Podcasts about Art therapy

In this episode, Trisha and I answer a listener's question about emotional eating and why we sometimes turn to food for comfort. She shares how, when she's feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or upset, food can sometimes become a way of coping. She also asks about the connection between emotional regulation, autism, and emotional eating. We explore this topic and chat about some of the reasons we might reach for food when emotions feel difficult, and the importance of understanding ourselves with more kindness and compassion. As always, Trisha McHale brings her psychotherapist's perspective to the conversation, helping us look beneath the surface of the challenges we face. If you've ever found yourself turning to food when life feels overwhelming, or wondered why emotional eating can feel so hard to break, this episode is for you. Click play and let's dive in. To apply for membership to Thrive Academy, Jessica's coaching program, go to www.jessicacooke.ie/thrive To contact Trisha McHale for more information on Therapy and Counselling services: galway@mindandbodyworks.com 091 725 750 About Trisha McHale: Trisha is a Psychotherapist and Director of Mind & Body Works Counselling and Psychotherapy Centre, based in Galway, with centres in Galway and Dublin. Their team of over 50 Psychotherapists and Psychologists work with adults, couples, adolescents, and children, offering therapies including CBT, EMDR, and Art Therapy. They also run a low-cost counselling service.

In this episode, Muunie explores the transformative power of music and creative expression in mental health recovery. She shares her inspiring journey from depression to emotional liberation through art, dance, and energy healing."Using self-expression as a channel for healing"Chapters:00:00 Introduction and guest overview02:01 Using art therapy and energy healing for recovery03:30 The healing power of music and dance06:00 Live music performance and creative process08:05 Advice for those struggling with mental health09:02 Upcoming album 'Dorrado' and its inspiration10:02 Future plans and living in Oaxaca10:53 Daily mental health practices and self-care12:05 Where to find the guest's music and resources"Moving the body helps rewire the brain"Other Takeaways:*The journey from depression to self-love*Overcoming shame through self-expression*The role of music in emotional healing*Moving the body releases emotional blockages.*The benefits of ecstatic dance and movement*Creating a music-based healing journey*Practical mental health tips for daily lifeClick here to watch the video version of this episode.After the show, enjoy her first episode from March 15, 2022 to follow her journey by clicking here.Support the showSubscribe to stay current and share with a friend who could use this episode. All questions for the host or guests: Email PodcastsByLanci@gmail.com.Show Partner: Living Proof TBI Coaching

In this episode, Muunie explores the transformative power of music and creative expression in mental health recovery. She shares her inspiring journey from depression to emotional liberation through art, dance, and energy healing."Using self-expression as a channel for healing"Support the showSubscribe to stay current and share with a friend who could use this episode. All questions for the host or guests: Email PodcastsByLanci@gmail.com.Show Partner: Living Proof TBI Coaching

Today on The Natural Birth Podcast we have Mia.Mia is a mama of two originally from Montreal, Canada, now living in Norway.Mia is a certified doula, Sacred Birthworker, and a Mama Blessing ceremony facilitator who is deeply passionate about physiological birth and supporting women through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Her work extends to facilitating women's circles, retreats, and organizing wellness events and festivals in Norway, Portugal, Canada, and beyond.With a deep love for art and holistic psychology, Mia is completing her Master's degree in Art Therapy, weaving together creativity, ritual, authentic relating, and evidence-based therapeutic practice. She facilitates Prenatal Art Therapy sessions and is dedicated to creating meaningful spaces where women can reconnect with themselves, cultivate supportive sisterhood, and embrace the transformative journey of motherhood.In this heartfelt episode, Mia shares the story of her daughter's profoundly easeful and mystical home water birth, which unfolded in less than 90 minutes. She reflects on the power of surrender, the innate intelligence of the birthing body, and the simple yet profound practices that allowed her to experience birth as peaceful, instinctive, and deeply empowering.Mia explores the mindset shifts that shaped her experience, including replacing the idea of contractions with expansions, and how softening into each wave allowed her body to lead the way. She shares what it felt like to experience the ferguson reflex, welcome her daughter through a gentle partial lotus birth, and emerge with a profound sense of peace, awe, and trust in the wisdom of birth.She also reflects on the magic of the first hours postpartum, resting in the comfort of her own home, surrounded by candles and soft galaxy lights, holding and breastfeeding her baby while her doula filled the room with gentle guitar songs from the Amazon jungle, creating an atmosphere of deep peace, love, and reverence.This episode is an invitation to reimagine what birth can be when women feel deeply safe, supported, and connected to their own inner knowing.Curious about Mia? Find her on instagram as @earthsidebirth.doulaWant to work with Anna or join The Sacred Birth Worker Mentorship?Find Anna's Website, about her Mentorship & How to Work with Her, as well as all Links & Resources she mentions in the episode here:www.sacredbirthinternational.com/links-podcast

Sometimes the person standing in your way isn't someone else. It's the version of yourself that was created to survive. In this episode of the Power & Purpose Podcast, Vanessa Soul sits down with Steven Francisci—U.S. Navy Veteran, author, mental health advocate, and trauma awareness educator—to explore what it truly takes to heal from childhood conditioning, codependency, shame, religious deconstruction, and inherited identities. Steven shares the powerful story behind his memoir, From Ahole to Alright**, and explains how therapy, self-reflection, and conscious change transformed every area of his life. Together they discuss: • Why trauma creates protective identities • The Codependency Triangle (Victim • Rescuer • Persecutor) • How manipulation often disguises itself as love • Religious deconstruction and questioning inherited beliefs • Radical self-awareness without self-shame • Healing the inner critic • Journaling, art therapy, breathwork and shadow work • Letting go of certainty and learning to trust life • Returning to love as your true identity Whether you're beginning your healing journey or have been doing inner work for years, this conversation offers practical insights and profound perspective for becoming more fully yourself.

Most women know they should move their bodies, eat well, and protect their sleep. But creativity rarely makes the list.In this conversation, Dr. Mindy sits down with Dr. Daisy Fancourt to explore the growing body of research showing that art is far more than entertainment or decoration. Music, reading, dancing, crafting, storytelling, and even spending time with a painting can affect stress, mood, cognition, connection, and the nervous system.Daisy explains why creative activities can help the brain enter a state of flow, how music can slow the heart rate, and why reading fiction may strengthen empathy by allowing us to experience the world through another person's perspective. She also shares why knitting, singing, dancing, and other so-called “grandmother hobbies” are finding their way back into modern life.In this episode you'll learn:Why creativity became separated from everyday lifeHow to choose music that meets your nervous system where it is How regular creative activity may support healthier cortisol patterns Why book clubs provide more than a reason to read What the research suggests about art, brain fog, and cognitive reserve Whether online creative classes offer the same benefits as meeting in person Simple ways to bring more creativity into everyday lifeResources MentionedArt Cure by Daisy FancourtInstagram: @daisy.fancourtMore on Daisy FancourtDr. Daisy Fancourt is a researcher and author whose work examines the effects of arts and cultural engagement on health and well-being.Her research explores how activities such as music, reading, crafting, dancing, and visiting cultural spaces may influence mental health, stress, cognition, social connection, and physical health. She has published extensively in the field and works on projects examining the biological, psychological, and social effects of creative participation.For more resources related to today's episode, visit the podcast episode page: drmindypelz.com/ep357Connect with Dr. Mindy:Join Reset AcademyWatch the episodes on YouTubeFollow Dr. Mindy on InstagramSubscribe to Dr. Mindy's newsletterDisclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, fasting routine, or lifestyle.

Brooke Bralove has spent 22 years as a sex therapist helping women figure out what's actually going on when desire disappears. Her take: your desire isn't broken or gone, it's just stuck. She joins Em and Cass to talk about why the sex we had at the beginning of a relationship isn't coming back (and why we need to grieve that), why "just try to be in the mood" is terrible advice, and how a new kind of therapy called ART is helping women unstick everything from low libido to body image spirals in as little as one session. Find Brooke at brookebralove.com and @brookebralovepsychotherapy on Instagram. Want to hang out IRL?! Come to our event "Bouquets & Besties" on Aug. 9th 2026. Get your tickets HERE! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Trisha and I answer two thoughtful listener questions that so many women will relate to. The first is about perfectionism and the pressure to get everything right. If you've ever felt like giving up because you couldn't do something perfectly, you're not alone. We explore why this mindset can keep us stuck and how we can begin to be kinder to ourselves. The second question looks at the balance between self-discipline and self-compassion. How do we know when to push ourselves and when it's ok to rest? It can be difficult to tell the difference, especially when guilt gets involved. As always, Trisha McHale brings her psychotherapist's perspective to the conversation, helping us look beneath the surface of these common struggles. If you've ever wrestled with perfectionism, questioned whether you're being too hard on yourself, or wondered how to find the balance between discipline and compassion, this episode is for you. Click play and let's dive in. To apply for membership to Thrive Academy, Jessica's coaching program, go to www.jessicacooke.ie/thrive To contact Trisha McHale for more information on Therapy and Counselling services: galway@mindandbodyworks.com 091 725 750 About Trisha McHale: Trisha is a Psychotherapist and Director of Mind & Body Works Counselling and Psychotherapy Centre, based in Galway, with centres in Galway and Dublin. Their team of over 50 Psychotherapists and Psychologists work with adults, couples, adolescents, and children, offering therapies including CBT, EMDR, and Art Therapy. They also run a low-cost counselling service.

This week, Han is joined by Jessica Mackney, an HCPC-registered Art Psychotherapist passionate about how art therapy can help people explore experiences that may be difficult to put into words and build meaningful therapeutic relationships, while increasing awareness of the role art therapy plays in supporting recovery in eating disorder treatment. Working from a trauma-informed, non-judgemental approach, Jess supports people across the lifespan with eating disorders, autism, SEN, and complex trauma, across the NHS, education, and non-profit sectors, with a particular focus on young people and eating disorders. In this episode, we explore:What art therapy actually is beyond common misconceptions ("just drawing or painting")How the relationship between therapist, client and the artwork itself carries meaningWhy perfectionism and control (often present in eating disorders) can make engaging with art materials difficultHow art therapy offers a route into communication when verbal expression feels inaccessible or unsafeThe role of choice, agency and non-judgement in the therapy spaceWorking with people who are non-verbal or struggling to access words for their experienceHow the connection between body, senses and materials can support reconnection for those with eating disordersHan's own experience of art, perfectionism, and rediscovering creativity after her eating disorderHow art can hold and express difficult emotions — including anger and frustration — safelyWays people can explore the benefits of creative expression at home, distinct from clinical art therapyConnect with Us:Subscribe to the Full of Beans PodcastFollow Full of Beans on InstagramCheck out our websiteListen on YouTubeConnect with Jessica via LinkedIn. ⚠️ Content Note: This episode includes discussion of eating disorders, disordered eating, and self-harm. Please take care while listening, and know that this podcast is always here to come back to.

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In today's episode, Trisha and I answer two powerful listener questions that so many women will relate to. The first question comes from a listener who wants to stop drinking but feels stuck in the same evening routine. She knows she'll feel better without alcohol, yet the thought of a glass of wine after a long day is hard to resist. If you've ever wondered why willpower isn't enough or why evenings can feel incomplete without a drink, this conversation is for you. The second question is about self-belief. It's about looking confident on the outside while feeling overwhelmed and not enough on the inside. We explore why so many women hold themselves back, fear putting themselves out there, and struggle to see themselves the way others do. As always, Trisha McHale shares her psychotherapist perspective, helping us understand what's really going on beneath these struggles and how small shifts in awareness can lead to lasting change. Whether you're trying to break a habit, build confidence, or simply understand yourself a little better, we hope this conversation leaves you feeling encouraged, understood, and ready to take the next step. Click play and let's dive in. To apply for membership to Thrive Academy, Jessica's coaching program, go to www.jessicacooke.ie/thrive To contact Trisha McHale for more information on Therapy and Counselling services: galway@mindandbodyworks.com 091 725 750 About Trisha McHale: Trisha is a Psychotherapist and Director of Mind & Body Works Counselling and Psychotherapy Centre, based in Galway, with centres in Galway and Dublin. Their team of over 50 Psychotherapists and Psychologists work with adults, couples, adolescents, and children, offering therapies including CBT, EMDR, and Art Therapy. They also run a low-cost counselling service.

