Ohio Counseling Conversations

Send us Fan MailSend us Fan MailA payer suddenly demands money back, lawmakers debate how long clawbacks should even be allowed, and the Supreme Court redraws the lines around counseling regulation when speech is the treatment. We walk through the urgent CareSource of Ohio recoupment news and the concrete steps we recommend right now: push for claim-level specificity, document everything, review your provider contract, consider formal dispute options, and escalate patterns of concern through the right oversight channels. If you’re a mental health provider worried about retroactive audits and reimbursement instability, this breakdown is built for you.From the Ohio Statehouse, we recap OCA’s Legislative Advocacy Day and where the biggest policy priorities stand. We track Senate Bill 162 on insurance clawback limits and House Bill 220 on prior authorization reform, plus what counselor advocates are asking legislators to do next. We also share how advocacy training and coalition work can turn frustration into action, especially when policy decisions ripple into client access, staffing, and continuity of care.At the federal level, we unpack the Supreme Court’s ruling in Chiles v. Salazar and what it could mean for laws that aim to protect clients from harmful practices, including sexual orientation and gender identity change efforts. We close with positive momentum too: the Counseling Compact continues to expand interstate practice privileges, and Ohio’s election calendar is a timely reminder that civic engagement shapes mental health systems. Subscribe for monthly counseling policy updates, share this with a colleague, and leave a review to help more counselors find the show.*****Links Mentioned on the Episode:Counseling CompactConnect with the Ohio Counseling Association Insurance Advocacy Committee Caresource ClawbacksMake Your Voting PlanSUPPORT: Senate Bill 162- limiting clawbacks from insurance companiesSUPPORT: House Bill 724-  require health benefit plans to provide coverage for annual behavioral health. OPPOSE: House Bill 172-  prohibit the temporary provision of mental health services to minors without parental consent.PASSED: House Bill 220-  prior authorization reform bill Chiles v Salazar Supreme Court Decision- classified counseling and other mental health services as free speech, not professional conduct Connect with Us on Any or All Socials at our Link Tree!OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounselingCreated by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Dr. Chase Morgan-Swaney·Pre-Production & Coordination by Marisa Cargill, Victoria Frazier, Mariah Payne, and Chase Morgan-Swaney·Editing by Victoria Frazier

Send us Fan Mail“If they wanted to, they would.” “Be the bigger person.” “Time heals all wounds.” These lines can sound clean and confident, but when you’re living real life with limited capacity, messy relationships, and actual grief, they can land like a brick wall. We sit down as two counselors who hear these sayings in sessions, group chats, and counseling rooms, and we pull them apart with the nuance they rarely get online.We talk about why behavior isn’t always a simple measure of desire and how burnout, skills, fear, and unclear expectations change what people can realistically do. We also get honest about boundaries: “being the bigger person” can support safety and de-escalation, but it can also become permission to stay silent, skip accountability, and abandon yourself. If you’ve ever wondered whether speaking up is “too much,” this conversation offers a grounded way to think about integrity, communication, and self-respect.Then we move into grief and loss, where platitudes tend to multiply. We explain why “time heals all wounds” and “everything happens for a reason” often function as silver-lining pressure, especially when pain is sticky and long-lasting. We also challenge the idea that you must love yourself before you can love others, naming how connection and relationships can be part of healing rather than a reward for being fully “fixed.”If you’re a counselor, helping professional, or just someone tired of toxic positivity, you’ll leave with better language, better questions, and a clearer sense of what actually helps. Subscribe, share with a colleague or friend, and leave a review, then tell us which cliché you want us to unpack next.What do you think? Send us your questions or topics you'd like us to unpack!OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounselingConnect with Us on Any/All Socials at our Link Tree!****If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Victoria Frazier & Marisa Cargill·Pre-Production & Coordination by Marisa Cargill and Victoria Frazier·Editing by Marisa Cargill·Original music selections by Elijah Satoru Wood

Send us Fan MailYou can be skilled, ethical, and deeply caring, and still end up overwhelmed if you try to do counseling alone. We’re joined by Dr. Charity Anne Kurz, counselor educator and clinician, to make the case for the “collaborative counselor” and to get painfully practical about what collaboration looks like when it’s more than a nice idea. We talk about why collaboration is both a mindset and an action, how cultural humility keeps us curious instead of assumptive, and why being secure in our professional identity helps us work alongside other disciplines without feeling threatened. We also dig into the barriers that quietly shut collaboration down: time, caseload pressure, and the slow drift toward isolation. Dr. Charity shares why isolation can become an “ethical slip and slide,” plus how consultation and accountability protect both the client and the counselor. If you’re early in your career, you’ll hear concrete encouragement to build a network now, before you need it, and to stop carrying a savior-sized load that was never yours to carry. A major thread is faith and mental health. Spirituality is a core part of multicultural counseling, yet many clinicians avoid it out of fear, uncertainty, or past hurts. We walk through respectful intake questions, how to explore a client’s lived spirituality without assumptions, and what healthy collaboration with faith communities can look like, including prevention-focused training and clear referral practices. We also cover telehealth counseling realities, community mapping, and how strategic partnerships can expand care while giving you time back. If this conversation helps you rethink your support system, share it with a colleague, subscribe for more Ohio Counseling Conversation, and leave a review so more counselors can find it. What’s one collaboration you want to build this year?OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounselingConnect with Us on Any/All Socials at our Link Tree!If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Marisa Cargill·Pre-Production & Coordination by Marisa Cargill, Victoria Frazier, and Shannon O'Mara·Editing by Marisa Cargill·Original music selections by Elijah Satoru Wood

Send us Fan MailLaws passed in Columbus do not stay in Columbus, they show up as stress, grief, fear, and conflict in our clients’ lives. We sit down as Ohio counselors to translate what just moved at the Statehouse into what it changes in the therapy room, from school-based messaging on pregnancy to new barriers that can delay or derail care. If you want a clear, clinically grounded Ohio legislative update for mental health counselors, this is your map.We break down major Ohio House bills now headed to the Ohio Senate, including House Bill 485 (the Baby Olivia Act) and House Bill 347 (the She Wins Act), and we talk about why accuracy, informed consent, and system-created barriers matter for ethical, evidence-based counseling. We also cover House Bill 249’s sweeping “gender performance” language and what laws like this can do to LGBTQ youth mental health, plus House Bill 172’s threat to teen access to short-term confidential crisis counseling when a parent is not a safe option.Then we shift to the business and access realities that shape every caseload: behavioral health well checks in House Bill 724, insurer recoupment reform in Senate Bill 162, an OhioHealth antitrust lawsuit tied to health care costs, and new KFF polling that names prior authorization as a leading obstacle for patients, especially those seeking mental health care. We close with federal developments impacting immigration-related stress in sessions, graduate student loan caps that could shrink the counseling pipeline, culturally responsive supports for Latino youth, and renewed efforts to stop paid conversion therapy.If you found this useful, subscribe, share it with another counselor, and leave a review so more Ohio clinicians can stay informed and keep advocating.*****Links Mentioned on the Episode:• Ohio Legislature Bill Tracker: legislature.ohio.gov• ACA Legislative Action Center: counseling.org/government-affairs• NBCC LEAP Act Action: votervoice.net/NBCCGrassroots• ACLU Ohio — HB 249 Opposition: action.aclu.org• Ohio House Member Contact: ohiohouse.gov• Ohio Senate Member Contact: ohiosenate.gov• AG Yost / OhioHealth Lawsuit: ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Media/News-Releases/February-2026• KFF Prior Authorization Poll (Feb. 2026): kff.org• SB 162 Senate Committee: legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/sb162• Trevor Project Crisis Line: 866-4-U-Trevor• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741Bills Requiring Ohio SENATE Contact (passed House earlier this week):• HB 220 — Prior Authorization Reform → SUPPORT• HB 347 — Abortion Waiting Period → Share mental health impact• HB 249 — Drag Ban → Share LGBTQ+ youth mental health research and ethicsBills in Ohio Senate Committee — Watch & Contact:• HB 485 — Baby Olivia Act (2nd Senate Ed. Committee hearing this week)• SB 162 — Recoupment Timing (sub-bill adopted, advancing) → SUPPORT• HB 172 — Teen Mental Health Access → OPPOSE urgentlyConnect with Us on Any or All Socials at our Link Tree!OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounselingCreated by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Marisa Cargill & Victoria Frazier·Pre-Production & Coordination by Marisa Cargill, Victoria Frazier, Mariah Payne, and Chase Morgan-Swaney·Editing by Marisa Cargill & Victoria Frazier

Send us Fan MailYour next conference can feel like a recharge, not a marathon. We’re sharing the playbook we wish we had sooner—how to plan with purpose, protect your energy, and turn both sessions and hallway chats into momentum you’ll feel back at your desk.We start with simple planning moves that pay off: choose sessions tied to your CEU needs and your core why as a counselor, then add a wildcard outside your comfort zone to spark new skills. From ethics to supervision hours, we show how to balance requirements with curiosity so your notes become action, not just inspiration. Along the way, we talk through self‑accommodation that actually works—seat choice, snacks, hydration, fidgets, and strategic breaks—plus the underrated power of scanning venue maps for quiet rooms, wellness spaces, presenter areas, and the exhibitor hall.Connection is the force multiplier. We share low‑pressure scripts for meeting peers, ways to turn a coffee‑line chat into a consult partner, and why choosing conversation over one more CEU can pay dividends in practice. Big conferences bring scale and variety—niche modalities, resources for clients with complex health needs, and a sea of kindred clinicians—so we outline how to navigate without burning out. We also make a case for strolling the expo: new assessment tools, counseling books, platform trials, and community programs can level up your work the moment you return.Underneath the tactics is a theme: belonging matters. In a tough socio‑political climate, gathering with colleagues who share your ethics can restore hope, clarity, and stamina. Go in with three targets—one learning goal, one connection goal, one self‑care goal—and leave with two concrete follow‑ups to keep the spark alive. If you’re heading to Columbus for ACA, wave us down and say hello—we’re always up for a quick chat and a good book tip. Subscribe, share this with a colleague who needs a boost, and leave a review with your best conference hack so we can feature it next time.What do you think? Send us your questions or topics you'd like us to unpack!OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounselingConnect with Us on Any/All Socials at our Link Tree!****If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Victoria Frazier & Marisa Cargill·Pre-Production & Coordination by Marisa Cargill and Victoria Frazier·Editing by Marisa Cargill·Original music selections by Elijah Satoru Wood

Send us Fan MailWhat if your first lesson about therapy came from a horror villain or a five‑minute breakthrough montage? We dive into the stories that taught us what counselors are supposed to be—stoic saviors, boundary‑blurrers, or secret masterminds—and compare them with what ethical care actually looks like. From Ted Lasso’s Dr. Sharon holding firm lines to the seductive manipulation of Hannibal, we explore why writers lean on spectacle, how those choices shape public trust, and what gets lost when healing is edited for prime time.We trade notes on the moments that made us wince and the rare scenes that felt grounded: clear roles, minimal self‑disclosure, and the slow build of rapport. Then we zoom out to the asylum aesthetic that haunts pop culture, the criminal therapist trope that criminalizes care, and the reality TV promise of instant transformation. Along the way, we unpack the power differential in counseling, why boundaries are safety not distance, and how quick “cures” on screen create false expectations that can keep people from seeking help.If media has shaped your view of counseling, bring that curiosity with you. Ask about credentials, specialties, confidentiality, and how your counselor handles limits and repairs. Good practice welcomes questions and names power clearly. And if a show gave you language for your pain, keep the language and leave the fear. Press play to learn how to separate plot devices from real-life support, and share the episode with someone who’s therapy‑curious but hesitant. Subscribe, rate, and tell us which on‑screen therapist or counselor you want us to unpack next.What do you think? Send us your questions or topics you'd like us to unpack!OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounselingConnect with Us on Any/All Socials at our Link Tree!****If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Victoria Frazier with guest Lauren Collins-Knight·Pre-Production & Coordination by Marisa Cargill and Victoria Frazier·Editing by Marisa Cargill·Original music selections by Elijah Satoru Wood

