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

Ep. 111 - Men's Mental Health, Church Hurt, and Nervous System Healing with Sacred Grit's Spiritual Coach, Jason Lyle

Hello there, fearfully and wonderfully made human. In this episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, host Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP sits down with Jason Lyle, founder of Sacred Grit, spiritual coach, and host of The Sacred Grit Podcast, for an honest and thought-provoking conversation about men's mental health, addiction recovery, church hurt, nervous system regulation, and faith reconstruction. Jason shares parts of his personal story—from growing up in the Southern Baptist church, to becoming a pastor, to navigating addiction, shame, and ultimately stepping away from traditional ministry. Through that journey, he began exploring how nervous system regulation, breathwork, cold exposure, meditation, and embodied practices can help people create space between emotional triggers and destructive behaviors. Together, Diana and Jason discuss why so many people today are wrestling with faith deconstruction, religious trauma, pornography addiction, and identity confusion, and why healing often requires both personal responsibility and compassionate support. They also explore the connection between neuroplasticity, nervous system regulation, spiritual formation, and behavioral change, along with the importance of building a supportive team that may include therapists, recovery communities, coaches, and healthy relationships. This episode may resonate with listeners searching for: • men's mental health and addiction recovery • healing from church hurt or religious trauma • nervous system regulation and emotional resilience • faith reconstruction and spiritual growth • pornography addiction and shame recovery • breathwork, cold exposure, and mind-body healing practices As always, the goal of this podcast is to create space for honest conversations that help people grow in clarity, responsibility, compassion, and hope. In This Episode We Discuss • Jason's story: from pastor to men's coach • Growing up in church and early exposure to pornography • Purity culture and the impact of shame on identity • Faith deconstruction and reconstructing spiritual beliefs • Nervous system regulation and trauma responses • The amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and impulse control • Breathwork, cold plunging, and discomfort training • Addiction recovery and behavioral patterns • The role of discipline, accountability, and daily practice • Why healing is rarely a quick fix Quotable Moments "Dysregulation is an attempt to soothe a trauma." — Jason Lyle "When your feet touch the floor in the morning, take five minutes and do one thing that makes you feel radically loved by yourself." — Jason Lyle "They still want to keep their faith… they still want to love the Lord and be in the Word, and it's like disentangling." — Diana S. Rice "The goal of this podcast is not to give quick fixes, but to create space for honest conversations that help people grow in clarity, responsibility, compassion, and hope." — Diana S. Rice Connect with Jason Lyle Sacred Grit Website https://thesacredgrit.com [https://thesacredgrit.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Sacred Grit Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sacred-grit-daily-nervous-system-tools-and-spiritual/id1611084095 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sacred-grit-daily-nervous-system-tools-and-spiritual/id1611084095?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Coaching and Retreat Information https://thesacredgrit.com/explore-coaching [https://thesacredgrit.com/explore-coaching?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Contact Jason https://thesacredgrit.com/contact [https://thesacredgrit.com/contact?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Adventures in Recovery (AIR) https://www.recoveryadventures.org [https://www.recoveryadventures.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Books and Resources Mentioned Dopamine Nation – Dr. Anna Lembke https://www.annalembke.com/dopamine-nation [https://www.annalembke.com/dopamine-nation?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Widen the Window – Dr. Elizabeth Stanley https://elizabeth-stanley.com/books-publications/widen-the-window/ [https://elizabeth-stanley.com/books-publications/widen-the-window/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] The Body Keeps the Score – Dr. Bessel van der Kolk https://www.besselvanderkolk.com/resources/the-body-keeps-the-score [https://www.besselvanderkolk.com/resources/the-body-keeps-the-score?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma – Dr. Peter Levine https://www.northatlanticbooks.com/shop/waking-the-tiger-healing-trauma/ [https://www.northatlanticbooks.com/shop/waking-the-tiger-healing-trauma/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] The Ragamuffin Gospel – Brennan Manning https://www.brennanmanning.com/books/the-ragamuffin-gospel [https://www.amazon.com/Ragamuffin-Gospel-Brennan-Manning/dp/159644133X] The Cosmic Christ – Richard Rohr https://cac.org/books/the-universal-christ/ [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=cosmic+christ+richard+rohr&adgrpid=187381727218&hvadid=779548164475&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9012024&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=15516846820863397644--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=15516846820863397644&hvtargid=kwd-354774606848&hydadcr=17808_13794509_2332230&mcid=7ac2ac800fe137e8a61892c1be516ed4&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_7punl2yfm8_e] The Sin of Certainty – Peter Enns https://peteenns.com/books/the-sin-of-certainty/ [https://a.co/d/0cickyng] Internal Family Systems (IFS) – Dr. Richard Schwartz https://ifs-institute.com [https://ifs-institute.com/] Support The Holistic Counselor Podcast If this conversation encouraged or challenged you in a meaningful way, please consider supporting the podcast. • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify • Share this episode with someone who may benefit • Explore podcast merch and resources [https://theholisticcounselorpodcast.printful.me/] The Holistic Counselor Podcast Merch and Support https://theholisticcounselorpodcast.com [https://theholisticcounselorpodcast.printful.me/] Disclaimer The Holistic Counselor Podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace professional mental health treatment, medical advice, diagnosis, or therapy. Jason Lyle is a coach and spiritual mentor and is not a licensed therapist. If you are struggling with addiction, trauma, or thoughts of self-harm, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional. In the United States, you can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