Content Note: This episode discusses disordered eating. If you're in recovery or feeling vulnerable, please prioritise your well-being.This week on a very special episode of Friendless, host James Avramenko sits down with poet Brandi Bird for a deep dive into creativity, recovery, and self-discovery. The conversation explores the messy realities of writing and publishing poetry, the impact of external validation, and the importance of allowing time and distance between lived experience and creative transformation.Brandi discusses their own journey through eating disorder recovery and how it shapes their work, approaches to confessional writing, and the ways truth, persona, and vulnerability intersect in poetry. The two tackle topics such as perfectionism, the pressures of literary recognition, and the liberation found in writing for oneself rather than for approval.They also reflect on the power of oral tradition, stage presence, and shared first drafts, as well as the nuances of exploring difficult family relationships—particularly with mothers—within art. The conversation turns to broader issues including medical bigotry, Indigenous identity, community, and what it means to move beyond victimhood to agency.From pop culture to personal struggles, this episode is an honest, witty, and intimate look at the intersections of art, healing, and being unapologetically oneself.

Today, I interview Beth Erlander, a grief expert and therapist who spent years believing she had to stop being a caregiver before she could truly support other caregivers. Although she had helped people through grief for more than 26 years, Beth hesitated to focus on this work because she was still living it herself. In our conversation, she didn't think she was ready, and she wasn't sure she had enough distance from her own experience to guide others through theirs. She shares what helped her stop waiting, why she finally became comfortable with not having all the answers, and how her own experience gave her a deeper understanding of the people she felt called to serve. We also explore why grief is more than death loss, how it can show up in life's transitions, and what it means to give grief a voice.Today, Beth helps those who unexpectedly find themselves caring for a spouse or partner navigate the emotional realities of caregiving. Through her professional experience and her own journey, she is creating programs that help caregivers feel seen, understood, and supported while navigating a grief that often goes unrecognized.__________________Beth Erlander, LPC, grief expert and seasoned therapist with over 26 years of experience. She works with grief and loss issues from any kind of sudden life transition. Yet the main focus of her work is serving those who find themselves thrust into the role of being the caregiver for their spouse or partner.Her memoir, Life Upside Down: The Fall That Transformed Our Lives, Lifting Me Through Grief Love and Quadriplegia speaks to the journey of being her partner's caregiver for the past 13 years.Beth is a Creative Grief Support Practitioner, Art Therapist and EMDR practitioner. She is currently training in Somatic Experiencing, Peter Levine's work where she is gathering more tools to equip grievers to navigate the overwhelming experience of grief in the body.Beth runs an online program called The Wheel of Grief, which gives grievers a map to navigate the wild terrain of loss. She co-leads grief rituals and ceremonies, both online and in person. She is also a Cowry Shell Diviner taught to her by the late and great Elder Malidoma Somé.__________________Find BETH here:Book: https://crowflowpublications.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betherlander_grief2joy/Support the showI'm Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com​.

In today's episode, Trisha and I answer two listener questions. The first question is about feeling stuck in cycles of restarting instead of progressing, using food for comfort, and struggling to build consistency even when there is a strong desire to change. The second question is about ageing and the inner critic, and how it can feel difficult to let go of a younger version of yourself.  As always, Trisha McHale shares her psychotherapist view, helping explain why these patterns happen and how to change them for good. Click play and let's dive in. To apply for membership to Thrive Academy, Jessica's coaching program, go to www.jessicacooke.ie/thrive To contact Trisha McHale for more information on Therapy and Counselling services: galway@mindandbodyworks.com 091 725 750 About Trisha McHale: Trisha is a Psychotherapist and Director of Mind & Body Works Counselling and Psychotherapy Centre, based in Galway, with centres in Galway and Dublin. Their team of over 50 Psychotherapists and Psychologists work with adults, couples, adolescents, and children, offering therapies including CBT, EMDR, and Art Therapy. They also run a low-cost counselling service.

Send us Fan MailBryce Bailey, MA, ATR. Registered Art Therapist from Seattle, WA currently living in Palm Springs, CA. He launched his own creativity/ design consulting practice “EmpowerART Studio” and offers Per Diem Art Therapy at a local physical rehabilitation hospital. He leads art therapy groups and facilitates creativity workshops in community. Bryce is passionate about utilizing the creative process to facilitate personal growth, transformation, healing and connection through artmaking. He has worked with most populations but specializes in LGBTQ, at-risk adolescents, addiction recovery, and identity empowerment. Bryce has remained active in giving back to the recovery community for over 22 years, sober since 9/24/99. He enjoys his own artmaking through collage, mixed media, oil pastels, and visual journaling. Graduating from Antioch University Seattle's Masters in Psychology/Art Therapy program (2006), he interned at Seattle Counseling Service (LGBTQ), worked as art therapist and mental health clinician at Community Psychiatric Clinic and Michael's House Dual-Diagnosis Treatment Center, facilitated creative recovery & visual journaling workshops in Miami, San Jose, San Diego, Palm Springs, and Seattle, and volunteered with homeless and LGBT youth in Seattle. His research project "Artmaking as a Component and Facilitator of Resiliency with Homeless Youth" was published in the Art Therapy Journal (2008). Bryce served on the Board of Evergreen Art Therapy Association chapter in Seattle from 2005-2015, presented at several national Art Therapy Association conferences, and became Local Chair for the 2013 American Art Therapy Association conference in Seattle. Bryce can be reached at: empowerartstudio@gmail.com; Instagram: @bryce_empowerartstudioPhoto: Copyright Wilkinson/2026.To contact Wilkinson- email him at BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com

When was the last time you created something just for you?If you're a busy mom, chances are it's been a while.In this inspiring conversation, Lori sits down with multimedia abstract artist Heather Eck to explore how creativity can become a powerful tool for reducing stress, reconnecting with yourself, and finding moments of peace in everyday life.Heather shares her incredible journey from a 20-year corporate HR career to becoming a full-time intuitive artist who experiences the world through color because of a rare condition called synesthesia. She explains how creativity helped her overcome burnout, why even five minutes of quiet or artistic expression can transform your day, and how busy moms can begin reconnecting with themselves through simple creative practices.In this episode, you'll learn:Why creativity is so important for your mental and emotional well-beingHow Heather's experience with synesthesia shapes the way she sees people and emotionsThe surprising connection between art, intuition, and healingWhy busy moms need stillness more than everSimple ways to add creativity into your life—even if you don't consider yourself artisticHow just a few intentional minutes each day can help you feel calmer, more energized, and more connected to yourselfIf you've been feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or like you've lost touch with the person you used to be, this episode is a gentle reminder that coming back to yourself doesn't have to be complicated—it can start with just one quiet, creative moment.If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another busy mom who could use a little more creativity and calm in her life.Text us your feedback or questions!Stay connected!Join us in The Supermom Society! Get all the details at thesupermomsociety.com!Get all our show notes, buy the book Secrets of Supermom, and more at our website: www.secretsofsupermom.comSecrets of Supermom on FacebookSecrets of Supermom on Instagram

This podcast focused on the importance of mental health in families, emphasizing communication, stigma reduction, and support strategies for emotional well-being. Punam interviews Deepali Sansi, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has worked in Mental Health for more than 10 years. You can find her at: deepali-sansi-lmft-44190911b Deepali Sansi has been working at Buckelew Programs for the past four years and brings over a decade of experience in the mental health field. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and currently serves as an Assistant Program Director for the 988 Suicide Prevention Program. She is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and has extensive experience treating individuals with depression, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders. Her clinical expertise includes facilitating evidence-based therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Seeking Safety groups, and Art Therapy. Deepali is deeply passionate about working with families and adults who have experienced trauma, supporting them in building resilience and achieving meaningful recovery. She holds two graduate degrees: a Master's in Clinical Psychology from Delhi, India, and a Master's in Counseling with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy from Golden Gate University in San Francisco She comes with strong multicultural competence and experience working with diverse populations, Deepali is committed to helping individuals enhance self-esteem, develop insight, and cultivate healthy relationships that promote lasting and meaningful change.

Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: Finding Sanctuary: Tamar's Journey to Healing through Art Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/he/episode/2026-06-21-22-34-01-he Story Transcript:He: השמש זרחה בעוז מעל מוזיאון ישראל בירושלים באותו יום קיץ לוהט.En: The sun shone brightly over the Museum of Israel in Jerusalem on that scorching summer day.He: תמר עמדה בפתח הכניסה, ורוחה קצת נפלה.En: Tamar stood at the entrance, her spirits slightly dampened.He: היא אהבה את המקום הזה, אוצרת אומנות מסורה, אך המיגרנות שלה הפכו כל יום בעבודה למאבק.En: She loved this place, a devoted art curator, but her migraines made every workday a struggle.He: "נו, תמר," אמרה יעל, חברתה הטובה, כשהצליחה להיפגש איתה להפסקה קצרה בין הגלריות.En: "Come on, Tamar," said Yael, her good friend, when she managed to meet her for a short break between the galleries.He: "אני עדיין חושבת שכדאי לנסות את הטיפול האלטרנטיבי שסיפרתי לך עליו."En: "I still think you should try the alternative treatment I told you about."He: תמר נשמה עמוק.En: Tamar took a deep breath.He: "נמאס לי מהכאבים. אבל אני מפחדת לנסות משהו חדש."En: "I'm tired of the pain. But I'm afraid to try something new."He: "אני פה בשבילך," חייכה יעל בעידוד.En: "I'm here for you," Yael smiled encouragingly.He: נעם, בן זוגה של תמר, דאג גם הוא.En: Noam, Tamar's partner, was also concerned.He: בערבים היה מטריד עצמו בשאלות על בריאותה וכיצד ישפיעו המיגרנות על עבודתה.En: In the evenings, he would trouble himself with questions about her health and how the migraines would affect her work.He: "אני יודע שאת אוהבת את המוזיאון. אבל אנחנו חייבים למצוא פתרון גם לכלכלה המשפחתית," הוא אמר לה בזמן ארוחת ערב.En: "I know you love the museum, but we must also find a solution for the family finances," he told her during dinner.He: תמר הנהנה, מבינה את דאגתו.En: Tamar nodded, understanding his concern.He: יום אחד, בזמן שסיירה ב"חדרי ישראל," פנתה תמר להדרכת קבוצה קטנה.En: One day, while touring the "Halls of Israel", Tamar turned to guide a small group.He: לפתע, תחושת חמצן רעננה הציפה את ראשה.En: Suddenly, a fresh sense of oxygen overwhelmed her head.He: היא עצרה ליד פסל עתיק, עיניה בוהות ומתרגשות ממראה שעורר בה השראה עמוקה.En: She stopped by an ancient sculpture, her eyes wide and excited by a sight that deeply inspired her.He: החוויה בו זמנית העניקה לה רוגע וסחרחורת מדהימה.En: The experience granted her both calmness and an incredible dizziness.He: "אולי יש גם תרפיה באמנות," חשבה תמר לעצמה, בתחושה מרעננת של תקווה.En: "Perhaps there's also therapy in art," Tamar thought to herself, feeling a refreshing sense of hope.He: בעקבות הכיוון החדש, היא נפגשה עם מטפל בשם מיכאל, שהמליצה יעל.En: Following this new direction, she met with a therapist named Michael, whom Yael had recommended.He: הם עבדו יחד על שימוש באומנות כגישה טיפולית.En: Together, they worked on using art as a therapeutic approach.He: לאט לאט, תמר מצאה איזון חדש בין טיפולים שונים.En: Slowly, Tamar found a new balance among different treatments.He: היא חזרה להרגיש מחוברת לעבודתה, מלווה בתחושת הקלה וחיוניות כשהמיגרנות פחתו.En: She began to feel connected to her work again, accompanied by a sense of relief and vitality as the migraines diminished.He: "אני שמח שאת מרגישה יותר טוב," אמר נעם בערב אחד, כאשר ישבו יחד על המרפסת.En: "I'm glad you're feeling better," Noam said one evening as they sat together on the balcony.He: "אני מעריך את הכנות שלך."En: "I appreciate your honesty."He: "גם אני לומדת לבקש עזרה," חייכה תמר בשלווה.En: "I'm also learning to ask for help," Tamar smiled serenely.He: כעת, העולם היה בהיר יותר תחת השמש הקיצית של ירושלים, והמוזיאון חזר להיות מקום של נחמה וחוויות עבור תמר.En: Now, the world was brighter under the summer sun of Jerusalem, and the museum returned to being a place of comfort and experiences for Tamar.He: היא התחברה מחודשת אל האומנות, וידעה שהיא נמצאת בדרך הנכונה.En: She reconnected to art and knew she was on the right path.He: היא ויעל התיישבו שוב בקפיטריה של המוזיאון, חולקות סיפור או שניים מחייהן, בין צלילי החיים שממשיכים לזרום סביבן.En: She and Yael sat again in the museum's cafeteria, sharing a story or two from their lives, amidst the sounds of life continuing to flow around them.He: המוזיאון לא היה רק ​​מקום עבודתה של תמר, אלא גם מקלט לעולם הפנימי שגילתה מחדש בדרכה הייחודית.En: The museum was not only Tamar's workplace but also a sanctuary for the inner world she rediscovered on her unique journey. Vocabulary Words:shone: זרחהscorching: לוהטdampened: נפלהdevoted: מסורהmigraines: מיגרנותstruggle: מאבקtherapeutic: טיפוליתconcerned: דאגdiminished: פחתוsanctuary: מקלטentrance: פתח הכניסהtreatment: טיפולbreath: נשמהsculpture: פסלdizziness: סחרחורתrefreshing: מרעננתalternative: אלטרנטיביapproach: גישהconnected: מחוברתcalmness: רוגעencouragingly: בעידודeconomy: כלכלהaccompanied: מלווהcourage: השראהbalance: איזוןhesitant: מפחדתtherapist: מטפלfinances: כלכלהvitality: חיוניותconfidence: כנותBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.

