Episodios

  • Radical Acceptance: Pain doesn't have to be Suffering!

    Radical Acceptance: Pain doesn't have to be Suffering!
    Apr 13 2026
    Don't Suffer even when you're in Pain!
    From the First Responder Series:
    Radical Acceptance, a skill taught in Dialectal Behavioral Therapy, helps to not turn pain (which is inevitable) into suffering. Learn how to begin practicing this skill and how it can help to find more peace and begin a process for change. Practicing radical acceptance in small, everyday moments can significantly enhance your resilience and emotional clarity in high-stakes situations. Remember, acceptance is an active, ongoing skill that grows with consistent practice.
    In this episode:
    • Definition and core principles of radical acceptance How radical acceptance reduces suffering and increases resilience
    • Practical examples: driving delays, job promotions, handling difficult people The importance of understanding that radical acceptance is a skill that requires ongoing practice
    • How to implement small, manageable steps to cultivate acceptance daily
    • The influence of personal and professional stressors on our ability to accept
    • Strategies for staying grounded during crises, including body relaxation techniques
    • The role of expectations and "riding the wave" of life's ups and downs
    • The connection between radical acceptance and long-term relationship and leadership success
    • How mindfulness of basic needs (sleep, hydration, nutrition) supports emotional regulation

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    Timestamps:
    (00:00) - Introduction to radical acceptance and its significance in trauma response
    (02:00) - How radical acceptance compares to and overlaps with other mindfulness skills
    (01:08) - Defining radical acceptance: Accepting things exactly as they are
    (02:29) - Common misconceptions: Acceptance doesn’t mean approval or giving up
    (03:47) - Pain is inevitable; radical acceptance prevents suffering
    (04:41) - Accepting others for who they are, not how we wish they were
    (06:14) - The importance of understanding differing truths in conflicts
    (08:25 )- Recognizing behavior as purposeful and understanding its causes
    (09:52) - Applying acceptance to setbacks like promotions or job frustrations
    (10:21) - Handling the emotional reactions to life's unpredictability
    (12:29) - Specific challenges faced by first responders and how radical acceptance applies
    (14:42) - Managing the frustration of non-emergencies and mundane calls
    (16:19) - Manifesting expectations and prepping mentally for unpredictable situations
    (17:20) - Practical steps: practicing acceptance in small moments (e.g., driving delays)
    (19:40) - The importance of regulating emotional responses before attempting acceptance
    (22:08) - Repeating acceptance isn’t final; it’s a continuous process
    (25:30) - Meeting basic needs as foundation for emotional resilience
    (27:17) - How acceptance is a prerequisite for effective change
    (28:58) - Letting go to influence outcomes without resistance
    (29:46) - The ongoing journey: striving for progress, not perfection
    --------------------------------
    Resources & Links:
    Radical Acceptance by Tara Burch
    https://a.co/d/0d6N1XUO

    DBT Explained
    https://behavioraltech.org/dialectical-behavior-therapy-dbt/

    Mindfulness Techniques
    https://www.mindful.org/

    Thanks for listening! Therapist Caise

    Find Me: therapistcaise.com
    Reach Me: therapistcaise@gmail.com
    Follow Me: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn & Youtube

    "Capturing Stories & Inspiring Recovery!"

    For Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: Text 4hope to 741741.

    Disclaimer: The Mental Health Spotlight Podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.
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    29 m
  • ADHD & ED: "I thrived in the chaos until I didn't" w/Allie V.

    ADHD & ED: "I thrived in the chaos until I didn't" w/Allie V.
    Mar 26 2026
    ADHD impacts Eating Disorder recovery with impulsivity & the lure of Chaos! Allie V. Allie V. has long rich, mental health and eating disorder recovery. After a lifetime of therapy, meds, hospitalizations and residential care settings, she lands after challenges more softly with insight and self-awareness. She shares the truths about complications in long term recovery including finding a new community and grappling with previously undiagnosed ADHD and the resulting mood volatility, impulsivity and lack of motivation that it can bring. Allie doesn't sugar coat how tough even being in recovery can be & how there are good days and bad days, disordered voices that surface regularly and constant attention to staying balanced in what she has learned. A sober, honest and inspiring look into recovery at many stages.

