Shows
Resilience Development in Action: First Responder Mental HealthE.193 Healing Trauma Through Dance: Insights from Dance Movement Therapist Lisa MancaSend us a textWhat if you could heal trauma and emotional pain through movement? Join us as dance movement therapist Lisa Manca, alongside guest co-host Courtney Romanowski, unveils the transformative power of dance therapy. Lisa brings her expertise from forensic and psychiatric settings, offering unique insights into how movement can aid personal growth and healing. We tackle the challenges mental health professionals face in intense environments like prisons, revealing the unexpected benefits of dance therapy in helping individuals, including inmates, reconnect with their humanity amidst administrative hurdles.Explore the profound connection between movement, therapy...
2025-02-2642 min
Resilience Development in Action: First Responder Mental HealthE.183 Reflecting on a Year of Transformative Conversations and New Connections in TherapySend us a textReflecting on a year filled with transformative conversations and invaluable insights, I've had the pleasure of sharing 47 new episodes with 24 incredible new voices on the "Finding Your Way Through Therapy" podcast. Among other voices are recurring guests like Stephanie Simpson and Keith Hanks, whose impactful contributions continue to resonate within our community. Inspired by the guidance of mentors like Dennis Sweeney, I've been expanding my practice to include corporate coaching, influenced by the rich discussions we've explored together. This year has also been a journey of growing friendships and professional connections that have...
2024-12-1812 min
Resilience Development in Action: First Responder Mental HealthTransformative Therapy: Movement and Mental Wellness With Courtney Romanowski and Audrey Albert-King In Summer ReplaySend us a textDiscover the transformative power of dance movement therapy in our latest episode featuring Courtney Romanowski, our new co-host, and Audrey Albert-King, a licensed mental health counselor and board-certified dance movement therapist. Audrey brings her extensive knowledge to the table, revealing how reconnecting with our bodies and understanding nonverbal communication can revolutionize mental health care. From processing emotions through movement to the benefits of somatic therapies, you'll gain a new perspective on therapeutic practices that go beyond traditional talk therapy.Step into the world of therapeutic movement as we discuss integrating body-centered...
2024-07-3148 min
Resilience Development in Action: First Responder Mental HealthE.157 Innovative Therapeutic Approaches with Expressive Arts with Bed HerminSend us a textGuest host Courtney Romanowski unlocks the power of creativity and emotional healing with our special guest, Bed Hermin, a licensed mental health counselor and registered expressive arts therapist. Discover how Bed's educational journey at Lesley University and the rich history of the expressive arts therapy program shape their approach to therapy. Bed guides us through the innovative practices of intermodal, polyaesthetic embodiment, highlighting how these methods foster self-exploration and healing in ways that transcend traditional art forms.Ever wondered how thoughts manifest in the brain, or how attention and energy movement...
2024-06-1949 min
Resilience Development in Action: First Responder Mental HealthE.148 A Unique Upbringing Exploring the Life of an Only ChildSend us a textEver feel like the solo act in a world of ensemble casts? That's the thread we tug at in our latest heart-to-heart, as Courtney Romanowski and I welcome the vibrant Jen (Jay) Nakhai, and new dad, Brody Clemmer, to the mix. We peel back the layers of what it means to grow up as an only child, touching on the bittersweet longing for siblings and the imaginative solutions we concocted to keep loneliness at bay. Jen's fiery passion for community meets Brody's fresh paternal insights, creating a tapestry of stories that reveal how...
2024-04-1752 min
Resilience Development in Action: First Responder Mental HealthE.139 Exploring the Transformative Power of Drama Therapy with Krista VerrastroSend us a textGet ready to unlock the transformative power of drama therapy with our enlightening conversation featuring the insightful Krista Verrastro. As we traverse the realms of emotional healing and personal growth, Krista, a dedicated drama therapist, joins guest host, Courtney Romanowski, to share her expertise in helping individuals confront relational trauma and societal disconnection. This episode is a treasure trove of knowledge, spotlighting how drama therapy's innovative techniques, like storytelling and puppetry, offer a vibrant alternative to traditional talk therapy.Embark on a captivating exploration of aesthetic distance and its synergy with...