Episode 298 · Mini Miracles From Minor Moments Have you ever said the right words but still felt completely misunderstood? This week on Mini Miracles From Minor Moments, I'm exploring something that touches every single relationship in your life — the tone, pace, and pitch of your voice. The way we say something carries just as much meaning as the words themselves. This episode gathers several short reflections recorded over recent weeks, all pointing toward one central truth: how we communicate shapes how we connect. What This Episode Is About From a morning full of mini-miracles — emissions tests, quick errands, and a license plate sticker that finally got done — to a thoughtful look at guarding your mind against fear and self-doubt, this episode is a warm collection of everyday wisdom. I talk about building emotional and physical endurance, the discipline of small daily habits, and the art of focusing on joy even when life is heavy. Woven through all of it is a longer reflection on the voice — how our intonation, pitch, and pace tell people far more than we realize, and how a simple smile in your voice can change everything. I also share some personal moments from my week — a cornea injury that a chance conversation with an orthopedic doctor helped catch, a pair of sunglasses still missing since Mother's Day, and the exciting launch of my Art Therapy group, which is now meeting on Thursday afternoons. These are the minor moments that carry real meaning, if we stay awake to them.   Main Talking Points Mini-Miracles Happen When You Least Expect Them A morning that flowed — errands done, sticker on the plate, still on time for an appointment — is a reminder to stay positive and keep moving. When things pile up, a peaceful mindset makes all the difference. Guarding Your Mind Is a Daily Practice Negative thoughts, comparison, fear, and the need to control things can creep in quietly. Training your thoughts during peaceful moments is what pushes destructive thinking out. Emotional endurance grows from patience, self-awareness, and reflection. Small Physical Habits Move You Forward Whether it's making the bed, taking a walk, or drinking more water, the small things we repeat build momentum. Even a half-mile walk counts. Honoring the commitments you make to yourself strengthens your identity and keeps joy within reach. Focus on the Good, Especially When Life Is Hard Life always brings sadness, illness, and loss. Choosing to call up joyful memories — a kind person at the bank, a warm summer day, a photo wall of good times — is not denial. It is a discipline that keeps us open to the miracles right in front of us. Your Voice Is an Emotional Soundtrack The tone, pace, and pitch of your voice communicate emotions that words alone cannot carry. Speaking with urgency raises the other person's anxiety; slowing down anchors them. Whether you want to inspire, comfort, or simply be understood, a calm and intentional voice makes all the difference. The Same Words Land Differently for Everyone A boss can address the same group and leave one person motivated, another insulted. We have to ask ourselves: how do I want the person on the other side to receive what I'm saying? Tone in texts and emails carries meaning too — short and direct can feel cold even when we don't intend it. Put a Smile in Your Voice People can tell if you are truly smiling when you speak — over the phone, in a counseling session, even in a voicemail. When we are preoccupied or distracted, our voice gives us away. Being present in our tone is one of the most generous things we can offer the people we care about.   Resources & Links Podcast Archive: lindagullo.com/minimiraclespodcast Art Therapy Group: Thursdays at 1 PM in June — register at lindagullo.com Coaching & Counseling: lindagullo.com Support the Podcast: buymeacoffee.com/delightinliving Contact Linda: Linda@delightinliving.com

In today's episode, Trisha and I answer a listener's question about anxiety, overthinking and the need to control. The question comes from a listener who asks: "Has Trisha any tips for dealing with overthinking due to anxiety and wanting things to go a certain way? Why do we feel that need when all we can control is ourselves?" It's a great question and one I think many women will relate to. If you find yourself worrying about the future, replaying conversations, trying to make things go a certain way or feeling uncomfortable when things are out of your control, this episode is for you. Trisha McHale brings her grounded psychotherapist perspective as we explore this listener's question together. Click play and let's dive in. To join  Thrive Academy, Jessica's coaching program, go to www.jessicacooke.ie/thrive To contact Trisha McHale for more information on Therapy and Counselling services: galway@mindandbodyworks.com 091 725 750 About Trisha McHale: Trisha is a Psychotherapist and Director of Mind & Body Works Counselling and Psychotherapy Centre, based in Galway, with centres in Galway and Dublin. Their team of over 50 Psychotherapists and Psychologists work with adults, couples, adolescents, and children, offering therapies including CBT, EMDR, and Art Therapy. They also run a low-cost counselling service.

Welcome to the Psychedelic Conversations Podcast!Episode 172:In this episode, we discuss the evolving landscape of psychedelic work with Lucyne Jade and returning guest Simon Hinkly. Together, we explore what brought them to this path, from Lucyne's decades of experience in psychotherapy, plant medicine, retreat facilitation, and integration, to Simon's journey from filmmaking and men's work into psychedelic practice. We also speak about the future of psychedelic healing, including retreats, clinical models, indigenous wisdom, safety, integration, and the importance of moving away from extraction toward collaboration and “cross-pollination.” A central focus of the conversation is their pioneering psilocybin retreat for former boarding school students, created to support deep healing around disconnection, grief, survival strategies, and inner child wounds. Lucyne and Simon share the intention behind the retreat, the importance of preparation and integration, and why creating a safe, well-held container is essential for meaningful transformation.About Lucyne:Lucyne Jade is an intuitive healer, mentor and psychotherapist. She worked as an addiction therapist for many years at the Priory in London. She now specialises in Breathwork, Therapy and Shamanism and has travelled throughout Central and South America, Hawaii and Europe studying and becoming a carrier of ancient healing practices. She leads personal developments workshops and retreats in the UK and Europe. Most recently she spent 3 years at Rythmia Life Advancement Centre in Costa Rica, where she ran groups up to 100 people. She has a great passion for holding space for awakening and creating an environment of safety, love, depth and transformation. She is also a skilled sound healer and uses the power of sound during workshops. Lucyne has been also been trained to utilise the following modalities to inform her work: Neurolinguistic Programming, Hypnosis, Family Constellations, Art Therapy, Kundalini Yoga, Kirtan Chanting, Mater Reiki and Life Coaching.About Simon:Simon Hinkly has been involved in the film industry for many years working as a First Assistant Director on feature films and TV series such as The Long Good Friday and My Beautiful Laundrette. Later as a producer of short films. He has worked as a producer, director and assistant director on over 50 feature films, shorts and documentaries. Simon brings a great passion for telling stories that have a big impact on the world. As a producer Simon was twice winner of the Kodak Film Awards for Best Short Films: Letters of Service (2004) and A Neutral Corner (2006)Connect with Lucyne:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucynejade/YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@lucynejade750LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyne-jade-2a9556218/Website: https://www.heartfirehub.com/Connect with Simon:Email: simonhinkly1@gmail.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-hinkly-b209a5b/Website: https://www.boardingoninsanity.com/This show is for information purposes only, and is not intended to provide mental health or medical advice.About Susan Guner:Susan Guner is a holistic psychotherapist with a mindfulness-based approach grounded in Transpersonal Psychology, focusing on trauma-informed, community-centric processes that offer a broader understanding of human potential and well-being.Connect with Susan:Website: https://www.psychedelicconversations.com/Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/susan.gunerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-guner/Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/susangunerTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/susangunerBlog: https://susanguner.medium.com/Podcast: https://anchor.fm/susan-guner#PsychedelicConversations #SusanGuner #LucyneJade #SimonHinkly #PsychedelicPodcast #Microdosing #PlantMedicines #Entheogens

Send us Fan MailIn this mini-series episode, I revisit number six in the top ten most listened-to episodes: my conversation with Laney Rosenzweig, the developer of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) — an evidence-based, eye movement therapy that can resolve the symptoms of PTSD, grief, depression, anxiety, and more, often in just one to three sessions.Laney is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over three decades of experience and the founder of the Rosenzweig Center for Rapid Recovery, which has trained over 8,000 clinicians worldwide. In this conversation, we explore how ART works, why it is different from EMDR, and why the results can sound too good to be true — until you understand the science behind them.If you have been carrying grief or trauma and feel stuck, this episode offers a genuinely different perspective on what healing can look like.Listen to the original episode: Episode 45 — Laney Rosenzweig | How Trauma Can Be Resolved in Just One Session With ART, and you can find all of Laney's information, including the links to her website, on the same link.If this podcast is helping you, please consider leaving a 5-star review — it helps more people find this content when they need it most.Chapters:00:00 Welcome00:49 Today's episode01:27 Welcome to the Mini Series02:50 Top 10 - Number 603:10 About Laney Rosenzweig03:22 ART - Accelerated Resolution Therapy04:47 Trauma resolved in just one session?!05:15 What is ART?06:18 What resonated with me07:18 Why it resonated with listenersSupport the show

