Episodios

  • Ep. 103 - Why Men Struggle With Emotions: Fixer-Type Masculinity, Anger, and Healing w/ Jon Waller, LMHC

    Ep. 103 - Why Men Struggle With Emotions: Fixer-Type Masculinity, Anger, and Healing w/ Jon Waller, LMHC
    Apr 8 2026
    In this episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, licensed therapist and host Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP sits down with Jon Waller, LMHC, owner of New River Counseling in Fort Lauderdale, to dive deep into men's mental health, modern masculinity, emotional disconnection, and the cultural pressures that shape how men show up in relationships, faith, and everyday life. Together, Diana and Jon unpack the silent battles many men face—why so many avoid feelings, what creates emotional shutdown, and how "fixer-type" men can learn to communicate differently without feeling weak or ashamed. Jon also explains why spaces like the Red Pill, Groypers, incel forums, and the broader manosphere appeal to young men who feel disconnected, unsupported, or resentful—and what healthier connection can look like. If you're a man who feels stuck, a woman trying to understand the man in your life, or a clinician working with male clients, this episode offers a grounded, trauma-informed, faith-aware conversation that meets men where they are and gives practical tools for growth. Notable Quotes From Jon: "If what you're into isn't actually helping you feel more loved—especially by a woman—then it might be time to consider there's an alternative out there." From Diana: "Do you want the relationship, or do you want to be right? Because the pursuit of being right often blocks the connection you're actually longing for." In This Episode We Explore: Why men struggle to talk about emotions and how cultural conditioning reinforces emotional shutdown The difference between anger and rage, and how sadness, shame, or fear often fuel explosive reactions Sarcasm, "I'm just kidding," defensiveness, and stonewalling as covert expressions of unspoken emotion Why younger men increasingly gravitate toward the Red Pill, Groypers, content creators, and manosphere spaces The deep impact of father wounds, mother wounds, intergenerational trauma, and childhood narratives How machismo, faith communities, and family culture shape male emotional expression Masculine and feminine energy as a spectrum—not a rulebook Step-by-step how Jon works with emotionally shut-down men: Behavioral tools Motivational Interviewing (MI) Body scanning + breathwork Naming internal experiences Adlerian and inner-child work A compassionate message for women partnered with withdrawn or avoidant men A direct challenge to men: "Is your current way of coping actually making your life better?" About Today's Guest: Jon Waller, LMHC Jon Waller is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and owner of New River Counseling, specializing in men's emotional health, relationship patterns, and personal growth. With 20+ years of experience, Jon helps men build emotional integrity, break unhelpful patterns, and create deeper connection—without shame. He also serves as an Instructor for The REAL Courses, a weekend personal-development intensive grounded in Adlerian psychology and experiential growth work. Learn more: New River Counseling: https://newrivercounseling.net/ The REAL Courses: https://therealcourses.com/ Mentioned Modalities & Approaches Motivational Interviewing (MI) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Person-centered / Rogers / unconditional positive regard Adlerian experiential therapy Inner child work Psychoeducation and emotional vocabulary building Body scanning + breathwork Attachment dynamics (avoidant, anxious, shut-down patterns) Support This Work Each episode takes 3–5 hours to prepare, research, record, and produce with care and trauma-informed intention. If this podcast has supported your healing or encouraged you on your journey, you can help keep it independent and ad-free by visiting the merch store. Your purchase directly supports the show and its mission to make mental, emotional, relational, and spiritual wellness accessible worldwide. Explore the collection: https://theholisticcounselorpodcast.printful.me/ If this episode helped you, please leave a review or share it with someone who would benefit. Your reviews help new listeners discover the show and keep these conversations going. Connect with Diana Through the Valley Therapy: https://www.throughthevalleytherapy.com/ Podcast Playlist (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQFWkIv_9U7NrmG0k-EE1FOSCiMDlIXPo
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    1 h y 1 m
  • Ep. 102 - When God Makes You Wait: Finding Purpose, Peace, and Emotional Strength When Life Feels Stuck — with Dr. Yolle Pierre

    Ep. 102 - When God Makes You Wait: Finding Purpose, Peace, and Emotional Strength When Life Feels Stuck — with Dr. Yolle Pierre
    Apr 1 2026
