The Holistic Counselor

Ep. 109 - Church Hurt, Religious Trauma & High-Achieving Christian Women: Healing Perfectionism & Burnout in Leadership | Robin Goad, Author & AWS Executive

What happens when a high-achieving woman climbs the corporate ladder—but is still carrying unresolved trauma, religious fear, and deep shame beneath the surface? In this episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP sits down with Robin Goad, an Amazon Web Services (AWS) executive, speaker, and author of Girl by Birth. Woman by Fire. to talk about the intersection of trauma healing, church hurt, perfectionism, and leadership for Christian women. Robin shares her story of survival and transformation—childhood trauma, religious control, perfectionism, abortion-related grief, divorce, and the turning points that brought her into deeper healing and freedom through faith. This conversation is for anyone who has ever wondered: * How do I heal from church hurt without walking away from God? * Why does trauma show up as overworking, perfectionism, or burnout? * Can I be ambitious and still honor Jesus? * How do I lead with confidence without self-abandonment? If you're a high-achieving woman who loves Jesus but feels tired, conflicted, or invisible… you are not alone. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN (KEY TAKEAWAYS) * How unresolved trauma can drive perfectionism, overworking, and burnout * The difference between "religion as performance" vs. a life-giving relationship with God * What Robin means by a "healthy church" (imperfect, but accountable and Scripture-rooted) * Why quiet, stillness, and "pause" are essential for healing and discernment * How shame and secrecy keep women isolated—and why safe community matters * Post-abortion healing: forgiveness vs. true healing and freedom * How to identify your "superpower" in corporate leadership (without comparison or imposter syndrome) ABOUT ROBIN GOAD Robin Goad is a wife, mother, grandmother, and "warrior in heels." She is a seasoned technology executive with over 25 years leading innovation at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Dell, Gartner, and more. Robin currently leads AWS Global Industry Solutions, delivering record-breaking growth and transformation. She is also the author of Girl by Birth. Woman by Fire, a raw and redemptive guide for women who want to stop performing and start healing. (Guest bio provided by Robin.) CONNECT WITH ROBIN Website: https://www.therealrobingoad.com [https://www.therealrobingoad.com/] Email: robin@therealrobingoad.com LinkedIn: (Search "Robin Goad" on LinkedIn) Free Call: On Robin's website, look for the option to schedule a "Superpower" call. RESOURCES MENTIONED Rachel's Vineyard (post-abortion healing retreats): https://www.rachelsvineyard.org/ [https://www.rachelsvineyard.org/] CliftonStrengths (Gallup): https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths [https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths] 16 Personalities (MBTI-based): https://www.16personalities.com/ [https://www.16personalities.com/] DISC Personality Assessment (general info): https://www.discprofile.com/ [https://www.discprofile.com/] SHAPE Spiritual Gifts Test: https://www.freeshapetest.com/ [https://www.freeshapetest.com/] DISCLAIMER This podcast episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment, medical advice, diagnosis, or therapy. If you are in crisis, contact 988 (U.S.) or your local emergency services.

Ep. 108 - Long Covid, Chronic Fatigue, and Anxiety — When the Body Isn't Believed and the Nervous System Suffers | Evan H. Hirsch, MD