    Thanks for listening! Therapist Caise

    Find Me: therapistcaise.com
    Reach Me: therapistcaise@gmail.com
    Follow Me: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn & Youtube

    "Capturing Stories & Inspiring Recovery!"

    For Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: Text 4hope to 741741.

    Disclaimer: The Mental Health Spotlight Podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.
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    58 m
  • Fire Families: How PTSD & Treatment Impacts the Family - w/Shannon Shea

    Fire Families: How PTSD & Treatment Impacts the Family - w/Shannon Shea
    Mar 26 2026
    "It's tough to see your father figure, your super-hero in a fragile state."
    Firefighter families can struggle with the impact of PTSD & how it impacts their loved one. In this episode, Shannon Shea shows empathy, understanding & respect for her firefighter father's mental health journey from hiding his emotions to a long stay in inpatient residential treatment at the center of excellence. She explores the pain, the passion and gifts of recovery that have helped her family "grow in the discomfort of their experiences!"
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    Resources:
    Speak Easy First Responder Outpatient Therapy
    https://www.santoreandassociates.com/

    IAFF Center of Excellence - Rehab & Treatment for Fire Fighters https://www.iaffrecoverycenter.com/

    Bluecoats
    https://www.bluecoatsinc.org/

    OAPFF – Ohio Association of Professional Firefighters
    https://oapff.org/
    -----------------------------------------------------
    Corinne & Caise host this unique podcast focusing exclusively on First Responder stories, challenges, needs and resources for the WHOLE person and their families.

    Hosts: Corinne Santore, LISW-S, LICDC
    Caise Rode McHale, MSSA, LISW-S
    Contact:
    web: https://therapistcaise.wixsite.com/first-responder-well
    email: firstresponderwell@gmail.com
    social: YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, Spotify, Apple

    "Wellness Starts with the Whole Person"

    Thanks for listening! Therapist Caise

    Find Me: therapistcaise.com
    Reach Me: therapistcaise@gmail.com
    Follow Me: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn & Youtube

    "Capturing Stories & Inspiring Recovery!"

    For Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: Text 4hope to 741741.

    Disclaimer: The Mental Health Spotlight Podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.
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    42 m
  • ARFID Series-Jaime Haumesser talks treatment & recovery: "Recovery really needs connection!"

    ARFID Series-Jaime Haumesser talks treatment & recovery: "Recovery really needs connection!"
    Mar 11 2026
    ARFID is a serious Eating Disorder that is challenging, complicated and multi-layered!
    In this episode, Jaime Haumesser, licensed professional clinical counselor for over 20 years and current Clinical Director at the Hull Institute for Eating Disorders in Cleveland, Ohio discusses ARFID from her professional, clinical, and personal experience. She helps us unravel ARFID’s presentation, symptoms & medical concerns. Additionally, she breaks down intervention, recovery factors and impact on the family system. She insightfully delves into the import of individualized, specialty care and focusing treatment on exposure therapy, distress tolerance and building trust in the therapeutic relationship. The journey her clients take with her starts with being flexible: willingness to be uncomfortable tackling food avoidance which develops into global success strategies which evolve into beautiful hope and the prospect of recovery.




    Thanks for listening! Therapist Caise

    Find Me: therapistcaise.com
    Reach Me: therapistcaise@gmail.com
    Follow Me: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn & Youtube

    "Capturing Stories & Inspiring Recovery!"

    For Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: Text 4hope to 741741.

    Disclaimer: The Mental Health Spotlight Podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.
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    1 h y 3 m
  • "5 Love Languages" from First Responder Wellness w/Caise & Corinne

    "5 Love Languages" from First Responder Wellness w/Caise & Corinne
    Mar 2 2026
    Find out what you and your partner’s love languages are and how knowing this can improve your relationship.

