Episodes

  • 1110 - Beyond Willpower: Nervous System Regulation for PAWS (Counselor CEU)

    1110 - Beyond Willpower: Nervous System Regulation for PAWS (Counselor CEU)
    May 22 2026
    00:00 Introduction & Overview 01:04 Defining Addiction & Postacute Withdrawal (PAWS) 03:30 Symptoms and Experience of PAWS 05:56 Duration and Course of PAWS 08:06 Educating Supporters & Common Misunderstandings 09:53 Addiction's Effects on the Nervous System 13:05 Behavioral Addictions & Neurochemistry 14:38 Other Stressors in Addiction 15:40 Gut Health and Nutrition in Recovery 18:25 Hormonal Imbalances & Increased Pain 19:35 Hypervigilance, Trauma, and Stress Response 21:05 Treatment Strategies: Sleep, Nutrition & Environment 22:52 Supporting Gut & Hormonal Health Practically 25:08 Interpersonal & Relationship Challenges 29:13 Emotional Regulation in Recovery 30:06 Cognitive Impairment & Coping Strategies 33:13 Environmental Triggers & Safety 35:00 Sympathetic Dominance & Substitute Addictions 37:44 Empowerment & Managing Ongoing Stress 40:39 Therapy Skills: Grounding & Mindfulness 43:39 Checking Perceptions & Addressing Mind Reading 46:01 Sleep Hygiene, Emotional Numbing, and Activation 48:07 Cognitive Strategies: Ruminations & Impulsivity 51:36 Common Recovery Mistakes & Healthy Habits 54:06 Overlooked Areas: Blood Sugar, Oral Health & Vagal Tone 55:53 Mindfulness, Behavioral Activation & Resilience 01:00:00 Spirituality, Empowerment & Recovery Principles 01:00:38 Conclusion & Key Takeaways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • 1109 - Thyroid Trouble: The Hidden Root of Low Energy, Mood & Brain Fog

    1109 - Thyroid Trouble: The Hidden Root of Low Energy, Mood & Brain Fog
    May 15 2026
    00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:34 Thyroid Basics and Mental Health 01:54 Thyroid Imbalances: Symptoms and Impacts 05:04 Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases and Inflammation 06:35 Thyroid and the Stress Response 12:10 Thyroid Hormones: TSH, T4, T3, and RT3 16:37 Blood Tests and Diagnosing Thyroid Issues 20:03 Chronic Stress, Downward Spirals, and Depression 27:02 Thyroid, Hormones, and the Autonomic Nervous System 31:01 Gonadal Hormones, PCOS, and Thyroid 36:06 Thyroid Dysfunction and Aging 39:59 Neurotransmitters and Thyroid Connection 44:03 Medication, Nutrients, and Thyroid Function 48:03 Thyroid Stress: Challenges and Patient Experience 52:53 Therapeutic and Practical Strategies 57:52 Cognitive and Environmental Supports 01:00:42 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • 1108 - Calmer Environments for Seniors: Sensory & Communication Tips

    1108 - Calmer Environments for Seniors: Sensory & Communication Tips
    May 8 2026
    00:00 Introduction: Safe Environments for Older Adults 01:11 Goals: Reducing Stress Through Environment 01:32 Sensory Loss and Daily Hazards 03:00 Touch and Smell: Accidents and Safety Concerns 04:12 Impact of Sensory Decline on Well-Being 05:18 Hearing Loss, Vulnerability, and Emotional Impact 07:05 Isolation, Depression and Cognitive Health 08:04 Slowed Processing and Increased Vulnerability 09:01 Trauma, Falls, and Emotional Recovery 10:59 Historical Trauma and Environmental Triggers 13:02 Managing Trauma Triggers: Noise and Weather 15:16 Customizing the Environment for Comfort 18:25 Stress, Nervous System, and Physical Health 20:05 Trauma-Informed Care and Triggers 21:20 Smells and Holiday Triggers 23:17 Screening and Supporting Sensory Needs 24:05 Designing Empowering Spaces and Communication 25:04 Gentle Care, Trust, and Sensory Aids 26:05 Safety, Anxiety, and Personality Changes 27:03 Assistive Technologies and Overcoming Device Hesitation 29:01 Chronic Stress: Blood Sugar, Blood Pressure, and Health 31:33 Inflammation, Brain Health, and Cognitive Decline 32:52 Pain, Immunity, and Memory Impacts 34:06 Noise, Light, and Environment Modifications 36:15 Adjustments for Sensory Processing 39:01 Announcing Presence and Movement Zones 41:05 Smell: Positive Memories and Noxious Triggers 42:31 Tech Tools for Safety and Independence 45:12 Fire, Crime, and Disaster Preparedness 47:09 Handling Strangers and Maintaining Security 48:59 Empowerment Through Environmental Control Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    51 mins
  • 1107 - Whole Person Counseling: Addiction Assessment & Interventions