    Many people ask the same questions during difficult seasons: What do I do when I'm waiting on God? Why is this taking so long? How do I trust God when nothing is changing? How do I stay grounded when anxiety, comparison, or doubt take over? How do I renew my mind, regulate my emotions, and stay spiritually rooted when I feel stuck? In this episode, licensed therapist and host Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, CTP, QS sits down with Dr. Yolle Pierre, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, missionary to Haiti, author, and founder of multiple faith-based healing initiatives. Together, they explore waiting, identity, spiritual formation, emotional resilience, trauma-informed faith, and what it means to abide in Christ when life doesn't go the way you expected. Drawing from her book, While I'm Waiting: 8 Actions to Take During Your Season of Waiting, Dr. Pierre shares how God shaped her through motherhood, ministry, cross-cultural work, illness, fear, and long seasons of silence and uncertainty. This conversation does not promise easy answers. Instead, it offers grounded, biblically rooted, trauma-informed insight into what waiting does inside of us mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Key Topics Covered in This Episode What it means to wait on God when life feels uncertain or delayed How seasons of waiting shape emotional resilience, identity, and worldview The biblical meaning of qavah and the connection between waiting and abiding The difference between hearing God and listening to God How anxiety, fear, and panic show up in waiting seasons How to navigate forced positivity, spiritual bypassing, and church culture pressures The role of CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) in renewing the mind Why some people run from God when they are really running from guilt, shame, and legalism What it means to trust God's timing when healing or breakthrough doesn't come quickly How Scripture comes alive during suffering and long developmental seasons Emotional intelligence as part of spiritual formation How waiting affects your thoughts, desires, worldview, and relationships How to hold on to hope without ignoring reality Identity in Christ during painful transitions or silence Powerful Quotes from This Episode Best quote from Dr. Yolle Pierre: "When I look over my life, I see God was quietly molding me in the shadows when I felt forgotten, when I felt unseen." From Diana S. Rice: "Some people think they're running from God, but really they're running from the guilt, shame, and legalism they were raised with." Additional featured quotes: "Waiting isn't passive. It's abiding. It's waiting with anticipation because you trust the Father is good." —Dr. Yolle Pierre "There were seasons when I was waiting and I couldn't even breathe. That's how I relate to my clients." —Dr. Yolle Pierre "When we abide in Christ, His thoughts and our thoughts begin to merge." —Dr. Yolle Pierre "Scripture became real to me when I stopped relying on my intellect and started depending on Him." —Dr. Yolle Pierre "That global pandemic was a global PTSD for many of us." —Diana S. Rice Scriptures Referenced or Alluded To John 15:5 – Abiding in Christ Proverbs 3:5–6 – Trust in the Lord, not your own understanding Philippians 4:8 – Renewing the mind 1 Thessalonians 5:17 – Pray without ceasing Psalm 139:14 – Fearfully and wonderfully made 2 Corinthians 10:5 – Taking thoughts captive Matthew 7:9–11 – God as a good Father Matthew 11:28–30 – Rest, burden, and gentleness About Dr. Yolle Pierre Dr. Yolle Pierre is a follower of Jesus Christ, a missionary to Haiti, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, author, and founder of: Pearl Center for Healing & Growth, LLC Divine Therapeutic Services, Inc. Source of Life (Sous Lavi) in Jacmel, Haiti She has dedicated years to mental health, trauma-informed care, discipleship, and community transformation, including establishing the only mental health community center in Haiti's southeastern region. Her books include: While I'm Waiting: 8 Actions to Take During Your Season of Waiting Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/While-Im-Waiting-Actions-During/dp/B0FW4F6BRD/ Divine Thoughts: Seeking Peace in a Chaotic World Amazon search or her website. Connect with Dr. Pierre: Website: https://www.thepearlcenter.org Listen to More Episodes of The Holistic Counselor Podcast Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-holistic-counselor/id1732149496 YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQFWkIv_9U7NrmG0k-EE1FOSCiMDlIXPo About Your Host: Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, CTP, QS Diana S. Rice is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional, Certified Trauma Professional, and host of The Holistic Counselor Podcast. She specializes in Christian integrative mental health, trauma, identity development, nervous system regulation, CBT, IFS-informed work, and whole-person healing. Practice: Through the Valley Therapy https...