Fluent Fiction - Hungarian: Brushstrokes of Healing: A Love Story in Art Therapy Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/hu/episode/2026-06-05-22-34-02-hu Story Transcript:Hu: A tavaszi nap sugarai gyengéden áramlottak be a vastag ablakokon, a pszichiátria nyugodt termeibe.En: The gentle rays of the spring sun streamed through the thick windows, into the calm rooms of the pszichiátria.Hu: Az intézmény csendes volt, csupán néha-néha törték meg a halk suttogások vagy a cipők suhogása.En: The institution was quiet, only occasionally broken by soft whispers or the rustling of shoes.Hu: Gábor, a terapeuta, már régóta vezette az intézet művészetterápiás csoportját, és hitt benne, hogy a festésnek van gyógyító ereje.En: Gábor, the therapist, had been leading the institution's art therapy group for a long time, and believed in the healing power of painting.Hu: Ma is, mint minden héten, gyűltek össze a páciensek a világos teremben, ahol ecsetek, festékek és üres vásznak várták őket.En: Today, like every week, the patients gathered in the bright room where brushes, paints, and blank canvases awaited them.Hu: Árpád az egyik ablak melletti festőállványhoz húzódott.En: Árpád moved to one of the easels next to the window.Hu: Ő egy zárkózott férfi volt, aki nehezen nyitott mások felé, de ha az ecset a kezében volt, felszabadultabbá vált.En: He was a reserved man who found it difficult to open up to others, but when he held a brush in his hand, he became more liberated.Hu: Csendben dolgozott, miközben gondolatai a színek és formák világában kalandoztak.En: He worked silently, while his thoughts wandered through a world of colors and shapes.Hu: Éva, aki nemrég kezdett el ebbe a csoportba járni, szintén szemügyre vette a festékeket.En: Éva, who had recently started attending this group, also examined the paints.Hu: Élénk, kíváncsi nő volt, aki a szorongásával küzdött.En: She was a lively, curious woman struggling with anxiety.Hu: Izgatottan várta, hogy mit hoz majd ki belőle az alkotás.En: She eagerly awaited what creation might bring out of her.Hu: Ahogy a csoportmunka elkezdődött, Gábor figyelte a páciensek reakcióit.En: As the group session began, Gábor watched the patients' reactions.Hu: Észrevette, hogy Árpád pillantása újra és újra megállt Éván.En: He noticed that Árpád's gaze repeatedly paused on Éva.Hu: Talán ez a találkozás gyökeresen megváltoztathatná mindkettőjük életét, gondolta, és elhatározta, hogy ösztönzi a közeledést.En: Perhaps this encounter could radically change both of their lives, he thought, and decided to encourage their closeness.Hu: A szünetben Árpád összeszedte a bátorságát és az egyik festményét Éva felé fordította.En: During the break, Árpád gathered his courage and turned one of his paintings towards Éva.Hu: "Tetszik, amit festesz?" kérdezte bizonytalanul, szemében halvány remény csillant.En: "Do you like what you're painting?" he asked uncertainly, a faint hope glimmering in his eyes.Hu: Éva alaposan megnézte a művet, az ecsetvonásokat, a színeket, majd mosolyogva visszanézett rá.En: Éva carefully examined the piece, the brush strokes, the colors, then looked back at him with a smile.Hu: "Csodálatos! Érzed a nyugalmat, amit sugároz? Ez egy saját világ."En: "It's wonderful! Do you feel the calm it radiates? It's its own world."Hu: Ezután beszélgetni kezdtek.En: Then they started talking.Hu: Meséltek egymásnak a kezdeti nehézségeikről, azokról a dolgokról, amelyekkel meg kellett küzdeniük.En: They shared with each other about their initial difficulties, the things they had to overcome.Hu: Egyre könnyebbé vált megnyílniuk egymás előtt.En: It became increasingly easier to open up to each other.Hu: Ahogy hetek teltek el, közös történetekbe ágyazták napjaikat, gyakran együtt maradva az órák után is.En: As weeks passed, they wove their days into shared stories, often staying together after the sessions.Hu: A művészetterápia egyik délutánján Árpád mély levegőt vett, és elmondta Évának félelmeit és reményeit.En: One afternoon during art therapy, Árpád took a deep breath and shared his fears and hopes with Éva.Hu: Ugyanezt tette Éva is; elismerte, hogy a szorongása néha elviselhetetlenné válik, de az alkotás során újra megtalálja magát.En: Éva did the same; she admitted that her anxiety sometimes became unbearable, but during creation, she rediscovered herself.Hu: Ez a teljes kinyílás elmélyítette köztük a kapcsolatot.En: This complete openness deepened the connection between them.Hu: A csoport végén döntöttek: kilépnek a művészetterápiás szobából, de lélekben együtt folytatják az utat.En: At the end of the group, they decided: they would leave the art therapy room, but in spirit, they would continue the journey together.Hu: A nap végén, mikor elhagyták a pszichiátria épületét, Árpád mosolyogva nézett Évára.En: At the end of the day, as they left the pszichiátria building, Árpád looked at Éva with a smile.Hu: Már nem érezte magát olyan egyedül.En: He no longer felt so alone.Hu: Éva pedig, mint egy tavaszi napfényes sugár, elhozta számára a reményt és a társaságot, amit eddig hiába keresett.En: Éva, like a ray of spring sunshine, had brought him the hope and companionship he had been searching for in vain.Hu: Tudták, hogy a gyógyulás nehéz út, de most már ketten tették meg az első lépéseket.En: They knew the road to recovery was difficult, but now they had taken the first steps together. Vocabulary Words:gentle: gyengédenstreamed: áramlottakoccasionally: néha-néhawhispers: suttogásokrustling: suhogásatherapist: terapeutahealing: gyógyítógathered: gyűltekreserved: zárkózottliberated: felszabadultabbáwandered: kalandoztakcurious: kíváncsiattending: járniexamined: szemügyre vettestruggling: küzdöttencounter: találkozásradically: gyökeresencloseness: közeledéstgathered: összeszedteuncertainly: bizonytalanulhope: reményglimmering: csillantovercome: küzdeniükshared: meséltekdeepened: elmélyítetterecovery: gyógyuláscompanionship: társaságotunbearable: elviselhetetlennérediscovered: újra megtaláljaspirit: lélekben

Fluent Fiction - Hungarian: Colors of Hope: Painting Paths to Recovery in a Psychiatric Ward Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/hu/episode/2026-06-05-07-38-19-hu Story Transcript:Hu: A tavaszi szellő gyengéden fújt be a nyitott ablakon Eszter szobájába, ahol az ablakpárkányon most is egy frissen szedett virág állt.En: The spring breeze gently blew into Eszter's room through the open window, where a freshly picked flower stood on the windowsill.Hu: A kórterem falait fehérre festették, de a folyosók végénél színes, vidám képek lógtak.En: The walls of the hospital room were painted white, but at the ends of the corridors, colorful and cheerful pictures hung.Hu: Ez az egyszerű megoldás próbálta derűssé tenni az egyhangúságot a pszichiátriai osztályon.En: This simple solution was an attempt to bring cheerfulness to the monotony of the psychiatric department.Hu: Eszter egy fiatal, kreatív nő volt, akinek kedvenc időtöltése a festés volt, de most ideiglenesen a kórház falain belül kellett töltenie napjait.En: Eszter was a young, creative woman whose favorite pastime was painting, but now she had to spend her days temporarily within the hospital walls.Hu: Az elmeosztályról nézve a világ másnak tűnt.En: From the perspective of the psychiatric ward, the world seemed different.Hu: A zárt ajtókon túli szabadságot azonban Eszter nem érezte elveszettnek.En: However, Eszter did not feel that the freedom beyond the closed doors was lost.Hu: Tervbe vette, hogy tovább folytatja az alkotást, de a művészeti eszközök hiánya hamar kihívássá vált számára.En: She planned to continue creating, but the lack of art materials soon became a challenge for her.Hu: Rebeka, Eszter régi barátja, a művészeti iskolából ismerte őt. Rebeka egy vasárnap délután látogatta meg, hogy egy kis színt vigyen Eszter világába.En: Rebeka, an old friend of Eszter from art school, visited her on a Sunday afternoon to bring a little color into Eszter's world.Hu: Ahogy a folyosókon végigment, megérezte, hogy barátnője nehezen éli meg ezt a helyzetet.En: As she walked down the corridors, she sensed that her friend was finding it difficult to cope with this situation.Hu: Rebeka elhatározta, hogy segít.En: Rebeka decided to help.Hu: De vajon bevihet-e festékeket és vásznakat?En: But could she bring in paints and canvases?Hu: Vajon a látogatóknak megengedett ez?En: Was this allowed for visitors?Hu: Zoltán, a részleg egyik kedves ápolója, mindig különös figyelmet fordított Eszterre.En: Zoltán, one of the kind nurses on the ward, always paid special attention to Eszter.Hu: Nap mint nap látta, hogy a lány próbálkozott beilleszkedni, hogy megtalálja régi énjét egy új világban.En: Day after day, he saw the girl trying to fit in, trying to find her old self in a new world.Hu: Zoltán tudta, mennyit jelent neki a festészet, és elhatározta, hogy segít, ahol csak tud.En: Zoltán knew how much painting meant to her and decided to help wherever he could.Hu: Egy nap Rebeka látogatása során, amikor a nap sugarai beragyogták a szobát, és játékos árnyékokat vetettek a falakra, Eszter félénken megkérte Rebekát, hogy hozzon be pár festéket a következő alkalommal.En: One day during Rebeka's visit, when the sunlight streamed into the room, casting playful shadows on the walls, Eszter shyly asked Rebeka to bring some paints next time.Hu: Rebeka habozott, de belement a kérésbe, mert látta Eszter szemében az újraéledő reményt.En: Rebeka hesitated but agreed to the request because she saw the rekindled hope in Eszter's eyes.Hu: A következő látogatás során Rebeka hozott egy zacskónyi festéket és ecsetet.En: During the next visit, Rebeka brought a bag of paints and brushes.Hu: De az ilyen próbálkozások kockázatosak voltak.En: But such attempts were risky.Hu: Az osztályon egy szigorú nővér észrevette a csomagot és kérdőre vonta Rebeka szándékait.En: A strict nurse on the ward noticed the package and questioned Rebeka's intentions.Hu: A feszültség nőtt, ahogy a nővér a szabályokra hivatkozott, és az egész jelenet a folyosón játszódott le.En: Tensions rose as the nurse referred to the rules, and the entire scene unfolded in the corridor.Hu: Ekkor lépett közbe Zoltán.En: That's when Zoltán intervened.Hu: Megértő mosollyal győzködni kezdte a főnővért: "Ez fontos része Eszter gyógyulásának.En: With an understanding smile, he began to persuade the head nurse: "This is an important part of Eszter's recovery.Hu: Szüksége van rá, hogy kifejezze önmagát."En: She needs to express herself."Hu: A főnővér némileg megenyhült a következetes érvek hatására.En: The head nurse somewhat softened under the consistent arguments.Hu: "Rendben," mondta végül, "de figyelemmel kísérjük majd, hogyan használják."En: "Alright," she finally said, "but we will monitor how they are used."Hu: Eszter megkönnyebbülten sóhajtott.En: Eszter sighed with relief.Hu: A festékei visszajutottak hozzá, és vele együtt az alkotás lehetősége.En: Her paints were returned to her, along with the opportunity to create.Hu: Zoltán és Rebeka támogatása új reményt adott neki.En: The support of Zoltán and Rebeka gave her new hope.Hu: Talán e színek és formák segítségével sikerül szabadabbnak éreznie magát a világban.En: Perhaps with the help of these colors and forms, she could feel freer in the world.Hu: A nap végén Eszter a vászon fölé hajolt, újra érezve a kreativitás gyönyörét.En: At the end of the day, Eszter leaned over the canvas, once again feeling the joy of creativity.Hu: A helyzet nem volt tökéletes, de tudta, hogy nem egyedül kell szembenéznie a nehézségekkel.En: The situation wasn't perfect, but she knew she didn't have to face the difficulties alone.Hu: A barátság és a kedvesség mindig kísérői maradtak az útján.En: Friendship and kindness remained her companions on her journey.Hu: Ahogy az első ecsetvonások kialakultak a vásznon, Eszter már tudta: nem csak a színek, de Zoltán és Rebeka támogatása is erőt adott a gyógyuláshoz.En: As the first brushstrokes appeared on the canvas, Eszter already knew: it wasn't just the colors but the support of Zoltán and Rebeka that gave her the strength to heal. Vocabulary Words:breeze: szellőgently: gyengédenwindowsill: ablakpárkánymonotony: egyhangúságpsychic department: pszichiátriai osztályperspective: nézőpontward: osztálytemporarily: ideiglenesenart materials: művészeti eszközökchallenge: kihíváscope: megbirkózikstrict: szigorúintentions: szándékoktensions: feszültségunfolded: kibontakozottintervened: közbelépettrecovery: gyógyulásrekindled: újraéledőlight: sugarakplayful: játékosshyly: félénkenhesitated: habozottconsistent: következetesrelief: megkönnyebbüléscompanions: kísérőkjourney: útbrushstrokes: ecsetvonásokcanvas: vászonsupport: támogatásfreer: szabadabb

A discussion of how art therapy can be used to help rebuild a connection to the natural world. Learn more about Personal Rewilding online at www.rhnaturereconnect.com Join the Personal Rewilding with Robert Hensley community on Patreon at www.patreon.com/cw/roberthensleynaturereconnectBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/truth-be-told-paranormal--3589860/support.