    1107 - Whole Person Counseling: Addiction Assessment & Interventions
    May 6 2026
    00:00 Welcome & Functional Health Overview 00:45 Defining Addiction & Relapse Vulnerabilities 01:57 Addiction Causes: The Whole Person Approach 02:22 Development & Progression of Addiction 03:25 Tolerance, Withdrawal & Recovery 05:06 Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) 06:36 Impact of Circadian Disruption in Recovery 09:12 Physical Causes: Stress, ANS Dysregulation 12:12 Consequences: Stress, Inflammation & Sleep 14:11 Interventions for Stress & Nervous System 16:06 Hypervigilance & Creating Safety 17:31 Sleep Difficulties, Apnea & Addiction Links 20:26 Sleep Hygiene, Circadian Rhythms & Interventions 23:37 Nutritional Deficiencies & Gut Microbiome 25:16 Interventions: Nutrition, Diet & Probiotics 27:01 Blood Sugar Regulation in Recovery 29:34 Immune System, Inflammation & Pain 32:28 Physical Health, Autoimmune Disorders & Recovery 34:07 Hormones, Cardiovascular Issues & Medications 37:30 Neurotransmitters & Dopamine in Healing 39:07 The Central Role of Stress Management 40:26 Interpersonal Causes: Self-Esteem & Isolation 42:00 Building Self-Efficacy & Communication 43:41 Attachment, Fears & Relationship Patterns 45:06 Dynamics of Boundaries & Safe Relationships 47:04 Unstable Relationships & Trust Issues 50:17 Family, Relapse & Generational Patterns 54:05 Adverse Childhood Experiences & Trauma 55:57 Emotional Regulation: Anxiety, Guilt & Grief 57:46 Cognitive Issues: Brain Fog & Executive Function 59:14 Tools for Memory, Thought Restructuring 01:00:28 Environmental Triggers & Meeting Basic Needs 01:01:14 Managing Triggers & Clutter 01:02:48 Spiritual Disconnection & Hope 01:03:54 Summary: Whole Person Interventions & Healing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • 1106 - The Surprising Two Way Connection Between PCOS and Stress

    1106 - The Surprising Two Way Connection Between PCOS and Stress
    May 1 2026
    00:00 Introduction & Overview 00:15 What is PCOS and Who is Affected? 01:09 Prevalence and Misdiagnosis of PCOS 01:32 Underlying Causes & Hormonal Imbalances 02:26 Risk Factors for PCOS & Mental Health 03:06 Chronic Stress & Hormonal Disruption 04:13 Types of Stress Influencing PCOS 05:00 Inflammation, Diet, and Environmental Factors 05:50 Insulin Resistance & Endocrine Disruptors 06:36 Microbiome and PCOS Development 07:28 Physical Consequences of PCOS 08:08 Key PCOS Symptoms & Signs 09:47 Fatigue, Periods, and Fertility Issues 10:39 Acne, Hair Thinning, and Skin Changes 11:18 Diagnosis & The Importance of Screening 11:44 Insulin, Cholesterol, and Hypertension 12:15 Sleep Apnea & Eating Disorders 13:01 Inflammation, Gut, and Neuroinflammation 14:06 The Importance of Treating the Whole Person 14:18 Interpersonal & Self-Esteem Consequences 15:14 PCOS and Relationship Challenges 16:05 Fertility, Grief, and Self-Esteem 17:19 Mental Health: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma 18:04 PCOS & Increased Psychiatric Disorders 19:13 Hormones & Neurotransmitter Effects 20:08 PCOS and Cognitive Symptoms 20:54 Brain Fog, Focus, and Negative Self-Talk 21:09 Cortisol, Stress, and Mood Regulation 22:08 Glucocorticoid Resistance in PCOS 22:15 Adrenaline, Blood Sugar, and Thyroid 23:15 Thyroid Hormones and Chronic Stress 23:45 Estrogen, Progesterone & Testosterone Balance 24:41 Oxytocin, Dopamine & Mood 26:01 Glutamate, GABA & Serotonin in Stress 27:04 Neurotransmitter Changes & Impacts 28:42 Stress, Hormones & PCOS Recap 29:06 Autonomic Nervous System Disregulation 29:40 Strengthening the Parasympathetic System 29:48 Hormonal Feedback Loops & PCOS 31:01 PCOS as a Vicious Cycle 32:07 Chronic Activation, Inflammation & Interventions Intro 32:15 Physical Interventions & Lifestyle Tips 33:05 Anti-Inflammatory Diet & Microbiome Support 34:42 Sleep Hygiene & Sleep Disorders 36:12 Bedroom Environment & Blue Light Blockers 37:00 Circadian Rhythm Regulation 39:04 A1C & Insulin Regulation 40:02 Nature Therapy: Forest Bathing & Earthing 41:33 Hormone Therapy Options 41:41 Building Parasympathetic Strength 42:08 Grounding, Breathing & Relaxation 44:09 Meditation, Pain, and Coping 47:07 Managing Body Image & Interpersonal Support 49:04 Trauma, Safety & Empowerment 50:02 Partner Education & Alternative Strategies 50:37 Emotional & Cognitive Coping Skills 51:17 Distress Tolerance & Positive Focus 52:05 Cognitive Distortions & PCOS 53:32 Summary & Empowering Patients 54:56 PCOS Screening & Advocacy 55:09 Reducing Stress & Enhancing Well-Being Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    58 mins
  • 1105 - Reduce Caregiver Burnout with These Cognitive and Environmental Tools