Send us Fan MailWhen the headlines won’t quit and the room feels charged, how do we stay grounded, ethical, and genuinely helpful? We sit down with counselor educator and MI trainer Kim Barrella to explore motivational interviewing as more than a technique—it’s a way of being that centers autonomy, partnership, and compassion, even when politics enter the session. Together, we unpack how MI helps clients and clinicians navigate anger, fatigue, and moral distress without slipping into persuasion or avoidance.Kim shares how complex reflections and thoughtful summaries can transform ambivalence—from “I’m stuck” to “I have choices”—and why that shift matters for LGBTQIA+ clients facing policy pressure and minority stress. We talk about aligning our work with shared ethical codes while protecting client trust, and how MI naturally complements modalities like CBT, DBT, and EMDR. You’ll hear practical language for real scenarios: responding to polarization in session, handling direct questions about your views, and finding sustainable actions when doomscrolling drains your energy.This conversation also moves beyond the therapy hour. We explore using MI in supervision and leadership, naming the push-pull of advocacy, and building resilience through small, values-aligned steps. If you’ve been craving a clearer path through uncertainty—one that honors dignity, reduces burnout, and keeps the focus where it belongs—this episode offers tools and encouragement to carry into your next session.If this resonates, share it with a colleague, subscribe for more thoughtful conversations, and leave a review to help others find the show. What MI move helps you stay present when the world feels loud?Resources  from the episode:https://www.facebook.com/NavigateCounselingandConsultationhttps://www.instagram.com/navigate_counseling/https://www.navigatecounseling.org/OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounselingConnect with Us on Any/All Socials at our Link Tree!If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Marisa Cargill·Pre-Production & Coordination by Marisa Cargill & Victoria Frazier·Editing by Marisa Cargill·Original music selections by Elijah Satoru Wood

Send us Fan MailPolicy moved fast this month, and we break it down so you can protect clients and plan your next steps with confidence. From real wins on Medicare telehealth to high‑stakes proposals that could reshape LGBTQ care and counselor ethics, we connect the dots between statutes, board guidance, and day‑to‑day practice in Ohio.We start with clarity on the Consolidated Appropriations Act that extends Medicare telehealth protections through December 31, 2027, including the in‑person visit waiver for behavioral health and broader geographic flexibility. You’ll hear concrete tips for 2028 readiness, like tagging clients who began services on or before January 30, 2026, to minimize disruption if requirements tighten. Then we track competing Ohio immigration enforcement packages—one limiting ICE access to sensitive locations and data sharing, the other banning sanctuary policies and compelling hospitals and mental health centers to admit federal agents, with possible funding penalties. We outline how HIPAA and confidentiality still apply and share steps for policy, training, and legal consultation so front desks and clinicians are prepared.Next, we examine Ohio’s local conversion therapy bans and why House Bill 693 could undercut those protections while restricting gender‑affirming practice for minors and penalizing licenses. We anchor the conversation in the ethical consensus from ACA, APA, AAP, and AACAP that attempts to change sexual orientation or gender identity cause harm. At the federal level, we explain proposed CMS rules that target gender‑affirming medical care for minors and the active litigation timeline, including a spring hearing and interim guidance expected by June 1, 2026. Counseling and talk therapy aren’t directly restricted, but the mental health ripple effects are real—so we offer practical communication points for families and documentation tips grounded in evidence-based care.We also update students and educators on CACREP’s revised Policy A2E, which requires in‑person, synchronous skill and disposition assessments in all accredited programs, including online, at least twice with one before practicum. Finally, we make space for clinician wellbeing, sharing tangible ways to use supervision, peer consultation, and community care to stay steady under pressure. Subscribe, share this with a colleague, and leave a review to help more Ohio counselors find these monthly briefings. Your work matters—and we’re here to keep you informed, resourced, and ready.Resources Mentioned on the Episode:February 2026 References & Show Notes:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PJShWrc-mfo5huLntyZa9lOnt0iGGw0Ox9gKIVKKiNA/edit?usp=sharing*****Connect with Us on Any or All Socials at our Link Tree!OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounselingCreated by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Mariah Payne·Pre-Production & Coordination by Marisa Cargill, Victoria Frazier, Mariah Payne, and Chase Morgan-Swaney·Editing by Marisa Cargill

Send us Fan MailYour feed offers endless tips, bold diagnoses, and confident scripts—but what happens when all that noise walks into the therapy room? We dig into the real-world impact of mental health content on client expectations, counselor boundaries, and the ethics of showing up online. With guest counselor Lauren Collins-Knight, we examine the tension between short-form advice and the slow, relational work that actually changes behavior.We talk candidly about “I already saw that on Instagram,” the pressure to deliver novelty, and the client fear of not being “sick enough” to deserve care. From DSM worries to the weekly surge of buzzwords, we share ways to re-center clients: explain levels of care, treat diagnosis as a living description, and translate symptoms within context. We look at the upside, too—lowered stigma, easier access to resources, and advocacy that travels faster than any brochure—without glossing over parasocial risks and the thin line between educator and influencer.If you post professionally, you’ll appreciate our grounded take on ACA ethics, especially Section H: why separate profiles matter, how to write clear boundaries into your bio, and what informed consent should say about digital communication. We also offer a practical tool clients love—the 1% change framework—which shrinks goals to something doable this week and turns inspiration into habit. Whether you’re a clinician refining your online presence or a listener sorting signal from noise in your own feed, you’ll leave with language, structure, and next steps that respect both care and context.If this conversation helped you think differently about counseling online, subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave a review to help others find the show. What’s your 1% change for the week?What do you think? Send us your questions or topics you'd like us to unpack!OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounselingConnect with Us on Any/All Socials at our Link Tree!****If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Victoria Frazier·Pre-Production & Coordination by Marisa Cargill and Victoria Frazier·Editing by Marisa Cargill·Original music selections by Elijah Satoru Wood

Send us Fan MailCertainty can feel like safety, especially when life hurts. Our conversation with Laura Dunson Caputo, an assistant professor and trauma counselor, and Alexis Gilan, a newly licensed clinician whose research centers on cultic dynamics, digs into how high-control groups trade belonging for obedience and why that bargain is so hard to recognize from the inside. Rather than chasing sensational headlines, we map the real mechanics: centralized, unquestionable authority, conditional acceptance, and morality framed in stark binaries that erode agency and redefine identity from the outside in.We walk through the subtle ways this trauma shows up after someone leaves. Hierarchies can feel comfortingly familiar, fawn responses masquerade as “being good,” and choices feel threatening instead of freeing. We talk about the nonlinearity of healing—waves of clarity and doubt—and why quick fixes and premature forgiveness are just another form of pressure. For clinicians, we unpack blind spots from religious socialization to cultural normalization, plus the risk of turning therapy into a new control system. Practical steps include explicit consent and transparency, curiosity-driven questions, and motivational interviewing skills that avoid rescuing and return power to the client.You’ll also hear concrete signs to watch for—needing permission to attend sessions, access restrictions, obedience language, moral rigidity, and diffuse trauma without a single precipitating event—along with the growing role of social media, Discord, and YouTube in modern recruitment. We highlight creative modalities like art therapy and the therapeutic relationship as a safe lab where clients practice saying no, disagreeing, and staying in connection. Beyond the therapy room, we challenge hyper‑individualism and make the case for community care that offers belonging without coercion.If this conversation resonates, subscribe, share it with a colleague, and leave a review to help more listeners find thoughtful guidance on cultic trauma, ethical care, and rebuilding agency.OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounselingConnect with UsStay in touch and join the conversation:Instagram: @OhioCounselingFacebook: facebook.com/ohiocounselingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ohio-counseling-association-b78256165/****If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Victoria Frazier·Pre-Production & Coordination by Marisa Cargill & Victoria Frazier·Editing by Marisa Cargill·Original music selections by Elijah Satoru Wood

Send us Fan MailWe share major wins and warnings for Ohio counselors: streamlined licensure, a new path to cross-state practice, civil rights amendments with clinical stakes, a brief but chilling federal funding scare, and a push to document insurer barriers that block care. We close with a reminder to seek support, protect your capacity, and stay engaged.• new single-exam pathway from LPC to LPCC and required supervision documentation• counseling compact launch and steps to apply for privileges in Arizona and Minnesota• equal rights and marriage amendments with mental health implications• federal grant termination letters and fast reversal after bipartisan pressure• how to submit insurer delay and denial examples to support provider-friendly bills• self-care, supervision, and peer support as professional necessitiesSubscribe, share with a colleague, and send us your questions or examples. Your voice drives access, equity, and the future of counseling in Ohio.Resources Mentioned on the Episode:https://cswmft.ohio.gov/about-the-board/news-and-events/news/counseling_licensure_exam_changehttps://www.counseling.org/publications/media-center/article/2026/01/05/ohio-becomes-the-3rd-state-to-grant-counseling-compact-privileges?utm_source=informz&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter_TLP_Jan15_2026&_zs=Hvx8D1&_zl=PKHx7http://www.ohioequalrights.orgInsurance Advocacy Survey / Resources: Take the survey:https://lnkd.in/eAK5hN3EReview common insurance abuses before starting:https://lnkd.in/eaZWYxxhTip: Please gather any relevant documentation or letters before beginning the survey. Even one documented example can make a difference for our lobbyists.Stay in touch and join the conversation:Instagram: @OhioCounselingFacebook: facebook.com/ohiocounselingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ohio-counseling-association-b78256165/Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Victoria Frazier·Pre-Production & Coordination by Marisa Cargill, Victoria Frazier, Mariah Payne, and Chase Morgan-Swaney·Editing by Marisa Cargill

Send us Fan MailWe share the metaphors that help clients grasp complex ideas fast, from skill trees and storm shelters to gumballs and garden care. We focus on choosing images that fit culture, age, and context so insights translate into action.• coping as skill trees and gym habits• grief as a ball in a box with changing hits• safety and boundaries with weather and field conditions• attachment styles with gumballs and trades• relationships as the ultimate group project• dropping the backpack of bricks and updating toolboxes• avoidance as a messy room that still needs cleaning• recovery lessons from broken bones and rest• self-care as watering plants and choosing the right fence• picking metaphors that match client interests and backgroundsIf it sparked something for you, share it with a colleague or drop us a line. We’d love to keep the conversation going.What do you think? Send us your questions or topics you'd like us to unpack!OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounselingConnect with UsStay in touch and join the conversation:Instagram: @OhioCounselingFacebook: facebook.com/ohiocounselingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ohio-counseling-association-b78256165/****If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Marisa Cargill & Victoria Frazier·Pre-Production & Coordination by Marisa Cargill and Victoria Frazier·Editing by Marisa Cargill·Original music selections by Elijah Satoru Wood