Hello there, fearfully and wonderfully made human. In this powerful and deeply human conversation, host Diana S. Rice, LMHC explores what happens when physical illness, nervous system dysregulation, anxiety, and depression collide — especially in a medical system that often minimizes or dismisses symptoms it cannot easily explain. Six years after COVID changed the world, many people are still struggling with lingering symptoms, exhaustion, brain fog, anxiety, depression, and a profound sense of not feeling like themselves. For some, these experiences are labeled as "just anxiety." For others, answers never come at all. In Episode 108 of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, Diana is joined by Evan H. Hirsch, a physician known as EnergyMD, to unpack the complex intersection of Long Covid, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), trauma, nervous system dysregulation, and mental health. This episode is not about quick fixes or miracle cures. It's about understanding the whole person — mind, body, and spirit — and restoring self-trust after prolonged illness and medical invalidation. What You'll Learn in This Episode * What Long Covid is and why symptoms can persist months or years after infection * Why anxiety and depression can be symptoms, not root causes, of unresolved physical stress * How medical gaslighting impacts mental health and nervous system regulation * The concept of the "Toxic 5" (heavy metals, chemicals, mold, infections, nervous system dysfunction) * How trauma (including ACEs) and chronic illness interact in the body * Why the nervous system plays a central role in healing chronic fatigue and Long Covid * A layperson explanation of sympathetic vs. parasympathetic nervous system states * What a Herxheimer (die-off) reaction is and why it can temporarily worsen symptoms * Practical, accessible steps listeners can start today to support healing * Why healing requires pace, patience, and support, not hustle or perfection Nervous System, Trauma, and Mental Health This conversation emphasizes a trauma-informed, whole-person lens. Diana and Evan discuss how unresolved infections, inflammation, mold exposure, and environmental stressors can alter neurotransmitters, intensify anxiety and depression, and keep the body stuck in survival mode. Listeners will hear why nervous system retraining, breathwork, gratitude practices, mindset shifts, and lifestyle changes are not "extra" — they are foundational. Resources & Links Mentioned * EnergyMD Method (Dr. Hirsch's practice & masterclass): https://www.energymdmethod.com [https://www.energymdmethod.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Is Your Fatigue Fixable? Assessment: https://www.myfatiguescore.com [https://www.myfatiguescore.com/] * Book: Fix Your Fatigue by Evan H. Hirsch, MD (An overview of his 4-step framework for chronic fatigue and complex illness) * Key Concepts Discussed: * Long Covid * Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) * Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) * ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) * Vagus nerve & polyvagal theory * Nervous system retraining * Breathwork, gratitude, and mindset practices A Note from Diana If you've been told "everything looks normal" while your body says otherwise — you are not imagining things, and you are not broken. Anxiety and depression are often signals, not verdicts. This episode is an invitation to listen to your body with curiosity instead of shame, to move slowly, and to seek care that honors your whole story. Listen, Share & Stay Connected If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with someone who feels exhausted, unheard, or discouraged. Subscribe, rate, and review The Holistic Counselor Podcast Follow Diana's work at Through the Valley Therapy and Transformed Mind Consulting & Coaching Check out the merch store: https://theholisticcounselorpodcast.printful.me/ [https://theholisticcounselorpodcast.printful.me/] Trust in the Lord. Guard your heart. Renew your mind.

Ep. 107 - Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): Attachment, Cycles, and How Couples Heal with Dr. Marni Feuerman

In this episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, Diana S. Rice sits down with relationship expert Dr. Marni Feuerman for a deep, practical conversation about Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)—what it is, how it works, and why it has become one of the most researched and effective approaches to couples therapy today. Many people confuse EFT with tapping techniques, but Emotionally Focused Therapy is a structured, evidence-based talk therapy grounded in attachment science, emotional regulation, and interpersonal neurobiology. Dr. Feuerman breaks down the origins of EFT, how it helps couples move out of painful cycles, and why most relationship conflicts are not really about money, chores, or sex—but about emotional safety, connection, and whether we matter to one another. This conversation is especially helpful for: * Couples feeling stuck in the same arguments * Therapists wanting a clear explanation of EFT in practice * Individuals curious about attachment patterns and emotional responsiveness * Faith communities and cultures where therapy still carries stigma Listeners will hopefully walk away with hope, clarity, and practical, EFT-informed tools they can begin using right away. What You'll Learn in This Episode * What Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is—and how it differs from EFT tapping * Who developed EFT and why attachment science matters in adult relationships * Why couples often fight about surface issues instead of the real emotional pain underneath * How negative interaction cycles become the "common enemy" in relationships * What therapists mean by tracking and mapping patterns * Why EFT focuses on emotional safety before problem-solving * How EFT is used with couples, individuals, and families * The difference between emotions and feelings, and why that distinction matters * Simple, EFT-inspired shifts anyone can practice—even outside of therapy * A message of hope for couples who feel disconnected or discouraged Guest Bio: Dr. Marni Feuerman Dr. Marni Feuerman is a psychotherapist based in South Florida with nearly 30 years of experience in the mental health field. She holds a master's degree in social work and a doctorate in clinical psychology, with specialized training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and couples work. Dr. Feuerman is a clinical supervisor, author, and a widely respected voice on relationships. Her work has been featured in major outlets including Verywell Mind, HuffPost, and The Gottman Institute. She previously served as the marriage expert content writer for About.com and continues to educate the public through media, writing, and clinical practice. She is also the author of Ghosted & Breadcrumbed: Stop Falling for Unavailable Men and Get Smart About Healthy Relationships, a self-help book designed to help women recognize unhealthy relationship patterns and move toward more secure, emotionally available connections. Resources Mentioned in This Episode * Book: Ghosted & Breadcrumbed: Stop Falling for Unavailable Men and Get Smart About Healthy Relationships https://a.co/d/08WLFnfP [https://a.co/d/08WLFnfP] * Article by Dr. Marni Feuerman on EFT (Verywell Mind): https://www.verywellmind.com/emotionally-focused-therapy-for-distressed-couples-2303813 [https://www.verywellmind.com/emotionally-focused-therapy-for-distressed-couples-2303813] * Book: Hold Me Tight by Sue Johnson https://www.amazon.com/dp/031611300X [https://www.amazon.com/dp/031611300X] * Attachment Theory (general overview): https://www.simplypsychology.org/attachment.html [https://www.simplypsychology.org/attachment.html] * The ARE Model (Accessible, Responsive, Engaged) – based on EFT principles Explained in Hold Me Tight and EFT literature [https://maritalintimacyinst.com/wp-content/uploads/A-R-E-Assessment.pdf] Key Takeaways * Most relationship conflict is rooted in attachment fears, not surface disagreements * EFT helps couples externalize the problem by identifying the cycle, not blaming each other * Emotional safety must come before communication strategies * Change is possible—even when couples feel far apart * Learning how to pause, soften, and respond differently can begin rewiring relational patterns About the Host Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP is a licensed mental health counselor, consultant, and host of The Holistic Counselor Podcast. Through Through the Valley Therapy and Transform Mind Consulting & Coaching, Diana integrates faith, brain science, trauma-informed care, and whole-person healing to help individuals and communities grow with clarity and compassion. Support the Podcast This podcast is independent and ad-free. Each episode takes 3–5 hours to research, record, and produce with care. If this conversation supported you: * Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify * Explore the merch store to support this work Merch Store: https://theholisticcounselorpodcast.printful.me/ [https://theholisticcounselorpodcast.printful.me/] Trust in the Lord. Guard your heart. Renew your mind