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    56 m
  • Ep. 101 - From New Age to R.A.D.I.A.N.T. Faith: Healing, Community & Abundant Living with Lori Bergman, Realtor & Founder of the R.A.D.I.A.N.T. Women's Collective

    Ep. 101 - From New Age to R.A.D.I.A.N.T. Faith: Healing, Community & Abundant Living with Lori Bergman, Realtor & Founder of the R.A.D.I.A.N.T. Women's Collective
    Mar 25 2026
    In this episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, Diana sits down with Lori Bergman—South Florida Realtor, former fitness and massage professional, Jewish-background believer in Jesus, and founder of the R.A.D.I.A.N.T. Women's Collective, a Christ-centered wellness community for women. Lori shares how God met her after years of depression, New Age practices, and living in a victim mindset—and how He slowly drew her into a relationship with Jesus, a deeper understanding of Scripture, and a calling to gather women for authentic, faith-rooted connection. Together, Lori and Diana explore the tension between New Age "feel-good" spirituality and biblical truth, the reality of spiritual warfare, the importance of trauma-informed, non-legalistic faith, and why women are craving real community in an age of anxiety, overconnection online, and disconnection in real life. In This Episode, We Explore: How the R.A.D.I.A.N.T. Women's Collective began The exact moment Lori sensed God say, "You need to start a women's health and wellness networking group," and why she knew it had to be Jesus-centered, not just "wellness-branded" community. From Jewish background & New Age practices to Jesus Lori's journey through Wicca, tarot, mediums, crystals, and energy work, and how studying Scripture with mature believers helped her see how Satan counterfeits God's truth. "Feel-good spirituality" vs. biblical truth Why New Age practices can feel like a high—and why Lori now sees them as spiritually dangerous, especially when we're chasing feelings instead of grounding ourselves in God's Word and character. Legalism, shame, and judging other believers Lori and Diana talk candidly about Christian culture that declares, "She's not saved if she's doing X," and how that mindset misses God's patience, discipline, and intimate work in each believer's process. Depression, anxiety & faith: symptom vs. sin Diana explains depression and anxiety as symptoms—the body and brain trying to talk to us—while also acknowledging how rebellion, lifestyle, nutrition, and spiritual disconnection can be part of the root. R.A.D.I.A.N.T. spelled out What it means to be: Rooted in Christ Abundant Living Discipleship & Devotion Inspired Wellness Active Faith Nurturing Community Transformation Together Why women are hungry for authentic, in-person connection From Gen Z social anxiety to scrolling culture and AI-era disconnection, Diana and Lori talk about how younger and older women alike are longing for real tables, real eye contact, and spiritually safe spaces. The heart for homeless women and single moms Lori shares how homelessness—especially for women with children—has been on her heart for 20 years, and her sense that God may lead her to partner in future initiatives that serve this vulnerable population. What actually happens at a R.A.D.I.A.N.T. gathering Why it's not just another networking event, how confidentiality and vulnerability are protected, and why some women have shared stories there they've never shared anywhere else. First steps for the listener who feels stuck in a victim mindset Lori's encouragement for the woman who feels unseen, ashamed, or stuck—and why simply picking up a Bible, praying before you read, and starting somewhere (like Psalm 139 or John) can be a real turning point. Featured Quotes From Lori Bergman: "I spent so much of my life as a victim until I realized that I didn't have to anymore." From Diana S. Rice: "Depression and anxiety are symptoms—your body and your brain trying to talk to you. A disease is a dis-ease. Your body and your brain are trying to talk to you, and it's uncomfortable… so I try to help you get comfortable in the uncomfortable so we can get to the root cause." Mentioned in This Episode Diana's Work & Links Through the Valley Therapy – Faith-informed online counseling in Florida Website: https://www.throughthevalleytherapy.com Through the Valley Transformed Mind Consulting & Coaching – Trainings, consulting & speaking Website: https://www.transformedmindcc.com Transformed Mind The Holistic Counselor Podcast – YouTube Playlist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@throughthevalleytherapy/playlists youtube.com Podcast Merch Store – Support ad-free, trauma-informed, Christ-centered conversations Merch: https://theholisticcounselorpodcast.printful.me Connect with Today's Guest – Lori Bergman Website (Real Estate & Bio): https://loribergman.com Lori Bergman Organizations & Resources Mentioned HOPE South Florida – Faith-based response to homelessness Website: https://hopesouthflorida.org HOPE South Florida+1 Gourmet Garden Café & Juices – Meeting spot for R.A.D.I.A.N.T. gatherings- https://gourmetgardencafe.com/ Address: 6139 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 Women of Faith – National women's ministry referenced in Lori's story Website: https://www.womenoffaith.com womenoffaith.com+1 Scripture ...
