Shows
A Hero's Welcome PodcastBeyond Burnout: Discovering Your Authentic Professional Self with Madison DuranSend us a textProfessional identity formation is a crucial yet often overlooked process for preventing burnout and achieving fulfillment in the mental health field.Burnout symptoms closely mirror those of an identity crisisMany clinicians experience burnout within just 2-5 years of practiceProfessional identity involves aligning personal values with professional workTransitioning from training to practice requires developing your voiceNavigating insurance systems often creates value conflictsMixed messages from employers create professional confusionFinding role models helps shape your professional identityA strong professional identity acts as a GPS for career decisionsProfessional identity formation is an ongoing process, not a...
2025-08-2135 min
A Hero's Welcome PodcastSITH Conference 2025: Join us for a deep dive into Beyond Borders & Supervising with Caution with Liliana BaylonSend us a textLiliana joins us to preview her two upcoming workshops at the SITH conference in Las Cruces this October, focusing on cultural humility in mental health and ethical supervision practices. Her unique approach combines her experience as a migrant, her passion for ethics, and her training across multiple supervision models to offer fresh perspectives that go beyond stereotypical checklists.• Liliana will present two workshops: "Beyond Borders: Culturally Responsive & Ethical Care in Play Therapy and Mental Health" and "Supervising with Caution: Legal Pitfalls and Protections in Play Therapy"• Unlike typical train...
2025-08-1508 minA Hero's Welcome PodcastSITH Conference 2025: Rooted & Resilient: Healing Ourselves While We Heal Systems with Maria Laquerre-DiegoSend us a textMaria introduces the SITH (Supportive Innovation for Therapeutic Heroes) conference, taking place in Las Cruces this October, featuring her session, "Rooted and Resilient: Healing Ourselves While we Heal Systems."• SITH conference provides in-person learning with a fun, geeky pop culture vibe for therapists• Maria's session focuses on therapist self-healing while working in depleting systems• Conference specifically addresses court-involved cases and high-stress clinical situations• Session will explore expressive arts, journaling, and sand work as self-healing modalities• Honest discussions about systems that make clinical work difficult, including sociopolitical and family sys...
2025-08-1505 min
A Hero's Welcome PodcastSITH Conference 2025: The Legal Arena: Playing by the Rules and Advocating for ClientsThrough Play Therapy & Clinical Expertise with Val BrunoSend us a textWe welcome special guest Val to discuss her upcoming session at the SITH Conference, which focuses on helping clinicians navigate the legal arena with confidence. Val shares her expertise as a translator between the therapeutic world and legal settings, helping therapists understand how to effectively advocate for their clients in court.• SITH (Supportive Innovations for Therapeutic Heroes) is an in-person conference in Las Cruces, New Mexico, October 9-11• This year's conference focuses on the legal arena and court-involved cases• Val will present on "The Legal Arena: Playing by the Rules...
2025-08-1510 min
A Hero's Welcome PodcastSITH Conference 2025 - The Force Within the Family with Jen ShiveySend us a textWe delve into the upcoming SITH Conference (Supportive Innovations for Therapeutic Heroes) taking place October 9-11 in Las Cruces, New Mexico, with a special focus on court-involved cases and family systems work in play therapy.• Jenny discusses her conference session "The Force Within the Family" focusing on family dynamics in play therapy• Importance of working with the entire family system rather than just the child in therapy• How to engage with the trifecta of home, school, and therapy for lasting change• Special focus on LGBTQ+ affirming approaches to family t...
2025-08-1411 min
A Hero's Welcome PodcastBalancing Ethics and Flexibility Creates Better Therapy with Dr. Dana WyssSend us a textHow do we honor therapeutic boundaries while truly meeting clients where they are? In this thought-provoking reunion episode with Dr. Dana Weiss, we explore the delicate dance between ethical practice and therapeutic flexibility.Dana shares a compelling case study of working with a client in a domestic violence situation who splits time between countries, illustrating the complex decisions therapists face when standard practices don't fit unique client circumstances. Rather than rigid adherence to convention, Dana demonstrates how thoughtful adaptation—increasing session frequency when the client is available, creating personalized therapeutic tools, an...