Ep. 106 - CIRS (Mold Illness) Symptoms & Nervous System Healing After MS — Christine Ruch, Holistic Transformation Guide

If you've ever been told your labs are "normal" while your body feels anything but, this episode is for you. In this conversation, Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP sits down with Christine Ruch, Holistic Transformation Guide, to explore Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), autoimmune illness, and the role of the nervous system in healing—through the lived experience of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Christine shares her 20-year journey navigating MS, chronic inflammation, mold exposure, and nervous system overwhelm, and how healing required more than symptom management. Together, Diana and Christine discuss why anxiety, depression, brain fog, and emotional exhaustion are often physiological signals, not personal or spiritual failures. This episode is trauma-informed, faith-aware, and grounded in compassion—without blaming doctors, bypassing symptoms, or promising quick fixes. In This Episode, We Cover: * What CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) is and why it's often misunderstood * Common CIRS and mold illness symptoms, including anxiety, depression, brain fog, and nervous system dysregulation * How autoimmune conditions like Multiple Sclerosis can impact identity, faith, and mental health * Why "normal labs" don't always mean a regulated nervous system * The emotional toll of navigating complex illness and feeling dismissed * What nervous system restoration actually means (beyond calming techniques) * The role of trauma, chronic stress, and early adversity in inflammatory illness * How to approach healing without self-blame or spiritual bypassing * Gentle, practical steps to support your nervous system when you're already exhausted Important Disclaimer This episode is educational and informational only. Diana S. Rice and Christine Ruch are not medical doctors, and nothing shared in this episode is intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. Always consult with licensed and qualified healthcare professionals regarding your individual health needs. Resources Mentioned in This Episode (Links provided for educational purposes only) * Christine Ruch – Official Website & Mentorship Programs https://www.christineruch.com/ [https://www.christineruch.com/] * Surviving Mold (Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker) – CIRS Education & Symptom Clusters https://www.survivingmold.com/ [https://www.survivingmold.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Dynamic Neural Retraining System (DNRS) https://retrainingthebrain.com/ [https://retrainingthebrain.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * The Gupta Program (Limbic System Retraining) https://www.guptaprogram.com/ * Book: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, MD https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/316790/the-body-keeps-the-score-by-bessel-van-der-kolk-md/ About the Guest Christine Ruch is a Holistic Transformation Guide who supports individuals with chronic and autoimmune conditions in reconnecting with their body's innate wisdom and healing capacity. After spending more than two decades navigating and healing through her own experience with Multiple Sclerosis, Christine integrates whole-food nutrition, nervous system restoration, trauma-informed practices, and spiritual inquiry to help others move beyond symptom management and toward embodied healing. Support the Show If this episode resonated with you: * Subscribe to The Holistic Counselor Podcast * Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — reviews help this show reach others who feel alone in their healing journey * Share this episode with someone who needs language, validation, and hope Podcast Merch Support the podcast and grab meaningful merch here: https://theholisticcounselorpodcast.printful.me/ [https://theholisticcounselorpodcast.printful.me/] Connect with Diana The Holistic Counselor Podcast explores the intersection of faith, neuroscience, trauma-informed care, and whole-person healing. Thank you for being here—and for choosing curiosity, compassion, and courage on your healing journey.