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    51 m
  • Ep. 100 - Faith, Trauma Healing & Mental Health — A Reflection on Purpose and Renewal

    Ep. 100 - Faith, Trauma Healing & Mental Health — A Reflection on Purpose and Renewal
    Mar 18 2026
    Welcome to Episode 100 of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, hosted by Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, QS — founder of Through the Valley Therapy and Transformed Mind Consulting & Coaching. This Christ-centered, trauma-informed mental health podcast exists to support people navigating trauma, church hurt, anxiety, identity work, nervous system healing, neuroplasticity, and whole-person well-being. This milestone episode is an honest reflection on calling, identity, purpose, and the heart behind the show. In This Episode Diana reflects on: Why This Podcast Exists How a quiet stirring during the pandemic became a global mental-health teaching ministry Why she felt called to reach people beyond one-on-one therapy Why evidence-based + Christ-centered conversations matter right now How Psychology & Faith Integrate Scripture as a grounding foundation How neuroscience affirms biblical truth Practical ways IFS, CBT, and somatic tools support emotional and spiritual renewal Understanding Personality Tools (MBTI + CliftonStrengths) Diana's wiring shapes the warmth, curiosity, and connection listeners feel each week. These tools are not identities or excuses—just mirrors for understanding design and purpose. Explore them here: MBTI Official Assessment: https://www.mbtionline.com Gallup CliftonStrengths: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/home.aspx A Dive into Scripture Including: Psalm 139 Proverbs 3:5–6 Proverbs 4:23 Romans 12:2 Galatians 3:28 Plus: Why Ecclesiastes became her companion through depression, identity questions, and seasons of suffering. Episodes & Themes Listeners Have Loved Topics highlighted in this celebration episode include: trauma recovery and nervous system regulation anxiety, burnout, and identity work emotional literacy, boundaries, and somatic healing IFS, parts work, and compassionate inner-world exploration spiritual abuse, Scripture untwisting, and church-hurt recovery teen mental health and trauma narratives body–brain connection and neuroplasticity These themes continue to shape the heart of this community. Practical Tools From This Episode Evidence-based, trauma-informed, and accessible to all: 60-second nervous system reset: inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 6 Thought–Body–Spirit Check-In Gentle IFS "part needs" inquiry CBT cognitive reframe: "What story am I telling myself?" Boundary audit (Proverbs 4:23) Five minutes of stillness and presence Free PDF Resource Holistic Self-Care: A Guide to Natural Wellness for Mental Health Download: https://5a14f5ea-6a63-4c77-bceb-e768c649a5e1.filesusr.com/ugd/c3b403_a8cecb349e72416ab9a689c889818a3d.pdf Support This Work Each episode takes 3–5 hours to prepare, research, record, and produce with trauma-informed intentionality. If this podcast has encouraged your growth, your restoration, or your faith, one of the most impactful ways to support the work is through the merch store. Every purchase helps keep this podcast independent, ad-light, and accessible to those navigating trauma, transitions, grief, and spiritual questions. Explore the merch collections: https://theholisticcounselorpodcast.printful.me/ If this episode helped you, please take a moment to leave a review or share it with a friend. Reviews are one of the most meaningful ways to help others find the show. Connect With Diana Through the Valley Therapy https://www.throughthevalleytherapy.com/ Transformed Mind Consulting & Coaching https://www.transformedmindcc.com/ The Holistic Counselor Podcast (YouTube Playlist) https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQFWkIv_9U7NrmG0k-EE1FOSCiMDlIXPo&si=h_A6eN556qSotNfe Instagram | Facebook | YouTube https://linktr.ee/dianasrice Disclaimer This podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized mental health treatment. Listening does not establish a therapist–client relationship. For Florida-based counseling, visit Through the Valley Therapy.
