The Counseling Podcast

Trauma, the Brain, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (A.R.T.) with Becky Hecht

In this episode, Jonathan sits down with Wellspring counselor Becky Hecht to talk about trauma—what it is, how it impacts the brain, and how our understanding of treatment has evolved over the years. Becky shares insights from her advanced training in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (A.R.T.), a newer counseling approach that offers unique benefits for those processing trauma. Together they explore: * How trauma affects both mind and body * Why treatment approaches have shifted in recent decades * The unique strengths of A.R.T., including its relatively quick time frame and “non-invasive” nature—allowing clients to heal without needing to verbally share their story if they don’t want to Whether you’re a counselor, someone impacted by trauma, or simply curious about how the brain heals, this conversation offers a hopeful and practical look at trauma recovery. Visit ⁠⁠Wellspring Counseling⁠ [https://wellspringgreenville.com/] to learn more about Jonathan Kittel and Becky Hecht. You can also read more about their approach to Trauma Counseling. [https://wellspringgreenville.com/individuals/trauma-counseling/] To learn more about Accelerated Resolution Therapy (A.R.T.), visit the website Accelerated Resolution Therapy - Treating Trauma. [https://acceleratedresolutiontherapy.com/]

Food Without Fear: Healing Body and Mind - with Julie Vaughan

In this insightful conversation, two licensed counselors sit down with registered and licensed dietitian Julie Vaughan, MS RDN LD, owner of Greenville Nutrition Therapy, to explore the powerful connection between nutrition and mental health. Together, they unpack what it really means to have a “relationship” with food — and how to know if yours is healthy or unhealthy. Julie shares her anti–diet-culture perspective, emphasizing that food shouldn't be a source of stress. She offers practical insights on how nutritionists and dietitians collaborate with mental health and medical professionals, outlines the different levels of care available for those experiencing eating disorders, and shares resources to help parents model healthy eating for their children. Whether you’re navigating your own food relationship, supporting a loved one, or simply curious about the intersection of diet and mental wellness, this episode offers hope, clarity, and a refreshing reminder that food can be something to truly enjoy. Learn more about Julie at www.greenvillenutritiontherapy.com Learn more about Jonathan Kittel and Margaret Kay Ko Brooks at www.wellspringgreenville.com

Reflective Listening: The Parenting Skill that Changes Everything

Parenting is both joyful and difficult. Actually, most relationships are like that. There's no shortage of tips and tricks to improve our relationships in the world. Yet, our quest to improve as parents can honestly turn into information-overload. But what if the foundation was actually quite simple? Remember to see and love your child before correcting behavior. Focus on the process of healthy relationships before stressing outcomes. Sure, those ideas sound good - but HOW do you actually do that? In today's episode, licensed counseling professionals Margaret Kay Ko Brooks and Jonathan Kittel at Wellspring Counseling (www.wellspringgreenville.com [www.wellspringgreenville.com]) discuss the power of Reflective Listening. To read the accompanying blog for this podcast, check out the following link Reflective Listening: The Parenting Skill that Changes Everything - Wellspring Counseling [https://wellspringgreenville.com/reflective-listening-the-parenting-skill-that-changes-everything/] To read the BIOS for Margaret Kay and Jonathan, click below: Margaret Kay Ko, LPC - Wellspring Counseling [https://wellspringgreenville.com/about/margaret-kay/] Jonathan Kittel, LPC/S, LMFT/S - Wellspring Counseling [https://wellspringgreenville.com/about/jonathan-kittel-lpc-lmft/]

Overcoming the Pressure to Be Perfect: Finding Relief from the Hamster Wheel of Perfectionism

So many people experience a pressure to be perfect. Whether it's teens, adults, parents or even relationships, so many people get paralyzed by a fear of failure and a perceived need to be perfect. In this conversation, licensed counselors Claire Brown and Jonathan Kittel explore the roots of perfectionism and the toll it can take on us. They discuss how the cycle of perfectionism can feel like being stuck on a hamster wheel, while also identifying ways to break free from this pressure. The counselors identify behaviors that promote our well-being, and help people understand how to move forward to find peace and contentment. To read the accompanying blog for this podcast, check out the following link https://wellspringgreenville.com/overcoming-the-pressure-to-be-perfect/ To read Claire's bio, check out the following link https://wellspringgreenville.com/about/claire-brown/

Helping Teens Take Ownership: Understanding the Struggle of Responsibility

As parents, we can get frustrated when our children fail to take ownership of their responsibilities and mistakes. “Why won’t they just acknowledge what they’ve done?” is a common question we say... In this conversation, licensed counselors Adam Cowan and Jonathan Kittel what parents need to know about helping their teen take greater responsibility. We explore and seek to understand (1) why our teens struggle with responsibility, (2) how we can empower them to take ownership of their life, and (3) the benefits we’ll see when our teens become more responsible. To read the accompanying blog for this podcast, check out the following link https://wellspringgreenville.com/helping-teens-take-ownership-understanding-the-struggle-of-responsibility/ To read Adam's bio, check out the following link https://wellspringgreenville.com/about/adam-cowan/