A PERSONAL bi-polar journey with Kate Eldean, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Everyone needs to listen to this episode. Whether you are dealing with a bipolar diagnosis yourself, know someone who is, or know someone you suspect needs help, every human can benefit from listening to Kate's story. This is the first time EVER that Kate is sharing her 12-year journey with Bi-polar 1 disorder. It takes guts, FAITH, and generosity to "come out" with a mental illness but if we don't share our personal stories Kate and I both agree that we are doing a disservice to people in need. NO ONE IS PERFECT and even licensed professional counselors deal with their own personal issues. There is nothing more real than Kate's story and I am just so grateful to her for coming on the podcast.More about Kate:Kate Eldean is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) as well as a Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in Trauma Recovery, EMDR, Neurotherapy, and EFT for Couples. She is licensed in SC, CA, and soon will be licensed in Michigan!With over 21 years of mental health experience, she provides a nurturing and non-judgmental warmth to her patients as they journey together along a solid path of healing and wholeness. Kate works with patients who struggle with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, abuse and neglect, addictions, grief and loss, eating disorders, and chronic medical conditions such as Type 1 Diabetes.Kate is also an author and co-founder of the Gracie Brave book and Foundation. Gracie Brave was created by Katie and her mom to inspire and empower children and families to find hope and healing from depression and other emotional challenges. Gracie Brave is the art of connection and community. Gracie Brave is a catalyst for breaking down the stigma of mental illness and helps families discover hope, healing, and freedom. In her spare time, Kate loves running, surfing, boating, doing cross-cultural missions in East Africa, and many arts and crafts!NOTE: When Kate talks about medications, it is important to note that she is medication-resistant. THIS EPISODE IS NOT MEANT TO TREAT MENTAL ILLNESS or recommend medications, it is simply about awareness. Please consult your doctor if you feel you need help.Education Michigan State University, BS in Psychology, Minor/Specialization in Health & Humanities (1994-1998)Antioch University Los Angeles, MA in Clinical Psychology (1999-2001)Wheaton College, Trinity University and Bethel Seminary Classes towards M.Div and Christian Formation and Ministry DegreeLicense, Certifications & AwardsMFT Licensure Granted Dec. 2010Additional Training Gottman Couples Therapy Level 1: Bridging the Couple Chasm: A Research Based ApproachEmotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT)The International Centre For Excellence In Emotionally Focused TherapyEMDR Part One & Two Training Completed.  Certification to be complete Winter 2016.Professional Activities and Memberships CAMFT CA Assoc. of MFT'sAmerican Association of Christian CounselorsCAPS~ Christian Assoc. of Professional Studies~ North County San Diego CAPS Leadership team and steering team.  ANAD~ Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders Community Support Group LeaderYou can find more about Kate on her websites or on instagram!https://www.kateeldean.com/ https://www.graciebrave.org/@graciebrave on instagram