2025-08-0736 min
A Hero's Welcome PodcastNavigating High-Conflict Divorce Therapy with Berenice Leon-FonsecaSend us a textFew therapists willingly choose to work with high-conflict divorce cases. The fear of subpoenas, licensing board complaints, and getting caught in legal crossfire keeps many clinicians from helping the families who may need them most. But Berenice Leon Fonseca sees things differently.Drawing from her unique background in law and family therapy, Berenice illuminates the path for therapists who want to serve families navigating the painful journey of separation but feel intimidated by court involvement. She challenges the profession's tendency toward fear-based avoidance, asking a powerful question: "When we hear somebody...
2025-07-2439 min
A Hero's Welcome PodcastBeyond Control: How Behavior Speaks with Robyn GobbelSend us a textDemystifying the complex world of childhood trauma behaviors demands more than clinical knowledge—it requires a profound shift in how we view challenging behaviors altogether. Robin, a seasoned former therapist who specialized in supporting families of children with trauma histories, joins us to transform how we interpret behavior that seems baffling, dangerous, or personally directed.At the heart of this conversation lies a powerful truth: all behavior is communication. Robin shares how this simple-yet-revolutionary perspective changed not just her clinical effectiveness but her entire job satisfaction. For therapists overwhelmed by children's di...
2025-07-1038 min
A Hero's Welcome PodcastThe Role of Attachment and Mentorship with Clair MellenthinSend us a textDiscover the transformative power of earned security in attachment theory with the insightful Clair Mellenthin, the brilliant mind behind Attachment-Centered Play Therapy. Clair unveils her pioneering research on the journey of registered play therapists, highlighting how their attachment histories deeply influence their professional and personal lives. This conversation offers a beacon of hope, emphasizing that early relationship patterns are not set in stone and can evolve through nurturing surrogate attachments like mentors and supervisors, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit.We explore the significant impact of mentorship and its profound...
2025-06-2640 min
A Hero's Welcome PodcastOfficers' Path to Personal Growth and Well-being with Anjuli R. ThompsonSend us a textEver wonder how law enforcement officers manage their roles' immense stress while maintaining their identities? Our insightful guest, Anjuli Raven Thompson, a licensed professional counselor supervisor, steps into the spotlight to share her fascinating journey as a mental health advocate for police officers. Inspired by her husband's lengthy career in law enforcement, Anjali has carved out a unique niche by integrating synergetic play therapy into her work, offering officers a tailored approach to mental health support.Empathy and authenticity are at the heart of our conversation, and we emphasize the necessity...
2025-06-1240 min
A Hero's Welcome PodcastEmbracing Cultural Sensitivity and Early Relational Health with Dr. Meyleen VelasquezSend us a textDr. Meyleen Velasquez, an inspiring Latina clinician, joins us to share her profound journey in mental health, shaped by her own life with vitiligo and her dedication to working with perinatal and early relational health. Embarking on this path in Miami, she was one of the few Spanish-speaking clinicians, leading her to specialize in play therapy. We explore her newly published book, "What Therapists Need to Know About Perinatal and Early Relational Health," which provides an anti-oppressive framework for supporting pregnant individuals and families with young children. Listen as Dr. Velasquez emphasizes the...
2025-05-2242 min
A Hero's Welcome PodcastUnderstanding Intergenerational Trauma with Mili ShoemakerSend us a textUnlock the secrets of intergenerational trauma with Milagros "Mili" Sarmiento Shoemaker, a distinguished therapist who bridges cultures from Argentina to the United States. Have you ever wondered how the experiences of your ancestors shape your life today? This episode promises insights into understanding trauma as a survival mechanism that transcends generations, using historical contexts, like wars and migrations, to illustrate the invisible threads connecting us to our past.Our conversation with Mili dives deep into the layers of generational healing, where we explore the unique privilege and responsibility our generation holds...