Send us Fan MailLaws and budgets rewired the counseling landscape this year, and the ripple effects reached every waiting room in Ohio. We unpack what changed, what stalled, and where small advocacy moves can still flip outcomes—especially around parity, youth privacy, LGBTQ protections, and the counseling workforce pipeline.We start with the three forces that kept shaping care: access as infrastructure, higher education as the pipeline, and culture-war policy as clinical reality. From the federal pause on enforcing the MHPAEA Final Rule to Ohio bills that would narrow minors’ confidential access, we connect the dots between committee rooms and client sessions. You’ll hear clear updates on House Bills 172, 162, 390, 415, 324, and 249; the status of the Counseling Compact and why implementation timing matters; and how budget decisions affected libraries, shelters serving trans and non-binary youth, and coverage for gender-affirming care. We also chart the impact of Medicaid proposals, SNAP stability, and payment reforms that determine whether practices can keep doors open.We dig into telehealth flexibilities during the federal shutdown, the end of specialized 988 support for LGBTQ youth, and why misinformation around school screenings and reproductive health fuels shame and avoidance. On the horizon: proposed federal loan caps for non-doctoral graduate programs set to reshape who can afford a CACREP-aligned counseling degree and who gets left on a waitlist. Throughout, we translate policy into practice—what it means for denials, documentation, caseloads, and the trust needed to do effective therapy.Walk away with a focused watchlist for 2026: parity enforcement, insurer practices, telehealth stability, youth confidentiality, affirming care protections, Medicaid policy, and student loan rules. Subscribe, share with a colleague who needs the quick policy download, and leave a review telling us the top policy you want us to track next.Resources:https://www.counseling.org/advocacy/take-actionhttps://ohiocounseling.org/legislative-advocacyhttps://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/status-reportsOCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounselingStay in touch and join the conversation:Instagram: @OhioCounselingFacebook: facebook.com/ohiocounselingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ohio-counseling-association-b78256165/Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Dr. Chase Morgan-Swaney·Pre-Production & Coordination by Marisa Cargill, Victoria Frazier, Mariah Payne, and Chase Morgan-Swaney·Editing by Marisa Cargill

Send us Fan MailWe play Unpack or Put It Back to test “therapy rules” against context, ethics and real human needs. From snacks and coffee tables to hugs, swearing and self disclosure, we explain how intention and relationship guide what helps and what harms.• modeling self care with snacks and breaks • room design signals safety and collaboration • measured praise that scaffolds internal validation • nuanced boundaries around hugs and comfort • swearing as authentic language, not aggression • thoughtful self disclosure to reduce shame • accepting nominal gifts without role confusion • authentic presence over blank slate posturing • purposeful note taking and client preferences • relatable dress to soften power dynamics • movement sessions with informed consent • clear CTA to keep the conversation goingFeel free to drop us a line in the show notes or reach out to us on social media If it sparks something for you, share it with a colleague or drop us a line. We’d love to keep the conversation going.What do you think? Send us your questions or topics you'd like us to unpack!OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounselingConnect with UsStay in touch and join the conversation:Instagram: @OhioCounselingFacebook: facebook.com/ohiocounselingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ohio-counseling-association-b78256165/****If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Marisa Cargill & Victoria Frazier·Pre-Production & Coordination by Marisa Cargill and Victoria Frazier·Editing by Leah Wood & Marisa Cargill·Original music selections by Elijah Satoru Wood

Send us Fan MailFeeling the squeeze of staffing shortages, rising acuity, and endless admin while trying to hold real space for clients? We sat down with Dr. Alicia Hall—counselor, supervisor, and advocate—to talk about a path forward that doesn’t rely on grit alone. The conversation centers on vitality, a grounded sense of aliveness that fuels resilience, powers meaning making, and opens the door to vicarious transformation. Rather than ignoring vicarious trauma or glorifying burnout, we map the signals, name the systems that intensify it, and explore concrete ways to reconnect with purpose.We trace Alicia’s 15-year journey in trauma work and unpack how counselors can move from exhaustion to transformation by aligning with core values, building true community, and right-sizing expectations. You’ll hear pragmatic strategies—tightening documentation without writing novels, adjusting caseloads, seeking trauma-informed supervision, and creating peer consult circles that normalize human reactions. We also highlight bright spots across Ohio: professionals and clients alike turning advocacy into action, pushing back on harmful policy, and modeling the kind of collective care that keeps counselors in the field.For new professionals navigating their first heavy stories and for seasoned clinicians questioning whether to stay, this is a candid, hopeful guide. We talk about the subtle ways hypervigilance shows up, the joy of witnessing client wins, and how advocacy itself can be a form of meaning making. If you’ve wondered how to keep showing up with integrity and energy, you’ll find tools, language, and community touchpoints to help you sustain the work you’re called to do.If this conversation resonates, subscribe, share it with a colleague, and leave a review to help more Ohio counselors find it. Then tell us: what’s one practice that strengthens your vitality this week?OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounselingConnect with UsStay in touch and join the conversation:Instagram: @OhioCounselingFacebook: facebook.com/ohiocounselingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ohio-counseling-association-b78256165/****If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Marisa Cargill·Pre-Production & Coordination by Marisa Cargill·Editing by Leah Wood & Marisa Cargill·Original music selections by Elijah Satoru Wood

Send us Fan MailPolicy isn’t background noise—it’s showing up in our sessions as missed appointments, longer waitlists, and clients afraid to speak. We take you inside the real-world consequences of Ohio’s latest bills and federal shifts, translating headlines into the clinical realities counselors and clients face every day.We start with the federal shutdown’s lingering impact on Medicaid processing, VA mental health services, and grant-funded programs. Then we break down HB 162, the My Child My Chart Act, and why expanded parental access to minors’ records can chill disclosures, complicate safety planning, and reduce engagement among teens—especially LGBTQ youth. We examine HB 324’s restrictions on mifepristone and related medications, connecting the dots between reproductive care limits, grief and trauma responses, and eroding trust in healthcare, with disproportionate effects on rural communities, low-income families, people of color, and LGBTQ clients.We also address the revived drag performance ban under HB 249 and its broad implications for LGBTQ safety, inclusive school and community events, and the rise of minority stress and political trauma. Finally, we spotlight a looming federal change that could reshape the counseling workforce: proposed student loan caps of $20,500 per year for non-doctoral graduate programs. With most accredited counseling programs costing more, students face high-interest private debt, delayed completion, or exit—shrinking the pipeline just as demand for mental health care climbs.Throughout, we share practical ways to respond: trauma-informed strategies that acknowledge political context, confidentiality practices that protect youth while honoring family roles, and concrete advocacy moves that connect ethics with policy. If you’re a counselor, student, or ally who cares about access, autonomy, and equity in mental health, this conversation gives you the tools and language to act.If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a colleague, and leave a review with one action you’ll take this week to advocate for mental health access in Ohio.OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounselingStay in touch and join the conversation:Instagram: @OhioCounselingFacebook: facebook.com/ohiocounselingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ohio-counseling-association-b78256165/Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Marisa Cargill·Pre-Production & Coordination by Marisa Cargill, Victoria Frazier, Mariah Payne, and Leah Wood·Editing by Marisa Cargill

Send us Fan MailWhy is it so hard for counselors to take their own advice? Despite preaching self-care and healing to clients, many mental health professionals struggle to prioritize their own therapy. Victoria Frazier and Marisa Cargill dive deep into this paradox with refreshing honesty and vulnerability.The hosts challenge the harmful misconception that seeking counseling somehow diminishes a counselor's credibility or effectiveness. "Just because we know something doesn't mean we don't need support to access that motivation to change," they point out, highlighting the universal truth that knowledge alone doesn't guarantee application. Both hosts openly share their positive experiences with their own counselors, demonstrating how personal therapy enhances rather than undermines their professional capabilities.Beyond addressing common fears—like appearing "too fragile" or incompetent—the conversation explores the surprising benefits of counselors getting counseling. From gaining fresh perspectives and metaphors (Tori's counselor uses horse-riding analogies she now shares with clients) to experiencing the vulnerability of being on the other side of the couch, therapy provides invaluable insights that textbooks simply can't teach.The episode culminates in a playful yet insightful game of "Unpack or Put It Back," where the hosts evaluate common therapeutic interactions from the client-counselor perspective. Their verdict on counselors who bring vulnerability to sessions? Enthusiastically "unpack!" Their take on counselors who ask clients for professional advice during paid sessions? Definitely "put it back!"For counselors considering their own healing journey, for clients curious about their counselor's mental health practices, or for anyone interested in breaking down stigma around seeking help, this episode offers both practical wisdom and permission to embrace imperfection. What do you think? Send us your questions or topics you'd like us to unpack!OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounselingConnect with UsStay in touch and join the conversation:Instagram: @OhioCounselingFacebook: facebook.com/ohiocounselingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ohio-counseling-association-b78256165/****If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Marisa Cargill & Victoria Frazier·Pre-Production & Coordination by Marisa Cargill and Victoria Frazier·Editing by Leah Wood & Marisa Cargill·Original music selections by Elijah Satoru Wood

Send us Fan MailWhat if cultural responsiveness wasn’t a training you attend, but a posture you carry into every session? We welcome Carmella Hill, current president of the Ohio Counseling Association, to unpack how engagement, competence, and identity come together to strengthen counselors and the communities we serve.Carmella traces her path through OCA leadership and shows why unity across divisions, regions, and specialties is essential right now. We dig into what cultural humility looks like moment to moment—reading nonverbal cues, honoring family norms, and checking in about community events that weigh on clients. She pushes us to articulate counselor identity with clarity: we use theory, ask intentional questions, apply evidence-based interventions, and measure outcomes that demonstrate change. We also tackle the tools shaping our future, including responsible, ethical uses of AI to support preparation and psychoeducation without losing the human core of the work.Mentorship and supervision emerge as the backbone of growth. Carmella shares formative stories of leaders who opened doors, modeled humility, and told the truth with care—habits that shape how we mentor the next generation. We talk practical wellness for busy caseloads, from one-minute breathing resets to journaling on the go, faith and community grounding, and peer consultation that turns isolation into momentum. On the systems side, we name the tough conversations: reimbursement, session limits, and legislative pressure, alongside concrete ways OCA creates connection through conferences, workshops, coaching, and committees.If you’ve been feeling stretched thin or uncertain about how to describe the value of your work, this conversation offers language, tools, and a rallying cry. As Carmella puts it, together we stand and together we advance. Hit play, and then tell us: what practice shift will you try this week? Subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave a review so more Ohio counselors can find and fuel their fire.OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounselingConnect with UsStay in touch and join the conversation:Instagram: @OhioCounselingFacebook: facebook.com/ohiocounselingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ohio-counseling-association-b78256165/****If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Victoria Frazier·Pre-Production & Coordination by Marisa Cargill and Victoria Frazier·Editing by Leah Wood & Marisa Cargill·Original music selections by Elijah Satoru Wood

Send us Fan MailWe unpack how the federal shutdown, expired telehealth waivers, and looming SNAP delays intersect with daily counseling practice in Ohio, then analyze state bills that could reshape access and privacy. We close with clear actions to protect clients, support communities, and engage policymakers.• impact of the federal shutdown on counseling care• expiration of Medicaid and Medicare telehealth waivers and exceptions• immediate steps for clients facing SNAP disruptions• HB 502 to backfill SNAP, WIC and TANF shortfalls• HB 162 and risks to minors’ confidentiality• HB 324 and threats to medication access and equity• practical advocacy targets and talking points• resources for contacting CMS and Ohio committeesDon’t forget to subscribe for monthly updatesIf you have any questions, want to get involved, or have additional information, connect with us through our social media or in the link in our show notesResources:https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/status-reportshttps://ohiocounseling.org/legislative-advocacyhttps://www.counseling.org/advocacy/take-actionNational Board for Certified Counselors Guide to Advocacy CommunicationNASW Ohio, Current Legislation (Scripts Included)League of Women Voters: Advocacy ResourcesAdditional Informational Resourceshttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1z1pe5fGRJx43mWfrqAruKngA3rje_6QbKSxvzXQBgqs/edit?usp=sharingOCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounselingStay in touch and join the conversation:Instagram: @OhioCounselingFacebook: facebook.com/ohiocounselingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ohio-counseling-association-b78256165/Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Mariah Payne·Pre-Production & Coordination by Marisa Cargill, Victoria Frazier, Mariah Payne, and Leah Wood·Editing by Marisa Cargill

