Sergeant John Haddaway, Peer Support and Wellness Manager with the Baltimore County Police Department, discusses the importance of mental wellness among first responders and the need to break the stigma surrounding mental health in the field. He shares his personal experiences and explains the acute and cumulative trauma that first responders face on a daily basis. John also highlights the Mobile Crisis Team, a co-responder model that pairs police officers with clinicians to provide crisis intervention and support to individuals in mental health crises.

About Sgt. John Haddaway:

Sergeant John Haddaway has been a member of the Baltimore County Police Department for 23 years. During that time, he has served in patrol assignments, community resources, homeland security, civil disturbance, dignitary and witness protection, crisis response, and he is currently the Department’s peer support and wellness manager. Sgt. Haddaway serves part-time on the Department’s Dignitary Witness Protection Team and Special Response Team in addition to his primary assignment. He also provides training related to emergency management, terrorism/counterterrorism, critical incident response, stress and resiliency, firearms, and tactics. Sgt. Haddaway is also a veteran of the Maryland Army National Guard where he served in several roles including infantry, morale/welfare/readiness, and recruiting and retention. He has a Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Maryland Global Campus where he graduated Summa Cum Laude.

Episode Timestamps:

• (02:20) Mobile Crisis Team: Co-responder model for mental health crisis response
• (04:50) Evolution of mental health support in law enforcement
• (07:20) Impact of crisis intervention training on de-escalation and diversion
• 10:20) How experiencing trauma first-hand allowed John to empathize with trauma victims
• (14:15) Destigmatizing mental health in the field
• (17:50) Addressing trauma in first responders and its impact on decision-making
• (24:10) John’s aspirations for expanding the program and collaborating with other departments
• (28:10) Encouragement to talk to people and provide support

Connect with Rachel:

Facebook Group: The Mental Health Entrepreneur

Website: traumaspecialiststraining.com

Instagram: instagram.com/trauma_specialist

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rachel-harrison-81a4796

Gina Strauss, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, discusses the power of nature in promoting mental and physical well-being. She explains that our disconnection from the natural world has had a profound impact on our health, and Nature Informed Therapy aims to reconnect us with nature as a co-therapist. Gina explains the science behind the calming effects of nature and the importance of intentionality in our relationship with the natural world. She also shares her vision for bringing nature informed therapy to children and families to help build resilience and provide healing.

About Gina Strauss:

For over 30 years, Gina has worked as an advisor, counselor and teacher in a variety of educational settings with children, adolescents, and adults. She currently works as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) at Chesapeake Mental Health Collaborative and as the Program Coordinator and Senior Faculty Member for the Center for Nature Informed Therapy. In addition to her M.A. degree in Counseling Psychology from Towson University, she has a M.A.degree in Applied Healing Arts from Maryland University of Integrative Health (formerly Tai Sophia Institute) which adds a unique perspective to her clinical approach. In her personal life and through her professional experience as a certified nature informed therapist, Gina partners with the wisdom of Nature and inspires others to do the same. She enjoys working with children, teens, and adults and brings an awareness of cultural sensitivity to her practice.

natureinformedtherapy.com

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Use promo code "MHEP10" for 10% off any CMHC event and CNIT booking. (Must be booked by 8/1)

Episode Timestamps:

• (02:30) Nature informed therapy and its focus on reconnecting with nature
• (05:35) Developing a relationship with nature and its therapeutic benefits
• (10:30) Gina’s personal journey into nature informed therapy and the connection to animals and trees
• (12:20) Center for Nature Informed Therapy and its training program
• (14:35) The science behind nature's calming effects
• (20:00) Different ways nature informed therapy is being used
• (25:35) Nature informed therapy vs. regular outdoor activities
• (28:00) Qualifications for attending the training
• (29:30) Gina's vision for the future of nature informed therapy

Connect with Rachel:

Facebook Group: The Mental Health Entrepreneur

Website: traumaspecialiststraining.com

Instagram: instagram.com/trauma_specialist

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rachel-harrison-81a4796

Listen to the Back Porch Bestie podcast:

podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/back-porch-bestie/id1687988106

Jeff Strong, the founder of the Strong Institute, shares his journey of using drum beats for therapeutic benefits. As a hyperactive child, syncopation exercises helped him channel his behavior and improve his academic focus. Jeff explains the neurology of drumming and how it can create a relaxed brainwave state which can help individuals with autism and ADHD. Jeff also discusses the development of the Rhythmic Entrainment Intervention™ program, as well as Brain Stim Audio, a streaming music site for various mental health needs.

About Jeff Strong:

Jeff Strong is the founder and director of the Strong Institute, a leader in the field of auditory brain stimulation research and therapies. Known primarily for their work with individuals on the autism spectrum, the Institute also has a major impact on ADHD, Anxiety Disorders and Sleep disorders. Mr. Strong is the creator of the evidence-based therapy, Rhythmic Entrainment Intervention™, and founder and music creator of BrainStimAudio.com. He is also a best-selling author of eight books including AD/HD For Dummies and Different Drummer: One Man’s Music and Its Impact on ADD, Anxiety, and Autism.

brainstimaudio.com

calm for anxiety – STRONG INSTITUTE

stronginstitute.com

Episode Timestamps:

• (01:50) Jeff's childhood experiences with drumming and its impact on his behavior
• (06:15) Jeff's involvement in research studies on the effects of drumming on anxiety and behaviors in children with autism
• (11:00) Therapeutic effects of drumming; 10 symptom areas
• (14:15) How the unpredictability of drumming rhythms can help activate the brain
• (18:45) The concept of brainwave entrainment and using binaural beats
• (22:05) Future plans for the Strong Institute
• (25:50) Remaining persistent and finding your voice

Connect with Rachel:

Facebook Group: The Mental Health Entrepreneur

Website: traumaspecialiststraining.com

Instagram: instagram.com/trauma_specialist

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rachel-harrison-81a4796

Listen to the Back Porch Bestie podcast:

podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/back-porch-bestie/id1687988106