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    25 m
  • Ep. 99 - TMS Explained - A Clear, Compassionate Conversation with PMHNP Jackie Simon

    Ep. 99 - TMS Explained - A Clear, Compassionate Conversation with PMHNP Jackie Simon
    Mar 11 2026
    This episode and these show notes are for educational purposes only. They do not constitute medical, psychiatric, psychological, or legal advice. This content does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Always consult your own licensed healthcare professional before making decisions about your mental or physical health. Listening to this episode does not create a therapist–client or patient–provider relationship with Diana or Jackie. Episode Summary If you've ever wondered what TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) actually is—beyond the headlines and clinical jargon—this conversation offers a grounded and accessible explanation for anyone curious about mental health, brain science, and integrative care. Host Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP sits down with Jacqueline "Jackie" Simon, MS, RN, PMHNP-BC, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who integrates evidence-based care, medication management, deprescribing when appropriate, lifestyle approaches, and TMS treatment in her work with clients in Florida and New York. Together, they break down: • What TMS feels like • How it works on the brain • FDA-approved uses (depression, OCD, smoking cessation, and adolescent depression 15+) • Safety, side effects, and who qualifies • How TMS interacts with medication or micro-tapers • Why neuroplasticity matters for long-term change • Myths, fears, and misunderstandings • What to expect from the evaluation process • How to advocate for yourself inside the mental-health system This episode welcomes listeners from all backgrounds—faith, non-faith, clinical, and non-clinical—with clarity, compassion, and zero stigma. Highlighted Quotes (Verbatim) Jackie Simon, PMHNP-BC: "TMS is transcranial magnetic stimulation, and it is indeed a magnet. It stimulates electrical activity between neurons so they can communicate, release neurotransmitters, and support the areas of the brain involved in mood and functioning." Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP: "If your brain needs support, that does not mean your faith is weak. It means your nervous system has been carrying more than it was ever designed to carry alone." What You'll Learn in This Episode • What a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) does • How TMS works in simple, non-technical language • What a first TMS session and evaluation look like • Common myths about TMS vs. ECT • Expected timeline for improvement and remission • Why TMS is noninvasive and often well-tolerated • Why lifestyle, therapy, and relational support still matter • How to talk to your provider if you're curious about TMS • How to spot red flags and green flags in mental-health care • Free, accessible ways to support brain health today Educational Resources Mentioned These links are shared strictly for educational purposes and are not endorsements or medical recommendations. TMS Device Education • MagVenture — https://www.magventure.com • NeuroStar — https://www.neurostar.com • BrainsWay Deep TMS — https://www.brainsway.com Trusted Medical Overviews • Mayo Clinic: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation • Cleveland Clinic: TMS Therapy Overview • NIH/NIMH: Brain Stimulation Therapies Professional Organization • IMMH (Integrative Medicine for Mental Health) Work With Jackie Simon, PMHNP-BC Rising Tide Psychiatry — Telehealth psychiatric care for clients in Florida and New York, offering: • Medication management • Micro-tapers when appropriate • Holistic, integrative support • Referrals for TMS • TMS services available through her partnership with REKO Behavioral Health (Delray Beach) Connect With Diana • Through the Valley Therapy • Transformed Mind Consulting & Coaching • The Holistic Counselor Podcast (YouTube Playlist) Support This Work Each episode takes 3–5 hours to prepare, research, record, and produce with care, intentionality, and trauma-informed planning. If this podcast has encouraged you, supported your growth, or offered meaningful insight, one way to help keep it independent and ad-free is by visiting the merch store. Your purchase helps sustain thoughtful, holistic conversations on mental, emotional, relational, and spiritual well-being for listeners around the world. Explore the collection: https://theholisticcounselorpodcast.printful.me/ If this episode helped you, please take a moment to leave a review or share it with someone who might benefit. Reviews are one of the most impactful ways to help others discover the show. Secondary Disclaimer This episode is for general education only and is not a substitute for individualized professional advice. Do not make changes to medications, supplements, or mental-health treatment without consulting your licensed provider.