Send us Fan MailThe biggest behavioral health workforce in Ohio is paid the least—and it’s not because counselors lack skill. We pull back the curtain on the legal and structural gears that keep reimbursement low: antitrust limits that fracture our voice, opaque contracts with nonnegotiable rates, paneling delays that outlast statute, clawbacks that drain small practices, and documentation games that reward downcoding over good care. With guests Mike Desposito and Derek Lee from OCA’s Insurance Advocacy Committee, we walk through real data from Ohio and neighboring states, explain why “parity” without enforcement changes nothing, and make the case for solutions that match the scale of the problem.Instead of waiting for one-off legislative wins to trickle down, we map a path to durable power: forming trade associations to pool funding, counsel, and lobbying; building clinically integrated networks with shared governance and data so counselors can legally negotiate value-based contracts; and teaching essential business literacy so practice owners stop absorbing systemic risk alone. We also connect the dots from underpayment to access—how burnout, administrative burden, and cash‑only shifts create ghost networks, longer waits, and deeper inequities for families who already pay premiums but can’t find care. Dignity for counselors is dignity for clients; restore one and you protect the other.You’ll leave with a clearer view of what’s broken and a practical playbook to start fixing it: join and fund organized advocacy, document denials and delays, file complaints together, and support enforcement that has teeth—published penalties, real audits, and transparent timelines. If we want timely, affordable mental health care across Ohio, we can’t stay vendors at the mercy of rate sheets; we need to become integrated partners with a unified voice.If this matters to you, share the episode with a colleague, subscribe for more advocacy deep-dives, and leave a review telling us where you want the movement to go next. We've included links and flyers you can share with your colleagues below too:IAC Resources:Counselor Insurance Advocacy Surveyhttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd2nN_z2l20sIoaKcd1ydyEt2bp-40RO0ZTbO77JKAkOlUncQ/viewformDerek Lee Counseling Today Articlehttps://www.counseling.org/publications/counseling-today-magazine/article-archive/article/legacy/it-s-time-for-a-financial-change-in-counselingIAC Flyers for Provider Friendly Bills, Survey, CEU Opportunity(pending), and Mental Health Insurance Reform Taskforcehttps://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OgneHYtFEfY_h-cRAhqjKEButrSZ6zdb?usp=drive_linkPlease note the CEU opportunity is related to continuing this conversation and is being spearheaded by the Ohio Association for Counselors in Private Practice (OACPP).  If you want to get involved and continue the conversation, attend this event 11/21/25 at 12pm!OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounselingConnect with UsStay in touch and join the conversation:Instagram: @OhioCounselingFacebook: facebook.com/ohiocounselingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ohio-

Send us Fan MailA Supreme Court showdown is poised to answer a question that could reshape our field: is counseling regulated health care or “just speech”? We sit down with Dr. Chase Morgan-Swaney—assistant professor, clinician, and OCA president-elect—to break down Chiles v. Salazar, the research on SOGICE, and what a ruling could mean for minors, licensure boards, and everyday clinical practice.We trace the legal core—speech versus professional conduct—and translate it into plain language for counselors, supervisors, educators, and allies. Dr. Morgan-Swaney explains why leading organizations like APA and ACA argue that therapy is evidence-based treatment, not casual conversation, and how decades of research tie identity-change efforts to heightened psychological distress and suicide risk in youth. We also dive into the patchwork of state and city protections, the realities in Ohio, and the practical steps clinicians can take now: audit informed consent and websites, clarify you don’t provide identity-change interventions, strengthen referral pathways, and ensure crisis resources for LGBTQ+ minors are easy to find.You’ll hear how affirmative care can honor faith and culture without attempting identity change, how counselor education is preparing students for the broader implications of this case, and how OCA plans to coordinate guidance, training, and model language once a decision lands. The throughline is steady: protect clients with evidence-based standards, equip counselors with tools and supervision, and build coalitions that keep practice aligned with science and ethics—even in uncertain times.If you value clear standards, safer care, and strong advocacy for LGBTQ+ youth, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave a review with your top takeaway—what’s the first change you’ll make in your informed consent or practice language?OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounselingConnect with UsStay in touch and join the conversation:Instagram: @OhioCounselingFacebook: facebook.com/ohiocounselingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ohio-counseling-association-b78256165/****If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Victoria Frazier·Pre-Production & Coordination by Marisa Cargill and Victoria Frazier·Editing by Leah Wood & Marisa Cargill·Original music selections by Elijah Satoru Wood

Send us Fan MailWe track how Ohio’s SB1 reshapes higher education, how HB 347 collides with reproductive rights rulings, why school mental health screenings matter, and how misinformation about Tylenol and autism spreads fear. We close with a direct push to protect telemental health flexibilities before they expire.• SB1’s impact on DEI offices, syllabi transparency, and training climate• Program cut thresholds and ripple effects on counseling pipelines• New civics requirement and tenure changes in context• HB 347’s 24-hour waiting period and clinical implications• National pushback on school screenings versus prevention value• Clarifying claims about acetaminophen, pregnancy, and autism• Telemental health flexibilities, attendance gains, and access stakes• Practical steps for advocacy and sharing lived impact with lawmakersContact your members of Congress and request their support for including telemental health flexibilities in the CR. Links to the directories of Ohio representatives and senators can be found in the show notesResources:https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/status-reportshttps://ohiocounseling.org/legislative-advocacyhttps://www.counseling.org/advocacy/take-actionhttps://abcnews.go.com/Health/sick-stomach-trump-distorts-facts-autism-tylenol-vaccines/story?id=125852331https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/09/16/nx-s1-5543271/rfk-jr-mental-health-screening-schools-stigma?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=npr&utm_term=nprnewsOCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounselingConnect with UsStay in touch and join the conversation:Instagram: @OhioCounselingFacebook: facebook.com/ohiocounselingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ohio-counseling-association-b78256165/Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Victoria Frazier·Pre-Production & Coordination by Marisa Cargill, Victoria Frazier, and Leah Wood·Editing by Marisa Cargill

Send us Fan MailEver wondered how Elsa might benefit from therapy? Or what psychological diagnosis would fit Simba after witnessing his father's death? Our latest episode dives into "The Disney Diagnostic Manual," where we playfully explore beloved animated characters through a therapeutic lens.Animation provides the perfect canvas for examining complex emotions. Characters display exaggerated expressions that make feelings visible and identifiable—helping viewers of all ages recognize similar experiences within themselves. From Inside Out's personified emotions to Encanto's family dynamics, Disney and Pixar have created powerful metaphors for understanding mental health challenges that feel remarkably human.We unpack how Disney storytelling has evolved from simple fairy tales to emotionally nuanced narratives that tackle grief, anxiety, trauma, and identity formation. Characters like Elsa demonstrate emotional suppression, Joy reveals the limitations of toxic positivity, and Tiana illustrates work-life imbalance. These fictional journeys provide valuable frameworks for processing our own emotional experiences in safe, accessible ways.The episode features a playful game where we imagine therapy sessions with characters like The Tramp (attachment issues), Bruno (avoidant tendencies), and Nani (parentification). We explore how cinema therapy uses film as a therapeutic tool, helping clients gain insight and feel less alone. We even debate which Disney tropes deserve to be "unpacked" versus "put back"—from therapy animals to villain redemption arcs.Whether you're a counselor seeking new metaphors for client work or simply a Disney fan curious about the psychology behind your favorite characters, this episode offers fresh perspective on stories that have shaped generations. Subscribe now and join our conversation about unpacking the big stuff, one Disney character at a time.What do you think? Send us your questions or topics you'd like us to unpack!OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounselingConnect with UsStay in touch and join the conversation:Instagram: @OhioCounselingFacebook: facebook.com/ohiocounselingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ohio-counseling-association-b78256165/****If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Marisa Cargill & Victoria Frazier·Pre-Production & Coordination by Marisa Cargill and Victoria Frazier·Editing by Leah Wood & Marisa Cargill·Original music selections by Elijah Satoru Wood

Send us Fan MailWhen mental health and criminal justice systems intersect, what happens to those caught in the middle? Dr. Em Ribnik, Director of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Center of Excellence at Neomed, takes us deep into this complex terrain where vulnerable individuals often find themselves navigating confusing and sometimes contradictory systems.Drawing from over 15 years of experience in mental health and crisis services, Dr. Em shares powerful insights about how cross-system collaboration can transform outcomes for people experiencing mental health crises. She explains how Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) programs equip law enforcement with essential skills for de-escalation and appropriate response, creating pathways to treatment rather than incarceration for many individuals.The conversation takes a profound turn as Dr. Em discusses her dissertation research on the impact of client suicide on counselor supervisors. "That person's decision does not negate all of the incredible work you did with them," she emphasizes—a message rarely shared with clinicians experiencing this traumatic loss. She reveals the staggering workforce impact, with nearly one-third of clinicians considering leaving clinical work and even the mental health field after a client suicide, and offers practical guidance for creating supportive supervision and organizational responses.College mental health emerges as another critical focus, with Dr. Em highlighting how this developmental period coincides with the emergence of serious mental health conditions. "It's a unique, very condensed experience that you will never have the rest of your life," she explains, detailing the biological, social, and academic pressures that create perfect storms for many young adults.Throughout, Dr. Em weaves personal experiences with professional wisdom, challenging us to break the silence around suicide through responsible, healing conversations. Her passionate call to inspire new professionals to join the mental health field despite its challenges reminds us why this work matters: behind every statistic stands a human being deserving compassionate, informed care.Listen now to gain insights that could transform how you think about mental health crisis response, professional resilience, and the power of cross-system collaboration to save lives.Guest Contact Information:Emily “Em” Ribnik, Ph.D., LPCC-SDirector, Criminal Justice Coordinating Center of Excellence330-325-6861 or [email protected]/cjccoeTraining, CE and Certification CoordinatorLight After Losstraining@lightafterlossstark.orgwww.lightafterlossstark.orgOCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounselingStay in touch and join the conversation:Instagram: @OhioCounselingFacebook: facebook.com/ohiocounselingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ohio-counseling-association-b78256165/****If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Marisa Cargill ·Pre-Production & Coordination by Marisa Cargill and Victoria Frazier·Editing by Leah

Send us Fan MailThe policy landscape shaping mental health services is shifting dramatically, with counselors and clients caught at the intersection of progress and concerning rollbacks. The Counseling Compact's expansion to 39 states signals a breakthrough for interstate practice, promising new professional mobility by fall 2025. This advancement stands in stark contrast to troubling federal decisions that threaten vulnerable populations.SAMHSA's termination of specialized LGBTQ+ youth support through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline undermines a service that has provided affirming care to 1.3 million young people. Simultaneously, the FTC is contemplating whether to classify gender-affirming care as fraudulent—directly contradicting the consensus of medical and mental health associations and potentially criminalizing evidence-based practices. These federal actions come as youth mental health statistics grow increasingly alarming, with 40% of students reporting persistent sadness and 20% considering suicide.Ohio counselors should closely monitor two equal rights amendments advancing through the ballot initiative process that would prohibit discrimination and update marriage definitions in the state constitution. The bipartisan CROWN Act would protect students from discrimination based on hair texture, addressing an important aspect of racial equity in schools. Meanwhile, the reintroduction of the Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act in Congress and the Supreme Court's upcoming hearing on conversion therapy bans underscore ongoing battles against harmful practices.As counselors, our ethical responsibility extends beyond the therapy room. These policy developments directly impact our ability to provide competent, affirming care to all clients. Take action using the links in our show notes, contact your legislators about these issues, and join us next month as we continue tracking how decisions from the Capitol shape every counseling conversation.Resources:https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/status-reportshttps://ohiocounseling.org/legislative-advocacyhttps://thebuckeyeflame.com/2025/08/11/ohio-ag-certifies-equal-rights-amendment-and-right-to-marry-amendment/https://www.counseling.org/advocacy/take-actionhttps://counselingcompact.gov/OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounselingConnect with UsStay in touch and join the conversation:Instagram: @OhioCounselingFacebook: facebook.com/ohiocounselingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ohio-counseling-association-b78256165/Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Marisa Cargill & Victoria Frazier·Pre-Production & Coordination by Marisa Cargill, Victoria Frazier, and Leah Wood·Editing by Marisa Cargill