    In this episode, Corinne Santore and Caise McHale dive into the practical application of Dr. Gary Chapman’s "Five Love Languages". They explore how these categories serve as a "basic premise" to help individuals become more effective and intentional in both showing and recognizing love within their relationships.
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    The Five Love Languages Defined:
    Acts of Service: Doing thoughtful, "extra" things that aren't just standard adult chores.
    Examples: Warming up scrubs in the dryer, filling the gas tank, or packing lunch.
    Gifts: It’s about the thought, not the price tag.
    Examples: Picking up a favorite candy bar (KitKat) at the store, a handwritten card, or wildflowers from the roadside.
    Words of Affirmation: Verbal expressions of appreciation, respect, and affection.
    Examples: "I don't know what I'd do without you" or "You look so good today."
    Physical Touch: Beyond sexual intimacy, this includes physical connection and "co-regulating" the nervous system.
    Examples: Holding hands, a peck on the lips, or rubbing a partner's back.
    Quality Time: Focused, undistracted attention rather than just "quantity" of time.
    Note: Watching TV together may not count if there is no interaction or connection.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------
    RESOURCES:
    SpeakEasy First Responder Outpatient Therapy
    https://www.speakeasyonmayfield.com/

    5lovelanguages.com/quizzeshttps://a.co/d/05lcgJyV

    Love Nudge App (available on the Apple App Store and Google Play)

    IAFF Center of Excellence - Rehab & Treatment for Fire Fighters https://www.iaffrecoverycenter.com/

    Bluecoats
    https://www.bluecoatsinc.org/ OAPFF –

    Ohio Association of Professional Firefighters
    https://oapff.org/
    -----------------------------------------
    Therapists Corinne & Caise host First Responder Wellness: for the WHOLE Person.
    This unique podcast focusing exclusively on First Responder stories, challenges, needs and resources for the WHOLE person and their families.
    Hosts:
    Corinne Santore, LISW-S, LICDC
    Caise Rode McHale, MSSA, LISW-S
    Contact:
    web: https://therapistcaise.wixsite.com/first-responder-well
    email: firstresponderwell@gmail.com
    social: YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, Spotify, Apple

    "Wellness Starts with the Whole Person"

    Thanks for listening! Therapist Caise

    Find Me: therapistcaise.com
    Reach Me: therapistcaise@gmail.com
    Follow Me: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn & Youtube

    "Capturing Stories & Inspiring Recovery!"

    For Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: Text 4hope to 741741.

    Disclaimer: The Mental Health Spotlight Podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.
    Más Menos
    26 m
  • ANAD: Free ED Resources & Support w/Jason Wood

    ANAD: Free ED Resources & Support w/Jason Wood
    Feb 3 2026
    Support from those who get it - who've been there! ANAD Free & Fabulous!

    Jason Wood is the Director of Community Engagement at ANAD, a support organization that is peer run and professionally supported for Eating Disorder recovery support. Jason turned his battle with orthorexia into a mission to break the stigma around men’s mental health by publishing his memoir Starving for Survival. He is proud to serve on the board for two eating disorder recovery organizations, Running in Silence and SoulPaws Recovery Project. Through speaking engagements, his writing, and his work, Jason strives to start an important conversation that encourages everyone–especially men–to speak up, share their stories, and get the help they deserve. Jason lives in Michigan with his husband and their two pups, Arnie and Walter. He is an avid sports fan and also enjoys climbing, hiking, and playing tennis.
    ------------------
    Chapters:
    (0:00) Introduction Jason & ANAD
    (6:15) Volunteers, Peer Mentor, Support Line
    (8:20) Donation & Grant Support
    (12:15) Peer Recovery Mentors
    (19:35) Support Groups
    (24:40) Helpline Hug
    (27:55) ASAP School Ambassadors
    (38:20) “Running In Silence” Book & Support
    (40:00) “Starving through Survival” Memoir
    (44:50) Storytelling & Accessibility
    (48:20) Embrace & Enjoy Long Journey
    (50:40) Terrifyingly Exciting
    --------------------------------------------
    ANAD
    https://anad.org/

    Starving through Survival
    https://a.co/d/19RyoKF

    Running In Silence
    https://runninginsilence.org/about-rachael/

    SoulPaws Recovery Project
    https://www.soulpawsrecovery.org/

    Thanks for listening! Therapist Caise

    Find Me: therapistcaise.com
    Reach Me: therapistcaise@gmail.com
    Follow Me: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn & Youtube

    "Capturing Stories & Inspiring Recovery!"

    For Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: Text 4hope to 741741.