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    55 m
  • Ep. 98 - Healing Latina Health: Gut-Brain Connection, Cultural Food & Hormone Balance with ​Health Coach, Naihomy Jerez

    Ep. 98 - Healing Latina Health: Gut-Brain Connection, Cultural Food & Hormone Balance with ​Health Coach, Naihomy Jerez
    Mar 4 2026
    What if the foods that shaped your childhood could also heal you? In this powerful episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, host Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP sits down with Naihomy Jerez—Bronx-raised Dominicana, Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, and host of Let's Be Healthy Latinas: Holistic Wellness with Sazón y Cultura—to unpack how culture, hormones, and gut health intersect with mental wellness. Together they explore: Why traditional Latina foods aren't the problem—it's about quality, balance & context. How the gut–brain axis shapes mood, anxiety & focus. The link between hormones, inflammation, and emotional regulation. Ancestral nutrition & faith-based healing habits that actually last. How to drop food shame while honoring your culture and flavor. Practical micro-habits for busy women—no expensive protocols required. Key Quotes Diana S. Rice: "Once we realize that we are biology, psychology, and theology all rolled into one, we finally see that mental health, gut health, and spiritual health are inseparable." Naihomy Jerez: "I stopped trying to shrink myself and started nourishing myself — making the foods I love work for me instead of against me." Resources & Mentions Books Referenced Eat to Beat Disease: The New Science of How Your Body Can Heal Itself — Dr. William W. Li MD Calm Your Mind with Food — Dr. Uma Naidoo Outlive — Dr. Peter Attia Roar & Next Level — Dr. Stacy Sims The New Menopause — Dr. Mary Claire Haver Podcasts Mentioned Let's Be Healthy Latinas — Naihomy Jerez The Model Health Show — Shawn Stevenson Diary of a CEO — Steven Bartlett The School of Greatness — Lewis Howes Clean Seasoning & Food Brands Badia Organic Adobo 12.75 oz Healthy Rican — Use code naihomy10 for 10% off Loisa Organic Spices & Sazón — Use code naihomyjerez10 for 10% off About the Guest Naihomy Jerez Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach | Hormone & Gut Health Specialist | Podcast Host www.naihomyjerez.com Instagram → @naihomyjerez About the Host Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP Licensed Mental Health Counselor | Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional Founder of Through the Valley Therapy & Transformed Mind Consulting and Coaching The Holistic Counselor Podcast — where faith, science & whole-person healing meet. Listener Invitation If this conversation spoke to you, please rate and review The Holistic Counselor Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps this free, faith-informed resource reach more people who need hope, tools & truth.
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    1 h y 7 m
  • Ep. 97 - Holistic Psychiatry Beyond Big Pharma: Faith, Culture & Informed Care with Dr. Tzvi Furer

    Ep. 97 - Holistic Psychiatry Beyond Big Pharma: Faith, Culture & Informed Care with Dr. Tzvi Furer
    Feb 25 2026
    In this powerful episode, Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP sits down with Dr. Tzvi Furer, MD, FAPA, DFAACAP, a dual-board-certified Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist and founder of Palm Tree Psychiatry. Together, they break down myths about psychiatry, explore the importance of deprescribing and informed consent, and discuss how cultural competence and compassion must guide mental-health care. Dr. Furer shares his journey from training at NYU Langone Health / Bellevue Hospital to building a concierge practice that goes beyond the 15-minute "med check." His approach combines psychotherapy, medication management, medical root-cause testing, and narrative medicine—helping patients feel truly seen, not labeled. Diana and Dr. Furer dive into: The difference between psychiatry, psychology, and therapy What "go low and go slow" prescribing really means Why faith, biology, and psychology belong in the same conversation How to advocate for yourself in a rushed or insurance-limited system The role of storytelling and narrative medicine in healing Root-cause assessment, labs, and integrative collaboration with therapists Practical advice for those who can't afford concierge care but still need hope If you've ever felt disillusioned by medication-only psychiatry or you're craving a faith-informed, science-based approach to mental health, this episode will challenge your perspective and leave you encouraged. Referenced Resources & Links Connect with Dr. Tzvi Furer & Palm Tree Psychiatry: Website: palmtreepsychiatry.com Alternate: palmtreepsych.com Facebook: facebook.com/palmtreepsychiatry Instagram: @palmtreepsychiatry X: x.com/palmtreepsych Threads: threads.com/@palmtreepsychiatry LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/palmtreepsychiatry Books & Mentions: The Body Keeps the Score – Dr. Bessel van der Kolk Cognitive Therapy: Basics and Beyond – Judith S. Beck, PhD