Send us Fan Mail"Is it self-care, self-sabotage, or something else entirely?" In this thought-provoking episode, counselors Marisa and Victoria tackle the complex reality behind our wellness practices. They unravel how the genuine professional concept of self-care has been transformed by pop culture into something often unrecognizable – and sometimes counterproductive.When bubble baths and retail therapy dominate our understanding of self-care, we risk missing the true intention behind this essential practice. The American Counseling Association defines self-care as activities that sustain our emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual well-being – not just indulgent behaviors that can be easily marketed to us through social media. As our hosts reveal through personal anecdotes (including Victoria's confession about her weighted stuffed animals collection and Marissa's attachment to her high-tech alarm clock), we all fall prey to marketed "wellness solutions" from time to time.Through insightful discussion, they distinguish between basic self-maintenance and genuine self-care, exploring how different domains – physical, emotional, social, practical, and spiritual – can feature both restorative practices and potential sabotage. When does a Netflix marathon cross from needed rest into avoidance? How can we tell if our emotional venting is processing or just dwelling? The answers lie in intentionality and understanding our true motivations.The episode culminates in a playful "Unpack or Put It Back" game evaluating trending self-care products and practices, from crystal-infused water bottles to solo dinner dates. Their verdicts might surprise you, revealing that effective self-care isn't universal but deeply personal – what works wonderfully for one person might be completely ineffective for another.What do you think? Send us your questions or topics you'd like us to unpack!OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounselingConnect with Us Stay in touch and join the conversation:Instagram: @OhioCounselingFacebook: facebook.com/ohiocounselingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ohio-counseling-association-b78256165/****If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Marisa Cargill & Victoria Frazier·Pre-Production & Coordination by Marisa Cargill and Victoria Frazier·Editing by Leah Wood & Marisa Cargill·Original music selections by Elijah Satoru Wood

Send us Fan MailGovernor DeWine's action on Ohio's state budget brings mixed implications for counselors, with vetoes protecting LGBTQ+ resources but remaining provisions limiting gender-affirming care coverage and establishing binary-only sex policies. The national budget bill (HR1) delivers significant Medicaid cuts that will affect 2.57 million Ohioans enrolled in the program, potentially increasing the number of uninsured Americans by 16 million by 2034.DeWine vetoed measures restricting LGBTQIA+ books in libraries and defunding trans-supportive youth homeless sheltersOhio budget now officially recognizes only binary sexes and may deny coverage for gender-affirming mental health careHouse Bill 390 would shift responsibility for collecting co-pays from providers to insurersFederal budget cuts to Medicaid threaten counselor reimbursement and client access to servicesNational SNAP program facing cuts and stricter work requirements affecting vulnerable populationsImmigration enforcement funding increased by $170.7 billion with additional fees for asylum applicationsMake sure you're subscribed so you never miss an update. If you have questions, feedback or want to get involved with our advocacy efforts, please reach out. We are always looking for new perspectives and input for our show. You can text us at the number found in the show notes or connect with us on our socials.Resources:https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/clerk/ecms/#/recentfilinghttps://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/status-reportshttps://ohiocounseling.org/legislative-advocacyLINK to article with all vetoes in the Ohio budget https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2025/07/01/heres-what-dewine-vetoed-from-the-budget/LINK to Ohio House Bill 390 https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb390 LINK to info about the National Budget https://usafacts.org/articles/whats-in-the-one-big-beautiful-bill/If you would like to provide any feedback for the podcast, we invite you to do so at the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfV0u5jSuQ4hNaGM3Nioymbj4ZuQAIlcxIJrYr98fUgfiwnNQ/viewformIf you or your division have a PSA you'd like Ohio Counseling Conversations to share, you can complete the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScDWNUFWbzJ6OclTzEh8WvBFdgCi_cXtRq3XYKVQClGwLfUpA/viewformBoth of these links are always available on the OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounseling****If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Marisa Cargill & Victoria Frazier·Pre-Production & Coordination by Kailey Bradley, Marisa Cargill, Victoria Frazier, Linda Marcel-Rene & Kendra Thornton·Editing by Leah Wood & Marisa Cargill

Send us Fan MailSuperheroes may save the world, but how do they save themselves? For years, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has built spectacular stories on foundations of trauma without truly addressing the aftermath. From Bruce Banner's offhand mention of a suicide attempt to Thor's depression played for laughs, Marvel has historically struggled to portray mental health with authenticity and care.This episode dives deep into Marvel's complex relationship with mental health portrayal, examining how characters like Tony Stark showed clear symptoms of PTSD without receiving support, how Wanda Maximoff's grief was villainized rather than treated with compassion, and how even attempts at showing therapy (as with Bucky Barnes) failed to represent the healing process accurately. These representations matter—they shape how millions of viewers understand mental illness and recovery.With Thunderbolts, Marvel may have finally turned a corner. Through the character of Bob, a recovering addict whose inner turmoil manifests as "The Void," the film offers a surprisingly nuanced portrayal of addiction, shame, and the messy reality of healing. Most revolutionary is its approach to resolution: rather than demanding Bob defeat his demons, his team supports him through empathy and acceptance, acknowledging that healing doesn't mean erasing who you are. For a franchise built on heroes overcoming obstacles, this recognition that some battles are ongoing—and that's okay—represents a profound shift. Whether you're a Marvel fan or a mental health professional, this conversation explores why authentic representation matters and what it means when one of entertainment's biggest franchises starts getting it right.Have you noticed this evolution in how Marvel portrays mental health? Share your thoughts with us on social media or through our website. Subscribe to never miss an episode as we continue unpacking the intersection of pop culture and mental health together.What do you think? Send us your questions or topics you'd like us to unpack!If you would like to provide any feedback for the podcast, we invite you to do so at the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfV0u5jSuQ4hNaGM3Nioymbj4ZuQAIlcxIJrYr98fUgfiwnNQ/viewformIf you or your division have a PSA you'd like Ohio Counseling Conversations to share, you can complete the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScDWNUFWbzJ6OclTzEh8WvBFdgCi_cXtRq3XYKVQClGwLfUpA/viewformBoth of these links are always available on the OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounseling****If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Victoria Frazier·Pre-Production & Coordination by Marisa Cargill, Victoria Frazier, Linda Marcel-Rene & Kendra Thornton·Editing by Leah Wood & Marisa Cargill·Original music selections by Elijah Satoru Wood

Send us Fan MailMary Vicario, LPCC-S and Certified Trauma Specialist, established Finding Hope Consulting in 2007. Recognizing a critical need within community training, she pioneered the translation of complex relational neuroscience into accessible, practical tools for fostering healing, resilience, and hope. Her global influence extends beyond her Cincinnati-based practice, encompassing international lectures and training. Mary continues to refine her expertise through affiliations with leading institutions such as The Trauma Research Foundation and Harvard Medical School. Her distinguished 30-year career includes serving as a People to People counseling delegate to China and Mongolia, and as a lecturer at universities and a conference on human trafficking in Germany.Drawing from her family history that led to her being ‘born into trauma work,” Mary's insights highlighted the crucial distinction between power-over and power-with dynamics in abuse, emphasizing the need to foster genuine connection rather than transactional affection. Understanding the neuroscience of trauma, particularly the brain stem's fear response, helps caregivers cultivate empathy by contextualizing behavior, shifting the focus from "I am a mistake" to "I made a mistake." The conversation underscored the importance of naming emotions to manage them effectively, as well as the value of tools like the Trauma Informed Biographical Timeline (TIBT) for a holistic understanding of individuals with complex histories. Ultimately, the discussion resonates with the core principle of relational cultural therapy that connection is our deepest need, illustrating how fostering supportive relationships is paramount in healing and addressing the profound fear of disconnection.Resources:https://www.findinghopeconsulting.com/ Finding Hope Resources Vagus Nerve Foster Parent Survival Guide WorkbookWired to Connect by Amy BanksHow Connections Heal: Stories from Relational-Cultural Therapy by Maureen WalkerSpark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain by John RateyPDFs from Guest  TIBT; 3-Finger Grounding Exercise; Regulate, Relate, Create Manual If you would like to provide any feedback for the podcast, we invite you to do so at the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfV0u5jSuQ4hNaGM3Nioymbj4ZuQAIlcxIJrYr98fUgfiwnNQ/viewformIf you or your division have a PSA you'd like Ohio Counseling Conversations to share, you can complete the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScDWNUFWbzJ6OclTzEh8WvBFdgCi_cXtRq3XYKVQClGwLfUpA/viewformBoth of these links are always available on the OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounselingIf you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee: Marisa Cargill,  Kendra Thornton, Leah Wood, Victoria Frazier, and Linda Marcel-Rene·Hosted by

Send us Fan MailProtections for LGBTQ+ youth in Ohio face significant threats through budget proposals and legislative actions that may fundamentally alter counselors' ability to provide ethical, affirming care. Recent developments include proposed restrictions on gender-affirming care, resource access, and support services that would directly impact vulnerable youth populations and create ethical dilemmas for mental health professionals.Ohio's budget proposal (HB96) defines gender strictly as male or female, ignoring transgender, intersex and non-binary experiences. Proposed budget would restrict library materials on sexual orientation for minors and prohibit funding for affirming homeless shelters. 988 Suicide and Crisis Response Line received a $2.5 million increase effective in fiscal year 2026Supreme Court ruling in US v. Scrimeti upheld Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for minors.Ohio's HB68 (ban on gender-affirming care) is being challenged in Moe v. Yost using different legal arguments.Advocacy opportunities exist through Equality Ohio's legal clinics and resources  If you have questions, feedback or want to get involved with our advocacy efforts, drop us a line through text or connect with our socials found in the show notes. Stay tuned, stay engaged and keep advocating for the future of counseling in Ohio, because what happens at the Capitol doesn't stay at the Capitol – it impacts every counseling conversation.Resources:LINK to equality ohio’s legislative analysis bit.ly/EO_Skrmetti https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/clerk/ecms/#/recentfilinghttps://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/status-reportshttps://ohiocounseling.org/legislative-advocacyIf you would like to provide any feedback for the podcast, we invite you to do so at the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfV0u5jSuQ4hNaGM3Nioymbj4ZuQAIlcxIJrYr98fUgfiwnNQ/viewformIf you or your division have a PSA you'd like Ohio Counseling Conversations to share, you can complete the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScDWNUFWbzJ6OclTzEh8WvBFdgCi_cXtRq3XYKVQClGwLfUpA/viewformBoth of these links are always available on the OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounseling****If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Victoria Frazier·Pre-Production & Coordination by Marisa Cargill, Victoria Frazier, Linda Marcel-Rene & Kendra Thornton·Editing by Leah Wood & Marisa Cargill

