The Hatherleigh Behavioral Health Podcast

Healing with Haiku: Using Poetry to Support Emotional Wellness and Clinical Practice | Anne Helfer, LCSW

Can a simple haiku help clients process emotions, develop mindfulness, and improve self-awareness? In this episode of The Hatherleigh Behavioral Health Podcast, Anne Helfer, LCSW joins us to discuss how the traditional Japanese poetry form of haiku can become a powerful therapeutic tool. We explore its benefits for emotional expression, mindfulness, trauma-informed care, self-care, and clinical practice. Through real examples and interactive exercises, Anne demonstrates how counselors, therapists, social workers, and other helping professionals can use haiku writing to help clients find clarity, focus, and healing. Whether you're a mental health professional or simply interested in creative approaches to wellness, this episode offers practical techniques and inspiration you can begin using immediately. Anne's book, Healing with Haiku is available at Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1961293145].

Surf Therapy & Healing: Evidence-Based Mental Health with Cash Lambert

What if surfing could be prescribed as therapy? In this episode of Clinical Conversations, we talk with author Cash Lambert about the rapidly growing field of surf therapy—an evidence-based, nature-driven approach to mental health and well-being. From children with autism to veterans with PTSD, surf therapy programs are creating measurable change through community, movement, and connection to nature. Cash shares powerful real-world stories, emerging research, and practical ways clinicians can begin integrating this modality into care. We also explore how countries like the UK are already prescribing surf therapy—and what the future could look like in the U.S.

Gene Therapy & Anxiety: The Future of Precision Mental Health with Dr. Troy Rohn

In this episode, neuroscientist and author Dr. Troy Rohn explores the emerging role of gene therapy in treating anxiety and other neuropsychiatric disorders. From explaining the science in accessible terms to sharing his own lived experience with anxiety, Dr. Rohn offers a compelling look at how precision medicine could reshape mental health care. We also dive into: * Why many patients don’t respond to current treatments * How gene therapy targets specific brain receptors * The importance of integrating therapy with biological approaches * Ethical concerns like access, cost, and enhancement vs treatment This episode is essential for clinicians, students, and anyone curious about the future of mental health.

"Unraveling Motherhood: Postnatal Anxiety, Identity, and the Power of Connection" with Geraldine Walsh

In this episode, host Kortney Yasenka LCMHC speaks with author Geraldine Walsh, whose book Unraveling Motherhood explores postnatal depression, antenatal anxiety, identity shifts, and the pressure placed on modern mothers. Geraldine reflects on her lived experience of maternal mental illness, the silence and shame many mothers carry, and why “connection over perfection” is a healthier, more sustainable approach to parenting. Together, they discuss guilt, boundaries, the mental load, self-care beyond consumer culture, and how clinicians can better support mothers and families. A powerful listen for mental health professionals, clinicians, parents, and anyone interested in maternal wellbeing and authentic parenting.

"Resistance to Mental Health Treatment" with Dr. Tracy Stecker

Psychologist and author Dr. Tracy Stecker joins host Kortney Yasenka, LCHMC to explore why so many people avoid therapy and what truly helps someone choose help. Together, they discuss common fears and beliefs that block treatment, what stigma looks like today, and how active listening and simple conversations can open the door to support. A practical, compassionate look at helping loved ones—and ourselves—take the first steps toward better mental health.