Unmasked: A Mental Health Podcast

What does "going into treatment" actually mean? In this episode of Unmasked, Dr. Courtney Ward and Ethan Lefever (Executive Director of VR Health) demystify the recovery process. They break down the different levels of care available for eating disorders and discuss the rewarding transformation that happens when the healing journey begins.Website: zamwell.org

In this episode of Unmasked, Dr. Courtney Ward sits down with Kristine Sinner, a Master’s-level dietitian and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist with over 30 years of clinical experience. Together, they peel back the layers of one of the most misunderstood categories of mental health: eating disorders.Kristine addresses the dangerous misconception that these conditions are driven by vanity or personal choice, reframing them as the serious mental and physical illnesses they truly are. Whether you are a professional, a person in recovery, or a concerned loved one, this conversation offers vital insights into: The Clinical Reality, Myth-Busting, and A Guide for Families.Website: zamwell.org

In this special "Lived Experience" edition of Unmasked, host Dr. Courtney Ward sits down with Julia Giltner, CRPS, a former music teacher from Zionsville, to share her personal journey through an eating disorder. Julia opens up about the origins of her struggle, revealing how a traumatic experience with sexual harassment in high school—rather than a desire to be thin—triggered her restriction.Together, they discuss the vital importance of building a support system, the startling realization of how much life is lost to an eating disorder, and the reality that recovery is a choice one must make every single day.Website: zamwell.orgWebsite: zamwell.org

Welcome back to Unmasked! In this crucial second part of our trauma series, Dr. Courtney Ward and Amber Nunes are joined once again by licensed therapist and trauma specialist, Monisha Mitchell. We're diving deep into the most important question: Can people truly heal from trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?Monisha offers a resounding yes and shares her passion for this work. Tune in as we discuss the vital first steps someone can take on their healing journey and explore the real possibilities of recovery.Website: zamwell.orgWebsite: zamwell.org

Welcome back to Unmasked! Dr. Courtney Ward and Amber Nunes are joined by a special guest, Monisha Mitchell, LCSW, CCTP (owner of Monisha Mitchell, LCSW, LLC).In this vital episode, we dive into the complex topic of trauma. Dr. Ward begins with a general definition—anything that happens outside the course of normal life, like a house fire or a violent crime. But how do we distinguish between a truly traumatic experience and a simply upsetting or difficult event? Monisha shares her expert perspective as a licensed therapist and certified clinical trauma professional to help us understand the critical difference. This is a must-listen for anyone seeking clarity on how to define, understand, and ultimately heal from trauma.Website: zamwell.orgWebsite: zamwell.org

Welcome back to Unmasked, the podcast where we dive into the depths of mental health and wellness. In this highly requested episode, we're tackling a topic that touches countless lives: ADHD.Join us as we challenge common misconceptions and explore what it truly means to live with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. We're joined by licensed mental health counselor and clinical director, Rob Kern, from the Cabin Counseling and Resource Center. Rob helps us reframe our understanding of ADHD, revealing that it's not a deficit of attention but rather a challenge in directing it.Tune in to discover insightful perspectives that will help you better understand the complexities of ADHD and its impact on everyday life.Website: zamwell.orgWebsite: zamwell.org

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Jenny Tarbox, a clinical psychologist and owner of Bloom Psychology Services, to demystify psychological testing. While it may not sound flashy, psychological testing is a crucial tool for both children and adults seeking a better understanding of themselves. Jenny walks us through the basics of what psychological testing is, when it's beneficial to seek it out, and how it can lead to more effective treatment plans for a healthier relationship with yourself and the people in your life.Website: zamwell.orgWebsite: zamwell.org

Join Dr. Courtney Ward and Kristen Bitzegaio as they welcome special guests Dr. Sandy Burkhart and Andrea Zacharias for a foundational discussion on autism. This episode aims to move beyond common misconceptions and establish a working definition of autism. The conversation will explore how autism manifests throughout a person's lifetime, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and the role of approaches like ABA therapy in supporting communication development.Website: zamwell.orgWebsite: zamwell.org

Join Dr. Courtney Ward and Kristen Bitzegaio as they welcome special guest Tess Morrell, an attorney and family mediator with Resolution Mediation. Tess, whose background blends law with an interdisciplinary study of human behavior, shares invaluable insights on navigating family conflict and fostering healthy resolution. This episode explores the profound impact of separation and divorce on mental health, offering practical strategies to address fears, break down complex issues, and empower individuals to take control during challenging times. Discover why prioritizing a healthy marriage is often the best gift for children and learn how to approach conflict in a way that promotes healing and well-being for the entire family.Website: zamwell.orgWebsite: zamwell.org

On this episode of Unmasked, Dr. Courtney Ward and Kristen Bitzegaio welcome Laura Weaver, Executive Director of The Cabin Counseling and Resource Center. They discuss a crucial topic for many families: how children get started in therapy. Laura offers invaluable insights into what parents should expect during their child's first therapeutic experience and explores the distinct approaches to treatment for young children versus teenagers.Website: zamwell.orgWebsite: zamwell.org

On this insightful episode of Unmasked, hosts Dr. Courtney Ward and Kristen Bitzegaio are joined by special guest Brian Tremml, M.A., M.S., a licensed mental health provider and Director of Mental Health Services for Athletics at Butler University. Brian delves into his pioneering role in supporting student-athletes, discussing how he addresses both performance psychology and clinical mental health concerns. They explore the unique challenges and prevalent stigma surrounding mental health in athletic culture, highlighting the NCAA's push for dedicated roles like Brian's and the profound impact of fostering a supportive environment where athletes feel empowered to seek help.Website: zamwell.orgWebsite: zamwell.org

So you’re ready to start therapy, but don’t know what you’re looking for. In this episode of Unmasked, our host, Dr. Courtney Ward, is joined by Kristen Bitzegaio and Eleanor Malinoski, MSW, LCSW, of The Centre, to discuss different types of therapy and what might be the right fit for you.Website: zamwell.org

Co-hosts Kristen Bitzegaio and Dr. Courtney Ward are joined by Amber Nunes to talk about getting started with therapy, including figuring out how to find a therapist, how to navigate the finances of it, and when you should seek help.Website: zamwell.org

Introducing Unmasked: A Mental Podcast. Learn more about this new podcast on mental health and wellness with host Kristen Bitzegaio and Zionsville Alliance for Mental Wellness co-founders Amber Nunes and Carrie-Ann Jordan. Whether you want to feel a little less alone in your mental health journey or are just looking to learn more about mental health, this podcast is for you!Website: zamwell.org