Send us Fan MailCounselors Victoria Frazier and Marisa Cargilll tackle "the tissue issue," unpacking the subtle yet significant implications of how counselors handle tissues when clients cry. They explore opposing perspectives about whether handing tissues to crying clients is supportive or potentially disruptive to emotional processing as well as how:More traditional counseling approaches advise against handing tissues to avoid implying clients should stop cryingOffering tissues can sometimes be a show of support and acknowledgment of difficult emotionsDifferent approaches may be needed based on the individual client and therapeutic relationshipIn telehealth settings, counselors can adapt by suggesting clients keep tissues nearby Using tissues as grounding tools or placing them within client's reach offers a middle-ground approachMany clients apologize for crying, revealing societal messages that tears are unwelcomeCounselors can normalize emotional expression by explicitly stating therapy is a safe space for tearsSometimes gentle humor helps clients feel comfortable with their emotional expressionQuality tissues matter – "one-ply tissue is just not going to cut it" The "tissue issue" reflects deeper values about how therapists create warmth and authenticity in sessionsWhat do you think? Send us your questions or topics you'd like us to unpack!If you would like to provide any feedback for the podcast, we invite you to do so at the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfV0u5jSuQ4hNaGM3Nioymbj4ZuQAIlcxIJrYr98fUgfiwnNQ/viewformIf you or your division have a PSA you'd like Ohio Counseling Conversations to share, you can complete the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScDWNUFWbzJ6OclTzEh8WvBFdgCi_cXtRq3XYKVQClGwLfUpA/viewformBoth of these links are always available on the OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounseling****If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Marisa Cargill & Victoria Frazier·Pre-Production & Coordination by Kailey Bradley, Marisa Cargill, Victoria Frazier, Linda Marcel-Rene & Kendra Thornton·Editing by Leah Wood & Marisa Cargill·Original music selections by Elijah Satoru Wood

Send us Fan MailAmandaLynn Reese has dedicated her career to creating positive change in her community, a Cincinnati, Ohio native and a graduate of the Ohio State University. She is the Chief Program Officer at Harm Reduction Ohio (HRO), a national government affairs consultant, and subject matter expert (SME) specializing in harm reduction, naloxone access, and policy development. Growing up in rural Appalachia with parents who struggled with substance use disorder, AmandaLynn witnessed firsthand how systems fail the people they claim to serve. Ohio is consistently in the top 5 rankings for overdose deaths, yet substance use is seen as a ‘moral failing;’ we need to move away from a ‘criminalization’ mindset and expand our window of tolerance. As both a professional and a person with lived experience, she's working to transform our understanding of harm reduction from a mere public health strategy to what it truly is—a powerful social justice movement built by and for marginalized communities.For counselors working with substance-using populations, AmandaLynn offers transformative guidance on language, approach, and mindset. She reminds us that people who use substances often carry trauma not just from their personal experiences but from systems that have repeatedly failed them and even possible traumatic brain injury (TBI). It is her hope that  harm reduction work, essentially a social justice movement, will lift those who experience societal judgements and cultural misconceptions surrounding substance use to a platform where they can ‘step into their power’ to finally be heard, respected and understood. AmandaLynn challenges us to have uncomfortable conversations about accountability—both personal and systemic. "Where did we mess up? Where did we fail?" she asks, reminding us that true healing requires honesty about harm. Through her compassionate perspective and practical wisdom, she shows us that when we meet people where they are, we don't leave them there—we walk alongside them toward whatever their vision of a healthier life might be.Resources:https://www.harmreductionohio.org/ https://www.streetsafe.supply/https://neverusealone.com  https://safe-spot.me/If you would like to provide any feedback for the podcast, we invite you to do so at the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfV0u5jSuQ4hNaGM3Nioymbj4ZuQAIlcxIJrYr98fUgfiwnNQ/viewformIf you or your division have a PSA you'd like Ohio Counseling Conversations to share, you can complete the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScDWNUFWbzJ6OclTzEh8WvBFdgCi_cXtRq3XYKVQClGwLfUpA/viewformBoth of these links are always available on the OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounseling****If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee: Marisa Cargill,  Kendra Thornton, Leah Wood, Victoria Frazier, and Linda Marcel-Rene·Hosted by Marisa Cargill·Original music selections by Elijah Satoru Wood·Closing song: Accretion Discotheque by Who AD

Send us Fan MailWe bridge the gap between clinical practice and policy making in Ohio with a comprehensive look at legislative developments affecting mental health professionals and their clients.• Federal enforcement of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) Final Rule has been paused due to litigation, potentially weakening insurance accountability• Ohio Association of Health Plans has proposed amendments that would soften provider protections for electronic fund transfers (EFTs) and payment methods• Substitute House Bill 96 contains provisions that would restrict LGBTQ+ affirming materials, homeless shelter services, and education policies• House Bill 172 aims to repeal ORC 5122.04, which allows minors in crisis to access mental health services without parental consent• House Bill 277 would classify healthcare workers using digital platforms as independent contractors rather than employees• Register for the Tri-State Behavioral Health Workforce Summit in Cincinnati on August 1st where our government relations team will be presentingMake sure you're subscribed so you never miss an update. If you have questions, feedback, or want to get involved in our advocacy efforts, drop us a line through text or connect with us on social media.Resources:https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/clerk/ecms/#/recentfilinghttps://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/status-reportshttps://ohiocounseling.org/legislative-advocacyIf you would like to provide any feedback for the podcast, we invite you to do so at the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfV0u5jSuQ4hNaGM3Nioymbj4ZuQAIlcxIJrYr98fUgfiwnNQ/viewformIf you or your division have a PSA you'd like Ohio Counseling Conversations to share, you can complete the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScDWNUFWbzJ6OclTzEh8WvBFdgCi_cXtRq3XYKVQClGwLfUpA/viewformBoth of these links are always available on the OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounseling****If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Marisa Cargill & Victoria Frazier·Pre-Production & Coordination by Kailey Bradley, Marisa Cargill, Victoria Frazier, Linda Marcel-Rene & Kendra Thornton·Editing by Leah Wood & Marisa Cargill

Send us Fan MailDr. Michelle Flaum, LPCC-S, DCMHS, is a Professor in the Department of Counseling at Xavier University and a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialist in Trauma Counseling and Integrated Behavioral Health Care Counseling. Her groundbreaking book, Managing the Psychological Impact of Medical Trauma: A Guide for Mental Health and Health Care Professionals, is the first to conceptualize the psychological aspects of medical trauma and provide mental health professionals with models they can use to intervene when treatment becomes trauma. Drawing from her personal experience with a life-threatening postpartum hemorrhage, she recognized missed opportunities for psychological support in medical settings. Given the potential for traumatic stress responses to evolve into medical PTSD, she emphasizes the critical role of counselors in fostering trust in healthcare service, including opportunities for counselors to expand their roles in hospital and healthcare settings. Dr. Flaum proposes that discharge instructions extend beyond physical wound care to include mental health resources. Her assessment tools and protocols are used throughout the U.S. and globally. Michelle has been a featured expert on medical trauma throughout the media, including NPR's All Things Considered, Doctor Radio on SiriusXM, Healthcentral.com, and The Conversation. She is currently working on her second book Treating Medical Trauma which will be available in early 2026.If you would like to provide any feedback for the podcast, we invite you to do so at the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfV0u5jSuQ4hNaGM3Nioymbj4ZuQAIlcxIJrYr98fUgfiwnNQ/viewformIf you or your division have a PSA you'd like Ohio Counseling Conversations to share, you can complete the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScDWNUFWbzJ6OclTzEh8WvBFdgCi_cXtRq3XYKVQClGwLfUpA/viewformBoth of these links are always available on the OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounseling****If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Marisa Cargill·Pre-Production & Coordination by Marisa Cargill,  Kendra Thornton, and Victoria Frazier·Editing by Leah Wood·Original music selections by Elijah Satoru Wood·Closing song: Accretion Discotheque by Who AD

Send us Fan MailYub Kim (he/him) is a Licensed Professional Counselor, bilingual in Korean and English, and passionate about helping people explore and embrace their authentic sexuality.  As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and a sex-work affirming therapist, Yub champions individualized sexual freedom.  He brings a unique and insightful perspective to the widespread issue of sexual illiteracy and the pressure of socially constructed definitions of sex and happiness.  Utilizing techniques like narrative exploration and role-playing, he creates a safe haven for exploring desires, navigating intimacy struggles, and understanding the nuances of unique sexual identities. Yub shares how his personal journey fueled his professional areas of interest. He discusses his beliefs that society’s narrow definitions of what is acceptable influence clients’ sense of self  which may force them to gravitate towards safety rather than exploration. Yub thinks the alliance between counselor and client is one of the most powerful tools in a session. Yub shares insights on the troubles with abstinence-focused sex education initiatives and current political initiatives. He encourages counselors to stay curious because curiosity is what keeps us from having agendas and judgments in session.  Resources:https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/yub-kim-cleveland-oh/1328614 https://www.linkedin.com/in/yubkim/ https://www.clevelandsextherapy.com/yub-kim-lpc IG @ SexpositiveyubSexological Ecosystemic Assessment: A Systems Approach to Understanding Sexual Issues in Individuals and Couples. Journal of Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness: Research, Practice, and EducationCome As You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life by Emily NagoskiIf you would like to provide any feedback for the podcast, we invite you to do so at the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfV0u5jSuQ4hNaGM3Nioymbj4ZuQAIlcxIJrYr98fUgfiwnNQ/viewformIf you or your division have a PSA you'd like Ohio Counseling Conversations to share, you can complete the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScDWNUFWbzJ6OclTzEh8WvBFdgCi_cXtRq3XYKVQClGwLfUpA/viewformBoth of these links are always available on the OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounseling****If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Marisa Cargill·Pre-Production & Coordination by Marisa Cargill,  Kendra Thornton, and Victoria Frazier·Editing by Leah Wood·Original music selections by Elijah Satoru Wood·Closing song: Accretion Discotheque by Who AD

Send us Fan MailPhil Hughes MA, LPCC-S is a seasoned mental health professional with over a decade of experience supporting diverse populations. As the Assistant Director of Outreach at Bowling Green State University Counseling Center, he combines clinical expertise with a passion for fostering mental health awareness. Phil specializes in working with LGBTQ+ individuals and those navigating chronic conditions, creating an affirming and empathetic therapeutic environment. He also supports fellow helping professionals through clinical supervision and leadership development. He is the recipient of the 2024 Harriett Copher Haynes Diversity Leadership Award. Phil recently launched Philosophy Counseling & Consulting, focusing on individual therapy, clinical supervision, and helping organizations build healthier and more inclusive workplaces.He shares his “Phil”-osophy on a variety of topics including how his experience as a Starbucks barista helped alleviate his counselor burnout and, ultimately, renewed his passion for the profession. Phil also discusses his journey from community mental health settings to the ever shifting landscape of college counseling. His advice to counselors- “If you aren't doing therapy, do it!” Doing the work on yourself and finding  a support network are key to being brave enough to evaluate what’s working and what’s not. Gratitude comes from believing you are where you are meant to be at the exact right moment.Resources:Business website: www.philosophyccllc.com Email: [email protected] you would like to provide any feedback for the podcast, we invite you to do so at the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfV0u5jSuQ4hNaGM3Nioymbj4ZuQAIlcxIJrYr98fUgfiwnNQ/viewformIf you or your division have a PSA you'd like Ohio Counseling Conversations to share, you can complete the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScDWNUFWbzJ6OclTzEh8WvBFdgCi_cXtRq3XYKVQClGwLfUpA/viewformBoth of these links are always available on the OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounseling****If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Marisa Cargill·Pre-Production & Coordination by Marisa Cargill,  Kendra Thornton, and Victoria Frazier·Editing by Leah Wood·Original music selections by Elijah Satoru Wood·Closing song: Accretion Discotheque by Who AD