Ep. 105 - Single, Sexual, and Saved: Healing Shame, Purity Culture Wounds, and Disenfranchised Grief w Tracy Nallery Fultz, LCSW

Hello there, fearfully and wonderfully made human, and welcome back to The Holistic Counselor Podcast. In Episode 105, I sit down with Tracy Nallery Fultz, a licensed clinical social worker, author, and founder of Heartfelt Needs Counseling and Caring Center, for one of the most honest, clinically grounded, and faith-centered conversations we've had on the show. This episode is for anyone who: * Loves Jesus but feels confused, shamed, or silenced by church culture * Is trying to disentangle biblical truth from purity culture, fear-based teaching, or spiritual control * Has experienced church hurt, sexual shame, or unresolved grief * Wants to integrate faith, mental health, nervous system regulation, and emotional honesty—without abandoning Christ This is not about tearing faith down. It is about discernment, healing, and learning how to hold faith and humanity together in a healthier, more honest way. Together, Tracy and I talk openly about: * Prolonged singleness and desire * Disenfranchised grief (the grief no one names or validates) * Shame vs. guilt vs. conviction * Purity culture wounds and sexual silence in Christian spaces * Using the Fruit of the Spirit as a practical mental-health framework * Why relationship with God matters more than rigid religious rules * How nervous system dysregulation impacts choices, sexuality, and self-control * Why mercy, not fear, is central to healing If you've ever felt like you had to choose between being a "good Christian" and being a real human—this conversation is for you. WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE * What disenfranchised grief really is—and why it affects single adults, survivors, and people leaving high-control religious systems * Why desire and arousal are not sinful, but often misunderstood * How shame becomes an identity attack, not just an emotion * The difference between religion-based condemnation and relationship-based conviction * How to reframe self-care as biblical self-stewardship, not selfishness * Why joy is not constant happiness—but a condition of the soul * How trauma, church hurt, and nervous system dysregulation affect sexual behavior * How to apply Galatians 5:22–23 (Fruit of the Spirit) to therapy, self-talk, and boundaries POWERFUL QUOTES FROM THE EPISODE Tracy Nallery Fultz * "Disenfranchised grief is the grief we carry that no one acknowledges—especially the grief of waiting." * "Desire is normal, natural, healthy, and good. The problem isn't desire—it's the environment around it." * "Shame as a feeling is one thing. A spirit of shame comes for your identity." * "Happiness is an emotion. Joy is a condition of your soul." * "Weakness is not your identity. It's an indicator that something is needed." * "Religion says condemnation. Relationship says mercy triumphs over judgment." Diana S. Rice * "This isn't about deconstruction. It's about discernment and healing." * "You have to stop and ask—did this belief come from Scripture, or from someone using Scripture to control you?" * "People think they have no choice—but you always have a choice." * "Self-control is about agency, not punishment." * "Faith without nervous system regulation is incomplete healing." USING THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT AS A HEALING FRAMEWORK Tracy breaks down Galatians 5:22–23 in a clinically practical way: * Love → Unconditional self-acceptance * Joy → Meaning and gratitude even while grieving * Peace → Grounding and calming the nervous system * Patience → Allowing healing to be slow and non-linear * Kindness → Gentle self-talk instead of self-attack * Goodness → Choosing habits aligned with values * Faithfulness → Showing up for yourself consistently * Gentleness → Soothing the inner critic with empathy * Self-Control → Boundaries, agency, and intentional choices Reflection Question: Which fruit do you need most right now—and how can you practice it toward yourself today? RESOURCES MENTIONED (WORKING LINKS) * My Journey Solo – Book & Devotional (Tracy Nallery Fultz): https://heartfeltneeds.myflodesk.com/myjourneysolo [https://heartfeltneeds.myflodesk.com/myjourneysolo] * Heartfelt Needs Counseling & Caring Center: https://heartfeltneeds.com [https://heartfeltneeds.com/] * Heartfelt Needs on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartFeltNeeds/ * Heartfelt Needs on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartfeltneeds * Free Journaling Hour Community (Monthly, First Tuesday): Details available through Tracy's website and email list SUPPORT THE PODCAST (AD-FREE & INDEPENDENT) The Holistic Counselor Podcast is intentionally ad-free so these conversations can stay ethical, trauma-informed, and faith-centered. If this episode helped you, you can support the show by visiting the merch shop: https://theholisticcounselorpodcast.printful.me/ Your support helps keep this podcast going without compromising its mission. PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW If this episode resonated, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Reviews help more people find this work—especially those quietly struggling with faith, shame, and healing. DISCLAIMER The Holistic Counselor Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, mental health, or professional counseling advice. Listening does not establish a therapist-client relationship with Diana S. Rice or any guest. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or feel unsafe, please contact your local emergency services or a qualified mental health professional. Remember: Trust in the Lord. Guard your heart. Renew your mind.