Love's Executioner – Irvin Yalom, MD The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat – Oliver Sacks The 5 Second Rule – Mel Robbins Related Episodes on The Holistic Counselor Podcast: Ep. 11 – Unveiling Cultural Competence with Dorothy Chatelier-Orelus, APRN Ep. 18 – Radical Truths in Mental Health with Dr. Roger McFillin Ep. 20 – From Pills to Purpose with Dr. Nina Joy Mena Ep. 67 – Psychiatric Deprescribing & Women's Mental Health with Dr. Amy O'Donnell Episode Highlights TimeTopic03:00Dr. Furer's journey from NYU Langone to Palm Tree Psychiatry08:00Cultural competence and working with diverse communities13:00Psychiatry vs. psychology vs. therapy explained18:00"Go low and go slow" – rethinking medication management19:00Root-cause care and medical workups in mental health24:00What concierge psychiatry really means27:00Narrative medicine and the power of story32:00Deprescribing and self-advocacy in the system39:00Practical books and tools for hope and healing44:00Final encouragement: take your mental health seriously About the Host Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP is the founder of Through the Valley Therapy and Transformed Mind Consulting & Coaching. As host of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, Diana bridges faith, neuroscience, and whole-person healing through authentic, stigma-breaking conversations with experts and advocates. Join the Movement If this episode encouraged you, please rate, review, and share it with a friend or colleague. Your support helps others find faith-integrated, evidence-based mental-health content that brings hope and healing. Follow Diana on: Instagram | @theholisticcounselorpodcast
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    47 m
  • Ep. 96 - Talking Politics Without Losing Your Mind—or Your Relationships | Kelsey Blahnik, LCSW-S, Author of The And Way: Assertive Peacemaking in a Divided World

    Ep. 96 - Talking Politics Without Losing Your Mind—or Your Relationships | Kelsey Blahnik, LCSW-S, Author of The And Way: Assertive Peacemaking in a Divided World
    Feb 18 2026
    In this powerful conversation, host Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP—founder of Through the Valley Therapy and Transformed Mind Consulting & Coaching—sits down with Kelsey Blahnik, LCSW-S, clinician, author, and advocate for reconciliation in divided times. Together, they explore the intersection of politics, mental health, and spiritual healing—without taking sides. Kelsey is the author of The And Way: Assertive Peacemaking in a Divided World (now available for preorder) and co-hosts Love Anyway Gatherings through Search for Common Ground—spaces where people of all backgrounds learn to "talk and listen without losing themselves." From family rifts to online echo chambers, Diana and Kelsey unpack how we can stay human in the middle of the mess and rediscover hope in a polarized world. Key Topics How internal family systems (IFS) and "parts work" help us understand political and relational conflict The And Way™ model: combining dialectics, compassion, and boundaries Why fear is false evidence appearing real—and how to calm your nervous system when triggered How to practice assertive peacemaking in everyday conversations Recognizing when your "protector parts" are overactivated and learning to respond from Self-energy Reframing conflict as connection: "You don't have to pick the relationship or being right forever—you choose one in each moment." Healing through holistic practices: movement, rhythm, journaling, and nature How media algorithms fuel anxiety—and how to curate your digital diet for mental peace Featured Quotes "My favorite phrase is, 'It makes sense.' Because it starts with being able to acknowledge my fear makes sense—and their fear makes sense. That's why the AND is so critical." — Kelsey Blahnik, LCSW-S "We need to remember: United we stand, divided we fall. We can have all the therapy and medication in the world, but until we learn to respond in wisdom instead of reactivity, we'll stay stuck." — Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP Resources Mentioned The And Way Press: https://theandwaypress.com Search for Common Ground / Love Anyway Gatherings: https://www.sfcg.org Braver Angels (Mental Health Workshops): https://braverangels.org All Sides News: https://www.allsides.com Tangle News: https://www.readtangle.com Ground News: https://ground.news What Happened to You by Dr. Bruce Perry & Oprah Winfrey The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz Closing Reflection This episode reminds us that healing division starts inside us. Whether you lean red, blue, or "elephonkey purple," the call is the same: humanize before you analyze. As Kelsey says, self-healing leads to world-healing. Connect Follow Kelsey Blahnik, LCSW-S: https://theandwaypress.com Learn more about her practice: The And Way Therapy (serving Texas & Florida) Follow Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP: Through the Valley Therapy Transformed Mind Consulting & Coaching The Holistic Counselor Podcast on YouTube
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    53 m