Send us Fan MailDr. Jillian Lampert (she/her), a distinguished expert with over 30 years dedicated to understanding and treating eating disorders, joins us to shed light on her inspiring journey and profound insights. This episode explores the intricate landscape of eating disorders, focusing on the pervasive effects of diet culture, the impact of social media on body image, and the need for increased awareness among counselors. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing disordered eating behaviors across diverse demographics and urges professionals to ask the right questions to uncover these hidden struggles.Understanding the pervasive influence of diet culture  The impact of social media on body image perceptions  Recognizing emotional and psychological consequences of eating disorders  Overlooked demographics affected by eating issues  Importance of counseling in destigmatizing eating disorders  Resources for individuals and families facing eating disorders  The role of counselors in challenging harmful narratives surrounding food  Encouragement for open conversations about eating disorders and recoveryMentioned Resources:Jillian Lampert: https://emilyprogram.com/about-us/leadership-team/jillian-lampert/National Alliance for Eating Disorders: https://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com/groups/FEAST: https://feast-ed.org/Peace Meal Podcast: https://emilyprogram.com/peace-meal-podcast/If you would like to provide any feedback for the podcast, we invite you to do so at the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfV0u5jSuQ4hNaGM3Nioymbj4ZuQAIlcxIJrYr98fUgfiwnNQ/viewformIf you or your division have a PSA you'd like Ohio Counseling Conversations to share, you can complete the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScDWNUFWbzJ6OclTzEh8WvBFdgCi_cXtRq3XYKVQClGwLfUpA/viewformBoth of these links are always available on the OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounseling****If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Marisa Cargill·Pre-Production & Coordination by Marisa Cargill,  Kendra Thornton, and Victoria Frazier·Editing by Leah Wood·Original music selections by Elijah Satoru Wood·Closing song: Accretion Discotheque by Who AD

Send us Fan MailDr. Stacey Diane Arañez Litam is a renowned expert in mental health, sexology, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). As an Associate Professor, licensed counselor, and clinical sexologist, she has made significant contributions to her field through research, advocacy, and clinical practice. Her work focuses on the intersection of these areas, particularly within marginalized communities, especially Asian American and Pacific Islander populations. Dr. Litam is sought after as a keynote speaker and consultant for her expertise and ability to provide culturally responsive guidance on various topics related to mental health, workplace dynamics, and social justice.In this episode, Dr. Litam discusses the importance of life-long learning even as she hones multiple areas of expertise in sexology, counseling, health equity and advocacy, including advocating for a strengths-based shift in terminology away from BIPOC and towards People of the Global Majority (PGM). She explains the inseparable connections between belonging and mental health. Dr. Litam also delves into the PLISSIT (Permission, Limited Information, Specific Suggestions, and Intensive Therapy) model, a counseling framework for use with clients to frame discussions about sexual well-being. With over 50 academic publications, she recently published her first book Patterns that Remain: A Guide to Healing for Asian Children of ImmigrantsResources Mentioned:Website: https://staceylitam.com/about-dr-litam/ Book: Patterns that Remain: A Guide to Healing for Asian Children of Immigrants: https://staceylitam.com/patterns-that-remain-a-guide-to-healing-for-asian-children-of-immigrants/If you would like to provide any feedback for the podcast, we invite you to do so at the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfV0u5jSuQ4hNaGM3Nioymbj4ZuQAIlcxIJrYr98fUgfiwnNQ/viewformIf you or your division have a PSA you'd like Ohio Counseling Conversations to share, you can complete the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScDWNUFWbzJ6OclTzEh8WvBFdgCi_cXtRq3XYKVQClGwLfUpA/viewformBoth of these links are always available on the OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounseling****If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Marisa Cargill·Pre-Production & Coordination by Marisa Cargill,  Kendra Thornton, and Victoria Frazier·Editing by Leah Wood·Original music selections by Elijah Satoru Wood·Closing song: Accretion Discotheque by Who AD

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we sit down with Brooks Collins-Gaines,  the director of behavioral health at the iPromise Health Quarters in Akron, Ohio, who brings a wealth of experience from her extensive career in community mental health. She shares her passion for reducing the deep-seated mistrust that Black individuals often feel toward healthcare systems and explores how historic and ongoing racial trauma impacts mental health. We dive into the transformative work being done at iPromise Health Quarters, focusing on strategies to create safe, accessible spaces for marginalized populations to receive care and support.Throughout the conversation, our guest sheds light on the importance of acknowledging racial trauma in clinical settings, the role of mental health professionals in dismantling systemic racism, and the crucial steps needed to build trust within communities of color. This episode offers valuable insights for mental health practitioners and advocates working to bridge gaps in care and create more equitable systems of support.Resources Mentioned:Bad Blood: The Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment, New and Expanded Edition - James H. JonesCaste: The Origins of our Discontents - Isabel WilkersonMedical Apartheid:  The Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black American from Colonial Times to the Present - Harriet WashingtonThe  New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness - Michelle AlexanderIf you would like to provide any feedback for the podcast, we invite you to do so at the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfV0u5jSuQ4hNaGM3Nioymbj4ZuQAIlcxIJrYr98fUgfiwnNQ/viewformIf you or your division have a PSA you'd like Ohio Counseling Conversations to share, you can complete the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScDWNUFWbzJ6OclTzEh8WvBFdgCi_cXtRq3XYKVQClGwLfUpA/viewformBoth of these links are always available on the OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounseling****If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Marisa Cargill·Pre-Production & Coordination by Marisa Cargill,  Kendra Thornton, and Victoria Frazier·Editing by Leah Wood·Original music selections by Elijah Satoru Wood·Closing song: Accretion Discotheque by Who AD

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we sit down with Dr. Victoria Kress, a highly accomplished counselor and educator with extensive experience in academia, professional organizations, and community service. She has held leadership roles in various counseling organizations, received numerous awards for her advocacy, scholarship, and mentorship, and published extensively on counseling. In light of the upcoming election, Dr. Kress believes voting isn’t enough. She encourages counselors to run for school board positions and educate politicians about our field and community.In our conversation, we learn Dr. Kress has a kaleidoscope of professional experience including pioneering research on self-injury as a trauma response and working in Rwanda through the NBCC to create a culture of mental health advocacy in the workplace. Tune in for an informative conversation packed with enthusiasm for advocacy and passionate professional reflections from an expert  in the field!Resources: https://www.ohiocounseling.org/legislative-advocacyhttps://www.ohiocounseling.org/PAC***If you would like to provide any feedback for the podcast, we invite you to do so at the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfV0u5jSuQ4hNaGM3Nioymbj4ZuQAIlcxIJrYr98fUgfiwnNQ/viewformIf you or your division have a PSA you'd like Ohio Counseling Conversations to share, you can complete the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScDWNUFWbzJ6OclTzEh8WvBFdgCi_cXtRq3XYKVQClGwLfUpA/viewformBoth of these links are always available on the OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounseling****If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Marisa Cargill·Pre-Production & Coordination by Kailey Bradley, Marisa Cargill & Kendra Thornton·Editing by Leah Wood·Original music selections by Elijah Satoru Wood·Closing song: Accretion Discotheque by Who AD

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we sit down with Dr. Michael Lewis, the current president of the Ohio Counseling Association, clinician, and professor, to explore the diverse roles he balances in the counseling profession. We discuss his work with the OCA, including key initiatives and challenges facing counselors in Ohio. He  also shares insights on supporting students and leadership,   his research on gaming addiction and the  impact of gaming on mental health and how this evolving issue is being addressed in counseling. We dive into his experience as a professor, mentoring the next generation of counselors, and explore the broader trends shaping the future of counseling. Whether you’re a counselor, student, or simply interested in mental health, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on leadership, education, and clinical practice in the modern counseling world.Tune in for an insightful conversation packed with practical advice and reflections from a seasoned professional in the field!Resources:The Model of Passion - https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2015-26356-000Jane McGonigal, author of Super Better & Reality is Broken - https://janemcgonigal.com/ ***If you would like to provide any feedback for the podcast, we invite you to do so at the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfV0u5jSuQ4hNaGM3Nioymbj4ZuQAIlcxIJrYr98fUgfiwnNQ/viewformIf you or your division have a PSA you'd like Ohio Counseling Conversations to share, you can complete the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScDWNUFWbzJ6OclTzEh8WvBFdgCi_cXtRq3XYKVQClGwLfUpA/viewformBoth of these links are always available on the OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounseling****If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Marisa Cargill·Pre-Production & Coordination by Kailey Bradley, Marisa Cargill & Kendra Thornton·Editing by Leah Wood·Original music selections by Elijah Satoru Wood·Closing song: Accretion Discotheque by Who AD

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Katie Gamby about how models of wellbeing are practiced, discussed, celebrated, and critiqued within the counseling world. Dr. Katie Gamby, the founder & CEO of The Wellife and LPCC-S, offers us some of her experience and insight as she has navigates her own wellbeing across both professional and personal spaces.In conversation with our host Dr. Marisa Cargill, Dr. Gamby illustrates the need to advocate for holistic and accessible approaches to wellness as defined by our profession. She challenges the misconceptions we may hold about what wellness practices look like and who it is for. Dr. Gamby also shares about her passion for supporting new professionals in opening their own private practices.Join us for this insightful and meaningful conversation about the wellness of our clients, ourselves as clinicians, and the opportunities that can come from starting your own private practice. Resources:https://thewellife.com/https://thewellife.com/starting-your-private-practice-in-ohioWellness Decolonized: The History of Wellness and Recommendations for the Counseling Field: research by Katie Gamby, Dominique Burno, and Kaitlyn Forristal ***If you would like to provide any feedback for the podcast, we invite you to do so at the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfV0u5jSuQ4hNaGM3Nioymbj4ZuQAIlcxIJrYr98fUgfiwnNQ/viewformIf you or your division have a PSA you'd like Ohio Counseling Conversations to share, you can complete the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScDWNUFWbzJ6OclTzEh8WvBFdgCi_cXtRq3XYKVQClGwLfUpA/viewformBoth of these links are always available on the OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounseling****If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Marisa Cargill·Pre-Production & Coordination by Kailey Bradley, Marisa Cargill & Kendra Thornton·Editing by Leah Wood·Original music selections by Elijah Satoru Wood·Closing song: Accretion Discotheque by Who AD

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we sit down with Kailey Bradley, a licensed professional counselor and nationally certified counselor, to explore the complexities of childhood and teen grief. Kailey, who is also a fellow in thanatology, shares her extensive experience from her background in hospice work and her passion for advocating for grievers of all ages.Throughout the episode, Kailey emphasizes the importance of being present with grieving children and teens, understanding that their ways of expressing grief may differ from adults. She discusses creative approaches to support them, highlighting the use of expressive arts and other innovative techniques. Kailey also stresses the necessity of providing safe spaces where young grievers can openly share their feelings and ask questions without judgment.As an adjunct professor at Ashland Theological Seminary and Marian University, and a doctoral student at Ohio University, Kailey brings a rich academic perspective to her practical experiences. She shares valuable insights on how counselors, educators, and families can better support grieving youth.Join us for a deep and meaningful conversation that sheds light on the unique needs of grieving children and teens, and learn how to effectively companion them through their journey.Resources from Episode:https://nacg.org/https://www.adec.org/https://hospicefoundation.org/https://cornerstoneofhope.org/https://www.amazon.com/Rabbit-Listened-Cori-Doerrfeld/dp/073522935Xhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/260354397619***If you would like to provide any feedback for the podcast, we invite you to do so at the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfV0u5jSuQ4hNaGM3Nioymbj4ZuQAIlcxIJrYr98fUgfiwnNQ/viewformIf you or your division have a PSA you'd like Ohio Counseling Conversations to share, you can complete the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScDWNUFWbzJ6OclTzEh8WvBFdgCi_cXtRq3XYKVQClGwLfUpA/viewformBoth of these links are always available on the OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounseling****If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Marisa Cargill·Pre-Production & Coordination by Kailey Bradley, Marisa Cargill & Kendra Thornton·Editing by Leah Wood·Original music selections by Elijah Satoru Wood·Closing song: Accretion Discotheque by Who AD