In today's episode, Trisha and I answer a listener's question about food, weight loss and the fear of slipping back into diet culture. The question comes from a listener who wants to get fit and strong and improve her health, but also feels confused about how weight loss actually works without calorie counting, restriction and obsessing over food again. We talk about overeating, fat storage, portion sizes, hunger, body trust and the fear many women have of “getting it wrong” when they stop dieting. We also explore the difference between healthy structure and diet culture, why so many women feel stuck in the all-or-nothing cycle, and how to approach weight loss in a slower, calmer and more sustainable way without becoming consumed by food. As always, Trisha McHale brings her grounded psychotherapist perspective — helping unpack what's happening beneath these patterns and why rebuilding trust, consistency and self-awareness matters so much. Click play and let's dive in. To apply for membership to Thrive Academy, Jessica's coaching program, go to www.jessicacooke.ie/thrive To contact Trisha McHale for more information on Therapy and Counselling services: galway@mindandbodyworks.com 091 725 750 About Trisha McHale: Trisha is a Psychotherapist and Director of Mind & Body Works Counselling and Psychotherapy Centre, based in Galway, with centres in Galway and Dublin. Their team of over 50 Psychotherapists and Psychologists work with adults, couples, adolescents, and children, offering therapies including CBT, EMDR, and Art Therapy. They also run a low-cost counselling service.

— In this episode, we delve into how mindfulness and meditation serve as vital tools in connecting with the present, and how therapy cultivates openness to new possibilities. We explore key topics such as defining mental health and human suffering, the role of mindfulness in therapy, and the art of rewriting personal narratives to alleviate anxiety and depression. Samantha shares her insights on nurturing our inner child, transforming language and perception, and utilizing art as a healing medium. Our conversation touches on the complexity of suffering, how simple changes in our environment help combat overstimulation, and the profound impact of finding fullness in stillness. We also discuss the concept of "glimmers" in nature, experiences to cherish before death, and how they aid in overcoming triggers. Throughout the discussion, Samantha shares how mindfulness, creativity, and a simplified life help us embrace authenticity and clarity.  Valeria interviews Samantha Maederer  — She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida, with over a decade of experience. With a background in Art Therapy from Florida State University, her unique path intersects art and mental health. Samantha began her career by co-creating a public art installation highlighting patient voices from the Florida State Psychiatric Hospital, and now encourages creativity in her clients to navigate challenges. She spent 12 years in community mental health, offering therapy to survivors of sexual trauma and postpartum clients. Samantha's approach is informed by her own mental health journey and a belief in art as a tool to process experiences. She integrates Zen Buddhism and Daoism principles, helping clients embrace non-judgment and reality awareness. Samantha specializes in working with women with complex trauma histories. She employs somatic work, mindfulness, and focuses on anxiety, panic, and OCD. Her therapeutic approach includes helping clients reconnect with their younger selves. Outside of therapy, Samantha enjoys gardening, kayaking, and promoting a holistic approach to mental health, emphasizing focus and the mind-body connection. Learn more about Samantha Maederer and her work. 

Hi EveryoneI hope you can get just as excited about this research as I am. It has been around a while but I am just putting the peices together. References are below.I want you to EXPERIENCE THIS for yourself. Here are three ways NOW!Shiloh SophiaBook a call to explore our 9 month training called Stardust Initation starting in JuneJoin me for my NEW class, called Threshold - we are gonna paint aiwth power!Come along with me and my BFF Amy Ahlers to explore navigating this wild wild worldThe Neuroscience of Self-Expression: Why the Brush Knows Before We DoI want to speak to you about something I am so passionate about — the neuroscience of self-expression. It comes from my root system, because I come from the Stardust Lineage, and we are creative, spiritual, magical women who pass tools of Intentional Creativity from hand to hand and heart to heart. This isn't a woo-woo idea, and neither is it entirely scientific. It's a hybrid. Sometimes the brush knows before we know what's actually going to happen.I want to tell you about a researcher at Drexel University who has spent a decade strapping near-infrared sensors onto people's foreheads and watching what happens when the human brain is firing and wiring the moment the paintbrush touches the paper or the canvas. Do you know how long I've wanted to do this? Her name is Girija Kaimal — Wow. I would love to have a cup of tea with her. Of course, she doesn't know me. She probably will at some point, because I'm going to reach out. And she's probably never heard the words medicine painting — one of the terms we use for our work, because it's an approach to painting that's healing. Her data has been confirming what the women in our lineage have known since the 1930s. Self-expression is healing. Painting for us is a spiritual practice. It is not just a hobby. It is literally a neurological event. And guess what? When you paint with intention, the event begins before the brush ever touches the canvas. If you've worked with me, you know I talk about this all the time as energy equals matter at the speed of light — your energy as thought, expressed through your physical body, the equal sign, manifests matter at the speed of light on the canvas. Are you kidding me? Yes. The neurological awakening of what's going to happen happens before the brush touches the material.You may also be aware of another piece of research that adds to our point, by Audrey van der Meer, a Norwegian neuroscientist who has proved that writing by hand wakes up the brain in ways that typing cannot. Imagine how many kids these days are no longer learning to handwrite?! Her work is finding something so incredible about what happens when people are actually handwriting — she's measuring how the brain encodes the writing of letters into memory, and the brain is lighting up. When Kaimal's team did their research, they put 26 people in headbands — the kind that read blood flow inside the prefrontal cortex literally in real time. (Gosh, I wish it were here.) They were given three minutes to color in a mandala, to doodle around a circle, and to free-draw whatever they wanted. The results were published back in 2017 in Art Therapy. Guess what? All three activities lit up the medial prefrontal cortex. Wow. Wow. That region is part of the brain's reward pathway. Are you picking up what I'm putting down? That's the same circuit that fires when someone you love walks into the room. This is when you get to have tea with your best friend and you're jumping up and down. This is when your lover winks at you and you know what's coming next. This is when those of us in Intentional Creativity know that I'm going to do a power-packed livestream that's going to knock our red striped socks off. We feel love.The people she studied were not artists — most of them. And their brain did not care, in a literal way. Their brain didn't care if they were an artist. Their brain rewarded them anyway, for the simple act of creating color across a page with their hands. What's interesting too is that working inside of shapes — as in coloring — really does something powerful to the brain and to memory. It's just so exciting.In a separate study, the same researchers took 39 adults, gave them 45 minutes with markers, clay, and collage materials — nothing structured — and measured the cortisol in their saliva before and after. I kid you not. Cortisol in the saliva. Cortisol is the hormone your body produces under stress, the one that keeps so many of us awake at three in the morning, especially those of us going through midlife. Seventy-five percent of the participants showed lower cortisol after making art. No skill required. No talent required. No making it pretty. No perfectionism required. It is not an act of performance. It is an act of self-expression. The brain is responding to the act itself. It's in a way metacognition — becoming conscious of becoming conscious, while being intentional about what you're creating.There's something else I want to add, because when you're coloring and your brain doesn't have to make decisions, you can actually break a psychotic loop. This comes from nurses at Stanford who use my coloring books, Color of Woman. If they could get patients to color, they could break a psychotic loop. Wow. Why are we not talking about this more? Whether you're in a psychotic loop or not, wouldn't it be helpful to know that you could sit down and color and you would start to go into a different brain state? This is so important. (And it doesn't work if there's a blank page — for that psychotic-loop piece.)Now, our part in this. For close to 30 years I have been working with creating with intention, and since 2008 I've been training others to work with Intentional Creativity. I have not been teaching people to become brilliant artists — though some of them are. I have not been teaching people to make perfect paintings, though some of them do. I have not been teaching perfection technique to make a painting that would hang on the wall of a gallery. No. We've been into self-expression — to see what happens inside when you express yourself.Painting like this is a way of * Exploring our inner world. * A way of coming face to face with the often hidden identity within ourselves. * A way of activating the inner healer and the energies that go with that. * A way of catalyzing the brainwaves to move from beta to alpha to theta, so we can cross over into that state of the imagination and reach the subconscious domains. * A way of allowing the canvas itself to be a portal — to hold what the body carries* To express into form what was once inside and didn't have anywhere to go. * A composting of energy, now expressed onto the canvas. We call it medicine painting. Tens of thousands of people in our community have painted with it, and before I started doing it, we had two generations of artists who did it before me.Here's what the neuroscientists have not measured — but I would bet my brushes and my striped socks they would receive incredible results. The study in Kaimal's lab gave people markers and said, Go. There wasn't an intention set. Of course, the intention was that they were being measured. BUT. There wasn't an invocation. There wasn't a prayer. There wasn't a lighting of a candle. There wasn't a moment of asking what the piece of paper or the canvas wants to express to us. There wasn't a moment of what message are you receiving. And the cortisol still dropped. BOOOM DIGGITY. The reward pathway still lit up. The body still received a measurable gift — and the “able to experience it” part is super important to me. Because when we do this work and invite people to experience and acknowledge that it's happened, it creates more reward and more bliss and more affirmation and more faith that we could do it again and again. Which is why the science matters to me — because I want us to be able to do it again and again, in risk groups, in affinity groups, in groups of children, with people who need it. We need to bring this work everywhere.Imagine what the data would look like if the people being measured were bringing an intention. An intention to heal an illness. An intention to repair a marriage. An intention to pray for the end of war. Do you know how much power comes into the field, into the body, when one of us places our hand on the canvas and the other hand on the heart and says, What wants to be revealed? When a woman holds the red thread with other women in her circle, when she blesses the water and the cup of rain with holy water sprinkled from the places that matter to her, that brush is then charged with all of that energy. When we set an intention to alchemize trauma and wounds from years ago, patterns stuck in the body — then, when the brush expresses lightning, because we are daughters of lightning, it gets moved.In Intentional Creativity we say that the intention sets the field. This comes from Einstein's theories “the field is the sole governing agency of the particle”. The energy around us is what's creating what goes on the canvas. The thought we have and the intention we set will impact what shows up on the canvas. Then we observe it with our eyes, and the material goes back through the brain and translates back through the hands again. The moment you choose what this experience is for, the body has already started doing the work of translating the thought through the body, and the brush is just the place where the choice makes the inner vision possible — and then visible.What the neuroscience is beginning to show is that this is not metaphoric. Self-expression is not just a great idea. The state of the nervous system, before this act of beauty, this act of devotion — I'm so humbled by this. You can tell I'm just all lit up. When we come to the canvas, our nervous system is firing and wiring in a particular way. When we bring intention to the canvas, the nervous system shifts and becomes more regulated. The heart and brain can come into coherence. A brain and a mind that has been communicated with — that this sacred act will enable you to receive different signals — will receive messages you can't even imagine. Intention is a neurological primer of possibility. All meditation teachers know this. Our grandmothers who blessed the bread while kneading it, know this. Our aunties who sew the quilts know this. Every woman in our community who has ever painted herself back into her own body and told her own story — we know this. We've crossed a threshold into another way of being, and there is no way to step back from it, because once you know, you know.More studies are coming, and they will demonstrate what we have already been practicing. They will catch up to what we've already been doing. Consider what this means for us — for women in midlife, who have been carrying grief and rage and trauma and versions of ourselves we've tried to leave behind in those old relationships. We've worked it. We've gone to therapy. We've used our journals. And yet something still isn't moving. Painting with intention opens the door to a healing that most of us could never imagine was possible with something so simple — something that does not require talent. The data from these researchers shows us that the brain rewards the act of self-expression, having nothing to do with skill.You do not need to know what's going to happen. You do not need to control the outcomes. In fact, if you try to do that, your brainwaves will change and perhaps constrict. Intention does not require a known outcome. It requires inquiry and a willingness to show up and to not be in control. You don't even need to believe it's going to happen for it to work. You just need to show up. Your cortisol is going to drop anyway. Somewhere in the medial prefrontal cortex, lights begin to fire and wire. The reward begins to spark. Your nervous system registers that something on your behalf has begun. And then there's the craving — the craving to do it again.The handwriting research showed us that we lose something when we are just typing. The painting research shows us that when we bring ourselves to the canvas, we actually create wellbeing and bliss. But I want you to hear that you do not have to be talented. You do not have to know what you're called to. If you will pick up a brush with us and cross a threshold and set an intention — if you will ask the questions you've been afraid to ask in the good company of other powerful women — then we can cross the threshold together. The canvas reveals an answer. Our paintbrush is less like a brush adding color, and more like an archeologist revealing something that's already inside. Our vision is that you already have everything you need inside of you, and what we're doing is creating a condition in the field that allows it to be expressed.And so, with my heartfelt invitation and my emphatic hand motions — which you cannot see — I invite you to join me for Threshold, a brand-new class that is going to rock our world, because that's what I'm intending is going to happen, and it happens every time as long as people show up. Plus, there's a money-back guarantee. Or if you're ready to dive into the big mama codex of our work, it's called Stardust Initiation. You can find everything at musea.orgThis is Curate Shiloh Sophia, and I'm looking forward to gathering with you and transforming our brains and hearts and hands as we fire and wire together. As we say in the Stardust lineage: with our feet on the good red earth and our hands in the stars, our hearts on our sleeve and our hands in the medium, we create — and we become the oracle that we are seeking. It happens in real time. It happens right now. And it happens every time1. Van der Weel, F. R., & Van der Meer, A. L. H. (2024). Handwriting but not typewriting leads to widespread brain connectivity: A high-density EEG study with implications for the classroom. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1219945.https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1219945/fullOpen access. The 36-student EEG study referenced in the opening of the piece. Note: the lead author is Van der Weel; Van der Meer is corresponding author and the public face of the work.2. Kaimal, G., Ayaz, H., Herres, J., Dieterich-Hartwell, R., Makwana, B., Kaiser, D. H., & Nasser, J. A. (2017). Functional near-infrared spectroscopy assessment of reward perception based on visual self-expression: Coloring, doodling, and free drawing. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 55, 85–92.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S019745561630171XThe fNIRS study showing medial prefrontal cortex activation during the three art tasks. 26 participants. Doodling produced the strongest signal.3. Kaimal, G., Ray, K., & Muniz, J. (2016). Reduction of cortisol levels and participants' responses following art making. Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, 33(2), 74–80.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07421656.2016.1166832Open access. The cortisol study. 39 adults, 45 minutes of art-making, 75% showed lower cortisol afterward, no correlation with prior art experience. Get full access to Tea with the Muse at teawiththemuse.substack.com/subscribe