Ep. 110 - When Words Aren't Enough: How Art Therapy Heals Trauma, Anxiety & Relationships (MBT Explained) | Anna Green, LMHC

In Episode 110 of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP sits down with Anna Green, LMHC, Chief Clinical Officer at Thrive, to answer questions people are actively searching for, including: * What is art therapy (really)? * Do you have to be "good at art" for art therapy to help? * Why can creativity feel safer than talking about trauma? * What is MBT (Mentalization-Based Treatment) in simple terms? * How do curiosity and the "not-knowing stance" support healing and relationships? * What do therapists need right now to prevent burnout and stay grounded? Anna brings over a decade of experience across mental health, addiction, and palliative care, along with training in art therapy, EMDR, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and MBT. Together, Diana and Anna explore how creativity can help people process emotions, reduce shame, and reconnect to themselves—especially when words feel too hard, too risky, or simply not available. This conversation is for clinicians, creatives, trauma survivors, people of faith, and anyone who wants more emotional clarity, better communication, and more compassion in relationships. About This Episode's Guest: Anna Green, LMHC Anna Green, LMHC is the Chief Clinical Officer at Thrive and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with clinical experience in multiple levels of care. She has worked in education settings, hospice/palliative environments (supporting families and siblings), and clinical leadership roles—bringing both depth and practicality to the work of healing. What You'll Learn (Key Takeaways) What Art Therapy Is (and what it's NOT) Art therapy is psychotherapy that uses art as a tool for expression and exploration, alongside conversation. It is not an art class, and you do not need talent or skill to benefit. Why Art Can Feel Safer Than Words Some experiences happen before language, or in environments where speaking up led to punishment or shame. Art can help people express what's inside in a way that feels less exposing and more contained. MBT: Mentalization-Based Treatment in Plain Language Anna explains mentalizing as the ability to understand what's happening in your own mind and in someone else's mind—including thoughts, feelings, intentions, and beliefs—so relationships become clearer and less reactive. Curiosity as a Healing Skill This episode repeatedly returns to one theme: curiosity. Curiosity interrupts mind-reading, slows assumptions, strengthens relationships, and supports trauma-informed care—for clients and clinicians. Burnout Prevention for Therapists Anna shares what clinicians need most right now: higher-quality supervision that includes the therapist's inner experience, role-play and skill modeling, personal therapy when needed, transition rituals between work and home, and ongoing learning. Practical Tools You Can Try This Week (No Therapy Required) 1) "Take a line for a walk." Grab a pen and paper. Start with one line. No plan. No pressure. Just begin. This is a powerful way to start when the blank page feels intimidating. 2) Turn assumptions into questions Instead of mind-reading, practice checking things out: * "Can I clarify what you meant by that?" * "I noticed I felt unsure—can we talk about it?" * "Help me understand what was going on for you." Quotes Worth Replaying (From This Episode) Diana S. Rice (Host) 1. "Sometimes talk therapy isn't enough." 2. "Healing is not just about diagnosis. It's about clarity. It's about connection." Anna Green (Guest) 1. "You do not have to be an artist to do art therapy." 2. "Mentalizing is a process of understanding what's going on in your mind and what's going on in somebody else's mind." Resources Mentioned (Links) * Thrive (Anna's organization): https://gothrivemh.com [https://gothrivemh.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Anna Freud Centre (MBT training / background): https://www.annafreud.org/training/ [https://www.annafreud.org/training/] * Mentalization-Based Treatment (overview page for learning more): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mentalization-based_treatment [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mentalization-based_treatment?utm_source=chatgpt.com] (Helpful starting point for general readers; not a substitute for clinical training.) * Book Anna recommends: On Learning from the Patient [https://psptraining.com/wp-content/uploads/Casement-P.J.1985-1991.-Learning-from-the-patient.pdf]— Patrick Casement * Art4Healing (Diana's COVID-era group experience; they note they are not art therapy): https://art4healing.org/ [https://art4healing.org/] * Understanding MBT: https://www.annafreud.org/training/health-and-social-care/mentalization-based-treatments-mbt/mentalization-based-treatment-adults/about-mbt/ [https://www.annafreud.org/training/health-and-social-care/mentalization-based-treatments-mbt/mentalization-based-treatment-adults/about-mbt/] * 'Art Therapy and Sexual Offending' - https://us.jkp.com/products/arts-therapies-and-sexual-offending [https://us.jkp.com/products/arts-therapies-and-sexual-offending] Connect + Learn More If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, share it with a friend, and leave a review—it genuinely helps more people find these conversations. And as always: trust in the Lord, guard your heart, and renew your mind. Support the Podcast This podcast is independently created — no sponsors, no big production team. Each episode takes 3–5 hours to research, record, edit, and publish because these conversations matter. If this episode encouraged you, challenged you, or helped you grow, one simple way to support the mission is by visiting the merch store. Every purchase directly helps sustain this work and keep these faith-centered, evidence-informed conversations going. Shop here: https://theholisticcounselorpodcast.printful.me/ [https://theholisticcounselorpodcast.printful.me/] Disclaimer This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment, medical advice, diagnosis, or psychotherapy. Listening does not create a therapist-client relationship with Diana S. Rice or any guest. If you are in crisis or believe you may be experiencing an emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).

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