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we speak with Dr. Sean Gorby, LPCC, current chairperson for OCA’s Government Relations Committee, about how the counseling profession intersects with the realm of advocacy. During our conversation we were able to ask about the success and happenings in our most recent Legislative Advocacy Day as well as how his experiences as a clinician, chairperson, legislative advocate, and father/parent all intersect into his professional life. Resources from Episode:OCA Supervision Directory: https://ocasupervisiondirectory.com/Interstate Compact: https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4757.51#:~:text=The%20purpose%20of%20this%20Compact,time%20of%20the%20counseling%20services.OCA Bylaws: https://ohiocounseling.org/governing-documents***If you would like to provide any feedback for the podcast, we invite you to do so at the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfV0u5jSuQ4hNaGM3Nioymbj4ZuQAIlcxIJrYr98fUgfiwnNQ/viewformIf you or your division have a PSA you'd like Ohio Counseling Conversations to share, you can complete the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScDWNUFWbzJ6OclTzEh8WvBFdgCi_cXtRq3XYKVQClGwLfUpA/viewformBoth of these links are always available on the OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounseling****If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Marisa Cargill·Pre-Production & Coordination by Kailey Bradley, Marisa Cargill & Kendra Thornton·Editing by Leah Wood·Original music selections by Elijah Satoru Wood·Closing song: Accretion Discotheque by Who AD

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Ohio Counseling Conversations, we are grateful to have been able to speak with Dr. Cynthia Osborn, a counselor educator at Kent State University. In this conversation, Dr. Osborn discusses the power of Motivational Interviewing and the role it may play in supporting those currently struggling with addiction. Dr. Osborn and Dr. Cargill define substance use as a concern that is systemic in nature, and explore what new research has found to be beneficial in addictions counseling and deconstructing what hasn’t worked in the past. Resources from the Episode:MINT: https://motivationalinterviewing.org/Kent State’s Addictions Counseling Certificate Program: https://www.kent.edu/ehhs/ldes/ces/addictions-counseling-certificatesACCEPT Program: https://www.kent.edu/ehhs/ldes/ces/accept-program#:~:text=The%20ACCEPT%20Program%20is%20a,of%20Health%20%26%20Human%20Services%20administration.***If you would like to provide any feedback for the podcast, we invite you to do so at the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfV0u5jSuQ4hNaGM3Nioymbj4ZuQAIlcxIJrYr98fUgfiwnNQ/viewformIf you or your division have a PSA you'd like Ohio Counseling Conversations to share, you can complete the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScDWNUFWbzJ6OclTzEh8WvBFdgCi_cXtRq3XYKVQClGwLfUpA/viewformBoth of these links are always available on the OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounseling****If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Marisa Cargill·Pre-Production & Coordination by Kailey Bradley, Marisa Cargill, Zachary Dispirito,  & Leah Wood·Editing by Leah Wood·Original music selections by Elijah Satoru Wood·Closing song: Accretion Discotheque by Who AD

Send us Fan MailToday, we were able to sit down with Quebec Gibbons, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor & Supervisor at the Gentle Shepherd Counseling Center located in North Canton. Quebec and Dr. Marisa Cargill amplify the significance of modeling and vulnerability as counselors as Mr. Gibbons recognizes the difficulty that each client encounters when preparing to make change within their lives. Throughout our time with Quebec, we speak on topics such as athlete burnout, utilizing our identities & roles to strengthen ourselves, and what it means to care for yourself, your clients, and your communities. Check out our conversation with Quebec Gibbons to hear all of this and more as he shares his insights as to what Ohio counselors, supervisors, and counseling trainees should be talking about.Resources from the Episode:Life Lessons by Phil StutzStutz (2022) Documentary FilmGentle Shepherd Counseling Center: http://www.gentle-shepherd.com/Sex on the Brain: 12 Lessons to Enhance Your Love Life by Daniel AmenRaised on Porn (2021) Documentary https://raisedonporn.com/ (please note this resource has a trigger warning)Contact Information:Instagram- @ThelocpodGentle shepherd- http://www.gentle-shepherd.com (call or email the general inbox)Business and additional podcast for the athletes: https://allpaths.usLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quebec-gibbins-m-a-lpcc-s-6887ab6a?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app***If you would like to provide any feedback for the podcast, we invite you to do so at the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfV0u5jSuQ4hNaGM3Nioymbj4ZuQAIlcxIJrYr98fUgfiwnNQ/viewformIf you or your division have a PSA you'd like Ohio Counseling Conversations to share, you can complete the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScDWNUFWbzJ6OclTzEh8WvBFdgCi_cXtRq3XYKVQClGwLfUpA/viewformBoth of these links are always available on the OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounseling****If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Marisa Cargill·Pre-Production & Coordination by Kailey Bradley, Marisa Cargill, Zachary Dispirito,  & Leah Wood·Editing by Leah Wood·Original music selections by Elijah Satoru Wood·Closing song: Accretion Discotheque by Who AD

Send us Fan MailIn this episode we speak with Dr. Jessica Headley, a clinical mental health counselor with a specialization in perinatal mental health. Dr. Headley discusses her extensive experience supporting pregnant and postpartum parents and the evidenced-based practices she utilizes. She also talks with host Dr. Marisa Cargill about the needs that this population has, how to spot postpartum depression, and the advocacy work involved. Check out our conversation with Dr. Jessica Headley to hear all of this and more as she shares her insights as to why advocacy and telling this population's stories are so powerful and necessary today. Resources from the Episode: Postpartum Support International (PSI): https://www.postpartum.net/ Perinatal Outreach and Encouragement for Moms (POEM): https://mhaohio.org/get-help/maternal-mental-health/ *Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (1987): https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/edinburgh-postnatal-depression-scale.pdf *PHQ-9: https://www.apa.org/depression-guideline/patient-health-questionnaire.pdf IPT: https://iptinstitute.com/ipt-training-events-2/ Black Mamas Matter: https://blackmamasmatter.org/ https://wellnessgrove.com/our-team/jessica-headley/ ***If you would like to provide any feedback for the podcast, we invite you to do so at the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfV0u5jSuQ4hNaGM3Nioymbj4ZuQAIlcxIJrYr98fUgfiwnNQ/viewformIf you or your division have a PSA you'd like Ohio Counseling Conversations to share, you can complete the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScDWNUFWbzJ6OclTzEh8WvBFdgCi_cXtRq3XYKVQClGwLfUpA/viewformBoth of these links are always available on the OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounseling****If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Marisa Cargill·Pre-Production & Coordination by Kailey Bradley, Marisa Cargill, Zachary Dispirito,  & Leah Wood·Editing by Leah Wood·Original music selections by Elijah Satoru Wood·Closing song: Accretion Discotheque by Who AD

Send us Fan MailIn this episode we talk with Diana DePasquale, a current Clinical Mental Health Counseling master’s student and counselor trainee here in Ohio. Diana talks with host Dr. Marisa Cargill about how her path to counseling  has been about connecting the dots between different passions in her life, including improv and advocacy. She speaks to how the literature and her own experiences reveal how improv can be utilized to enhance therapeutic settings and approaches. Tune in to hear Diana’s wisdom on the potential of improv in counseling as well as the conversations she believes counselors in Ohio should be having. Resources from the Episode:https://www.dianadepasquale.com/The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van der KolkPlay with Fire Improv - https://www.playwithfireimprov.com/Comedy is Therapy - https://www.comedyistherapy.com/enrollLegislative Advocacy Day - https://www.ohiocounseling.org/legislative-advocacy Governor DeWine’s August 2023 Announcement - https://governor.ohio.gov/media/news-and-media/governor-dewine-announces-90-million-investment-to-strengthen-local-behavioral-health-crisis-repsonse-servicesCleveland Clinic Expands Psychedelic Research - https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2024/03/06/cleveland-clinic-expands-psychedelic-research-and-launches-first-psilocybin-trial-in-northeast-ohio/#:~:text=Cleveland%20Clinic%20is%20now%20part,200%20types%20of%20fungi%20species.***If you would like to provide any feedback for the podcast, we invite you to do so at the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfV0u5jSuQ4hNaGM3Nioymbj4ZuQAIlcxIJrYr98fUgfiwnNQ/viewformIf you or your division have a PSA you'd like Ohio Counseling Conversations to share, you can complete the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScDWNUFWbzJ6OclTzEh8WvBFdgCi_cXtRq3XYKVQClGwLfUpA/viewformBoth of these links are always available on the OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounseling****If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Marisa Cargill·Pre-Production & Coordination by Kailey Bradley, Marisa Cargill, Zachary Dispirito,  & Leah Wood·Editing by Leah Wood·Original music selections by Elijah Satoru Wood·Closing song: Accretion Discotheque by Who AD

Send us Fan MailJoin us for this episode as we talk with Matthew Fullen, Ph. D, MDiv, LPCC, and former Ohio Counseling Associate Government Relations Committee Chair andACA Public Policy and Legislation committee and chair.  Dr. Fullen is currently a counselor educator at Virginia Tech and has been a consistent advocate to supporting mental health initiatives for older adults including emphasis on addressing gaps in Medicare mental health policy and developing programs to enhance resilience and wellness and prevent suicide among older adults.  His work in Ohio and nationally have been instrumental to Medicare advocacy efforts for counselors and the communities we serve.  Resources from the Episode:2024 CACREP StandardsContact Information:Matthew Fullen, PhD, MDiv, LPCC (OH)Associate Professor & Program Leader of Counselor [email protected] (540) 231-8652Learn about my research: agewellcounseling.org***If you would like to provide any feedback for the podcast, we invite you to do so at the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfV0u5jSuQ4hNaGM3Nioymbj4ZuQAIlcxIJrYr98fUgfiwnNQ/viewformIf you or your division have a PSA you'd like Ohio Counseling Conversations to share, you can complete the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScDWNUFWbzJ6OclTzEh8WvBFdgCi_cXtRq3XYKVQClGwLfUpA/viewformBoth of these links are always available on the OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounseling****If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Marisa Cargill·Pre-Production & Coordination by Kailey Bradley, Marisa Cargill, Zachary Dispirito,  & Leah Wood·Editing by Leah Wood·Original music selections by Elijah Satoru Wood·Closing song: Accretion Discotheque by Who AD

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we sit down with Ohio Counseling Conversations host and cheerleader, Marisa Cargill, Ph. D., M. Ed, LPCC-S.  As a seasoned counselor, educator, and advocate, Marisa reflects on the journey of the podcast, discusses the power of podcasting and media to support our well-being, and offers her experience in the field and helping to create this podcast. As we celebrate this milestone, we want to express our gratitude to our listeners, guests, and the entire Ohio counseling community for their unwavering support.  Here's to many more meaningful conversations and a positive impact!Resources from the episode:Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself by Nedra Glover TawwabAll There Is with Anderson Cooper ~ PodcastACA’s The Voice of Counseling ~ PodcastWelcome to Group Therapy ~ Podcast***If you would like to provide any feedback for the podcast, we invite you to do so at the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfV0u5jSuQ4hNaGM3Nioymbj4ZuQAIlcxIJrYr98fUgfiwnNQ/viewformIf you or your division have a PSA you'd like Ohio Counseling Conversations to share, you can complete the form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScDWNUFWbzJ6OclTzEh8WvBFdgCi_cXtRq3XYKVQClGwLfUpA/viewformBoth of these links are always available on the OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounseling****If you’re a counselor in Ohio and would like to get involved as part of production or as a guest, or know someone who might be interested, please email us at [email protected]!****Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Kailey Bradley·Pre-Production & Coordination by Kailey Bradley, Alexa McMahan, Zach Dispirito, Giorgio Ferrario, Marisa Cargill·Editing by Leah Wood ·Original music selections by Elijah Satoru Wood·Closing song: Accretion Discotheque by Who AD