    1105 - Reduce Caregiver Burnout with These Cognitive and Environmental Tools
    Apr 24 2026
    00:00 Welcome & Overview of Caregiver Burnout 01:14 Understanding Cognition & Environment 02:18 Environmental Safety & Caregiver Concerns 03:17 Defining Burnout & Stress in Caregiving 04:06 Common Caregiver Stressors & Thought Patterns 06:04 Cognitive Overload & Executive Functioning 07:08 Juggling Responsibilities & Strategic Planning 08:16 Recognizing Cognitive Signs of Burnout 09:57 Brain Fog, Memory & Sleep Deprivation 11:04 Sleep Pressure & Rigid Thinking in Burnout 12:03 Pessimism & Environmental Signs of Burnout 13:01 Environmental Stress: Decline in Home Care 14:02 Learning Curve & Seeking Help 15:15 Consulting Experts & Repeating Information 16:07 Writing Things Down & Juggling Tasks 17:24 Prioritizing: Identify, Eliminate, Delegate 18:49 Simplifying & Scheduling Self-Care 21:03 Strategizing & the Principle of Diminishing Returns 22:42 Managing Cognitive Overload with Others 23:57 The Trap of 'What Ifs' & Focusing on Facts 24:46 Avoiding Jumping to Conclusions 25:52 Personalization & Alternate Explanations 27:02 Handling Criticism & Approach Differences 28:08 Planning for Environmental Safety 29:03 Collaborating with Care Teams & Rehearsal 30:19 All-or-Nothing Thinking & Progress Focus 31:49 Balanced Perspective on Life & Caregiving 33:11 Magnifying Negatives, Minimizing Positives 34:01 Powerlessness & Emotion-Based Reasoning 35:35 Managing Worries & Focusing Energy 36:43 Environmental Stressors: People & Scheduling 37:43 Hoverers, Boundaries & Social Support 39:03 Returning Home, Scheduling, & Tech Aids 40:15 Constant Input & Taking Breaks 41:09 Clutter, Caregiver Sites, and Empowerment 43:09 Minimizing Environmental Overload 44:13 Assistive Devices & Environmental Empowerment 45:03 Closing Thoughts on Safety & Empowerment 46:42 Q&A: Environmental Stress & Nosy Neighbors 48:05 Communication, Tone, and Trauma-Informed Care 49:54 Supporting Autistic & Non-Verbal Loved Ones 51:25 Final Words & Thank You Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • 1104 - Creating a Nurturing Environment as a Caregiver to Prevent Burnout

    1104 - Creating a Nurturing Environment as a Caregiver to Prevent Burnout
    Apr 17 2026
    00:00 Intro: Understanding Caregiver Burnout 01:50 Cognitive & Environmental Stress Explained 03:40 Defining Burnout & Its Impact 05:50 Common Caregiving Stressors 07:10 Managing Cognitive Overload 09:40 Recognizing Brain Fog & Executive Dysfunction 13:00 Environmental Signs of Burnout 14:00 Learning, Anxiety, and Information Overload 16:50 Delegating, Simplifying, and Self-Care 21:40 Strategizing & Planning—Focus on What Matters 25:50 Challenging Cognitive Distortions 33:00 Emotional Triggers & Personalization 37:00 Personal Experiences & Alternate Perspectives 41:30 Environmental Challenges for Caregivers 47:00 Setting Boundaries & Asking for Help 51:30 Reducing Clutter and Environmental Stress 54:10 Assistive Devices & Empowering the Environment 57:00 Feeling Safe and Empowered as a Caregiver 01:00:00 Q&A: Real Life Caregiving Issues 01:02:30 Compassion, Tone, and Trauma-Informed Care 01:03:30 Closing Thoughts & Next Topics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • 1103 - Empower Your Mind to Thrive with Chronic Illness

    1103 - Empower Your Mind to Thrive with Chronic Illness
    Apr 10 2026
    00:00 Welcome & Today's Agenda 01:06 Inflammation and Chronic Illness Basics 03:11 How Stress Impacts Thinking 06:10 Cognitive Effects of Stress and Illness 09:45 Understanding Neuroinflammation 14:09 Stress, Sleep, and Cognition 16:59 Interventions: Routines & Coping Aids 20:54 Non-Drug Pain Management Strategies 27:04 Cognitive Tools for Resilience & Positivity 32:33 Cognitive Distortions & How To Challenge Them 37:16 Executive Function, Habits & Memory 41:18 Communication, Empathy, and Relationships 47:42 Managing Self-Image & Stigma 51:21 Practical Organization & Reducing Overwhelm 55:56 Conclusion: Breaking the Stress Cycle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    59 mins