2025-05-0839 min
A Hero's Welcome PodcastUnpacking Domestic Violence: Beyond Physical Abuse with Sybil CumminSend us a textJoin us for a compelling conversation with Sybil Cummin, a licensed professional counselor whose expertise in domestic violence sheds light on a topic often misunderstood. Sybil takes us beyond the physical aspects of abuse, highlighting the more subtle yet equally damaging forms of control and manipulation that can infiltrate relationships. From financial manipulation to spiritual abuse, Sybil unpacks the various ways one partner can exert power over another, urging us to recognize these signs early on.We challenge societal stereotypes and cultural misconceptions that simplify domestic abuse to mere physical violence...
2025-04-2438 min
A Hero's Welcome PodcastNavigating Neurodiversity in Mental Health with Dr. Robert Jason GrantSend us a textWhat happens when the professional world of mental health meets the personal journey of neurodivergence? Join us as we sit down with Dr. Robert Jason Grant, who shares his profound experience of being diagnosed with sensory processing disorder as an adult. Dr. Grant opens up about the internalized ableism he faced and the role the autistic community played in his journey towards acceptance. We explore the often conditional acceptance of diversity in professional settings and the pressures neurodivergent professionals experience to conceal parts of their identity. This episode shines a light on the...
2025-04-1037 minA Hero's Welcome Podcast🎙️ Bonus Episode: Challenging Hustle Culture with Maria Diego and Liliana BaylonSend us a textWhat if the relentless drive for success is harming you? Join Maria Diego and Liliana Baylon as they critically examine the hustle culture that saturates the mental health field. Inspired by their recent book club reading, "Dynamic Drive," they share personal experiences from their rigorous academic journeys and career paths. Together, they challenge the idea that relentless hustling is necessary for success, especially when it comes at the cost of personal well-being. This episode encourages you to reconsider your definitions of success and explores healthier, more sustainable approaches to professional growth....
2025-04-0331 minA Hero's Welcome PodcastTrauma Response: Supporting Mental Health Clinicians in CrisisSend us a textWhen tragedy strikes a community, mental health professionals rush to provide support—but who supports them? This candid conversation explores the often-overlooked challenges faced by therapists in the aftermath of a recent mass shooting in Las Cruces, New Mexico.We dive into the harsh reality that mental health providers are expected to function as first responders without receiving the recognition, resources, or support given to other emergency personnel. Despite carrying traumatic stories day after day, therapists are left to navigate their emotional responses while continuing to show up for clients in cr...
2025-03-2726 minA Hero's Welcome PodcastMass Shootings and Mental Health: Who Helps the Helpers?Send us a textWhen tragedy strikes a community, mental health professionals rush to provide support—but who supports them? This candid conversation explores the often-overlooked challenges faced by therapists in the aftermath of a recent mass shooting in Las Cruces, New Mexico.We dive into the harsh reality that mental health providers are expected to function as first responders without receiving the recognition, resources, or support given to other emergency personnel. Despite carrying traumatic stories day after day, therapists are left to navigate their own emotional responses while continuing to show up for clients in...
2025-03-2701 minA Hero's Welcome PodcastChoosing Your Battles: Mental Health ActivismSend us a textWhat happens when the cost of having your voice heard threatens your wellbeing? In this raw, unplanned conversation, we explore the painful reality many professionals face: choosing which battles to fight and which to walk away from.The discussion begins with a triggering incident in a professional setting where unprofessional behavior created a hostile environment. From there, we unpack the specific challenges faced by those with "dynamic disabilities" – conditions that aren't immediately visible but significantly impact daily life. "But you look fine" becomes a phrase that dismisses real suffering and forces ma...
2025-03-2119 min
A Hero's Welcome PodcastThe Transformative Power of Play with Jackie FlynnSend us a textExplore the transformative world of play therapy with our insightful guest, Jackie Flynn, a passionate mental health counselor and play therapist from Central Florida. In this enlightening episode, we unpack the power of play therapy to heal psychological trauma across all ages, thanks to the brain's remarkable ability to adapt and change. Jacqueline shares her inspirational journey and dedication to making mental health resources more accessible, especially within BIPOC communities. Recognized by EMDRIA for her advocacy, she elucidates the profound therapeutic value of play, underscoring it as a vital healing process rather than...
