Healing in the Heartland

The Empty Seat: Grief at the Holiday Table

The holidays aren’t easy for everyone. In this episode, we talk with Shawn Rasmussen, PLMHP and grief specialist, about what it means to carry grief and anxiety into a season that’s supposed to feel joyful. Whether you're facing an empty seat at the table this Thanksgiving — or dreading who will be sitting across from you — this conversation offers compassion, perspective, and gentle guidance. From handling awkward holiday conversations to honoring the memory of those no longer with us, we explore what it looks like to make space for all the feelings that come with the holidays.

Love First, Change Follows: The Power of Intervention

In this episode of Healing in the Heartland, we explore how love guides the intervention process. Our first guest is one of Heartland Counseling Services [https://www.heartlandcounselingservices.org/] clinical supervisor, Nick Brown, LIMHP, LADC, LPC, NCC, IADC, LMHC [https://www.heartlandcounselingservices.org/about-us/our-team/title/nick-brown-limhp-ladc-lpc-ncc-iadc-lmhc]. Nick shares insights from the book Love First by Jeff and Debra Jay, and explains how compassion—not confrontation—can open the door to healing. Together, we talk about when to step in, how to approach a loved one with care, and why leading with love can make all the difference in recovery.Nick is a bilingual English/Spanish mental health and substance abuse practitioner.  He also serves as a clinical supervisor. Nick works with all ages of individuals who struggle with mental health and/or substance abuse issues. Nick specializes in counseling sessions for couples.  He has completed Level 3 Practicum Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy and uses the Gottman Method in his work with couples.  He is certified as a Parent-Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT) therapist through PCIT International.  He started at Heartland in March 2018.