Fluent Fiction - French: Healing with Art: A Family's Journey in Montmartre Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/fr/episode/2026-05-17-22-34-01-fr Story Transcript:Fr: Le soleil brillait doucement sur les rues pavées de Montmartre.En: The sun shone softly on the cobbled streets of Montmartre.Fr: L'air était doux, parfumé par les premières fleurs du printemps.En: The air was gentle, scented by the first flowers of spring.Fr: Mais dans le cœur de Lucien, le soleil avait du mal à percer.En: But in Lucien's heart, the sun struggled to break through.Fr: Artiste passionné, père dévoué, il se sentait perdu depuis la mort de sa femme.En: A passionate artist and devoted father, he felt lost since the death of his wife.Fr: Ses deux filles, Chloé et Émilie, luttaient également pour trouver leur équilibre.En: His two daughters, Chloé and Émilie, were also struggling to find their balance.Fr: Lucien marchait avec ses filles le long des rues animées, à la recherche d'un apaisement.En: Lucien walked with his daughters along the bustling streets, searching for solace.Fr: Chloé, 14 ans, traînait derrière avec son cahier de dessin sous le bras.En: Chloé, 14, lagged behind with her sketchbook under her arm.Fr: Sa passion pour la peinture lui donnait un refuge, mais elle se sentait seule dans son chagrin.En: Her passion for painting provided her a refuge, but she felt alone in her grief.Fr: Émilie, la plus jeune, sautillait gaiement de trottoir en trottoir.En: Émilie, the youngest, skipped merrily from sidewalk to sidewalk.Fr: Son énergie était sans fin, mais elle cherchait désespérément l'attention de son père.En: Her energy was endless, but she was desperately seeking her father's attention.Fr: En passant devant le Sacré-Cœur, Lucien décida qu'aujourd'hui serait consacré à sa famille.En: Passing by the Sacré-Cœur, Lucien decided that today would be dedicated to his family.Fr: Il avait pris un jour de congé, décidé à renouer les liens qui semblaient se déchirer.En: He had taken the day off, determined to mend the bonds that seemed to be unraveling.Fr: La place du Tertre, avec ses artistes et ses couleurs vivantes, était l'endroit parfait pour cela.En: The Place du Tertre, with its artists and vibrant colors, was the perfect place for this.Fr: Là, parmi les toiles et les rires, Émilie regardait émerveillée tandis que Chloé jetait des regards intéressés aux tableaux exposés.En: There, amidst the canvases and laughter, Émilie looked on in wonder while Chloé cast interested glances at the paintings on display.Fr: Lucien les fit asseoir à une table d'un café en plein air.En: Lucien sat them down at an outdoor café table.Fr: "Aujourd'hui, nous profitons de chaque instant", leur dit-il avec un sourire, bien décidé à retrouver la chaleur de leur unité.En: "Today, we enjoy every moment," he told them with a smile, resolute in his goal to rediscover the warmth of their unity.Fr: En dégustant des crêpes, une émotion vint troubler Chloé.En: While savoring crêpes, an emotion stirred within Chloé.Fr: Doucement, elle dit : "Maman me manque."En: Softly, she said, "I miss mom."Fr: Lucien, surpris, lui prit tendrement la main.En: Surprised, Lucien gently took her hand.Fr: "À moi aussi, Chloé."En: "I miss her too, Chloé."Fr: Voyant la peine dans les yeux de sa sœur, Émilie s'approcha et dit : "Papa, tu peux m'apprendre à peindre comme toi et Chloé ?"En: Seeing the pain in her sister's eyes, Émilie approached and said, "Papa, can you teach me to paint like you and Chloé?"Fr: Sa curiosité, doublée d'un besoin de se connecter, était palpable.En: Her curiosity, coupled with a need to connect, was palpable.Fr: Lucien rit, le cœur plus léger.En: Lucien laughed, feeling lighter at heart.Fr: "Bien sûr, ma chérie.En: "Of course, my dear.Fr: Nous commencerons dès ce soir."En: We'll start this evening."Fr: Il sentit que le lien qui semblait fragile se renforçait peu à peu.En: He felt the bond that seemed fragile was gradually strengthening.Fr: En rentrant chez eux à la tombée de la nuit, quelque chose avait changé.En: As they returned home at nightfall, something had changed.Fr: Il n'y avait plus cet écran de tristesse entre eux.En: The barrier of sadness between them had lifted.Fr: À la maison, Lucien installa des chevalets pour chacun.En: At home, Lucien set up easels for everyone.Fr: Ils s'adonnèrent à la peinture, laissant les couleurs exprimer leurs émotions.En: They engaged in painting, letting the colors express their emotions.Fr: Ce soir-là, sous les étoiles parisiennes, une nouvelle tradition venait de naître.En: That evening, under the Parisian stars, a new tradition was born.Fr: Chaque soir de semaine, la famille se retrouverait pour peindre ensemble, parlant, riant, guérissant peu à peu les blessures laissées par la perte.En: Every weeknight, the family would gather to paint together, talking, laughing, and gradually healing the wounds left by their loss.Fr: Lucien se sentait plus proche, plus présent pour ses filles, et une nouvelle aventure artistique et familiale commençait.En: Lucien felt closer, more present for his daughters, and a new artistic and familial adventure was beginning.Fr: À Montmartre, à la lumière des lampadaires, une nouvelle harmonie se dessinait dans le cœur de cette famille, et l'art devenait le pont entre leur peine et leur amour retrouvé.En: In Montmartre, under the glow of street lamps, a new harmony was taking shape in the heart of this family, and art became the bridge between their pain and their rediscovered love. Vocabulary Words:the sun: le soleilshone: brillaitcobbled streets: rues pavéesgentle: douxscented: parfuméthe heart: le cœurdevoted: dévouéthe death: la mortbalance: l'équilibrebustling: animéessolace: apaisethe sketchbook: le cahier de dessinrefuge: refugegrief: chagrinthe sidewalk: le trottoirthe attention: l'attentionmend: renouerbonds: les liensunraveling: se déchirerthe canvases: les toileslaughter: les rireswonder: émerveilléeglances: regardsthe café: le caféemotion stirred: émotion vint troublercuriosity: curiositépalpable: palpablelight-hearted: le cœur légereasels: chevaletsengaged: s'adonnèrent

Nutrition Nugget! Bite-sized bonus episodes offer tips, tricks and approachable science. This week, Jenn is talking about Art Galleries and a study that claims visiting them can measurably improve your physical and mental well-being. Could standing in front of a famous painting actually lower your stress hormones and calm your body's inflammatory responses? The research points to some surprising numbers, but is the benefit really about the art itself, the gallery environment, or simply doing something that brings you joy? Jenn has some thoughts on the science and the study's limitations, but you might be surprised by her final take. Tune in to find out whether your next museum visit could actually be a prescription for better health. Like what you're hearing? Be sure to check out the full-length episodes of new releases every Wednesday. Have an idea for a nutrition nugget? Submit it here: https://asaladwithasideoffries.com/index.php/contact/ RESOURCES:Become a Happy Healthy Hub MemberJenn's Free Menu PlanA Salad With a Side of FriesA Salad With A Side Of Fries MerchA Salad With a Side of Fries InstagramUse Your Heart Rate Monitor to Improve Your Health (feat. Torkil Færø)KEYWORDS: Jenn Trepeck, Nutrition Nugget, Salad With A Side Of Fries, Health Tips, Wellness Tips, Art Therapy and Wellbeing, Art Gallery Benefits, Cortisol Reduction, Stress Relief Activities, Inflammatory Markers, Interleukin 6, TNF Alpha, Heart Rate Variability, Cultural Experiences And Health, Viewing Original Art, Art And Mental Health, Chronic Disease Prevention, Mind Body Connection, Physiological Responses To Art, Skin Temperature Monitoring, Wellness Podcast, Nutrition Nugget, Salad With A Side Of Fries, Jenn Trepeck, Health And Wellness Tips, Stress And Inflammation, Art And Cortisol, Wellbeing Research, King's College London Study, Art Fund Research, Courtauld Gallery, Original Art Vs Reproductions, Immune System And Stress, Inflammatory Response, Metabolic Disease Prevention, Heart Disease Risk Reduction, Emotional Arousal, Cultural Wellness, Novel Experiences And Health, Joy And Wellbeing, Art Fair Experience, Museum Benefits, Mind Body Wellness, Stress Management Strategies, Holistic Health, Lifestyle And Inflammation, The Mental and Physical Health Benefits of Visiting Art Galleries, Does Visiting Art Galleries Reduce Stress And Inflammation, Can Viewing Original Artwork Lower Cortisol Levels

In today's episode, Trisha and I answer two listener questions. The first is about food, fear and body trust after a lifetime of dieting — wondering what your body's “comfortable weight” actually is, and whether starting to eat three proper meals a day will lead to weight gain after years of restriction, skipped meals and constantly trying to stay at a certain weight. The second question is about trying to stay mentally strong while carrying a lot emotionally. Balancing work, family illness, grief, caregiving and daily life — while also trying to look after yourself through it all. We talk about the emotional load many women carry, and the reality that life can feel very heavy at times. As always, Trisha McHale brings her grounded psychotherapist perspective — helping unpack what's happening beneath these patterns and how to move from reacting to responding. Click play and let's dive in. To apply for membership to Jessica's coaching program, Thrive Academy, go to www.jessicacooke.ie/apply To contact Trisha for more information on Therapy and Counselling services: galway@mindandbodyworks.com 091 725 750 About Trisha McHale: Trisha is a Psychotherapist and Director of Mind & Body Works Counselling and Psychotherapy Centre, based in Galway, with centres in Galway and Dublin. Their team of over 50 Psychotherapists and Psychologists work with adults, couples, adolescents, and children, offering therapies including CBT, EMDR, and Art Therapy. They also run a low-cost counselling service.