2025-03-1335 min
A Hero's Welcome PodcastTransforming Mental Health Experiences for BIPOC Communities with Joy EwingSend us a textWhat if mental health care could be as inviting as a spa day? We sit down with Joy Ewing, a trailblazer in holistic therapy and owner of Joy Life Counseling, to uncover how she's transforming mental health support for the BIPOC community in Aurora, Colorado. Joy shares her groundbreaking approaches, including emotionally focused therapy (EFT), EMDR for trauma, and alternative therapies like neurofeedback and yoga, all tailored to meet the unique needs of her clients. Her practice stands out by offering specialized support groups, such as those for Black mothers, and community-building activities...
2025-02-2832 min
A Hero's Welcome Podcast📖 The Latinx Guide to Liberation: Healing from Historical, Generational, and Individual Trauma with Vanessa PezoSend us a textWhat happens when the pressure to be "twice as perfect" meets the complexities of cultural identity? Join us as trauma therapist and author Vanessa Pezo unravels this very question in our latest episode. Vanessa's groundbreaking book, "The Latinx Guide to Liberation," provides a powerful framework for understanding the pressures Latinos face navigating American and Latino cultural expectations. Through the lens of iconic stories like "Selena" and the personal narratives of immigrants, Vanessa sheds light on the profound impact of historical and generational trauma. Her insights challenge prevailing stereotypes, urging us to honor the...
2025-02-2128 min
A Hero's Welcome PodcastThe Journey to Mindfulness Self Compassion with Rose LaPiereSend us a textWhat if embracing your own imperfections could not only enhance your life but also positively impact those around you? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Rose Lapierre as we unravel the art of mindful self-compassion. Inspired by thought leaders like Dr. Kristin Neff and the Dalai Lama, Rose shares her transformative journey, shedding light on how recognizing our shared human struggles can cultivate compassion for oneself. As therapists, mothers, and entrepreneurs, we navigate the intricate dance between professional duties and personal wellbeing, underscoring the vital role of mutual support in our quest...
2025-02-1333 min
A Hero's Welcome Podcast📖 Book: White Supremacy is All Around... by Dr. CadetSend us a textWhat if navigating the world felt like a constant battle against invisible forces? Dr. Cadet, a Black, disabled woman, shares her compelling journey through high school discrimination, chronic pain, and the societal tensions that inspired her book, "White Supremacy Is All Around: Notes from a Black, Disabled Woman in a White World." As an advocate, leader, and owner of the Oakland Roots and Soul soccer teams, Dr. Cadet opens up about her multifaceted career and the profound impact her work has had on readers seeking guidance through societal challenges. In a r...
2025-02-0651 min
A Hero's Welcome Podcast🏰 Inclusive Representation and Gender Diversity in Play Therapy with Jessica CauthorneSend us a textJessica Cauthorne is back for a special bonus episode of A Hero's Welcome Podcast, and she’s bringing her insights on the power of inclusive representation in play therapy. Discover how her upcoming workshop at the Play Therapy Disney Bound conference is set to revolutionize approaches to mental health support for the LGBTQ+ community. Learn how beloved Disney narratives like The Owl House and Strange World are more than just entertainment—they’re vital tools for visibility and connection. Jessica shares how therapists can creatively incorporate these cultural symbols to foster a deeper sense...
2025-01-3022 min
A Hero's Welcome PodcastNavigating Subpoenas: Legal Insights and Empowerment for Therapists with Julie JacobsSend us a textJulie Jacobs, a psychologist turned attorney, offers a treasure trove of insights for mental health providers seeking to navigate the often intimidating world of subpoenas. Ever wondered how to maintain composure when faced with legal documents demanding client information? This episode promises to equip therapists with the knowledge and confidence to tackle these challenges head-on. Julie's unique journey from psychology to law provides a fresh perspective on the intricacies of legal requests, particularly in the post-COVID landscape, where a new wave of therapists is emerging.Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding...
2025-01-2335 min