obtained her Masters Degree in Applied Clinical Psychology. This episode aims to help others who have been through this and to shine a light on a topic many shy away from. Ellen displays bravery and vulnerability in sharing her family's story.
Disclaimer: This episode discusses topics related to suicide that may be triggering for some. If you or someone you know needs help please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 they are available 24 hours a day.
This episode is Part 2 of Tatum's experience with abandonment. Tatum's original episode is the most downloaded one yet so this conversation explores what has happened since, what reactions she's received, and healing her inner child. The hope is that this provides hope for others going through similar situations. Tatum displays strength in her vulnerability and provides a message for those who have and have not experienced abandonment.
Delaney Runnels is currently pursuing a Masters in Counseling and plans to do sex therapy and trauma therapy with the LGBTQ+ community after graduating. She identities as lesbian and speaks first-hand about her mental health experiences and of friends in the community. Delaney has been with Connections Wellness Group since 2019 and just hit her 3-year anniversary with the company, and is currently working as a Care Coordinator with the PHP/IOP program. Lauren and Delaney discuss misconceptions and how to best help others in the community.
Jesse Gill, LMSW, is a Program Therapist at Connections Wellness Group. Currently, he is the lead facilitator of the IOP and PHP trauma focused adult group in Denton, Texas. Jesse is passionate about trauma-focused therapy and witnessing clients build resilience. Lauren and Jesse discuss common misconceptions and how to best move forward after experiencing trauma.
Annalicia Olave is a Patient Account Specialist at Connections Wellness Group and a mother of two. Annalicia discusses the impact that being a mother has on her mental health as well as supporting other moms. Annalicia and Lauren discuss the importance of having tough conversations with children and best practices for mental health. This discussion aims to normalize the stressors of motherhood and battle shame.
Disclaimer: This episode discusses topics related to suicide that may be triggering for some. If you or someone you know needs help please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 they are available 24 hours a day.
Sydney Reece, LPC, serves as the Regional Director of Integration at Connections Wellness Group. Sydney is passionate about preventing burnout for healthcare professionals. Sydney and Lauren explore a different perspective of burnout and battling compassion fatigue.
Hannah Powell is a Call Center Team Lead and serves as a Patient Advocate at Connections Wellness Group. In this episode, she shares her personal experience of suicidal ideation and attending an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). By discussing this, we aim to fight the mental health stigma and provide hope for those who are struggling with their mental health.
Disclaimer: This episode discusses topics related to suicide that may be triggering for some. If you or someone you know needs help please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 they are available 24 hours a day.
Sarah Robinson, LPC is passionate about informing others about Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Lauren and Sarah discuss why such a strong stigma exists with this diagnosis and how clinicians and others can best move forward. This episode aims to educate and eliminate misinformation about BPD.
Adrianna Evans oversees medical records for every Connections Wellness Group location and serves as the Environmental Chairperson for the Denton location. As an African American woman, she shares her personal mental health journey and how culture impacts stigma. Lauren and Adrianna discuss the best ways to move forward and their shared love of green tea.
Stacey Vincent, LCSW is the Regional Director of admissions and UR at Connections Wellness Group. She is passionate about mental health and getting people the help they need. In this episode, Lauren and Stacey discuss what PHP and IOP are as well as their differences. We explore the power of human connection and why therapy is so important.
Darren Shang, APRN, is passionate about the results he has seen first-hand from Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). Lauren and Darren chat about the power of this treatment and who can benefit. Darren has worked as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Connections Wellness Group for over two years and is invested in finding the best treatment options possible.
Kayla Clark, LPC, has experience in hospitalization, rehabilitation, crisis management, case management, and group therapy. She specifically works with adolescents and substance use at Connections Wellness Group. Lauren and Kayla talk about the power of positive reinforcement and even pop culture with drug use.
In this episode, Tatum shares her experience with abandonment and provides hope for others going through similar situations. Tatum displays strength in her vulnerability and provides a message for those who have and have not experienced abandonment. Tatum DeBerry is a Lead Billing Specialist at Connections Wellness Group.
Tiffany Godwin, RD, LD is a Dietitian and the Director of Nutrition and Wellness at Connections Wellness Group. Lauren and Tiffany chat about how harmful diet culture is and how our relationship with food is lifelong. This episode aims to educate on intuitive eating, health at every size, and navigating mixed messages about food.
Disclaimer: This episode discusses topics related to eating disorders that may be triggering. The terms, 'overweight' and 'obese' are used in the context of their medical definition for educational purposes. The use of this current medical terminology perpetuates weight stigma in healthcare.
Lauren chats with CEO Awstin Gregg LCSW, LCDC about addiction. Our conversation shines a light on those battling addiction and how loved ones can help. Awstin is an Adjunct Professor at Texas Christian University, Texas A&M Commerce, and the University of North Texas. Awstin has provided state, national, and international presentations, lectures, keynote speaking, and CEUs on the subject of Addiction. This episode aims to answer some difficult questions about addiction and why it exists in the first place.
Sharon Hicks, MA, has experienced homelessness and addiction firsthand, which has inspired her to become an advocate, researcher, and caregiver for those populations today. Lauren and Sharon discuss difficulties the homeless population faces and teenagers experiencing addiction. Sharon is a resilient individual who has beat the odds and wants to help others do the same.
Sarah Ann Banis, LCSW, specializes in working with crisis stabilization, psychosis, depression, anxiety, bullying, PTSD, and veteran’s issues. Her husband is a veteran so she knows first-hand the struggles this population faces. Lauren and Sarah discuss veterans and mental health to learn how to best move forward. This episode aims to educate on the mental health experience of veterans and how we can better help those who have served.
Lauren sits down with Angela Powell, LPC, Director of Private Practice at Connections Wellness Group. We discuss Angela's specialty with trauma and how we have all experienced global trauma with the pandemic. This episode is for anyone looking to learn more about trauma responses and finding a new normal with Covid-19.
Lauren and Sarah Robinson, LPC, discuss antisemitism and how it impacts mental health. Recent events spark a conversation about cancel culture. This episode aims to educate on the Jewish American experience and how we can better help clients and friends.
In this episode, Lauren and Richard-Michael Calzada, LPC, EMDR Trained, discuss EMDR therapy and meditation practices as well as the ability to push yourself to places you never thought imaginable. This conversation touches on why Richard-Michael became a therapist and the importance of checking in with yourself.
In this episode, Lauren and Denny Taylor, LPC talk about everything from mental health in movies, being a camp counselor, and even professional wrestling. We talk about finding our place in the world and how dangerous it can be when we don't fit in. Our conversation is for anyone who has struggled to find their place in the world.
In this episode, Lauren chats with CEO Awstin Gregg LCSW, LCDC about mental health care and leadership. We talk about how the landscape of mental health care is shifting and factors like accessibility and barriers. We discuss leadership skills needed to thrive in today's market. Our conversation shines a light on taking risks and creating an encouraging environment for all.
Welcome to the first episode of Connections Chat! In this new podcast, we will be interviewing mental health professionals to help eradicate the mental health stigma by providing resources to the community. In this episode, Lauren and Josh discuss vulnerability and the power and connecting with others.