Send me a DM here (it doesn't let me respond), OR email me: imagineabetterworld2020@gmail.comToday I'm honored to have back on the show once again: Ritual Abuse, Military Mind Control, and Organized Abuse survivor, thriver, and whistleblower, loving mother, writer, painter, and graphic artist, daydreamer of publishing her own book one day, content creator, nature lover, 12-step fellowship and survivor support group participant, and a courageous warrioress bringing a light to the darkness that is RAMCOA: Mary Sparrow From the very first days of her life, Mary entered a world that tried to break her before she could even speak. Born in a Catholic hospital in Manhattan, she was taken from her mother for weeks - an eerie separation that set the tone for a childhood steeped in both fleeting love and unrelenting terror. Her father, a former paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division turned bar owner, began sexually abusing Mary in her earliest years. Her mother, shaped by her own generational trauma from impoverished, oppressed Ireland in the 1930s and 40s, responded with verbal and physical outbursts rooted in unresolved pain. By age four, Mary was drawn into a nightmare far darker than most can imagine: a child sex trafficking network in the New York City area involving ritual abuse, child pornography, exploitation, and highly sophisticated military mind control programming.She was taken to lab-like facilities with men in uniforms and white coats, strapped into chairs with helmets and wires, subjected to electricity, pain, and psychological torment that forced her to dissociate - floating out of her body to survive. She witnessed horrors including ritual sacrifice and organized abuse involving pedophile networks and powerful figures. Programming instilled false pride, sexualized affection mixed with pain, and discard protocols meant to ensure she would self-destruct later in life.Her mother's courageous escape when Mary was ten and a half ended the active trafficking and ritual horrors. The physical captivity ended, but the internal programming remained ruthless.In her early forties, while deep in 12-step recovery, repressed memories began surfacing in gentle fragments. Journaling, intuitive drawing, and painting became lifelines.Today, Mary is a radiant beacon of hard-won triumph. She lives with a joy that once felt impossible, her days filled with writing and dreaming of the memoir that will one day reach thousands, creating art that processes flashbacks and balances darkness with vibrant light, music that stirs her soul, poetry that ignites memories of the past, and profound connection in survivor circles. And this is what we will be sharing more of today - Mary's creativity through her own artwork and poetry. On Mary's last episode, we shared a moment in time through her artwork, grappling with the reality of ritual abuse and taking in moments from the past Mary vulnerably shared that stirred and came to life behind the paint on the paper. On today's episode, we will be showcasing more of Mary's artwork and introducing some of her collages and poetry. CONNECT WITH MARY: IG: https://www.instagram.com/sparrowdose/Website: https://sparrow4everfree.com/CONNECT WITH EMMA:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationpodcastofficialEMAIL: imagineabetterworld2020@gmail.com OR standbysurvivors@protonmail.comMy Substack: https://emmakatherine.substack.com/BUY ME A COFFEE: https://www.buymeacoSupport the show

In this episode of Look Again: Mental Illness Re-examined, we explore how art therapy can help people living with serious mental illnesses and their family/caretakers. Through conversations with art therapist Nicole Parekh and artist Sandra Yuen, we examine how creative expression can offer a powerful, non-verbal way to process experiences, build connection, and support recovery. While art isn’t a replacement for treatment, it can help people reconnect with themselves, find meaning, and express what words sometimes cannot. Timecodes: (0:22) What is art therapy? (1:37) How art therapy actually works (3:57) Art therapy vs regular art classes (5:12) Why art helps express what words can’t (7:18) Art therapy & schizophrenia: real benefits (9:04) Can art therapy support recovery? (10:45) When art therapy might not be enough (11:30) How creativity rebuilds identity (13:33) Real story: from chaos to stability through art (14:41) The power of community in mental health recovery (15:17) A simple art therapy exercise you can try at home (18:24) How families can use creativity to support loved ones (19:55) Why art is a powerful coping tool (21:16) Sandra’s story about living with schizophrenia (23:11) How art helped rebuild confidence & purpose (24:08) The meaning behind Sandra’s artwork (25:23) Why art can’t replace medication (but still matters) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do You Want to Die Not Knowing? One Artist's Leap Into Art as Service and HealingHave you ever had someone ask you a question that completely changed the direction of your life? In this episode, I talk with commission artist Shawn B. Standley, whose wife asked him exactly that kind of question — and it launched him into a new chapter as a full-time artist dedicated to healing and community service.Shawn's journey is anything but a straight line — from aerospace engineering student to carpenter, Navy veteran, restaurant manager, and Alaskan wilderness dweller — before finally committing to his true calling: creating deeply personal commission art that captures people's stories, memories, and life transitions.Now based in Conway, Arkansas, Shawn is partnering with wellness organizations, end-of-life doulas, and medical institutions to bring the healing power of art to people navigating major life changes. He also oversees the urban farming and community garden program at the Faulkner County Library — proof that art and service can take many forms.In this episode we cover:(1:42) How Shawn's father discouraged him from pursuing art as a career — and how he found his way back(11:51) Dropping out of aerospace engineering school and the winding road that followed(13:17) Moving to Whidbey Island and finding his first real artistic community and mentor(16:03) Going to art school at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle — and why he left(18:11) How Alaska got under his skin and changed everything(22:07) The question his wife Shell asked that became the turning point of his artistic life(23:54) Discovering the profound emotional power of commission art and creating work that tells someone's personal story(24:40) Why Conway, Arkansas — and what surprised him about building an art practice there(28:45) Finding his why through the Artist Inc. fellowship and the Artists in Business mentorship program(32:15) Partnering with end-of-life doulas, the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences wellness program, and the Arkansas Wellness Network(37:55) His vision for combining art and healing as a full-time practiceConnect with Shawn: Website: shawnbstudios.com Social media: @shawnbstudiosConnect with me: arthealsallwoundspodcast.com | SubstackMusic by Ketsa and Lobo LocoSupport the show

Unzipping Surprises — Episode 295 Mini Miracles From Minor Moments  ·  with Linda Gullo Episode Introduction When I was a little girl, I had a tin jack-in-the-box. I would turn the handle, hear the tune, and watch the clown pop up. I did it over and over and over again, and that small thrill of surprise never wore off. In Episode 295, I share why those tiny lift-the-lid moments still matter to us as adults, the stories of surprise that have stayed close to my heart, and a new chapter I am opening at Delight in Living. About This Episode A surprise can be very small — a package that lands on your porch from something you forgot you ordered, a phone call from someone you have not heard from in months, or my dog Pearl pressing her paw on my knee at ten o'clock at night when she still wanted to play. Research suggests these little jolts can lift our emotions by as much as 400%, raising dopamine, sharpening focus, helping our memory, and gently lowering our heart rate. They strengthen the bond we have with the people we love, and they soften the loneliness many of us feel even in a crowded room. That is the heart of why I keep coming back to these stories with you every two weeks. In this episode, I also open the door on art therapy groups returning to my office at Delight in Living. Art therapy is not about making something pretty or perfect. It is a way for people to give shape to feelings that words cannot always reach — through color, through paper, through sitting with others who are doing the same. There are no rules, no expectations, and no right or wrong way to express what is on your heart. Episode Highlights The tin jack-in-the-box from my childhood — and why that small thrill of surprise has stayed with me all these years. Marvelous memories that buoy us up: the dog and cat staring at each other through the laundry room window, packages on the porch, and phone calls from voices we have missed. Pearl's paw on my knee at 10 p.m. — what our pets are really asking of us, and the gentle lesson on follow-through I keep learning. Why writing was, and still is, powerful medicine for me — and how I am circling back to it. Trains, my brother in Alabama, and the unexpected places memory takes us when life slows down at a railroad crossing. Mother Teresa's words on joy: "Joy is a net of love by which you catch souls" — and what that has shaped in me about both giving and receiving. Art therapy classes returning to Delight in Living — what a session looks like, who it is for, and the dopamine-and-focus science of why surprise lifts our emotions by as much as 400%. A Reflection for You What surprise has visited your week? Was it a phone call, a package on the porch, a stranger's kindness at the grocery store, a stripe-y gopher in your backyard, or a small project you finally finished after months of stop-and-start? Take a moment to name it — say it out loud, write it down, share it with a friend. Joy grows when we notice it, and it grows still more when we pass it on. That is the heart of what I hope every one of these podcasts gives you. Listen, Connect & Support If you would like to learn more about the art therapy groups, individual counseling, couples counseling, or business and life coaching offered at Delight in Living, you can email me directly at Linda@delightinliving.com. Find every episode of Mini Miracles From Minor Moments at lindagullo.com/minimiraclespodcast, and learn about coaching at lindagullo.com. If this episode brings you a smile or a small lift, please share it with someone who could use one too — that, too, is a surprise worth giving. You can support the podcast at buymeacoffee.com/delightinliving — every coffee helps keep this little corner of joy going. SEO Keywords & Hashtags #MiniMiraclesFromMinorMoments, #LindaGullo, #FindingJoyInSmallMoments, #ElementOfSurprise, #ArtTherapy, #EverydayJoy, #DopamineAndJoy, #ResilienceAndJoy, #PodcastForWomen, #DelightInLiving, #MotherTeresaQuotes, #JoyAsANet, #SmallMomentsBigImpact, #PetsAndJoy, #MemoriesThatBuoyUs, #SurpriseScience, #LonelinessAndConnection, #ChristianPodcast, #FaithAndJoy, #InspirationalPodcast

Art therapy can reach parts of the brain that traditional talk therapy often can't. Research is beginning to confirm this—but the “why” is still unfolding.In this episode, Samantha Liddicoat joins us to explore how creativity opens pathways to emotion, healing, and connection. She introduces The Imagination Journal, a playful, non-threatening way to engage your thoughts and feelings through color, art, and curiosity. It's a conversation about creativity, expression, and discovering new ways to connect with yourself. #adAmazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQXFFH5Y/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_SQ8S9FVK1Q0KVKCN00Y3?linkCode=ml1&tag=ogrm-20&linkId=3b90043a414db07d262697d53c91e36dOnly God Rescued Me:Website: https://www.onlygodrescuedme.com/Contact Lisa: lisa@onlygodrescuedme.comTo help support this podcast: Become an OGRM Support Angel on YouTube ($4.99 per month): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXudcfKU-b6NtSQphUOstRA/joinSpotify Subscriber ($2.99 per month): https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/lisa-meister/subscribePayPal @Lisa453Venmo @lisameister4242 Square https://square.link/u/kQLAozvVBuy Me a Coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/onlygodrescuedme.com

Can art bridge the gap when memory begins to fade? Today on BH Sales Wellness Wisdom, we are joined by the inspiring Marilyn Raichle (pronounced RAY-shul). Marilyn is a Harvard-educated advocate, the Executive Director of Maude's Awards, and the author of the moving book, Don't Walk Away.After her mother, Jean, received an Alzheimer's diagnosis in her 80s, something miraculous happened: she started to paint. These weren't just hobbyist sketches; they were vibrant, witty, and sophisticated windows into a mind that was very much still "at work."In this episode, we use the KAVE-COGS framework to explore:The "Care Partner" Shift: Why moving away from the word "caregiver" changes the emotional frequency of your home.Creative Resilience: How visual art and sensory anchors (Auditory, Gustatory, and Kinesthetic) can bypass cognitive decline.Maude's Awards: A look at the most innovative "Gold Standard" practices in dementia care today.Marilyn challenges the "empty shell" myth and shows us how to stay present, sovereign, and connected through the power of the creative spirit.