2024-02-1448 min
Resilience Development in Action: First Responder Mental HealthE.132 Season Finale: Celebrating Growth, Resilience, and the Transformative Power of TherapySend us a textAs Season 10 draws to a close, it's a time for heartfelt reflection and storytelling that will leave you both inspired and introspective. You'll be moved by the tales of growth from those who make a living by listening, like Courtney Romanowski, whose transition from guest to guest host embodies the beauty of mental health counseling and expressive arts therapy. She can be reached on her website here.You will hear from Eric Knox who discussed firefighters and mental health.Pavel Ythjall describes his strength when tragedy struck...
2023-12-2747 min
Resilience Development in Action: First Responder Mental HealthE.130 Most Popular Navigating Emotions and Finding Joy: Gordon Brewer's PerspectiveSend us a textHave you ever been curious about the intricate world of therapy? We navigated this fascinating realm with our guest Gordon Brewer, a seasoned therapist who specializes in helping couples and men struggling with sex and pornography addictions. Gordon gave us a unique look into his work and shared insightful life lessons about overcoming addiction, the importance of being present, and the need for therapists to seek their own healing.In our deeply enriching conversation, we touched on how therapists grapple with the emotional drain of their work. We delved into vicarious...
2023-12-1353 min
Resilience Development in Action: First Responder Mental HealthE.129 Favorite S.10 Episode Comedy's Role in Mental Health: A Talk with Brad MastrangeloSend us a textHave you ever wondered how a dare could transform a person's life? Join us as we sit down with the uproarious Brad Mastrangelo, who shares his unexpected journey into stand-up comedy and how his experiences as a performer, cop cleaner and family man shape his unique brand of humor. We chat and chuckle, reflecting on the joy that humor brings to our lives.Our conversation takes a thoughtful turn as we explore the therapeutic power of comedy. We delve into how embracing emotional diversity can disrupt the damaging patterns that impair...
2023-12-0647 min
Resilience Development in Action: First Responder Mental HealthE.128 Best Of The Season: Exploring the Labyrinth of Mental Health: A Conversation with Therapist Jenny Helms CalvinSend us a textHave you ever wondered about the intricacies of therapy and how it can guide you through the labyrinth of your mind? Buckle up as we engage in a profound discussion with our esteemed guest, Jenny Helms Calvin, who has been at the forefront of mental health advocacy and has carved a niche for herself as a skilled therapist in Kansas. Jenny shares her thrilling journey of managing her group private practice, her impactful work on social media, and her upcoming project which promises to widen access to clients in a coaching setting.
2023-11-2852 min
Resilience Development in Action: First Responder Mental HealthE.127 Celebrating a Year of Therapy Breakthroughs and the Arrival of Festive TimesSend us a textLet's take a moment to appreciate the journey we've undertaken this past year on the Finding Your Way Through Therapy podcast. We've been privileged to host an array of fascinating guests, including courageous first responders and brave individuals sharing their personal therapy experiences. Our milestone 100th episode week was a time filled with celebration and reflection. During this time, we not only introduced our fantastic co-host, Courtney Romanowski, but also witnessed a profound display of resilience in three powerful interviews with Lynn Key. And yes, yours truly, Steve Bisson, managed to overcome flight...
2023-11-2209 min
Resilience Development in Action: First Responder Mental HealthE.126 Discover the Therapeutic Potential of Movement with Audrey Albert King, Hosted By Courtney RomanowskiSend us a textWondering how to reclaim your physical connection with your body? Or ever thought about the power of nonverbal communication? Today, join us as we learn from Audrey Albert King, an expert in the realm of dance and movement therapy. She's a licensed mental health counselor, board certified dance movement therapist, and certified movement analyst. Together with our fresh voice, co-host Courtney Romanowski, we strive to unwrap the profound mysteries of dance therapy and its immense healing power.Our journey takes us into the fascinating world of body-centered psychotherapy, dance movement therapy...
2023-11-1548 min
Resilience Development in Action: First Responder Mental HealthE.125 Mastering Mindfulness and Emotional Regulation with Psychotherapist Liz KellySend us a textDo you ever feel like you're running on empty, saying 'yes' to everything and everyone, draining your energy reserves? Join us as we welcome our phenomenal guest, Liz Kelly, a psychotherapist and author who's made it her mission to help others navigate the maze of mental health. With over a decade's experience in the mental health field, her insights on self-care and boundary-setting are a must-hear for anyone feeling the weight of a busy life.Together, we take a deep dive into the profound effects of self-care, and how the simple...
2023-11-0857 min
Resilience Development in Action: First Responder Mental HealthE.120 A Tale of Survival: Navigating Past Abuse, Addiction, and the Justice SystemSend us a textWhat would you do if you were forced to confront a dark chapter from your past after 15 years? Join us as Lynn Kee, a survivor and embodiment of resilience, opens up about her painful journey towards recovery from childhood sexual abuse and addiction. Lynn dives deep into the legal repercussions she navigated, illustrating how the justice system can, unfortunately, contribute to secondary trauma for survivors. Lynn's narrative is a powerful testament to survival and courage. She recounts the chilling moment she encountered her offender, despite having a lifetime stay away order, s...
2023-10-041h 00
Resilience Development in Action: First Responder Mental HealthE.119 "First Responders In Crisis" Documentary: Tackling Mental Health Stigma in the First Responder CommunitySend us a textHave you ever wondered about the hidden struggles that first responders face on a daily basis? We sit down with Keith Hanks, a retired firefighter EMT from Massachusetts, Scot Ruggles, a former football coach and actor, Corey Moss, the co-director and producer of the documentary 'First Responders in Crisis'. We delve into their experiences, shedding light on the mental health struggles they contend with, and how they find resilience amidst the challenges. We also pay homage to the brave men and women who put their lives on the line. On this j...
2023-09-2753 min
Resilience Development in Action: First Responder Mental HealthE.117 Journey into Therapy: Insights and Experiences from the 'Mental Men'Send us a textAre you ready to embark on a journey of wisdom, growth and self-discovery? This episode, we're joined by the ‘mental men’ - Pat Rice, Dr. Robert Cherney, Dennis Sweeney, and Andrew Kang - four inspiring mentors who share their experiences and insights as psychotherapists. We converse about their diverse career trajectories and their perspectives on the therapy process, especially in treating those in recovery and de-stigmatizing mental health care. Their unique stories and experiences provide a rich tapestry of insight, inspiring us to look at mental health and healing in a new light....
2023-09-131h 03
Resilience Development in Action: First Responder Mental HealthE.116 The Dance of Therapy: Maegan Visconti's Inspiring JourneySend us a textYou won't want to miss our eye-opening chat with Maegan Visconti, the former dancer who danced her way into the world of dance movement therapy. Let her inspiring journey move you as she leaps fearlessly into the trials and triumphs of launching her own private practice - all while juggling wedding planning and house hunting. Find out how she copes with stress and keeps her life in balance, turning to therapy as much-needed maintenance during even the most joyful life changes.Ever wondered about the inside workings of a private therapy...
2023-09-0654 min
Resilience Development in Action: First Responder Mental HealthE.114 Addressing Mental Health Challenges in First Responders: A Journey of Awareness, Support and HealingSend us a textPicture this: You're a first responder, racing against the clock to save lives, and the stress, trauma, and emotional toll are building up. How do you cope? This episode features a frank, heart-to-heart discussion with Jay Ball, a sergeant with the Framingham Police Department, and Brian Harkins, a firefighter in Stoughton, Massachusetts, who bravely open up about the mental health challenges faced by first responders.Together, we blow the whistle on the stigma surrounding mental health and the importance of peer support. As we navigate through their personal experiences, we offer...
2023-08-2359 min
Resilience Development in Action: First Responder Mental HealthE.113 Delving into the Depths of Grief with Gina MoffaSend us a textWho says learning can't be made insightful, gripping, and transformative? That's what we aim to embody in every episode, and this particular conversation with Gina Moffa, a New York-based grief and trauma-informed therapist, is no exception. Gina's journey, evolving from a keen interest in international relations and human behavior to becoming a grief therapy specialist, is as fascinating as it is inspiring. She explains the intertwined nature of trauma and grief work, and how therapy can become our mirror, revealing more about ourselves, our misconceptions, and our potential for growth.Gina's...
2023-08-161h 05
Resilience Development in Action: First Responder Mental HealthE.112 Unveiling the Dance of Emotions with Therapist Maegan GarveySend us a textDoes the rhythm of our emotions dance to the tune of our body movements? Could dance be the language that helps you connect to your deepest emotions? Meet our fabulous guest Maegan Garvey, a seasoned mental health counselor and a board-certified dance movement therapist, who shares her remarkable journey in the unique field combining dance and therapy. From the drama of dance studios to the intricacies of therapy, Maegan enthralls us with her passion for dance and its therapeutic merits.Maegan offers pearls of wisdom on the allure of private practice...
2023-08-0954 min
Resilience Development in Action: First Responder Mental HealthE.110 Courage Amidst Trauma: Finding Healing Through Substance Abuse StrugglesSend us a textImagine not only surviving the horrific experience of childhood rape but also courageously seeking justice for that crime. Our guest, Lynn Kee, brings us into her world as she shares the daunting realities of this journey, and the shocking revelation that justice doesn't always pave the way for healing. Our candid discussion with Lynn exposes the secondary trauma of the justice process and the importance of trauma-informed care, especially when dealing with differing rape situations.Beyond her traumatic past, Lynn opens up about her struggles with substance abuse, a common coping...
2023-07-2654 min
Resilience Development in Action: First Responder Mental HealthE.109 Walking through Fire: Lynn Kee's Battle Against Childhood Sexual AbuseSend us a textWe're privileged to have an extraordinary guest on our show, Lynn Kee, who makes the brave decision to share her life's most challenging experiences. Lynn, a survivor of childhood sexual trauma, offers a chilling recount of her ordeal, unfolding her family's struggle as they grappled with the aftermath of her trauma. Coupled with her own healing journey, she bravely articulates the contrasting paths she and her sister took towards recovery. Lynn's story doesn't shy away from the complexities of her relationship with an older mentor who manipulated his way into transforming a...
2023-07-1954 min
Resilience Development in Action: First Responder Mental HealthE.108 Unraveling the Mind: The Power of Mentorship and Community in Mental Health TherapySend us a textAre you ready to unravel the mysteries of the mind and reimagine the way we perceive mental health? Together with Dennis Sweeney, Dr. Robert Cherney, Andrew Kang and the ever-engaging Pat Rice, we're embarking on a journey, mining for powerful insights from their transformative experiences. These four luminaries, affectionately known as the Mental Men, have significantly influenced my growth, both personally and professionally, and will undoubtedly inspire you too. Their candid discussions on therapy, power dynamics between therapists and clients, and the role of mentorship will leave you contemplating, reflecting, and yearning for...
2023-07-121h 03Resilience Development in Action: First Responder Mental HealthE.106 Overcoming Vicarious Trauma: A Therapist's Guide to Self-Care and Meaningful LivingSend us a textDo you ever wonder how therapists manage their own mental health while helping others? Join us for a captivating conversation with Gordon Brewer, a licensed marriage and family therapist and creator of the PsychCraft Network. In this enlightening episode, we explore the importance of therapists engaging in therapy themselves, the concept of vicarious trauma, and the significance of integrating our mind, body, and spirit.Discover the power of finding meaning in our lives as we discuss methods to override the amygdala and work on our brains and emotions to achieve greater...
2023-06-2849 min