    Disclaimer: The Mental Health Spotlight Podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.
    Más Menos
    53 m
  • 10 Signs of Orthorexia: The Elusive Eating Disorder

    10 Signs of Orthorexia: The Elusive Eating Disorder
    Jan 22 2026
    Don't let its lack of classification fool you!
    Even though Orthorexia does not yet meet criteria for an already established DSM Eating Disorder, it can impact functioning & physical and emotional health and, moreso, it can be either a subtle gateway into other ED's or it can suspend a person on an ED recovery path by keeping them from full recovery with one foot in and one foot out. Marked by thoughts and behaviors that are disproportionately focused on health, wellness, diet trends and food & body fears. These are often absolute rules or choices with a rigid and black & white framework. Because those with Orthorexia may not be malnourished, may not be medically fragile, may not be in higher level of care and may not be overtly identified, they are often able to rationalize that they are not disordered. Some of these rules and ideas for food & wellness on their own may not be harmful practice & may be logical for some but in a rigid setting and in an ED prone brain they are only ok, until they're not ok. This podcast explores some specific features and behaviors of Orthorexia.

    Orthorexia: Symptoms, Risks & Treatment | NEDA

    Thanks for listening! Therapist Caise

    Find Me: therapistcaise.com
    Reach Me: therapistcaise@gmail.com
    Follow Me: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn & Youtube

    "Capturing Stories & Inspiring Recovery!"

    For Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: Text 4hope to 741741.

    Disclaimer: The Mental Health Spotlight Podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.
    Más Menos
    14 m
  • "You're Never Too Sick" Dr. Gaudiani: Eating Disorder Whole Person Care

    "You're Never Too Sick" Dr. Gaudiani: Eating Disorder Whole Person Care
    Jan 5 2026
    "You are less of a medical mystery than you've been told!"Dr. Gaudiani: Treating ED patients with dignity & compassion. Dr. G's contribution to eating disorder recovery pairs an innovative & deft medical focus with a compassionate, whole person lens aimed at listening, collaborating and validating what can't always be measured and is often what makes a person 'Sick Enough' & deserving of care. Her approach is captured in the 2nd edition of Sick Enough: A Guide to the Medical Complications of Eating Disorders. Validating, Inspiring, Educational & Refreshing. Dr. Jen Gaudiani is the founder and medical director of the Gaudiani Clinic (Est. 2016). Board certified in internal medicine, she completed her undergraduate degree at Harvard, medical school at Boston University School of Medicine, and her internal medicine residency and chief residency at Yale. Dr. Gaudiani served as the medical director at the ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders. The Gaudiani Clinic offers specialized, trauma-informed outpatient medical care to individuals seeking support for eating disorders, undernourishment related to complex medical issues, and weight-inclusive primary care. The Gaudiani Clinic is based in Colorado with a satellite location in North Carolina and is licensed to practice in almost every US state via thoughtful telemedicine. The fully updated and significantly expanded second edition of Dr. Gaudiani’s bestselling book, Sick Enough: A Guide to the Medical Complications of Eating Disorders and Undernutrition is now available wherever books are sold. --------------------------------------------------------Chapters(0:00) Intro to Dr. G Credits(5:05) Gaudiani Clinic & “Sick Enough”(7:35) Unmeasurable Illness & Stigma(9:15) Families: What to Ask & Observe(12:20) Whole Team & Value Approach(15:25) Barriers to Provider Care & What Works(20:20) Clinical Team & Psychiatry (21:50) Not Afraid to Be Flexible w/Care(24:15) Medical Stability Variations(29:40) Athletes & ED(33:20) Provider Distress Tolerance(35:35) Youth/Adolescents & ED(39:10) GI Issues & Origins(42:20) Alternative Options(44:20) Long Standing ED(47:35) Trauma & Stellate Ganglion Block(53:17) Self-Compassion & LoveLinks: Gaudiani Clinichttps://www.gaudianiclinic.com/ Sick Enough: A Guide to the Medical Complications of Eating Disorders and Undernutrition by Jennifer L. Gaudiani, Paperback | Barnes & Noble®https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sick-enough-jennifer-l-gaudiani/1147739548 Amazon.com: Sick Enough: 9781041036487: Gaudiani, Jennifer L.: BooksBookshop.orgRoutledgeThanks for listening! Therapist Caise Find Me: therapistcaise.comReach Me: therapistcaise@gmail.comFollow Me: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn & Youtube "Capturing Stories & Inspiring Recovery!"For Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: Text 4hope to 741741. Disclaimer: The Mental Health Spotlight Podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.
    Más Menos
    57 m