What does a PhD journey look like when you paint it rather than write it? Louise and Tooba explore the first major milestones that shaped their PhD research paths. They think back to what support they had, what might have been different, and how it felt to go through those initial stages. You can see the artworks they created during this episode on the UCL IOE student blog, and on the IOE Instagram account.Full show notes and links: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/news/2026/apr/painting-our-way-through-milestones-splash-colour-phd-sketchbookMore IOE Insights podcasts: https://uclioe.info/podcastUCL Institute of Education: https://ucl.ac.uk/ioe

This episode of Fishing Without Bait concludes our powerful conversation with Jessie Notarius, known in the wrestling world as The Unwilting Tatiana. Jessie opens up about the realities behind her wrestling journey—what it truly takes to pursue a passion while navigating injuries, setbacks, and the emotional toll that comes with them. She shares her experience with a recent wrist fracture, the frustration of repeated injuries, and the importance of patience and proper healing. Beyond wrestling, Jessie explores her creative side through painting and artistic expression, revealing how creativity plays a role in her personal growth and recovery. She also reflects on mentorship, resilience, and the courage it takes to keep going—even when giving up feels easier. This episode highlights the importance of acceptance, adapting to life's challenges, and finding meaning in difficult moments. Jessie's message is clear: even in adversity, there is always something to build from. Part 3 of our conversation with The Unwilting Tatiana.

In today's episode, Trisha and I answer three questions. The first is about a newer therapy called TMS (often referred to as Exomind) and whether something like this could help with food cravings — especially that feeling of being completely out of control at night. After trying all the usual strategies, this question really gets into whether it's a deeper brain-based issue, and if something like this could “reset” things… or if it's just an expensive quick fix. The second question is about bulky calves — walking daily, staying active, doing strength training… and still feeling like your calves look bigger than you'd like. The third question is about anxiety — and why it shows up even around things you enjoy. That feeling of self-consciousness, overthinking what you're wearing, avoiding attention, and even holding back from wearing clothes you like. We unpack why this happens and how to start changing your relationship with it. As always, Trisha McHale brings her grounded psychotherapist perspective — helping unpack what's happening beneath these patterns and how to move from reacting to responding. Click play and let's dive in. To apply for membership to Jessica's Thrive Academy go to www.jessicacooke.ie/apply To contact Trisha for more information on Therapy and Counselling services: galway@mindandbodyworks.com 091 725 750 About Trisha McHale: Trisha is a Psychotherapist and Director of Mind & Body Works Counselling and Psychotherapy Centre, based in Galway, with centres in Galway and Dublin. Their team of over 50 Psychotherapists and Psychologists work with adults, couples, adolescents, and children, offering therapies including CBT, EMDR, and Art Therapy. They also run a low-cost counselling service.

Today's episode is one for the books! Seriously, if there's one conversation you choose to listen to in my body of work, this is the one. My beautiful guest and I went deep into holistic healing in the truest sense of that term, through the lens of systems level change. We talked about what it takes to repair connection within ourselves, with one another, and with the more-than-human world, supporting pathways toward resilience, responsibility, and regenerative futures. Mor Keshet is an Integrative Eco-Art Therapist, systems thinker, and founder of TEVEL, a Nature-based healing platform advancing collective resilience in the face of ecological and societal disruption. Her work lives in the intersection of eco and trauma informed psychology, the science of awe, imagination and living systems. Mor's framework origination has appeared in the journal Ecopsychology, Psychology Today and the Biomimicry Institute. Through TEVEL, Mor is building an ecosystem of regenerative care—developing programs, partnerships, and methodologies that position healing as relational, ecological, and culturally responsive. She works with individuals and institutions including The Nature Conservancy, University of Pennsylvania Weitzman School of Design, the American Art Therapy Association, Bard College and Smart City Expo USA. She is the creator of the Climate Emotions Mandala Project, developed in partnership with the Climate Mental Health Network,and holds leadership and teaching roles within the Climate Psychology Alliance – North America and the Climate Emotional Resilience Institute. At the heart of Mor's work is a simple belief: “healing is not a solitary act - it is a shared unfolding.” Connect with Mor via: Email: mor@morkeshet.com  Website: Mor Keshet IG: @morkeshetarttherapist Linked In: Mor Keshet

Today's episode is one for the books! Seriously, if there's one conversation you choose to listen to in my body of work, this is the one. My beautiful guest and I went deep into holistic healing in the truest sense of that term, through the lens of systems level change. We talked about what it takes to repair connection within ourselves, with one another, and with the more-than-human world, supporting pathways toward resilience, responsibility, and regenerative futures. Mor Keshet is an Integrative Eco-Art Therapist, systems thinker, and founder of TEVEL, a Nature-based healing platform advancing collective resilience in the face of ecological and societal disruption. Her work lives in the intersection of eco and trauma informed psychology, the science of awe, imagination and living systems. Mor's framework origination has appeared in the journal Ecopsychology, Psychology Today and the Biomimicry Institute. Through TEVEL, Mor is building an ecosystem of regenerative care—developing programs, partnerships, and methodologies that position healing as relational, ecological, and culturally responsive. She works with individuals and institutions including The Nature Conservancy, University of Pennsylvania Weitzman School of Design, the American Art Therapy Association, Bard College and Smart City Expo USA. She is the creator of the Climate Emotions Mandala Project, developed in partnership with the Climate Mental Health Network,and holds leadership and teaching roles within the Climate Psychology Alliance – North America and the Climate Emotional Resilience Institute. At the heart of Mor's work is a simple belief: “healing is not a solitary act - it is a shared unfolding.” Connect with Mor via: Email: mor@morkeshet.com Website: Mor Keshet IG: @morkeshetarttherapist Linked In: Mor Keshet Upcoming Workshop: A Community Eco-Art Therapy Experience for Earth Month Friday, April 17th, 10AM PST / 1PM EST Registration: The Earth That Lives in Me Join Art Therapy Lab in collaboration with TEVEL for a creative hour of reflection, art-making, and connection with the natural world. The Earth That Lives in Me is an introductory eco-art therapy experience exploring the idea that we are not separate from nature —we are nature. Through guided prompts and simple materials, participants are invited to slow down, create, and reconnect with the living world within and around them. Cost: $25 per session / 15% of all proceeds will be donated to The Nature Conservancy Grab our free resources here: https://www.morkeshet.com/ Visit https://marinabuksov.com for more holistic content. Music from https://www.purple-planet.com. Disclaimer: Statements herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products listed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

In this episode, Trisha and I answer two questions from our lovely listeners. The first is from someone approaching 65 who feels like they've hit a wall. Wondering what's next, what will excite them again, and how to move forward without slowing down. We talk about this stage of life and how to navigate it. The second is about the discomfort that comes with eating better. That moment where you know what to do… but another part of you pushes back. The “I don't want the broccoli” voice. We talk about why this happens and how to start responding to it differently. Click play and let's dive in. To apply for membership to Jessica's Thrive Academy go to www.jessicacooke.ie/apply To contact Trisha for more information on Therapy and Counselling services: galway@mindandbodyworks.com 091 725 750 About Trisha McHale: Trisha is a Psychotherapist and Director of Mind & Body Works Counselling and Psychotherapy Centre, based in Galway, with centres in Galway and Dublin. Their team of over 50 Psychotherapists and Psychologists work with adults, couples, adolescents, and children, offering therapies including CBT, EMDR, and Art Therapy. They also run a low-cost counselling service.

In this episode, we examine whether the experience of beauty can genuinely contribute to emotional healing or simply offer a passing sense of relief. Drawing on the ideas of Monroe Beardsley, we explore how aesthetic experience creates moments of cohesion, intensity, and complexity that can feel psychologically meaningful. Our discussion considers the tension between art as a structured, enriching experience and the common belief that it works as therapy. We also question the limits of aesthetic experience when faced with real emotional distress. Join us as we unpack whether art provides actual growth or only the illusion of wholeness.

Thomas and Panu explored the intersection of art, creativity, and environmental psychology with art therapist Mor Keshet. Join us to discover practical art activities like mandalas and collage that help process climate emotions and foster identity and resilience.

Megan Nollet and Patrick Woodward share about how music and art can be used to help people with disabilities, not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally.https://spotlightenglish.com/uncategorized/art-therapy/Download our app for Android at http://bit.ly/spotlight-androidDownload our app for iOS at http://bit.ly/spotlight-appleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotlightradioAre you learning English? Are you looking for a way to practice your English? Listen to Spotlight to learn about people and places all around the world. You can learn English words, and even practice English by writing a comment.Visit our website to follow along with the script: http://spotlightenglish.com

Megan Nollet and Patrick Woodward share about how music and art can be used to help people with disabilities, not only physical, but also mentally and emotional.https://spotlightenglish.com/uncategorized/art-therapy/Download our app for Android at http://bit.ly/spotlight-androidDownload our app for iOS at http://bit.ly/spotlight-appleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotlightradioAre you learning English? Are you looking for a way to practice your English? Listen to Spotlight to learn about people and places all around the world. You can learn English words, and even practice English by writing a comment.Visit our website to follow along with the script: http://spotlightenglish.com

What if the arts weren't just entertainment — but medicine? In this episode, I talk with Dr. Daisy Fancourt, one of the world's most cited scientists and author of Art Cure, about the growing body of research showing that creative engagement — music, dance, visual art — can reduce the risk of depression, slow dementia, help Parkinson's patients maintain motor function, and even slow biological aging. Daisy also shares personal stories, including her own daughter's recovery in the NICU, and practical tips for incorporating the arts into daily life.00:00 — Intro & Pam's personal story: moving to Arkansas and witnessing the lingering divide of a recently desegregated school01:39 — The music class that changed everything: Mrs. Gilbert and the upright piano02:38 — Introducing today's guest, Dr. Daisy Fancourt04:10 — Interview begins04:47 — Why reading Art Cure kept Pam up at night05:34 — "We are a planet of 8 billion artists" — we are all innately creative06:37 — The "seatbelt moment": when art becomes as automatic as putting on the seatbelt in the car08:01 — The many ways art affects our health: wellbeing, prevention, and treatment09:58 — Daisy's background: from professional pianist to professor at UCL11:41 — Arts on prescription and individual stories from the book12:23 — Josh's story: cerebral palsy, magic camp, and the Magic Circle14:32 — Emily's story: how magic gave a shy girl her voice15:27 — Daisy's personal story: singing to her premature daughter in the NICU18:50 — Dance and Parkinson's disease: what the studies show21:29 — How music affects the brain — and slows aging22:51 — Music, language acquisition, and why we sing to babies26:08 — "Spit Girl": Daisy's PhD in psychoneuroimmunology and saliva research29:09 — Drumming circles and the visceral power of rhythm30:32 — Why your favorite genre is the healthiest music for you33:10 — Elevator music, Muzak, and why grocery store playlists keep you shopping35:12 — Threats to arts funding in the UK and US — and the economic case for the arts37:42 — Practical tips for incorporating art into your daily life39:39 — Why art binges don't work — and what does41:04 — Where to find Art Cure and follow Daisy's research42:24 — Closing thoughts: how arts education broke down barriers in schoolFollow Daisy's Work!https://sbbresearch.org/Reach Pam at arthealsallwoundspodcast.com

Back by popular demand. The one, the only: Chase O'donnell, folks! On hiatus from her new foray into Art Therapy, Chase drops by the studio to catch up the important stuff they don't teach you in school. Stuff like criminals faking seizures. And whether or not Jordan Hudson (girlfriend of Bill Belichick for you non-initiates) is funny. Speaking of which: do you think Jordan Hudson is funny? Sound off in the comments. What about adult cheerleading. Is adult cheerleading weird? As always, write in to the show at JoshPotterShow@gmail.com. ★★★ This week's Intro Music: “Flowers” by ⁠⁠Griff Parker Outro Music: “Live From The Roach Motel (feat. Hendawg)” by Brothers ⁠⁠⁠ @HendawgMusic ⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ★★★ See Josh Live! ALL STAND UP LINKS CAN BE FOUND HERE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thejoshpotter.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ★★★ Josh Potter: